14 DAY TRIAL // NCsoft, the creator of the MMO Aion, has announced that it is going to offer three weekends during which players will be earning twice the normal experience in the title, in an effort to make it easier for newcomers to actually get into the game and reach a high enough level to be competitive.
During the next three weekends, all characters that are between level one and level 35 will get twice as much experience as before from combat, crafting and gathering in-game activities. NCsoft is saying that the price for Soul Healing has been reduced and that the Energy of Repose has boosted the experience bonus it gives out, all in the name of helping new players.
The company is also stating that after the New Year, Aion will be getting regular double XP weekends once or twice during each month, with the benefits extending to all the players who are taking part in the MMO. The game has been well received in the West after having been a great success in South Korea, but a lot of players have been complaining about the long grind needed to pick up levels.
NCsoft has posted an official statement, which reads, “While we're committed to providing a permanent solution, our long-term plans require development time. As part of that process, we are implementing a temporary enhancement so that you can feel immediate benefits that we're excited to be rolling out this weekend. While the above is an interim solution, we will be addressing the character progression experience curve with a sizeable patch next year.”
The big selling point for Aion has been the ability for characters to explore the game world by flying. The title also boats a very unique art style, which blends Eastern motives with Western ones, and NCsoft is certainly hoping that the MMO can sustain its momentum unlike some of its other projects, such as Tabula Rasa.