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Fan Faire 2010: DCUO panel video offers more superpowered info
With an exciting backstory trailer having recently been released at San Diego Comic-Con, many have been anxiously scanning for any new scrap of information about DC Universe Online -- especially with release coming soon! Thankfully, for those who were unable to attend this year's Fan Faire, the team members at Sony Online Entertainment have posted video from the panel to their Facebook page. These three videos offer a great overview of the game for everyone from relative newcomer to DC devoted, as well as explaining things in a bit more detail than we'd previously heard. There's also a brief Q&A with the audience afterward that may or may not answer some of your own questions. If you're curious for more news about DC Universe Online (or perhaps still on the fence about pre-ordering) then be sure to check out the hot new panel videos after the break! [Via Misanthrope at DCUOSource]
SOE unveils 'EverQuest Next' at Fan Faire
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-99029%
Fan Faire 2010: EQII flying mounts, EQNext art revealed [updated]
The EverQuest franchise looks to be the big winner at this year's Fan Faire event, as several large announcements regarding the games in the long-running series were featured in SOE president John Smedley's community address. EQ2Wire's Feldon has the details on the short presentation. In addition to restating the features coming your way when EQII Extended hits in mid-August, Smedley discussed the next EverQuest expansion, House of Thule, which adds several new dungeons as well as player housing and launches on October 14th. EverQuest II players will have a to wait a bit longer for their expansion, Destiny of Velious, which debuts on February 8th. The wait will likely be well worth it, however, as flying mounts will be introduced in many of the game's zones. Finally, Smedley revealed a presentation slide labeled "The Future of EverQuest" and preceded to show off the first concept art in-game art from the cryptically titled EverQuest Next, which you can view in our gallery below. He also hinted that more information would be forthcoming as Fan Faire wraps up this weekend. [Update: We received a note from SOE clarifying that the screenshot here is not mere concept art -- it's actual in-game art. Only makes you more curious, doesn't it!] %Gallery-98975%
SOE takes you behind the scenes at Fan Faire
Ever wondered what it was like to throw a huge party like Sony Online Entertainment's Fan Faire? The official EverQuest II website takes you behind the scenes at Fan Faire 2010 via a new article that features SOE Events Team member Dawn Wilson. Members of the Events Team talk about everything from live quest planning, to logistics, to the rewards of a small team putting on a large event. "Because this is 100% an SOE venture I most enjoy the pride we get when we see how happy everyone is with our hard work. We are a small department and at times it is hard to think how we will get everything done for the summer events. When we are there and it looks amazing and everyone is having a great time, it is the best feeling," Wilson says. Read all about it on the official EQII website.
SOE releases Fan Faire attendee list
Thinking about heading to Sony Online Entertainment's annual Fan Faire gala, but not sure if your favorite developer or community liaison will be in attendance? Fear not, as Ashlanne has posted an exhaustive list of attendees on the official Station community forums. This year's event, scheduled to take place August 5th - 8th in Las Vegas, will feature a veritable who's who of SOE talent, including developers from EverQuest, EverQuest II, Star Wars Galaxies, Free Realms, Pox Nora, and The Agency Covert Ops. You can visit the official Fan Faire website for more information and the official Station forums for the full guest list.
SOE announces Backstage Blogger contest
Want to see your name in lights, as well as take a peek behind the curtain at Sony Online Entertainment's annual Fan Faire convention? You're in luck, because SOE wants you (and three other guest bloggers) to record your experiences from the event that's happening August 5th - 8th in Las Vegas. Contest winners will be awarded a Sony bloggie Camera Kit, a Fan Faire Platinum Pass, and access to post both written and video entries on the official Station blog throughout the event. Submissions will be accepted from June 16th to July 1st, and should show how much you love your favorite SOE titles. Written and video format entries are acceptable, so be sure to check out the full contest details at the official site.
The Daily Grind: Single-game conventions, or multi-title meccas?
When it comes to gaming conventions, the options for MMO players seem to get bigger every year. (Not that we're complaining, mind you!) You can get a taste of the MMO world within a bigger convention like PAX or the MMO track at Dragon*Con. Alternately, fans of a particular game or company have more and more choices to check out -- EVE FanFest; BlizzCon, SOE's Fan Faire, and now Jagex's RuneFest. Add to that the LFG Expo, which promises to give us more MMOs in one space than we've seen before, and you can see where a gamer might not know which to pick! But with all the myriad choices opening up to us, we wondered this morning just how you like MMOs in your conventions? Are you more inclined to hit company-specific MMO conventions, so you can immerse yourself in a particular game (or series of games)? Do you prefer the large conventions where Mario and Magic: The Gathering fans mingle with murlocs? Or are you chomping at the bit for a convention like L4G, which should give players a huge choice of MMO diversity under one roof?
The Tattered Notebook: The forum thread round-up
Greetings fellow Norrathian travelers! This week, right on the heels of the Dave Georgeson interview, we're back to investigating the issues in the community. So far, this Tier'dal investigator has uncovered some community gold! Plus, we've got some big events coming up for the EverQuest II community, including the annual Fan Faire registration and the Mr. and Ms. Norrath contest! And, of course, I'm still looking for great tip threads for all of the new (and old) players who are wondering on how to play their MMOs better. So come along and check out what's been documented in this week's notebook entry!
Registration opens for SOE's Fan Faire
Fans of EverQuest, EverQuest II, Star Wars Galaxies, and Free Realms have a big reason to get excited -- the seventh annual SOE Fan Faire opened up registration Tuesday. Just as a reminder to everyone who missed our previous announcement, the event will run on the weekend of August 5-8 at Bally's Las Vegas. Fan Faire will take place right in the center of the Vegas Strip, in the same venue as last year. That means even if you find a spare moment away from the events, there will be plenty of nearby attractions to go see. The events already announced at Fan Faire include: Developer panels Contests Live gaming tournaments Tons of prize giveaways A vendors area for all your memorabilia needs In addition, SOE is giving away a whole mess of bonus items to people who register for the whole weekend, including free digital copies of the upcoming EverQuest and EverQuest II expansions. Enough to get you excited? The hopes of breaking news for DC Universe Online is enough to get us hyped up. If you're a big fan of SOE's various titles and have a little vacation time, now might be a good time to start planning!
SOE announces dates for Fan Faire 2010
For fans of Sony Online Entertainment's stable of MMO titles, the time has come once again to start making plans for Fan Faire. It looks like we'll all be heading back to Bally's Hotel in Las Vegas from August 5-8 for a weekend chock-full of all manner of crazy gaming fun with MMO friends. This year, they're offering everything from day passes at $35 on up to a Platinum badge which -- for $135 -- will net you access to all events, plus an additional in-game item, a special swag bag boasting more than just regular Fan Faire goodies, access to a VIP lounge, and even private VIP events. Add to that the room discounts starting at $65 a night for a swanky hotel right on the main Vegas strip, and this could well be a great vacation that just happens to include the awesome fun of this year's SOE Fan Faire. For now, there's no details on the schedule of events, but we wouldn't be surprised to see Alan "Brenlo" Crosby wedging people into t-shirts three sizes too small, as well as an appearance by of one of our favorite Dwarves. If previous years are any indication, this is a should-not-miss event for any serious SOE fan.
Fan Faire extras on the latest official SOE podcast
If you're reading this post, we will assume that you are probably interested in getting all the goods on this year's SOE Fan Faire. And why wouldn't you with all the announcements? SOE announced expansions for both EverQuest and EverQuest 2, plus lots of incoming goodies for Free Realms and even Star Wars Galaxies -- although your mileage may vary when it comes to zombies in your Star Wars.Anyhow, the podcast was recorded live at the event, which means you'll be hearing plenty of immediate reactions and thoughts on news and then-current happenings. Sadly, there doesn't seem to be any information regarding The Agency or DC Universe Online, much like at the actual event itself. Nevertheless, anyone interested in the previously mentioned games or live podcasts with jump-on guests will find something to enjoy here.
SOE trademark filings hint at new EverQuest and EverQuest II expansions
Sony Online Entertainment's fantasy MMOs EverQuest and EverQuest II may be due for new expansions if what Kody over at Curse has unearthed holds true. SOE has filed trademarks for two new EQ properties with the US Patent and Trademark Office. They are EverQuest: Underfoot and EverQuest II: Sentinel's Fate.It's a good find, but more of a tease than anything right now as no further details are available about either expansion. As Curse notes though, SOE Fan Faire is very close, just over a week away, and an announcement could be made then. Have a look at what Kody has to say about the potential for new EverQuest expansions in his post at Curse.
Get a sneak peek at SOE Fan Faire '09's in-game items
E3 may be the show on everyone's minds right now, but SOE is doing what they can to make sure that people don't forget that they have their very own event later in the month. They've put up a preview of some of the digital schwag that attendees will receive for coming to SOE Fan Faire 2009, and the new rule this year is that you'lll be able to get one in-game item for each game you have an active account for -- no need to choose just one anymore.The preview has pictures and some details about the items, and there's one in particular that will probably get the most attention: the Dianoga Dumpster for Star Wars Galaxies players will spit up collection items if fed once a week for a month, and besides that, it just looks kinda cool. Other neat items include a statue of Firiona Vie for EverQuest II, and a flying dragon mount for Vanguard, although, that one might divide people due to its bright pinkish-purple color. Registration for the fan faire is still open, so if you simply must have a pink dragon, now's the time to book.
New EQII site features live in-game data
With the help of SOE, Zam has launched their new EverQuest II site, which boasts an impressive set of features. The site draws a lot of its information directly from the game data itself now -- you really can't get much more accurate than that. It's pretty safe to say that we know where we'll be heading next time we're hunting down an elusive quest mob in EQII. Here's a list of some of what's on offer: A live Broker feed that allows you to track sales, items, and their pricing data across all servers Loc's and other detailed information on every mob Drop information of every item, including drop tables with exact percentages Quest data from the game Complete recipe information The site overhaul is being celebrated with a contest, offering daily giveaways and a grand prize of four tickets to the SOE Fan Faire. To enter, visitors must create an account and contribute to the wiki, the forums, or the various comment sections, with each contribution granting one entry into the draw. That sure sounds like a recipe for some spam-tastic action, but we don't doubt that the folks at Zam are ready and waiting with ban-hammers drawn.
SOE launches 2009 Player of the Year contest
SOE is searching for their two biggest fans, and plans to reward their loyalty with a trip to the SOE Fan Faire in Las Vegas later this year. It would be pretty difficult to work out who the biggest fanboys or girls are without any input from the community, so it's up to the players to nominate suitable candidates -- and yes, you can nominate yourself. What qualities should you be looking for in potential Players of the Year? From SOE:"Do you know someone who is the poster child for your favorite SOE title? So dedicated to the game, he or she walks around with bloodshot eyes, sleep deprived, wearing his or her favorite wrinkled SOE T-shirt? Does this player stand out as the first person to go beyond the call of duty to help fellow community gamers in and out of the game? If so, you may have the perfect candidate, and we want to know more!"To submit a nomination, send an email to SOEContests AT soe.sony.com with a 300 word letter or role-playing story explaining the worthiness of the player in question; a link to a screenshot, video or artwork can be included. The contest is already underway and closes at midnight PST on the 10th of May, and the nominee must be a US resident and 21 years of age or older. Full competition details can be found here.
Fan Faire attendees get Free Realms beta access right now
Did you head to Las Vegas last August for SOE's annual Fan Faire event? You did? Well this is your lucky day! SOE CM Ashlanne has announced via the offical forums that all attendees of last year's event have access to the Free Realms beta as of, well, now!So what exactly are you waiting for, you lucky people? Your Station ID should have been automatically upgraded so all you need to do is visit the official site and click on existing user. If however you find yourself having problems, Ashlanne asks that you post in the thread on the official forums so they can check the listings and get the account upgraded 'in a jiff'.
What happens at Fan Faire, stays at Fan Faire
Vegas, city of lights, nightlife, and SOE's Fan Faire! Sony has announced that they will once again be heading for Vegas to party down in high-rolling style. This year they'll be holding the event from June 25th to 28th at Bally's Hotel. The location they've picked is right in the middle of various Vegas attractions - although we're sure if you're there for the SOE party, you won't need to worry about that too much. Having attended last year's Fan Faire, we can definitely say that it's a great weekend of fun and interesting panels, nice people - and this year's lineup appears to be just as interesting. So far the scheduled events include: Special announcements and sneak peeks of upcoming SOE titles at the Third Annual Community Address from SOE President John Smedley Autograph signings with members of the original EQ development team and other key contributors Lots of in-game tournaments; and live, game-themed competitions and quests Developer forums and roundtables Cool giveaways and other fun items! Player of the Year To top it all off, prices for Vegas vacations are quite good, currently. So if you've been thinking about getting away, really dig SOE's games - or upcoming titles, and enjoy partying down with a great bunch of friendly, welcoming people, then definitely make some plans to attend this year's Fan Faire.
BlizzCon and Fan Faire: A comparison of corporate conventions
On the surface, one might think that there's no major differences between Blizzard's BlizzCon and SOE's Fan Faire. Both events are there to bring players together in the interest of geeking out on their favorite games from the two respective companies. That said, there are some distinct variations in purpose: Blizzard has stated they'll only do BlizzCon when they have something to show. Meanwhile SOE has been hosting Fan Faire since 2000. For the first three years there were multiple Fan Faires each year. As we attended both events this year, we thought it would be interesting to compare and contrast some of the good and bad from both weekends. Curious as to how the two events played out? Check out our gallery tour of some of the common experiences from these two conventions and see how they stack up.%Gallery-35466%
DC Universe Online interview with Executive Producer John Blakely
Sony Online Entertainment's (SOE) upcoming MMO DC Universe Online (DCUO) was well-received at Comic-Con '08 and has the potential of connecting with gamers and comic fans on a whole new level -- allowing them to play alongside the heroes they grew up with in comic books and cartoons. Christian Donlan from Eurogamer has an interview with John Blakely, VP of Development at SOE Austin and Executive Producer of DCUO, from the 2008 Fan Faire in Las Vegas. Eurogamer spoke with Blakely about keeping underperforming titles alive, remaining flexible in terms of DC Universe Online's vision vs. its evolution over time, and the fan reception to DCUO at Comic-Con '08. The interview touches on the choice to bar gamers from playing established heroes in the DC Universe like Batman and DCUO's payment model as well.
SOE extends Fan Faire registration
Due to overwhelming response, Sony Online Entertainment has decided to extend the online registration deadline for the SOE Fan Faire 2008. This new registration deadline has changed to August 8th, and the event itself will take place from August 14th through the 17th at the Las Vegas Hilton, in Las Vegas, Nevada.In addition to this extended registration, there have been several new panels and events added to the schedule. These include the Gamers In Real Life (G.I.R.L.) Breakfast, the 2nd Annual Community Address by John Smedley and the pre-orders for the Everquest 10th Anniversary Commemorative Book. Plus, there will be some great demos on hand of Free Realms, The Agency and more!
