Wizard101 | Seven Years of The Spiral - Happy Birthday Wizard101! | MMORPG

SBFord · September 2015

Wizard101 | Seven Years of The Spiral - Happy Birthday Wizard101! | MMORPG

After five years in development, including a year in Beta, on this day Merle Ambrose and Gamma the Owl started guiding students through picking a class and preparing for that first fearsome fight with the Jade Oni (Malistaire didn’t even think to show up until a few months later)! Now that it’s been seven years and over 50 million registered accounts later, it’s time to let the numbers do the talking while we take a look back at seven big moments in the history of Wizard101.

Read the full story here

IcyWiz · September 2015

I'd like to be sure everyone knows that MMORPG.com member and Wizard101 player Chrissy The Blesser took the screen shots for this article and touched them up to look all pretty after. We spent at least an hour posing our characters to get these action shots and I'm really grateful to her!

TRISHAOHANA · September 2015

Great article !

Tara_Windwalker · September 2015

It's been a wonderful 8 years (Beta and game launch): Wizard101 started as a kid's game ... we saw the first ad during a TV cartoon show, but when the parents/Grandparents (and people like me) started playing, we were captivated by the unique gameplay ... it became a game for all ages. Though a Gamer from "back in the day", I didn't become an avid Gamer until I became disabled, from brain injuries and physical impairments from a terrible car accident, not of my fault. I was told by Drs to play games in order to make new pathways in my brain. Not easy to do when motor functions became effected, until I found Wizard101. The first time I played Wizard101, I cried because of the ease of movement; I could run down the streets questing without discomfort; there was no double jumping and all I had to do is move the mouse. Back in Beta and when Wizard101 first launched, the developers were very involved. They played with us. They helped us. Wizard101Central Forum began and the developers contributed to aid the Gamers. Even Blue Oyster Cult singer and guitarist Eric Bloom was involved in making the game a success through his writing about the game in Beckett Massive Online Gamer magazine (he later became a NPC in the game). The day I started Beta I chanced to battle with an autistic teen, Anthony, who was starting 9th grade. Later I found he lived 500 miles from me. We battled together until he graduated from High School. Because of the social skills that he learned from interacting with other wizards (teaming up and strategizing), in his senior year he was transferred out of special needs classes to mainstream classes. That is one example of how much of an impact Wizard101 can have on one person's life. When my mother became ill and then died, through limited chat, I was able to talk with wizards, of all ages, who had lost a parent, a sibling, a friend, a neighbor, a Grandparent. The comfort I received has touched my life, repeatedly. In fact, tomorrow, is the 6th anniversary of Mom's death. There is a lot of philosophy on the Spiral of Wizard101. It is a way of living that is geared towards respect and kindness. Of the countless games I've played, no game has touched my heart like Wizard101. I will respect J Todd Coleman for the rest of my life for the impact that he made of my life during Beta and after the game launch and for the principles of life that he has instilled through the game. KingsIsle owes a lot of to the players. They helped the game to evolve. Their social media skills recruited new wizards. I've been involved with various other gaming Forums but none have had the creativity, brilliance, and impact that Wizard101 gamers have had on the game (remember they age probably 4 to 94). Wizard101 is a game that enhances math skills and social interactions. It is a game that yes I have disapproved of so many micro-transactions, but the staff and the Community via the Forums, Blogs, and the Twizard community on Twitter ... I give my thanks for so many years of great fun and am forever grateful for the way my life has been enhanced. I'm a fan. I highly recommend Wizard101. For those who think it is a game for kids, I challenge you to level up ... advance all the way to the highest level ... I challenge you.

IcyWiz · September 2015

Thank you Tara, I know you are one of our players with a unique story and I'm always glad when you share it. If feels like it enriches the lives of so many people in ways the developers, especially Todd, never could have envisioned. If there's one game that I hope is still around in 20 years for my grandchildren to play, I hope it's Wizard101!

ivyswild · September 2015

ivyswild here and just thought i like to say i to enjoy wizard101 for many of the same reason, as well as when things in life are hard to understand or i just don't know what i should do one of my life long friends i have made here are always here to help me through.i have many many friends here and i never want the good times to end. thanks to my friends and all those that made the game work wizard101 you rock. and thats to you for sharing your letter

Wizardry · September 2015

A very good game until level 50 then lack of post planning really showed up.There was just too much budgeting in the game design,it needed a lot of improvement and less aiming at cash shop.

Every decent game designer should realize that Character customization is huge and this was done very badly,well not even badly just a lack of effort by the developer.

Controlled AH no trading again pointing at cash shop.

FREE game?pay us.

Of those 50 million accounts majority never left the free noob zone and just hung out chatting or hanging out in friends houses not playing the game.PVP ..pay us.

Waterworks gear was still the best option 30 levels later .../sigh.

IMO the artists and employees deserve a clap,they did a good job but the owners they really held this game back and showed me a real CHEAP attitude towards this game and it's players.Basically the owners turned this into a cash shop and nothing more.They got lazy over time and once Pirate 101 began you could really see that they shifted employees and more importantly "effort" away from w101.

BTW before you judge me,i am a fair person,i supported this game probably more than most everyone.I paid for countless others and their kids and friends to play this game,so i did miles MORE than my share to help this developer out.I did not feel like the effort coming back my way was there and a business is a two way street.

LincolnFStern · September 2015

Kingsisle better produce more content soon. Wizard101 is dying. Same with Pirate101. New content or die, Kingsisle.

Strangenight · September 2015

I still love Wizard101. Yes, the free area is small and ends far too quickly, but between the quizzes on freekigames.com and the option to earn free crowns in game, it is possible to play a free character and still advance. Is it slow, yeah. But it is being EARNED. I like that the kids have to actually use their brains or their time to get the crowns. As for the comment that the AH is a cash grab, remember that it was not part of the original game. It was requested by players. I see a lot of hypocrisy in the complaints about the game. 'They want cash.'. Do you do your job unpaid? 'There was a lack of planning.'. Because none of the players were spamming forums for new content RIGHT NOW, right? 'They moved people to Pirate101.'. Well, if they are working for free, it makes it hard to hire a whole new set of developers, designers, administrators, and staff, doesn't it? All in all, I still enjoy Wizard101 as one of the best run games out there. Glitches and bugs are few compared to most. It seldom experiences unplanned downtime. If a glitch does occur that impacts a player or their inventory, it is posted on the fansites, not swept under the rug, so players can be informed of how to get their items back. The name generator and chat filter keeps the language about as clean as anything online can be. I feel like I can leave the room when my kids are playing this game, and they can stay in the room when I am playing it. No guts, gore, guns, or ridiculously over-sized, gravity-defying bosoms clad in mysteriously adhesive (and pointlessly small) bits of clothing are needed here. It is a game that stands on it's own merit, enjoyable for players of all ages. It is a classic. Unmatched by any mass produced, pay-to-win, PvP centralized, cheap Korean lookalike game out there.

souleater179516 · September 2015

the most thing i hate about wizard101 is that some part in wizard101 you have to pay lol

souleater179516 · September 2015

i mean most of them boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

miranda878 · September 2015

Oh my! Tomorrow is actually my birthday! I can't believe that Wizard101 went live to all hard drives the same day!

FomaldehydeJim · September 2015

I moved on to P101 some time ago, but this game is undoubtedly a lot of fun. Good to see it still going strong after so many years.

WalkingDead22 · September 2015

I used to LOVE playing Wizard101! But now and days a LOT of people including myself have just lost all interest because of needing to pay Crowns to get to go places in the game. Now I don't play or support the game as much. But it would be completely AWESOME if for at least one day a month (or week) there was like a free Crown or free access day where for a whole day you can go ANYWHERE in the game without having to pay Crowns. Or have the day be where everyone's Wizard gets 100,000 or more Crowns each for the day. But that's just some ideas hopefully they will happen.

559ricky559 · September 2015

7 years and still no free one month membership for everyone?

IcyWiz · September 2015

miranda878 said:

Oh my! Tomorrow is actually my birthday! I can't believe that Wizard101 went live to all hard drives the same day!

Mine too Miranda!!!

Theocritus · September 2015

Good game hated the f2p model though

miles200606 · September 2015

I gotta agree with everyone and put everything into perspective. Yes it costs money to have developers, software engineers, etc. So it's going to cost them money to produce, and how can they continue without profit? Every enterprise on this planet is revolved around making a profit in order to continue production of their products, continue to keep their prices competitive, as well as please their customers. Now paying month to month does seem excessive, $144 per year, versus paying a one-time $80 fee (which includes 13,750 crowns) for the entire year, which is what I prefer. This $80 one time fee to play for a year, and includes crowns, has been going on for awhile now. This is the cheapest game you can buy out there for the benefits (which include being part of a community). Now as far as Wizard101 worlds are concerned, I haven't seen a new world in a year and half! This is the longest they have gone without having a new world come out. It also stinks that this game is centered on 'farming.' In order to get good gear, you don't have to purchase crowns, you can just do dungeons over and over and over again, aka farming. Its very time consuming and tedious work! But over time I've learned, anything that is worth attaining, is time consuming and tedious! Keep up the good work K I......but please bring us a new world! And btw......don't wait another year and a half to come out with another one!

BattleStalker · September 2015

Hi to everyone who takes the time to read this. HAPPY BIRTHDAY WIZARD101!!! I have been playing Wizard101 since the beta era. (and I have the Pioneer Dragon mount that Wizard101 gave to me for FREE) I absolutely LOVE playing Wizard101 with my kids and all my Wizard101 friends. I don't want to upset people but... This is very much a free game that you CAN pay to advance. I get it that you want to play all day for free, but let's be honest with ourselves. Tell me plz how long will Wizard101 last if everything was free hmm....I spend quite a bit of money on wizards and my friends know that as well. I gift people so much that they want me to gift them more and more lol. I have watched my kids grow up faster from Wizards, and it's great to see them learn about how life works. Wizard101 is NOT just a game you get on to play, it's a social network for EVERYONE!! I have a wizard from all 7 schools. 6 wizards on my main account and 1 on my sub account. Wizard101 never stop at what you do best, making a game and a way of life for some people. Wizard101 CONGRATS and HAPPY BIRTHDAY again lol ps. for the first 20 people who say they read this I will gift any hoard pack to. Wizard101 knows how much I spend on myself as to other people

Duncan Battlestalker (ice)

tonyboy27 · September 2015

Congratulations to Wizard101 for an outstanding 7 years of game play. The team deserves a great deal of respect for making such a great game. I truly respect this game beyond any other. I was fortunate enough to find this game 4 years ago, as I was scrolling down a website reading. Not giving it a second thought I clicked the link. Mesmerized by the pictures I continued to download, not knowing what to expect. I entered a world unlike anything I had ever seen before. Drawn in by the story right away, my mind was captivated. I knew right away this game was special. I watched as some little wizards ran around going from quest to quest, others were chatting in the commons. As for me I was confused, scratching my head thinking this is pretty cool. Not yet sure of what to do, but I continued on. After weeks had passed I began to understand the game pretty well. Only playing it for a few hours each night, but I caught on fast. After learning the basics of stacking blades and throwing feints my little wizard became a star in my eyes. Time has since passed, I have gotten pretty well rounded in all aspects of the game. I'm still a regular player, contributing my time a few hours a night to the game I've grown fond of. I've tried playing Pirate101 only to find out real quick I don't have the time for both, but I'm sure it's a real good game. I've read the forums and blogs. In all fairness I'm a wizard plain and simple. I'll continue to play the game until that lonesome day the servers shut down and doors close for good. Sadly enough it will happen one day, as for now I'm recruiting more friends to enjoy the game with me, and continuing on my journey for that next piece of epic gear. Way to go Wizard101, I'm proud to be apart of this community.

LadyTheFae · September 2015

Yes Battle Stalker I read your post, as I read them all...I am a Grandmother that plays Wizard and Pirate! Love them Both!! The interaction it gives to the older and younger generations is fabulous and the game itself teaches so much to everyone!!! I say 'thank you'...'thank you for the wonderful years of exploration, friendships and distractions...the years of wonder and joy and the years of smiles! Thank you for helping me through tragedy and giving me hope...thank you to the developers and the members....just 'thank you'...........

JustinZimmer · September 2015

FomaldehydeJim said:

I moved on to P101 some time ago, but this game is undoubtedly a lot of fun. Good to see it still going strong after so many years.

i agree

ever since shadow magic (shadow magic & shadow enhanced spell to overpower) allot people know complain (unfair chance) others say: I would won, didn't have go second! mostly hard defeat lower level warlord wizard when they are wearing: Glendemming's Gear but ok with shadow magic spell but sad for life haven't got AoE for While! I Like Pirate101 Seem Little bit Better (haven't won warlord badge for max ice) trying ever since use to at max 50-60 (3/4 level to max ever since Wysteria, Celestia, Wintertusk and what made me to came to wizard101 (watch some of video) feel bad for mostly for School of Ice (Allot People Told Me Complain (not useful school in pvp now was since ever immunity came now people complain about immunity) I hope Resist Increase nobody wouldn't care about resist anymore because Armor Pierce! Least Can't For 3arc (mostly for Life ,Myth, Ice) hope get useful spell but boss don't trust in wizard101 is: Randolf SpellShine (Wysteria Hate Dark Magic) I Am Witchdoctor On Pirate101 (Mine Witchdoctor Is More Of Melee With Staffy/Stabby) so, More DOUBLE ATTACK SAME THING AS MOJO ECHO! but do like see a cheat in Wizard101 see how Mojo Echo Attack Cheat Would Play In Wizard101?

draguta12 · September 2015

Happy Birthday Wizard !!!! I love you guys , I also learned allot from this game and as others already said,it was a comfort and joy in bad and good days. Thank you for everything you doing for us, for the good time you're bringing to our lives every day,can't say just thank you !!!

tonyboy27 · September 2015

I would like to further add the game has taken a whole new direction that has drastically changed pvp forever. Shadow magic is a great upgrade for wizards while questing. On the other hand it's terrible for pvp and everyone that's used it would agree that it shouldn't be aloud in the arena. 50% pierce is way to much, making resist useless. There is no strategy needed while in shadow mode. Either Kingsisle needs to tone down the pierce faction or completely discard it from pvp. I would agree that 30% pierce would be more realistic and balance out the features so that resist can mean something again. I don't understand why Kingsisle took the approach of making shadow spells and not fully thinking of the outcome. Obviously it's a big deal and needs to be addressed. I spend most of my time in the arena and watch for flaws in the game. That's a major issue and I hope the creators of the game realize it's way to much pierce and tone it down. They have lost a lot of hardcore pvp fans due to the shadow spells. Storm is a powerful school and with their new (Glowbug) spell it destroys everything it hits . Add shadow pierce to that spell and it's "good game" every time. Resist is dead for exalted wizards. There is no need to have such over powering abilities from one shadow spell. It's destroying the game and needs to be corrected. If someone brings to me a petition that stats "tone down shadow pierce" where's the pen I'll sign!!! Other than shadow pierce I'm content with the rest of the game. Kingsisle must fix this problem before they lose some great players. No one wants to pvp anymore because they know shadow pierce has caused pvp to be broken. They say the game is all about the players. Well listen to them and know we want shadow pierce modified to a more suitable, realistic fashion. 50% is way to much, either give wizards more resist or tone it down. Plain and simple.

Raelena25 · September 2015

It's been a great 7 years and I want to say Happy Birthday to Wizard101 for the great experience. I hope to see many more years to come and thanks to all the creators and players for making this game great. We are a tight nip group of individuals that spawn all over the world. We make memories and friends that last a life time. It's a great honor to be apart of this community of talented wizards and new comers of all ages. I will always be a true fan of this game. Thanks Kingsilse for your devotion and knowledge on making a great game experience. We appreciate your hard work and dedication. Keep wizard101 alive for many years to come. Kingsisle has always kept an open mind with players, they have helped shape the game due to feedback. For that I solute you. Happy Birthday Wizard101 see you in the game!!!!!

Gyrus · September 2015

Congratulations Wizard 101 and KingsIsle!

I am happy to say I supported this game from the beginning... in fact even before MMORPG had a forum for it!
http://forums.mmorpg.com/discussion/199209/review-wizard-101-trading-card-mmo-for-kids-of-all-ages#latest
Beta tested it and even suggested a few improvements. I still support it - my kids now play too - and it's hardly 'dead'. The "Commons" is always busy - any time - day or night.

How many MMOs can claim to still be this alive after 7 years?

For those who don't remember - 2008 was the year of Pirates of the Burning Sea and Age of Conan...

For those who don't like the pricing model - remember this game is designed for kids.
If you have kids you understand that their attention spans don't always last.
My kids have had a go at four AAA MMOs and they have only stuck with the KingsIsle ones.
Why? Because you can buy by zone and then you own that zone forever... which means that when your 6 year old suddenly decides that Ponys are better you don't have to unsub. Six or eight months later when your six (now seven) year old decides that Wizards are cool again you have lost nothing and they can pick up right where they left off.
Right now I am in a running battle with one of my kids about the subscription cost of 2 MMOs that get played for about 1 night a month (even though they LOVE them!?) In one case unsubscribing will result in the loss of characters and mounts.
But Wizard 101 (and Pirate 101) are still there and cost me nothing to maintain. If you have to have a cash shop... this is how to do it.

Well done Wizard 101. Well done KingsIsle. Well done J Todd Coleman (I wonder if Crowfall will still be this good in 7 years?)

Happy Birthday!

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