There are no New This Week Game Releases (NTWIG) 12/24 – 12/31/2024. Starting next Tuesday we’ll be focusing this Tuesday article spotlighting one or more Retro Game Releases from the past. This doesn’t mean we won’t be covering any new releases, but it won’t be a weekly thing here any more in 2025. Beyond that, we’ll see what happens. Just want to keep things fresh here by changing things up somewhat.
Additionally, on Mondays, we have a new weekly stream called The (No) Blue Monday Show, which will also feature playing games that already exist spotlighting a different game system each week. It might be real pinball, virtual pinball, console games, PC or, really, any sort of game that is already out.
Now, let’s take a look at the virtual Christmas tree and spotlight three free games that can be played this holiday season. They are all MMORPG and have special winter-themed events annually.
Neverwinter
#5 free game of 10 is Neverwinter from Arc Games and Cryptic with their annual Simril’s Winter Festival:
“Revisit the village of Twilight Tor and get ready to celebrate Simril, the holiday of the winter solstice and the longest night of the year.” – Neverwinter – Free Dungeons & Dragons MMORPG
“Neverwinter is a free, action MMORPG based on the acclaimed Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game. Epic stories, action combat and classic roleplaying await those heroes courageous enough to enter the fantastic world of Neverwinter!”
Neverwinter was first released in 2013 and can be played on the following platforms:
- PC (https://www.playneverwinter.com/en or Steam)
- XBOX (https://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/store/Neverwinter/C0GQP41KXPVZ)
- Playstation (https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/neverwinter/)
Simril ends January 2, 2025.
Everquest II
#6 free game of 10 is Everquest II (Steam/PC: https://store.steampowered.com/app/201230/EverQuest_II/) originally released in November 2004. While at one time this was a paid subscription service, it’s been free to play for a number of years and they run an annual winter event called Frostfell.
“Frostfell has returned as the Deepice celebration is back on in Norrath! With Gigglegibbers and Frostfell elves scampering about to spread holiday cheer, every denizen from Faydwer, Kunark, Karan, and beyond are encouraged to take a moment to revel in the spirit of the season by visiting the heart of the celebration in Frostfell Wonderland Village. You may also want to start up a playful snowball fight because the buckets have been filled once again!”
Frostfell runs until January 2, 2025 at 11:59pm PST. It’s been running for years, so if you’re reading in December 2025, it will almost certainly be running again.
Lord of the Rings Online
#7 of 10 is Lord of the Rings Online (Steam/PC: https://store.steampowered.com/app/212500/The_Lord_of_the_Rings_Online/) annual Yuletide Festival.
Yuletide Festival Guide
https://www.lotro.com/guides/lotro-yuletide-festival-guide-en
It runs through January 6, 2024, per the events listing (https://www.lotro.com/news/lotro-public-event-schedule-en)