Massively

The Daily Grind: Would you leave your current MMO for its sequel?

Jef Reahard — Thu, 24 May 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, EverQuest, EverQuest II, Guild Wars, MMO industry, Opinion, Guild Wars 2, Free-to-play, The Daily Grind, EverQuest Next, Miscellaneous

With Guild Wars 2 in the offing, long-time Guild Wars fans have an interesting dilemma on their hands. Trading up is probably a foregone conclusion in most cases, but abandoning Guild Wars altogether may sting a bit if you've invested a lot of time and energy into the original incarnation of Tyria.

The same could be said for faithful EverQuest fans when EverQuest II rolled around in 2004, and perhaps again whenever Sony Online Entertainment formalizes its EverQuest Next project. For today's Daily Grind, then, we'd like to know how easily you could leave your current MMO if a sequel were to materialize. We know you'd check out the new shiny, but would you leave the older title for good?

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!

The Daily Grind: Would you leave your current MMO for its sequel? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Game Archaeologist: Bio break!

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-fi, Anarchy Online, EverQuest, PlanetSide, MMO industry, News items, Vanguard, Free-to-play, Everquest Online Adventures, The Game Archaeologist

Man oh man, why couldn't I just take a month or so off of this column without getting sucked back into it? Why must classic MMOs be so compelling and newsworthy these days?

I planned to take some time off of TGA while I went through Dark Age of Camelot in Choose My Adventure (which you're all reading, yes?), but there was so much to talk about regarding older MMOs that I couldn't sit back and stay mum. Ergo, I've dashed off this special "break" column devoted to commenting on recent news about classic games. Hopefully this will help tide you over until I get back into the full swing of things in April.

On the docket for today's discussion is Vanguard's forthcoming F2P change, EverQuest's recent conversion, Anarchy Online's stunning graphic engine video, and more!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Bio break!

The Game Archaeologist: Bio break! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SOE opens up about multi-year European partnership

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: EverQuest, EverQuest II, MMO industry, Legal, Free Realms, DC Universe Online, EverQuest Next, Miscellaneous, PlanetSide 2

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.

SOE 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.

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The Perfect Ten: The upcoming contenders

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Opinion, Guild Wars 2, Marvel Heroes, The Secret World, Warhammer 40k, DUST 514, TERA, EverQuest Next, Perfect Ten, Miscellaneous, ArcheAge, WildStar

While I'm on board the Star Wars: The Old Republic train (at least until SOE's Star Wars: The New Republic comes out in 2014 and forces SWTOR to shut down), I can certainly sympathize with the frustration that non-fans are feeling right about now. There are few things more annoying than not being into the latest craze -- or hating it outright -- and yet being unable to escape it.

So I'm here to say to you today that, like World of Warcraft, SWTOR isn't the be-all, end-all of the MMO field. It's a part of it, but just one part, and there are many, many others in the works as we speak. Mama always told me never to put all your eggs in one basket anyway, so I'm spreading my eggcitement across many cyber-nests.

This is the bone I'm throwing to all of you this week: a list of 10 Midichlorian-free MMOs that have me -- and should have you -- extremely buzzed about their development. In putting together this list, I realized that there are so many promising prospects that I divided them into two groups. This week I'm presenting the strongest contenders that should make it to launch with a solid product, while next time I'll list promising prospects that may be more of a long shot. I'm 47% confident that I will not forget your most-anticipated title.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: The upcoming contenders

The Perfect Ten: The upcoming contenders originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Game Archaeologist's excellent EverQuest Online Adventures: The highlights

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Video, Launches, MMO industry, Everquest Online Adventures, Consoles, The Game Archaeologist

In the pantheon of Sony Online Entertainment's flagship EverQuest franchise, there is a whole family of MMOs gathered around the table every evening. There's Papa EverQuest, looking a little wrinkled and worn but also radiating fame and authority. Next to him is Mama EverQuest II, a powerful matron of entertainment if there ever was one. They look proudly down the table at a bassinet where Baby EverQuest Next lies, cooing as it grows into the future generation of this family.

Then, in the next room over is a cabinet. The cabinet is locked. Inside that cabinet is a weird abnormality that certainly looks like a member of the family, but he hasn't seen the light of day in quite some time. He subsists on the scraps of an aging console and the fading loyalty of fans, hoping against odds that one day he'll be allowed out for a stroll or something. His name is Cousin EverQuest Online Adventures, the EQ MMO nobody mentions.

EQOA is a strange abnormality in SOE's lineup. While it was one of the very first console MMOs and heir to the EverQuest name, it was quickly eclipsed in both areas by other games and left alone. Yet, against all odds, it continues to operate on the PlayStation 2, eight years and counting since its debut.

This month the Game Archaeologist will crack open that cabinet and give this interesting MMO a few weeks of attention and care. I think it's about time, don't you?

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist's excellent EverQuest Online Adventures: The highlights

The Game Archaeologist's excellent EverQuest Online Adventures: The highlights originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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John Smedley talks EverQuest, DC Universe Online, and future projects

Eliot Lefebvre — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, EverQuest, Interviews, MMO industry, News items, EverQuest Next

It's impossible to deny the huge influence that EverQuest has had on the face of MMOs, something reflected by its recent induction into the GDC Hall of Fame. According to John Smedley, however, the game is in no way experiencing a decline. In a recent interview, he compares the game to several older gaming franchises such as Dungeons & Dragons, noting that he hopes to keep the game vibrant and updating for several years to come.

Smedley also touches briefly on EverQuest Next, saying that he hopes the team can deliver something akin to the re-envisioning of the Star Trek franchise in the 2009 film. He goes on to discuss the change in DC Universe Online, the possibility for future projects on the upcoming PS Vita, and other projects further on down the line. It's an interesting look at what's next for a game that's defined the MMO since its launch.

John Smedley talks EverQuest, DC Universe Online, and future projects originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Game Archaeologist: Why I write

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, MMO industry, Opinion, The Game Archaeologist, Miscellaneous

We're going to take a brief detour this week from our normal excavations and six-hour-long lectures to address a fundamental question to The Game Archaeologist series. Namely, why write it? Why give attention to games that are "past their prime," have been canceled, or never got off the launch pad in the first place?

It's no secret that bigger games and newer titles get the lion's share of the attention and love. It's how it is, and not just here at Massively. I love looking forward to the next hot thing like anyone else, and I will gorge on all the juicy infos if given the opportunity. Yet it's a little-known secret that many staffers here at Massively are passionate about the old guard of MMOs, up to and including playing them on a regular basis. Bree won't let pass any opportunity to tout Ultima Online's "did it first!" superiority on every occasion, Eliot and City of Heroes make out on a regular basis, and several writers are in group therapy as I write this because of the impending shutdown of Star Wars Galaxies.

To be an MMO fan is to love the genre as a whole, not just one game. Today I'm going to crack my chest wide open and bare my soul to you as to why I write about older MMOs and why they're still incredibly important to our hobby.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Why I write

The Game Archaeologist: Why I write originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Karen Bryan — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, EverQuest, EverQuest II, Expansions, Interviews, The Tattered Notebook, EverQuest Next, PlanetSide 2

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

The 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.

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The Tattered Notebook: Fan Faire knowns and unknowns

Karen Bryan — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, EverQuest II, Opinion, The Tattered Notebook

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

The 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.

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The Tattered Notebook: Fan Faire survival guide

Karen Bryan — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: EverQuest II, Events, real-world, Opinion, The Tattered Notebook, Guides

It's hard to believe, but in just a couple of weeks, Fan Faire will once again be upon us. What started as a simple fan celebration eight years ago has become a massive showcase of Sony Online Entertainment games, fan spirit, and of course, amazing costumes.

There's a lot going on, and the weekend really flies by quickly. Whether you're going for the first time or you're a multi-year vet, this week's Tattered Notebook offers up several handy tips to help you make the most of Fan Faire. Read on for all the details!

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Fan Faire survival guide

The Tattered Notebook: Fan Faire survival guide originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Perfect Ten: Sequelitis

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 19 May 2011 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: EverQuest II, Lineage 2, Neocron 2, Sword of the New World, Guild Wars 2, Everquest Online Adventures, Humor, Final Fantasy XIV, DUST 514, Vindictus, EverQuest Next, Perfect Ten, Miscellaneous

As a long-time movie buff, I've always been fascinated by sequels. I know, they have a terrible reputation and everyone gets this face like he's digesting a porcupine when discussing them, but there's something fun about them as well. I think we always want a good story to continue, to see what happens next, and to answer the question, "What would the first film be like if it were put in the hands of a complete boob?" It would be an entertaining trainwreck, that's what.

Even though the MMORPG genre is in its toddler stage, it's seen a number of sequels, prequels and spin-offs, just the same as other types of entertainment. Video game sequels for hit titles are safer financial investments than striking out into new territory, so it makes sense that MMO studios would follow this pattern as well.

Right now there are loads of MMO sequels and spin-offs in the works -- including EverQuest Next, PlanetSide Next, Guild Wars 2, Mabinogi 2, MapleStory 2, Phantasy Star Online 2, Dust 514, and even a possible Ultima Online sequel -- so it's safe to say that the trend won't be dying down anytime soon. However, today I want to look at 10 sequels that already made it to release and briefly examine how they stacked up to their predecessors. Oh yes, there will be blood after the jump -- and I will drink your milkshake!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Sequelitis

The Perfect Ten: Sequelitis originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 May 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Celebrate EQ's 12 years with a look back and an interview with John Smedley

Beau Hindman — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Screenshots, EverQuest, Culture, Interviews, Massively Interviews

Time grows many layers, and this is especially true in MMORPGs. After all, not only are new quests, stories and chunks of content added to a game as it goes along, but the players themselves add their own memories and experiences to the mix. MMOs truly are virtual worlds, and they change over time and become richer. EverQuest is no exception. After 12 years of adventure, danger, and story-telling, the game shows no signs of stopping.

What is planned for the game? How will the last 12 years affect the decisions for the next 12 years? EverQuest has been one of the flagships of the genre, but how does a game of its age maintain any type of market visibility? Massively sat down with SOE President John Smedley, EQ Assistant Lead Designer Alan VanCouvering, and Associate Producer Harvey Burgess to find out. We'll also be taking a look back at the long history of Norrath and will even throw in some nuggets about EverQuest Next.

Click past the cut and let's take a look!

Continue reading Celebrate EQ's 12 years with a look back and an interview with John Smedley

Celebrate EQ's 12 years with a look back and an interview with John Smedley originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: A cozy chit-chat with Thom Terrazas

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, EverQuest, Interviews, MMO industry, The Game Archaeologist

Welcome back to the Game Archaeologist's third week of our EverQuest expedition! So, OK, we lost a few valued members of our team crossing the wilds of Norrath, but who would ever think that 10 rats could be so vicious when out for vengeance? It comes with the territory, and really, it's well worth the loss of human life if we can educate just one soul on one of the most influential MMOs of all time. Their mothers will understand their sacrifice.

We've already taken a look at the highlights of EverQuest and the perspectives of several veterans of the game, which means this week we must be gearing up for an inside look into the machinations of grinding, hell levels, alternative advancement and DKP. For this, we struggled through the Swamp of Sony to find the ramshackle hut of Thom Terrazas -- and he was expecting us. A fight ensued, with many a chicken flung in anger, not to mention a few pokes in the eye, Three Stooges-style. But in the end, Terrazas capitulated and told us everything we wanted to know.

Thom Terrazas almost has all his SOE merit badges, having worked on Planetside, Vanguard and now EverQuest in various roles. I was curious -- what was it like to be handed the keys to not just a game, but a veritable institution? Hit the jump to see what Terrazas has to say about his favorite memories, the future of the game, and why EQ hit it out of the park in 1999.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: A cozy chit-chat with Thom Terrazas

The Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: A cozy chit-chat with Thom Terrazas originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This week on the MMO Report

Rubi Bayer — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Video, Humor, The MMO Report

This week's MMO Report is full of stars! Star Wars, that is. Casey's top story was the seven-page look at SWTOR's space combat in the newest PC Gamer magazine, followed shortly thereafter by a look at SWTOR's four new species.

The new trailer for Stellar Dawn, the upcoming MMO from Jagex, was up next. Finally, Casey covered John Smedley's surprise announcement from Fan Faire: EverQuest Next.

The MMO Report wrapped up with Uncle Casey's Mailbag and a special surprise. Remember the Red Wolf Hat? Well, G4TV got a couple of them as well, and are giving them away. All you have to do is... well, follow along after the jump to watch The MMO Report and see for yourself!

Continue reading This week on the MMO Report

This week on the MMO Report originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fan Faire 2010: John Smedley and the SOE crew talk EverQuest Next

Krystalle Voecks — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Video, Events, real-world, New titles, News items, EverQuest Next

EverQuest Next, the surprise news out of this year's Fan Faire, has certainly gathered a lot of attention from the general MMOGsphere since word broke about the game last night. Across Twitter, Facebook, and myriad blogs, many people are wondering just precisely what the plans are, and what this new incarnation of the world of Norrath might be like.

Well, the developers behind the game sat down with attendees at Fan Faire not only to show off screenshots and concept art from EverQuest Next, but also to solicit questions and ideas from the SOE-devoted -- and they've captured it all on video for those of us who couldn't make it! While they stress that this is all in the very early stages, there are some great insights on the thinking behind this reboot of their beloved franchise. There's also some information on what players can expect with regard to support for subscribers of EverQuest and EverQuest II once EverQuest Next comes out. If you're hungry for more details straight from the people behind this surprising new title, then check out the videos behind the break!

Continue reading Fan Faire 2010: John Smedley and the SOE crew talk EverQuest Next

Fan Faire 2010: John Smedley and the SOE crew talk EverQuest Next originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fan Faire 2010: EQII flying mounts, EQNext art revealed [updated]

Jef Reahard — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, EverQuest, EverQuest II, Events, real-world, News items

The EverQuest franchise looks to be the big winner at this year's Fan Faire event, as several large announcements regarding the games in the long-running series were featured in SOE president John Smedley's community address. EQ2Wire's Feldon has the details on the short presentation.

In addition to restating the features coming your way when EQII Extended hits in mid-August, Smedley discussed the next EverQuest expansion, House of Thule, which adds several new dungeons as well as player housing and launches on October 14th. EverQuest II players will have a to wait a bit longer for their expansion, Destiny of Velious, which debuts on February 8th. The wait will likely be well worth it, however, as flying mounts will be introduced in many of the game's zones.

Finally, Smedley revealed a presentation slide labeled "The Future of EverQuest" and preceded to show off the first ~~concept art~~ in-game art from the cryptically titled EverQuest Next, which you can view in our gallery below. He also hinted that more information would be forthcoming as Fan Faire wraps up this weekend.

[Update: We received a note from SOE clarifying that the screenshot here is not mere concept art -- it's actual in-game art. Only makes you more curious, doesn't it!]

Gallery: EverQuest Next

Fan Faire 2010: EQII flying mounts, EQNext art revealed [updated] originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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