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[Free Realms throws itself a nice big birthday bash]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/free-realms-throws-itself-a-nice-big-birthday-bash/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/free-realms-throws-itself-a-nice-big-birthday-bash/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/free-realms-throws-itself-a-nice-big-birthday-bash/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedclassic-mmoconsoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoeqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfpsfrfree-realmsfree-to-playhistoricalkid-friendlykidskids-mmommofpspiratespirates-of-the-burning-seaplanetsideplaystation-3playstation3potbspsps1ps3sandboxsci-fisoesoe-downtimesoe-maintenancesoe-planned-maintenancesoe-service-interruptionsonysony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroestelonvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgFri, 20 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[April Fool's jokes streak across the MMO community]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/april-fools-jokes-streak-across-the-mmo-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/april-fools-jokes-streak-across-the-mmo-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/april-fools-jokes-streak-across-the-mmo-community/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetapril-foolsapril-fools-dayapril-fools-day-2012arenanetbiowarebrowserbrowser-basedcity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohconsoleconsolescovcoxeaelectronic-artsf2pfantasyfrfree-realmsfree-to-playfreedomgagsguild-warsgwhumorjokeskid-friendlykidskids-mmolucasartsncsoftparagonparagon-studiosplaystation-3playstation3pranksps3sci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feesuperherosuperheroesswtorthe-old-republictortricksSun, 01 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms shows off a new player condo]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/free-realms-shows-off-a-new-player-condo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/free-realms-shows-off-a-new-player-condo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/free-realms-shows-off-a-new-player-condo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

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

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

Continue reading Free Realms shows off a new player condo

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>condodecorationf2pfrfreefree-realmsfree-to-playhousinghousing-decorationhousing-mechanicsmisty-michelleplayer-housingpreviewssoesony-online-entertainmentupcoming-additionsvideovideoswilds-condoWed, 25 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: The sequel!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/choose-my-adventure-the-sequel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/choose-my-adventure-the-sequel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/choose-my-adventure-the-sequel/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Here I go, here I go, here I go again. Girls, what's my weakness? MMOs!
When I was halfway through my tenure on Choose My Adventure, I had already made it clear that I wanted to come back around for another pass. After all, I had a grand time in Warhammer Online, and I wanted to see what would happen with another run through the gauntlet. I hadn't expected it would be quite so soon, but here we are: It's time for a sequel adventure.

And as we all know, sequels have to be bigger. They have to be louder. And they need a bigger budget.

We've got nine games listed past the cut, all candidates for my play for the next several weeks. Some of these games are returning old favorites, and some of them are new to the cut, but all of them should provide for some interesting adventures. So check out the descriptions, make your vote before 11:59 p.m. EST on January 21st, and tune in next week when we kick this sequel off properly.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: The sequel!

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: The sequel! originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allodsallods-onlinechampions-onlinechoose-my-adventurecmacocolumndc-universe-onlinedcuoddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineeq-iieq2everquest-2everquest-iifeaturedfrfree-realmslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroopinionpollpollsromrunes-of-magicryzomWed, 18 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms clocks 20 million players over two-and-a-half years [Update]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/free-realms-clocks-20-million-players-over-two-and-a-half-years/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/free-realms-clocks-20-million-players-over-two-and-a-half-years/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/free-realms-clocks-20-million-players-over-two-and-a-half-years/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20-million20-million-playersconsolefrfree-realmsgamasutraplaystation-3ps3registered-playerssoesony-online-entertainmentThu, 20 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Smedley helps us understand free-to-play]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/free-for-all-smedley-helps-us-understand-free-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/free-for-all-smedley-helps-us-understand-free-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/free-for-all-smedley-helps-us-understand-free-to-play/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Free Realms screenshot
John Smedley has been in this business a long, long time. Under his eye, Sony Online Entertainment has released some of the most influential and controversial titles out there. It should surprise no one that he has had to become very flexible when it comes to his customers, but he's also very decisive when it comes to fluctuations in the market.

One of those fluctuations is the coming of free-to-play gaming and unlimited trial payment models. Of all the audiences in the world of gaming, SOE's tend to skew a bit older. These are players who might not appreciate all changes and who definitely know what they like. And so when Smedley and SOE released freemium titles like Free Realms and rolled out free versions of one of their most popular titles, EverQuest II, some said it would be the end of SOE.

Well, they're still here. And Smedley was kind enough to take some time to talk to me about this very subject. Click past the cut for more!

Continue reading Free for All: Smedley helps us understand free-to-play

MassivelyFree for All: Smedley helps us understand free-to-play originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlinedcuofeaturedfrfree-realmsinterviewinterviewsjohn-smedleyleague-of-legendslolplanetsideriot-gamessmedleySOESony-Online-EntertainmentvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-HeroesvgWed, 28 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive: Referee Ruby plays Treasure War in Free Realms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/exclusive-referee-ruby-plays-treasure-war-in-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/exclusive-referee-ruby-plays-treasure-war-in-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/exclusive-referee-ruby-plays-treasure-war-in-free-realms/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

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

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

Enjoy the full video just behind the break!

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading Exclusive: Referee Ruby makes friends in Free Realms

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Free Realms

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedcash-shopchildrensf2pfeaturedfrfree-realmsfree-to-playkidsLiveStreammark-tuttleMicrotransactionsminigamesSOESony-Online-EntertainmentvideoSun, 14 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Should have played it by now edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/choose-my-adventure-should-have-played-it-by-now-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/choose-my-adventure-should-have-played-it-by-now-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/choose-my-adventure-should-have-played-it-by-now-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I admit it: I stick with my games for a long time. When I step into an MMO, I make it home for a while, and it takes a lot of effort for me to move along. That's part of the reason the games I'm actively playing are generally on the older side -- I've already got a history there. Unfortunately, it also means that there are a lot of games, new and old, that I just haven't had the time to play just yet. So to kick off my tenure on Choose My Adventure, I'm going to kick that straight to the curb with a poll I'd like to call the Should Have Played It By Now Edition.

But which game I'll spend the next several weeks playing isn't up to me; that task lies in your hands, folks. So what's it going to be? Should I stop being the only person in the world who hasn't played RIFT? Will I dive into the free-to-play domain of Runes of Magic? Should I break my usual conventions and take a shot at Global Agenda or get some solid aggression out of my system with Warhammer Online? All of these are games I've only had a little playtime with at best, and in most cases, I haven't even touched them. So click on past the break and let me know what I'll be playing, and I'll see you back here in a week to find out more about my next destination. (But make sure to vote by 11:59 p.m. EDT on June 19th!)

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Should have played it by now edition

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Should have played it by now edition originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allodsallods-onlinechampions-onlinechoose-my-adventurecmacoeq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iifeaturedfrfree-realmsgaglobal-agendalego-universelupollpollsriftrift-planes-of-telararomrunes-of-magics2sotnwsword-2sword-of-the-new-worldwarwarhammer-onlineWed, 15 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: Checking in with Free Realms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/e3-2011-checking-in-with-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/e3-2011-checking-in-with-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/e3-2011-checking-in-with-free-realms/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Representing Massively, WoW Insider's own Dan O'Halloran met up with the folks at Sony Online Entertainment at E3 today to talk about the newest features coming to the popular free-to-play MMO Free Realms. Apprentice Designer Eric Smith walked Dan through the time-honored art of Farming as presented in Free Realms, though the in-game version is much less tedious than its real-world counterpart.

Players are given a plot of land, which they must clear of rocks and trees through a series of introductory quests. After that, all that's left is to lay down some topsoil, plant some seeds (bought with Station Cash or found from plants throughout the game world), water them, and wait for them to grow. Crops can take anywhere between 15 minutes and a whole day to come to bloom, which gives players extra incentive to log in daily and harvest the fruits of their labor. Eric was quick to note that it's absolutely possible to get the most out of your farming experience without dropping a dime in the Station Store, though fertilizer (which makes your crops grow faster) and miracle-grow (which brings withered crops back from the dead) are both available for those who want to enhance their farming prowess. The crops can be used either to initiate a Farmer's Market minigame or for Ranching.

Farming is just the first stage of a planned three-stage process, the second of which will be Ranching, and the third of which is yet to be announced. Ranching will allow players to collect their own menagerie of wild animals, which they can feed the hard-grown crops from their farm. Your farm levels up with you, and as players reach higher Farming levels, they unlock the ability to grow more varied crops, which they can in turn feed to the animals on their ranches. There is currently no release date for the Ranching addition or the third to-be-announced stage of the process, but be sure to keep an eye on the official Free Realms site for future updates.

Massively's on the ground in Los Angeles during the week of June 6-9, bringing you all the best news from E3 2011. Whether you're dying to know more about Star Wars: The Old Republic, RIFT, or any MMO in between, you can bet we'll have it covered!

MassivelyE3 2011: Checking in with Free Realms originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserconsolee3e3-2011eric-smithfarmingfrfree-realmskidsPlayStationPlaystation3previewsps3ranchingsoesony-online-entertainmentTue, 07 Jun 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: Free Realms' Referee Ruby goes collecting]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/massively-exclusive-free-realms-referee-ruby-goes-collecting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/massively-exclusive-free-realms-referee-ruby-goes-collecting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/massively-exclusive-free-realms-referee-ruby-goes-collecting/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Last week, we heard from Free Realms' Referee Ruby as she walked us through the serene joy of farming in Free Realms. This week, we're moving away from Farmer Ruby to something a bit more Rubyana Jones, so don your best explorin' clothes and let's go collect some stuff.

Yes, the focus this week is on collections. The idea behind collections is fairly simple: As you'd expect, you gather things up and hoard them like a packrat. In the case of Free Realms, you're gathering keys that can be found scattered across the world in Robgoblin junk piles. There are eight keys in every collection. And what's your reward for gathering all of them, you ask? Another key! But this one is different. It's probably magic or something, because it unlocks one of many chests scattered around the world, chests which contains a plethora of stylish clothing rewards. To see the system in action, jump past the cut and spend some time with Referee Ruby as she takes you through it.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: Free Realms' Referee Ruby goes collecting

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: Free Realms' Referee Ruby goes collecting originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectingcollectionsf2pfrfree-realmsfree-to-playfreerealmsreferee-rubyrubysoesony-online-entertainmentvideoTue, 24 May 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: Free Realms' Referee Ruby goes farming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/massively-exclusive-free-realms-referee-ruby-goes-farming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/massively-exclusive-free-realms-referee-ruby-goes-farming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/massively-exclusive-free-realms-referee-ruby-goes-farming/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

"This is my farm. It's not so great yet," Referee Ruby says wistfully. "Someday..."

In the first of this exclusive video series, Free Realms' infamous in-game support character comes alive to show us the joys of the farming system. If you've ever liked FarmVille -- or even hoped there would be a better version of it out there -- then you're going to love working the soil here to bear the fruits of your efforts. And zucchinis. And eggplants.

As in real life, Free Realms' farming takes an attentive hand and some hard work. Weeds must be pulled and boulders blown up to make room for tilling, and plants have to be watched so that you can harvest them when the time is ripe. The payoff is worth it, however; crops can be sold to the market for a fair bit of cash.

Farms can be leveled up over time, opening access to more plants and tools so that you can shape the land to your whims. One of the best ways to do this is to talk to Farmer Chug, who has a few quests to speed you on your way.

Bask in the full glory of Referee Ruby as she goes Green Acres on us in the video after the jump, and make sure to check out the new farming for yourself as the game is back up and running!

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: Free Realms' Referee Ruby goes farming

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: Free Realms' Referee Ruby goes farming originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 May 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crazy-eyesdynamiteeggplantfarmfarmer-chugfarmingfarmsfarmvillefrfree-realmsgreen-acresgreen-acres-is-the-place-to-bereferee-rubysoesony-online-entertainmentzucchiniTue, 17 May 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms buys the farm, offers it to players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/free-realms-buys-the-farm-offers-it-to-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/free-realms-buys-the-farm-offers-it-to-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/free-realms-buys-the-farm-offers-it-to-players/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Farming is kind of a hot-button issue for a lot of gamers these days, bringing forth mumblings about Facebook and clicking on cows. Fortunately for players who like farming in a colorful environment but don't feel like supporting aggressive non-gameplay, Free Realms has just introduced the option to work on your very own farm, clickable cows not included. All players will receive their own Wilds Farm to start cultivating, decorating, and harvesting as they see fit.

As is par for the course for the game, the new farming system introduces a number of minigames for farmers to convert crops into coins. Farming will also provide a surfeit of new items available to expert harvesters. If you're particularly taken by the farming mechanics, you can also purchase additional spots of land and items for planting for Station Cash. Free Realms players on the Mac and PC can begin enjoying the little joys of working on a farm, albeit without the backbreaking labor that accompanies a real farm.

Gallery: Free Realms

Player Housing - ExteriorPlayer Housing - InteriorPet PonyPet Spiked Dragon

MassivelyFree Realms buys the farm, offers it to players originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>farmingfarmsfrfree-2-playfree-mmorpgfree-realmsfree-realms-soefree-realms-sonyfree-to-playgallerygrowingharvestingminigamessoesony-onlinesony-online-entertainmentMon, 11 Apr 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE offers bonus Station Cash for using game cards]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/soe-offers-bonus-station-cash-for-using-game-cards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/soe-offers-bonus-station-cash-for-using-game-cards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/soe-offers-bonus-station-cash-for-using-game-cards/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Paying for subscriptions with a credit card is definitely fast and easy, but if you're a regular Sony Online Entertainment game subscriber, you might want to consider switching to a game time card this month! As a way of rewarding players for picking up and paying with universal game cards, Sony Online Entertainment is giving players $10 worth of Station Cash (1,000 SC) just for redeeming a $15 universal game card. The nice thing about these cards? They can be redeemed for either a month's subscription to an SOE game or 1,500 Station Cash. However, to get the bonus cash, you'll have to redeem your card between 3:10 a.m. EDT (12:10 a.m. PDT) on March 17th and 2:59 a.m. on March 21st (11:59 p.m. PDT on March 20th).

Along with getting an extra Station Cash reward for using a universal game card during those days, players will be entered into SOE's Luck of the Irish sweepstakes, the details of which should be out sometime this week. We'd also note that SOE's disclaimer indicates that the promotion is only available to gamers in the United States/District of Columbia and excludes Puerto Rico and other outlying territories. Keep your eye on the forums or the SOE Facebook account for all the sweepstakes information and official rules.

MassivelySOE offers bonus Station Cash for using game cards originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlinedcuoeqeq2eq2xeqiieqiixeverquesteverquest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iieverquest-ii-extendedfrfree-realmsgame-timegiveawayluck-of-the-irishplanetsidepromopssoesony-online-entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesstation-cashsweepstakesswgugcuniversal-game-cardsus-onlyvanguargvgMon, 14 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest becomes ever after: A talk with Linda Carlson of SOE]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/everquest-becomes-ever-after-a-talk-with-linda-carlson-of-soe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/everquest-becomes-ever-after-a-talk-with-linda-carlson-of-soe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/everquest-becomes-ever-after-a-talk-with-linda-carlson-of-soe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

When it comes to getting involved with community, Sony Online Entertainment's Director of Global Community Relations Linda Carlson knows it well. Most often seen tromping around conventions dressed as her beer-craving Dwarven alter-ego Brasse, Carlson was a fixture at SOE's Fan Faire events and author of her own gaming comic long before she ever started working for the studio. As we had the chance to find out recently, this was due at least in part to EverQuest changing her life many, many years prior.

While these days meeting up with someone you've met online is considered fairly commonplace, when you look back to the earliest days of MMO gaming, it generally was not something many people did. Even if you did meet someone from "on the computer," they tended to be folks from one or another BBS -- local connections that were easily made and just as easily dismissed. The idea of not only meeting someone online in a romantic fashion but leaving the country you live in to see him/her was considered completely insane. "What if you don't get along? Or what if he/she is a murderer?" your friends might ask, since this was all really new territory and nobody quite knew what would happen. Still, some early MMO gamers like Carlson gathered up their courage and took that gamble.

In honor of Valentine's Day, we interviewed Carlson about how her EverQuest connection became an "ever after" -- join us after the break!

Continue reading EverQuest becomes ever after: A talk with Linda Carlson of SOE

MassivelyEverQuest becomes ever after: A talk with Linda Carlson of SOE originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acasherons-callbrassecommunity-managementdirector-of-global-community-relationseqeq2eq2xeqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iieverquest-ii-extendedf2pfeaturedfrfree-realmsfree-to-playguild-meetingsinterviewirllinda-carlsonmarriageonline-relationshiponline-relationshipsplanetsidepsreal-liferelationshipsoesony-online-entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesswgvalentines-dayMon, 14 Feb 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's guide to Valentine's Day festivities]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/massivelys-guide-to-valentines-day-festivities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/massivelys-guide-to-valentines-day-festivities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/massivelys-guide-to-valentines-day-festivities/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Ah spring! 'Tis the time when young men and women's thoughts turn to love -- or at least scoring some nifty holiday-themed loot! This year there's quite a bit going on. Some events are old familiar ones that have stood the test of time. Others offer new twists and things to do for those who have been there, done that. If you aren't feeling the love bug biting, there's even the odd anti-Valentine's-type event, perfect for those who would rather rain destruction down on the head of anyone foolish enough to approach him with anything heart-shaped or pink. Curious as to what's going on? Check out our listing below -- and feel free to chime in if you know of a fun event others should check out!

Rip out your Fallen Earth character's heart for Valentine's Day (February 11th-13th)
What's better than surviving a nuclear holocaust and wandering your way across a blasted brown landscape rife with societal collapse? Why, sharing said wanderings with someone you love, of course (or at least, someone you lust after in that we've-got-to-do-this-for-the-future-of-mankind sort of way). In a novel spin on the traditional mid-February holiday, Icarus Studios is presenting Fallen Earth's Valentine's Day Massacre event, and clones everywhere can literally offer their hearts as a sign of affection (and a +3 stamina buff).
Vindictus spreads the love with new update and holiday (February 1st-15th)
Quirky events have quickly become one of Vindictus' staples. Right now players can participate in V-Day events for special rewards. If fishing and chocolate hunting isn't your bag, you can simply purchase a Valentine's Package at the Supply Depot for "sexy Valentine's themed Inner Armor." Cute undies, in other words. Valentine's events will end after the 15th, so players are encouraged to partake sooner rather than regret it later.
Time for love in Final Fantasy XI (February 1st-15th)
Valentine's Day is almost here, that special time of year when you attempt to distill the essence of a romantic relationship into chocolate form. And if you were hoping to escape from the day within Vana'diel, your efforts are rather misdirected -- Valentione's Day coincides nicely with the holiday in the real world, with just as much saccharine summation of liaisons in Final Fantasy XI.

Continue reading Massively's guide to Valentine's Day festivities

MassivelyMassively's guide to Valentine's Day festivities originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionallodsallods-onlinecash-shopChangyouchangyou.comcity-of-heroesCity-of-Villainscomedycostumescovdc-universe-onlinedcuoEQ2eq2xeqiieverquest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iieverquest-ii-extendedewok-love-festivalfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfefestivalffxifinal-fantasy-xiifrfree-realmsfree-to-playfungpotatoheartholidayholidaysicarus-studiosin-game-eventsncsoftnexonromancesoesony-online-entertainmentsquare-enixsqueenixstar-wars-clone-wars-adventuresstar-wars-galaxiesswgtlbbvalentinevalentines-dayvalentines-day-2011vindictusvirtual-worldFri, 11 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MV Guide: February 7 - 14, 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/mv-guide-february-7-14-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/mv-guide-february-7-14-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/mv-guide-february-7-14-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


MV Guide is a weekly rundown of the MMO gaming events planned on Massively's Livestream channel.

Every week the Massively staff logs in to play various MMOs live and in person, and we'd love for you to drop by the channel and visit. We have a combination of regular weekly games and new surprises, so you'll find a variety of games to take a look at. During Livestream events, you can participate in the live chat to learn about the game, ask questions, and spend some time with Massively staff and readers.

Did you miss out on something from last week's events? Take heart -- most of them were captured on our on-demand channel for you to watch at your leisure. Shawn logged some time in Earthrise, Beau treated us to a double feature with both Perfect World and Ragnarok Online, Larry continued his crime-fighting agenda in DC Universe Online, and Karen had some fun with her EverQuest II guildies.

Continue reading MV Guide: February 7 - 14, 2011

MassivelyMV Guide: February 7 - 14, 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allodsallods-onlinedc-universe-onlinedcuoEQ2EQIIEverQuest-2everquest-iifactionsfeaturedfrfree-realmsguild-warsgwlivestreamlivestreamingmv-guideromrunes-of-magiczentiaMon, 07 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dig for Free Realms treasure on Facebook!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/dig-for-free-realms-treasure-on-facebook/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/dig-for-free-realms-treasure-on-facebook/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/dig-for-free-realms-treasure-on-facebook/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Free Realms is already a pretty social game, but SOE thinks it can do even better. Capitalizing on the trend of social networking, Free Realms has launched a Treasure Trader application on Facebook for players to earn sweet, sweet loot even when you're not in the game (or especially when you can't be in the game).

The Treasure Trader has a dual purpose: To give gifts to friends or steal items from them. If an item is stolen -- and really, who in this day and age would do that? -- then the robbed party has 24 hours to defend his loot by correctly answering a trivia question. Of course, it might take more than 24 hours to repair a friendship due to this unwarranted mugging. The more loot that is taken and given, the more players earn codes for rewards in-game.

If Treasure Trader isn't your cup of Earl Gray, you may be interested to learn that a new racetrack is coming to the game. The Diamond Back racetrack is the winner of a racetrack design contest, and will be coming to Snowhill for everyone to enjoy.

MassivelyDig for Free Realms treasure on Facebook! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diamond-back-racetrackearl-gray-hotfacebookfrfree-realmslootracetrack-challengesnowhillsoeSony-Online-Entertainmenttreasure-traderThu, 09 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Online Entertainment announces winner of G.I.R.L. contest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/sony-online-entertainment-announces-winner-of-g-i-r-l-contest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/sony-online-entertainment-announces-winner-of-g-i-r-l-contest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/sony-online-entertainment-announces-winner-of-g-i-r-l-contest/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's almost taken for granted that game design is still a field that's largely oriented toward a male audience. That's changing over time, and the MMO genre has attracted a huge number of female gamers, but there's still a great deal of room for improvement. That's why Sony Online Entertainment has sponsored the G.I.R.L. program, a $10,000 scholarship for women majoring in creative and applied arts with an ultimate eye toward game design. And the 2010 winner of the scholarship has just been announced: Sylvia Liu, an entertainment design student attending Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California.

The G.I.R.L. program (the acronym standing for Gamer In Real Life) has been running for three years now, with Liu as one of over 200 applicants in this year's contest. Each participant was tasked with creating original concept art for a new creature and area in either EverQuest II or Free Realms, as well as submitting an essay about women in the video game industry. Our congratulations go out to Ms. Liu for her winning submissions. Those interested can take a look at the official site for G.I.R.L., which has her concept art on display as well as a short interview.

MassivelySony Online Entertainment announces winner of G.I.R.L. contest originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestcontest-winnereq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iifrfree-realmsgamer-in-real-lifegirlscholarshipsoesony-online-entertainmentsylvia-liuwomenwomen-in-gamingTue, 08 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Empty lots available for decoration in Free Realms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/15/empty-lots-available-for-decoration-in-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/15/empty-lots-available-for-decoration-in-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/15/empty-lots-available-for-decoration-in-free-realms/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

What would you do with an empty lot that you could build almost anything on? Free Realms is interested to see what your answer might be, because they've removed the biggest impediment to building whatever you want: that big, inconvenient house in the middle. Well, to be fair, houses aren't inconvenient when you want one there, but they do sort of get in the way of a giant hedge maze, or obstacle course, or tribute to yourself in real estate form.

There are two types of lot currently available, a Briarwood lot and a Snowhill lot. Each one can hold a grand total of 1,500 items, which gives players more than enough freedom to build almost anything. The one catch is that the lots do cost Station Cash, but that's the nature of the free-to-play beast. Free Realms has always had an interesting mix of elements, both sandbox-oriented and quest-oriented, and this one skews toward the side of a sandbox -- which is what you can literally build, if you so desire.

MassivelyEmpty lots available for decoration in Free Realms originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 15 May 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>empty-lotsf2pfrfree-2-playfree-mmorpgfree-realmsfree-realms-soefree-realms-sonyfree-to-playhousinglotsplayer-housingsoesony-onlinesony-online-entertainmentstation-cashSat, 15 May 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms confirmed for PS3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/free-realms-confirmed-for-ps3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/free-realms-confirmed-for-ps3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/free-realms-confirmed-for-ps3/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Yesterday, we celebrated the first birthday for Free Realms, in which we heard some details on things that Sony Online Entertainment had added to the game to make it better for players. With that said, it appears that the folks over at Kotaku managed to wrangle one additional piece of information out of the Free Realms team -- and this one is a sweet birthday surprise!

Despite many companies considering porting their MMOs to consoles and later deciding to skip it, SOE has charged full steam ahead with their dual-platform development. As such, it would appear that family favorite Free Realms will indeed cross to the PlayStation 3. What's better, they're planning on showing it off at E3 this year! Of course, we'll have a team on the ground at the show to get all the juicy details such as release dates, and whether or not PC and PS3 players will be able to play together on the same servers. Hopefully if Free Realms garners as many PS3 players as it has on PC, other developers will reconsider their plans for console launches, and we'll see more enter the market in coming years.

[Thanks, Amana!]

MassivelyFree Realms confirmed for PS3 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingfrfree-realmsmmoplaystation-3portps3soesony-online-entertainmentFri, 30 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms and 7-11 offer up a special dino-sized bonus]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/free-realms-and-7-11-offer-up-a-special-dino-sized-bonus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/free-realms-and-7-11-offer-up-a-special-dino-sized-bonus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/free-realms-and-7-11-offer-up-a-special-dino-sized-bonus/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Just when you thought dinosaurs couldn't really get any more awesome, the team at SOE have managed to do just that. How? By giving away a free T-Rex Free Realms ride along with the purchase of $10 Station Cash cards at 7-11! What's even better is that this special 7-11 logo colored T-Rex mount isn't restricted to just monthly-subscribing members. According to a note on their Facebook fan page, the promotion applies to members and non-members alike and runs from now until April 19th.

With that said, you'll also get a special green hat for your Free Realms pet dog -- but really, dog hat vs. T-Rex mount? It's kind of a no-brainer there as to which is cooler between the two. There again, you'll have $10 worth of Station Cash to get a Free Realms dog with if you don't already have one. Alternately, you could gift your child with a cool dinosaur to ride in Free Realms, and use the Station Cash for your EverQuest, or EverQuest II account -- so long as they're all tied to the same Station account, anyway.

[Via Brasse]

MassivelyFree Realms and 7-11 offer up a special dino-sized bonus originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonus-itemfrfree-realmssoesony-online-entertainmentstation-casht-rexThu, 18 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms adds new pegasus, horse, ponies, and more!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/free-realms-adds-new-pegasus-horse-ponies-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/free-realms-adds-new-pegasus-horse-ponies-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/free-realms-adds-new-pegasus-horse-ponies-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Free Realms team has been crazy busy at work lately creating all manner of new things that players have been clamoring for. With the recent addition of dragon and dinosaur mounts came the call for horses for players to ride. As such, they introduced new horse mounts, but then added even more fun in the form of pegasus rides as well!

The horses are available for members to pick up at 450 Station Cash each. The White-Nosed Mares are colored in fantasy-like style -- pink, purple, blue, pure white and more -- while the Stallion model features more traditional horse colors like gray, black, tan, and chestnut. Pegasus rides, on the other hand, are available at 550 Station Cash, and come in lilac, blue-black, gray, pink, sea-foam green, and white.

Continue reading Free Realms adds new pegasus, horse, ponies, and more!

MassivelyFree Realms adds new pegasus, horse, ponies, and more! originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frfree-realmsfurniturehorsemountsowlpegasuspetsplayer-housingponyridessoesony-online-entertainmentstation-cashwhite-nosed-mareMon, 15 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms reaches 9 million registered players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/free-realms-reaches-9-million-registered-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/free-realms-reaches-9-million-registered-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/free-realms-reaches-9-million-registered-players/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With the constant influx of things being added to the game such as player housing, soccer, new pets, and most recently mounts, Free Realms has been going strong. Now, we've gotten word that in less than a month they've managed to attract another 1 million new players to sign up and check out the game -- not too shabby!

"With Free Realms, we've been able to reflect the needs and wants of our players by keenly listening to their suggestions and feedback," said John Smedley, president of SOE. "We believe the persistent exercise of capturing in-game research inside Free Realms has been a huge contributing factor as to why we've attracted over nine million players in less than a year. It truly helps us give our players a game where they can do and be whatever they want."

With the addition of technologies like NetModerator to help keep kids safe, fun games that players of any age can enjoy, and the periodic television marketing campaign, Free Realms is in great shape to continue growing. Of course, the fun in-game parties and occasional giveaways certainly don't hurt, either.

MassivelyFree Realms reaches 9 million registered players originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-million-accountsfamily-friendlyfrfree-realmsjohn-smedleykidsnetmoderatorparentssoesony-online-entertainmentFri, 05 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms introduces T-Rex and flying dragon mounts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/free-realms-introduces-t-rex-and-flying-dragon-mounts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/free-realms-introduces-t-rex-and-flying-dragon-mounts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/free-realms-introduces-t-rex-and-flying-dragon-mounts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Traveling in Free Realms just got a whole lot cooler. Today, the team at Sony Online Entertainment dropped a shiny surprise into the cash shop -- mounts! Currently only available for paying members, these new T-Rex and Dragon mounts come in several different colors for players to pick from.

When you consider that SOE treated players to some free Station Cash as part of the recent ConnecDING promotions in EverQuest, EverQuest II, and Free Realms, members may even have part (or all) of their mounts paid for already. (Assuming you haven't spent it, anyway!) In any event, we suspect Free Realms will be full of many dinosaurs and dragons soon -- and perhaps some new members itching to pick up their very own mounts.

For a complete list of features on these new mounts, keep reading beyond the cut.

Continue reading Free Realms introduces T-Rex and flying dragon mounts

MassivelyFree Realms introduces T-Rex and flying dragon mounts originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benefitsbreakingfrfree-realmsfree-to-playmembermembershipmountsridessoesony-online-entertainmentFri, 19 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Are unlimited trials more tempting?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/the-daily-grind-are-unlimited-trials-more-tempting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/the-daily-grind-are-unlimited-trials-more-tempting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/the-daily-grind-are-unlimited-trials-more-tempting/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Free trials can be... stressful. We recently even had a piece about trying to make the most of the limited time in them, if the point must be stressed. That's no doubt the reason why several companies have begun moving away from unlimited access for a brief time, and started to spread their trials out for as long as the player wishes. Warhammer Online, Champions Online, Free Realms, and Alganon all allow players a chance to try a limited portion of the game for as long as they want. And for someone without a lot of time, it's a perfect way to expand your window of playtime.

Of course, if you've got plenty of time to devote to the trial, it's a bit obnoxious to hit a hard limit before having really gotten to explore the meat of the game at all. For some players, the fact that they're giving away the starting area or first few levels tends to imply they're not good enough to pay for in the first place. Do you find unlimited free trials more tempting or less than the traditional model? Or do you see it as a sign that the game is in trouble or otherwise undesirable?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Are unlimited trials more tempting? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alganonappealchampions-onlinecofrfree-realmsfree-trialtdgthe-daily-grindtimed-trialunlimited-trialwarwarhammer-onlineWed, 23 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms hosts Pirate Party and doubles the dubloons, mateys]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/free-realms-hosts-pirate-party-and-doubles-the-dubloons-mateys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/free-realms-hosts-pirate-party-and-doubles-the-dubloons-mateys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/free-realms-hosts-pirate-party-and-doubles-the-dubloons-mateys/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Yarr, mateys! If ye be not knowin' what tomorrow is, then ye obviously must be a bunch o' scalawags. Fer, ye see, tomorrow is Talk Like a Pirate Day, don'chaknow? In order to celebrate th' day o' piracy properly in Free Realms, ye need to be haulin' yer keel to the Pirate Invasion Party this evenin' in the cove just south of th' Seaside warpstone. Th' pirate booty-shakin' fun will begin today (Friday, Sept. 18) at 4PM Pacific, with th' timber-shiverin' goin' on until 6pm Pacific. There be dancin', trivia, an' other merriment planned at th' party, too, for those brave souls willing to wander near Davey Jones' locker!

As if that weren`t enough for ye, this weekend be also th' time when Sony Online Entertainment be offerin' double th' value fer any Station Cash cards ye redeem. So that means if ye pop by an' pick up one o' th' 1000 Station Cash cards fer $10 (which will also net ye a pretty nifty red buccanneer dog hat in th' mix) ye`ll land $20 worth o' Station Cash fer use in Free Realms, EverQuest, or EverQuest II. Pirate fun and double yer dubloons in the Station store? Now that's enough to make any freebootin' privateer dance a jig - without a noose 'round their necks, even.

MassivelyFree Realms hosts Pirate Party and doubles the dubloons, mateys originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iifrfree-realmsin-game-eventpartypiratesoesony-online-entertainmentstation-cashtalk-like-a-pirate-dayyarrFri, 18 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA["Speedway Thunder" update coming to Free Realms next week]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/18/speedway-thunder-update-coming-to-free-realms-next-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/18/speedway-thunder-update-coming-to-free-realms-next-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/18/speedway-thunder-update-coming-to-free-realms-next-week/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


At E3 we found out a little about some future improvements to the racing side of things in Free Realms. Now IGN has learned that a racing-centric update with the title "Speedway Thunder" should go live next week if all goes to plan. Kart Drivers and Demolition Derby Drivers will be able to progress to level 20 through new quests, two new racetracks are going to be added and two new cars will be purchasable. The Garage interface that was previously discussed will be implemented for players to make use of different parts to tune up and customize their rides.

While some upgrade parts will be purely aesthetic, others will be performance-enhancing. The upgrades themselves will be obtained through questing, in-game merchants and from the Station marketplace. Other notable tidbits from the IGN interview include a mention of an "Expert" difficulty level for minigames that is in development, as well as this quote regarding the possibility of player housing: "It's something that we've been discussing internally, and... we'll just leave it at that."

Massively"Speedway Thunder" update coming to Free Realms next week originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demolition-derby-driverexpert-difficultyfrfree-realmsgaragekart-driverpatchsoesony-online-entertainmentspeedway-thunderupdateSat, 18 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2009: New classes, prestige classes and more coming to Free Realms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/e3-2009-new-classes-prestige-classes-and-more-coming-to-free-r/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/e3-2009-new-classes-prestige-classes-and-more-coming-to-free-r/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/e3-2009-new-classes-prestige-classes-and-more-coming-to-free-r/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Are you one of the folks who has leveled your classes all the way to max in Free Realms and are kind of wondering what now? Well, if you're the type who loves progression and really building your character up to be better, you're in luck. The folks at SOE are planning to introduce Prestige classes (much like the aforementioned racing ones) that will allow players to level their jobs to 20, and improve them through further play.

Along with this interesting development, they are adding in some new jobs to the game, like the Pro Racing class - and perhaps a new class to go with the Soccer game (Soccer player? Footballer?) since SOE has let us know that they are finally bringing those fenced-off soccer fields into play. Added to these new tidbits will be further expansion on the backstory of Free Realms, which will explain a bit more about the lands and inhabitants of this crazy fun casual MMO, as well as opening up more story-driven quests for players. Sounds like a bunch of exciting news coming in the next few months! We can't wait.
Massively was on the ground in Los Angeles last week and covering all the latest E3 MMO news coming from the convention. Check out our breaking coverage (or all the Joystiq network E3 reporting) and keep your eye on Massively's front page for the latest developments.

MassivelyE3 2009: New classes, prestige classes and more coming to Free Realms originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back-storye3-2009frfree-realmsmini-gamesnew-jobsprestige-classessoccersoesony-online-entertainmentMon, 08 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms brings new "super ego" commercial online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/24/free-realms-tv-spot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/24/free-realms-tv-spot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/24/free-realms-tv-spot/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Sony Online Entertainment is continuing their Saturday morning stampede with an all-new, terribly silly commercial. This new video is called "super ego" and offers a look at one particularly stuck-on-himself Free Realms character. Along with the above particularly large-and-in-charge character, this video also gives us a quick glimpse of the Free Realms trading-card game, which we understand is selling very well. If you're curious to see more, and see just why they call this one "super ego", click on past the break and check this second video out.

Continue reading Free Realms brings new "super ego" commercial online

MassivelyFree Realms brings new "super ego" commercial online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 24 May 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commercialfrfree-realmskid-friendlysoesony-online-entertainmentsuper-egovideoSun, 24 May 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE podcasters speak freely about Free Realms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/19/soe-podcasters-speak-freely-about-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/19/soe-podcasters-speak-freely-about-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/19/soe-podcasters-speak-freely-about-free-realms/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Always an interesting listen, the most recent Sony Online Entertainment podcast, #59 offers a bunch of new information on their hot upcoming title, Free Realms. A large part of it is a great interview with the Free Realms Community Manager, Jason "Pex" Ryan, who talks a lot about the different systems at work, and ways that their game sets itself apart from other games. There are tons of great tidbits, including a "Top 10 list on Why you should Play Free Realms", talking about the closed beta, and more background on the game.

Aside from that, you'll hear about who shouldn't be drinking coffee, what class Alan "Brenlo" Crosby normally doesn't like playing, Fan Faire talk, more about EverQuest II, Twitter and email silliness - and even more. Be sure to download it and check it out! It will certainly make your daily commute fly by.

MassivelySOE podcasters speak freely about Free Realms originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan-crosbybrenlofrfree-realmsjason-ryanpexpodcastsoesony-online-entertainmentSun, 19 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A new look around Free Realms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/05/a-look-around-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/05/a-look-around-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/05/a-look-around-free-realms/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The Free Realms beta is underway, and if any of the people we know who are in it are to be believed, it's a lot of fun getting to explore, swap around your different 'classes' by changing outfits, etc. We're still waiting patiently to be let in on the Free Realms love here at Massively, so whenever a shiny new video comes out, we're glad to see it. This time we're treated to a romp around the various areas, including a look at a new zone called Merry Vale.

According to SOE: The land where Merry Vale now sits was once barren, mountainous, and unexplored. One day (and no one can truly pinpoint which day), the mountains erupted, and a bright rainbow sprang forth. Curious travelers and adventurers went to investigate, and found the settlement of Merry Vale - home of the fairies. It was as though the place had been around for ages, but was hidden by magic. Now, there is something sinister going on here, but there are too many pretty lights and cool dances to keep most people distracted. At the center of Merry Vale, the fairies put on an elaborate show around the ever-rainbow. "Mayor" leads the ceremonies, but then vanishes - presumably to his office as there's always more to do to attract more visitors. Really, he is the leader of a secret cult.

I'm staying away from the obvious cult-of-MMOs comment here, and will simply invite you to check out the shiny new screens below, and the trailer after the break!

Gallery: Free Realms

Player Housing - ExteriorPlayer Housing - InteriorPet PonyPet Spiked Dragon

Continue reading A new look around Free Realms

MassivelyA new look around Free Realms originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closed-betafrfree-realmsgalleryscreenshotssoesony-online-entertainmenttrailerSun, 05 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Free Realms screens give us a sneak peek of Briarwood]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/08/new-free-realms-screens-give-us-a-sneak-peek-of-briarwood/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/08/new-free-realms-screens-give-us-a-sneak-peek-of-briarwood/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/08/new-free-realms-screens-give-us-a-sneak-peek-of-briarwood/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


With Free Realms now in closed beta, many are very curious to see how things are progressing in this new family-friendly SOE MMO. We here at Massively have been lucky enough to see it on several occasions, and are thrilled at how this project appears to be coming along. So we were extremely glad to see the Free Realms team released seven new screenshots and a bit of information on one of the many zones we're looking forward to experiencing; Briarwood.

If you, like us, are interested in some of the backstory and things we'll be seeing in Free Realms, be sure to check behind the break for their description of Briarwood. Also, be sure to pop over to the gallery and check out the seven new screens, with a bonus of all the previous screens and concept art we've compiled about this great upcoming family-friendly title too!

Gallery: Free Realms

Player Housing - ExteriorPlayer Housing - InteriorPet PonyPet Spiked Dragon

Continue reading New Free Realms screens give us a sneak peek of Briarwood

MassivelyNew Free Realms screens give us a sneak peek of Briarwood originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>briarwoodfamily-friendlyfrfree-realmsnew-screenshotsscreenshotssoesony-online-entertainmentzone-descriptionSun, 08 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Social networking and web-games in Free Realms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/e308-social-networking-and-web-games-in-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/e308-social-networking-and-web-games-in-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/e308-social-networking-and-web-games-in-free-realms/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


For a game that's not actually browser-based (though it will only require a small download and stream content in the background, Free Realms is a client-based game), Free Realms will have an unprecedented amount of browser-based content. Free Realms will have all of the web content you would expect from a modern MMO... and some of the web content you would expect to see in a social networking application like Facebook. Each player will have an online player profile listing all of their in-game friends (with links that will launch the game client and take you right to your friends' location) and newsfeeds that give you information about what's going on with your character. Not even Free Realms' game elements are restricted to the client. Many mini-games will also be playable via the web -- and give you in-game benefits for doing so (as long as you're logged on). So if you played the Bejeweled-esque mini-game via the web during your lunch break, your character in-game would gain ore and experience.

In-game, characters will connect through a non-traditional guild system. When we asked Lead Designer Laralyn McWilliams about guilds at E3, she informed us that SOE is "exploring other kinds of social arrangements, like different types of friends. So you could have your BFFs, your regular friends, and your family." They're also exploring a "club" system. McWilliams said, "Guilds are exclusive -- so we'd like to really recognize the fact that someone might want to be in the gardening club and the dog-lover's club and the ninja club. Those would all have collections associated with them because Free Realms is ultimately a collection. There's a collection of jobs, a collection of clubs... we're all about letting you collect things in the game and show off your achievements."

Gallery: E308: Free Realms


Gallery: E308: Free Realms new footage



Free Realms at E3 2008 Interested in Free Realms? Then check out all of our E3 coverage of SOE's latest free-to-play online game!

MassivelyE308: Social networking and web-games in Free Realms originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basede3e308featuredfrfree-realmsfree-realms-e308soewebweb-basedSun, 20 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Combat in Free Realms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/e308-combat-in-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/e308-combat-in-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/e308-combat-in-free-realms/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Because it's not required in order to advance (characters will be able to level up without ever killing a monster), combat in SOE's upcoming free-to-play MMO Free Realms is a bit different than you may be accustomed to. When we sat down to chat with Lead Designer Laralyn McWilliams at E3 this week, she described the combat system by saying, "Combat is our biggest mini-game." Monsters will never attack you as you're exploring the world -- only when you enter clearly marked combat zones. "We took a very Disneyland apprach," said McWilliams. "You're walking around Disneyland, you see Space Mountain, it looks awesome, and so you think, 'I want to go on Space Mountain!' Our content broadcasts itself to you." In the screenshot above, you see the entrance to a combat zone: a gate clearly proclaiming danger. So like any good MMO player, what do you do but walk up to it and see what dangers await you on the other side? Interacting with the gate, like launching any other mini-game in Free Realms, will give you a choice of several different combat encounters associated with the area.

Gallery: E308: Free Realms


Gallery: E308: Free Realms new footage

Continue reading E308: Combat in Free Realms

MassivelyE308: Combat in Free Realms originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combate3e308featuredfrfree-realmsfree-realms-e308soeSat, 19 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: An overview of Free Realms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/e308-an-overview-of-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/e308-an-overview-of-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/e308-an-overview-of-free-realms/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


At E3 we had a chance to sit down with Laralyn McWilliams, Lead Designer for SOE's upcoming Free Realms game, who gave us a demo of the game and talked about how it's changed since we saw it earlier this year at CES. For those of you who don't know what we're talking about (and since SOE doesn't yet have a web page for Free Realms, the game isn't exactly shouting itself from the rooftops), it's SOE's answer to the success of casual, free-to-play games targeted at kids, like Club Penguin, RuneScape, Webkinz. The result of their efforts? A game that provides players with endless possibilities: allowing them to level up without ever killing a monster (if that's what they want to do!), allows them to switch classes at any time with the click of a button, and provides players with an unprescidented amount of web integration, including mini-games that can be played in the game world or on the web.

Of the MMOs we've seen at E3 this year, Free Realms is the closest to launch, with a beta scheduled for September and a launch scheduled for early 2009. (For those of you wanting in on the beta, attending Fan Faire this year will be a sure way to get in to closed beta.) Curious yet? Let's take a look at the world of Free Realms.

Gallery: E308: Free Realms


Gallery: E308: Free Realms new footage

Continue reading E308: An overview of Free Realms

MassivelyE308: An overview of Free Realms originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Jul 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e308frfree-realmsfree-realms-e308Laralyn-McWilliamsplaystationplaystation-3ps3soeSat, 19 Jul 2008 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: MMOs for your PS3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-mmos-for-your-ps3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-mmos-for-your-ps3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-mmos-for-your-ps3/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Touring SOE's swanky E3 press room, we noticed a trend while chatting up various developers: the PlayStation 3. Though up to this point, console MMOs haven't been the norm, Sony seems to be pushing hard in that direction. The three major titles SOE is showing off this week -- DC Universe Online, Free Realms, and The Agency -- are all planned for release on the PlayStation 3 as well as the PC. DCUO and The Agency are both currently planned for a simultaneous PC/PS3 release (though that may change) while the Free Realms team is planning to make sure they have a smooth PC release before making the jump to PS3. Everyone we talked to seemed to recognize there are some hurdles to overcome to bring an MMO to a console market -- but they were also confident about overcoming them.

Continue reading E308: MMOs for your PS3

MassivelyE308: MMOs for your PS3 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlinedcuoe3-dcuoe308featuredfrfree-realmsplaystation-3ps3soethe-agencyWed, 16 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Online Entertainment shows off its first video blog entry]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/13/soe-shows-off-its-first-video-blog-entry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/13/soe-shows-off-its-first-video-blog-entry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/13/soe-shows-off-its-first-video-blog-entry/#commentsFiled under: ,

The folks at Sony Online Entertainment have offered up their first in what sounds like it will be a series of video blog entries. This first is being hosted by the Vault Network at IGN. Courtney Simmons, the head of PR for the company, chats with SOE CEO John Smedley about the big plans the company has set for this summer. The two talk about E3 announcements, the Comic-Con coming out party for DC Universe Online, hints at what's coming for The Agency and Free Realms, and (of course) a few words about the company's Fan Faire slated for mid-August. The full video is available below the cut - go check it out.

Continue reading Sony Online Entertainment shows off its first video blog entry

MassivelySony Online Entertainment shows off its first video blog entry originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 13 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlinedcuoeq2everquest-2frfree-realmsjohn-smedleysoesony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyvideo-blogSun, 13 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST