Massively http://www.massively.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://www.massively.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[SOE games down Monday for 24-hour maintenance]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/04/20/soe-games-down-monday-for-24-hour-maintenance/http://www.massively.com/2012/04/20/soe-games-down-monday-for-24-hour-maintenance/http://www.massively.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.

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Perfect Ten
In the increasingly diminishing field of subscription-only MMOs, two distinct camps have formed. There is the Old Guard that has its established playerbase and is simply not interested in jumping on board the F2P train, and then there are the New Kids on the Block (which would make an excellent band name, by the way), who argue that their premium features and AAA content warrant a subscription in the F2P age.

A few years ago, doing a list of the final few F2P holdouts would have been a ridiculous proposition, but now it's actually difficult to get to 10 of these. Each company has a different reason that it hasn't given these games more flexible payment options (FPO should replace F2P; pass it on!), and while some have addressed this publicly, others say nothing and leave us to speculate on it.

For today's Perfect Ten, we're going to look at the 10 biggest current F2P holdouts in the industry and muse about what's going on behind the scenes. Will this list be impossible to do in a few years or will subscription-only titles come back in a big way? Hey, I don't predict things; I just make lists.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Free-to-play holdouts

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Free-to-play holdouts originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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[The Firing Line: A couple of PlanetSide 2 concerns]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/23/the-firing-line-a-couple-of-planetside-2-concerns/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/23/the-firing-line-a-couple-of-planetside-2-concerns/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/23/the-firing-line-a-couple-of-planetside-2-concerns/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - A couple of PlanetSide 2 concerns
Now that the glow of PlanetSide 2's GDC demo reveal is a couple of weeks back in the rear-view mirror, I've had time to digest it all and adjust my expectations of the game accordingly. Nothing I saw from Matt Higby and company dampened my enthusiasm for Sony Online Entertainment's MMOFPS opus, but a few things I didn't see are niggling at the back of my mind.

Don't get me wrong -- PS2 is still at the top of my most-anticipated MMO list, but there are a few points of contention that could relegate it to the status of fun diversion instead of zomg-must-play-every-day title.

Continue reading The Firing Line: A couple of PlanetSide 2 concerns

MassivelyThe Firing Line: A couple of PlanetSide 2 concerns originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic-mmodesignfeaturedfiring-linefpsgame-mechanicsimmersionmatt-higbymmo-shootermmofpsopinionplanetsideplanetside-2psps1ps2pvpsandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmenttflthe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpsFri, 23 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 189: GDC Tuesday]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/03/07/massively-speaking-episode-189-gdc-tuesday/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/07/massively-speaking-episode-189-gdc-tuesday/http://www.massively.com/2012/03/07/massively-speaking-episode-189-gdc-tuesday/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2
Massively Speaking Episode 189 is a special GDC edition hosted by two of our attendees, Shawn Schuster and Jef Reahard. The two assemble for a short, early-morning debriefing on yesterday's PlanetSide 2 demo, which as Shawn describes it, "pretty much blew [him] away." They compare the game to its predecessor and chat about the combat styles, immersion, interface, hype, and the massive feel of the game, even in alpha.

Stay tuned for tomorrow, when the pair will be joined by fellow Massively staffers MJ Guthrie and Karen Bryan. Our ground crew will be reporting back on DUST 514, Trion Worlds, MechWarrior Online, and more over the next few days. (And don't worry; the Justin and Bree show will return next week.)

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

Get the podcast:
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Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 189: GDC Tuesday

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 189: GDC Tuesday originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconferenceconventionfeaturedfpsgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012humorjef-reahardmassively-speakingmmo-shootermmofpsopinionplanetsideplanetside-2podcastpodcastingpodcastsps2sci-fishawn-schustershootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentWed, 07 Mar 2012 15:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 189Massively.com Staff00:12:10podcasts'; listPost['ItunesChannelHTML'] = 'Shawn Schuster and Rubi BayerMassively Speaking is your weekly look into the latest issues concerning MMOs. Join your hosts Shawn and Rubi, along with various members of the Massively staff and industry professionals, for insight and commentary involving all things massively, multiplayer and online<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Controller wars edition]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/02/10/the-firing-line-controller-wars-edition/http://www.massively.com/2012/02/10/the-firing-line-controller-wars-edition/http://www.massively.com/2012/02/10/the-firing-line-controller-wars-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - DUST 514 merc banner
Welcome back to The Firing Line, shooter fans. Some interesting stuff went down this week, much of it related to DUST 514. Even if you're not partial to what some have dubbed "the controller wars," there's still plenty of online shooter news for you to peruse after the cut.

Join me on the other side for a glimpse of Hawken, Firefall, and my PlanetSide character!

Continue reading The Firing Line: Controller wars edition

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Controller wars edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adhesive-gamesbetabetasccpccp-gamescontroller-warsdustdust-514dust-514-keyboard-mouseeve-onlinef2pfeaturedfirefallfirefall-betafiring-linefree-to-playhawkenkhang-lemark-kernmmo-shootermmofpsonline-shooteropinionplanetsideplanetside-2red-5red-5-studiosroundupsandboxsci-fishootershooter-roundupsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentthe-firing-lineFri, 10 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: A virtual world roundup]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/01/06/some-assembly-required-a-virtual-world-round-up/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/06/some-assembly-required-a-virtual-world-round-up/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/06/some-assembly-required-a-virtual-world-round-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required header
If you are perusing this column, chances are you are a fan of virtual worlds and the sandbox genre. Join the club! (Dues will be due on the third Tuesday.) The aspect that compels many aficionados to delve into a game is the ability to make an impact on the world in some small respect instead of making them into Hive Member 1593072 running a static, predetermined gauntlet. How that impact is accomplished, however, varies; there are multiple features that can facilitate it, and which ones are considered most important depends on the player.

With the loss of one of the best sandbox games just last month, some players may be feeling a void. Others still are looking/hoping for the "ultimate" sandbox that contains nearly every virtual world feature. Certainly, there are some upcoming games that make some drool-worthy promises, but what about playing something now? There are actually games out on the market that have at least one aspect of the genre, if not more.

To start off the new year, Some Assembly Required looks at some of the top features of virtual worlds and lists games that incorporate these features. While this list isn't exhaustive (considering the sheer number of games when you include all of the smaller free-to-play titles, I'd run out of column space!), it is a comprehensive enough overview to point you toward some games worth playing that perhaps you hadn't considered before.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: A virtual world roundup

MassivelySome Assembly Required: A virtual world roundup originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaionaion-gameAnarchy-Onlineaocccpccp-eveccp-gameschampions-onlinecharacter-creationcharacter-customizationcity-of-heroescocohcraft-of-godscraft-of-the-godscraftingcrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-star-trekcryptic-studiosdaocdark-age-of-camelotdarkfalleden-eternaleq-1eq-2eq-ieq-iieveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineever-quest-1ever-quest-2ever-quest-iever-quest-iieverquest-1everquest-2everquest-ieverquest-iifallen-earthfeaturedfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xiflyffFuncomglitchguild-housinghousingking-of-kings-3liden-labs-second-lifelinden-labslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroluna-onlinemabinogimission-architectnc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionnotorious-gamesparagonparagon-cohparagon-studioesplanetsideplayer-generated-contentplayer-generated-missionsplayer-housingplayer-run-economyrunescapeRyzomsecond-lifesecond-life-linden-labsslsl-liden-labssoe-eq-1soe-eq-2soe-eq-isoe-eq-iisome-assembly-requiredsony-eq-1sony-eq-2sony-eq-isony-eq-iisquare-enixst-onlinestar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotrek-onlineturbineTurbine-EntertainmentUltima-OnlineUOvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvirtual-worldwar-of-the-immortalswizard-101xbox-360XsyonFri, 06 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: The pleasures and pitfalls of PlanetSide 2]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/01/06/the-firing-line-the-pleasures-and-pitfalls-of-planetside-2/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/06/the-firing-line-the-pleasures-and-pitfalls-of-planetside-2/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/06/the-firing-line-the-pleasures-and-pitfalls-of-planetside-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - PlanetSide 2 trooper opens fire
My time in PlanetSide was a blur. It's also a ways back in the rear view mirror, and I've played so many MMOs in the interim that I can't even remember exactly when it was. The game originally shipped in May of 2003, and I was entrenched in Star Wars Galaxies from its June 2003 launch going forward. That would put my six week (de)tour with the Terran Republic somewhere circa 2004, maybe? I forget.

The point I'm getting around to, though, is that regardless of hazy dates, PlanetSide stands out as one of those seminal MMO experiences that showcased the possibility inherent in this particular genre. The upcoming reboot, then, should be pretty spectacular and deserving of some fanboi adulation, right?

Well, yes and no.

Continue reading The Firing Line: The pleasures and pitfalls of PlanetSide 2

MassivelyThe Firing Line: The pleasures and pitfalls of PlanetSide 2 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auraxisbase-controlbasesfeaturedfiring-lineforgelightforgelight-enginefpsgame-mechanicsmission-systemmmo-shootermmofpsopen-worldopinionpersistencepersistent-warplanetsideplanetside-2planetside2player-contentplayer-generated-contentplayer-generated-missionsplayer-missionsresource-controlsandboxsci-fishootersoeSony-Online-Entertainmentspeculationterritory-controlthe-firing-lineFri, 06 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist seals up 2011]]>http://www.massively.com/2012/01/03/the-game-archaeologist-seals-up-2011/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/03/the-game-archaeologist-seals-up-2011/http://www.massively.com/2012/01/03/the-game-archaeologist-seals-up-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2
You know what I love about the end of each year? The lists. Man, but I'm a sucker for lists, especially when they come in "best of" varieties. In the lull between Christmas and New Year's, there typically isn't a lot happening in the world of entertainment, so it's a good time to look back before we head forward.

And so it is for The Game Archaeologist. 2011 marks the second year I've been doing this column, and it's been one of my personal favorite series to write. Every week I'm learning more and more about the history of the MMO genre, and I'm encouraged to see just how much passion and interest there are for the titles that started it all and got us to where we are today.

So before we head into 2012, let's take one last glimpse back at the road we've traveled. If you've missed out on any of these columns or want to revisit your favorite classic MMO, I've compiled a huge list of everything I talked about this year, from histories to interviews to player stories. There's also a special request for you (yes, you) at the end of this column, so do me a favor and hit that jump!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist seals up 2011

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist seals up 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011a-tale-in-the-desertac2Andrew-Tepperasherons-callasherons-call-2Ben-Chamberlainbrian-greenclimaxdark-age-of-cameloteaearth-and-beyondeqEric-Heimburgeverquestfeaturedimperator-onlineJosef-HalllineagelistlistsMeridian-59Middle-earth-Onlinemudmulti-user-dungeonmxomythicaplanetsidepsychochildRade-StojsavljevicrarebitRichard-Bartleround-uproundupshadow-of-yserbiusshadowbaneStuart-Zissuteppytgathe-game-archaeologistthe-matrix-onlinethe-shadow-of-yserbiusThom-TerrazasTodd-ColemanTrue-Fantasy-Live-OnlineUltima-Worlds-Online-OriginUltima-X-OdysseyWarhammer-Onlineworld-of-warcraftyear-in-reviewTue, 03 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE gearing up for PlanetSide 2 dev chats]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/09/26/soe-gearing-up-for-planetside-2-dev-chats/http://www.massively.com/2011/09/26/soe-gearing-up-for-planetside-2-dev-chats/http://www.massively.com/2011/09/26/soe-gearing-up-for-planetside-2-dev-chats/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2 - soldiers firing large guns
PlanetSide 2 is in the news again this week, but to be honest we don't know all the details as of yet. Sony Online Entertainment has sent out a press blurb stating that it will be "brief[ing] the troops on anything and everything related to the art of PlanetSide 2." This includes a chat with senior art director Tramell Isaac (whom die-hard fans will recognize as the art director on the original PlanetSide) scheduled for Tuesday, September 27th.

Tramell will be discussing "the original PlanetSide's legacy and influence on PlanetSide 2's art style, and how SOE's powerful ForgeLight engine will carry this vision forward."

Thursday brings a PlanetSide 2 webcast (also with a focus on art direction). After that, fans can look forward to a Twitter chat on Friday, and the dev team will be fielding multiple questions relating to the upcoming sci-fi MMOFPS.

MassivelySOE gearing up for PlanetSide 2 dev chats originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artart-directiondev-chatforgelightmmo-shooterplanetsideplanetside-2sci-fishootersoeSony-Online-Entertainmenttramell-isaactwitter-chatwebcastMon, 26 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE's services disrupted by massive California blackout [Updated]]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/09/08/soes-services-disrupted-by-massive-california-blackout/http://www.massively.com/2011/09/08/soes-services-disrupted-by-massive-california-blackout/http://www.massively.com/2011/09/08/soes-services-disrupted-by-massive-california-blackout/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

SOE
A massive power outage that is affecting southern California this evening has severely hampered Sony Online Entertainment's services. The outage, which began during the late afternoon, has cut power to millions in San Diego, southern Orange County, and Palm Springs, as well as sections of Mexico across the border.

Because of this interruption, some of SOE's MMOs and websites have gone offline, as SOE's servers are located in San Diego. The company sent a brief note over Twitter and Facebook saying that players might not want to hold their breath at regaining these services tonight: "The San Diego power outage could persist throughout the night affecting login servers, forums, and websites. We appreciate everyone's patience as the City attempts to restore power."

According to authorities, power is expected to be restored by Friday.

[Update: Some of SOE's services, such as EverQuest II, Pirates of the Burning Sea, and Clone Wars Adventures, appear to be back up and running.]

Update #2: SOE tweeted the following on Friday morning: "We appreciate everyone's patience during the recent power outage. Power has been restored and all services should be back online."]

[Source: Twitter]

MassivelySOE's services disrupted by massive California blackout [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 21:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011-blackoutblackoutmmo-offlinenewsofflinepower-outagesan-diego-blackoutsoesony-online-entertainmentThu, 08 Sep 2011 21:34:00 EST<![CDATA[New PlanetSide 2 screenshots show troops in action]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/07/19/new-planetside-2-screenshots-show-troops-in-action/http://www.massively.com/2011/07/19/new-planetside-2-screenshots-show-troops-in-action/http://www.massively.com/2011/07/19/new-planetside-2-screenshots-show-troops-in-action/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In our opinion, there can't be enough news about Sony Online Entertainment's upcoming PlanetSide 2 these days, which is why we'll enthusiastically shake hands with Tony Park if we ever meet him. Park heads up The9, the Chinese publisher for PlanetSide, and he's posted a couple new screenshots of the hot title on his blog.

These PlanetSide 2 pics show armor-clad soldiers getting into position for action. It's interesting to note the distinctive colors that will surely help teammates differentiate friend from foe.

We heard a lot about this sequel to SOE's PlanetSide at Fan Faire, including the trailer, a general overview of the game, and an in-depth look with the developers. You can eyeball the new pics in the gallery below!

Gallery: PlanetSide 2

MassivelyNew PlanetSide 2 screenshots show troops in action originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gallerypicspicturesplanetsideplanetside-2psps2screenshotssoesony-online-entertainmentthe9tony-parkTue, 19 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlanetSide 2 info coming tomorrow]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/07/06/planetside-2-info-coming-tomorrow/http://www.massively.com/2011/07/06/planetside-2-info-coming-tomorrow/http://www.massively.com/2011/07/06/planetside-2-info-coming-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Look lively PlanetSide 2 fans. Your long, dark winter is almost over and spring is coming in the form of a major new announcement on July 7th. That's tomorrow if you're counting at home, and Sony Online Entertainment has even provided a helpful countdown timer on the new PlanetSide 2 website to assist in said counting.

There's also a new Facebook page with a cryptic teaser for "classified information incoming," so mark your calendars and set your alarms for 7:00 p.m. PDT tomorrow.

Is SOE getting ready to drop a release date in the laps of eager sci-fi MMOFPS fans? Are there gameplay feature reveals in our immediate future? We're not sure at this point, but we are sure that tomorrow can't come fast enough.

MassivelyPlanetSide 2 info coming tomorrow originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementbig-announcementcountdowncountdown-annoucementfpshypemmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2revealsci-fishootersoeSony-Computer-Entertainment-JapanWed, 06 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlanetSide Next to be unveiled at SOE Fan Faire]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/06/17/planetside-next-to-be-unveiled-at-soe-fan-faire/http://www.massively.com/2011/06/17/planetside-next-to-be-unveiled-at-soe-fan-faire/http://www.massively.com/2011/06/17/planetside-next-to-be-unveiled-at-soe-fan-faire/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Even eight years after its launch, Sony Online Entertainment's PlanetSide still retains a healthy (and borderline fanatical) playerbase. This is almost certainly owed largely to the fact that PlanetSide remains one of the scant few MMOFPS games on the market. PlanetSide players, though, have been thirsting for more for quite some time. Thankfully, it appears the wait will soon be over.

Rumors have been flying for what seems like ages alongside a few sparse screenshots, but PlanetSide Next will soon be officially unveiled at the upcoming SOE Fan Faire this July. John Smedley, President of SOE, announced on his Twitter, "For all you PlanetSide Next fans, stay tuned for a big announcement at our upcoming Fan Faire in Vegas!" You heard the man! Keep your weapons in their holsters for just a while longer and keep an eye on Massively because we'll be sure to have all the freshest information as soon as it's out.

MassivelyPlanetSide Next to be unveiled at SOE Fan Faire originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fan-fairefan-faire-2011john-smedleymmofpsplanetsideplanetside-nextsoesoe-fan-fairesoe-fan-faire-2011sony-online-entertainmentsony-online-entertainment-fan-fairesony-online-entertainment-fan-faire-2011Fri, 17 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Online Entertainment dropping the price for Station Access]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/06/08/sony-online-entertainment-dropping-the-price-for-station-access/http://www.massively.com/2011/06/08/sony-online-entertainment-dropping-the-price-for-station-access/http://www.massively.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[Rise and Shiny recap: PlanetSide]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/05/29/rise-and-shiny-recap-planetside/http://www.massively.com/2011/05/29/rise-and-shiny-recap-planetside/http://www.massively.com/2011/05/29/rise-and-shiny-recap-planetside/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The only thing I can tell you for sure about the gameplay in PlanetSide is that it seems to be a battle that is constantly on recycle. You take over a base, and the enemy takes over another. You shoot a dozen enemies, and they shoot a dozen of yours. You get shot out of the sky, then you mount a gun and blow someone else out of the air. It's never-ending, an endless war over territory and pride. This is all the technical stuff.

Why are we fighting? I have no idea. I'm sure there is plenty of lore on the website or wiki, some fantastic explanation for what exactly my motive is in getting myself murdered over and over, but honestly I don't care. I have played PlanetSide off and on over the past several years, and I just needed to play it at this time. The week prior was a rough one, filled with glitchy games and articles that did not come out exactly how I wanted them to. It was, for a stay-at-home writer, a rough week. I needed PlanetSide to give me some fun. Some real, tangible, tasty, blow-'em-up fun.

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

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: PlanetSide

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: PlanetSide originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 May 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanfaxionfaxion-onlinefeaturedmmofpspew-pewplanetsideplanetside-nextrise-and-shinySOESony-Online-EntertainmentSun, 29 May 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlanetSide Next producer's letter hints at dev team expansion]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/04/13/planetside-next-producers-letter-hints-at-dev-team-expansion/http://www.massively.com/2011/04/13/planetside-next-producers-letter-hints-at-dev-team-expansion/http://www.massively.com/2011/04/13/planetside-next-producers-letter-hints-at-dev-team-expansion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

News of PlanetSide Next has been scarcer than we'd like of late, so it was with marked interest that we devoured the preview of a new producer letter from Sony Online Entertainment's Andrew Sites. PlanetSide Universe has the early scoop on the document, which alludes to an expansion of the PlanetSide sequel's development roster to include "several team members from the original PlanetSide art, design, and code team."

While Sites doesn't name names or offer much in the way of additional details, he does tease the fact that future producer letters will introduce both team members and game features, beginning with the next update.

MassivelyPlanetSide Next producer's letter hints at dev team expansion originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew-sitesdev-teamfpsmmofpsplanetsideplanetside-nextplanetside-universeproducer-lettersci-fishootersoeSony-Online-EntertainmentWed, 13 Apr 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE offers bonus Station Cash for using game cards]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/03/14/soe-offers-bonus-station-cash-for-using-game-cards/http://www.massively.com/2011/03/14/soe-offers-bonus-station-cash-for-using-game-cards/http://www.massively.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[The Game Archaeologist goes PlanetSide: Your journeys]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/02/22/the-game-archaeologist-goes-planetside-your-journeys/http://www.massively.com/2011/02/22/the-game-archaeologist-goes-planetside-your-journeys/http://www.massively.com/2011/02/22/the-game-archaeologist-goes-planetside-your-journeys/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

While war itself is a hellish, nasty activity that we'd be better off without, there's always been something compelling about playing war as both kids and adults. When you strip war of death and suffering, the play version can become downright compelling as we get engrossed in tales of heroics, deep strategies, risky gambits, and clear-cut victories. It's why we invest so much time in simulating war throughout our lives -- in snowball fights, toy soldiers, laser tag, and MMOs.

For the soldiers of PlanetSide, the war has been raging for over eight years now with no end in sight, and that's just fine with everyone involved. The game was designed to be a perpetual struggle between military forces -- not due to politics or prejudice but simply for the love of the fight.

In the year or so I've been writing this column, I've never seen so many people come forward when asked to share their experiences with an MMO as have done for PlanetSide. There's definitely something compelling and unique about this MMOFPS that's become a dear part of many gamers' memories, and I'm pleased to be sharing those stories with you today. Hit the jump for the glory, trooper!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist goes PlanetSide: Your journeys

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist goes PlanetSide: Your journeys originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bridge-battlesclancloakercore-combatdoomfeaturedfirst-person-shooterfpshammahijackinterviewjackedmagridersmmofpsnorwayoutfitplanetsideskeeterssky-divingsnipersnowball-fightssoesony-online-entertainmentstarsiege-tribesstoriestony-danzatribestribes-2warwhos-the-bossTue, 22 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist goes PlanetSide: The fansite]]>http://www.massively.com/2011/02/15/the-game-archaeologist-goes-planetside-the-fansite/http://www.massively.com/2011/02/15/the-game-archaeologist-goes-planetside-the-fansite/http://www.massively.com/2011/02/15/the-game-archaeologist-goes-planetside-the-fansite/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Famous PvPer George S. Patton once said that "The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other n00b die for his." We here at Game Archaeologist University applaud that line of thinking, especially when we want to be entertained. This perhaps explains the long-lasting appeal of PlanetSide. Another working theory is that Sony Online Entertainment is into witchcraft.

For an MMO I never gave much of a thought past "Huh, that's still around?" PlanetSide's surprised me with such a loyal -- and literate -- playerbase. Ever since starting this column, I've never received so many emails about an MMO. Memories and fearless love run strong in this community, and that intrigues me. What have I overlooked? Has PlanetSide proven that our ancestors' DNA contained the hybrid FPS/MMO gene, a gene that was passed down to a select group of winners?

In my quest to unwrap the formula of cult success, I first paid a visit to the folks over at PlanetSide Universe, one of the most established PlanetSide fan sites on the web. Hit the jump to have your mind blown -- and your internal organs donated against your will by a rocket launcher!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist goes PlanetSide: The fansite

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist goes PlanetSide: The fansite originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betachainguncore-combatdragon-wolvesfeaturedgalaxy-transportgeorge-pattonhammainterviewlegacymechmechsmerit-commendationmmofpsplanetsideplanetside-nextplanetside-universepssoesony-online-entertainmentthe-game-archaeologisttribeswitchcraftTue, 15 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST