NCSoft, the developer of the MMORPG City of Heroes, has granted a license to fans to host a revived version of the game on a private server named Homecoming, bringing new life to the beloved title.
The Homecoming team expressed their gratitude for the community's patience and excitement in their official statement, announcing that NCSOFT has officially authorized Homecoming to host City of Heroes. They assured players that their accounts and characters remain secure, with ongoing development of new content. Notably, Homecoming will remain a free-to-play experience, sustained entirely by player donations.
While Homecoming creators are not obligated to pay upfront or recurring license fees, they have increased donation targets as a precautionary measure. Although NCSoft has granted approval, they retain the authority to request the shutdown of the private server at any time. Additionally, the development will continue to be closed-source, as opposed to open-source.
Originally launching on PC in 2004, City of Heroes ceased its official service in 2012. However, the release of the source code in 2019 sparked renewed interest, leading players to host the game independently. In a GameSpot review, City of Heroes was praised as a "refreshingly focused online role-playing experience" that delivers on the promise of an excellent concept, providing an entertaining and polished gaming experience.
The Homecoming team expressed their gratitude for the community's patience and excitement in their official statement, announcing that NCSOFT has officially authorized Homecoming to host City of Heroes. They assured players that their accounts and characters remain secure, with ongoing development of new content. Notably, Homecoming will remain a free-to-play experience, sustained entirely by player donations.
While Homecoming creators are not obligated to pay upfront or recurring license fees, they have increased donation targets as a precautionary measure. Although NCSoft has granted approval, they retain the authority to request the shutdown of the private server at any time. Additionally, the development will continue to be closed-source, as opposed to open-source.
Originally launching on PC in 2004, City of Heroes ceased its official service in 2012. However, the release of the source code in 2019 sparked renewed interest, leading players to host the game independently. In a GameSpot review, City of Heroes was praised as a "refreshingly focused online role-playing experience" that delivers on the promise of an excellent concept, providing an entertaining and polished gaming experience.