Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Bio break!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/the-game-archaeologist-bio-break/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/the-game-archaeologist-bio-break/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/the-game-archaeologist-bio-break/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

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

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

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

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Bio break!

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicseqeq-nexteq1eqoaeverquesteverquest-nexteverquest-online-adventuresf2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playfuncomgame-archaelogistmmofpsnostalgiaopinionplanetsideplanetside-2playstation-2playstation-3psps1sandboxsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentstationstation-accesstelonthe-game-archaeologistvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgTue, 03 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Online Entertainment dropping the price for Station Access]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/sony-online-entertainment-dropping-the-price-for-station-access/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/sony-online-entertainment-dropping-the-price-for-station-access/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/sony-online-entertainment-dropping-the-price-for-station-access/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Whether or not you're a fan of Sony Online Entertainment, it's hard to deny that the company's Station Pass is a pretty good value for the money. For the price of two monthly subscriptions, you get access to everything from the original EverQuest to the recently launched DC Universe Online. But if the deal isn't quite good enough for you yet, SOE has just announced that the access price is dropping once again to $19.99 a month.

Needless to say, the chance to get nine games at once for only slightly more than the normal subscription fee is a pretty enticing deal for any gamer. While the announcement is not yet reflected in the official site, which is still advertising the previous price, the update will be coming "soon" according to the company's representatives at E3. Keep your eyes peeled for more information about precise dates for the change, which should be a boon to current and potential future customers.

MassivelySony Online Entertainment dropping the price for Station Access originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2011mmo-industrynewspriceprice-dropsoesony-online-entertainmentstationstation-accessstation-passsubscriptionWed, 08 Jun 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE reveals compensation plan for outage, says at least a few more days until services are restored]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/soe-reveals-compensation-plan-for-outage-says-at-least-a-few-mo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/soe-reveals-compensation-plan-for-outage-says-at-least-a-few-mo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/soe-reveals-compensation-plan-for-outage-says-at-least-a-few-mo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Sony Online Entertainment's broken its string of the now-standard "Our games won't be up today" message to deliver substantial news about the restoration of its services and how players will be compensated. "At least a few more days" is all the studio is willing to commit to a time frame before its MMOs come back online, but at least it provides hope to the anxious players waiting to click their Station Launcher icon.

More definite, however, is the plan for how SOE will make good with its playerbase. All current SOE players will receive 30 days of game time added to their accounts plus one day for every day the system's been down. Depending on the game to which players are subscribed, SOE has a list of specific in-game items, currency, Station Cash, events and bonuses ready. This applies to both the studio's PC and PS3 titles.

Finally, all Station Account holders will be enrolled in a complimentary identity theft protection program. U.S. players will be enrolled in Debix for a year, while residents in other countries will be set up with similar services. Codes will be sent out by email for these programs, and U.S. players will need to enroll by June 28th to get the coverage.

MassivelySOE reveals compensation plan for outage, says at least a few more days until services are restored originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 May 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clone-wars-adventurescompensationdc-universe-onlinedebixeverquesteverquest-iifree-realmsin-game-eventsmake-good-planplaystation-3ps3recompensateservice-restorationsoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesstation-accessstation-cashstation-passswgvanguardThu, 12 May 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: The highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-neverending-quest-the-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-neverending-quest-the-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-neverending-quest-the-highlights/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

To many veteran MMO players, the opening horns of EverQuest's score are enough to trigger vivid memories, violent hallucinations, and an unstoppable desire to leap through the computer screen to return to Norrath. It all depends, of course, on which MMO you first cut your teeth, and while many gamers would claim titles like World of Warcraft as their first, there is a large contingent who will confess that EQ was their first MMO lover.

In fact, before WoW came on the scene in 2004, EverQuest was the gold standard of MMOs for a half-decade -- it was insanely popular, perfectly addictive, and absolutely revolutionary. It was a giant that roamed the virtual lands of those days, a giant that continues to forge new grounds well over a decade from its inception.

It was 1995 when John Smedley realized the potential for online gaming and roped in Brad McQuaid and Steve Clover to start putting together an online RPG for SOE. What began as a small project ballooned into a crazy endeavor as the growing team created a monster RPG the likes the world had never seen before -- a game that would forever shape the MMO genre.

This month, the Game Archaeologist is going after one of the biggest treasures of recorded history as we unearth the secrets to EverQuest's popularity, legacy, and longevity. The first step on our journey is to look at some of the highlights that made EQ what it is today.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: The highlights

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: The highlights originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.5-dacAlex-Afrasiabiasherons-callbrad-mcquaidclone-wars-adventuresdc-universe-onlinedcuodikumuddingdkpdoomDuke-Nukem-3De-deqeq-iieq2evercrackedevercracked-the-phenomenom-of-everquesteverquestEverQuest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iiexpansionsfarmfree-realmshouse-of-thuleignj-allen-brackjace-halljeff-kaplanjohn-smedleykunarkmeridian-59mezzmudnerfnichenorrathPirates-of-the-Burning-Seaplanetsideprocraph-kosterrezrob-pardoshadows-of-luclinsoesonySony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesstation-accesssteve-cloversubscription-numberssubscriptionsswgthe-game-archaeologistthe-matrix-onlinethe-ruins-of-kunarkultima-onlineunderfootuovanguardverantverant-interactiveWorld-of-WarcraftwowTue, 04 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE adds EverQuest II Extended to Station Access]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/soe-adds-everquest-ii-extended-to-station-access/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/soe-adds-everquest-ii-extended-to-station-access/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/soe-adds-everquest-ii-extended-to-station-access/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Station Access through Sony Online Entertainment just got a little better.

Station Access is a $29.99 monthly membership that offers premium access to all of its games, such as Free Realms, Star Wars Galaxies and the EverQuest games. The program offered quite a few benefits to start with, but as of yesterday was expanded to include a gold membership for EverQuest II Extended.

The cost of Station Access membership won't change due to this addition, making the gold membership -- which costs players $14.99/month otherwise -- a welcome addition to the Access package. You can see the rest of what SOE has to offer with Station Access on the company's information page.

MassivelySOE adds EverQuest II Extended to Station Access originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EverQuest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iif2pfree-realmsfree-to-playftpsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesstation-accessThu, 16 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive Interview: DCUO's Game Director Chris Cao]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/28/exclusive-interview-dcuos-game-director-chris-cao/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/28/exclusive-interview-dcuos-game-director-chris-cao/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/28/exclusive-interview-dcuos-game-director-chris-cao/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

What gamer hasn't wanted to be a superhero at one time or another? Superheroes and comic books have been a part of gaming culture as long as computers. Of course, everyone has wanted to be Superman soaring through the skies of Metropolis, or Batman scaring the pants off the criminal underworld of Gotham City. Sony Online Entertainment has teamed up with Warner Bros. and DC Comics to bring this world -- nay, this universe -- to life. On November 2nd, DC Universe Online will blast its way to game store shelves everywhere.

DCUO gives fans of comic books, action video games, and MMOs a reason to come together and celebrate this incredible amalgam of genres. Create your own superhero! Thrill to the art of Jim Lee! Soak up the voice-acting of Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy! On top of that, if you preorder this deliciously intense action RPG, you will have exclusive rights to a token that will allow you to join a 2v2 PvP arena as the caped crusader himself, using his abilities, gadgets, and fighting style. Plus you'll get all the other preorder bonuses like confetti bombs and batarangs.

Massively snagged an exclusive interview with DCUO Game Director Chris Cao about this groundbreaking game. Up, up, and away! (OK, that was cheesy. Just hit "read more" to read our lengthy interview after the break!)

Continue reading Exclusive Interview: DCUO's Game Director Chris Cao

MassivelyExclusive Interview: DCUO's Game Director Chris Cao originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2v2arenasBat-cavebooster-goldchris-caoclub-lexcombat-mechanicsDCdc-comicsdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuodebysue-wolfcaleexclusivefeaturedGame-MechanicsGothamImmersioninterviewjim-leeJLAjla-watchtowerjohn-smedleyjokerjustice-league-of-americakevin-conroylevelinglex-luthorliving-worldsMark-HamillMetropolismicheal-shellingNightwingPlaystation3pre-orderpre-order-bonuspreorderpreorder-bonusPS3pvepvpRobinSOESony-Online-Entertainmentstation-accesssupergirlSupermanthe-jokerSat, 28 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the Star of the Galaxies: The history]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/01/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-star-of-the-galaxies-the-history/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/01/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-star-of-the-galaxies-the-history/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/01/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-star-of-the-galaxies-the-history/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Each month, the Game Archaeologist dusts off one MMORPG of yesterday and investigates while hanging on to his hat.

From the ancient lands of Ultima to a galaxy far, far away, the Game Archaeologist is always on the move, looking for the next treasure trove to uncover. Some say that covering Star Wars Galaxies is a moot point: that the true game as it was is dead, and that with The Old Republic on the horizon, SWG is all but passé. Yet through the steamy jungles of Kashyyyk to the dangerous dunes of Tatooine, there is evidence of passion, play and Imperial Stormtroopers shooting all willy-nilly.

It's weird to think that in early 2003, the MMO genre was almost an entirely different creature. World of Warcraft was still over a year away, and the most successful developer at the time (Sony Online Entertainment, along with Verant) had teamed up with LucasArts to create a Star Wars game above all other games. A killer IP, a beefy development team, and incredible fan-fueled hype made Star Wars Galaxies THE game to watch as it raced toward launch -- even IGN crowed in 2000 that SWG could become "one of the biggest games of all time."

Join us now as we hop back to the wild frontier of the early 2000s and peruse the first seven years of Star Wars Galaxies' run. It's had its highs, its lows, and a three-letter acronym that became one of the most infamous MMO events ever -- but no matter what your opinion, the Force has been strong with this title indeed.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the Star of the Galaxies: The history

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the Star of the Galaxies: The history originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ancient-weapons-are-no-match-for-a-good-blasterbattle-of-echo-basecombat-upgradecuevequestjedijump-to-lightspeedlucasartsmonika-tsarnnew-game-enhancementsngerage-of-the-wookiessoestar-wars-galaxiesstation-accessswgtashi-stationthe-game-archaeologistthe-old-republicthe-trials-of-obi-wantrading-card-gameultima-onlineverantworld-of-warcraftTue, 01 Jun 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO giveaway trend continues with Station Access Passes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/mmo-giveaway-trend-continues-with-station-access-passes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/mmo-giveaway-trend-continues-with-station-access-passes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/mmo-giveaway-trend-continues-with-station-access-passes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Is the Christmas season coming early? Contests and freebies seem to be the name of the MMO game this month, with all kinds of in-game and physical items being offered by fans and games alike. We've even gotten in on the fun here at Massively.

Now Sony Online Entertainment has teamed up with sci-fi and fantasy blogger Patrick (Pat's Fantasy Hotlist), to offer an extremely generous gift: 20 six-month Station Access subscriptions. Patrick says "As I mentioned a few days ago, in an attempt to bring the disparate factions of the fragmented SFF fandom together, I'm collaborating with the nice folks at Sony Online Entertainment to see if we can bring some SFF gamers into the fold."

"Nice" is a bit of an understatement. Each access pass is worth around $180, and the only thing you need to do to enter is send an entry email. Twenty winners will be chosen at random from everyone who enters by October 25th. Patrick's got full details on his site and SOE has the information as well, so good luck to all.

MassivelyMMO giveaway trend continues with Station Access Passes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>giveawaypats-fantasty-hotlistsoesony-online-entertainmentstation-accessThu, 15 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A CES interview with SOE CEO John Smedley (pt. 2)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/a-ces-interview-with-soe-ceo-john-smedley-pt-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/a-ces-interview-with-soe-ceo-john-smedley-pt-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/a-ces-interview-with-soe-ceo-john-smedley-pt-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Earlier today we unveiled the first part of our CES interview with SOE's Chief Executive Officer, John Smedley. He announced to us an unprecedented buy-in program for their upcoming free-to-play kids fantasy game Free Realms. This afternoon we have the rest of the interview to share with you, with big news for players who use the company's Station Access pass. While a lot of commentators have been frustrated by price increases, SOE is working behind the scenes to make those increases worth your while.

We are having ongoing discussions inside the company about making station access an all-inclusive pass. Everything that we have, you get as a customer. Station Access subscribers would get every expansion pack for every game, as well as future expansions for every game as well. For the same price now, without raising the price.

Read on for our discussion on why these changes have taken so long to implement, and a few words about the company's rededication to fighting gold farmers.

Continue reading A CES interview with SOE CEO John Smedley (pt. 2)

MassivelyA CES interview with SOE CEO John Smedley (pt. 2) originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingfeaturedfree-realmsjohn-smedleyjoystiqfeaturesshare-the-wealthsoesony-online-entertainmentstation-accessthe-agencyMon, 14 Jan 2008 13:00:00 EST