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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconferenceconventiondave-georgesoneqeq-2eq-free-to-playeq-iieq-nexteq1eq2eqiieqneventevent-coverageeventseverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nextexpof2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewsjohn-smedleymassively-event-coveragepaxpax-2013pax-eastpax-east-2013penny-arcade-expopreviewpreviewssoesonysony-online-entertainmentMon, 25 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PlanetSide 2 rocks: An interview with composer Jeff Broadbent]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/planetside-2-rocks-an-interview-with-composer-jeff-broadbent/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/planetside-2-rocks-an-interview-with-composer-jeff-broadbent/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/planetside-2-rocks-an-interview-with-composer-jeff-broadbent/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2 rocks An interview with Composer Jeff Broadbent
In this post-Halo age, it's hard to imagine any sort of galactic ground battle happening without a stirring score at your back. So the challenge to the SOE audio team and Composer Jeff Broadbent was formidable: PlanetSide 2's soundtrack had to rock so hard that it would bring tears to the eyes of combat-hardened troops.

Whether or not the musicians and audio team succeeded is, of course, your personal opinion, but it's hard not to be impressed with the end result. Broadbent's worked on a variety of projects spanning video games, TV, and film, but PlanetSide 2 is his first crack at scoring an MMO.

We talked with Broadbent about his inspirations, experiences on the project, and his take on the end result. Read on and be enlightened!

Continue reading PlanetSide 2 rocks: An interview with composer Jeff Broadbent

MassivelyPlanetSide 2 rocks: An interview with composer Jeff Broadbent originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>composercomposersfeaturedfpsgame-musicjeff-broadbentjohn-smedleyjukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettimmo-jukeboxmmo-musicmmo-shootermmofpsmusicopinionplanetsideplanetside-2ps2rodney-gatessandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentsoundtracksoundtracksSun, 10 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE lawyering up in its fight against PlanetSide 2 cheaters]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/soe-lawyering-up-in-its-fight-against-planetside-2-cheaters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/soe-lawyering-up-in-its-fight-against-planetside-2-cheaters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/soe-lawyering-up-in-its-fight-against-planetside-2-cheaters/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2 key art
SOE prez John Smedley took to the Reddits yesterday to elaborate on the firm's banning policy as it relates to PlanetSide 2. Smedley dispelled the myth of the 7-day ban, saying that there are week-long suspensions for rule-breaking, after which SOE GMs more closely monitor the miscreant to "make sure we're satisfied they are cheating."

Smedley also says that the cat-and-mouse routine is here to stay. "The fight against cheaters is not a war we will ever be finished with," he said, before explaining that the reason it takes longer to ban cheaters than some honest players might like is because the devs "don't want to falsely accuse people without solid proof."

Finally, Smedley hints that SOE is lawyering up against the major cheat-producing sites. "We have the resources to fight this fight and we will keep doing it," he wrote.

MassivelySOE lawyering up in its fight against PlanetSide 2 cheaters originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheatersfpsjohn-smedleymmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2planetside-2-cheatersps2ps2-cheaterssandboxsci-fishootersmedleysoesonysony-online-entertainmentWed, 27 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Origin stories of modern MMO studios]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/the-game-archaeologist-origin-stories-of-modern-mmo-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/the-game-archaeologist-origin-stories-of-modern-mmo-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/the-game-archaeologist-origin-stories-of-modern-mmo-studios/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Game Archaeologist Origin stories of modern MMO studios
A good origin story always captivates me, especially when it gives me a new perspective on something I've come to appreciate over the years. I love looking back at actors' first few films or hearing about how, say, Atari and Microsoft got their start.

With MMO studios, these origin stories abound and are equally fascinating to me. For example, who would've known that the makers of a couple of SNES titles would one day be running the largest MMO in the world? Or what if few gaming hobbyists in the '80s hadn't created MUDs and then gone on to revolutionize online PvP play?

Today we're going to go back to the very beginning of several modern MMO studios to see when and how they came into being. Who knows... it might change how you see them forever.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Origin stories of modern MMO studios

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Origin stories of modern MMO studios originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aolatariAugustine-YipbiowareblizzardBrad-McQuaidclassicclassic-mmosclassicsdaocdark-age-of-camelotfeaturedfuncomgame-archaelogistgenieGreg-Zeschukid4-onlinejohn-smedleymark-jacobsmicrosoftmythicnostalgiaopinionRay-Muzykasilicon-and-synapsesoesony-online-entertainmentSteve-Cloverthe-game-archaeologistverantverant-interactivewarcraftSat, 23 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Smedley announces PlanetSide 2 server merges]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/smedley-announces-planetside-2-server-merges/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/smedley-announces-planetside-2-server-merges/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/smedley-announces-planetside-2-server-merges/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

PlanetSide 2
PlanetSide 2's servers are going to get a bit cozier in the not-too-distant future. SOE CEO John Smedley announced upcoming server merges on Twitter today. "Server merges soon. Info coming by Monday. No server transfers coming till after that's done. Wouldn't be right doing it the other way around."

While we'll have to wait for more information, Smedley did say that "too many people went to some servers and not as many went to others" and that this should in not be seen as a sign that the game hasn't been as successful as might have been hoped.

MassivelySmedley announces PlanetSide 2 server merges originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Tattered Notebook - Ratonga header
I was going to update you fine folk on my adventures in rolling my 17,000th EverQuest II alt for this week's Tattered Notebook, but SOE decided to drop a Fan Faire Live date on us, which sort of mucked up my nefarious plans.

Why do we care about SOE Live? Well, there are multiple reasons, but the most important one is that instead of having to wait until October, we now get to see (and touch!) EverQuest Next in early August!

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: What I want to see in EverQuest Next

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: What I want to see in EverQuest Next originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 09 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq2eq2-housingeqiieqneqnexteqnext-heritageeqnext-revealeverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nextf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playheritage-questshousingjohn-smedleymmo-storyopinionpersonal-storysoesoe-livesoe-live-2012soe-live-2013sonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebook-jef-reahardvoice-actingvoipSat, 09 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE's Smedley and Higby on PlanetSide 2's e-sports evolution]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/26/soes-smedley-and-higby-on-planetside-2s-e-sports-evolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/26/soes-smedley-and-higby-on-planetside-2s-e-sports-evolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/26/soes-smedley-and-higby-on-planetside-2s-e-sports-evolution/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2 - Vanu attack
Yesterday we told you about SOE's new PlanetSide 2-focused partnership with Major League Gaming. Following the announcement, Joystiq scribe Mike Schramm managed to corner principals from both companies at Friday's PlanetSide 2 Ultimate Showdown event in LA to ask what, exactly, is in store for fans of Auraxian e-sports.

Join us after the break as CEO John Smedley, creative director Matt Higby, and MLG's Sundance DiGiovanni give us an early look at PS2's competitive evolution.

Continue reading SOE's Smedley and Higby on PlanetSide 2's e-sports evolution

MassivelySOE's Smedley and Higby on PlanetSide 2's e-sports evolution originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-sportsfeaturedfpsinterviewinterviewsjohn-smedleymajor-league-gamingmatt-higbymlgmmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2planetside-2-e-sportspreviewpreviewsps2ps2-e-sportssandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentSat, 26 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Smedley talks players as content, hints at EQNext 'actual release version']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/smedley-talks-players-as-content-hints-at-eqnext-actual-releas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/smedley-talks-players-as-content-hints-at-eqnext-actual-releas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/smedley-talks-players-as-content-hints-at-eqnext-actual-releas/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Smedley talks players as content, hints at EQNext 'actual release version'SOE CEO John Smedley recently talked to Gamasutra about his company's free-to-play business makeover and a new focus on players-as-content.

"Everybody is content for everyone else," Smedley said. "That's the core of our strategy moving forward. A simple way to put it is: By allowing players to interact with each other, we're providing tools. It's like we're building a gladiator arena and throwing in the swords... We might bust the tigers out or bring in new kinds of weapons, like a tank. In my opinion, the days when companies can make content [generation] the number one strategy, in the kinds of games we make, are over, because we can't win the war. Star Wars:The Old Republic proved that. Players bought it, loved it, and they played the game. Then they left."

Smedley also hinted that SOE's long-awaited EQNext project may be closer to fruition than many folks expect. While we've known for some time now to expect a playable demo of the fantasy sandbox at this fall's SOE Live convention, Smedley's comments to Gamasutra will probably invite plenty of speculation.

"Players will get their hands on an actual release version of what we're doing late [this] year -- and I don't mean a beta," he said.

MassivelySmedley talks players as content, hints at EQNext 'actual release version' originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some Assembly Required - Architectual plans
What a difference a year makes, amirite? This time twelve months ago, I was licking the wounds brought on by Star Wars Galaxies' unceremonious and premature departure from the MMO scene. It was bad enough that a profitable title was sacrificed in order to clear a path for one of 2012's biggest disappointments, but it was worse that said title was the premier sandbox in the genre's history.

Frankly, the last few years have been abysmal for fans of non-linear MMOs and player-generated content, but thankfully, 2012 righted the ship and gave us more than a bit of hope for 2013.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Six reasons to love sandboxes in 2013

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Six reasons to love sandboxes in 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013-sandboxaaage-of-wulinage-of-wushuagonarche-agearcheageasiaaventurinechinachinesechinese-mmodarkfalldfeqeq-nexteqneverquesteverquest-nextfantasyfeaturedgame-mechanicsgpotatogvgjet-lijohn-smedleykidnappingmartial-artsming-dynastyopen-pvpopinionpgcplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentpvpsandboxsandbox-2013sandboxes-in-2013sandparksarsix-reasons-to-love-sandboxes-in-2013snail-gamessnail-games-usasoesome-assembly-requiredsony-online-entertainmentstar-citizenthe-repopulationwushuwuxiaxl-gamesxlgamesFri, 21 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: My biggest gaming moments in 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/the-perfect-ten-my-biggest-gaming-moments-in-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/the-perfect-ten-my-biggest-gaming-moments-in-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/the-perfect-ten-my-biggest-gaming-moments-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten My biggest gaming moments in 2012
I am a complete sucker for three things: novelty soft drink flavors, Tom Servo's singing voice in MST3K, and end-of-the-year lists. Egads, I love the end of the year just for the lists alone. Everyone does them (copycats!), and I like to see how my opinions stack up against them. Plus, often I learn of cool things that happened or came out during the past year that I missed.

So this is my list. My end-of-2012 list. I am devoting the 26th Perfect Ten of 2012 to the top 10 moments in MMO gaming and blogging. It was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, and looking back, I don't think I could've predicted half of the major events that happened in this industry. That's what I like about this gig: It keeps me on my toes.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: My biggest gaming moments in 2012

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: My biggest gaming moments in 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosanetarenanetbiowarebuy-to-playcamelotcity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassic-mmocohcovcoxdaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artseqeq1eqmaceverquesteverquest-macintoshf2pfactionfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomfuncomguild-wars-2gw2horrorhumorjohn-smedleylucasartsmst3kmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyncsoftopinionp10paragonparagon-studiosperfect-10perfect-tenproject-copernicuspvprounduprvrsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldskill-basedsoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubscriptionlesssuperherosuperheroesswtorthe-old-republicthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenthe-secret-worldtom-servotop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtortswThu, 20 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[70% of DCUO's revenue on PlayStation 3, Smedley mum on PlanetSide 2 console port [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/70-of-soes-revenue-on-playstation-3-smedley-mum-on-planetside/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/70-of-soes-revenue-on-playstation-3-smedley-mum-on-planetside/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/70-of-soes-revenue-on-playstation-3-smedley-mum-on-planetside/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2 - TR Sundy
Would you believe that 70% of DC Universe Online's revenue comes from the PlayStation 3 version of the game? According to the UK version of the official PlayStation magazine, the superhero title and Sony Online Entertainment's Free Realms could possibly be joined on the PS3 by PlanetSide 2 in the future.

When asked directly about the possibility of the new sci-fi MMOFPS showing up on a console, SOE president John Smedley offered an artful deflection. "What I'd say is -- SOE has proven that we can bring our games to the PS3, and it's fair to say that we've got some other stuff out there cooking. I can't tell you what platforms it's for, but we're really excited about it."

[Update: We have corrected the 70% figure quoted directly from PlayStation magazine. According to SOE, Smedley intended to say that the percentage refers to DCUO's revenue, not SOE's revenue as a whole.]

Massively70% of DCUO's revenue on PlayStation 3, Smedley mum on PlanetSide 2 console port [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Dec 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedconsoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuof2pfpsfrfree-realmsfree-to-playjohn-smedleykid-friendlykidskids-mmommo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2playstation-3playstation3ps2ps3sandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroesWed, 19 Dec 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Smedley: MMOs are stuck in an EQ-inspired rut, 'nothing more than a movie set']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/smedley-mmos-are-stuck-in-an-eq-inspired-rut-nothing-more-tha/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/smedley-mmos-are-stuck-in-an-eq-inspired-rut-nothing-more-tha/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/smedley-mmos-are-stuck-in-an-eq-inspired-rut-nothing-more-tha/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

John Smedley preaching
John Smedley's MMO revival tour continues, with the latest stop being an interview at Polygon. The SOE CEO lends some context to impressive numbers recently released by the firm touting the success of its new business model intiative, and he also evangelized about the future of the company and EverQuest Next.

Since switching to F2P across its extensive MMO portfolio, SOE has seen DC Universe's daily revenue increase by 700%, EverQuest II's registration numbers triple, and EverQuest's registration numbers tick up by 350%. Oh, and PlanetSide 2? It's seen 1.6 million players registered thus far, 250,000 of whom log in daily. "Free-to-play is just too good of an idea," Smedley says. "The idea is just so simple. It democratizes and capitalizes, makes true capitalism out of the MMO gaming space."

He goes on to say that the MMO industry is stuck in a rut that SOE helped create via design choices made in the original EQ. "We need to change the way we do this," Smedley says. "We're building a sandbox and giving players the tools to help shape the world that they're in. That's the direction we're going in with EverQuest Next; trying to make a world that players create while being in a living, breathing world around them. It's not just a prop for them to walk around in, which is really what all of today's MMOs are. Their worlds are nothing more than a movie set."

MassivelySmedley: MMOs are stuck in an EQ-inspired rut, 'nothing more than a movie set' originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoeqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq1eq2eqiieqneverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nextf2pfantasyfree-to-playjohn-smedleyplanetside-2-populationplanetside-2-user-numbersplaystation-3playstation3ps3sandboxsmedleysoesonysony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroesTue, 18 Dec 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PlanetSide 2 releases first update, promises tutorial and player input]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/planetside-2-releases-first-update-promises-tutorial-and-player/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/planetside-2-releases-first-update-promises-tutorial-and-player/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/planetside-2-releases-first-update-promises-tutorial-and-player/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2 releases first update, promises tutorial and player input
Even though the best-laid plans are thrown out the window in the first moments of battle, PlanetSide 2's devs are forging ahead the best they can. The team released the first update for the game yesterday, adding horns to vehicles, allowing players to make multiple characters on a server, and inserting seven new weapons for all of the factions.

That's only the tip of the update iceberg, according to SOE President John Smedley. Speaking with PC Gamer, Smedley said that the future development of the game will largely be guided by player input. "We've changed so much about the game based on player feedback," he said, "so we're definitely going to do the same thing with our six-month plans. Players are paying the bills, so as far as I'm concerned that puts them in the driver's seat."

Smedley said that we'll be hearing more of PlanetSide 2's next stage come January. He did drop news of one important feature: a tutorial that should be hitting the game in February.

Also, some clever players dug up an interesting secret: PlanetSide 2 will offer triple Station Cash points Friday, December 21st. Smedley confirmed this on Twitter. [Thanks to Steve for the tip!]

MassivelyPlanetSide 2 releases first update, promises tutorial and player input originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsinterviewjohn-smedleymmo-shootermmofpspatchplanetsideplanetside-2previewps2sandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentupdateupdate-1Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Smedley on EverQuest Next and defining the next generation of MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/smedley-talks-about-everquest-next/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/smedley-talks-about-everquest-next/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/smedley-talks-about-everquest-next/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

it's a map!
The new design for EverQuest Next has recently been shared internally with SOE staff, bringing the game closer than ever before to being A Thing. SOE President John Smedley talked with PC Gamer about his hopes for the game.

Two previous designs for EQ Next have been scrapped because they were too close to the source. Smedley said that "the previous designs [SOE] had for the next EverQuest were cookie-cutter, they were 'me too.'" He admitted to being nervous before showing off the newest designs to the staff but that in the end, he felt "vindicated" by SOE's warm reception. "We're not trying to make [World of Warcraft] 2 or EverQuest 2.5 -- we're making something that we think will define the next generation of MMOs."

MassivelySmedley on EverQuest Next and defining the next generation of MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeq-nexteqneverquesteverquest-nextfantasyinterviewjohn-smedleypc-gamersmedleysoesony-online-entertainmentworld-of-warcraft-2wow-2Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Smedley: Social network games not in SOE's future, PlanetSide 2 doing 'very well']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/smedley-social-network-games-not-in-soes-future-planetside-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/smedley-social-network-games-not-in-soes-future-planetside-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/smedley-social-network-games-not-in-soes-future-planetside-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2 - Galaxy devil girl
How successful is PlanetSide 2? "I can't give away revenue numbers, but it is doing an order of magnitude greater revenue daily than any of our other titles," SOE president John Smedley tells GamesIndustry.biz. "It is really doing very well."

He also hints at SOE's future, which is not likely to include social games or Facebook titles. "I gotta tell you, I'm not a fan of the Facebook game. To me, they're monetization vehicles and not the kind of games I want to play or make. That's just me personally. So we'll stick to what we do best," he says.

MassivelySmedley: Social network games not in SOE's future, PlanetSide 2 doing 'very well' originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualcasual-gamesfacebookfacebook-gamesfpsjohn-smedleymmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2ps2sandboxsci-fishootersmedleysocialsocial-gamessoesonysony-online-entertainmentWed, 12 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlanetSide 2 state of the game talks infantry render fixes, six-month roadmap]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/planetside-2-state-of-the-game-talks-infantry-render-fixes-six/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/planetside-2-state-of-the-game-talks-infantry-render-fixes-six/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/planetside-2-state-of-the-game-talks-infantry-render-fixes-six/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2 - Esamir sundown
SOE prez John Smedley has taken to the official PlanetSide 2 forums to deliver a brief state-of-the-game address. Actually, he took to the boards to do so last night, but we were asleep fragging it up on Esamir at the time so we missed it.

In any event, Smedley mentions this weekend's double XP boost as well as the fact that "client crashes are down 95 percent." He says that PS2's stability is coming along nicely and that there's another patch coming next week which will address more bugs. It will also bring "big improvements" to the infantry render distance issue which has been ongoing since launch.

There's also talk of the game's six-month plan, which SOE will reveal in January and which includes orbital strikes, vehicle transport, "and other fun things." Smedley also reiterates that players will have some say in PS2's roadmap. "It's not written in stone and you're going to have the opportunity to weigh in and have us change it based on your collective feedback," he writes.

MassivelyPlanetSide 2 state of the game talks infantry render fixes, six-month roadmap originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsinfantry-renderingjohn-smedleymmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2planetside-2-state-of-the-gameps2sandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentFri, 07 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Banning aimbotters in the age of F2P]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/the-firing-line-banning-aimbotters-in-the-age-of-f2p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/the-firing-line-banning-aimbotters-in-the-age-of-f2p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/the-firing-line-banning-aimbotters-in-the-age-of-f2p/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line 6
Sony Online Entertainment president John Smedley made headlines this week when he smacked down hackers, aimbotters, and various PlanetSide 2 ne'er-do-wells via his Twitter feed.

Aside from the comedy value inherent in the CEO of a major corporation engaging in a public joust with employment-challenged neckbeards, the incident resonates because it shines a spotlight on the herculean task facing SOE and any other developer that decides to enter the skill-based competitive gaming realm.

Continue reading The Firing Line: Banning aimbotters in the age of F2P

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Banning aimbotters in the age of F2P originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Dec 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aimbotaimbotsbusiness-modelscheatingfeaturedfpshackingjohn-smedleymmo-shootermmofpsopinionplanetsideplanetside-2planetside-2-aimbotplanetside-2-bansps2pvpsandboxsci-fishootersmedleysoesonysony-online-entertainmenttflthe-firing-linetpsFri, 07 Dec 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Smedley slams aimbotters, teases new PlanetSide 2 weapons]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/smedley-teases-new-planetside-2-weapons-slams-aimbotters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/smedley-teases-new-planetside-2-weapons-slams-aimbotters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/smedley-teases-new-planetside-2-weapons-slams-aimbotters/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2 rocket launcher that never works because of flares
SOE president John Smedley lit his Twitter account on fire last night with some pointed comments directed at PlanetSide 2 aimbotters. "Haruhi at artificialaiming.com was just banned. All three of his accounts. Goodbye you scumbag. Find a new hobby or get good at the game," Smedley wrote.

"As they develop hacks we will break the hacks. We have time and great people. Trust that this is a top priority. Hackers will not win," he continued. Smedley also revealed that new weapons are coming to the sci-fi MMOFPS in short order, including anti-vehicle and anti-air variants.

MassivelySmedley slams aimbotters, teases new PlanetSide 2 weapons originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smedley clarifies PlanetSide 2's longterm plans 'NPCs aren't on the table'
Yesterday a bunch of game news sites reported on PlanetSide 2's ambitious long-term plans as quoted from a lengthy post by SOE CEO John Smedley. It was pretty exciting stuff even though the information has been live on Smedley's blog since August of 2012.

His treatise mentioned player-owned bases, harvestables, seamless bodies of water between continents (and water-based vehicles), dynamic weather, e-sports support, and NPCs. This last bit led to some hand-wringing by PS2's hardcore PvP faithful, so we reached out to Smedley in order to set the record straight and determine whether or not the features mentioned five months ago are still in the works. "A lot of it is still being considered," he said. "We are going to tell the community about our longer term plan and let them have a very big say in where we go."

What about NPCs and PvE, though? "NPCs aren't on the table for a long time, if ever," Smedley told us.

MassivelySmedley clarifies PlanetSide 2's long-term plans: 'NPCs aren't on the table' originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 01 Dec 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingfpsjohn-smedleyjohn-smedley-interviewmmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2planetside-2-npcsplanetside-2-pveps2sandboxsci-fishootersmedleysoesonysony-online-entertainmentSat, 01 Dec 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Smedley tweet reveals PlanetSide 2 fleet carrier]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/smedley-tweet-reveals-planetside-2-fleet-carrier/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/smedley-tweet-reveals-planetside-2-fleet-carrier/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/smedley-tweet-reveals-planetside-2-fleet-carrier/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Smedley tweet reveals PlanetSide 2 fleet carrier
One of PlanetSide 2's pre-release marketing slogans was "size does matter." If SOE CEO John Smedley's latest tweet is any indication, the firm is taking the tagline to heart. "People keep asking for Galaxies to carry tanks. Bah," Smedley wrote, while showing off the Bastion fleet carrier concept art in the header.

Senior Art Director Tramell Isaac chimes in as well, tweeting that the Bastion is "a sign of things to come" for SOE's new MMOFPS.

MassivelySmedley tweet reveals PlanetSide 2 fleet carrier originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionbastion-fleet-carrierfpsjohn-smedleymmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2planetside-2-fleet-carrierps2sandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmenttramell-isaacFri, 30 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE Live 2012: Dragon's Prophet invigorates sandbox hopes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/soe-live-2012-dragons-prophet-invigorates-sandbox-hopes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/soe-live-2012-dragons-prophet-invigorates-sandbox-hopes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/soe-live-2012-dragons-prophet-invigorates-sandbox-hopes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

SOE Live 2012 Dragon's Prophet invigorates sandbox hopes
While I can't exactly say that the best report was saved for last (there was so much awesome at SOE Live 2012), I will say the Dragon's Prophet announcement was the most unexpected exciting news of the weekend. A new sandbox game, with dragons!

I'll admit -- I should have seen the writing on the breakfast table. When I sat down for the meal that first day, my table-mate John Smedley, CEO of Sony Online Entertainment, mentioned that the others seated with us were making a dragon game. He then introduced them as developers of Runes of Magic. It was only later when the press learned a new game would be introduced that evening that the connection clicked!

After the official announcement, I looked forward to learning even more about the new dragon-laced world. I was pleased to sit down with Smedley and those members of the Runewaker team again -- namely, CEO John Tang and VP of Business Development Tony Tang -- this time to discuss the new partnership and the upcoming free-to-play game.

Gallery: Dragon's Prophet

Continue reading SOE Live 2012: Dragon's Prophet invigorates sandbox hopes

MassivelySOE Live 2012: Dragon's Prophet invigorates sandbox hopes originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconventioncpmbatdecoratingdragondragonsdragons-propheteventf2pfan-fairefeaturedfree-to-playfreemiumgalleryhousinginterviewinterviewsJohn-Smedleyjohn-smedley-interviewJohn-Tanglas-vegasmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsnon-instanced-housingpremiumrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentskillssoesoe-fan-fairesoe-livesoe-live-2012sonysony-online-entertainmentTony-TangFri, 26 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Why SOE should be leading the sandbox charge]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/some-assembly-required-why-soe-should-be-leading-the-sandbox-ch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/some-assembly-required-why-soe-should-be-leading-the-sandbox-ch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/some-assembly-required-why-soe-should-be-leading-the-sandbox-ch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required 25
"If you look at the MMOs out there, they're delivering the same content over and over again. So are we. We need to change that," said Sony Online Entertainment CEO John Smedley to a packed house at last week's SOE Live keynote.

And just like that, the genre became exciting again.

Now, there's a long way to go, of course. And while Smedley's announcement set the hearts of emergent content fans aflame, it also requires a leap of faith from those same fans. After all, there was no gameplay footage accompanying the grandiose talking points. There were no concept art shots or game-related assets of any kind. There was only a promise of hands-on time a year from now. Still, hearing the words (and more crucially, hearing them from a major company) was quite like a long drink of water after an eight-year trek through the desert.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Why SOE should be leading the sandbox charge

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Why SOE should be leading the sandbox charge originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gameseqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq2eqiieqneqnext-sandboxeveeve-onlineeverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nextf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-mechanicsinternet-spaceshipsjohn-smedleyopinionpgcplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentsandboxsarsci-fisoesoe-livesoe-live-2012some-assembly-requiredsonysony-online-entertainmentspreadsheets-onlineFri, 26 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Is EverQuest a sandbox?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/the-daily-grind-is-everquest-a-sandbox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/the-daily-grind-is-everquest-a-sandbox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/the-daily-grind-is-everquest-a-sandbox/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Daily Grind - Is EverQuest a sandbox
Our coverage of John Smedley's SOE Live keynote elicited some curious comments, chief among them the notion that EverQuest is a sandbox title. This sentiment followed on from Smed's announcement that EQNext has been remodeled from an EQIII evolution to a sandbox revolution, as some of our readers said that that's a return to the franchise's roots.

While it's true that the definition of sandbox is somewhat malleable and subjective, we're curious to know how you can stretch it to include a level-based title with class-based gameplay that largely revolves around killing and looting. Sure it was less directed than modern themeparks, and there was a lack of documentation/communal knowledge that made early gameplay challenging, but a sandbox? Really?

What do you think, Massively readers? Is EQ a sandbox, and if so, what makes it one?

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: Is EverQuest a sandbox? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily-grindeqeq-nexteq1eqneverquesteverquest-nextf2pfantasyfree-to-playis-eq-a-sandboxis-everquest-a-sandboxjohn-smedleylolwutopinionsmedleysoesoe-livesoe-live-keynotesonysony-online-entertainmenttdgthe-daily-grindMon, 22 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE Live 2012: John Smedley on EQ Next and SOE's future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/20/soe-live-2012-john-smedley-on-eq-next-and-soes-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/20/soe-live-2012-john-smedley-on-eq-next-and-soes-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/20/soe-live-2012-john-smedley-on-eq-next-and-soes-future/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

SOE President John Smedley on EQ Next and SOE's future
There's been a never-ending news stream this weekend at SOE Live, and underlying all the announcements has been a single theme: a fundamental shift towards emergent gameplay. We had the chance to talk to SOE President John Smedley about that philosophical change and how it fits in to current and upcoming titles. He spoke about the growing popularity of MMOs as viewing entertainment and how it's caught on in PlanetSide 2. And while he wouldn't go into details about EQ Next, he did give some exciting hints about what players will get to experience with this third EverQuest title. Read on for a look at the future of SOE!

Continue reading SOE Live 2012: John Smedley on EQ Next and SOE's future

MassivelySOE Live 2012: John Smedley on EQ Next and SOE's future originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 20 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Tattered Notebook What does a sandbox look like in Norrath
Last night brought a flurry of new announcements for SOE titles, but one of the more curious moments was when SOE President John Smedley got to talking about EverQuest Next. He started off by bringing out two of the handful of screenshots that we've seen time and time again, and with a click of a button, made them evaporate into a shower of pixels, to be followed by a blank screen and the sound of crickets. In short, they went back to the drawing board.

It's a bold move to take a year and a half of production and completely scrap it, especially at a time in the industry when the competition is so tight, but Smedley promised that what we'd see in the end would be unlike anything we've ever seen. Perhaps, though, we've already seen a glimpse of the future in the other two titles in the EQ franchise. What will the sandbox gameplay look like in EQ Next? I'll prognosticate below.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: What does a sandbox look like in Norrath?

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: What does a sandbox look like in Norrath? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 20 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconconventioneqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq2eqiieqneveeve-onlineeventeverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nextf2pfan-fairefantasyfeaturedfree-to-playinternet-spaceshipsjohn-smedleylas-vegasopinionsandboxsci-fisoesoe-fan-fairesoe-livesoe-live-2012sonysony-online-entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinetattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookSat, 20 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE Live 2012: Smedley assuages ProSiebenSat.1 concerns]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/soe-live-2012-smedley-assuages-prosiebensat-1-concerns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/soe-live-2012-smedley-assuages-prosiebensat-1-concerns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/soe-live-2012-smedley-assuages-prosiebensat-1-concerns/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

SOE Live 2012: Smedley assuages ProSiebenSat.1 concerns
When announcing that European players can keep their accounts with Sony Online Entertainment during the move to ProSiebenSat.1, SOE President John Smedley specifically mentioned three games, concerning the players of other SOE titles. However, during an exclusive interview with Massively today, Smedley clarified that those three are not the only games involved. As he explained, those games were just the most topical, not the sole selections on an exclusive list. Players of other SOE games such as Vanguard can rest assured that they have the same opportunity to choose to stay with SOE.

That answer covers all current titles that are already published, but what about future SOE titles? And how does the ProSieben partnership affect Station Access? And when will these changes be taking place for the different games? Continue reading for Smedley's insights on these matters.

Continue reading SOE Live 2012: Smedley assuages ProSiebenSat.1 concerns

MassivelySOE Live 2012: Smedley assuages ProSiebenSat.1 concerns originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconventiondave-georgesoneqeq-nexteqneventeverquesteverquest-nextfan-fairefantasyjohn-smedleylas-vegassandboxsoesoe-fan-fairesoe-livesoe-live-2012sonysony-online-entertainmentterry-michaelsFri, 19 Oct 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE's Smedley responds to ProSiebenSat.1 concerns]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/soes-smedley-responds-to-prosiebensat-1-concerns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/soes-smedley-responds-to-prosiebensat-1-concerns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/soes-smedley-responds-to-prosiebensat-1-concerns/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

SOE allow EU players to keep accounts US and EU can still play together
Earlier in the year when Sony Online Entertainment announced the move of European EverQuest II player accounts to ProSiebenSat.1, many players voiced concerns. Since then, the deal changed to include more games and then was delayed for EverQuest II.

Today, SOE President John Smedley took to Twitter to explain that the company was listening to and addressing fans' concerns. He stated:
"We've found a way to let existing players of our current games that are migrating over to Prosieben (EQ, EQ II, Planetside 2) keep their SOE accounts and stay with SOE. Down the road we may offer an option to move over to Prosieben. Just to be clear after these games launch on Prosieben's service new accounts will be created on their sites. However all US and EU players can still play together no matter which service they are on."
He continued by emphasizing that the partnership with ProSiebenSat.1 is still on, and that he feels that the company will provide better customer service and payment options to the EU community.

MassivelySOE's Smedley responds to ProSiebenSat.1 concerns originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfpsfree-to-playjohn-smedleymmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2prosiebensat.1prosiebensat.1-changeoverps2sandboxsci-fishooterSmedleysoesonysony-online-entertainmentTue, 16 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC Online 2012: John Smedley's keynote on MMO trends and the future of gaming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/gdc-online-2012-john-smedleys-keynote-on-mmo-trends-and-the-fu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/gdc-online-2012-john-smedleys-keynote-on-mmo-trends-and-the-fu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/gdc-online-2012-john-smedleys-keynote-on-mmo-trends-and-the-fu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

GDC Online 2012 SOE President John Smedley's Keynote
At GDC Online this week, SOE President John Smedley gave a keynote address titled Free-to-play: Driving the Future of MMOs. In it, he explains SOE's (and other studios') shift toward a free-to-play model lets MMOs keep up with an ever-changing industry.

But the talk actually went beyond the notion of free-to-play and into the larger picture of how SOE is reinventing its games to include more emergent gameplay and take advantage of new trends in media. Read on for a broad look at the past decade of trends in the industry and a glimpse of what the future holds for SOE titles.

Continue reading GDC Online 2012: John Smedley's keynote on MMO trends and the future of gaming

MassivelyGDC Online 2012: John Smedley's keynote on MMO trends and the future of gaming originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinconconferenceconventionemergent-gameplayf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012gdc-onlinegdc-online-2012gdcogdco-2012john-smedleykeynotemobamobaspgcsmedleakssmedleysoeSony-Online-EntertainmentugcThu, 11 Oct 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Worst expansion names of all time]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/the-perfect-ten-worst-expansion-names-of-all-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/the-perfect-ten-worst-expansion-names-of-all-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/the-perfect-ten-worst-expansion-names-of-all-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Worst expansion names of all time
When SOE announced that EverQuest's 19th expansion would be titled Rain of Fear, I instantly found myself tripping over the name. I shouldn't have -- it's a few simple words that are first round picks for spelling contests -- but it defied the traditional naming conventions for MMO expansions. Many people I talked to kept wanting to write "reign" instead because "rain" seemed like a deliberate misspelling by some intern in Smedley's empire.

Homophones aside, Rain of Fear is hardly the worst expansion title I've ever seen. The industry has had its share of bad names, from the confusing to the downright unpronounceable. Sure, we get used to these titles, and perhaps it's nit-picky to lug them out at such a late point in many of their lifespans, but petty is my middle name. My first name is Tom. And these are 10 poorly named expansions. Deal with it.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Worst expansion names of all time

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Worst expansion names of all time originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoccpccp-gamescity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassic-mmocohconquestcovcoxddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artseqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieveeve-onlineeverquesteverquest-2everquest-iiexpansionf2pfantasyfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xiforgotten-realmsfree-to-playfreedomFreyafuncomgalaxiesgeorge-lucasgoing-roguehumorinternet-spaceshipsjohn-smedleylineagelineage-2lineage-iilord-britishmenace-of-the-underdarkmythicmythic-entertainmentncsoftopinionp10paragonparagon-studiosperfect-10perfect-tenpvprage-of-the-wookieesrain-of-fearred-moon-risingriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararounduprvrSamurai-Empiresandboxsarah-palinsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinesquaresquare-enixstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesstom-legionsuperherosuperheroesswgswgoThe-Legacy-of-Ykeshathe-notum-warsthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenThe-Splitpaw-Sagathree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listTreasures-of-Aht-Urhgantriontrion-worldsturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineunderdarkuoThu, 11 Oct 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Smedley: 'People who don't play games have no business in this business']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/smedley-people-who-dont-play-games-have-no-business-in-this/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/smedley-people-who-dont-play-games-have-no-business-in-this/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/smedley-people-who-dont-play-games-have-no-business-in-this/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Smedley - 'People who don't play games have no business in this business'
Sony Online Entertainment president John Smedley is a die-hard gamer. This isn't news if you've followed SOE for more than a few minutes, as Smed has always been outspoken about what he's playing and why. He's also renowned among game journos for being a fun interview, usually to the consternation of his PR handlers.

Case in point is a new sit-down with Edge, ostensibly to promote SOE's upcoming PlanetSide 2 MMOFPS (we say ostensibly because the actual content of the interview is being parceled out in future installments).

For part one, Smed rips into clueless industry executives, saying that "people [who] don't play games have no business in this business. It should be the gamers-only club, I think. I can't stand people [who] don't know what they're talking about when it comes to playing these things."

MassivelySmedley: 'People who don't play games have no business in this business' originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>interviewsjohn-smedleyjohn-smedley-interviewMiscellaneoussmedsmedley-interviewsoeSony-Online-EntertainmentWed, 19 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE working on two additional PlanetSide 2 continents]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/soe-working-on-two-additional-planetside-2-continents/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/soe-working-on-two-additional-planetside-2-continents/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/soe-working-on-two-additional-planetside-2-continents/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

SOE working on two additional PlanetSide 2 continents
Those of you enjoying er, testing the PlanetSide 2 beta have thus far been confined to a single continent. That's about to change, as Sony Online Entertainment is getting ready to Galaxy-drop a new landmass into the thick of the game's closed testing phase.

CEO John Smedley took to the official forums earlier this week to provide some details. Not only is SOE working on a second continent (Esamir), but it's got a third one waiting in the wings.
We are working hard on Esamir. It's getting closer and closer to a finished state where we want you guys to play on it. It's pretty awesome and very different gameplay-wise than Indar.

After that, Amerish will go back to being worked on. These continents are taking longer than we expected and it's possible we end up launching with two and delivering the third shortly after launch. We're working super hard but we have some resource bottlenecks. We also are going to see how the game plays with two continents before making any final decisions, so please do us a favor and don't judge any of this before you play the game with two.
Further updates, including performance, gunplay, and spawning tweaks, are all viewable on the official PS2 boards.

MassivelySOE working on two additional PlanetSide 2 continents originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsjohn-smedleymmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2planetside-2-continentsps2sandboxsci-fishootersmedsoesonysony-online-entertainmentThu, 13 Sep 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlanetSide 2 lifts beta NDA, heads to PAX]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/planetside-2-lifts-nda-heads-to-pax/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/planetside-2-lifts-nda-heads-to-pax/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/planetside-2-lifts-nda-heads-to-pax/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2 lifts NDA, has North American debut at PAX
We're another step closer to getting our combat boots on the ground and our itchy fingers on those triggers, as SOE has made the move to drop PlanetSide 2's non-disclosure agreement. This NDA drop follows a month of external beta testing and just prior to SOE's debut of the game at a North American show (in this case, PAX Prime).

SOE President John Smedley reminded fans that this didn't mean the title was ready to ship. "Beta has a long way to go folks," he posted on Twitter.

SOE released plenty of fun statistics about the beta process so far. According to the studio, 535 million shots have been fired, and out of those, 194.6 million hit a target. 6.3 million players were mowed down in the bloody conflict as well. The breakdown of the three factions is more or less even, with the Terran Republic edging out the other two sides by a couple of percentage points.

If you're heading to PAX this weekend, you can see PlanetSide 2 at booth #3317. The team has plenty of demo stations on hand, and is planning to participate in several panels and daily livestream casts.

[Source: SOE press release]

MassivelyPlanetSide 2 lifts beta NDA, heads to PAX originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testingfpsjohn-smedleymmo-shootermmofpsndapaxpax-2012pax-primepax-prime-2012planetsideplanetside-2ps2sandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentstatisticsFri, 31 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How Jace Hall ruined the latest PlanetSide 2 trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/how-jace-hall-ruined-the-latest-planetside-2-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/how-jace-hall-ruined-the-latest-planetside-2-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/how-jace-hall-ruined-the-latest-planetside-2-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Jace Hall creates a Planetside 2 trailer
Some guys have all the luck. While at the Sony Online Entertainment office, the video-game-focused internet reality series The Jace Hall Show was tasked with creating a trailer for the upcoming MMOFPS PlanetSide 2. SOE President John Smedley himself requested a Saving Private Ryan-esque feel for a serious portrayal of the epic battle players will experience. The result, however, was not quite what was expected.

Check out the final product (including Matt Higby's impressive acting debut) in the humorous video after the cut. The PS2 trailer adventure begins at the 2:20 mark.

[Source: SOE press release]

Continue reading How Jace Hall ruined the latest PlanetSide 2 trailer

MassivelyHow Jace Hall ruined the latest PlanetSide 2 trailer originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpshumorJace-HallJace-Hall-Showjohn-smedleyMatt-Higbymmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2ps2sandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentThe-Jace-Hall-ShowtrailerThu, 23 Aug 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Reactions to a free Vanguard]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/the-game-archaeologist-reactions-to-a-free-vanguard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/the-game-archaeologist-reactions-to-a-free-vanguard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/the-game-archaeologist-reactions-to-a-free-vanguard/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist Reactions to Vanguard F2P
Vanguard's just had its biggest month since its troubled release in 2007, I wager. Its turn to free-to-play makes it the second-to-last SOE title to make the jump, and it's getting a "do-over" of sorts. Personally, I'm glad to see it happen.

Without going into depth on Vanguard's past problems, I'll say that this was a highly hyped game that fell about as hard as any MMO could without being outright canceled. For years, it has been subsiding on a meager population and extremely rare updates (I recall a tiny bug update for Vanguard being laughably big news last summer). Now? Now it's received a new lease on life and attention from players and the media.

If you've been following the news, you'll know that Vanguard soft launched a week early, talked with Massively about the conversion, officially launched thereafter, and is now part of the PSS.1 deal. But the most important word is that of the player on the street, the ground-pounders in Telon who are checking out F2P (and perhaps the game) for the first time. I've gathered several of these perspectives together for your amusement and edification.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Reactions to a free Vanguard

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Reactions to a free Vanguard originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blogbloggersblogosphereclassicclassic-mmosclassicsf2pfantasyfeaturedfirst-impressionsforumfree-to-playgame-archaelogistjohn-smedleynostalgiaopinionreactionreactionssandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttelonthe-game-archaeologistvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgTue, 21 Aug 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE alters ProSiebenSat.1 deal to include EQ, Vanguard, and Wizardry Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/soe-alters-prosiebensat-1-deal-to-include-eq-vanguard-and-wiza/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/soe-alters-prosiebensat-1-deal-to-include-eq-vanguard-and-wiza/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/soe-alters-prosiebensat-1-deal-to-include-eq-vanguard-and-wiza/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

SOE alters ProSiebenSat1 deal to include more titles
After months of insisting that the deal with ProSiebenSat.1 was locked in, SOE announced that it is expanding the library of titles that the European operator will take over and run for the region.

In addition to the MMOs and other titles included with this past February's announcement, ProSiebenSat.1 looks to take over EverQuest, Vanguard, and Wizardry Online as well. All in all, it gives ProSiebenSat.1 the exclusive license to operate these titles in 40 European nations.

SOE President John Smedley said that this is nothing but good news for European gamers: "ProSiebenSat.1 is the ideal partner for us to reach an even broader audience in Europe. We are confident that the combination of the media power provided by ProSiebenSat.1 and our expertise in developing high-quality online games will appeal to players in a new and captivating way, creating the perfect prerequisite for achieving great success with our games in Europe."

MassivelySOE alters ProSiebenSat.1 deal to include EQ, Vanguard, and Wizardry Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealeqeq1europeeuropeaneverquestf2pfantasyfree-to-playgamepothardcorejohn-smedleyopen-pvpoperationsoperatorpermadeathpkplayer-killingpray-they-dont-alter-it-any-furtherprosiebensat.1pvpsandboxsir-techsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttelonvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgwizardryFri, 17 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[John Smedley on PlanetSide 2's strengths and three-year plan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/11/john-smedley-espouses-planetside-2s-strengths-and-three-year-pl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/11/john-smedley-espouses-planetside-2s-strengths-and-three-year-pl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/11/john-smedley-espouses-planetside-2s-strengths-and-three-year-pl/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

John Smedley espouses PlanetSide 2's strengths and threeyear plan
"PlanetSide 2 -- what is it and why do I want to play it?," asks SOE President John Smedley in a recent LiveJournal post (yes, LiveJournal lives!). In a little over 3,000 words, Smedley attempts to make the case for why PlanetSide 2 is a genuine contender in both the MMO and FPS markets. "We're thinking about a game we plan to have running in 2025. Yeah. Really," he writes.

John Smedley's selling points on PS2 are as follows: It has a "very deep" certification system, the deepest team-based gameplay of any FPS, an immersive world, no end, a huge community, resourced-based gameplay and territorial control, and familiar gameplay. And it's free-to-play.

Smedley also opens up regarding SOE's three-year plan for PlanetSide 2, mentioning possible player-owned bases, harvestable resources, a seamless planet and water vehicles, NPC armies and enemies, e-sports support, and a Mac version.

MassivelyJohn Smedley on PlanetSide 2's strengths and three-year plan originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 11 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betafpsjohn-smedleylivejournallivejournal-livesmacmac-versionmmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2previewps2sandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentthree-year-planSat, 11 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: This is not a PlanetSide 2 NDA violation edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/the-firing-line-this-is-not-a-planetside-2-nda-violation-editio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/the-firing-line-this-is-not-a-planetside-2-nda-violation-editio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/the-firing-line-this-is-not-a-planetside-2-nda-violation-editio/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - This is not a PlanetSide 2 NDA violation edition
For the record, I really, really wanted to write about PlanetSide 2 for this week's Firing Line. Alas, NDAs or some such. Blargle, bollocks, and boo-hiss on all of that.

Anyhow, there is more to the MMO shooter space than Sony Online Entertainment's sci-fi sequel, right? Guys? Yeah, OK, as intros go, this one is pretty weak. But like I said, I'd rather be talking about that time when I [edited] a Terran Republic [edited] outside of [edited] but it was [edited] [edited] [edited] Mosquito. That's not all, as we also [edited] and then [edited] [edited] by some [edited].

Oh, right. We can't talk about that just yet, so join me after the cut for this week's most interesting non-PlanetSide 2 shooter news.

Continue reading The Firing Line: This is not a PlanetSide 2 NDA violation edition

MassivelyThe Firing Line: This is not a PlanetSide 2 NDA violation edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arma-2arma-iibetabetasdayzdayz-modf2pfeaturedfirefallfirefall-combat-revampfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playjohn-smedleymmo-shootermmofpsmoddingmodsopinionplaneside-2-betaplanetsideplanetside-2planetside-2-ndaps2pvpred-5red-5-studiossandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmenttflthe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpswarFri, 10 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlanetSide 2 will be available on Steam]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/planetside-2-will-be-available-on-steam/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/planetside-2-will-be-available-on-steam/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/planetside-2-will-be-available-on-steam/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2 will be available on Steam
When dispensing news about Planetside 2, John Smedley has been utilizing Twitter quite a bit lately for everything from beta key clarification to keeping eager players notified about the status of the beta test. Now, after being queried about the PS2 launch on Twitter, the Sony Online Entertainment president has announced that the highly anticipated MMOFPS will be available via Steam. He tweeted, "PlanetSide 2 will be on Steam. Yes it will."

Closed beta testing for PlanetSide 2 began today.

MassivelyPlanetSide 2 will be available on Steam originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Aug 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsJohn-Smedleymmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2ps2sandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentSteamMon, 06 Aug 2012 10:30:00 EST