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SOE meet and greet at PAX East open to everyone
Want a chance to rub elbows with some of the movers and shakers in the SOE world? Then head to the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel on March 22nd for a meet and greet during PAX East. Don't worry if you don't have tickets for the convention itself; the event on Friday night from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. EDT is open to the public. Representatives from a number of SOE's titles will be there to chat, share stories, and even answer questions about the various games. You could discuss PlanetSide 2 strategies with Community Rep Maggie Krohn, discuss EverQuest's latest expansion with Sr. Community Manger Eric Cleaver, or even corner EQ franchise director Dave Georgeson and see what news about EQ Next he might let slip! Dragon's Prophet Senior Producer Todd Carson will also be on hand to answer your questions about, well, dragons. And rumor has it that the drinks are on Brasse! What's a con event without swag? Dragon's Prophet priority access beta keys as well as T-shirts will be given out on a first come, first served basis. EQ goodies might be had as well. Folks planning to drop by can RSVP on the official Facebook event page and follow updates on the various games' respective twitter accounts.
PlanetSide 2's war correspondent films the heat of battle
In the true spirit of battle gaming, PlanetSide 2 has a "war correspondent," and he's filming some of the most exciting moments of the game for our entertainment. SOE released a three-minute video showing the thrill of victory, the sting of a plasma round, and the frantic action of a typical engagement, all from the perspective of a plucky reporter. On a side note: War always seems to have a great soundtrack. You'd think that everyone involved wouldn't be able to hear it, what with the guns and explosions, but you'd be wrong. No wonder it's so inviting! Check out the video after the jump.
SOE lawyering up in its fight against PlanetSide 2 cheaters
SOE prez John Smedley took to the Reddits yesterday to elaborate on the firm's banning policy as it relates to PlanetSide 2. Smedley dispelled the myth of the 7-day ban, saying that there are week-long suspensions for rule-breaking, after which SOE GMs more closely monitor the miscreant to "make sure we're satisfied they are cheating." Smedley also says that the cat-and-mouse routine is here to stay. "The fight against cheaters is not a war we will ever be finished with," he said, before explaining that the reason it takes longer to ban cheaters than some honest players might like is because the devs "don't want to falsely accuse people without solid proof." Finally, Smedley hints that SOE is lawyering up against the major cheat-producing sites. "We have the resources to fight this fight and we will keep doing it," he wrote.
Some PlanetSide 2 European accounts have been compromised [Updated]
You know the drill people: Accounts hacked, time to change those passwords ASAP. Who's affected this time around? It's the runners-and-gunners of PlanetSide 2 in Europe. Email addresses and passwords for some accounts were exposed, and affected players have been notified that they should create a new secret code so that the unwashed hackers don't gain entry to personal accounts elsewhere. ProSiebenSat.1 issued the warning last night: "We have ascertained that there was recently unauthorized third-party access to one of our systems. The possibility that your data (email address and password) has been accessed by an unauthorized third party cannot be excluded. We were able to detect the problem promptly and took all necessary action to rectify the issue." The company said that account data are encrypted and issued instructions how to change your password if this impacts you. No European SOE PlanetSide 2 accounts were affected by the intrusion. [Thanks to the mighty Tandor for the tip!] [We've updated the article to clarify that only some PSS1 accounts were affected. SOE's European accounts are in the clear.]
SOE G.I.R.L scholarship competition now accepting applications
Would $10,000 and a 10-week internship at SOE help you on your way to becoming a video game designer? If so, the sixth annual G.I.R.L. Game Design Competition may be just your ticket. This scholarship program, designed to encourage students toward career paths in the video gaming industry "with the ultimate goal of developing video games that are more interesting for women to play," is currently accepting applications. Interested applicants must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program related to video games, have at least a 3.0 GPA, and not graduate before spring 2014. Entrants must also be 18 years of age or older and a legal resident of the U.S. If you meet all of the criteria, you must apply online before 2:59 a.m. EST on March 30, 2013; however, earlier is better as only the first 3,000 e-applications will be accepted. That date is also the cutoff for submitting all required artwork (of either PlanetSide 2 or EverQuest II), captions, and the 500-word essay. See the official rules for complete details on entering the contest.
Matt Higby discusses PlanetSide 2's roadmap and server merges
It's unsettling for anyone to know that a game is undergoing server merges, even when it's a game that's received as much good press as PlanetSide 2. Fortunately for the game's gun-toting fans, creative director Matt Higby is on tap to provide players with a bit more clarification about exactly what the merges will involve. Ten total servers will be affected, bringing the game's total number to nine after the merges take place. Server transfer tokens will also be available afterwards for players who would prefer to move to a different server in the wake of the transfers. Higby also discusses the game's roadmap, a feature that the designers have been pleased with thus far. Going forward, the roadmap will provide more accurate dates regarding when players can expect to see the new content rather than the current system showing internal development targets. For more specific details, check out Higby's full address to the community.
Smedley announces PlanetSide 2 server merges
PlanetSide 2's servers are going to get a bit cozier in the not-too-distant future. SOE CEO John Smedley announced upcoming server merges on Twitter today. "Server merges soon. Info coming by Monday. No server transfers coming till after that's done. Wouldn't be right doing it the other way around." While we'll have to wait for more information, Smedley did say that "too many people went to some servers and not as many went to others" and that this should in not be seen as a sign that the game hasn't been as successful as might have been hoped.
Leaderboard: Community-driven development vs. company-driven development
SOE's Roadmap initiative for PlanetSide 2 is an interesting beast. If you're unfamiliar with it, it's basically a public polling system wherein proposed game features are upvoted or downvoted by the community. While there are no guarantees that the dev team will actually bend to the will of the people (it is SOE's game, after all), it's a fairly unprecedented setup in large-scale game development. It's also got plenty of naysayers, though, some of whom are concerned about the potential for the game to be affected by those who don't play it. What do you think of Roadmap and potential systems like it? Do you welcome community-influenced development decisions in your MMO of choice, or do you prefer to leave it to the pros? Vote after the break! Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!
The Daily Grind: Should PvP have death taunts?
Recently, the devs over at PlanetSide 2 floated an idea for the future of the game: "We'd like to add the ability to display a taunt on your target's killscreen and play a taunt animation on demand with your avatar. Ideally we might want the ability to customize a killscreen that allows you to display even more stuff, like a short message and a custom background to go along with the taunt animation." This strikes me as a terrible idea for more than one reason. It degrades whatever positive feeling of sportsmanship that could be cultivated and caters to the trash-talking jerks who live not just for the thrill of the win but the thrill of humiliation. Plus, there's got to be so many ways that such a system could be abused. But that's just me and I'm not much of a PvPer. So I'll put the question to y'all: Should PvP have taunts, especially ones that display on kills? If so, where would you draw the line? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
Sony officially announces SOE Live 2013
While we've known that SOE Live was moving location and dates this year to Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas from August 1st through the 4th, we now have official confirmation from the studio itself. SOE Head of Global Relations Linda Carlson drafted up an accompanying post about the upcoming convention that includes several pictures from previous years. "We're all gamers too," she writes, "and can hardly wait to hang out with you again! Everyone at the company LOVES going to SOE Live, the one event each that focuses solely on our players. We have everything in common!" Carlson explained that the change in venue was made for several reasons, primarily to keep costs down, have more flexible meeting space, and experience better air quality. She confirmed that, as in previous years, kids will get in free to the event.
SOE's Smedley and Higby on PlanetSide 2's e-sports evolution
Yesterday we told you about SOE's new PlanetSide 2-focused partnership with Major League Gaming. Following the announcement, Joystiq scribe Mike Schramm managed to corner principals from both companies at Friday's PlanetSide 2 Ultimate Showdown event in LA to ask what, exactly, is in store for fans of Auraxian e-sports. Join us after the break as CEO John Smedley, creative director Matt Higby, and MLG's Sundance DiGiovanni give us an early look at PS2's competitive evolution.
SOE partners with Major League Gaming for PlanetSide 2 e-sports
SOE has partnered with Major League Gaming in order bring the world of competitive e-sports to PlanetSide 2. "Over the next few months, the PlanetSide 2 and MLG teams will work closely to develop ideal competitive gameplay features and settings to showcase the massively multiplayer online first-person shooter," according to a press release. Neither company has specified what those features and settings might be, but PS2 creative director Matt Higby and SOE CEO John Smedley have long maintained that the firm was developing its sci-fi shooter sequel with an eye on the competitive gaming arena. SOE and MLG will also collaborate to create original programming, with a broadcast schedule due "in the coming weeks."
The Daily Grind: Do you have a gaming rotation?
I've been looking at PlanetSide 2 rather longingly of late. SOE's MMOFPS launched back in November, and I spent a solid couple of weeks playing it quite heavily before moving on. It's one of those games that could fit pretty easily into my regular rotation if it weren't for the fact that you really need a consistent group of mates to make the most out of it. The subject of game rotations is something else I've been thinking about this week. More specifically, I'm trying to adjust mine for PS2 and a couple of other titles. What about you, Massively readers? Do you have a gaming rotation, per se, or do you just play whatever, whenever? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
Planetside 2's most-hated base showcased in recent interview
If you're a Planetside 2 player, you've probably heard about The Crown. The tactical base snuggled in the crossroads of Indar's three distinct terrains is not only difficult to conquer, but it's also a pretty big target once you take it. PC Gamer sat down with SOE Facilities Designer Corey Navage and Creative Director Matt Higby to talk about the origins of The Crown and how much thought went into giving it the reputation it has today. Of course, as with any game element, The Crown is ever-changing to accommodate strategies and gameplay that SOE observes from players. Check out the complete interview over at PC Gamer to learn more.
SOE implementing dynamic XP in PlanetSide 2
PlanetSide Universe has the details on SOE creative director Matt Higby's latest information dump. Higby says plenty of changes are in store for this month's PlanetSide 2 patch, chief among them some significant tweaks to the game's experience system. In a nutshell, players who have more kills will be worth more XP, and newly spawned players "will be worth a fraction of the current kill reward." You'll also get partial XP for damaging vehicles even if they aren't ultimately destroyed. SOE will also be making server transfer tokens available in PS2's item shop, gifting each empire with a new SMG weapon, and adding player configurable colors and indicators to the game's minimap. That's not all, either, but you'll have to hit the source link below for the full list of changes.
One Shots: Worlds within worlds
When it comes to winter holidays, I'm always disappointed that they come so darn early in the season. We could really use all that cheer, celebrating, and lighting come, say, February after we've been wallowing in the cold and dark for months. No matter; what's done is done, and we have a giant snow globe as proof. Reader Trevor sent in the following picture from Guild Wars 2's Wintersday, as he took a photo of a world within the larger world and wrote, "Happened upon this giant snow globe amongst the flurry of gifts, giant flying colorful snowflakes, and Wintersday cheer. If you listen closely, you can hear my computer screaming in pain." Oh, we'll make more than your computer scream in pain before this column is done!
MMO Blender: Mike's spaceflight of fancy
You know what I love? Space. Not real space, so much; real space is a vast expanse of horrors that generally confound and cripple the mind if considered too seriously. I'm talking about "space," as in the setting of some of our favorite movies, games, and cancelled television properties. The problem with space, of course, is that it is a setting and not a story. You can't prime an audience by simply shouting, "Space!" The space needs context. Is it "final frontier" space? Is it the space in which your screams go unheard? The greatest space tales have always used the deep black as a backdrop, not a subject. My perfect MMO would almost certainly take place in space, but the way in which the space is used is what makes it worth playing.
70% of DCUO's revenue on PlayStation 3, Smedley mum on PlanetSide 2 console port [Updated]
Would you believe that 70% of DC Universe Online's revenue comes from the PlayStation 3 version of the game? According to the UK version of the official PlayStation magazine, the superhero title and Sony Online Entertainment's Free Realms could possibly be joined on the PS3 by PlanetSide 2 in the future. When asked directly about the possibility of the new sci-fi MMOFPS showing up on a console, SOE president John Smedley offered an artful deflection. "What I'd say is -- SOE has proven that we can bring our games to the PS3, and it's fair to say that we've got some other stuff out there cooking. I can't tell you what platforms it's for, but we're really excited about it." [Update: We have corrected the 70% figure quoted directly from PlayStation magazine. According to SOE, Smedley intended to say that the percentage refers to DCUO's revenue, not SOE's revenue as a whole.]
PlanetSide 2 releases first update, promises tutorial and player input
Even though the best-laid plans are thrown out the window in the first moments of battle, PlanetSide 2's devs are forging ahead the best they can. The team released the first update for the game yesterday, adding horns to vehicles, allowing players to make multiple characters on a server, and inserting seven new weapons for all of the factions. That's only the tip of the update iceberg, according to SOE President John Smedley. Speaking with PC Gamer, Smedley said that the future development of the game will largely be guided by player input. "We've changed so much about the game based on player feedback," he said, "so we're definitely going to do the same thing with our six-month plans. Players are paying the bills, so as far as I'm concerned that puts them in the driver's seat." Smedley said that we'll be hearing more of PlanetSide 2's next stage come January. He did drop news of one important feature: a tutorial that should be hitting the game in February. Also, some clever players dug up an interesting secret: PlanetSide 2 will offer triple Station Cash points Friday, December 21st. Smedley confirmed this on Twitter. [Thanks to Steve for the tip!]
Smedley: Social network games not in SOE's future, PlanetSide 2 doing 'very well'
How successful is PlanetSide 2? "I can't give away revenue numbers, but it is doing an order of magnitude greater revenue daily than any of our other titles," SOE president John Smedley tells GamesIndustry.biz. "It is really doing very well." He also hints at SOE's future, which is not likely to include social games or Facebook titles. "I gotta tell you, I'm not a fan of the Facebook game. To me, they're monetization vehicles and not the kind of games I want to play or make. That's just me personally. So we'll stick to what we do best," he says.
