MMOG Podcast Roundup: May 9th - May 16th

Every week, hardworking Massive gaming fans put their voices on the line to bring us news, opinions, and 'critiques' of their favorite games. Podcasts are a staple of many hobbies nowadays, and fans of online worlds are especially fortunate in this regard ... there are a ton out there.

As such, every so often we'll try to update you on the podcasting world. Keep your eyes on this space for links to your favorite MMO-commentary celebs. Good and bad, straight-man or blue-mouthed, they all have something to offer about this amazing style of gameplay.

This week it's well worth mentioning the entire VirginWorlds network of podcasts. Started by Brent Lassi and the VirginWorlds podcast itself, the network now plays host to some 16 podcasts ranging across the entire spectrum of MMOs. If you're an MMO player, you're going to find something in the network to like. Lore, PvP, raiding ... all your bases are covered. They've even got a guy talking about about how you can interact with folks better IRL. It's worth noting that in my off hours I contribute to the collective via my personal site. So ... I'm biased.

It's still a great site, and you should definitely check it out.

Joystiq Network Podcasts:

• Massively Speaking: Episode 5. Running down the Lich King news explosion!
• WoW Insider Show: Episode 38. One big bear butt, one turpster, one show. It's hard to contain it all, but somehow they do.

VirginWorlds featured podcasts:

• VirginWorlds: Episode 116. A special interview with the developers behind Artix Entertainment. Episode 117. Age of Conan's nude-tasticness, plus EVE Online's 5th anniversary.
• Voyages of Vanguard: Episode 40. Luper comes back from Floriday, the Immersion project returns, and the VoV blog emerges!
• Warp Drive Active: Episode 36. It's impossible not to enjoy the llama drama in EVE Online. Gloating in poetry? Drugs, drama, and democracy — all in one week.
• The Online Gamer's Anthology: Episode 14. The SOE Fan Faire gets mixed in with chat with well-known fantasy author Tracey Hickman.
• Witty Ranter: Episode 8. "RP vs. XP" rules the day, as the commentators try to determine if an MMO can have meaningful roleplaying; or is it all just a bunch of grinding?
• The Drone Bay Podcast: Episode 10. CSM elections have begun, so much commentary ensues. Plus, an analysis of the recently deceased Mercenary Coalition.
• Warp Drive Active Industry: Episode 4. Monthly reports, bond shares, and economic analysis ... about fake money. Love this business.
• Travels with Troy: Episode 4. Woman and gaming, plus the history of Hyboria.

Community Podcasts:

• Van Hemlock: Episode 6. Planetside and some deliberately confusing comments on 'Hoth' vs 'the Hoff'. Such pour taste for British folks, too.
• WoWCast: Episode 33. PvP, the Arena, and 'wellfare epics'.
• Legendary Thread: 05/16/2008. Patch 2.4.2, plus up-and-comers Age of Conan and Warhammer Online.
• Epic Dolls: Episode 36. OMG LICH KING!
• Game/On: Stargate Worlds Interview.
• Pet Food Alpha: Episode 100. Triple-batch of FFXI podcasts joins forces to celebrate this august occasional. Plus, deleveling and the joys of running a DNC.
• DDOcast: Episode 67. More monk news, plus the latest from the guild.
• Channel Massive: Episode 41. Thoughts on the Age of Conan Open Beta.

Official Podcasts:

• SOE Podcast: Episode 35. Laralyn McWilliams guest stars to clarify what exactly that Free Realms thing is.