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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: The passing of Ribbitribbitt]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/the-tattered-notebook-the-passing-of-ribbitribbitt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/the-tattered-notebook-the-passing-of-ribbitribbitt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/the-tattered-notebook-the-passing-of-ribbitribbitt/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ribbitribbitt
This week's Tattered Notebook started off business as usual. I was putting together part two of a look at the layers of change in EverQuest II through the years. But I was also mulling over a column about the new Hero's Edge items that arrived on the Marketplace; something I had just speculated about in a recent column. There was also the news about upcoming crafting changes to talk about.

And then, suddenly everything gets put into perspective. Ribbitribbitt, the young EQII fan who had been battling cancer, passed away at the age of six. A couple of months ago, the EQII community got a request for assistance in building an in-game playground from his mother, and what followed was an unprecedented show of support. His mother, Myrose, passed along the sad news to the community this past week with a brief forum post, and the community mourned his loss.

In this week's Tattered Notebook, we'll explore how Ribbitribbitt brought a community together, and look at the grieving process from losing an in-game friend.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: The passing of Ribbitribbitt

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: The passing of Ribbitribbitt originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playopinionribbitribbittsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookSat, 26 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Would you leave your current MMO for its sequel?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-daily-grind-would-you-leave-your-current-mmo-for-its-sequel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-daily-grind-would-you-leave-your-current-mmo-for-its-sequel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-daily-grind-would-you-leave-your-current-mmo-for-its-sequel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2 Engineer
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!

MassivelyThe 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetdaily-grindeqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq1eq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-3everquest-iieverquest-nextf2pfantasyfree-to-playguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2mmo-sequelsncsoftopinionsequelssoesonysony-online-entertainmenttdgthe-daily-grindThu, 24 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Peeling back the layers of time]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/the-tattered-notebook-peeling-back-the-layers-of-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/the-tattered-notebook-peeling-back-the-layers-of-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/the-tattered-notebook-peeling-back-the-layers-of-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EQII flying
I was watching Shrek with my kids the other day, and one of my favorite scenes is Shrek's stroll with Donkey when they first meet. Shrek tries to explain how Ogres are like onions and how both have layers. When you think about it, EverQuest II is also like an onion because it has layer after layer of content and features that have stacked up over the years. In fact, some players have argued that there's almost too much to do, particularly at the lower levels.

I have always loved the fact that EverQuest II has been willing to try out new ideas over the years, and some of them have been remarkably successful. But there are a few that have gotten lost in the shuffle, while others have ended up directly conflicting with later additions of content. In this week's Tattered Notebook, we'll peel back the onion and look at the lost and conflicting layers of EQII.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Peeling back the layers of time

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Peeling back the layers of time originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlegroundseqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiiEQII-arenasEQII-creaturesEQII-dungeon-finderEQII-lfgEQII-mentoringeverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playkaren-bryanlevel-agnosticopinionscryingsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookSat, 19 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Learning from EQII's free-to-play model]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/the-tattered-notebook-learning-from-eqiis-free-to-play-model/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/the-tattered-notebook-learning-from-eqiis-free-to-play-model/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/the-tattered-notebook-learning-from-eqiis-free-to-play-model/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EQII marketplace
What a long way EverQuest II's come! If you had said back in 2004 that the game would not only go free-to-play but have microtransactions and emerge largely intact, I probably would have run to get my pitchfork. But here we are in 2012, and EQII's website has a huge green button that says "Play Free" in big letters, with a long list of special deals on station cash and Marketplace items.

In this week's Tattered Notebook, I want to look back at the evolution of EQII to see how it successfully transitioned while gauging where it's headed down the road when it comes to its payment model. The official move to free-to-play might seem like the final hurdle, but I think we still have a few more around the bend.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Learning from EQII's free-to-play model

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Learning from EQII's free-to-play model originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 12 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playnimbynot-in-my-back-yardopinionreal-money-tradingreal-money-transactionsrmtsoesonysony-online-entertainmentstation-exchangetattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookSat, 12 May 2012 14:00:00 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[WildStar to support and encourage addons]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/wildstar-to-support-and-encourage-addons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/wildstar-to-support-and-encourage-addons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/wildstar-to-support-and-encourage-addons/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

WildStar
While some fledgling MMOs may act coy or hesitant about including user-created addons for their game, WildStar is going the opposite route and embracing them full-on. Lead Client Engineer Jon Wiesman penned a dev blog explaining why Carbine is enthusiastically supporting addons for the game from launch.

Wiesman previously worked at EverQuest's Verant and is currently the driving force behind WildStar's UI engine. He reports that not only will players be able to change the look and layout of the UI from the get-go, but WildStar will support Lua to allow for addons and mods.

He assures potential players that creating such addons won't be a frustrating experience devoid of proper instruction and support: "If you can program at all, I promise you'll be able to make an addon for our game. Our commitment is to make sure the process is documented, clear, and accessible. Promise."

[Thanks to Bill for the tip!]

MassivelyWildStar to support and encourage addons originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onaddonapollo-enginecarbinecarbine-studioseqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfree-to-playjon-wiesmanmodncsoftsandparksci-fantasysci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentuiui-engineverantverant-interactivewildstarwsThu, 03 May 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Why I play Star Wars: The Old Republic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/why-i-play-star-wars-the-old-republic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/why-i-play-star-wars-the-old-republic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/why-i-play-star-wars-the-old-republic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

SWTOR
I believe I'm like most people when I say that I cling to nostalgia. I love it when parts of my adolescence are made into movies or video games. Yes, despite it being an explode-y Michael Bay movie, I loved Transformers, and I can't tell you how many times I watched Lord of the Rings when Peter Jackson adapted J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece into a blockbuster. But despite Ghostbusters' status as my favorite single movie of all time, the original Star Wars trilogy had more impact on my childhood than anything else in my life. I still get childhood chills when I think about it.

From the music to the action figures, I loved them all. I still have a picture of me at six years old riding an AT-AT. Yes, even at six, I knew exactly what an AT-AT was. And although I called a lightsaber a light-saver, I grew up with Star Wars entrenched in my psyche. It was only natural that when the video games revolving around the series came out, I would take up that cause. You guys remember the crazy wireframe Death Star trench arcade? You'd better believe I was there playing that.

When Star Wars entered the MMO space, I was there with bells on. But it's not just this longing to recapture my childhood that propels me to that galaxy far, far away in Star Wars: The Old Republic. The spice addiction runs quite a bit deeper.

Continue reading Why I play Star Wars: The Old Republic

MassivelyWhy I play Star Wars: The Old Republic originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acactivisionasherons-callbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcommunityeaelectronic-artseqeverquestfantasyfeaturedgalaxieshyperspace-beaconlucasartsmythicmythic-entertainmentnostalgiaopinionsandboxsci-fisoesony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-the-old-republicstorytellingswgswtorthe-old-republictorturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultimaonlineuowarcraftwhy-i-playworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 02 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: The perils of passive gaming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-soapbox-the-perils-of-passive-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-soapbox-the-perils-of-passive-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-soapbox-the-perils-of-passive-gaming/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Couch potato cat
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

My folks don't really understand my infatuation with video games (and MMORPGs in particular). "How can you sit there and play a game for two or three hours at a time?" my mom is fond of asking. Ironically, this usually happens on a visit that ends where most of our visits do: on the couch in front of the television.

Don't get me wrong; she's no couch potato, and in fact she has the meanest green thumb you'll ever see. When the sun goes down, though, my parents (like most of their generation, I'll wager) park their butts in front of the TV. That I should park my own posterior in front of the computer is exceedingly strange to them even though online gaming is to the 21st century what television was to the 20th.

I wonder, though, if games are starting to become more passive forms of TV-like entertainment.

Continue reading The Soapbox: The perils of passive gaming

MassivelyThe Soapbox: The perils of passive gaming originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchallengecomplexitycouch-potatoeditorialeqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-mechanicsgames-vs-tvhardcorehardcore-vs-casualinteractivitylets-playlivestreamlivestreamingmmo-industryop-edopinionpassivepassive-consumptionpassive-gamingpassive-vs-activepassivitypaying-to-skip-contentperils-of-passive-gamingrantrantsskipping-contentsoapboxsoapbox-jef-reahardsoesonysony-online-entertainmentthe-perils-of-passive-gamingthe-soapboxTue, 01 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Previously on MV TV: The week of April 21st]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-april-14th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-april-14th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-april-14th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Previously On banner
What a week it has been in Massively's world of streaming games! We have a little bit of something for all types of viewers. Hardcores, roleplayers, explorers, crafters and lazy-bums like yours truly: We have something for all of you. Be sure to bookmark our livestream schedule page so that you can always see the schedule ahead of time. It's much easier to plan your life around our videos if you know the schedule early. Invite your friends... we love to hear from new people in the chat room!

This week, we had some EVE Online adventuring with Mike followed by his attempt at Drakensang Online, a browser-based action MMO. Adventure Mike took a spin in the way-back machine and streamed some EverQuest, and MJ scored some time in EverQuest II, a chunk of Vanguard, and Aion. She's been a very busy streamer! Lastly, I took a look at Gemstone IV, a fantastic MUD that almost brought tears to my eyes. Tears of frustration, but many tears of joy.

Let's get to watching!

Continue reading Previously on MV TV: The week of April 21st

MassivelyPreviously on MV TV: The week of April 21st originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionccpdrakensang-onlineeve-onlineeverquestEverQuest-2everquest-iifeaturedgemstone-ivLiveStreamlivestreamingmassively-streamteammassively-tvmv-tvmvtvpreviously-on-mv-tvround-uproundupstreamstreamersstreamingstreamteamtwitchtwitch-tvtwitchtvvanguardvideovideosSun, 29 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: EQII's hidden gems for low-level explorers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/the-tattered-notebook-hidden-gems-for-low-level-explorers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/the-tattered-notebook-hidden-gems-for-low-level-explorers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/the-tattered-notebook-hidden-gems-for-low-level-explorers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Forest Ruins
One of the things I've enjoyed with the new EverQuest II update is how fun it is to get out there and explore the new zones. The Withered Lands has lots of nooks to check out, like the Holgresh caves up along the cliffs and the ruins just outside the Combine Foothold. As much as I like epic storylines and lofty challenges, sometimes it's fun to just mount up and scout out some really interesting locations.

GU63, however, really doesn't offer any new content for lower-level players, and it's hard for someone under level 90 to get around the Withered Lands and Skyshrine safely. But one of the reasons there's not much new content at the lower levels is that past updates have added in so much already that there's almost too much to see and do. Queue up the Bud Light music, for in today's Tattered Notebook, we salute you, Mr. Low-Level Player. You tirelessly work through the Golden Path, but you deserve some cool hunting spots and gorgeous vistas. Below the cut are some of my favorites!

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: EQII's hidden gems for low-level explorers

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: EQII's hidden gems for low-level explorers originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiiEQII-low-level-exploringeverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfearfeaturedforest-ruinsfree-to-playisle-of-maralow-levellowbieopinionshard-of-fearsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookzekSat, 28 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: What to look forward to in GU63]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/21/the-tattered-notebook-what-to-look-forward-to-in-gu63/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/21/the-tattered-notebook-what-to-look-forward-to-in-gu63/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/21/the-tattered-notebook-what-to-look-forward-to-in-gu63/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Skyshrine from Withered Lands
So there I was, watching the server status on the EverQuest II official site on my mobile phone and seeing server after server start to go back online. Game Update 63 officially launched this week, and with it came the much-awaited return of the Skyshrine dragons. But this week happens to be spring vacation week, so as much as I was hoping to see things firsthand, I was out of town and offline as I enjoyed some surprisingly pleasant weather on the beach in New England and in downtown New York City.

Although I missed launch, I got a feel for some of the new content while it was on Test, plus I had a sneak peek with the recent EQII tour, so this week I'm going to digest what I saw, pretend that launch hasn't happened yet, and highlight a few things that I'm looking forward to seeing with the patch. If you're already dipping your toes into the content, think of me, face pressed against the glass as I watch helplessly, and see whether there's anything on my list that might be something you hope to see as well (but hopefully not long before I do!).

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: What to look forward to in GU63

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: What to look forward to in GU63 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aerial-collectionsbillydragon-furnitureeqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-update-63GU-63lumpyopinionpoets-palace-dungeon-makersoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookSat, 21 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE games down Monday for 24-hour maintenance]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/soe-games-down-monday-for-24-hour-maintenance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/soe-games-down-monday-for-24-hour-maintenance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/soe-games-down-monday-for-24-hour-maintenance/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedclassic-mmoconsoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoeqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfpsfrfree-realmsfree-to-playhistoricalkid-friendlykidskids-mmommofpspiratespirates-of-the-burning-seaplanetsideplaystation-3playstation3potbspsps1ps3sandboxsci-fisoesoe-downtimesoe-maintenancesoe-planned-maintenancesoe-service-interruptionsonysony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroestelonvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgFri, 20 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: The curious case of Vanguard]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/the-soapbox-the-curious-case-of-vanguard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/the-soapbox-the-curious-case-of-vanguard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/the-soapbox-the-curious-case-of-vanguard/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Vanguard - magic hour duo
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

"Yaaay!"

"FU-- yeah!"

"Finally."

"WOW! This is the best MMO news I have heard in a long time!"

These are just a few of the comments that greeted our recent announcement of Vanguard's upcoming free-to-play conversion. The reactions were overwhelmingly positive, and Sony Online Entertainment's open-world fantasy themepark was lavished with praise by a wide cross-section of Massively readers. This makes me wonder where all these folks have been since the game's launch in early 2007. It's not like Vanguard shut down and is being resurrected, you know? More importantly, I wonder whether free-to-play can actually save the game from the scrap heap of shuttered SOE MMOs.

Continue reading The Soapbox: The curious case of Vanguard

MassivelyThe Soapbox: The curious case of Vanguard originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brad-mcquaideditorialeqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playop-edopinionrantrantssoapboxsoapbox-jef-reahardsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttelonthe-soapboxvanguardvanguard-f2pvanguard-free-to-playvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgTue, 17 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE trumpets EverQuest's F2P success]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/soe-trumpets-everquests-f2p-success/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/soe-trumpets-everquests-f2p-success/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/soe-trumpets-everquests-f2p-success/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EverQuest - a living legend
How's that free-to-play experiment working out for EverQuest? Pretty well, according to Sony Online Entertainment's latest press release. The company has just published a few facts and figures relating to the recent conversion of its long-running fantasy themepark. Some of the more interesting nuggets include a 125% spike in item sales, a 150% uptick in unique log-ins, and over three times as many account registrations when compared to the subscription model.

SOE has also released a handy video recap for EverQuest newbs. The game has been around since 1999, after all, so have a look at the Living Legend clip after the break to catch up on 13 years of MMO history.

[Source: SOE press release]

Continue reading SOE trumpets EverQuest's F2P success

MassivelySOE trumpets EverQuest's F2P success originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeq-f2peq-free-to-playeq-living-legend-videoeq-videoeq1everquesteverquest-videof2pfantasyfree-to-playsoesonysony-online-entertainmentvideoTue, 17 Apr 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[The Tattered Notebook: The great big news roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/the-tattered-notebook-the-great-big-news-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/the-tattered-notebook-the-great-big-news-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/the-tattered-notebook-the-great-big-news-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

skyshrine
One thing you just can't say about EverQuest II is that there's a lack of news coming from the game. In fact, there's been so much going on both in game and out that this week's Tattered Notebook is devoted to a great big roundup. We'll look at developer remarks on Skyshrine, tweaks to the AA curve, some nice in-game promotions, and a brief commentary about the ProSiebenSat.1 deal. There's a lot to cover, so let's get to it!

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: The great big news roundup

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: The great big news roundup originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playkanderkaren-bryanopinionprosiebensat.1skyshrinesoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookSat, 07 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: MMO tributes to real-life people]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-perfect-ten-mmo-tributes-to-real-life-people/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-perfect-ten-mmo-tributes-to-real-life-people/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-perfect-ten-mmo-tributes-to-real-life-people/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
When a beloved friend, family member, hero, or role model dies, we feel the pain of that loss and grieve in many different ways. Part of that grieving and healing process is often entails those left behind constructing some sort of tribute to the dearly departed. Sometimes this comes in the form of a shrine of flowers, sometimes it's the establishment of a charity, and sometimes it's creating an in-game memorial that thousands if not millions of people will see over the course of years.

So while death and illness are depressing topics to dwell upon, I find the many MMO tributes that studios and even gamers have erected to be inspiring and a celebration of individual players' lives. With the help of my fellow Massively staffers, I researched 10 wonderful in-game tributes that serve to honor the lives of fellow gamers.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: MMO tributes to real-life people

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: MMO tributes to real-life people originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionahab-wheathoofAnthony-StarkArmando-Ossexbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcamelotCaylee-Dakcity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassic-mmocohcovcoxcoyoted-and-dDak-Krausedanieldaniels-questdaocdark-age-of-camelotdave-arnesonddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artsEmilyeqeq1everquesteverquest-iiezraezra-chattertonezra-wheathooff2pfantasyfeaturedFrank-Campbellfree-to-playfreedomgalaxiesgary-gygaxhumorjeff-freemanJesse-Moraleskylelord-britishlunar-festivalmake-a-wishmake-a-wish-foundationmatthew-braggmemorialMichel-Koitermythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyncsoftopinionp10paragonparagon-studiosperfect-10perfect-tenphoenixpvpribbitribbitRobert-Bridenbeckerrounduprvrsandboxsci-fishrinesoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiessuperherosuperheroesswgswgothe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenTony-Starktop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtributeturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineuowarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 05 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Bio break!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/the-game-archaeologist-bio-break/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/the-game-archaeologist-bio-break/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/the-game-archaeologist-bio-break/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Anarchy Online
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!

MassivelyThe 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicseqeq-nexteq1eqoaeverquesteverquest-nexteverquest-online-adventuresf2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playfuncomgame-archaelogistmmofpsnostalgiaopinionplanetsideplanetside-2playstation-2playstation-3psps1sandboxsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentstationstation-accesstelonthe-game-archaeologistvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgTue, 03 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Ultima Online vs. EverQuest vs. Asheron's Call]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/leaderboard-ultima-online-vs-everquest-vs-asherons-call/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/leaderboard-ultima-online-vs-everquest-vs-asherons-call/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/leaderboard-ultima-online-vs-everquest-vs-asherons-call/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Back at the turn of the century, you didn't have the equivalent of cable's infinite choices when it came to MMOs. No, you pretty much had the standard Big Three of network programming: Ultima Online, EverQuest, and Asheron's Call. With the subscription model firmly in place, most players had to choose their loyalty and choose it well.

For today's Leaderboard, we're going to pretend that no other MMOs exist other than those three and see how the 2012 crowd divides up between them. Would you fly your banner for Ultima Online and its enormous sandboxy world? Would you cast your lots with EverQuest, the once great and powerful king of the genre? Or would you throw in with Asheron's Call and its monthly stories?

Call it a popularity contest, a trip down memory lane, or an all-out brawl between MMO senior citizens. It's a three-way title fight on this week's Leaderboard, and only one game will live to see next week!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Ultima Online vs. EverQuest vs. Asheron's Call

MassivelyLeaderboard: Ultima Online vs. EverQuest vs. Asheron's Call originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acasherons-callbattle-royalclassic-mmoeaelectronic-artseqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfree-to-playleaderboardlord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollssandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmentturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineuoversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: A scenic tour of the Withered Lands]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/the-tattered-notebook-a-scenic-tour-of-the-withered-lands/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/the-tattered-notebook-a-scenic-tour-of-the-withered-lands/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/the-tattered-notebook-a-scenic-tour-of-the-withered-lands/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Withered Lands
As we get closer to April 17th, more and more is being revealed about what's in EverQuest II's Game Update 63. Fortunately, much of it is on the test server, so players can pop in, check things out, and not have to worry about an NDA. I decided to head over, and since I already had a character test copied to the server, I was able to get in and see the new zones and some of the new additions to the game. Read on for highlights of my journeys through the Withered Lands and Skyshrine!

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: A scenic tour of the Withered Lands

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: A scenic tour of the Withered Lands originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playhonvar-the-earthcrasherkaren-bryanopinionprestige-levelsprestige-pointsskyshrinesoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookwithered-landsSat, 31 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest Online Adventures slays its final dragon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/everquest-online-adventures-slays-its-final-dragon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/everquest-online-adventures-slays-its-final-dragon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/everquest-online-adventures-slays-its-final-dragon/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

EQOA
EverQuest Online Adventures, the console spinoff of SOE's EverQuest franchise, is counting down the hours until the server is switched off at midnight tonight. In addition to EQOA, SOE is shuttering three other underperforming titles today: Cosmic Rift, Infantry, and Star Chamber: The Harbinger Saga.

Instead of spending its final days in sorrow, the EQOA community joined the dev team for a series of epic battles against marauding dragons this past week. Players have filled the forums with posts about their favorite in-game memories over the past nine years of gameplay. To compensate players for the loss of their game world, SOE gave EQOA subscribers three months of gold-level status in EverQuest and EverQuest II.

EQOA came out in 2003 on the PlayStation 2 and was one of the first generation of console MMOs. For those Massively readers feeling nostalgic or curious about it, definitely check out our series on the game: part 1, part 2, and part 3.

MassivelyEverQuest Online Adventures slays its final dragon originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cancelclosureconsoleconsole-mmoCosmic-Rifteqeq-iieqoaeverquesteverquest-iieverquest-onlineeverquest-online-adventuresInfantryplaystation-2ps2soesony-online-entertainmentStar-Chamber-The-Harbinger-SagasunsetsunsettingThu, 29 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: New details on Game Update 63]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/the-tattered-notebook-new-details-on-game-update-63/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/the-tattered-notebook-new-details-on-game-update-63/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/the-tattered-notebook-new-details-on-game-update-63/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EverQuest II
As Massively reported this week, EverQuest II Game Update 63 is inching closer to going live, and it's bringing some exciting changes. There are new zones, instances, quests, and lots of dragons on the way. For old Velious fans, the return of Skyshrine will be a welcome sight, although there's new danger and turmoil both inside the city as well as through the land that surrounds it. We're beginning to get more specifics on what is included in this update, and this week's Tattered Notebook offers a rundown of what's revealed so far.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: New details on Game Update 63

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: New details on Game Update 63 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 24 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-update-63karen-bryanopinionpatchpatchespreviewpreviewsribbitribbitskyshrinesoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookwithered-landsSat, 24 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vanguard going free-to-play this summer, beefs up dev team]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/vanguard-going-free-to-play-this-summer-beefs-up-dev-team/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/vanguard-going-free-to-play-this-summer-beefs-up-dev-team/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/vanguard-going-free-to-play-this-summer-beefs-up-dev-team/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Vanguard
With Sony Online Entertainment's heavy free-to-play push these past couple of years, Vanguard players hoped that they would not be overlooked by their digital overlord. Breathe easier, heroes, for this summer will bring thee and thine a F2P Vanguard -- and a big push for further game development!

While specifics about the F2P conversion are hazy at the moment, SOE says that players should look to its work with previous MMO F2P adaptations (such as the recently relaunched EverQuest) for an idea how things will go down in Vanguard town.

It's not just going to be a token change for this mostly forgotten title; SOE says that it has assembled a new team of Vanguard-loving devs to generate more frequent updates, including "general improvements and new content." The game's previous update was this past December. Coming on board to shape the future of the game are Director of Development Andy Sites, Creative Director Salim Grant, and Technical Director Todd Schmidt.

The announcement concludes with a promise for team spotlights, more information on F2P, and development discussion to come in the near future.

MassivelyVanguard going free-to-play this summer, beefs up dev team originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Andy-Siteseqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfree-to-playSalim-Grantsandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttelonTodd-Schmidtvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgWed, 21 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week two]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

DAoC
Some of you probably know that I first got into the blogging scene with my Warhammer Online blog Waaagh! Back then in early 2008, I was a veritable Mythic and PvP newbie, and I spent a good portion of the lead-up to the game's release reading up on Dark Age of Camelot. I figured that, after all, WAR would be built on the foundation of DAoC. In a way, it both was and wasn't.

The one thing I never did was actually play DAoC. Older MMOs can be quite intimidating; they have deep-rooted communities and tomes of updates and history, and they were more rough around the edges. Rough in their cores, too, if we're being honest. So the intimidation factor kept me away until this past week, when Massively readers sent me on a quest to Camelot for the first time in my life.

Last week readers voted on the character I was to roll. An impressive 82% of you said to check out the realm vs. realm ruleset and roll a a Midgard (43.2%) beastly (40.8%) hybrid (43.3%) character. After reading some of the recommendations in the comments, I ended up making a female Troll Skald on a traditional server. She may be lumpy and bulky, but I took a shine to her right away.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week two

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week two originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcamelotchoose-my-adventureclassic-mmocmadaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsendless-trialeqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playhands-onmidgardmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyopinionpollpollspvpreaders-choiceron-swansonrvrskaldsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttrollvotevotingwarwarcraftwarhammerwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 21 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 193: Happytime face smiles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/massively-speaking-episode-193-happytime-face-smiles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/massively-speaking-episode-193-happytime-face-smiles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/massively-speaking-episode-193-happytime-face-smiles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Massively Speaking
Massively Speaking Episode 193 asks this question: If we had $25 million to spend on an MMO, how sarcastic would we make its quests? And would there be a special skill called "Fire One Shots!"? And would your character die if he or she were downvoted in a group raid? And would we ever look as happy as the guy in the picture above?

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

Get the podcast:
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Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 193: Happytime face smiles

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 193: Happytime face smiles originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosaction-rpgactivisionamalurbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrantbrianna-roycecash-shopd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiieqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgaikaigothic-fantasyhumorjustin-olivettimassively-speakingmists-of-pandariamultiplayeronline-multiplayeropinionpodcastpodcastingpodcastsproject-copernicusroguelikerpgsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttodd-mcfarlanewarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 20 Mar 2012 14:30:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 193Massively.com Staff01:06:26podcasts<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Should new expansions include old expansions?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/the-daily-grind-should-new-expansions-include-old-expansions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/the-daily-grind-should-new-expansions-include-old-expansions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/the-daily-grind-should-new-expansions-include-old-expansions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

World of Warcraft
When Cataclysm launched, a friend of mine who hadn't played since the days of Vanilla World of Warcraft wanted to join in the fun, but when he saw the cost of catching up -- nearly full box prices for The Burning Crusade and Wrath of the Lich King, on top of Cataclysm itself -- he balked and decided to stick with cheaper games. Blizzard's policy on charging for full expansions long after they were new always did seem weird to me, since I grew up on Ultima Online and EverQuest, whose earlier expansions usually came bundled for free along with the newest one. Why keep barriers to entry (or re-entry) unnecessarily high?

So I'm happy to see recent sales on WoW's earlier expansions and a free Cataclysm for returning players via the new scroll of resurrection deal, but I can't help but wonder whether it's too late. How many of you have skipped over a game because of the cost of "catching up"? Do you think new expansions should always include the previous ones gratis?

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Should new expansions include old expansions? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrianna-royce-tdgcataclysmdaily-grindeqeverquestexpansionexpansionsfantasyopiniontbctdgthe-burning-crusadethe-daily-grindUltima-Onlineuovanilla-wowwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwotlkwowwrathWrath-of-the-Lich-KingMon, 19 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: The touching story of Ribbitribbit and the EQII community]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/the-tattered-notebook-the-touching-story-of-ribbitribbit-and-th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/the-tattered-notebook-the-touching-story-of-ribbitribbit-and-th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/the-tattered-notebook-the-touching-story-of-ribbitribbit-and-th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Lillipad Jungle EQII
Every now and then, we hear stories that transcend gaming and prove that there's something more to our pixelated worlds than uber loot and leveling up. Last week, the Guk server (which I proudly have called my home server for the past several years) rallied together to bring some cheer to a young boy with terminal cancer and to his loving family. I first heard of this story last week while I was at GDC, and although I wasn't able to attend the event, I caught up with one of the organizers this week to hear about this incredible effort. In this week's Tattered Notebook, we'll look at the story of Ribbitribbit and how his mother's call for help with decorating brought on a wave of support from the amazing EverQuest II community.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: The touching story of Ribbitribbit and the EQII community

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: The touching story of Ribbitribbit and the EQII community originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 17 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communityeqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgalleriesgallerygukkaren-bryanlillipad-jungleopinionribbitribbitscreenshotscreenshotssoesonysony-online-entertainmentsylestiatattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookSat, 17 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Terrazas talks EverQuest F2P launch and anniversary celebration]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/terrazas-talks-everquest-f2p-launch-and-anniversary-celebration/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/terrazas-talks-everquest-f2p-launch-and-anniversary-celebration/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/terrazas-talks-everquest-f2p-launch-and-anniversary-celebration/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

everquest
March is definitely roaring in like a lion for EverQuest. It's launching its new free-to-play program, and it's also celebrating its 13th anniversary with a big bash in game. With all of the changes, players are sure to have more than a few questions about the free-to-play transition and the state of the game today. We recently sat down with SOE Producer Thom Terrazas at a roundtable to answer those questions, so read on for details on the new free-to-play plan as well as the Hero's Journey, revamped maps, birthday celebrations, and the announcement of a brand-new server!

Gallery: EverQuest Free-to-play and 13th anniversary

Continue reading Terrazas talks EverQuest F2P launch and anniversary celebration

MassivelyTerrazas talks EverQuest F2P launch and anniversary celebration originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeq-2eq-iieq-revamped-mapseq1eq2eqiieverquesteverquest-13th-birthdayeverquest-2everquest-anniversaryeverquest-free-to-playeverquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryheros-journeyinterviewinterviewspreviewpreviewsscreenshotscreenshotssoesonysony-online-entertainmentthom-terrazastrailertrailersvideovideosvox-serverFri, 16 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: Revisiting anonymity in our games]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/enter-at-your-own-rift-revisiting-anonymity-in-our-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/enter-at-your-own-rift-revisiting-anonymity-in-our-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/enter-at-your-own-rift-revisiting-anonymity-in-our-games/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Rift Ascended
It seems like ages ago, but back in July of 2010, Blizzard shook the MMO world with the announcement of RealID. You probably recall the firestorm, but the long and short of it is that Blizzard was planning to make all posts in the forums display each poster's real-life first and last name. The protests against it were so loud that Blizzard backed down from the move and life resumed as usual.

The intend was to integrate social media into Blizzard games, particularly Facebook, but it became a huge can of worms because it forced everyone who wanted to post on the forums to reveal their true names. But social media is continuing to grow, and there are lots of ways that game companies have made use of it. In this week's Enter at Your Own Rift, let's look at Trion's approach and revisit the idea of anonymity in MMOs.

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: Revisiting anonymity in our games

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: Revisiting anonymity in our games originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anonymityblizzardBlizzard-Entertainmententer-at-your-own-rifteqeverquestfacebookfeaturedkaren-bryanprexusreal-idrealidriftriftconnectsocial-mediasonySony-Online-Entertainmenttriontrion-worldstwitterwowWed, 14 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest's massive 13th anniversary and free-to-play celebration events revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/everquests-massive-13th-anniversary-and-free-to-play-celebratio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/everquests-massive-13th-anniversary-and-free-to-play-celebratio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/everquests-massive-13th-anniversary-and-free-to-play-celebratio/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

EverQuest
In two days, EverQuest will not only be celebrating its 13th (!) anniversary and adding a sizable update to the game, but also will be making the jump to a free-to-play hybrid model. Since this is no small potatoes, SOE has planned a huge array of events to celebrate the occasion.

The fun begins on the Plane of Knowledge, where players can enjoy 13 special quests that harken back to the greatest hits of EverQuest's history. There's also a new raid and the return of 40 events from previous anniversaries to keep everyone busy.

The update has a new feature called the Hero's Journey, which is a guidebook that will lead players through a path in EverQuest. To make things even more user-friendly, EverQuest's map system will see a major overhaul that includes the ability to show you paths to your destination.

Finally, SOE has an absolutely gigantic F2P conversion FAQ that covers nearly every conceivable question about the transition, including payment options and previous status in the game. EverQuest will go F2P starting at 3:01 am EDT on Friday, March 16th.

MassivelyEverQuest's massive 13th anniversary and free-to-play celebration events revealed originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>13th-anniversaryanniversaryanniversary-eventseqeq1eventseverquestf2pf2p-conversionf2p-launchf2p-transitionfantasyfree-to-playfree-to-play-launchheros-journeyin-game-eventsmapmap-upgradepatchraidsoesonysony-online-entertainmentupdateWed, 14 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the Kesmai legacy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-kesmai-legacy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-kesmai-legacy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-kesmai-legacy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Air Warrior
Most studios would be overjoyed to have pioneered one significant advancement in video game history, but then again, most studios aren't Kesmai. While it's not a household name today, it's reasonable to say that without the heavy lifting and backbreaking coding that this company shouldered in the '80s and '90s, the MMO genre would've turned out very different indeed.

Last week we met two enterprising designers, Kelton Flinn and John Taylor, who recognized that multiplayer was the name of the future and put their careers on the line to see an idea through to completion. That idea was Island of Kesmai, an ancestor of the modern MMO that used crude ASCII graphics and CompuServe's network to provide an interactive, cooperative online roleplaying experience. It wasn't the first MMO, but it was the first one published commercially, and sometimes that makes all the difference.

Flinn and Taylor's Kesmai didn't stop with being the first to bring MMOs to the big time, however. Flush with cash and success, Kesmai turned its attention to the next big multiplayer challenge: 3-D graphics and real-time combat. Unlike the fantasy land of Island of Kesmai, this title would take to the skies in aerial dogfighting and prove even more popular than the team's previous project.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the Kesmai legacy

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the Kesmai legacy originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air-warriorair-warrior-for-windowsair-warrior-iiair-warrior-iiialiens-onlineaolbattlefield-1942cd-romChris-Holdenclassicclassic-mmosclassicscompuservedark-age-of-camelotdungeons-of-kesmaieaelectronic-artseverquestfeaturedgame-archaelogistgame-developers-conference-choice-awardsgamespotgamestormgdcgdc-choice-awardsgenieharpoon-onlineisland-of-kesmaijohn-taylorkelton-flinnkesmaikesmai-corporationkesmai-studioslegends-of-kesmaimark-jacobsmatchmakingmeridian-59Multiplayer-Battletechmythicnews-corpnostalgiaonline-game-legend-awardopinionrealm-vs-realmrvrthe-game-archaeologistultima-onlinewarwarhammer-onlineythic-entertainmentTue, 13 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: The Tattered Notebook attends Brasse's community panel]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/the-tattered-notebook-soes-brasse-talks-community-at-gdc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/the-tattered-notebook-soes-brasse-talks-community-at-gdc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/the-tattered-notebook-soes-brasse-talks-community-at-gdc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

holy grail
What do dwarves and Monty Python have in common? They both feature prominently in Linda "The Brasse" Carlson's GDC 2012 talk about the front lines of the SOE community relations team. Given the recent roller coaster ride of the ProSiebenSat.1 deal and the turmoil on the forums that followed, I found it interesting to hear what it's like to be a member of the community management folks as they try to handle being in the middle of it all. While her talk was mainly aimed at community managers in other games, there were a few tidbits that players would probably find interesting and maybe even surprising. Read on for the highlights!

Continue reading GDC 2012: The Tattered Notebook attends Brasse's community panel

MassivelyGDC 2012: The Tattered Notebook attends Brasse's community panel originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 10 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brassecarlsoncommunity-managementconconferenceconventiondominoemily-domino-tayloremily-tayloreqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012karen-bryanlinda-brasse-carlsonlinda-carlsonmonty-pythonopinionprosiebensat.1smedleaksmedleakssoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookSat, 10 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: In like a lion, out like a dragon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/03/the-tattered-notebook-in-like-a-lion-out-like-a-dragon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/03/the-tattered-notebook-in-like-a-lion-out-like-a-dragon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/03/the-tattered-notebook-in-like-a-lion-out-like-a-dragon/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

EQII wurm
With the recent drama surrounding the ProSiebenSat.1 deal last week, EverQuest II's March arrived with all of the fury as those storms that have been pounding much of the United States in recent days. But there's been a steady stream of news that signals a much smoother month is on the way.

For the second week in a row, it's what's going on outside of the game rather than in-game that's topping the headlines, and The Tattered Notebook is ready for the roundup! From poll results to pathing to hints about Game Update 63, we'll look at the highlights below the cut.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: In like a lion, out like a dragon

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: In like a lion, out like a dragon originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 03 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brew-daychronoportal-eventseqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-update-63karen-bryanopinionsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookveliousSat, 03 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest Online Adventures sunsetting March 29th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/everquest-online-adventures-sunsetting-march-29th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/everquest-online-adventures-sunsetting-march-29th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/everquest-online-adventures-sunsetting-march-29th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EQOA
It appears that Leap Day 2012 is not destined to be kind to the MMO industry. On top of layoffs and struggling studios, we've received word that Sony Online Entertainment has delivered a pink slip to EverQuest Online Adventures. According to the company, EQOA will be sunsetted on March 29th.

No specific reason was given for the move, but a farewell letter posted on the site attempts to soften the blow: "This is not an easy decision, but there comes a time when it's best for our developers to move on to the next adventure, and that day has come." In the closure FAQ, SOE also promises a celebration at the end of the game's run.

To appease its remaining EQOA customers, SOE is offering three months of gold membership in both EverQuest and EverQuest II for current subscribers. This consolation prize will become effective on March 16th. SOE will also not be charging current players during March.

EQOA has always been the smallest member of the EverQuest franchise since its release in 2003 on the PlayStation 2. We covered it in our Game Archaeologist column late last year and were impressed by the passion and memories that the game's fans shared.

[Thanks to Omali for the tip!]

MassivelyEverQuest Online Adventures sunsetting March 29th originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqoaeverquesteverquest-iieverquest-online-adventuresgold-membershipleap-dayleap-day-2012playstation-2soeSony-Online-EntertainmentWed, 29 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist reminisces with EQMac vets]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/the-game-archaeologist-reminisces-with-eqmac-vets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/the-game-archaeologist-reminisces-with-eqmac-vets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/the-game-archaeologist-reminisces-with-eqmac-vets/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EverQuest
I can hear you right now: "What, another week on EverQuest Mac? There's, like, six people who play that! Move on to Neocron already!" Oh, be patient my lovelies. I know that the whole EQMac termination/salvation thing is so yesterday's news, particularly with SOE embroiled in a completely different community fiasco last week, but I had one last thing to share with you.

You see, a month ago when I heard that EQMac was going to be shut down, I put out some feelers for any players who might want to share their side of the story. Apparently, this small community is downright fanatical about this game and deluged my inbox with stories and pleas. While it seems like the crisis has passed for these players, I still want to share some of these testimonies with you because that's what this column is about.

So indulge me with one last week of EQMac discussion before we shift our attention elsewhere. If you're curious why players in 2012 would deliberately choose to game on an archaic server with extremely old-school rules, then the answer awaits you after the jump. And if you'd like to try out this completely free version of EverQuest, then head over to the EQMac.com forums for step-by-step instructions.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist reminisces with EQMac vets

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist reminisces with EQMac vets originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alkaboreqeq-maceqmaceverquesteverquest-maceverquest-macintosheverquest-macintosh-editionfeaturedinterviewinterviewsplanes-of-powerpopsoesonysony-online-entertainmentthe-game-archaeologistworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 28 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE president John Smedley announces that all players will be able to play on any server]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/soe-president-john-smedley-announces-that-all-players-will-be-ab/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/soe-president-john-smedley-announces-that-all-players-will-be-ab/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/soe-president-john-smedley-announces-that-all-players-will-be-ab/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I can't handle this emotional rollercoaster, SOE.
It's no secret that Sony Online Entertainment has been in more than a little hot water in the wake of the recently announced region locks that were to be put in place following the studio's deal with ProSiebenSat.1, but there may still be a silver lining on the horizon. SOE president John Smedley tweeted earlier today that the studio has "come up with a plan to allow ALL players to play on any servers they want." While details are still to come, this should be incredibly welcome news for players of SOE titles who weren't looking forward to playing without their international friends.

Smedley promises us that there are "more details to follow," so stay tuned and hopefully we'll have some idea of what's in the works before too long.

MassivelySOE president John Smedley announces that all players will be able to play on any server originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alaplayaculturedramadrama-llamaeq2everquesteverquest-iifiascogaming-cultureindustryjohn-smedleymmo-culturemmo-industryplanetsideplanetside-2prosiebensat.1region-lockregion-lockssoesoe-prosiebensat.1sony-online-entertainmentMon, 27 Feb 2012 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Breaking up the family]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/25/the-tattered-notebook-breaking-up-the-family/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/25/the-tattered-notebook-breaking-up-the-family/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/25/the-tattered-notebook-breaking-up-the-family/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

soe

This is the cartoon that launched a thousand posts. Well, maybe not a thousand, but it created tension on the forums and resulted in a temporary ban for popular community figure Morgan Feldon. With this week's news about the ProSiebenSat.1/Alaplaya deal, SOE fans were up in arms, and EverQuest II was at the epicenter of the protest. There were concerns ranging from account security to quality of player support, but the biggest concern was the fact that there would be a barrier between U.S. and European players going forward.

I've written before about how tight-knit the community is in EQII, and that's probably why you saw some of the strongest protests originate on the EQII forums. That closeness extends to the EQII development team as well. I've been to a couple of Fan Faires and was surprised at how accessible the team always made itself. Combine that with a core community of longstanding, loyal players, and you basically have one big family. So when fans were hit with the second big news story of the week, the departure of Associate Producer Emily "Domino" Taylor, players reacted as if a friend or family member had moved out of the home. What do these two news stories have in common, and what can they tell us about EverQuest II?

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Breaking up the family

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Breaking up the family originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 25 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alaplayadominoemily-tayloreqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieuropeeverquestEverQuest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playkaren-bryanmorgan-feldonopinionprosiebensat.1smedleysoesony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookSat, 25 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest sets sights on March 16th for free-to-play]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/everquest-sets-sights-on-march-16th-for-free-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/everquest-sets-sights-on-march-16th-for-free-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/everquest-sets-sights-on-march-16th-for-free-to-play/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EverQuest
On March 16th, 1999, Sony Online Entertainment launched one of the most monumental MMOs in history, and 13 years later, the studio is taking EverQuest to the next level with a free-to-play model. That's right, SOE's set the date for EQ's F2P conversion to be Friday, March 16 in order to coincide with the game's anniversary.

SOE promises that this won't be the only highlight of the teenage game's big day, as anniversary events will arrive in the game on that date as well.

In the meanwhile, the studio is asking for talented map-makers and artists to submit their own custom maps to be included in the game. There's no specific details yet on this process, but SOE says that it will be asking for these maps soon.

MassivelyEverQuest sets sights on March 16th for free-to-play originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>13th-anniversaryanniversarycontestcustom-mapseqeverquestf2pfree-to-playin-game-eventsmapmapssoesony-online-entertainmentthirteenth-anniversaryThu, 23 Feb 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE opens up about multi-year European partnership]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/soe-opens-up-about-multi-year-european-partnership/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/soe-opens-up-about-multi-year-european-partnership/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/soe-opens-up-about-multi-year-european-partnership/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlinedcuodealeq2eqiieueu-playerseuropeeuropeaneverquesteverquest-iieverquest-nextfree-realmslegalpartnershipplanetside-2prosiebensat.1ProSiebenSat.1-Games-Groupps2soeSony-Online-EntertainmentTue, 21 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist chats with John Smedley about EQMac's salvation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/the-game-archaeologist-chats-with-john-smedley-about-eqmacs-sal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/the-game-archaeologist-chats-with-john-smedley-about-eqmacs-sal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/the-game-archaeologist-chats-with-john-smedley-about-eqmacs-sal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

John Smedley
A week ago I sat here writing up what I thought was going to be the epitaph for EverQuest's odd foray into an Apple-only product, EverQuest Macintosh. The word came down from on high that with the coming of free-to-play, EQMac's diminutive server population would be ushered out the doors as Al'Kabor got sent to the retirement home.

That was a week ago. Boy, what a difference a week makes, right?

Since the writing of that article, we received word that not only did Sony Online Entertainment reverse its decision to kill EQMac but that it will be making the server completely free for its community for the indefinite future. I learned that while under the influence of a 102-degree fever, so I initially thought it was just my brain cooking in my skull. But no, it was the truth. So what happened in the span of that week? Why did SOE do a 180 and keep alive an ancient relic of its flagship MMO?

For the whole, unadulterated truth, I called up SOE President John Smedley to get the full scoop on the wild rollercoaster he's taken this loyal community on these past few weeks. Finding out what he said will only cost you one click. It's worth it, trust me.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist chats with John Smedley about EQMac's salvation

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist chats with John Smedley about EQMac's salvation originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classicclassic-mmosclassicseqeq-maceverquesteverquest-macf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-archaelogistinterviewinterviewsjohn-smedleyopinionsoesony-online-entertainmentthe-game-archaeologistTue, 21 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST