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[Sony Online Entertainment services also coming back online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/sony-online-entertainment-services-also-coming-back-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/sony-online-entertainment-services-also-coming-back-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/sony-online-entertainment-services-also-coming-back-online/#comments Sony Online Entertainment has been an unfortunately named business these past two weeks, when its catalog of MMOs were taken offline following the PlayStation Network security breach. Fortunately, the servers of titles like Free Realms, EverQuest 2 and Clone Wars Adventures slowly but surely started to come back online this past weekend -- each including a little incentive to try and lure back their disconnected player bases.

These incentives include XP bonuses, free rare items and special events, all of which are laid out on this handy chart. If you're an SOE account holder in "good standing," you'll also get 45 days of in-game time on-the-house. If you're a lifetime subscriber, though, you'll get just the extra super special in-game bonuses. Also, everyone gets 500 Station Cash, a currency players can use to purchase even more in-game items. This outage might just be the best thing to ever happen to your online adventurer's lootsack.

JoystiqSony Online Entertainment services also coming back online originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 May 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmsmmommorpgpcplaystationps3psn-outage-2011sonySony-Online-EntertainmentMon, 16 May 2011 11:00:00 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[Smedley: Free Realms on track to 100 million players]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/smedley-free-realms-on-track-to-100-million-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/smedley-free-realms-on-track-to-100-million-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/smedley-free-realms-on-track-to-100-million-players/#comments What's up, World of Warcraft? You think you're so big and bad with your 12-million-strong-and-then-some player base? You won't be quite so intimidating if Sony Online Entertainment head John Smedley's vision for Free Realms comes to fruition. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry, Smedley said, "I think it could take five or six years - that should give you some idea [of the time frame we're looking at]. But I don't see any reason why it can't go to 100 million [players], because there are so many kids out there."

The game's current player base stands at 17 million, which should increase naturally with the game's recent launch on PS3. However, though we appreciate Smedley's "children are our future" outlook, we think it's gonna take a little something extra to net the other 83 million he's hoping for.

That's right. It needs more unicorns.

JoystiqSmedley: Free Realms on track to 100 million players originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmsJohn-Smedleypcplaystationps3SOEsony-online-entertainmentsubscribersWed, 06 Apr 2011 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Moon Diver, Free Realms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/psn-tuesday-moon-diver-free-realms/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/psn-tuesday-moon-diver-free-realms/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/psn-tuesday-moon-diver-free-realms/#comments
Sony Online Entertainment's Free Realms MMO finally arrives on PS3 today. We really don't have much to say about the free-to-play hit, but it gives us a fantastic excuse to post a picture of purple horse with wings.

Another big arrival today is Moon Diver, which at one point was called Necromachina, but before that was known as ... Moon Diver. Anyway, original point: it's like a four-player Strider. Considering it was designed by Kouichi Yotsui, one of the leads on Strider, that makes the lift kosher in our book.

There's a lot more to be found in the full update details after the break.

Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:
(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)

Gallery: Free Realms PS3


Continue reading PSN Tuesday: Moon Diver, Free Realms

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Moon Diver, Free Realms originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmsplaystationps3PSNPSN-Storepsn-tuesdaypsn-weeklypspsonyTue, 29 Mar 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms coming to the PlayStation 3 on March 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/free-realms-coming-to-the-playstation-3-on-march-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/free-realms-coming-to-the-playstation-3-on-march-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/free-realms-coming-to-the-playstation-3-on-march-29/#comments Sony Online Entertainment has announced a release date for casual free-to-play MMO Free Realms' arrival on the PlayStation 3, and it's just a few weeks from now, on March 29. The game was originally brought out on PC a few years ago, and is breaking new ground: "We'll be the first free-to-play casual MMO ever offered on the PlayStation Network," lead designer Stephen Bokkes told Joystiq.

SOE already has a major console MMO on the PS3 in the form of DC Universe Online, but Bokkes says that development of Free Realms ran separately from the superhero game. "I can't say that we took any cues specifically from DCUO" in terms of controls or design, he said. Bokkes' team developed console-style controls for each minigame in the title, from pet-raising to kart racing, and even rebalanced them for console-specific gameplay. A lot of technical work was done as well: "We actually had to port the renderer over," says producer Ryan Wells.

The PS3 version won't allow players to team up with their friends on PC, however. "It was certainly considered," says Bokkes, but in the end was too difficult to pull off correctly. "The difficulty comes in with linking the accounts." Another difficulty was setting a schedule for updates -- the team says it would like to do simultaneous updates across platforms, but "it becomes really hard when you're going through multiple approval paths," according to Wells. Free Realms has been relatively popular on the PC, and it'll be interesting to see how a console audience reacts at the end of the month.

Gallery: Free Realms PS3

JoystiqFree Realms coming to the PlayStation 3 on March 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualfree-realmsminigamesmmoplaystationps3sony-online-entertainmentFri, 11 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms PS3 due 'sometime early Feb.,' Planetside Next in Q1 or Q2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/free-realms-ps3-due-sometime-early-feb-planetside-next-in-q1/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/free-realms-ps3-due-sometime-early-feb-planetside-next-in-q1/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/free-realms-ps3-due-sometime-early-feb-planetside-next-in-q1/#commentsSony Online Entertainment just did the impossible and launched an MMO on a console ... and it's got several more on the way in the near future. According to SOE president John Smedley, the long-awaited PS3 release of Free Realms has been submitted to Sony and will be out soon. "If I was a betting man," Smedley told Eurogamer, "I'm betting sometime early February it gets launched on the PS3 in SCEA. And probably, and this is a guess, sometime in March for SCEE. And that will use a free-to-play business model on PS3."

And that's not all! The Planetside sequel currently code-named Planetside Next is on the way to unspecified platforms. "We're looking at late first-quarter, early second-quarter [2011]," Smedley said. He even reaffirmed plans to release The Agency in the second half of 2011. "We're not giving out a specific date yet because we don't know it," he said. In addition to those, "There are [unannounced projects]," Smedley said. "Can't even disclose a number, but a lot."

JoystiqFree Realms PS3 due 'sometime early Feb.,' Planetside Next in Q1 or Q2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmsfree-to-playjohn-smedleymmopcplanetsideplanetside-nextplaystationps3sony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyMon, 17 Jan 2011 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Online Entertainment opening Free Realms up to Mac]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/sony-online-entertainment-opening-free-realms-up-to-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/sony-online-entertainment-opening-free-realms-up-to-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/sony-online-entertainment-opening-free-realms-up-to-mac/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Though PS3 owners are still waiting to hear about when they'll get their oft-promised opportunity to embark into the free-to-play environs of Free Realms, a Sony press release has revealed Mac owners will be able to join the game's 14 million-strong community later this fall. Mac players will be able to congregate freely with their PC-playing brethren -- a heartwarming feature which might help settle the bloody Civil War that's divided this country for the better part of a decade.

Sony Online Entertainment president John Smedley explained the port is an answer to "the overwhelming player demand for Free Realms on the Mac platform." We thought Mac owners were too busy editing movies and listening to cool music while hanging out with Justin Long to play MMOs, but apparently we were mistaken.

JoystiqSony Online Entertainment opening Free Realms up to Mac originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmsfree-to-playmacmmoSony-Online-EntertainmentWed, 06 Oct 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms offering lifetime memberships for $30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/free-realms-offering-lifetime-memberships-for-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/free-realms-offering-lifetime-memberships-for-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/free-realms-offering-lifetime-memberships-for-30/#comments Listen here, you Free Realms freeloader, you. If you've been thinking about throwing some money at Sony Online Entertainment's MMO to get the full experience the game has to offer, you can now get a lifetime membership to the game for a one-time lump sum of $30.

Continue reading Free Realms offering lifetime memberships for $30

JoystiqFree Realms offering lifetime memberships for $30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmsmembershipmmommorpgpcSony-Online-EntertainmentsubscriptionTue, 27 Jul 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE to show a PS3 version of Free Realms at E3 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/soe-to-show-a-ps3-version-of-free-realms-at-e3-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/soe-to-show-a-ps3-version-of-free-realms-at-e3-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/soe-to-show-a-ps3-version-of-free-realms-at-e3-2010/#comments Ah, the console MMO. This elusive beast is often rumored, but rarely spotted in the wild -- lots of developers want the widespread crowd (and subscription fees) that a successful MMO brings, but have trouble adapting PC-centric gameplay to the stick-and-buttons console audience. Sony Online Entertainment is the next contender, apparently, as it has announced plans to show off a console version of the popular free-to-play MMO Free Realms at E3 this year.

The game just hit its first birthday, and has boasted over 10 million players already doing everything from the standard fantasy combat to an in-game trading card game to ... kart racing. As its title suggest, it's free-to-play on PC, with extra features available for a subscription price. SOE says the title is "very much in development," and we'll have to see at E3 if it can hunt down one of the gaming industry's rarest catches.

[Via Massively]

JoystiqSOE to show a PS3 version of Free Realms at E3 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsole-mmodemoe3e3-2010free-realmspcsonysony-online-entertainmentFri, 30 Apr 2010 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms reaches 10 million registered players, plans birthday festivities]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/03/free-realms-reaches-ten-million-registered-players-plans-birthd/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/03/free-realms-reaches-ten-million-registered-players-plans-birthd/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/03/free-realms-reaches-ten-million-registered-players-plans-birthd/#comments We've gotta get on this Free Realms thing, apparently. Sony Online Entertainment has announced that the virtual community has just reached ten million members. In fact, two million of those individuals have signed up in the last month alone. What are we missing out on here?

The news comes right before the game's one year anniversary -- Free Realms launched on April 28, 2009, quickly enlisting five million players prior to release. And if you're one of those ten million getting your social on, know that SOE has a plethora of festivities planned for the title's first birthday, including new Rides (balloon animal pets? Hells yes!), two new mini-games, party decorations all over select areas and a variety of community events.

JoystiqFree Realms reaches 10 million registered players, plans birthday festivities originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Apr 2010 05:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmssoesony-onlinesony-online-entertainmentSat, 03 Apr 2010 05:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms hits 8 million players]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/free-realms-hits-8-million-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/free-realms-hits-8-million-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/free-realms-hits-8-million-players/#comments It's been a while since we last checked in on the user tally for Sony's Free Realms, but that all came to an end today when the company announced that the family-friendly online game had reached the eight-million user milestone.

As you may remember, Free Realms got off to a speedy start, garnering around five million players in its first three months, but as the market has become more saturated with free-to-play MMOs, growth has understandably slowed. That said, look for a big bump when the title finally makes its way to PS3 in the middle of the year.

If you're already among the Free Realms faithful, you can look forward to the Festival of Hearts, "a special month long event that celebrates love, friendship and kindness," according to Sony. ... Boy, gang, we're not going to lie -- that sounds terrible.

JoystiqFree Realms hits 8 million players originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmsmmosoeMon, 08 Feb 2010 15:45:00 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[Free Realms coming to PS3 mid-2010, may support PlayStation Eye]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/free-realms-coming-to-ps3-mid-2010-may-support-playstation-eye/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/free-realms-coming-to-ps3-mid-2010-may-support-playstation-eye/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/free-realms-coming-to-ps3-mid-2010-may-support-playstation-eye/#comments The Q&A session following the Free Realms-centric keynote speech, delivered earlier today by Sony Online Entertainment president John Smedley at GDC Austin, contained a hopeful tidbit for those looking to play the aforementioned free-to-play MMO on their consoles. When we asked about the release window for the PS3 version of Free Realms, Smedley cheekily replied, "I'm wondering, too!" He then added, "It's next year sometime, toward the middle of the year."

During his speech, Smedley also addressed the functions which would be specifically tailored for the MMO's console outing, saying, "For the PlayStation 3 version, it's very likely that the Eye is going to be something we support." We hope the Eye's implementation isn't of a voyeuristic nature -- if there's anything our late-night Uno sessions taught us, it's Camera + Internet Strangers = Terror.

JoystiqFree Realms coming to PS3 mid-2010, may support PlayStation Eye originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmsgdc-austin-2009john-smedleymmommorpgrelease-datesonysony-online-entertainmentWed, 16 Sep 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE prez delivering GDC Austin keynote]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/soe-prez-delivering-gdc-austin-keynote/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/soe-prez-delivering-gdc-austin-keynote/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/soe-prez-delivering-gdc-austin-keynote/#comments
We sure hope that attendees of GDC Austin 2009 want to hear about the unimaginable success of Sony Online Entertainment's Free Realms, because that's exactly what they're getting. SOE president John Smedley will deliver the keynote address at the event, which is set to kick off September 15.

Considering Free Realms was initially announced at the Lone Star State's annual gaming convention in 2007, we can expect a majority of Smedley's speech to focus on the free-to-play online title -- particularly on how it hastily acquired five million players. Actually, by the time said event opens its doors, we wouldn't be surprised if that number was in the low-to-mid billions.

JoystiqSOE prez delivering GDC Austin keynote originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmsGDC-austin-2009john-smedleykeynotemmorpgsoesony-online-entertainmentThu, 06 Aug 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE: Free Realms 'close to' 5 million users]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/soe-free-realms-close-to-5-million-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/soe-free-realms-close-to-5-million-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/soe-free-realms-close-to-5-million-users/#comments
We've been following the saga of SOE's free-to-play MMO, Free Realms, for some time now. First, it reached one million a mere 18 days after release, only to add another million in May. And, as if that wasn't enough, another million folks signed up a month later. It appears the game has no ceiling, though, as SOE president John Smedley told Comic-Con attendees (via Gamasutra) that the game is close to five million users now.

Smedley attributed the success to the free-to-play model (uh, you think?) and said that folks have been surprisingly receptive to microtransactions. Because of this crazy rise in popularity, The Joystiq Hall of Science[TM] has stepped in to offer its own projection. According to our figures, we're estimating the game will have 17 billion users by Columbus Day of this year.

JoystiqSOE: Free Realms 'close to' 5 million users originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Jul 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmsmmosoesony-online-entertainmentSat, 25 Jul 2009 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms comic coming July 29, includes in-game bonuses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/free-realms-comic-coming-july-29-includes-in-game-bonuses/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/free-realms-comic-coming-july-29-includes-in-game-bonuses/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/free-realms-comic-coming-july-29-includes-in-game-bonuses/#comments
Looking for some supplementary materials for Sony Online Entertainment's utterly adorable, free-to-play MMO Free Realms? You're in luck. DC Comics brand WildStorm and SOE are teaming up to publish a comic book series based on the popular online game. J.S. Lewis, the author of the Grey Griffins children's book series, will be penning the story, but let's be honest -- you won't be picking up the comics for the story.

No, we wager you'll purchase the comics because of the unlockable in-game items they'll contain. The first issue, which drops July 29, includes the "Spider Bite Sword." We imagine the following 11 issues will include equally enticing armaments. If you are interested in the story, you can check out a brief preview of Issue no. 1 right here.

[Via Massively]

JoystiqFree Realms comic coming July 29, includes in-game bonuses originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonuscomiccomic-bookdc-comicsfree-realmsmmopcsoewildstormThu, 23 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms hits 3 million players; PS3 version 'still in development']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/13/free-realms-hits-3-million-players-ps3-version-still-in-develo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/13/free-realms-hits-3-million-players-ps3-version-still-in-develo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/13/free-realms-hits-3-million-players-ps3-version-still-in-develo/#comments Sony Online Entertainment apparently has a hit on its hands as Free Realms has passed the 3 million unique users mark. As the game continues to tick past million mark milestones, we expect to see the four million unique user press release in the next month. If we don't ... something has gone terribly wrong.

To celebrate its latest milestone, SOE is giving out the "3M Pet Party Pack," which has "goodies" for player's virtual feline and canine companions.

As the game continues to grow its base on the PC, we couldn't help but contact SOE and ask about the status of the PS3 version. We were told by a representative the PS3 version is still in development, but there's currently no status update or comment about whether the two platforms would be cross-compatible.

JoystiqFree Realms hits 3 million players; PS3 version 'still in development' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Jun 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmssoesony-online-entertainmentSat, 13 Jun 2009 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms passes two million players]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/free-realms-passes-two-million-subscribers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/free-realms-passes-two-million-subscribers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/free-realms-passes-two-million-subscribers/#comments
Well, that about wraps it up for video games. No, no, we're serious. There's a new world order and we'd highly suggest that you get in line. How are we so sure? Because SOE's free MMO Free Realms just crossed the two-million-player mark. If the story seems familiar to you, it's because Free Realms just passed the one million player line 12 days ago.

Pardon, but, would you mind genuflecting just a little bit more soulfully? Emperor Free Realms likes to see that you really mean it.

JoystiqFree Realms passes two million players originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 May 2009 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmsmmosoesonyThu, 28 May 2009 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms hits a million players in 18 days]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/free-realms-hits-a-million-players-in-18-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/free-realms-hits-a-million-players-in-18-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/15/free-realms-hits-a-million-players-in-18-days/#comments
What do you get when you cross an in incredibly accessible, casual MMO, a free-to-play subscription plan, a widely circulated ad campaign and magical, magical fairies? Why, you get Free Realms, of course -- and in turn, Free Realms gets 1,000,000 registered accounts in just 18 days.

We knew that Sony Online Entertainment had stumbled upon a recipe for mind-blowing success (an in-game trading card game and kart racing? That's just fiendish), but to get a million players on board in just over two weeks is simply remarkable. We're terrified to think of how this number will skyrocket when the game lands on PS3s. Terrified, we tell you!

JoystiqFree Realms hits a million players in 18 days originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 May 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmsmmoMMORPGsoesonyFri, 15 May 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE's Free Realms closed beta now open]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/14/soes-free-realms-closed-beta-now-open/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/14/soes-free-realms-closed-beta-now-open/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/14/soes-free-realms-closed-beta-now-open/#comments
As per Sony Online Entertainment's word, the free-to-play MMO unironically named Free Realms has opened the doors of its closed beta to the world. Aside from the kart racing and pet raising, we imagine users will start flooding into the online world and immediately partake in our time-honored tradition of Quincying. (Go, Joystiq Hive Mind!)

Like most betas, this one's asking its users to keep quiet on the inner workings of the game, though, ironically, SOE is asking participants to blabber on to their hearts content on the game website's public forums. For those of you looking for hot scoops on Free Realms, now you know where to go. And did we mention we have a tips box that guarantees anonymity?

JoystiqSOE's Free Realms closed beta now open originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaclosed-betafree-realmskart-racingmmopet-raisingquincysoesony-online-entertainmentTue, 14 Apr 2009 21:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms introduces not-so-free subscription option]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/free-realms-introduces-not-so-free-subscription-option/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/free-realms-introduces-not-so-free-subscription-option/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/free-realms-introduces-not-so-free-subscription-option/#comments Looks like man cannot live on microtransactions alone. Sony Online Entertainment is expanding the earning potential of Free Realms by reintroducing a very familiar MMO tactic: monthly subscription fees. Yes, the game is still technically free, but there's a new premium-tier level to the service.

For $5 a month, premium members of Free Realms will be able to access 5 extra jobs, ranking on Free Realms leaderboards, three character slots and 400 extra items and quests. It appears most of the content in Free Realms will be, er, free for all -- however, we wonder how much content SOE will continue to provide for those that decide to play, but not pay.

The PC open beta for Free Realms is due next month. A PS3 version is also in the works.

[Via Massively]

JoystiqFree Realms introduces not-so-free subscription option originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmssoesony-online-entertainmentsubscriptionFri, 13 Mar 2009 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video reveals Free Realm's environments]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/10/video-reveals-free-realms-environments/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/10/video-reveals-free-realms-environments/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/10/video-reveals-free-realms-environments/#commentsIs PlayStation Home's real-life familiarity a drag? Well, PS3 owners will be able to escape the online shopping malls of Home and run away to SOE's upcoming MMO, Free Realms. Currently in beta for PC, Free Realms promises family-friendly gaming for the masses. Best of all, it'll be free, paid for via microtransactions a la Home. Based on the video alone, we're digging the lush, colorful environments of Free Realms over the dull and realistic worlds of Home.

JoystiqVideo reveals Free Realm's environments originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmsfreerealmssoesony-online-entertainmentTue, 10 Mar 2009 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively week in review]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/massively-week-in-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/massively-week-in-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/massively-week-in-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Joystiq's sister site Massively.com has all the news you'll need about MMOs. Here's the best, brightest, and most interesting stuff from the last week, all in one convenient place for your MMO minute.
Massively's complete coverage of Warhammer Online Patch 1.2
Dwarf Slayers are just about ready to start hitting the live Warhammer Online servers for all their worth. With the orange tide imminent, I've been running around the test server for the past several days, looking to learn all I could about these wonders of Dwarven kind. Including -- but not limited to -- the underlying cogs of their special mechanic, how they handle PvP and PvE, and most importantly where they hide their booze -- here's a hint: it's underneath something.
EVE Evolved: Apocrypha expansion preview
As March 10th draws ever closer, EVE Online's Apocrypha expansion is coming more and more into focus. Information on the new game mechanics and content is being released in the form of developer blogs and the official expansion page complete with screenshots and artwork is already up.

Continue reading Massively week in review

JoystiqMassively week in review originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eve-onlinefeaturedfree-realmslotromassivelymassively-week-in-reviewmmoPCstar-trekstar-trek-onlineWed, 04 Mar 2009 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms closed beta begins, open beta in April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/26/free-realms-closed-beta-begins-open-beta-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/26/free-realms-closed-beta-begins-open-beta-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/26/free-realms-closed-beta-begins-open-beta-in-april/#comments
Sony Online Entertainment's free-to-play MMO, Free Realms, has just entered closed beta. Unlike its previous efforts, EverQuest and PlanetSide, SOE is trying to target a very casual market, promising a "kid-safe" experience that offers "something for everyone." Players aren't locked into individual classes, for example, and will be able to partake in a number of non-violent activities, such as pet raising and kart racing.

The beta is currently available on PC only, although a PS3 version of Free Realms is also in the works. The closed beta appears to be rather limited, with invites extended to press (you know, the big kids) and "a few selected players." Those that are interested in the open beta, which begins in April, will want to pre-register at freerealms.com.

JoystiqFree Realms closed beta begins, open beta in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaclosed-betafree-realmsopen-betasoesony-online-entertainmentThu, 26 Feb 2009 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively week in review]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/massively-week-in-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/massively-week-in-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/massively-week-in-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Joystiq's sister site Massively.com has all the news you'll need about MMOs. Here's the best, brightest, and most interesting stuff from the last week, all in one convenient place for your MMO minute.
Visualizing Free Realms: An interview with Art Director Rosie Rappaport
If you've been following the development of SOE's Free Realms lately, you're probably pretty excited about everything it has to offer. If you haven't been following its development, check out our extensive coverage and exclusive interviews with its developers. Ready for even more exclusive interviews? Good, because just last week Massively sat down with Rosie Rappaport, the Art Director for Free Realms, to chat about the game's distinctive art style and the concept process involved.
Massively's pre-launch interview with Runes of Magic
With the game set to launch in just about a month from now, we jumped at the chance to have a chat with the folks at Frogster concerning their much-anticipated fantasy MMO. Are they on track with this March launch date? How has beta reaction been so far, and what do they have to say about the growing concern that the game is "nothing more than a cheap WoW clone"?

Continue reading Massively week in review

JoystiqMassively week in review originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burnoutchampions-onlinedarkfalleve-onlinefeaturedfree-realmslotromassivelymassively-week-in-reviewmmoPCpvprunes-of-magicwebcomicWed, 25 Feb 2009 00:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook games manager is eyeing your grandma]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/15/facebook-games-manager-is-eyeing-your-grandma/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/15/facebook-games-manager-is-eyeing-your-grandma/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/15/facebook-games-manager-is-eyeing-your-grandma/#comments
And the rest of your family, for that matter. In a recent interview with VentureBeat's Dean Takahashi, program manager for games in Facebook's platform marketing division Gareth Davis had a lot to say about their burgeoning social network/"gaming platform." According to Davis, the network has accrued more than 5,000 games since opening up their platform in 2007 and those games are coming from small fish and enormous whales alike. Davis says the demographics for game players are changing as well, "Our fastest growing demographic now is over 30. Now it's grandparents playing games with grandchildren. You don't see that anywhere else." Hit the jump for more!

Continue reading Facebook games manager is eyeing your grandma

JoystiqFacebook games manager is eyeing your grandma originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Feb 2009 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessclub-penguinfacebookfacebook-gamesfacebook.comfacebookappsfree-realmshabbo-hotelmicrotransactionsscrabulousSun, 15 Feb 2009 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms comes to PC in April, PS3 in Q3, maybe Mac]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/free-realms-comes-to-pc-in-april-ps3-in-q3-maybe-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/free-realms-comes-to-pc-in-april-ps3-in-q3-maybe-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/free-realms-comes-to-pc-in-april-ps3-in-q3-maybe-mac/#comments
Tired of hanging out with your 12-year-old brother/sister/son/daughter? You'll finally have a permanent e-babysitter in April when teen-friendly MMO Free Realms goes live on PC. If you're going to be plopping the kids in front of a PS3 before you bolt to Olive Garden, however, you're going to need to wait until Q3, according to a report on Eurogamer. (On the bright side, the game will be a free download on PSN.) If you just can't wait for a teen-free date night, keep an eye out, as the beta for the game will reportedly begin "within a couple of weeks."

Eurogamer's source also says that Mac is "definitely on the list of platforms" Sony Online Entertainment wants to develop for," but nobody's talking details at the moment. Keep those OG gift certificates safe, Mac users. Sounds like you'll be needing them before you know it.

Gallery: FreeRealms

JoystiqFree Realms comes to PC in April, PS3 in Q3, maybe Mac originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmsmacmmopcsoesonyThu, 12 Feb 2009 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO FreeRealms slightly delayed on PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/18/mmo-freerealms-slightly-delayed-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/18/mmo-freerealms-slightly-delayed-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/18/mmo-freerealms-slightly-delayed-on-ps3/#commentsFiled under:

There currently are not too many MMOs on the PS3, but that's going to change rather soon. Well, not that soon, at least in the case of FreeRealms. The casual MMO from Sony Online Entertainment is slated for both PC and PS3 with the PC release out by Q2 2009; however, there still isn't any word on when the PS3 version would be out.

SOE confirmed to IGN that while there isn't any date yet scheduled it's very likely that the PS3 version won't meet the current timeframe set for the PC version -- which was recently rated by the ESRB without mention of the PS3. Perhaps the wait won't be long, but there's no denying that there will be one.

JoystiqMMO FreeRealms slightly delayed on PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmsfreerealmssoesony-online-entertainmentSun, 18 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively week in Review]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/massively-week-in-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/massively-week-in-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/massively-week-in-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Joystiq's sister site Massively.com has all the news you'll need about MMOs. Here's the best, brightest, and most interesting stuff from the last week, all in one convenient place for your MMO minute.
Free Realms site relaunches with beta registration, videos, and more!
Free Realms throws together a AAA-quality teen-aimed fantasy MMO experience together with free-to-play and microtransactional economics. An ambitious and unique undertaking, to be sure, from a fairly traditional company.
Ask Massively: Wrath vs All Comers
Dear Massively, I am SO SICK of all of the coverage of Wrath of the Lich King! I demand that someone at Massively write about something that isn't World of Warcraft related this week. Non-WoW players aren't interested in an expansion for a game that they don't even play. Someone throw me a freakin' bone here!
Three Rings officially launches Whirled project
Whirled, an ambitious web/virtual world hybrid from Three Rings, launched into Beta early this year. We were incredibly impressed with the project even back then, bouncing pieces of tofu or not.
Lich King begins assault on Azeroth, starting with Orgrimmar
World of Warcraft players are experiencing a world event leading up to the launch of Wrath of the Lich King. No, it's not another invasion of flesh-craving zombies -- but it's just as cool.
Warhammer Online 1.0.5 patch notes live, Public Test server opened
Over on the official site for Warhammer Online, patch notes are now available for the latest big update. Patch 1.0.5 is not only be a nice big refresh for the game, but will also be the first which players can extensively test on a Beta realm with copied characters beforehand.

Continue reading Massively week in Review

JoystiqMassively week in Review originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredfree-realmsmassivelymassively-week-in-reviewPCthree-ringswarhammer-onlinewhirledworld-of-warcraftwrath-of-the-lich-kingTue, 11 Nov 2008 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE begins registration for Free Realms beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/08/soe-begins-registration-for-free-realms-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/08/soe-begins-registration-for-free-realms-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/08/soe-begins-registration-for-free-realms-beta/#commentsFiled under: ,


We're not even going to pretend like you have any free time to squander on frivolous gaming excursions -- as it stands, you're likely enjoying one of the the hojillion great titles that have come out in the past month. However, if you do find yourself bored, strapped for cash, and, well, twelve years old, you might want to turn your attention to the official site for Sony Online Entertainment's free-to-play MMO, Free Realms. In addition to posting a slew of new previews for the title, Sony recently began signing up testers for the Free Realms beta.

Want to know what you're getting into before spending your precious time on applying? Well, it's like Everquest, only cartoony, and with more minigames. Also, the title is apparently reaching for a mainstream teenage audience -- in turn, we can expect the usual shouts of "SoW PLZ" to be swiftly replaced with proclamations of "Did ne1 c grays anatmy last nite?". If this sounds like your cup of tea, you can find the sign-up form here.

JoystiqSOE begins registration for Free Realms beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betafree-realmsmmoPCsoesony-online-entertainmentstationSat, 08 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 Fanboy impressions: FreeRealms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/20/ps3-fanboy-impressions-freerealms/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/20/ps3-fanboy-impressions-freerealms/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/20/ps3-fanboy-impressions-freerealms/#commentsFiled under:


Sony Online Entertainment has promised a number of MMO games that will appear on PC and PS3. However, none of them have come to fruition quite yet. The most likely candidate for release appears to be FreeRealms, SOE's innovative MMO game. The game is almost reaching beta on the PC, and from what we've seen so far, it's shaping up to be a fun way for casual gamers to jump online into a safe online world. Best of all, FreeRealms' big gimmick: it's free.

This isn't meant to be a World of Warcraft-killer, and we think that's a good thing. By aiming for younger players (and their families), FreeRealms has crafted an intuitive, easy-to-read and use interface that looks charming. The UI takes advantage of easily identifiable icons, and the screen real estate is wisely used. This is great for the console player too: the large icons can be easily selected with a PS3 controller.

For better or for worse, FreeRealms tries to appeal to many by featuring a variety of mini-games. Unlike other MMO games, your character isn't tied to one class. You can be a Ninja, Explorer, Wizard -- whatever you want. In fact, you can change your class at any time, so that you're able to tackle each situation appropriately. The freedom to change classes gave the development team at SOE the opportunity to create a wide variety of gameplay modes, from racing to combat, to card battling and cooking. A universal experience points system makes it so that doing anything in the game will let you level up any aspect of your character, in any class mode.

Continue reading PS3 Fanboy impressions: FreeRealms

JoystiqPS3 Fanboy impressions: FreeRealms originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmsfreerealmssoesony-online-entertainmentMon, 20 Oct 2008 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE 'looking at' possible PSP MMO]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/soe-looking-at-possibility-of-psp-mmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/soe-looking-at-possibility-of-psp-mmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/soe-looking-at-possibility-of-psp-mmo/#commentsFiled under: ,


Sony Online Entertainment president John Smedley stated the company is considering an MMO for the PSP. He tells MTV Multiplayer that SOE started considering one seriously when the division was transferred over to Sony Computer Entertainment last April. SOE was previously under the control of Sony Pictures -- yeah, don't ask how that made any sense.

Smedley doesn't announce any games, but he says that kid-focused PS3 MMO Free Realms "could have a pet-training system" for the PSP. An MMO is clearly a good idea with 34 million PSPs currently out there, but from Smedley's comments it sounds like any realization of that seems years away.

JoystiqSOE 'looking at' possible PSP MMO originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmsjohn-smedleyPSPsoesonysony-online-entertainmentMon, 29 Sep 2008 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten minutes of the casual PS3 MMO, Free Realms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/ten-minutes-of-the-casual-ps3-mmo-free-realms/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/ten-minutes-of-the-casual-ps3-mmo-free-realms/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/ten-minutes-of-the-casual-ps3-mmo-free-realms/#commentsFiled under: ,

There are a number of MMO titles coming to PS3 via Sony Online Entertainment. This ten minute video from the developers tries to explain how the upcoming casual MMO will work, starting from its Facebook-like social networking website, moving on to the four styles of gameplay Free Realms features. Burning questions like "can I be a ninja?" are answered (the answer is yes). Unlike other MMO games, Free Realms is more about various mini-games -- there is combat, but it's optional.

If this piques your interest, you may want to check out all of Massively's coverage so far.

JoystiqTen minutes of the casual PS3 MMO, Free Realms originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmsmmosoesony-online-entertainmentMon, 18 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EST