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SOE's John Smedley calls PlanetSide sequel 'PlanetSide Next'

by Ben Gilbert { Oct 11th 2009 at 5:30PM }

Sony Online Entertainment could go all the way crazy and officially announce that it's working on the sequel to the popular MMOFPS PlanetSide, but why bother? No, SOE would much rather release a survey mentioning the sequel, only to be called "PlanetSide Next" by company prez John Smedley a few weeks later on his LiveJournal (has it really come to this, folks?).

Though few details are given, Smedley takes the time to thoroughly declare his love for the series, and in doing so speaks of SOE's intentions with PlanetSide Next. "To me, PlanetSide Next means we get a chance to take the essence of everything that was fun in PlanetSide and make it a lot better ... massive battles on a scale no other FPS will touch ... none of this 64-player stuff ... REALLY MASSIVE." We're just hoping our measly laptops will be able to handle the game's sheer massiveness.

[Thanks, Hamma!]

Rumor: Sony survey hints at PlanetSide 2 development

by Griffin McElroy { Sep 26th 2009 at 3:00PM }

Sony Online Entertainment's PlanetSide was one of the more ambitious MMO titles of its time -- largely due to its focus on twitchy shooting action (instead of infinitely repetitive Dire Rabbit slaying). It seems Sony wants to re-energize the waning franchise with a new installment in the series -- a number of PlanetSide subscribers recently received an SOE email survey asking for inspiration as the developer begins to "plan to expand the PlanetSide universe with another game."

The language in the survey (posted after the jump) doesn't make it sound like SOE is working on a half-baked expansion or a genre-defying spinoff, as it tells participants, "the information you provide will play a critical role into helping guide the development and direction of the next hit Massively Multiplayer Online First Person Shooter." The only thing we remember from our time with PlanetSide was getting killed a whole whole lot. We're not sure what Sony can do about that, besides entirely removing death from the sequel.

[Thanks, Alex!]

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PalTalk takes patent infringement suit on the road, sues MMO devs

by Griffin McElroy { Sep 16th 2009 at 11:00PM }

PalTalk Holdings is feeling pretty zesty following its legal victory over Microsoft this past March, so it's decided to take its patent infringement suit against a few major players in the MMO market. Turbine, Sony, Activision Blizzard, Jagex and NCSoft are all staring down the barrel of PalTalk's litigation cannon -- which, after forcing Microsoft to come to a settlement earlier this year, now has a substantial amount of precedent supporting it.

PalTalk purchased two patents from a company called HearMe in 2002 for technology which shares data between networked computers, allowing users to see the same virtual space as they interact with one another in real time. One could construe that to mean PalTalk owns the patent on online multiplayer altogether -- but we're sure Activision's beefy legal team will have a few arguments to the contrary up its sleeve.

SOE prez delivering GDC Austin keynote

by Griffin McElroy { Aug 6th 2009 at 8:30PM }

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.

The Matrix Online's final moments documented

by David Hinkle { Aug 4th 2009 at 6:00AM }

Friday was the last day for SOE's The Matrix Online. We've been following the collapse of this older MMO for a few months now and, thankfully, our brothers and sisters in the resistance over at Massively were there to experience and document the end. There was some merrymaking, lightning and even a bit of ... eyes dripping blood? Check out Massively's gallery below for all of the endgame ceremonies.

Gallery: The Matrix Online: Wake Up

Senior staff leave 'The Agency' to start new studio; SOE claims game unaffected

by Alexander Sliwinski { Jul 31st 2009 at 9:45AM }

The Agency has lost some top agents as several members of Sony Online Entertainment's Seattle studio have left to form Detonator Games. The losses include art director Corey Dangel, studio director Matt Wilson and producer John Smith -- the latter two were founding members of the development house.

Eurogamer reports the departures have ignited rumors that the The Agency will experience a reboot or overhaul -- which wouldn't be the first time the production team has had to go on the defensive. SOE denies that there's any reboot going on and notes that company is "looking forward to showing you new content in the future." Let's see if the game makes its 2010 release.

[Via GI.biz]

Reminder: The Matrix Online shuts down this week

by David Hinkle { Jul 28th 2009 at 12:00AM }

We've been locked in this hellish war against the machines for years now, but word has just come in from Morpheus that Neo is close to striking up a deal with those metallic monstrosities. Neo has been trying to negotiate a treaty for some time now and, if what we're hearing is true, the machines will finally shut down the Matrix on July 31 and let our brothers and sisters go. Now, we didn't get everything we wanted (mostly our robotic slaves returned), but, in the end, it'll be for everyone's benefit. We can finally get back to those ridiculous dance parties we all love so much!

[Via Massively]

SOE: Free Realms 'close to' 5 million users

by David Hinkle { Jul 25th 2009 at 1:00AM }

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™ 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.

Free Realms comic coming July 29, includes in-game bonuses

by Griffin McElroy { Jul 23rd 2009 at 5:00AM }

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]

Layoffs hit Sony Online Entertainment

by JC Fletcher { Jul 17th 2009 at 3:50PM }

Sony Online Entertainment sent word to Massively confirming that 41 full-time employees have been let go -- amounting to five percent of its full-time staff. The brief statement announcing the layoffs classifies the job cuts as a "a move to increase operational efficiency and reduce costs."

SOE did not specify the departments or games from which the affected jobs were lost, and it told Massively that it will not discuss the layoffs further. We don't think we'd want to either!

SOE announces EverQuest: Underfoot and Everquest II: Sentinel's Fate expansions

by David Hinkle { Jun 27th 2009 at 6:30PM }

Our sister site BigDownload has the scoop on a pair of new expansions for SOE's popular Everquest franchise that were announced at this week's Fan Faire in Las Vegas. First up is the 16th commercial expansion for 1999's Everquest, Everquest: Underfoot. Due for release this November, the expansion brings with it a new underground zone to explore, with new creatures to battle, and even less reason to leave your house.

Probably more relevant is Everquest II: Sentinel's Fate, the sixth commercial expansion for Everquest II. Due for release in February 2010, Sentinel's Fate will raise the level cap to 90, allowing you to spend ten more levels beefing up that Summoner of yours.

Free Realms hits 3 million players; PS3 version 'still in development'

by Alexander Sliwinski { Jun 13th 2009 at 1:00AM }

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.

Hands-on: DC Universe Online

by Ben Gilbert { Jun 10th 2009 at 3:00PM }

MMOs on current-gen consoles? We've yet to see it really happen. However, DC Universe Online for PlayStation 3 and PC sure looks (and plays) like a game on its way to completion. When we last sat down with the game in February and talked to its producer, DCUO already had a ton of polish and -- even to our console-addled brains -- felt like an MMO we could get on board with.

The controls on PS3 felt quick and intuitive then, and not much has changed (other than graphical fidelity, character animation, and bug squashes) since we last saw it. We muscled our way around S.T.A.R. Labs, turning zombified security guards back into their old selves and then employing the security guards to take down our foes. While the squad mechanics felt woefully underdone (as in, they don't exist -- you roll with a gang and they take down fools as the gang sees fit), we appreciated the ability to pick up a crew mid-mission to assist us.

Gallery: DC Universe Online

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The Agency trailer filled with spies and CG, devoid of gameplay

by Andrew Yoon { Jun 9th 2009 at 1:45PM }

We're starting to wonder if The Agency will ever come out. How many E3s has it been since we first heard of SOE's ambitious spy-themed PC/PS3 MMO action game? While The Agency is still being worked on (read our impressions here), we're concerned by the complete lack of gameplay footage in the latest trailer for the game. Yes, we're digging the spy vibe, but we'd like some sign that -- maybe, just maybe -- we'll see The Agency come to fruition before the PS4 comes out.

The Agency cross-platform play 'yet to be determined' for launch

by Ben Gilbert { Jun 5th 2009 at 7:45PM }

When dropping by the Sony Online Entertainment booth at E3 for our appointment with upcoming PlayStation 3/PC MMO The Agency, we found out some rather troubling news regarding the game's promised cross-platform functionality.

While the demo we watched employed the much vaunted feature, we were told by the folks from SOE that the game may not launch with players on each platform able to play with each other. "Technologically, it's fine. There are some rules about certification and updating on the PS3 that we're kinda working through right now -- it may not be a launch feature." When pressed for a launch date, we were told the game's still early in development and no release has been determined.