In a stunning turn of events, the popular fan-run City of Heroes private server, Homecoming, has been granted an official license by game developer NCSoft to continue operating and developing the beloved superhero MMO. This news comes as a shock to the gaming community, who had feared that NCSoft would intervene and shut down the unofficial servers.

The announcement was made on January 4 by the Homecoming team on their official forums. The devs expressed their gratitude to the patient fans who had supported them over the years, and revealed that NCSoft had provided them with a license under certain conditions and limitations.

Despite the official license, it is important to note that NCSoft still retains ownership of the City of Heroes intellectual property and its derivatives. However, the developers reassured players that their accounts and characters are safe and will not be deleted. Additionally, they confirmed that new content will be developed for Homecoming, which will continue to be funded solely through fan donations.

One significant implication of this surprising development is the potential impact on other private City of Heroes servers. As part of the deal, there is a requirement for a single "in-house installation and patching solution," which prompted the Homecoming team to create their own launcher. It is likely that this centralized approach aims to consolidate the City of Heroes community within Homecoming.

This landmark agreement between NCSoft and the fan-run Homecoming server is a rare example of fans being officially allowed to keep a game alive. It highlights the importance of fan interest and support in the preservation of MMOs after their official closure. The City of Heroes deal also serves as evidence that there are alternatives available for game preservationists, if game developers are willing to collaborate and work harmoniously with fans and modders.

While more details and questions remain to be answered, the overall reaction to this news has been overwhelmingly positive. City of Heroes enthusiasts and players can now look forward to an exciting future for their beloved game on the Homecoming server.

This unexpected turn of events signifies a victory for the City of Heroes community and offers hope to fans of other MMOs facing similar circumstances. It demonstrates that through community dedication and collaboration, beloved games can continue to thrive long after their official demise.