Massively Speaking http://massively.joystiq.com This is the Massively podcast http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Massively SpeakingJoystiqMassively Speaking<![CDATA[Free Realms throws itself a nice big birthday bash]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/free-realms-throws-itself-a-nice-big-birthday-bash/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/free-realms-throws-itself-a-nice-big-birthday-bash/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/free-realms-throws-itself-a-nice-big-birthday-bash/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This is useful for times when you're tempted to say that you'll eat your hat.
MMO birthdays are the best celebrations. Instead of getting your favorite game a lot of presents to celebrate its age, most games give the players presents. So it is in Free Realms, which celebrates its third year of operation today with a number of events and rewards for players. The most basic rewards don't require any real effort on the part of players; just logging in today nets you a Birthday Cake hat, and you can enjoy triple Station Cash for the rest of the day.

There's more to the party, however: The game's offering a number of daily quests to help Queen Valerian produce the best birthday party ever. There's also the dread monster Cakenstein, a beast assembled from... well, you can probably guess from the name. The extended events will be running until May 24th, but the Station Cash promotion and the hat are only for today. So if you're a fan of Free Realms, log in and start enjoying the festivities today!

MassivelyFree Realms throws itself a nice big birthday bash originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversaryanniversary-eventbrowserbrowser-basedconsoleconsolesf2pfrfree-realmsfree-to-playin-game-eventkid-friendlykidskids-mmoplaystation-3playstation3promotionsps3soesonysony-online-entertainmentSat, 28 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE games down Monday for 24-hour maintenance]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/soe-games-down-monday-for-24-hour-maintenance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/soe-games-down-monday-for-24-hour-maintenance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/soe-games-down-monday-for-24-hour-maintenance/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

SOE logo
We imagine that the word downtime makes Sony Online Entertainment employees cringe, convulse, and eye-twitch for hours on end after last summer's disastrous hacker-induced service outage. Happily, though, the next service interruption is planned, and we've got plenty of notice.

SOE will be performing maintenance this Monday, April 23rd, and the firm says that all of its game services will be unavailable for approximately 24 hours. The downtime starts at 3:01 a.m. EDT. Commerce transactions and account management functionality will also be affected, so you might as well cross all of your SOE-related plans off Monday's calendar.

MassivelySOE games down Monday for 24-hour maintenance originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedclassic-mmoconsoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoeqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfpsfrfree-realmsfree-to-playhistoricalkid-friendlykidskids-mmommofpspiratespirates-of-the-burning-seaplanetsideplaystation-3playstation3potbspsps1ps3sandboxsci-fisoesoe-downtimesoe-maintenancesoe-planned-maintenancesoe-service-interruptionsonysony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroestelonvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgFri, 20 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Luck awaits Free Realms and Clone Wars Adventures on Friday the 13th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/luck-awaits-free-realms-and-cwa-on-friday-the-13th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/luck-awaits-free-realms-and-cwa-on-friday-the-13th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/luck-awaits-free-realms-and-cwa-on-friday-the-13th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Free Realms: Jason Maskface
Traditionally, Friday the 13th bears the bad-luck brand. However, tomorrow, you have nothing to fret about if you play Free Realms or Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures because Sony Online Entertainment prepares to entertain its players with superstitious tomfoolery.

If you pounce around the land of Free Realms near Champ Chatty and Camp Robbie Lake, be prepared to run into Jason Maskface. This creepy fellow wants to recruit you into scaring people by turning you into a banshee, skeleton, or other graveyard element. Additionally, each participant will receive the ability to turn into a "Scaredy" black cat.

The Force is with players of CWA because all transforming holoprojectors go on sale tomorrow at 50% off. If you happen to wander around the main hall, veranda, or hanger of the Jedi Temple, don't be surprised if you or the people around you randomly turn into skeletal Clone Troopers, breaking into a dance -- it's the only way to frighten away the bad luck of Friday the 13th.

[Source: SOE press release]

MassivelyLuck awaits Free Realms and Clone Wars Adventures on Friday the 13th originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Clone-Wars-AdventuresCWAeventsFree-Realmsfriday-the-13thholoprojectorin-game-eventjason-maskfaceSOESony-Online-EntertainmentStar-Warsstar-wars-clone-wars-adventurestransformThu, 12 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[April Fool's jokes streak across the MMO community]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/april-fools-jokes-streak-across-the-mmo-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/april-fools-jokes-streak-across-the-mmo-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/april-fools-jokes-streak-across-the-mmo-community/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

SWTOR
It may be the weekend, but that's never stopped pranksters in the past from pulling off truly epic April Fool's jokes. Many MMO studios, bloggers, and fan site operators are lining up to take a shot at the jester's crown today, hoping that their blatant (and entertaining) lies will at least amuse, if not trick, players.

It would be fool-hardy (har har) to try to round them all up, so suffice it to say that office clowns have been quite busy thus far. From Star Wars: The Old Republic's announcement of playable ship droids and City of Heroes' offer of ludicrous marketplace sales to Blizzard's focus on educational kids games and StarCraft 2's playable supply depots to SOE scaring visitors with Chatdy, the gags are flying fast and furious. We might be the most impressed with a deeply detailed wiki entry for a Guild Wars mission called Annihilator 2: Searing Day, during which players are sent into the past to save Gwen from the G-1000.

If you've spotted any other pranks, please share them in the comments!

MassivelyApril Fool's jokes streak across the MMO community originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetapril-foolsapril-fools-dayapril-fools-day-2012arenanetbiowarebrowserbrowser-basedcity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohconsoleconsolescovcoxeaelectronic-artsf2pfantasyfrfree-realmsfree-to-playfreedomgagsguild-warsgwhumorjokeskid-friendlykidskids-mmolucasartsncsoftparagonparagon-studiosplaystation-3playstation3pranksps3sci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feesuperherosuperheroesswtorthe-old-republictortricksSun, 01 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE opens up about multi-year European partnership]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/soe-opens-up-about-multi-year-european-partnership/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/soe-opens-up-about-multi-year-european-partnership/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/soe-opens-up-about-multi-year-european-partnership/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

ProSiebenSat.1
While we heard about Sony Online Entertainment's partnership with ProSiebenSat.1 Games Group to publish MMOs in Europe last month, the specific details of this deal were lurking under a cloud cover of mystery and speculation -- until now. SOE has posted a quite lengthy FAQ about this partnership and what it entails for the future of the studio in the Old World.

According to the deal, ProSiebenSat.1 has the license to officially publish eight of SOE's titles in 40 countries. These MMOs include DC Universe Online, EverQuest II, Free Realms, PlanetSide 2, and EverQuest Next (although not, oddly enough, EverQuest itself). SOE hopes that ProSiebenSat.1's location and expertise will result in in a greater audience for its games as well as more support and better localization for those under ProSiebenSat.1's umbrella. SOE even hopes that the partnership will result in "special content" for European players.

Previously, SOE had distribution agreements for Europe but nothing on the scale of what it now has with ProSiebenSat.1. It looks like EU players will need to transfer their accounts and characters over to ProSiebenSat.1's domain, although SOE promises that this will be an easy process. It's also important to note that these games and their servers will not interact with their North American counterparts, effectively separating the communities.

MassivelySOE opens up about multi-year European partnership originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlinedcuodealeq2eqiieueu-playerseuropeeuropeaneverquesteverquest-iieverquest-nextfree-realmslegalpartnershipplanetside-2prosiebensat.1ProSiebenSat.1-Games-Groupps2soeSony-Online-EntertainmentTue, 21 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE announces in-game Valentine's activities]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/soe-announces-in-game-valentines-activities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/soe-announces-in-game-valentines-activities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/soe-announces-in-game-valentines-activities/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

EverQuest II - The Shard of Love
Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and aside from mad dashes to the Hallmark store for cards and boxes of chocolate, the season is also typified by various MMO events. This year is no different, and Sony Online Entertainment is queuing up a couple of noteworthy shindigs in EverQuest II and Free Realms.

Norrathians will be celebrating Erollisi Day from February 7th through the 20th, and there are plenty of contests, quests, and love-soaked goings-on to keep everyone happy. Free Realms' Festival of Hearts lasts a bit longer (February 7th through March 8th to be exact), during which time players may partake of Valentine's Day-themed environments, quests, and reward items.

Finally, Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures is re-introducing a few Valentine's Day items to its StationCash markeplace, and you'll find more info on each game's celebration events at their respective official sites.

[Source: SOE press release]

MassivelySOE announces in-game Valentine's activities originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clone-wars-adventureseq2eqiierollisi-dayeventseverquest-2everquest-iif2pfamilyfantasyfree-realmsfree-to-playin-game-eventskidsnorrathsci-fisoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-clone-wars-adventuresvalentines-dayMon, 06 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms shows off a new player condo]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/free-realms-shows-off-a-new-player-condo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/free-realms-shows-off-a-new-player-condo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/free-realms-shows-off-a-new-player-condo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Changing your exterior decoration to eye-searing orange is probably not recommended.
Housing is one of those MMO features that's beloved by some, disliked by others, and sadly not nearly as common as it once was. Free Realms has had housing for quite some time, of course, but the development team apparently hasn't felt that player introductions to same have really been up to snuff. So that's why players new and old will be gifted with a new Wilds Condo in the near future, a slice of housing that should give a much better idea of how fun the system can be.

Hosted by development artist Misty Michelle, the preview video just past the cut gives players an idea of what's expanded with the new condo. Players will get a lawn, more options to decorate, and more vertical space in the front yard to build a truly impressive dwelling. If that sounds like your sort of thing, take a look at the full trailer to see some of what you can do with your improved starter home right from the start in Free Realms.

Continue reading Free Realms shows off a new player condo

MassivelyFree Realms shows off a new player condo originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>condodecorationf2pfrfreefree-realmsfree-to-playhousinghousing-decorationhousing-mechanicsmisty-michelleplayer-housingpreviewssoesony-online-entertainmentupcoming-additionsvideovideoswilds-condoWed, 25 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE releases Free Realms and EQII infographic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/soe-releases-free-realms-and-eqii-infographic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/soe-releases-free-realms-and-eqii-infographic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/soe-releases-free-realms-and-eqii-infographic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

SOE logo
Sony Online Entertainment is trumpeting some virtual item statistics this holiday season, and the delivery mechanism is a good-size infographic that we've got for you after the cut. There are plenty of interesting nuggets to be found on the chart, such as the fact that SOE receives around 7,000 character name change requests on a daily basis.

Also of note is that mounts make up 23% of all virtual item sales in EverQuest II, and kids prefer to dress their characters as werewolves instead of vampires when it comes to Free Realms (but you knew that already, right?).

Head past the break for all the stats.

[Source: SOE press release]

Continue reading SOE releases Free Realms and EQII infographic

MassivelySOE releases Free Realms and EQII infographic originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfree-realmsfree-to-playinfographicrandom-factssoeSony-Online-EntertainmentstatisticsFri, 23 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Free Realms' vs. Wizard101's unicorns]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/leaderboard-free-realms-vs-wizard101s-unicorns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/leaderboard-free-realms-vs-wizard101s-unicorns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/leaderboard-free-realms-vs-wizard101s-unicorns/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Leaderboard
In honor of the recently revived MMO Family column here on Massively, I thought that this week we'd extend the brutal beatings, clobberings, and verbal beratings to family-friendly MMOs. In many ways, Free Realms and Wizard101 are almost like siblings with so many things in common, and this extends to the use of sickeningly cute unicorn pets.

While I personally stopped paying attention to unicorns when Trapper Keepers went out of style, apparently they're still a "thing," especially with the younger market. You young 'uns, always keeping the unicorn union in business! Why don't you just let us harvest them for their magical horns which can be ground up and sprinkled on our Starbucks lattes?

Ahem. Sorry. In any event, one such instance of ultra-cuteness is enough; two is completely unnecessary and unhealthy for the well-being of our universe. So today you must decide which game's unicorns will rule as lord supreme over the hearts of tweens everywhere, and which will be sold to the salt mines to haul loads while crying rainbow tears. Vote! And let it forever be on your conscience!

[The unicorn on the left is from Wizard101; the one on the right is from Free Realms.]

Continue reading Leaderboard: Free Realms' vs. Wizard101's unicorns

MassivelyLeaderboard: Free Realms' vs. Wizard101's unicorns originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>familyfree-realmskidsleaderboardmmo-familyopinionpetpetspollrainbow-tearssalt-minesstarbuckstrapper-keeperstweensunicornunicornswizard101Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Best starter MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/the-perfect-ten-best-starter-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/the-perfect-ten-best-starter-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/the-perfect-ten-best-starter-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
I think it's tremendously easy for experienced MMO players to completely forget what it was like getting started in this genre. It's natural to assume that everyone around you cut their teeth on the same games and in the same ways you did, even though this is completely ridiculous when you give it any real thought.

The truth is that MMOs are often very intimidating to the newcomer, and a bad first impression can push a player away for life. You have to contend with a typically busy user interface, you have to master keys and mouse buttons all over the place, you have to learn the lingo, you have to pick up skills on how to survive, and you have to do all of this almost all at once or risk feeling completely lost. This is why many MMO studios place such a priority on an excellent, welcoming tutorial experience.

I can relate to the newbie because my first MMO was Anarchy Online. I've never felt so out of my depth than when I played that back in 2002, and I don't think I ever quite understood it all before I left. My second MMO, City of Heroes, was far more friendly to my newbish soul, and it was smooth sailing from there on out.

For today's Perfect Ten, I want to highlight MMOs that I feel would be the best for a completely new player to experience. These are titles that combine a welcoming beginner journey, intuitive controls, a helpful community, and enough similarities with other video games to help the transition.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Best starter MMOs

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Best starter MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineblizzardchampions-onlinecity-of-heroescrypticdragon-nestfeaturedfree-realmsguild-warsmr-rogersperfect-10perfect-tenpocket-legendsriftrunescapespacetime-studiosstar-legendsthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenwizard101world-of-warcraftwowThu, 20 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms clocks 20 million players over two-and-a-half years [Update]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/free-realms-clocks-20-million-players-over-two-and-a-half-years/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/free-realms-clocks-20-million-players-over-two-and-a-half-years/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/free-realms-clocks-20-million-players-over-two-and-a-half-years/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Free Realms
Sony Online Entertainment's most glorious shining star in its MMO library has another merit badge for its sash today. Free Realms just toppled the 20 million player mark, which includes all registrations since the game launched in 2009. This number reflects both PC and PlayStation 3 users.

John Smedley is, of course, as pleased as punch: "This benchmark is an honor and a true testament of SOE's success with free-to-play games."

It turns out that the PS3 was a godsend for the already hot title, as over three million additional console and PC players jumped on board the Free Realms train following new platform's release. While SOE didn't comment on how many of those new players stuck around after the entire system was taken offline for the better part of a month, this milestone speaks well to the game's popularity.

The company is not releasing information as to how many of those 20 million are still actively playing the game.

[Update: Clarified numbers on console players added after the PS3 launch.]

MassivelyFree Realms clocks 20 million players over two-and-a-half years [Update] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20-million20-million-playersconsolefrfree-realmsgamasutraplaystation-3ps3registered-playerssoesony-online-entertainmentThu, 20 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Pirates ahoy!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/the-perfect-ten-pirates-ahoy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/the-perfect-ten-pirates-ahoy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/the-perfect-ten-pirates-ahoy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten: Pirates
Fantasy pirates: Love 'em or hate 'em, they're deeply ingrained in geek culture to the point that they're almost impossible to dislodge. This past Monday was International Talk Like a Pirate Day, when everyone's inner pirate was encouraged to "Arr!" heartily, look for treasure in long-forgotten places, and embrace the fashion style of bandanas and eyepatches.

It seemed like a perfect week, therefore, to look at piratey life in MMOs. From entire games to mere outfits and from the token pirate union that has a chapter in each game to delusional madmen, this list aims to sate the swagger of keyboard swashbucklers. It's a testament to the pirate phenomenon that most developers can't help but include a buccaneer or two, even if the setting isn't always asking for it -- a phenomenon even the U.S. Navy has accepted.

Hit the jump to start, and sail straight on 'til morning!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Pirates ahoy!

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Pirates ahoy! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ahoyblizzardcity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcookiecovddodeadminesdisneydungeons-and-dragons-onlineeveeve-onlinefeaturedfree-realmsghost-piratesgooniesinternational-talk-like-a-pirate-dayirestone-inletjohnny-deppjolly-rogerlong-dronglord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromr-smiteperfect-10perfect-tenpiratepiratespirates-in-spacepirates-of-the-burning-seapirates-of-the-caribbean-onlinepirates-plunderplunderravenfellrunes-of-magicscallywagsscooby-dootalk-like-a-pirate-daythe-gooniesthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenturbineus-navywarwarhammer-onlineWorld-of-WarcraftwowyaaryarThu, 22 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Should games cut us off? [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/the-daily-grind-should-games-cut-us-off/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/the-daily-grind-should-games-cut-us-off/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/the-daily-grind-should-games-cut-us-off/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Free Realms screenshot
Recently, Free Realms instituted a troubling feature for accounts belonging to minors. Parents began noticing that after they or their children played for three hours on an account flagged "minor," the interface announced that the player had entered "fatigue gaming time" and should log out to get some exercise for his health. Moreover, fatigue time reduced all in-game gains for the player by 50% and prevented him from completing quests and spinning the loot wheel.

Gamers erupted over what they saw as Sony Online Entertainment's attempt to intrude upon the parental domain, and the company has since rolled back this feature and stated it was "unintended." Still, other games have implemented similar features. What say you, Massively readers? Are you happy for games to nanny you (and your kids), or do you think they should mind their own business?

[Update: SOE contacted us to clarify that this feature is for the Chinese version only, as part of that government's Chinese Anti Indulgence System. It was accidentally included in the US version of the game briefly, hence the "unintended" statement. It's not in the US version of the game at this time.]

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Should games cut us off? [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brianna-royce-tdgfatigue-gaming-timefree-realmskidsmyobnannyopinionparentssoeSony-Online-Entertainmenttdgthe-daily-grindMon, 19 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Maybe she'll sing!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/one-shots-maybe-shell-sing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/one-shots-maybe-shell-sing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/one-shots-maybe-shell-sing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Yum!
We're wrapping up the week on a bit of a high note thanks to Massively's very own Karen, who couldn't resist joining in on the fun with a Free Realms screenshot. The image itself was funny (and kind of icky) and got even funnier once Karen explained, "I'm paying homage to Lady Gaga."

That's it for this week, and we're ready to move on to starting zone week! First impressions are a big deal, so many developers put a lot into that first zone you see. Show us a screenshot of your favorite starting zone -- add your name and a little bit about the image, send it in to oneshots@massively.com, and we'll feature it in next week's One Shots!

Gallery: One Shots: 2011

MassivelyOne Shots: Maybe she'll sing! originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-realmsfree-to-playgalleriesgallerykaren-bryanone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotssoeSony-Online-EntertainmentSun, 11 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE's services disrupted by massive California blackout [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/soes-services-disrupted-by-massive-california-blackout/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/soes-services-disrupted-by-massive-california-blackout/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/soes-services-disrupted-by-massive-california-blackout/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

SOE
A massive power outage that is affecting southern California this evening has severely hampered Sony Online Entertainment's services. The outage, which began during the late afternoon, has cut power to millions in San Diego, southern Orange County, and Palm Springs, as well as sections of Mexico across the border.

Because of this interruption, some of SOE's MMOs and websites have gone offline, as SOE's servers are located in San Diego. The company sent a brief note over Twitter and Facebook saying that players might not want to hold their breath at regaining these services tonight: "The San Diego power outage could persist throughout the night affecting login servers, forums, and websites. We appreciate everyone's patience as the City attempts to restore power."

According to authorities, power is expected to be restored by Friday.

[Update: Some of SOE's services, such as EverQuest II, Pirates of the Burning Sea, and Clone Wars Adventures, appear to be back up and running.]

Update #2: SOE tweeted the following on Friday morning: "We appreciate everyone's patience during the recent power outage. Power has been restored and all services should be back online."]

[Source: Twitter]

MassivelySOE's services disrupted by massive California blackout [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 21:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011-blackoutblackoutmmo-offlinenewsofflinepower-outagesan-diego-blackoutsoesony-online-entertainmentThu, 08 Sep 2011 21:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive: Referee Ruby plays Treasure War in Free Realms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/exclusive-referee-ruby-plays-treasure-war-in-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/exclusive-referee-ruby-plays-treasure-war-in-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/exclusive-referee-ruby-plays-treasure-war-in-free-realms/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Free Realms Referee Ruby
Referee Ruby is back again this week with another exclusive Free Realms video, this time showing off the Treasure War card game. Accessible through Greenwood Forest, Treasure War is a simple, card-styled rock-paper-scissors game in which players pit their cards against opponents' cards in an attempt to steal -- you guessed it -- treasure. The game features three modes: Quickplay, for low-risk, speedy, and fun matches vs. other players; Campaign, which requires the participant to face off against increasingly difficult NPCs for prizes; and Tournament, a competitive version of Quickplay that offers lucrative rewards.

Ruby notes that Treasure War isn't a standard TCG in which you build a custom deck; instead, your cards are chosen at random from your collection by the game itself. Of course, the Free Realms cash shop sells gems that can boost your odds of winning if you really need that extra edge. You can also purchase card packs for a chance at rare prizes like the glowy phoenix mount Ruby's riding at the end of the trailer.

Enjoy the full video just behind the break!

Continue reading Exclusive: Referee Ruby plays Treasure War in Free Realms

MassivelyExclusive: Referee Ruby plays Treasure War in Free Realms originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browsercard-gamecash-shopf2pfrfree-realmsfree-to-playkidsphoenixreferee-rubysoeSony-Online-Entertainmenttcgtrading-card-gametrailertrailerstreasure-warvideovideosWed, 24 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive: Referee Ruby makes friends in Free Realms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/exclusive-referee-ruby-makes-friends-in-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/exclusive-referee-ruby-makes-friends-in-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/exclusive-referee-ruby-makes-friends-in-free-realms/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Free Realms' Referee Ruby
Not everyone can be Referee Ruby, but everyone can make friends in Free Realms, or so says today's exclusive video from Sony Online Entertainment. Ruby is back with tips on how players young and old can win friends and influence people in the free-to-play MMO. Mind your manners and don't be a jerk, she says (a simple lesson ignored by too many gamers), but above all else, get a boombox with the hottest tunes, trick out an awesome house for entertaining, and throw a party -- because everyone loves a party. Naturally, the very best party supplies and structures are purchased in the Free Realms cash shop, and Ruby shows viewers how it's done. Hey, no one said friendship was cheap!

Grab your favorite boombox and hit the break to see Free Realms' Making Friends video in full.

Continue reading Exclusive: Referee Ruby makes friends in Free Realms

MassivelyExclusive: Referee Ruby makes friends in Free Realms originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceexclusivef2pFRfree-realmsfree-to-playfriendsmaking-friendsreferee-rubysoeSony-Online-EntertainmenttipsvideovideosFri, 19 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Free Realms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/rise-and-shiny-recap-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/rise-and-shiny-recap-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/rise-and-shiny-recap-free-realms/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Free Realms screenshot
This week I decided to revisit a game that has been covered and played by me (and this site) quite a bit before. In hindsight, Free Realms was a bit of a big deal when it was released. I have to admit that I thought it was going to be something different than it was, but I was pleasantly surprised at how it played and looked. It wasn't so long ago, but my, how things have changed in the game.

Critics have said that Sony Online Entertainment ruined certain systems while loyal fans have collected pets, decorated their houses, and had a pretty darn good time. Where do I fall along the spectrum? Well, I simply have not made as much time for the game as I would have liked lately, so I couldn't tell you. Early on, I was obsessed enough over the game to host a brief podcast about it and to level up several jobs. Fastforward to now, when I decided to take a week and revisit the game.

Click past the cut and I'll let you know what I found.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Free Realms

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Free Realms originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedcash-shopchildrensf2pfeaturedfrfree-realmsfree-to-playkidsLiveStreammark-tuttleMicrotransactionsminigamesSOESony-Online-EntertainmentvideoSun, 14 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: No more lightsabers!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/choose-my-adventure-no-more-lightsabers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/choose-my-adventure-no-more-lightsabers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/choose-my-adventure-no-more-lightsabers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

CMA: No More Lightsabers!
As most of readers of my column realize, I love the Star Wars franchise, and I will pretty much play any game if it has that label on it. However, I am not just a Star Wars fan, I am also a big MMO fan. Well, at least I like the idea of MMOs. Ultima Online blew my mind when it came out over a decade ago. I had been glued to my TV and Nintendo until I saw that I could play a game that simulated living in the Ultima universe. Since then I have tried out nearly every major MMO to hit the web since then -- which brings us to today.

Choose My Adventure is a chance for Massively readers to guide one member of the writing staff on an adventure in a game of the readers' choosing. For the next six weeks, I want you to choose my adventure for me. As I mentioned, I have tried nearly every major title in the last decade, but I haven't necessarily spent a lot of time in all of them. After the break, I will describe some of the games that I believe will be great for this task, and you can choose one for me via poll. Then, as a special bonus, on Friday at 6 p.m. EDT I will introduce you to each of the games on Massively's Livestream channel.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: No more lightsabers!

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: No more lightsabers! originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanAoCblack-prophecychoose-my-adventurecity-of-heroesCity-of-VillainsCMACoHCoVCoXcrypticcryptic-studiosEAEQ2EQIIEverQuest-2everquest-iifeaturedfree-realmsFuncomgamebreaker-tvglobal-agendahi-rez-studiosLiveStreamncsoftNexonparagon-studiosreakktor-mediariftrift-planes-of-telarasoesonySony-Online-EntertainmentStar-Trekstar-trek-onlineTriontrion-worldsUltima-OnlinevindictusWed, 10 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: The best-looking games in free-to-play]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/free-for-all-the-best-looking-games-in-free-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/free-for-all-the-best-looking-games-in-free-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/free-for-all-the-best-looking-games-in-free-to-play/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Eden Eternal screenshot
Of all of the wacky arguments I have heard over the last few years, the "are video games art?" one has got to take the prize for most ridiculous. Sure, you can argue either side of anything, but to ask whether or not games are art just seems to be an attempt to assuage some boredom. We can also ask whether this life is really real, just in case we hadn't already been put to sleep. Art is what the artist says it is, period.

Art is also in the eye of the beholder. Our games are spread across a wide spectrum of styles, and many of us have very strong feelings about what we like and will not tolerate. I have seen people turn down great games simply because of the way a screenshot looked. Heck, I've done it myself. With as many games as I look at every week, occasionally it is smart (and fun) to organize them into lists. This week I am taking stock of my game list and figuring out the games that I feel look the best. Of course, you might not think so.

I decided to leave off games that are in testing or not available for the public yet. Click past the cut and see if you agree with me!

Continue reading Free for All: The best-looking games in free-to-play

MassivelyFree for All: The best-looking games in free-to-play originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeriaaeria-gamesanimebeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedClone-Wars-Adventurescwadragon-nesteden-eternalf2pfamilyfaxionfaxion-onlinefeaturedflyfffree-for-allfree-to-playftpjagexjunebudjunebud-abkidsmilmonexonrappelzrunescapesoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-warsutvutv-true-gamesvindictusWed, 10 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST