Fans of the superhero MMORPG City of Heroes can rejoice as the game is set to soar once again. NCSoft, the game's original publisher, has extended an olive branch to the fan-operated server Homecoming by legally authorizing it to host and develop City of Heroes. This licensing marks a pivotal point in the game's history, which saw its official servers cease operation in 2012. Homecoming, a platform fueled by fans' passion to keep the City of Heroes legacy alive, will maintain the game as a free-to-play experience, banking solely on donations for funding.

Despite the new agreement, NCSoft retains ownership of the City of Heroes intellectual property, which means Homecoming may have to navigate certain restrictions as they breathe new life into the game. Since its closure, a dedicated community has yearned for the return of Paragon City, with the unlicensed servers providing a temporary refuge. With this positive turn of events, the future of City of Heroes seems brighter, potentially expanding the game's rich universe of super-powered heroes and villains.

What is the significance of NCSoft licensing City of Heroes to a fan-run project?

The license agreement is significant as it legitimizes the operations of the Homecoming server, giving it the official endorsement to host and develop the game. This could pave the way for new content and updates under the watchful eye of its dedicated community, all while adhering to the legal framework set by NCSoft.

City of Heroes, developed by Cryptic Studios and published by NCSoft, was a revered MMO from its release in 2004 until its shutdown in 2012. The game stood out for its deep customization options, allowing players to craft unique superheroes with a variety of powers and costumes. Despite a series of substantial updates, the final update, Where Shadows Lie, marked the end of official support. The game's legacy continued clandestinely until the Homecoming server's unofficial efforts were recognized and granted legitimacy, ensuring its survival and potential growth for years to come.