Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.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[EverQuest 2 going free-to-play (again)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/everquest-2-going-free-to-play-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/everquest-2-going-free-to-play-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/everquest-2-going-free-to-play-again/#comments No, you and you internet browser haven't slipped backwards through time -- though EverQuest 2 already went free-to-play last year (with the somewhat confusing, browser-based EverQuest 2: Extended), the game is going really free-to-play starting December 6. A post on the game's official site clears things up: The offerings of Extended will be folded into the rest of the title, and membership will be broken down into three tiers: Free, Silver and Gold.

Free members get a handful of races, classes, character slots and other utilities, while Silver members ($5.00 or 500 Station Points per month) get ... well, a handful more. These two tiers also have the option to purchase some items (like races and classes) piecemeal. Gold members ($14.99/mo.) get unrestricted access to everything. Check out this handy rubric if you're still confused by all these precious, precious metals.

JoystiqEverQuest 2 going free-to-play (again) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EQ2everquestEverQuest-2free-to-playmmommorpgpcsoeSony-Online-EntertainmentstationWed, 30 Nov 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE suspends services after discovering 'an issue']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/soe-suspends-services-after-discovering-an-issue/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/soe-suspends-services-after-discovering-an-issue/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/soe-suspends-services-after-discovering-an-issue/#comments Uh-oh. While Sony Online Entertainment had assured its customers last week that, "to the best of our knowledge, no customer personal information got out to any unauthorized person or persons" during last month's breach into Sony's systems, the MMO division today suspended its games and services, including its websites and Facebook titles.

"We have had to take the SOE service down temporarily," the group said in a brief statement this morning. "In the course of our investigation into the intrusion into our systems we have discovered an issue that warrants enough concern for us to take the service down effective immediately."

SOE added that it would provide an update later today. In the meantime, the notification page suggests you download and play some (offline) casual games to distract you from that horrible feeling in the pit of your stomach.

Update: SOE has announced that it has lost 12,700 customer credit card numbers as the result of an attack, and roughly 24.6 million accounts may have been breached. Check out our follow-up post for more information.

JoystiqSOE suspends services after discovering 'an issue' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 May 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlineeverquesteverquest-2facebookfree-realmsmmooutagepcplanetsideplaystationps3psn-outage-2011soestar-wars-galaxiesstation.comvanguard-saga-of-heroesMon, 02 May 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE confirms studio closures, cancels The Agency]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/soe-confirms-studio-closures-cancels-the-agency/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/soe-confirms-studio-closures-cancels-the-agency/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/soe-confirms-studio-closures-cancels-the-agency/#comments Following earlier reports of studio closures and mass layoffs, Sony Online Entertainment has issued an official statement regarding its "strategic decision to reduce costs and streamline its global workforce." The company confirmed the closings of its Denver, Seattle and Tucson studios and the elimination of 205 jobs.

Additionally, SOE announced the cancellation of The Agency, the long-delayed, cross-platform spy MMO under development at SOE Seattle. The company said it's discontinuing production of the title to "focus development resources on delivering two new MMOs based on its renowned PlanetSide and EverQuest properties, while also maintaining its current portfolio of online games."

SOE added that the Denver and Tucson studios' projects would be transitioned over to its San Diego headquarters. The company's full statement is posted after the break.

Continue reading SOE confirms studio closures, cancels The Agency

JoystiqSOE confirms studio closures, cancels The Agency originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledcancellationclosureeverquestlayoffspcplanetsideplaystationps3soesoe-denversoe-seattlesoe-tucsonsony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyThu, 31 Mar 2011 14:52:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE unveils 'EverQuest Next' at Fan Faire]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/07/soe-unveils-everquest-next-at-fan-faire/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/07/soe-unveils-everquest-next-at-fan-faire/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/07/soe-unveils-everquest-next-at-fan-faire/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The third edition in the EverQuest franchise was teased by Sony Online Entertainment prez John Smedley this weekend at SOE's annual Fan Faire event. The publisher also held an extended panel on it -- tentatively titled EverQuest Next -- where Smedley revealed that the game will have "less classes" and be "more like EQ1" in that regard. He also said it has been "built from the ground up to be scaleable" and that it'll be playable on anything from "a laptop" to "a powerful PC."

Alongside the reveal, SOE released a couple of in-game screenshots, which we've dropped into a gallery below. No projected release window was given, but a smattering of specific details about the next EQ installment can be found on EQ2 Wire's liveblog of the event.

Gallery: EverQuest Next

JoystiqSOE unveils 'EverQuest Next' at Fan Faire originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eq-nexteverquesteverquest-nextfan-fairefan-faire-2010john-smedleypcsoesony-online-entertainmentSat, 07 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Online Entertainment selling Everquest 2 mounts for $25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/22/sony-online-entertainment-selling-everquest-2-mounts-for-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/22/sony-online-entertainment-selling-everquest-2-mounts-for-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/22/sony-online-entertainment-selling-everquest-2-mounts-for-25/#comments Sony Online Entertainment, in an attempt to capitalize on the madness that stirs men's souls to purchase in-game items with real-life money, recently added three colorful Everquest 2 mounts to the Station Marketplace. For $25, you can purchase one of two versions of the mount: a Fierce Prowler, which improves its rider's combat abilities, or an Arcane Prowler, which boosts spellcasting abilities. You can check out a video of the mounts over on Shacknews.

SOE representatives claim the mounts were added to the storefront due to "player demand," which, if true, means the world has gone entirely bananacakes crazytown. We're going to go buy an economy-sized pallet of water bottles, board up our doors and windows, and go hide in our mattress fort.

JoystiqSony Online Entertainment selling Everquest 2 mounts for $25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 May 2010 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EQ2EverQuestEverQuest-2MMOMMORPGSOESony-Online-EntertainmentSat, 22 May 2010 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC: R.A. Salvatore wants you to die]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/gdc-r-a-salvatore-wants-you-to-die/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/gdc-r-a-salvatore-wants-you-to-die/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/gdc-r-a-salvatore-wants-you-to-die/#comments Fantasy author R.A. Salvatore took the stage at GDC 2010 today and, while he made it clear that his talk about how to create believable fantasy worlds wasn't specifically about his work with 38 Studios' Copernicus project, he did talk a little bit about what he wants from an MMO game and gave the first mention of what the world of Curt Schilling's game is like. Salvatore talked for quite a while in his thick Massachusetts accent about his time in Everquest, which he said was "the best world in a game I've ever seen." He also lauded the idea of a death penalty in an MMO, and said that during his formative MMO experiences the threat of death (he once lost a hard-earned level when he was killed by an NPC that he accidentally clicked to attack) made living that much better. "If you take the pain out of the world," he said, "you lose the accomplishment of winning."

And while he admitted that the Copernicus designers were fighting with him on whether or not to include a death penalty in the game, the company would at least make sure that a return from death was explained. His team has written over 10,000 years of history for the game's world (all compiled on "a wiki with over hundreds of pages in it"), and one of the major features of the setting's lore is a "device that's perfected" called the "Well of Souls." The Well, "when you die, will bring you back -- if you meet the conditions." He didn't elaborate about what those conditions were, but he asked the audience what a worldwide death-prevention device would do to institutions like kings and religions. "What happens when you take power away from powerful people?" he asked rhetorically. "How would it play out?" And, he suggested, if there were people who "turned the Well on," what if they threatened the rest of the world with turning it off?

Vague, but intriguing. Copernicus still seems like it has a long way to go (Salvatore didn't show any slides or screenshots during his talk), but fans of the old EQ might find the game a return to the old ways if R.A. has his say.

JoystiqGDC: R.A. Salvatore wants you to die originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscopernicuscurt-schillingdeatheqeverquestfantasygamegdc-2010mmora-salvatoreworldFri, 12 Mar 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Everquest, Free Realms players raise $25,000 for Haiti]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/everquest-free-realms-players-raise-25-000-for-haiti/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/everquest-free-realms-players-raise-25-000-for-haiti/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/everquest-free-realms-players-raise-25-000-for-haiti/#comments Sony Online Entertainment has announced that it has donated $25,000 in aid to the victim's of the tragic Haiti earthquake. The money was raised with the help of Everquest, Everquest II and Free Realms players via the purchase of special in-game items. For every item purchased -- each item was priced at $5 -- Sony Online Entertainment donated $10 to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development fund. The sum, raised in only three days, should aid in sending much needed supplies, relief workers, and financial support. A commendable effort, to be sure.

Joystiq readers can find ways to help Haiti by following this link. Also remember that all DLC proceeds for Behemoth games go to the Red Cross this weekend.

JoystiqEverquest, Free Realms players raise $25,000 for Haiti originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EQ2EverQuestEverQuest-2Free-RealmsHaitiMMOMMORPGSOESony-Online-EntertainmentFri, 22 Jan 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE announces EverQuest: Underfoot and Everquest II: Sentinel's Fate expansions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/soe-announces-everquest-underfoot-and-everquest-ii-sentinels/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/soe-announces-everquest-underfoot-and-everquest-ii-sentinels/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/soe-announces-everquest-underfoot-and-everquest-ii-sentinels/#comments Our sister site BigDownload has the scoop on a pair of new expansions for SOE's popular Everquest franchise that were announced at this week's Fan Faire in Las Vegas. First up is the 16th commercial expansion for 1999's Everquest, Everquest: Underfoot. Due for release this November, the expansion brings with it a new underground zone to explore, with new creatures to battle, and even less reason to leave your house.

Probably more relevant is Everquest II: Sentinel's Fate, the sixth commercial expansion for Everquest II. Due for release in February 2010, Sentinel's Fate will raise the level cap to 90, allowing you to spend ten more levels beefing up that Summoner of yours.

JoystiqSOE announces EverQuest: Underfoot and Everquest II: Sentinel's Fate expansions originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EQ2EverQuestEverQuest-2everquest-2-sentinels-fateeverquest-underfootexpansionMMOMMORPGSOESony-Online-EntertainmentSat, 27 Jun 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE promotion nets $20k Child's Play contribution]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/soe-promotion-nets-20k-childs-play-contribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/soe-promotion-nets-20k-childs-play-contribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/soe-promotion-nets-20k-childs-play-contribution/#comments SOE recently ran a really swell promotion in its Everquest and Everquest II games. For every player that purchased a specific Child's Play virtual item on the Marketplace using the title's currency, Station Cash, SOE would make a $10 donation to Child's Play. Despite an aching (real-world) economy, players managed to do some serious spending, driving SOE's total contribution to Child's Play to $20,000. To put that in perspective, $20,000 is the equivalent of just over 1,333 months of basic Everquest II access for a single subscriber.

JoystiqSOE promotion nets $20k Child's Play contribution originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychilds-playEQ2EverQuestEverQuest-2MMOMMORPGSOESony-Online-EntertainmentFri, 27 Feb 2009 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam gets mo' MMOs from Sony Online Entertainment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/steam-gets-mo-mmos-from-sony-online-entertainment/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/steam-gets-mo-mmos-from-sony-online-entertainment/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/steam-gets-mo-mmos-from-sony-online-entertainment/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Though we've always had to fight an urge to call them MOMs (massively online multiplayer-ers), MMOs have become an internet-bound force to be reckoned with. It's no surprise, then, that Valve's Steam service serendipitously bumped into Sony Online's mob of mmohs at a recent meeting of internet-bound forces to be reckoned with. They hit it off, one thing led to another and now it's all over the blogosphere.

A "groundbreaking" library of SOE titles is now available on the digital download service, including the EverQuest and EverQuest II collections, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes and Pirates of the Burning Sea. You'll also find the expansions EverQuest Seeds of Destruction and EverQuest II The Shadow Odyssey available for purchase.

As a special introductory offer, Pirates of the Burning Sea, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes, EverQuest Secrets of Faydwer and EverQuest II Rise of Kunark are being sold at "special" prices during the first ten days of availability. New game accounts for purchased MMOs will receive 30 days of gameplay, though the offer excludes existing game and Station Access accounts.

Well, enjoy the games! It was nice knowing you.

JoystiqSteam gets mo' MMOs from Sony Online Entertainment originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EQ2EverQuestEverQuest-2MMOMMORPGPCPirates-of-the-Burning-SeaSOESony-Online-EntertainmentSteamValveFri, 16 Jan 2009 16:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Fan Faire drops debut trailers for Everquest and EQII expansions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/16/sony-fan-faire-drops-debut-trailers-for-everquest-and-eqii-expan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/16/sony-fan-faire-drops-debut-trailers-for-everquest-and-eqii-expan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/16/sony-fan-faire-drops-debut-trailers-for-everquest-and-eqii-expan/#commentsFiled under: ,


At Sony Online Entertainment's Fan Faire event in Las Vegas, expansions to two of the MMO developer's major titles, Everquest and Everquest II, were revealed and dated: EQ fans will be planting Seeds of Destruction on October 21, while EQII players will find themselves embarking on The Shadow Odyssey November 18. Shortly thereafter, SOE revealed a teaser trailer for each expansion. We debated about which one to feature on the main page, and ultimately decided upon the expansion for the game that hasn't been out for a hojillion years (fret not, Seeds' trailer is after the jump).

The Shadow Odyssey's teaser shows off some of the rather uninviting locales featured in the update, and not much else. The Seeds of Destruction trailer previews the new mercenary system, and flaunts a number of new areas which will be added to the title. Pretty impressive from a game that, if it were a human being, would be entering the fourth grade this Fall, where it would slowly begin to develop funny feelings towards its classmate, Asheron's Call.

Read: EverQuest: Seeds of Destruction teaser trailer released
Read: EQII: The Shadow Odyssey teaser trailer released

Continue reading Sony Fan Faire drops debut trailers for Everquest and EQII expansions

JoystiqSony Fan Faire drops debut trailers for Everquest and EQII expansions originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Everquesthttp:www.youtube.comwatchvSFP5afPweVIPCseeds-of-destructionthe-shadow-odysseytrailerSat, 16 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE announces EverQuest: Seeds of Destruction and EQII: The Shadow Odyssey]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/soe-announces-everquest-seeds-of-destruction-and-eqii-the-shad/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/soe-announces-everquest-seeds-of-destruction-and-eqii-the-shad/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/soe-announces-everquest-seeds-of-destruction-and-eqii-the-shad/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

At its annual Fan Faire, Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) has revealed new expansions for EverQuest and EverQuest II. For EQ players, The Seeds of Destruction expansion offers a new level cap (85), 20 new zones, a new mercenary system, and all fourteen previous expansions in one box. EQII: The Shadow Odyssey will feature brand new zones, some revisits to the original EQ dungeons, a bump in the number of achievements you can get (up to 200), new deities, new quests and a new loot system that lets you pick your loot rewards.

Our MMO-obsessed colleagues at Massively have interviews with the EverQuest design team and EQII Senior Producer Bruce Ferguson about the expansions. All Fan Faire attendees will receive both games for free and will be able to participate in the SoD and TSO betas when they begin on August 19 and September 2, respectively.

Seeds of Destruction will come out October 21, while The Shadow Odyssey is scheduled for November 18. Stay tuned to Massively all week for more Fan Faire coverage.

Gallery: EverQuest: Seeds of Destruction Announcement


Gallery: EverQuest 2: The Shadow Odyssey Announcement

JoystiqSOE announces EverQuest: Seeds of Destruction and EQII: The Shadow Odyssey originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsEQ2EverQuestEverQuest-2MMOMMORPGPCseeds-of-destructionshadow-odysseySOESony-Online-Entertainmentthe-shadow-odysseyFri, 15 Aug 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen at E3: A dude uses time poorly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/seen-at-e3-a-dude-uses-time-poorly/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/seen-at-e3-a-dude-uses-time-poorly/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/seen-at-e3-a-dude-uses-time-poorly/#commentsFiled under: ,


The show floor had been open for less than three hours at E3 and we spun, giggling madly in the middle of the room and trying to decide which delight we would indulge in first. But then, before we could do anything, we saw the above dude.

You know what that dude was doing, three hours after E3 had officially begun? He was playing Everquest. No not Everquest 3: Rise of the ZOMG Rad, but rather Everquest. One. From 1973.

JoystiqSeen at E3: A dude uses time poorly originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3e3-2008everquestPCTue, 15 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE reactivates dead Everquest accounts with Living Legacy initiative]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/soe-reactivates-dead-everquest-accounts-with-living-legacy-initi/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/soe-reactivates-dead-everquest-accounts-with-living-legacy-initi/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/soe-reactivates-dead-everquest-accounts-with-living-legacy-initi/#commentsFiled under: ,

Have you played either Everquest or Everquest II any time in the last nine years? Even if you picked it up and put it down just as quickly, Sony Online Entertainment's giving your character a second lease on life, as it unveils the Living Legacy summer program. In an unprecedented move, SOE has reactivated every stagnant player account for two free months of access on both Everquest and its sequel. Yes, that's right. Every single account.

More than simply account resurrection, SOE is including EQ's expansions in these lapsed player accounts, as well as offering bonuses to help get older players up to speed. For more information on the ambitious campaign, check out Massively's interview with EQ senior producer Bruce Ferguson. So, who's headed to Norrath?

Source - SOE's Living Legacy campaign gives you 2 free months in EQ and EQ2 [Massively]

Source - Everquest II's senior producer on SOE's Living Legacy [Massively]

JoystiqSOE reactivates dead Everquest accounts with Living Legacy initiative originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EQ2everquestEverQuest-2MMOMMORPGPCSOESony-Online-EntertainmentThu, 05 Jun 2008 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Everquest designer joins 38 Studios for 'Copernicus' MMO]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/everquest-designer-joins-38-studios-for-copernicus-mmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/everquest-designer-joins-38-studios-for-copernicus-mmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/everquest-designer-joins-38-studios-for-copernicus-mmo/#commentsFiled under: ,

As the former lead designer of Everquest, Travis McGeathy has likely acquired just as many ardent fans as vengeful detractors, wishing they could get those thousands of click-click-clicking hours back. With your social life still in ruins, your cautious digestion of this bit of news from Gamasutra is probably for the best. You see, Mr. McGeathy is now the systems design lead for "Copernicus," Studio 38's mysterious MMO project.

He's not the only Everquest vet at the Curt Schilling-founded developer either, as former Everquest II lead designer, Jason Roberts, and Everquest II expansion pack designer, Steve Danuser, also occupy padded leather chairs at the Maynard, MA office. We've yet to see what lies behind the Copernicus veil, but we're starting to suspect there may be buxom, elfin ladies involved.

JoystiqEverquest designer joins 38 Studios for 'Copernicus' MMO originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-StudiosCopernicusEverquestTue, 22 Apr 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively celebrates St. Patrick's Day with MMOs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/massively-celebrates-st-patricks-day-with-mmos/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/massively-celebrates-st-patricks-day-with-mmos/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/massively-celebrates-st-patricks-day-with-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Despite the inability to get actually drunk over virtual alcohol, there are MMOs celebrating St. Patrick's Day. If you're looking for the biggest virtual parties this side of Norrath (and on that other side, too), the MMO-obsessed over at Massively have you covered with a handy guide of events for the week.

Conspicuously absent from St. Patrick's Day celebrations is World of Warcraft, but if you happen to find some drunken dwarves in Azeroth (or other ad hoc festivities), be sure to snap a photo and send to WoW Insider.

JoystiqMassively celebrates St. Patrick's Day with MMOs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EQ2everquestEverQuest-2MMOMMORPGSOESony-Online-Entertainmentst-patricks-dayWiiworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 17 Mar 2008 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest turns 9, give grandpa a visit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/everquest-turns-9-give-grandpa-a-visit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/everquest-turns-9-give-grandpa-a-visit/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/everquest-turns-9-give-grandpa-a-visit/#commentsFiled under: , ,


In a time before World of Warcraft, there once was a game called EverQuest, and it was good tolerable. Sony Online Entertainment would like to invite players back to EverQuest and the land of Norrath to celebrate the MMORPG's ninth anniversary.

The online game will hold various events throughout the year to celebrate being one year away from an actual milestone. Beginning March 16, there'll be a scavenger hunt and a month-long event tied to the divinities and servants of the Planes of Power. SOE states that EverQuest, after fourteen expansions, still has a flourishing community and will "stay active into the foreseeable future." There is more information about the anniversary events and special downloadable items (like an EverQuest timeline poster) at Station.com.

JoystiqEverQuest turns 9, give grandpa a visit originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversaryeverquestPCsoesony-online-entertainmentThu, 13 Mar 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Brazil ban on Counter-Strike, EverQuest goes into effect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/brazil-ban-on-counter-strike-everquest-goes-into-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/brazil-ban-on-counter-strike-everquest-goes-into-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/brazil-ban-on-counter-strike-everquest-goes-into-effect/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

A ban on the sale of Counter-Strike and EverQuest in Brazil has gone into effect. According to AFP, the ban was ordered by federal court in October 2007 but is just now being imposed. Said judge Carlos Alberto Simoes, the titles encouraged "the subversion of public order, were an attack against the democratic state and the law and against public security." (Just so you're clear: EverQuest is an attack on democracy, but censorship isn't.)

Of course, the ban is just on the sale of the two games. Each title is about nine years old, with their latest respective sequels (EverQuest 2 and CS: Source) released in 2004 - not exactly the most timely censorship. By that timeframe, World of Warcraft has about five years left before Brazil drops the banhammer. Let's hope Blizzard can get out Wrath of the Lich King before 2014.

[Via CVG; thanks, Vitor]

JoystiqBrazil ban on Counter-Strike, EverQuest goes into effect originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Since the Gears of War movie wants to be like 300, it should be no surprise that the EverQuest movie wants to be like 300 as well. In fact, they've hired 300 screenwriter Michael Gordon to try and bring some of his magic to the script. Hopefully that doesn't mean someone will be shouting "THIS! IS! EVERQUEST!" throughout the film.

Unlike Stuart Beattie, who is writing Gears, Gordon doesn't have an impressive set of credits to his name, other than 300. Couple that with the waning popularity of EverQuest every year, and the World of Warcraft film that is being readied, and it smells like a recipe for video store shelves and Netflix accounts.

However, we could be wrong and this could smash box office records, sweep the awards, and bring tears to millions of eyes around the world. We're just sayin' ...

JoystiqEverquest movie moving forward (directly to video we presume) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>300EverquestmoviesPCWorldofWarcraftWoWMon, 08 Oct 2007 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Everquest I and II adds card game Legends of Norrath]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/06/everquest-i-and-ii-adds-card-game-legends-of-norrath/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/06/everquest-i-and-ii-adds-card-game-legends-of-norrath/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/06/everquest-i-and-ii-adds-card-game-legends-of-norrath/#commentsFiled under: ,

How do you renew flagging interest in an MMORPG, especially when there's clearly another top dog? For MMORPG granddaddy Everquest, part of the solution (they hope) comes in the form of a new, digital collectable card game called Legends of Norrath: Oathbound. The first of what Sony says will be a series, Oathbound features 375 cards in 55-card starter decks for $9.99 and 15-card booster packs for $2.99.

The game is playable from EQ I or II, thought a stand-alone client is due for free on Sept. 12. You can test your skills (and decks) against others in the Tournament and Casual lobbies that have been set up or you can play against the AI. This isn't necessarily the sort of thing that would make us cheat on WoW, but if you're still a Norrath denizen, it sounds like this would certainly beat /gems.

JoystiqEverquest I and II adds card game Legends of Norrath originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Sep 2007 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EQ2EverQuestEverQuest-2Legends-of-NorrathMMOMMORPGPCSOESony-Online-EntertainmentThu, 06 Sep 2007 14:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's Fan Fairiest video: EverQuest players tie real and virtual knots]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/todays-fan-fairiest-video-everquest-players-tie-real-and-virtu/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/todays-fan-fairiest-video-everquest-players-tie-real-and-virtu/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/15/todays-fan-fairiest-video-everquest-players-tie-real-and-virtu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Sony Online Entertainment's recent Fan Faire was held in Las Vegas, which is already known for quirky characters and quickie weddings. However, this was probably the only time the city over hosted both a real wedding, and a virtual one, at the same time. Er, and for the same people. We don't want to slight the Vegas virtual wedding scene, if it exists.

Two gamers, who met in EverQuest, tied the knot during the event at the Rio Hotel ... and then promptly went on a six-hour hack and slash raid through an orc-infested dungeon as a honeymoon treat. Okay, we keed, we keed ... but listen to the preacher during the ceremony as he says "we're gathered here today at the beautiful Rio Hotel." Wonder if he's a paid shill.

Anyhow, check out the wedding video above (Darth Vader and some Stormtroopers actually lead the bridal procession in), and some costume contest photos in the gallery below. One of these days BlizzCon and Fan Faire need to meet so the MMORPGer's can battle it out for global online domination.

Gallery: SOE Fan Faire Wedding and Costume Constest

JoystiqToday's Fan Fairiest video: EverQuest players tie real and virtual knots originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Aug 2007 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzConEverQuestFan FairePCSOESony Online EntertainmentSonyOnlineEntertainmentWeddingWed, 15 Aug 2007 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest II on the PS3, or a bad case of the mis-typings? [Update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/everquest-ii-on-the-ps3-or-a-bad-case-of-the-mis-typings/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/everquest-ii-on-the-ps3-or-a-bad-case-of-the-mis-typings/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/everquest-ii-on-the-ps3-or-a-bad-case-of-the-mis-typings/#commentsFiled under:

French website Play 3 Live has upped some scans of, supposedly, a PS3 port of the moderately popular MMORPG EverQuest II: Echoes of Faydwer. The pictures they threw up depiciting the apparent port are all of some pretty freaky-looking fairies with quality not much enhanced from the PC version of the game. This could be because of fears of lag issues for the PS3 version, or because it might end up being a fully downloadable title. The latter speculation is an extreme stretch, but who can be sure?

After scouring the SOE Press Center, we've located what possibly could be the root of this rumor. The listing on Sony Online Entertainment's official site teases readers with the listing of the game as a " PC PS3" release. The pictures aren't in widescreen -- a staple of the PS3 gaming library. We're still keeping this as a rumor, but from the shady speculation surrounding this event, we'd bet our pirate booty that this is all a big error in typing. A mis-type, if you will.

For the uninitiated, just in case this turns out to be true, EverQuest II: Echoes of Faydwer tells the tale of [insert cookie-cutter MMO plotline and gameplay mechanics]. Don't get us wrong, we're not hating on EQ2, but just like many MMO's, FPS's based in WWII, and JRPG's featuring spiky-haired and oddly prepubescent youths, there's not much to separate it from a crowd.

[Update: IGN contacted SOE and as we imagined, the rumor has been confirmed to be completely untrue.]

JoystiqEverQuest II on the PS3, or a bad case of the mis-typings? [Update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EQ2EverQuestEverQuest-2MMOMMORPGSOESony-Online-EntertainmentTue, 29 May 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A whole slew of EverQuest and EverQuest II, electric boogaloo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/10/a-whole-slew-of-everquest-and-everquest-ii-electric-boogaloo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/10/a-whole-slew-of-everquest-and-everquest-ii-electric-boogaloo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/10/a-whole-slew-of-everquest-and-everquest-ii-electric-boogaloo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Sony Online Entertainment gave us a lot of EverQuest to digest recently, including the fact that they are only going to be releasing one expansion per year from now on. Players were complaining that with the expansion packs coming out every time they blinked six months, they weren't getting enough time to explore the new worlds.

Speaking of new worlds, if you've never jumped on board the EverQuest bandwagon, you can pick up the just released EverQuest: The Anniversary Edition for only $19.99. It contains every expansion ever made for EverQuest, which at last count was thirteen. That's a lot of adventuring, folks. Hard to believe it's been around for eight years now.

EverQuest II also gets some love in the form of a huge new expansion called The Rise of Kunark, which comes out in November. It adds a new playable race, weapons, armor, zones, deities, now level cap at 80, and even a new mount ... a rhinoceros. We're not sure about you, but tooling around on a rampaging rhino sounds like sweet ride.

Gallery: EverQuest and EverQuest II

Continue reading A whole slew of EverQuest and EverQuest II, electric boogaloo

JoystiqA whole slew of EverQuest and EverQuest II, electric boogaloo originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2007 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EQ2EverquestEverQuest-2MMOMMORPGPCSOESony-Online-EntertainmentThu, 10 May 2007 21:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Role-playing titles that made a "quantum leap"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/10/role-playing-titles-that-made-a-quantum-leap/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/10/role-playing-titles-that-made-a-quantum-leap/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/10/role-playing-titles-that-made-a-quantum-leap/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Role-playing titles that made a Gamasutra recently polled its readers on which role-playing game made the biggest "quantum leap" at the time it was released. Any RPG throughout the history of the genre was fair pickings, but the top entry was the game that received the most votes from readers identified as industry professionals (because grunts like you and me only dilute the quality of the selection process).

Classic heavyweights such as Final Fantasy IV, Neverwinter Nights, EverQuest, Baldur's Gate II, and the Ultima series are celebrated as honorable mentions, which illustrates the impressive depth of the genre. I won't reveal the top five vote-getters, but a certain spike-haired dude with a huge sword is absent from the list -- just one omission of many that should fuel some interesting debates among the RPG faithful. What are your thoughts about the list?

See also:

JoystiqRole-playing titles that made a "quantum leap" originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Oct 2006 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Baldur's Gatechrono crosschrono triggerdeus exelder scrollsEverQuestfalloutFinal FantasymmorpgNeverwinter Nightsoblivionplanescape tormentrole-playingrpgUltimaTue, 10 Oct 2006 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EQII: Echoes of Faydwer previewed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/14/eqii-echoes-of-faydwer-previewed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/14/eqii-echoes-of-faydwer-previewed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/14/eqii-echoes-of-faydwer-previewed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

EQII: Echoes of Faydwer previewedGameSpy has put together a preview of SOE's new EverQuest II expansion, Echoes of Faydwer. Scheduled for a November launch, Echoes is the third proper EQII expansion following Desert of Flames and Kindgom of Sky.

Perhaps hoping to court new players who may only be familiar with the PS2's Champions of Norrath series (or to convert stalwarts of the original EQ), SOE returns the action to the popular setting of Faydwer. The Faydark zone will actually be a starting point for a new pixie race, and you'll have the opportunity to pray at the altars of classic deities such as Mithaniel Marr and Innoruuk to earn miracle items that will aid you in your quests.

While you're on your knees, pray you have enough time to actually play Echoes with the deluge of new games and console launches arriving this holiday season.

JoystiqEQII: Echoes of Faydwer previewed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Sep 2006 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EQ2EverQuestEverQuest-2MMOMMORPGPCSOESony-Online-EntertainmentThu, 14 Sep 2006 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Introducing the official SOE podcast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/19/introducing-the-official-soe-podcast/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/19/introducing-the-official-soe-podcast/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/19/introducing-the-official-soe-podcast/#commentsFiled under:

Last Thursday, the first official Sony Online Entertainment podcast surfaced on the esteemed Major Nelson's blog. Yes, you read that correctly. The podcast can be downloaded here. However, I'm afraid you won't find it as engaging as other kinds of podcasts coming from certain inside sources (we're lookin' at you Major).

And why don't they have a blog? The cart may have gotten ahead of the horse on that one. At any rate, you're probably wondering what they talk about. Lots of Everquest, and LOTS of scripted discussions. Sony, if you are reading: drop the scripts and lose the incessant background music!

The idea behind this is really good though (if it were implemented right). To make this into something worthwhile they could fire the talking robots, stop reading straight off a script and tackle issues that more gamers can relate too about the PS3 (though this is SOE after all, hence the chosen topics). Podcasts make excellent PR tools and Sony could cover a lot of ground if they did this right.

JoystiqIntroducing the official SOE podcast originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jun 2006 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Everquest II, released over 18 months ago, is being continually revived with expansions and adventure packs. Expansions are full-blown boxed releases which add a great deal of content to the game, sometimes introducing major gameplay changes -- adventure packs are cheaper digital downloads that add new zones and story arcs.

The third adventure pack, The Fallen Dynasty, features the addition of a new set of Eastern-themed zones. In order to feel foreign, a strong Oriental touch runs through the landscape, from pagodas to rice paddies. The adventure pack is heavy on story, and players will have to earn the trust of NPCs before parts of the story unfold.

Continue reading First impressions: Everquest II addons

JoystiqFirst impressions: Everquest II addons originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 May 2006 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e32006EQ2EverQuestEverQuest-2MMOMMORPGSOESony-Online-EntertainmentThu, 11 May 2006 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[You'll kry when Krowbar kwits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/09/i-kried-when-krowbar-kwit/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/09/i-kried-when-krowbar-kwit/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/09/i-kried-when-krowbar-kwit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We are getting close to hitting our quota of maudlin MMORPG music vids for the day. You did watch the Drakedog suicide vid, right?

This very special flash video from the wayback machine will mean the most to those of you who played (and by "played" we mean "dedicated your life to raiding in") end-game Everquest, but it should also be familiar to anyone who's joined a guild in a MMOG and has experienced the requisite drama that comes with the guild structure. This video's so friggin' over the top with the melodrama that it's downright hilarious, if you understand the context.

Yes, that's a 1.0 cleric epic you spied there. The truly leet can name the purple armor, too.

Thanks for hosting, Flowers of Happiness!

JoystiqYou'll kry when Krowbar kwits originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Mar 2006 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>everquestfunnyhumorMacmmommogmmorpgPCThu, 09 Mar 2006 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's MMO marketing shows signs of desperation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/16/sonys-mmo-marketing-showing-signs-of-desperation/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/16/sonys-mmo-marketing-showing-signs-of-desperation/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/16/sonys-mmo-marketing-showing-signs-of-desperation/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Many of you showed scorn at one of Sony Online Entertainment's recent moves, their "all-in-one" Station Access Collection MMO bundle. But wait; they're not done yet. If playing PlanetSide for free isn't enough for you, SOE have teamed up with FilePlanet to offer a month's free play of EverQuest II.

Not tempted? How about some Star Wars Galaxies TV commercials to pique your interest? (Ignore what dedicated players are saying; hardcore players are so last season.)

We hope the marketing department hasn't run out of ideas yet; SOE are definitely piling on the publicity, but given the reaction to their Station Access Collection announcement, all this still won't be enough to rejuvenate their aging MMOs. Casual gamers or those new to MMOs might get suckered in briefly, but we're unlikely to see a huge rush of new players as a result of all these campaigns; if anything, the over-promotion will put people off.

JoystiqSony's MMO marketing shows signs of desperation originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Feb 2006 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EQ2everquestEverQuest-2freemarketingmmoMMORPGPCSOEsonySony-Online-EntertainmentThu, 16 Feb 2006 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's MMOs to be available in one package]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/14/sonys-mmos-to-be-available-in-one-package/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/14/sonys-mmos-to-be-available-in-one-package/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/14/sonys-mmos-to-be-available-in-one-package/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The variety of MMOs on the market can be confusing to new players, especially if you want to try multiple games out before you subscribe. Sony appear to have acknowledged this need with their new Station Access Collection which includes Sony Online Entertainment's top MMOs in one package.

The collection, available for $39.99 from March 14th, consists of EverQuest Evolution, EverQuest II, PlanetSide Aftershock, The Matrix Online and Star Wars Galaxies. Crucially, it'll include a month's free play for each bundled game, giving players a chance to try out all the offerings. Other publishers with a wide range of MMOs on offer may want to take a tip from Sony for a change; the perceived value is likely to make this product far more appealing than a single standalone game for the same price.

JoystiqSony's MMOs to be available in one package originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Feb 2006 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EQ2EverQuestEverQuest-2matrix onlineMatrixOnlineMMOmmorpgPCplanetsideSOESony-Online-EntertainmentswgTue, 14 Feb 2006 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gold farming mogul comes clean]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/20/gold-farming-mogul-comes-clean/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/20/gold-farming-mogul-comes-clean/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/20/gold-farming-mogul-comes-clean/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's rare to hear gold farmers speak up and give details on their business, which is exactly what the folks at Terra Nova have unearthed. Despite the stereotype, not all gold, plat or gil farmers in massively multiplayer games are Chinese; an American farmer who made something approaching $150,000 in a year from platinum harvesting has come forward on an Everquest board to speak out.

This history of gold farming in Everquest, from a first-person perspective, is fascinating. However, if this farmer is indicative of the profession, then it seems that foreign competition and the use of exploits are seriously threatening "home-grown" farmers' businesses. As Terra Nova points out, the question is whether anyone other than the farmers really cares.

JoystiqGold farming mogul comes clean originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jan 2006 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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