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Luck awaits Free Realms and Clone Wars Adventures on Friday the 13th
Traditionally, Friday the 13th bears the bad-luck brand. However, tomorrow, you have nothing to fret about if you play Free Realms or Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures because Sony Online Entertainment prepares to entertain its players with superstitious tomfoolery. If you pounce around the land of Free Realms near Champ Chatty and Camp Robbie Lake, be prepared to run into Jason Maskface. This creepy fellow wants to recruit you into scaring people by turning you into a banshee, skeleton, or other graveyard element. Additionally, each participant will receive the ability to turn into a "Scaredy" black cat. The Force is with players of CWA because all transforming holoprojectors go on sale tomorrow at 50% off. If you happen to wander around the main hall, veranda, or hanger of the Jedi Temple, don't be surprised if you or the people around you randomly turn into skeletal Clone Troopers, breaking into a dance -- it's the only way to frighten away the bad luck of Friday the 13th. [Source: SOE press release]
Clone Wars Adventures hits 10 million player milestone
The Force is strong with Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures -- about 10 million strong, in fact. In a press release today, Sony Online Entertainment announced that its free-to-play, family-friendly Star Wars title has reached 10 million registered players. The studio also includes a list of interesting statistics, such as the number of stages of gameplay available to players (584) and the number of trophies available to earn (96), but really, only one statistic matters. That statistic is this: Players of Clone Wars Adventures' Stunt Gungan minigame have collectively launched Jar Jar Binks over 4.5 billion meters. For reference, that means players have effectively bounced Jar Jar to the moon and back seven times. Let's have a round of applause for these unsung heroes, shall we? But hey, CWA players: Next time, aim for the sun. [Source: Sony Online Entertainment press release]
MMO Family: Kid-friendly MMO roundup, part 1
With all of the buzz centered around "grown-up" MMO titles like Star Wars: The Old Republic and Guild Wars 2, it's easy for the kid-friendly games to get lost in the shuffle. There may not be as many kid titles on the horizon, but for the games that are currently out there, there's been an amazing amount of activity going on in these virtual worlds. I decided to take a peek at some of my (and the kids') favorites, along with a few games that we've done first impressions on, to see what they've been up to lately. Since there are too many great kid-friendly MMOs out there to fit into one column, this will be the first of what will probably be many follow-up entries covering other games, so if you don't see your favorite family-friendly game here, fear not!
The Guild Counsel: Favorite moments from the Massively livestream
I'm sure you know about Massively's ever-expanding video channel. But what you might not know is that over the past year, I've done a little MMO walkabout, sampling as many different games as I could on my character Mmognaut. What I was particularly interested in was branching out and getting to know the communities that make these games what they are, and the Massively livestream was a great way to do that while giving the viewers a chance to experience it too. Through livestreaming and Twitch TV, I've had a great opportunity to explore dozens of MMOs over the past year, often with my co-host Jeremy Stratton. In my weekly column here, I often focus on common issues that happen within a guild, but I've also looked at MMO communities on the whole, and that should include the community that's grown here at Massively. What's really neat is that there's an overlapping at times during these shows, where the in-game communities of the MMO we're showcasing mesh with the Massively community, and it's made for some fantastic moments. Join me in this week's Guild Counsel as I look back over my favorite moments from the past year.
Clone Wars Adventures launches open-world combat expansion
Are you just unable to get enough of games set in a galaxy far, far away? Clone Wars Adventures has your back in this, as the game is rolling out a large update that brings in a much-desired aspect: open-world combat. Players will be able to engage in battle on the planet Umbara, home of the Shadow People and site of a battle between the forces of the Republic and the Separatists. The list of features on the new world is quite extensive, including a new mission instance for multiple players to experience and special abilities beyond weapons available only to Jedi members. Players can also assemble a collection of special equipment, slip the surly bonds of gravity with the newfound ability to jump, and ride around on their very own AT-RT mounts from the marketplace. It should be an interesting addition for fans of Clone Wars Adventures -- after all, who doesn't like the option to blast droids? [Source: Sony Online Entertainment press release] %Gallery-141947%
MV Guide: December 12-18, 2011
MV Guide is a weekly rundown of the MMO gaming events planned on Massively TV. Every week, the Massively staff logs in to play various MMOs live and in person, and we'd love for you to drop by the channel and visit. We have a combination of regular weekly games and new surprises, so you'll find a variety of titles to take a look at. During our streamed events, you can participate in the live chat, ask questions to learn about the game, and simply spend some time with Massively staff and readers. (Of course, streaming is subject to the whims of outside forces like server-side gremlins once in a while.) You'll notice a hefty lineup, some new faces, and some special events in this week's MV Guide. Joining us will be some brand-new members of the MV TV livestream team, so make sure you stop in while they're live and give them a welcome! Follow along after the jump to see what's on this week's schedule.
Clone Wars Adventures releases Umbara combat zone trailer
Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures is getting a new expansion known as Battle of Umbara. And just for giggles, the update will be hitting the live game on December 15th, which is the first day of Star Wars: The Old Republic's head start. Sony Online Entertainment has released a short video to show players what they have to look forward to from the Umbara combat zone when the update goes live on the 15th. Along with the new combat zone, the expansion will also bring new mission instances, zone-wide events, and more.. If you want to check the game out, you can sign up for free on the game's official site. Otherwise, just click on past the cut for the video.
Verizon strike to come to an end August 23rd
Verizon workers are scheduled to return to their jobs Tuesday, after more than two weeks on strike. Some 45,000 union members left their posts August 7th, after contract negotiation between the Communications Workers of America (CWA), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the company came to a halt two days prior. A statement from the union said it had reached an agreement with Verizon, but that "The major issues remain to be discussed." The union's claim, among other things that Verizon demanded "cuts in compensation of $20,000 per worker per year." Full PR after the break.
Free for All: The best-looking games in free-to-play
Of all of the wacky arguments I have heard over the last few years, the "are video games art?" one has got to take the prize for most ridiculous. Sure, you can argue either side of anything, but to ask whether or not games are art just seems to be an attempt to assuage some boredom. We can also ask whether this life is really real, just in case we hadn't already been put to sleep. Art is what the artist says it is, period. Art is also in the eye of the beholder. Our games are spread across a wide spectrum of styles, and many of us have very strong feelings about what we like and will not tolerate. I have seen people turn down great games simply because of the way a screenshot looked. Heck, I've done it myself. With as many games as I look at every week, occasionally it is smart (and fun) to organize them into lists. This week I am taking stock of my game list and figuring out the games that I feel look the best. Of course, you might not think so. I decided to leave off games that are in testing or not available for the public yet. Click past the cut and see if you agree with me!
SOE Fan Faire 2011: The future of Clone Wars Adventures with Senior Producer Todd Carson
Clone Wars Adventures is a unique MMO that links together a children's game with the TV show on Cartoon Network. Todd Carson, the Senior Producer of CWA, sat down with Massively to talk about some of the new content that's coming for fans, as well as a new storyline in game that will complete the transition between season three and four of the TV series. Read on for highlights from the interview, including a closer look at the Battle for Iceberg 3, new housing items, and even some new mounts!
Exclusive: Smedley on the sunsetting of Star Wars Galaxies [Updated]
When I penned this week's Soapbox about Star Wars Galaxies and the NGE, I had no idea what was in store for MMO gamers today. In fact, I was so confident that the pre-eminent MMO sandbox was going to be around forever (or at least another eight years) that I reassured commenters that there was no need to fear Star Wars: The Old Republic. The two games might both feature the Star Wars IP, but their goals are so dramatically different -- one being a dialogue-driven themepark, the other being a player-driven sandbox -- that they shouldn't conflict unduly. Surely Star Wars fans could play both indefinitely and enjoy both types of gameplay. Unfortunately, on Thursday we learned that just won't be so. Sony Online Entertainment has announced that Star Wars Galaxies will be shutting down on December 15th of this year, marking what is in my mind the most significant sunset of a major MMO to date (and a personally painful one for many on the staff at Massively, including me). I know what you're thinking, and no, the impending closure is due neither to the hackings nor to a dwindling playerbase. Past the break, an audibly regretful John Smedley, President of SOE, sits down with us to chat about SWG's sunset, explaining the reasons that led to the decision and offering a new hope for the future.
E3 2011: Clone Wars Adventures redefines tower defense
With a large Star Wars MMO on the horizon, it's easy to forget that there are two other Star Wars-related online games already on the market. Star Wars: The Clone Wars Adventures is an online lobby-based game geared for the younger audience, but if you are a Star Wars fan, it's fun at any age. The game has lightsaber duels, starfighter simulations, blaster ranges, and much more. Massively visited the Sony Online Entertainment booth at E3 to get a glimpse of what is the latest and greatest to come out of this multiplayer online experience. The Senior Producer of Clone Wars Adventures, Todd Carson, was there to greet us and show us a few of the newest minigames that litter the gamescape. Jump past the break to see what he had to say and witness the latest trailer for the Clone Wars Adventures.%Gallery-125784%
MV Guide: May 30 - June 5, 2011
MV Guide is a weekly rundown of the MMO gaming events planned on Massively's Livestream channel. Every week, the Massively staff logs in to play various MMOs live and in person, and we'd love for you to drop by the channel and visit. We have a combination of regular weekly games and new surprises, so you'll find a variety of games to take a look at. During Livestream events, you can participate in the live chat to learn about the game, ask questions, and spend some time with Massively staff and readers. (Of course, Livestream events are subject to the whims of outside forces like server-side gremlins once in a while.) Follow along after the jump to see what's scheduled for this week!
SOE rewards players for aiding Japan's relief effort
In case you haven't been paying attention to the world, Japan was hit with a devastating tsunami a couple of weeks ago. Since then, multiple MMO companies have donated to the restoration. According to a post on the EverQuest II site, the Sony Corporation has donated 300 million yen (3.6 million U.S. dollars) to the Central Community Chest of Japan and hopes to donate more as needed. Sony Online Entertainment is encouraging its players to donate to the cause as well. The game development team has designed special in-game gifts for those who would like to donate through Station Cash. EverQuest, Free Realms, and Clone Wars Adventures players can purchase a cherry blossom tree (the national tree of Japan) for 500 Station Cash. EQII players can purchase a Memory of Spring statue, also for 500 Station Cash. Lastly, Star Wars Galaxies players can buy a $5 stuffed Tauntaun toy TCG loot card. With each of these purchases, SOE will donate $10 to the American Red Cross relief efforts. Monday will mark the last day you'll be able to make these purchases, so if you play any of these games or would just like to make a donation, the sooner the better!
SOE and players pitch in to support Child's Play
It is better to give than receive, as it's been said, unless you're giving yourself a present that prompts a major corporation to give to a charity in turn. Then everyone wins! OK, that may sound a bit convoluted, but SOE is actually making it really easy for players to help out with a great charity this holiday season. The studio is supporting Child's Play, a charity started up by the Penny Arcade folks to supply hospitals with video games and toys for kids. SOE has pledged to donate $10 for every purchase of one of four in-game items. These items include a P3-NUT droid pet in Clone Wars Adventures, a penguin pet in Free Realms, an EverQuest II Cloak of Falling Snow, and a neat EverQuest ornamentation that turns any weapon into a cardboard tube (visually, not statistically). This charity drive will go through the end of the month (December 31st), and SOE will honor up to $50,000 of donations based on player purchases. You can read more about this promotion over at EverQuest II, or head over to Child's Play to see what this charity is about.
Community Detective Issue #14: A conversation with SOE customer service
Welcome back folks, and yes it is time for the latest installment of Community Detective. Last week I did a bit of a departure from the general column format by interviewing Funcom Customer Service Manager Edward Walsh III. This week, I'm doing something similar, but the spotlight is shifting to Sharon Morris, Director of Customer Service for Sony Online Entertainment. Join me after the cut for an exclusive peek behind the curtain of the customer service apparatus at SOE, as we talk about breaking into the industry, the SOE Guide program, and more.
The Tattered Notebook: Gifting -- 'tis the season?
"Mom! Stop driving through the pink lights! Only go through the green ones!" I glanced over at my two kids and bit my tongue. I was in the middle of speeder bike racing and was having a little trouble navigating the course. In the split second that I turned away, my bike steered off the course, ran halfway up the snowy embankment, and lodged itself in a campfire. I was already dead last, but now I had the pleasure of watching the other racers lap me, not once, but twice. I was playing Clone Wars Adventures, the latest free-to-play game from Sony Online Entertainment, and I was experiencing the full effects of the generation gap. I know, you're probably saying, "Wait a second, this is an EverQuest II column!" And you're right, but this week, I'd like to take a look at something that both Clone Wars and EverQuest II now have in common -- gifting. Read on to see why EQII players aren't necessarily viewing this latest game change as much of a gift.
SOE's super offers for super fans
Sony Online Entertainment wants to give the superfans more reasons to log in to their favorite games this Cyber Monday. Most of the SOE titles, like EverQuest, EverQuest II, Everquest II Extended, Clone Wars Adventures, Free Realms, and Pox Nora, are offering discounts on Station Cash as well as other special offers starting November 29th and ending December 3rd. Just $37.50 US buys you 5,000 Station Cash, while $65 US buys you 10,000. That means you can finally purchase that sparkle pony cat you always wanted. In addition to these offers, each SOE title has its own daily deal. Free Realms is giving triple member discount on items. EverQuest, EverQuest II, and EverQuest II Extended have 50% off a daily featured item. Clone Wars Adventures is giving away special discounts to members. And PoxNora will not be left behind with offers ranging up to 50% off game items. Log in to your Station account for more information on these offers or visit the games' respective websites.
Clone Wars Adventures uses the force to hit one million mark
The force is strong with Clone Wars Adventures! This colorful little virtual world is barely a week out of launch, and Sony Online Entertainment has announced it has managed to pass one million accounts registered in that time. When one considers that SOE's other kid-friendly property, Free Realms, took 18 days to hit the same number of accounts, this is impressive news indeed. To celebrate hitting this first million, all Clone Wars Adventures denizens will be given a special limited-edition in-game Golden Mouse Droid to enjoy. Additionally, the company is throwing a huge party today at 3 p.m. PDT (6 p.m. EDT), which will kick off a week of in-game events. We'd like to send our congrats out to the entire SOE team on its success with CWA. Hopefully we'll see even more added to this fun little world in the months to come as the television series progresses and the storyline in-game changes to follow it.
Clone Wars Adventures launches with new trailer
Clone Wars Adventures has been in open beta for a little while now, and the big day has arrived. Sony Online Entertainment launched the free-to-play game today in tandem with an exciting new trailer entitled "War Reels." CWA players will fight alongside characters they know from the TV series, including Anakin, Obi-Wan, Yoda, and Ahsoka. Sony Online Entertainment is pleased with the way development has gone until now: "We are incredibly proud of Clone Wars Adventures. LucasArts and Lucasfilm have been great partners throughout this entire project, so the game is seamlessly integrated with the TV series," says SOE president John Smedley. Follow along after the jump for a look at the trailer.
