Rift is rapidly closing it on the one year anniversary in March of this year.  With both the start of the new year and the upcoming one year anniversary of the game, let’s look at some of the most popular predictions for Rift in the coming year.

1) Rift Going Free To Play – There is a lot of talk about the game going free to play in the next year.  The reason this prediction is popular is because of the multiple other MMOs coming out this year, including Guild Wars 2 and Mists of Panderia.  This is not even including Star Wars, which just came out.  The problem with this prediction is that it has already been squashed by Trion on multiple occassions.  They have already stated that the game is doing well financially and they have no reason for it to go free 2 play at this time.  Chances of Happening in 2012:  0%

So you hit 50 on your brand new FoTM Mage, now what do you do? If you have checked the forums at all lately your told 28/38 is the best. Being a brand new 50 having a 4 piece set and a HK crystal isn’t an option therefor 28/38 isn’t the best option for you. Over the next few articles I’m going to pave a road for you leading up to you becoming a Defilemancer. The first article we will focus on gearing options and working our way to Tier1 Raid Gear (Amunet’s Studius / Mesmerizing)

Trion partners with Belver to publish RIFT in Russian.

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif. – Trion Worlds, a global developer and publisher of premium online games, announced today it has signed a multi-year agreement with Belver to exclusively publish a localized version of the recently released MMORPG Rift™ in Russia and 14 Commonwealth of Independent States. The localized version of Rift is set to launch in late 2011.

“We are excited to join forces with Belver to bring Rift to gamers throughout Russia,” said Lars Buttler, CEO, Trion Worlds. “The Russian gaming market is rapidly expanding and working with Belver allows us to further our commitment to deliver quality games to gamers worldwide.”

“From the very first teaser trailer, from the first words of developers and the marketing presentations, we believed that Rift had the potential to become something incredible. And our expectations were realized,” says Slava Plotnikov, Belver company’s CEO.” The work going into to launching on Russian servers is significant, but with skilled specialists on either sides of Atlantic, Rift’s release in Russia is sure to be a solid product.”

It is probably not a surprise that Trion is probably planning something special for their one year anniversary. And according to an interview with Gamesradar, Hal Hanlin said, “We’re planning to drive a wedge between the factions for the game’s one-year anniversary.”

What could that mean? This is the first time we’re hearing about the next big update. What kind of game mechanics could they be adding to the game that will really put Guardians against Defiants even more?

Another video by our friend Warbs that goes over the latest addition to the PTS, the Fae Yule Festival.

With 1.6 around the corner many changes to the callings are going to happen, for some it feels like doomsday every time something in their beloved calling is changed. Mass fear sweeps over and “it’s the end of the world” so to speak. Many Nerf’s and many Buffs are headed our way and for some the light at the end of the tunnel is approaching, Mage’s for one are getting a very nice review and the changes seem to bring new life into the game for many of us. As of now we only have a few souls that mix and match well together, you wouldn’t want to put together a 35/31, Archon Stormcaller, or even an Elementalist with a Dominator. We can make them work, but let’s face it if the ability to inspect someone’s soul’s was available you would be laughed right out of Meridian. With 1.6 we are getting a nice overhaul and this is going to add a huge diversity to our lineup for raids.

Extra Dimensions

Material existence in the Telaran universe is woven and shaped by the six Planes of reality. These planes are represented by dimensions, wherein each dimension can be thought of as a space filled with the fundamental forces of the elements; air, death, earth, fire, life, and water. In these spaces, the elements exist in a pure form, unhindered by the influence of extra-dimensional corruption. Dimensional planes can be thought of as violent, chaotic universes existing independent of, but parallel to, one another. Rifts originate from tears within the fabric of these dimensions. Tears are formed when the elemental power of a given dimension becomes too great to be contained, causing that dimension to spill over into the material realm.

Ever find a Rift on your bus in the morning?

(Picture from Zehn – Vhex on the FOHGuild.org forums.)

To understand the Lore relations between the Ember Isles and Telara,  I have tried to provide a brief synopsis of key events in Telaran lore.

As a major component to the Ashes of History, the Ember Isle will reveal some important insights on the forging of Telara. On the Ember Isle, an alliance will form between the dragon cult of Laethys, dragon of earth, represented by the Golden Maw; and Maelforge, dragon of fire, represented by the Wanton. The cultists have been overpowered by the influence of these dragon aspects, and it is from the Isle that they intend to build their forces in secrecy, so that they might prepare an invasion force capable of conquering Telara.

RIFT™ Half-Birthday Celebration Kicks off August 25th
A week of bonuses, free game time, and awesome prizes … and everyone is invited!

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif. – August 17, 2011 – Whether you’re Guardian or Defiant, High Elf or Kelari, a PvE-er or PvP-er, you’re going to find a good reason to celebrate starting August 25th as RIFT™ reaches its half-year milestone. More than a million gamers have activated RIFT in the six months since launch, making it one of the most successful MMORPG releases in history, and from August 25th to September 1st, Trion is rewarding everyone. Subscribers will enjoy a week of substantial in-game bonuses, and new and returning players can play the full game free with no leveling or zone restrictions.

“We really wanted to do something fun and memorable for this amazing milestone,” said Scott Hartsman, RIFT Executive Producer. “What better way to say thanks than to kick the doors open and add even more rewards for our subscribers?”

Subscriber half-birthday week bonuses include:

• Special Surprise Birthday Gift – Following the event, all active subscribers will receive a special in-game birthday surprise to commemorate the occasion!
• Bonus Experience – Your blood-lust is rewarded with bonus experience in both PvE and PvP
• Guild Bonus Experience – Swiftly level-up your guild with bonus XP granted for completing guild quests
• Big PvP Payouts – All warfronts and open-world PvP will grant extra Favor and Prestige
• A Plethora of Planarite – Sealing Telara’s rifts and combating the invasions will reward you with extra planarite
• Bonus Plaques & Marks – Increased chance for bonus Plaques of Achievement and Marks of Ascension in all dungeons and raids

The party doesn’t have to stop on the 1st! New Ascended who choose to continue their adventures in Telara can purchase the game client for just $4.99 USD through September 1st if they sign up for any RIFT subscription plan.

RIFT revelers can also participate in several contests scheduled throughout the week for the chance to win awesome prizes. For the most up to date information on RIFT, please visit www.riftgame.com.