Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[PAX East 2013: SOE's Linda Carlson on the state of the community]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/pax-east-2013-soes-linda-carlson-on-the-state-of-the-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/pax-east-2013-soes-linda-carlson-on-the-state-of-the-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/pax-east-2013-soes-linda-carlson-on-the-state-of-the-community/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Guild Counsel SOE's Linda Carlson on the state of the community
How many times have you found yourself asking, "Why won't the devs just listen?!" For any loyal MMO fan, it can be extremely frustrating to see feedback seemingly get ignored, and sometimes it feels as if there's a huge wall separating the fans from the developers.

Linda Carlson, SOE's Director of Global Community Relations, spoke with Massively at this year's PAX East to talk about SOE's efforts to break down that wall and improve the relationship between players and developers into something that's more collaborative, rather than contentious. Whether you're the most loyal SOE fan or someone who's vowed never to play another SOE game, you might be surprised at what she has to say.

Continue reading PAX East 2013: SOE's Linda Carlson on the state of the community

MassivelyPAX East 2013: SOE's Linda Carlson on the state of the community originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicecommunityconconferenceconventiondave-georgesoneqeqiieventevent-coverageeventsexpofeaturedfree-realmsgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2013gdcgdc-2013guildguild-adviceguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguildsinterviewinterviewsjohn-smedleyleadershiplinda-carlsonmassively-event-coverageopinionpaxpax-2013pax-eastpax-east-2013penny-arcade-exposoethe-guild-counselThu, 28 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2013: SOE's Dave Georgeson on EQ Next and the future of online gaming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/pax-east-2013-soes-dave-georgeson-on-eq-next-and-the-future-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/pax-east-2013-soes-dave-georgeson-on-eq-next-and-the-future-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/pax-east-2013-soes-dave-georgeson-on-eq-next-and-the-future-of/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

PAX East 2013 SOE's Dave Georgeson talks EQ Next, and the future of online gaming
If there's one pastime that MMO fans share, it's making predictions. Which games will succeed, and which ones will struggle? Which will go free-to-play, merge servers, or even shut down? And will there ever be an MMO that's crowned as the WoW-killer?

But what about the bigger picture of online gaming in general? We've seen it come a long way over the past decades, and it's not always easy to see where it's headed. SOE's director of development of the EverQuest franchise, Dave Georgeson, sat down with Massively at PAX East this year to prognosticate on the future of online gaming. And of course, part of that future includes EQ Next, and while he still can't talk specifics, he did shed some light on the philosophy behind the game's design, with some hints about what players might see when it's revealed at SOE Live this summer.

Continue reading PAX East 2013: SOE's Dave Georgeson on EQ Next and the future of online gaming

MassivelyPAX East 2013: SOE's Dave Georgeson on EQ Next and the future of online gaming originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconferenceconventiondave-georgesoneqeq-2eq-free-to-playeq-iieq-nexteq1eq2eqiieqneventevent-coverageeventseverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nextexpof2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewsjohn-smedleymassively-event-coveragepaxpax-2013pax-eastpax-east-2013penny-arcade-expopreviewpreviewssoesonysony-online-entertainmentMon, 25 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest, EverQuest II repeal F2P restrictions on class, race, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/everquest-everquest-ii-repeal-f2p-restrictions-on-class-race/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/everquest-everquest-ii-repeal-f2p-restrictions-on-class-race/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/everquest-everquest-ii-repeal-f2p-restrictions-on-class-race/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Georgeson interview reveals removal of F2P restrictions on class, race, and more in EQ, EQ II
What single action could unite all Norrathians in grand celebration? In the words of Mel Gibson's William Wallace: Freeeeeeeeeedoooooooom.

It's no secret that EverQuest and EverQuest II have had fairly restrictive free-to-play models, with severe limitations that unfortunately deterred some players from trying or sticking with the games. Although teased with a wide variety of races and classes, free (once called bronze) and silver players could choose from among only a few without dipping into their wallets. Other restrictions included limited bag slots, little to no shared bank access, and a very low cap on active quests.

But if those restrictions are what put you off, fire up that launchpad again because I've got good news for you: SOE has taken a giant eraser and wiped them right off of the free-to-play matrices. And now is a good time to get back into the games as the EverQuest franchise is set to commemorate its 14th anniversary with celebrations in both games.

In my interview with Dave Georgeson, the man at the helm of all things EQ, I scouted out the specifics of the F2P restrictions that will lift come the middle of next week. Georgeson also revealed some incoming updates for EQ as well as discussed the special events marking the anniversary that will kick off on March 16th. And you just know I tried to slip in a question or two about EQ Next.

Continue reading EverQuest, EverQuest II repeal F2P restrictions on class, race, and more

MassivelyEverQuest, EverQuest II repeal F2P restrictions on class, race, and more originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-georgesoneqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq1eq2eqiieqneverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nextf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiuminterviewinterviewsmicrotransactionmicrotransactionspremiumremoving-restrictionsrevamping-f2psoesonysony-online-entertainmentThu, 07 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Player-generated content at SOE Live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/10/some-assembly-required-player-generated-content-at-soe-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/10/some-assembly-required-player-generated-content-at-soe-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/10/some-assembly-required-player-generated-content-at-soe-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required SOE Live in a nutshell PGC lives! and so do I
By now, everyone has made it home from SOE Live... yes, even that one fellow who kept disappearing, seduced by the one-armed bandit. As my first foray into the annual self-described "family reunion," I wasn't sure what to expect. I'd hoped there would be some news to pass along. If nothing else, a tidbit or two about any title -- be it EverQuest II, PlanetSide 2, or DC universe Online -- would justify my trip out there to me. But what I got wasn't just some news; it was great news!

Although the lights of Vegas are fading from memory, the hope for player-generated content burns brighter than before. From keynote addresses to panels to interviews, Sony Online Entertainment's focus on emergent game play and various sandbox features showed a dedication to gaming beyond just the hack-and-slash treadmill grind. Can we hear a hallelujah?

With so much news coming out of the convention, there wasn't time or space to do much more than just report on the facts. Here, I have the opportunity to sum things up and even add my own impressions of the event! I might even toss in an anecdote or two to illustrate what made this such an incredible experience that I am hooked and will return each year.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Player-generated content at SOE Live

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Player-generated content at SOE Live originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 10 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedconconsoleconsolesconventioncraftingdave-georgesondc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoeqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq1eq2eqiieqneventeverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nextf2pfan-fairefantasyfeaturedfpsfrfree-realmsfree-to-playgame-mechanicsholly-longdalehousingkid-friendlykidskids-mmoLarry-Elmorelas-vegasmatt-higbymmo-shootermmofpsopinionpgcplanetsideplanetside-2player-contentplayer-generated-contentplaystation-3playstation3ps2ps3sandboxsarsci-fishootersoesoe-fan-fairesoe-livesoe-live-2012some-assembly-requiredsonysony-online-entertainmentsteramingsuperherosuperheroestelonvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgSat, 10 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE Live 2012: EverQuest II interviews highlight focus on crafting, player stories]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/soe-live-2012-everquest-ii-interviews-highlight-focus-on-crafti/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/soe-live-2012-everquest-ii-interviews-highlight-focus-on-crafti/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/soe-live-2012-everquest-ii-interviews-highlight-focus-on-crafti/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

SOE Live 2012 EverQuest II interviews highlight focus on crafting, player stories
It is undeniable: Between panels, keynote addresses, and interviews, SOE Live offered fans a smorgasbord of information this year. Even as we reported on some information, more came our way. Such is the case with EverQuest II and its upcoming Chains of Eternity expansion; no sooner had I shared the new tradeskill AA and prestige lines than I was able to sit down developers to gain more insights into the new features. And of course, another panel came along offering even more tidbits about the expansion and beyond!

Did previous announcements leave you wondering whether crafters will be required to grind their own AA tree up from 0? How many crafted items can actually be mass produced at one time? And what's in store for the Dungeon Maker and SOEmote? These questions and more were answered as I sat down with Brain Ferguson (PvP and tradeskill game designer), Holly Longdale, (Producer), and Dave Georgeson (Director of the EQ franchise).

Continue reading SOE Live 2012: EverQuest II interviews highlight focus on crafting, player stories

MassivelySOE Live 2012: EverQuest II interviews highlight focus on crafting, player stories originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-fergusonchains-of-eternityCoEconcontentconventioncraftingcrafting-recipescrafting-systemdave-georgesondungeon-maker-contestdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieventeverquest-2everquest-iiexclusiveexclusive-interviewf2pfan-fairefantasyfeaturedfree-to-playguild-hallsheroic-zonesholly-longdalelas-vegasmassively-exclusive-interviewsMassively-interviewraidssoesoe-fan-fairesoe-livesoe-live-2012SOEmotesonysony-online-entertainmenttradeskillWed, 24 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE Live 2012: Dave Georgeson on the business side of the EQ franchise]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/soe-live-2012-dave-georgeson-on-the-business-side-of-the-eq-fra/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/soe-live-2012-dave-georgeson-on-the-business-side-of-the-eq-fra/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/soe-live-2012-dave-georgeson-on-the-business-side-of-the-eq-fra/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

SOE Live 2012 Dave Georgeson pulls back the curtain on the business side of the EQ franchise
There were many terrific panels this year at SOE Live, and as usual, there's a very good dialogue between the players and the developers on a variety of issues. Among them was one that looked at the EverQuest franchise from a different perspective than usual. Instead of discussing expansions, class balance, game mechanics, or itemization, it addressed the business model behind the games. Over the past two years, both EQ and EQII have seen enormous changes, but even if you go further back, you'll see a dramatic transition away from the traditional subscription model.

Dave Georgeson, Director of the EverQuest franchise, gave a talk that shed some new light on the philosophy behind some of the changes. In addition, he outlined some upcoming changes to the SOE update cycle, marketplace, and other areas of monetization. We've got all the details below, and some of the changes are not at all what you'd expect!

Continue reading SOE Live 2012: Dave Georgeson on the business side of the EQ franchise

MassivelySOE Live 2012: Dave Georgeson on the business side of the EQ franchise originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconventiondave-georgesoneqeq-expansionseq-franchise-business-modeleq-marketplaceeq-nexteq1eventeverquesteverquest-iif2pfan-fairefantasyfeaturedfree-to-playkronolas-vegaspreviewpreviewssoesoe-fan-fairesoe-livesoe-live-2012sonysony-online-entertainmentsparkle-ponyMon, 22 Oct 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE Live 2012: Friday keynote highlights DCUO, EQ, and EQII]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/20/soe-live-2012-friday-keynote-highlights-dcuo-eq-and-eqii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/20/soe-live-2012-friday-keynote-highlights-dcuo-eq-and-eqii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/20/soe-live-2012-friday-keynote-highlights-dcuo-eq-and-eqii/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

SOE Live Friday Keynote highlights DCUO, EQ, and EQII
Day two of SOE Live wrapped up with yet another keynote, this one focused on DC Universe Online, EverQuest, and EverQuest II. Creative Director Jens Anderson of DCUO, Executive Producer Thom Terrazas from EQ, Executive Producer Holly Longdale from EQII, and Dave Georgeson, the EQ Franchise head, all took a turn on stage to give a rundown of what each game had launched over the past year, and more importantly, where each is headed for the future. But before that, SOE paid tribute to the military veterans in attendance (pictured above) and gave two of the longest-serving military members NVIDIA cards to thank them for their service.

Read on for the highlights!

Continue reading SOE Live 2012: Friday keynote highlights DCUO, EQ, and EQII

MassivelySOE Live 2012: Friday keynote highlights DCUO, EQ, and EQII originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 20 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chains-of-eternityconconsoleconsolesconventiondave-georgesondc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoeqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieventeverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfan-fairefantasyfeaturedfiriona-viefree-to-playhalls-of-powerHeros-forgeholly-longdalehome-turfjens-andersonkeynotekronolairslas-vegasleague-hallsorigin-crisisplaystation-3playstation3prestige-abilitiesps3rain-of-fearsoesoe-fan-fairesoe-livesoe-live-2012sonysony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroesthom-therrazastrials-of-trigonSat, 20 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE Live 2012: Smedley says EQNext is the 'largest sandbox-style MMO ever designed']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/soe-live-2012-smedley-says-eqnext-is-largest-sandbox-style-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/soe-live-2012-smedley-says-eqnext-is-largest-sandbox-style-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/soe-live-2012-smedley-says-eqnext-is-largest-sandbox-style-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

SOE Live - Smedley says EQNext is 'largest sandboxstyle MMO ever designed'
As we reported last night, Sony Online Entertainment dropped a few hints regarding the future of the EverQuest franchise at its annual SOE Live convention in Las Vegas. Though CEO John Smedley's keynote address focused mainly on the firm's non-EQ portfolio, the EQNext tidbit was a doozy.
I have to be honest with you. We have completely blown up the design of EverQuest Next. For the last year and a half we have been working on something we are not ready to show. Why did we blow up the design? The design was evolutionary. It was EverQuest III. It was something that was slightly better than what had come before it. It was slightly better.

What we are building is something that we will be very proud to call EverQuest. It will be the largest sandbox-style MMO ever designed. The same exciting content delivered in a new way. Something you've never seen before. The MMO world has never seen before. We didn't want more kill 10 rats quests. We didn't want more of the same. If you look at the MMOs out there, they're delivering the same content over and over again. So are we. We need to change that. When we released EverQuest, we changed the world. We want to do that again with a different type of game.
Smedley went on to mention that veteran EQ devs Dave Georgeson and Terry Michaels are spearheading the project, and he promised that it would be playable at next year's SOE Live event.

MassivelySOE Live 2012: Smedley says EQNext is the 'largest sandbox-style MMO ever designed' originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconventiondave-georgesoneqeq-nexteqneventeverquesteverquest-nextfan-fairefantasyjohn-smedleylas-vegassandboxsoesoe-fan-fairesoe-livesoe-live-2012sonysony-online-entertainmentterry-michaelsFri, 19 Oct 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: EQII pays attention to PvPers and fighters]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/the-tattered-notebook-eqii-pays-attention-to-pvpers-and-fighter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/the-tattered-notebook-eqii-pays-attention-to-pvpers-and-fighter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/the-tattered-notebook-eqii-pays-attention-to-pvpers-and-fighter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Tattered Notebook Some Deserved Attention to PvPrs and Fighters
This past week, we learned that not only are we a long way from hearing details about EverQuest Next, but the handful of screenshots we got at the 2010 Fan Faire don't really represent what the game looks like anymore. I'm as excited as can be about EQ Next, and I'm rooting for big things for the game, but you can't fault me for having the urge to reach for the Tums as I recall what happened to another SOE game that lingered in development this long (The Agency) and try to avoid comparing it to another recent title that generated buzz for this long without any tangible evidence of the project (Copernicus).

I still have faith! And as I post up these screenshots one last time for posterity, my concerns over EQ Next were tempered by more details about the upcoming update in EverQuest II, including big PvP news, adjustments to the fighter classes, and some interesting changes to gear. Let's look at a few highlights from the recent SOE Webcast with SOE Executive Director of Development Dave "SmokeJumper" Georgeson, EQII Lead Designer Akil "Lyndro" Hooper, and Associate Designers Brian "Omougi" Ferguson and Mike "Xelgad" Ganz to see what impact the changes might have on the game.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: EQII pays attention to PvPers and fighters

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: EQII pays attention to PvPers and fighters originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akil-hooperbrian-fergusondave-georgesoneqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieqii-fighterseqII-PvP-revampeverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playmike-ganzopinionrecklessnesssoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookupdate-64Sat, 23 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Those wanting EverQuest Next information have a long wait ahead]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/those-wanting-everquest-next-information-have-a-long-wait-ahead/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/those-wanting-everquest-next-information-have-a-long-wait-ahead/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/those-wanting-everquest-next-information-have-a-long-wait-ahead/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Those wanting EQ Next information have a long wait ahead
No news is EverQuest Next news. Players interested in hearing more about the development of the next installment in the EverQuest franchise should find a very comfy chair and stockpile a significant cache of snacks -- it's going to be a very long wait.

In response to questions posted on the official EverQuest II forums about EverQuest Next and how it will affect the current games, developer Dave "SmokeJumper" Georgeson issued the statement that no news would be forthcoming for a very long time. He states, "The *earliest* we are currently considering that we *might* reveal info is late this year." He also noted that old screenshots should be disregarded as they had no relevance to the game in its current state.

Dave further addressed players' concerns about the Next version supplanting both the original EQ and EQII by assuring that "EQN is not being designed to replace those games." He does, however, acknowledge that the game could conceivably squash the other two if it was just astronomically better and everyone decided to play it instead. Massively readers chimed in not too long ago about their thoughts regarding jumping ship for sequels.

MassivelyThose wanting EverQuest Next information have a long wait ahead originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-georgesoneqeq-nexteqneverquesteverquest-nextfantasylong-wait-aheadnewsSmokeJumpersoesony-online-entertainmentTue, 19 Jun 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why I Play: EverQuest II]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/why-i-play-everquest-ii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/why-i-play-everquest-ii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/why-i-play-everquest-ii/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Why I Play EverQuest II
EverQuest II has always been a funny beast to me. I was not raised on a steady diet of SOE MMOs like some, and when EQII rolled around in November of 2004, I decided to go with some lesser-known title from Blizzard instead. I'd heard bad things about SOE in general, and EQII looked just as inaccessible as EverQuest did on the store shelves. Plus, to put a final nail in the not-interested coffin, I hated the graphics.

I still do. Hate the graphics, that is. If someone was to award MMOs for Most Blandly Generic, Plasticy Models Straight from the Uncanny Valley, EverQuest II would be a shoo-in.

Yet the years wore down my mostly semantic objections to giving EverQuest II a go, and after a few false starts, I spent a few wonderful months in the game last year after it went free-to-play. While I couldn't sustain interest in this on top of all of the other titles I was playing, I'd heartily recommend EQII to anyone complaining about tapped-out content in other MMOs. EQII is the Super Walmart of MMO features and content, far eclipsing most other competitors.

Here is why I played and why you might want to, too.

Continue reading Why I Play: EverQuest II

MassivelyWhy I Play: EverQuest II originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcraftingdave-georgesoneaeditorialelectronic-artseqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playguild-finderlucasartsmassively-metametanostalgiaop-edopinionplayer-housingsci-fisoesoemotesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorthe-old-republictorwarcraftwhy-i-playworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 13 Jun 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Epic SOE memories on PlanetSide's ninth anniversary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/the-firing-line-epic-soe-memories-on-planetsides-ninth-anniver/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/the-firing-line-epic-soe-memories-on-planetsides-ninth-anniver/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/the-firing-line-epic-soe-memories-on-planetsides-ninth-anniver/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - Epic SOE memories on PlanetSide's ninth anniversary
So PlanetSide is nine years old this week (nine!), and Sony Online Entertainment is journeying down memory lane to look back at its ground-breaking MMOFPS. The firm is of course hard at work on the sequel, but some of the devs have taken a time-out to share their favorite memories with us.

Though the word "epic" is overused in MMO discourse, it's a recurring theme here. Due to the size, scope, and sheer ambition on display in the original PlanetSide, it's actually appropriate too. While you're reminiscing with the devs, take a stroll through our side-by-side gallery that compares vehicles and equipment from the original PlanetSide with their counterparts in PlanetSide 2.

Gallery: PlanetSide vs. PlanetSide 2 comparisons

Continue reading The Firing Line: Epic SOE memories on PlanetSide's ninth anniversary

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Epic SOE memories on PlanetSide's ninth anniversary originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew-rischclassic-mmodave-georgesonfeaturedfiring-linefpsmargaret-krohnmmo-shootermmofpsopinionplanetsideplanetside-2planetside-aftershockplanetside-dev-memoriesplanetside-epic-momentsplanetside-memoriespsps1ps2pvpsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmenttflthe-firing-linethird-person-shooterthom-terrazastpstramell-isaacFri, 25 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Reading the tea leaves of EQII's May update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/the-tattered-notebook-reading-the-tea-leaves-of-the-may-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/the-tattered-notebook-reading-the-tea-leaves-of-the-may-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/the-tattered-notebook-reading-the-tea-leaves-of-the-may-update/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EQII golem
The paint has barely dried on the Skyshrine Update, and already we're hearing tidbits about what's planned for this month. On Thursday, EverQuest II Producer Holly "Windstalker" Longdale announced a few highlights that players can expect to see in the May update. The monthly letters are always welcomed by players, and this one announces several changes that should shore up the foundation of the game even more. "More" and "new" are often used when it comes to update announcements, but if you heap too much on the very top, you need to go back and work through some of the older content and features to make sure they can support the burden.

Read on for a look at the highlights, which bring a welcome change to Dungeon Maker fans, add a new tool that should make testers happy, and hint at changes to bring about more "low-impact" gameplay.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Reading the tea leaves of EQII's May update

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Reading the tea leaves of EQII's May update originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 05 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agnostic-levelingdave-georgesoneqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playholly-longdalekaren-bryanmay-updateopinionqeynos-revampsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookwindstalkerSat, 05 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Skyshrine, mercs, Qeynos, and shields that roar]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/14/the-tattered-notebook-eqii-webcast-talks-skyshrine-mercs-qeyn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/14/the-tattered-notebook-eqii-webcast-talks-skyshrine-mercs-qeyn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/14/the-tattered-notebook-eqii-webcast-talks-skyshrine-mercs-qeyn/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Withered Lands Giant
For those gamers who have been patiently waiting to hear about GU63, the past few weeks have been a treat. We've shown off a few trailers on Massively, the official site has hosted a couple of team interviews, and even the SOE Twitch TV channel has been focused on EverQuest II. In fact, the recent webcast was the second part of a featured series on the update, and this one took a closer look Skyshrine and also answered a few fan questions. EQII Producer Holly "Windstalker" Longdale, Lead Designer Akil "Lyndro" Hooper, and SOE Executive Producer Dave "SmokeJumper" Georgeson sat down to preview what's coming to a server near you. In this week's Tattered Notebook, we'll look at the highlights and analyze what it means to both new players and old. Read on for the skinny!

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Skyshrine, mercs, Qeynos, and shields that roar

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Skyshrine, mercs, Qeynos, and shields that roar originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 14 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akil-hooperanimated-shieldsdave-georgesoneqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiiEQII-PvPeverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playholly-longdalekaren-bryanmercenariesopinionqeynosQeynos-revampskyshrinesmokejumpersoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebooktradeskill-apprenticesSat, 14 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: Publishing heavies weigh in on F2P conversions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/gdc-2012-publishing-heavies-weigh-in-on-f2p-conversions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/gdc-2012-publishing-heavies-weigh-in-on-f2p-conversions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/gdc-2012-publishing-heavies-weigh-in-on-f2p-conversions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

GDC 2012 logo
Like it or not, free-to-play is rapidly coming to dominate every corner of the gaming industry. While that's good on the surface, it also blurs the line between business and design, and it creates a lot of tension for both consumers and developers who are increasingly faced with the challenges inherent in separating monetary decisions from gameplay decisions.

One of the more interesting GDC 2012 round-tables featured Sony Online Entertainment executive producer Dave Georgeson, NCSoft publishing director Steve Levy, Perfect World VP John Young, GamersFirst monetization director Joe Willmon, and Digi-Capital Limited managing director Tim Merel, all of whom convened for a mind-meld on successfully migrating subscription games to F2P.

As you would expect, the panel was heavy on business-speak, but it also featured plenty of insight into the pricing phenomenon that has become the rule rather than the exception.

Continue reading GDC 2012: Publishing heavies weigh in on F2P conversions

MassivelyGDC 2012: Publishing heavies weigh in on F2P conversions originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelsconconferenceconventiondave-georgesondesignf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gamersfirstgdcgdc-2012grindjoe-willmonjohn-younglootmmo-industrymonetizationncsoftopinionpanelsperfect-world-entertainmentpolishing-a-turdpwesci-fisoeSony-Online-Entertainmenttim-merelwesternizationSun, 11 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: New executive producer, new wishlist]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/the-tattered-notebook-new-executive-producer-new-wishlist/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/the-tattered-notebook-new-executive-producer-new-wishlist/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/the-tattered-notebook-new-executive-producer-new-wishlist/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Georgeson and Longdale
I was all set to sit down and talk about raiding and the big news of critical mitigation disappearing from gear, and then some even bigger news appeared. Executive Producer Dave "SmokeJumper" Georgeson has handed the reins over to Holly "Windstalker" Longdale. She is new to take the lead on EverQuest II, but she's not new to the team; in fact, she worked on EverQuest in the past under the name Vahlar.

What's the first thing to do when there's a new leader taking over? Form a wish list, of course! EverQuest II has come a long way since its bumpy launch, but there's always stuff that would make the game that much more fun. Let's look at a few ideas, and then you can add yours to my list.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: New executive producer, new wishlist

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: New executive producer, new wishlist originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-georgesoneqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquestEverQuest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playholly-longdalekaren-bryanopinionsoesony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookSat, 04 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest II producer handing over the reins]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/everquest-ii-producer-handing-over-the-reins/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/everquest-ii-producer-handing-over-the-reins/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/everquest-ii-producer-handing-over-the-reins/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

CHEEEEEEEEEESE
EverQuest II players will probably be familiar with the name Smokejumper, the forum handle of the EverQuest franchise's Executive Producer Dave Georgeson. Georgeson has served as Executive Producer for EverQuest, EverQuest II, and the upcoming EverQuest Next while simultaneously filling the role of Producer for EverQuest II. As you might imagine, that's quite a lot of work for a single person. With that in mind, Georgeson announced on the official EQII website today that Holly "Windstalker" Longdale has rejoined SOE in order to take over the position of EverQuest II's Producer.

Holly also takes the opportunity to introduce herself to the community, remarking that "the opportunity to be a producer on this team is surreal and certainly perfect." She goes on to say that "EverQuest... has had a place in [her] life for well over a decade now," making it clear that she's not just some corporate suit who doesn't care about the game -- she's a player who is passionate about the game and is in-tune with the playerbase. To read the full announcement from Smokejumper as well as the follow-up by Windstalker, just click on through the link below.

MassivelyEverQuest II producer handing over the reins originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-georgesoneq-iieq2everquest-2everquest-iiexecutive-producerf2pfree-to-playholly-longdaleproducerproducerssmokejumpersoesony-online-entertainmentwindstalkerThu, 02 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: The significance of the update delay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/the-tattered-notebook-the-significance-of-the-update-delay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/the-tattered-notebook-the-significance-of-the-update-delay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/the-tattered-notebook-the-significance-of-the-update-delay/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Othmir
A funny thing happened on the way to the forum, and you could almost hear the record scratch when it did. Players have been speculating on two things recently: the release date of GU 63 and the absence of Executive Producer Dave "SmokeJumper" Georgeson from the forums. As it turns out, SmokeJumper was simply on vacation, but his first post after returning created quite a stir. He reported a new timetable for game updates this coming year, and it's different from what had been announced.

Game Update 63 is now scheduled for April, not February. Furthermore, there are only three planned updates this coming year, rather than four, along with an expected expansion at the end of the year. Let's look at some reasons for the change in schedule and what it means to EverQuest II fans.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: The significance of the update delay

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: The significance of the update delay originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-georgesoneqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playopinionpatchpatchessmokejumpersoesony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookupdateSat, 28 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Plat, loot, and the morality of cash]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/the-tattered-notebook-plat-loot-and-the-morality-of-cash/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/the-tattered-notebook-plat-loot-and-the-morality-of-cash/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/the-tattered-notebook-plat-loot-and-the-morality-of-cash/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EQII gold
There's a dirty little secret going on in EverQuest II, and every now and then it bubbles up to the surface in forum complaints from players. With the arrival of Station Cash, the Marketplace, and Legends of Norrath cards, players have worked out a way to buy in-game coin with real money, without fear of getting banned. And with the transition to free-to-play, it seems like that practice has grown even more.

The problem is that there are several things that factor into the plat-for-cash scenario, so it's impossible to find a quick fix. Are we at a point that SOE should just put plat on the marketplace and be done with it? Let's look at a few reasons for and against it.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Plat, loot, and the morality of cash

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Plat, loot, and the morality of cash originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-georgesoneqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playkaren-bryanopinionplat-for-cashplexrmtselling-loot-rightssoesony-online-entertainmentstation-cashtattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookSat, 21 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: A wish list for EQII's 'phase two']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/24/the-tattered-notebook-a-wish-list-for-eqiis-phase-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/24/the-tattered-notebook-a-wish-list-for-eqiis-phase-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/24/the-tattered-notebook-a-wish-list-for-eqiis-phase-two/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

EQ2 Beastlord
EverQuest II has had quite a year, but I was recently thinking about a comment that Executive Producer Dave "SmokeJumper" Georgeson made regarding the future of the game. In a recent interview, he discussed plans for "phase two," which is an ongoing list of things the team wants to do to improve the game but don't make it to live. With all of the new changes to the game, the team usually comes up with lots of extra ideas, and Georgeson said the focus going forward will be to knock out some of those ideas on the "phase two" list.

I thought it would be fun to put together a list of things I'd like to see on the phase two list, and since it's the season for wish lists anyway, the timing is perfect. Read on for a look at a few things I'd like to see in EQII next year, and then share your ideas below!

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: A wish list for EQII's 'phase two'

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: A wish list for EQII's 'phase two' originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 24 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beastlord+eq2beastlordeq2dave-georgesoneqeq-2eq-iieq2eq2+new+contenteq2-traders-cornereq2-wish-listeq2newcontenteq2wireEQIIeverquesteverquest+nextEverQuest-2everquest-iieverquestnextf2pfantasyfeaturedfeldonfree-to-playitemizationjethylkaren-bryannaimiopinionsoesony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookSat, 24 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE makes EQII veteran rewards available to F2P players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/soe-makes-eqii-veteran-rewards-available-to-f2p-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/soe-makes-eqii-veteran-rewards-available-to-f2p-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/soe-makes-eqii-veteran-rewards-available-to-f2p-players/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EverQuest II - Mistmoore Estate veteran reward
Sony Online Entertainment is pulling out all the stops when it comes to the courtship of EverQuest II's new free-to-play constituency. In a post on the game's official boards, producer Dave "Smokejumper" Georgeson has announced that both free and silver-level players are now eligible for the fantasy title's extensive veteran rewards program.

Georgeson's post is short and to the point as he briefly outlines SOE's approach. "There are a lot more [payment] options available to folks, and it just doesn't make sense that a free or silver player shouldn't be able to accumulate veteran rewards," he explains. You can view both the announcement post and a feedback thread on the official EQII forums.

MassivelySOE makes EQII veteran rewards available to F2P players originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-georgesoneq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfree-to-playnorrathsmokejumpersoeSony-Online-Entertainmentvet-rewardsveteran-rewardsFri, 09 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest II grandfathers in established characters]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/everquest-ii-grandfathers-in-established-characters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/everquest-ii-grandfathers-in-established-characters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/everquest-ii-grandfathers-in-established-characters/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

EQII
EverQuest II players got a pleasant surprise today, as Executive Producer Dave Georgeson announced that any and all characters created prior to Age of Discovery's launch would be grandfathered into the game. This means that any characters that were locked due to a player going from, say, subscription to free-to-play are now available. The company is also refunding any Station Cash points spent to unlock these characters following the expansion's release.

From the full announcement on the EQII forums:
But, we don't really want to force those decisions on returning players. It's not a fun experience to come back to something that seemed exciting (F2P) and then get hit with a bill as soon as you arrive, just for the privilege of using your current characters.

So here's what we're going to do.

*Every* character that was created before 12/06/2011 at 12:01 a.m. will be grandfathered in without race or class restriction. This means that regardless of your membership level, you will be able to play any character created before 12/6 without paying for race- or class-pack unlocks.

For any player that previously subscribed to EQII Live servers, or as a Gold or Platinum member on EQ2X, we will also refund all the class/race pack purchases made after 12/06/2011 at 12:01 am and before the time of this posting (12/08/2011, 4:30pm) so that no one loses any SC due to this change.

MassivelyEverQuest II grandfathers in established characters originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-discoveryclassclass-unlocksdave-georgesoneqiieverquest-iif2pfree-to-playgrandfathergrandfatheredsmokejumpersoesony-online-entertainmentstation-cashThu, 08 Dec 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE releases EQII Age of Discovery expansion, Freeport revamp, F2P model]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/soe-releases-eqii-age-of-discovery-expansion-freeport-revamp-f/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/soe-releases-eqii-age-of-discovery-expansion-freeport-revamp-f/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/soe-releases-eqii-age-of-discovery-expansion-freeport-revamp-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

EverQuest II - Sinking Sands boss fight
There are big days, and there are big days, and today is definitely the latter when it comes to EverQuest II. First of all, as producer Dave "Smokejumper" Georgeson says in his newly minted producer's letter, "today we stop requiring any sort of payment."

Yes, free-to-play is here (again, and across the board this time). That's just the tip of the iceberg, though. Today also marks the introduction of the much-ballyhooed Freeport revamp along with the rest of Game Update 62, and oh yeah, did we forget to mention the Age of Discovery expansion?

If so, the short version of AoD includes the dungeon-maker tool, mercenaries, the Beastlord class, and a ton of customization and collectible updates sure to make your stay in Norrath even more enjoyable. We could tell you about 20 additional alternate advancement points, a new launchpad and website, new social networking integration, and more, but then you'd have no reason to check out the official forums for yourself. Check out the official AoD trailer after the break.

Continue reading SOE releases EQII Age of Discovery expansion, Freeport revamp, F2P model

MassivelySOE releases EQII Age of Discovery expansion, Freeport revamp, F2P model originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-discoverybeastlordbusiness-modelsdave-georgesondungeon-makereq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iiexpansionsf2pfantasyfree-to-playfreeportfreeport-revampgame-update-62gu-62mercenariessmokejumpersoeSony-Online-EntertainmentvideoTue, 06 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest II Age of Discovery launch date, new features revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/everquest-ii-age-of-discovery-launch-date/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/everquest-ii-age-of-discovery-launch-date/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/everquest-ii-age-of-discovery-launch-date/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Freeport Rain
For months, EverQuest II fans have been patiently waiting for the launch date of the latest expansion, Age of Discovery. Fortunately, the wait is over: SOE has announced that Tuesday, December 6th is the official live date for EQII's free-to-play transition, the Age of Discovery, and the Freeport Reborn game update (GU62). Executive Producer Dave "SmokeJumper" Georgeson and EQII Associate Producer Emily "Domino" Taylor both took time to give Massively a tour of some of the new features, so read on for an up-close look at Beastlords, the new Freeport, mercenaries, and the dungeon maker, and check out some new screenshots in our gallery below!

Gallery: EverQuest II Age of Discovery Screenshots

Continue reading EverQuest II Age of Discovery launch date, new features revealed

MassivelyEverQuest II Age of Discovery launch date, new features revealed originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-discoverybeastlordsclassclassesdave-georgesondev-tourdominodungeon-makeremily-tayloreq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iifeaturedfree-to-playfreeport-rebornhands-onmercenariespgcplayer-generated-contentpreviewpreviewssmokejumpersoeSony-Online-EntertainmenttourwarderTue, 29 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New launchpad coming to all EverQuest II users tomorrow [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/new-launchpad-coming-to-all-everquest-ii-users-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/new-launchpad-coming-to-all-everquest-ii-users-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/new-launchpad-coming-to-all-everquest-ii-users-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EverQuest II - Kingdom of Sky islands
EverQuest II's official site has updated with a news blurb heralding the launch of, er, well, a new launcher. Currently, Sony Online Entertainment's fantasy title has multiple access points including the streaming launcher, the retail box launcher, and SOE's station launcher.

As of November 30th, all EQII users will be migrated to a new launchpad.

What's new about it? Well for starters, it doesn't require Flash. It also boasts a "much faster patching speed" and a "general aesthetic upgrade." The migration process should be painless for the end user, as Dave "Smokejumper" Georgeson says that all you'll have to do is point the new launcher at your existing EQII directory when prompted. There's a bit more info on the official site if you're curious.

[Update]: EQ2Wire has a great dev rundown on what exactly is coming with the new launcher.

MassivelyNew launchpad coming to all EverQuest II users tomorrow [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-georgesoneq2eq2-launchereqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfree-to-playlaunchernew-launchernorrathpatchessmokejumpersoeSony-Online-EntertainmentTue, 29 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Will Age of Discovery be the last EQII expansion?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/26/the-tattered-notebook-will-age-of-discovery-be-the-last-eqii-expans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/26/the-tattered-notebook-will-age-of-discovery-be-the-last-eqii-expans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/26/the-tattered-notebook-will-age-of-discovery-be-the-last-eqii-expans/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EQiI Jester
It's amazing how much can change in just over a year. At the end of last summer, we were wrapping up Fan Faire and looking forward to Destiny of Velious, the upcoming expansion and the first of what was supposed to be a two-part expansion. This past weekend, just over a year later, I was headed to #OccupyNorrath to check out the planned protest, part of which was aimed at the cost of the new expansion, Age of Discovery. While the protest was light, to put it mildly, there has been quite a bit of rumbling on the forums about this upcoming expansion and the fact that while it might be heavy on features, it's pretty light on new content.

Now, when I question whether Age of Discovery will be the last EverQuest II expansion, I'm certainly not predicting that all production will cease and desist in the game afterwards. But I think it's worth asking whether we're seeing a shift away from the traditional expansion model. Let's take a look back the past year and a half because I think it offers hints that might help explain the bigger picture for the game.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Will Age of Discovery be the last EQII expansion?

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Will Age of Discovery be the last EQII expansion? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aqe-of-discoverydave-georgesondestiny-of-veliouseq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iiexpansionsfeaturedfree-to-playkaren-bryanrise-of-kunarksentinels-fateshadow-odysseysoeSony-Online-Entertainmenttattered-notebookSat, 26 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: What free-to-play means for EverQuest II]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/12/the-tattered-notebook-what-free-to-play-means-for-everquest-ii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/12/the-tattered-notebook-what-free-to-play-means-for-everquest-ii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/12/the-tattered-notebook-what-free-to-play-means-for-everquest-ii/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

EverQuest II
Thursday was quite the news day for EverQuest II. Normally, the announcement of pre-order specifics and details on the new expansion would be pretty big news by itself, but it was completely upstaged by the announcement that all EQII servers will be free-to-play.

As expected, there are lots of mixed emotions from the players regarding this new transition. Here at Massively, readers generally welcomed the move with open arms, but on the official forums and on the fansite EQ2Flames, there was a lot more trepidation. That's understandable because this move could change quite a lot going down the road. In this week's Tattered Notebook, we'll look at what the free-to-play transition means for the future of EQII.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: What free-to-play means for EverQuest II

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: What free-to-play means for EverQuest II originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 12 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-discoverycash-shopdave-georgesoneq2eq2xeqiieqII-extendedEverQuest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iieverquest-ii-extendedfeaturedfree-to-playkaren-bryanpay-to-hopesmokejumpertattered-notebookSat, 12 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest II goes fully free-to-play: Our chat with Dave Georgeson]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/everquest-ii-goes-fully-free-to-play-our-chat-with-dave-georges/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/everquest-ii-goes-fully-free-to-play-our-chat-with-dave-georges/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/everquest-ii-goes-fully-free-to-play-our-chat-with-dave-georges/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EverQuest II - Freeport
Earlier in the fall, Massively's EverQuest II column, The Tattered Notebook, took a look at the differences between the live servers and the free-to-play server and speculated on the possibility of making all servers free-to-play. As it turns out, we no longer need to speculate because SOE has officially announced that EverQuest II will make the full transition to free-to-play in early December. Just in time for the release of the newest expansion, Age of Discovery, all servers will now share the same subscription plans, Marketplace, and forums. Last week, Executive Producer Dave "SmokeJumper" Georgeson took time to share with us the details of the free-to-play transition as well as highlight some of the new features coming with the expansion. Read on for a look at what's to come for EQII.

Continue reading EverQuest II goes fully free-to-play: Our chat with Dave Georgeson

MassivelyEverQuest II goes fully free-to-play: Our chat with Dave Georgeson originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-discoveryage-of-empires-onlinebeastlordsdave-georgesoneq-2eq-iieq2xEverQuest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iieverquest-ii-extendedexpansionf2pfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewskaren-bryansmokejumperThu, 10 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Players bracing for EverQuest II's GU61 AA changes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/players-bracing-for-everquest-iis-gu61-aa-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/players-bracing-for-everquest-iis-gu61-aa-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/players-bracing-for-everquest-iis-gu61-aa-changes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EverQuest II - leaper in Rivervale
Big changes are afoot in the world of Norrath, or at least the version of it on display in EverQuest II. Game Update 61 is just around the corner, and ZAM has a brief rundown on the major alternate advancement and tradeskill changes coming when the patch goes live.

While many players are cautiously optimistic, some are concerned over the fact that such sweeping changes will affect their playstyles. How sweeping, exactly? Well, every character is getting a free AA respec, so there's your first clue. Also of note are the new class, subclass, and tradeskill trees available at level 10. Of particular concern to some is the fact that the Shadows AA tree will now be off limits to characters under level 50, depriving them of some very useful health, power, and run-speed AAs and making life that much harder for dedicated crafting characters.

In other EQII news, EQ2Wire offers a brief look at the veteran reward changes hinted at during last month's Fan Faire. While no release date is forthcoming, producer Dave "Smokejumper" Georgeson says that "the design is outlined and we're committed to the concept."

MassivelyPlayers bracing for EverQuest II's GU61 AA changes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaalternate-advancementdave-georgesoneq2eqii-gu-61everquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfree-to-playgame-update-61gu-61if-it-aint-broke-dont-fix-itnorrathshadows-nerfshadows-treesmokejumpersoeSony-Online-Entertainmenttradeskill-aatradeskill-alternate-advancementveteran-rewardsWed, 17 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Exec. Producer Dave Georgeson on EverQuest II and EverQuest Next]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/the-tattered-notebook-exec-producer-dave-georgeson-on-everques/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/the-tattered-notebook-exec-producer-dave-georgeson-on-everques/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/the-tattered-notebook-exec-producer-dave-georgeson-on-everques/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

If there's one thing that came out of Fan Faire about EQ Next, it's that no one will talk about EQ Next. No matter who you talked to, any time the subject came up, the answer was always, "I can't talk about that." However, Executive Producer Dave "SmokeJumper" Georgeson sat down with Massively during Fan Faire to talk more about EverQuest II, and during that interview, he did give a tiny glimpse into what that game would be like.

In this week's Tattered Notebook, Massively gets the scoop on Beastlords, the dungeon builder, Freeport's revamp, and much more.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Exec. Producer Dave Georgeson on EverQuest II and EverQuest Next

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Exec. Producer Dave Georgeson on EverQuest II and EverQuest Next originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akil-hooperaltsbeastlordbeastlordscitadelcrushbonedave-georgesondesign-your-own-dungeondungeon-builderdungeon-finderemily-tayloreqeq-nexteq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2EverQuest-iieverquest-nextfan-fairefan-faire-2011freeportgame-of-thronesitemizationnasa-moon-shotorcpetpet-classplanetside-2ps2revamprich-waterstattered-notebookveliouswarderwarlockMon, 18 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest II Freeport and Beyond panel video released]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/everquest-ii-freeport-and-beyond-panel-video-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/everquest-ii-freeport-and-beyond-panel-video-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/everquest-ii-freeport-and-beyond-panel-video-released/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Earlier this week our own Karen Bryan brought you the details on all the EverQuest II happenings from last week's Fan Faire 2011. Today, EQ2Wire has added some lengthy video coverage to the mix in the form of an hour-long recording of the initial EQII dev panel entitled Freeport and Beyond.

The proceedings are captained by producer Dave Georgeson, and the panel features more info than one news post can adequately cover. The highlights include Game Update 61 (to be launched in late August), the new dungeon creator functionality, itemization and AA revamps, the addition of AA functionality to the crafting game, the Age of Discovery expansion, and of course, the Freeport revamp. That's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, so grab your favorite beverage and click past the cut to view the hour-long video.

MassivelyEverQuest II Freeport and Beyond panel video released originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-discoverydave-georgesondungeon-creatoreq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iiexpansionf2pfan-fairefan-faire-2011fantasyfree-to-playfreeport-revampgame-update-61gu-61videoFri, 15 Jul 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Fan Faire knowns and unknowns]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/the-tattered-notebook-fan-faire-known-and-unknowns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/the-tattered-notebook-fan-faire-known-and-unknowns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/the-tattered-notebook-fan-faire-known-and-unknowns/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As we inch closer to Fan Faire, speculation begins to mount about what news EverQuest II fans will finally get to hear. Last year, players were smarting from the announcement of EQII Extended, the free-to-play server, and it seemed to deflate the mood among EQII Fan Faire attendees. This year, EQII is full of knowns and unknowns, to borrow a phrase from former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. We have known knowns, which are things that we know we know. And then there are known unknowns, or things that we know but we actually don't know. Lastly, there are unknown unknowns, which are things that we don't know we don't know. That's where things are in EQII currently. Confused? Me too! This week's Tattered Notebook will look at what we know and what we hope to find out more about at this year's Fan Faire.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Fan Faire knowns and unknowns

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Fan Faire knowns and unknowns originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-georgesondestiny-of-veliousdominoemily-tayloreqeq-nextEQ2eq2xEQIIeqII-extendedeverquestEverQuest-2everquest-iieverquest-nextfan-fairefan-faire-2011featuredfreeportfreeport-revampitemizationjohn-smedleysentinels-fatesmokejumpersoesoe-fan-faireSony-Online-Entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookveliousMon, 27 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leapers and gliders swoop into EverQuest II]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/leapers-and-gliders-swoop-into-everquest-ii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/leapers-and-gliders-swoop-into-everquest-ii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/leapers-and-gliders-swoop-into-everquest-ii/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Slipping in under the cloud cover -- or soaring above it -- of a busy day for SOE is the news that leapers and gliders have landed in EverQuest II. These are special mounts for lower-level characters that allow them to get a taste of flight without the full thing, by giving them either the ability to "super-jump" or glide for a good distance.

We first heard about these mounts at E3, where David Georgeson revealed how players as young as level 30 could start earning their wings (so to speak). As part of this update, ground mounts have had their speeds significantly increased, going from 65% to as high as 130%. Ground mounts are still faster than leapers and gliders on land, and players will have to stick to the same category of mount for alternate appearances (no flying rhinos, alas).

EverQuest II has the details about where to get your spiffy new mounts, and don't miss our own thoughts about how these jumpers and soarers will change the landscape of the game!

MassivelyLeapers and gliders swoop into EverQuest II originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternate-appearancesdave-georgesondavid-georgesone3e3-2011eq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iiflyersflying-rhinoleapersmountmountssoesony-online-entertainmentFri, 24 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Leapers, gliders, and Beastlords, oh my!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/the-tattered-notebook-leapers-gliders-and-beastlords-oh-my/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/the-tattered-notebook-leapers-gliders-and-beastlords-oh-my/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/the-tattered-notebook-leapers-gliders-and-beastlords-oh-my/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

E3 has come and gone, but EverQuest II fans are left with more questions than answers. Children of War has just launched, and already, players are wondering what's coming down the road. We do know about some of the more immediate changes, such as the rebuilding of the Dragon Ring and Spires live event, new mounts, and the Freeport Revamp. But there were some hints at much bigger changes down the road -- and few details on how exactly it would change the game.

In this week's Tattered Notebook, we'll break out the crystal ball and speculate on whether EQII is growing closer to EQ2X and whether we might in fact see the arrival of Beastlords in game.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Leapers, gliders, and Beastlords, oh my!

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Leapers, gliders, and Beastlords, oh my! originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packbeastlordclassesdave-georgesoneq2eq2xEQIIeverquest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iieverquest-ii-extendedexpansionsfandomfeaturedflightflying-labfree-to-playleapingmountssmokejumpertattered-notebookMon, 13 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: EverQuest II's Dave Georgeson in 3-D]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/e3-2011-everquest-iis-dave-georgeson-in-3-d/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/e3-2011-everquest-iis-dave-georgeson-in-3-d/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/e3-2011-everquest-iis-dave-georgeson-in-3-d/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

If you're going to fly, why not fly with a little style -- and in 3-D? At E3, we were able to grab some facetime with Dave "Smokejumper" Georgeson, EverQuest II's executive producer, as he showed us the next dimension of MMO gameplay while we checked out some of the new aerial races in the game.

"We wanted to do a little more with the flying creatures than to go from Point A to Point B," Georgeson said, referencing EQII's aerial races. "So we put in these flying race courses, which is a good test ground for showing off 3-D."

It's one of those things that has to be seen to be believed. The 3-D effect while flying is, in a word, awesome. The user interface is up close, your character is somewhere in the middle, and the environment is in the background. The effect is very noticeable when you turn, which happens a lot while flying.

Hit the jump to hear more of Georgeson's thoughts on 3-D in EverQuest II as well as a get tantalizing sneak peek at the game's future!

Continue reading E3 2011: EverQuest II's Dave Georgeson in 3-D

MassivelyE3 2011: EverQuest II's Dave Georgeson in 3-D originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-daerial-racechildren-of-warclasscontent-updatedave-georgesondavid-georgesondungeon-findere3e3-2011eq2eqiieverquest-iiexpansionf2pfan-fairefeaturedflightfree-to-playfreeportglidersgugu-61interviewleaperslfgnew-classpeople-finderqeynossmokejumperWed, 08 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE welcomes players back, Mark Anderson named DCUO's new game director]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/soe-welcomes-players-back-mark-anderson-named-dcuos-new-game-d/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/soe-welcomes-players-back-mark-anderson-named-dcuos-new-game-d/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/soe-welcomes-players-back-mark-anderson-named-dcuos-new-game-d/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

"It's good to be back!" Many Sony Online Entertainment customers have said this these past few days as the studio's titles came back online after a two-week absence. They're not the only ones, either; many of the leads to SOE's host of MMOs are saying the same thing today.

Eight developers representing a large portion of SOE's library posted "Welcome back!" messages on the Station Blog, expressing a mixture of relief, happiness, and hopeful visions for their games' futures. Several of these developers have also used the opportunity to show that they were working hard during the break.

"We're incredibly glad to have our worlds back online again," EverQuest II's David Georgeson said, "and we really appreciate you all being so patient with us while we strengthened the castle walls."

There's certainly a lot of information to digest in these eight posts. Lorin Jameson dropped the news that Mark Anderson's been moved up to become DC Universe Online's latest game director, while Georgeson hinted at a "major new feature set" for EQII that's in the works. Several of the devs mentioned that the downtime will result in a delay of future patches and expansions so that they can be properly tested.

You can read the full assortment of "Welcome back!" posts at the Station Blog.

MassivelySOE welcomes players back, Mark Anderson named DCUO's new game director originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 May 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-georgesondavid-georgesondc-universe-onlinedcuodeadmeateqeq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iiexpansionfree-realmslorin-jamesonmark-andersonNick-Parkinsonpatchpromotionpromotionssmokejumpersoesony-online-entertainmentstar-wars-clone-adventuresstar-wars-galaxiesswgThom-TerrazasTodd-CarsonTony-Tysonupdatewelcome-backWed, 18 May 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EQII's Georgeson talks GU60, low-level flying mounts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/eqiis-georgeson-talks-gu60-low-level-flying-mounts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/eqiis-georgeson-talks-gu60-low-level-flying-mounts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/eqiis-georgeson-talks-gu60-low-level-flying-mounts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's a pretty safe assumption that Sony Online Entertainment's MMO developers and its IT security staff are separate groups of people, and that begs the question of what EverQuest II's coders were doing during the recent 12-day downtime. Perhaps an impromptu vacation or some quality time with other games (or hobbies) was in the cards?

Not so, according to producer Dave "Smokejumper" Georgeson, who says that the team was hard at work on Game Update 60 (and 61). EQ2Wire's Feldon has a breakdown of various and sundry Smokejumper quotes gleaned from the official EQII forums, and there's a lot of ground to cover. Topics range from GU60 testing to update notes and updated abilities to potential flying mounts for lower-level players. "Also, the mysterious flying mount thing I promised to explain... well... I don't want to build it up too big, but it's aimed at lower-level characters also," Georgeson says. Hit up EQ2Wire for more details.

MassivelyEQII's Georgeson talks GU60, low-level flying mounts originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 May 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-georgesoneq2eq2-gu-60eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyflying-mountsfree-to-playgame-update-60gu-60low-level-flying-mountssmokejumpersoeSony-Online-EntertainmentupdatesTue, 17 May 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: SmokeJumper talks GU60]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/the-tattered-notebook-smokejumper-talks-gu60/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/the-tattered-notebook-smokejumper-talks-gu60/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/the-tattered-notebook-smokejumper-talks-gu60/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The past week has certainly been difficult, both for Sony Online Entertainment and EverQuest II fans. The attack and the downtime has certainly been on players' minds as they wonder when the game will go live again and how much of their personal information was compromised.

But while these seem like dark days for EQII, there will be lots to look forward to in-game once things are back to normal. A few weeks ago, Senior Producer Dave "SmokeJumper" Georgeson took time to answer some questions for Massively about Game Update 60, The Children of War. And he met again for a roundtable interview just before news of the attack on SOE broke.

Read on for highlights of the interview and a look at what's on the horizon once services are restored.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: SmokeJumper talks GU60

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: SmokeJumper talks GU60 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 May 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlegroundschildren-of-warcrystal-cavernsdave-georgesondrundereq2eq2-extendedeq2xEQIIeverquestEverQuest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iifeaturedfrozen-tundrapublic-questssmokejumpertattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookvanquishMon, 09 May 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Free level 90? Heck yeah!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/the-tattered-notebook-free-level-90-heck-yeah/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/the-tattered-notebook-free-level-90-heck-yeah/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/the-tattered-notebook-free-level-90-heck-yeah/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I'm a bit late to the party, but I want to throw my two coppers into the discussion on the level 90 winback suggestion that Senior Producer Dave "SmokeJumper" Georgeson made recently. In a recent forum thread, he tossed out the idea of EverQuest II's offering level-capped characters to new players who purchased Destiny of Velious. After a fairly robust discussion, he pulled it off the table, but I actually think it should still be an option.

Before you make fists of fury at the screen, hear me out! In this week's Tattered Notebook, I'm going to look at why this promotion is needed and suggest a way that it actually could work for everyone's benefit.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Free level 90? Heck yeah!

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Free level 90? Heck yeah! originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 May 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-georgesondestiny-of-veliousdoveq2eq2xeqiiEverQuest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iifeaturedmentormentor-systemmentoringsmokejumpertattered-notebookwinbackMon, 02 May 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Dave Georgeson on EQII's Children of War]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/the-tattered-notebook-dave-georgeson-on-eqiis-children-of-war/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/the-tattered-notebook-dave-georgeson-on-eqiis-children-of-war/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/the-tattered-notebook-dave-georgeson-on-eqiis-children-of-war/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Even though Destiny of Velious has only been out for a couple of months, EverQuest II is about to see some big improvements and new content in the upcoming Game Update 60, Children of War. Despite the recent cuts to Sony Online Entertainment's staff, the team working on EQII seems more focused than ever, and over the past couple of weeks, fans have received a constant stream of information on both near- and long-term plans for the game.

In this week's Tattered Notebook, Senior Producer Dave "SmokeJumper" Georgeson was kind enough to take some time to talk about the future of EverQuest II. In a bit of a surprise, he discusses how the team will continue to release Velious content in the form of regular updates rather than a larger part II as originally planned. He also gives some detail on highlights from the next update as well as future plans. Multiple housing, deity changes, the Freeport revamp -- Georgeson sheds some light on all that and more. Read on for the interview!

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Dave Georgeson on EQII's Children of War

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Dave Georgeson on EQII's Children of War originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ages-end-prophecybattlegroundschildren-of-warcity-revampcrystal-cavernsdave-georgesondestiny-of-veliousdrunderEverQuest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iieverquest-ii-extendedfeaturedfreeportfreeport-revampgame-update-60gu60housinginterviewinterviewsmultiple-housingprestige-housingqeynossmokejumpertattered-notebookvanquishMon, 25 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST