Everquest II Heading Free To Play…Partially.


A big thank you to Valerie, who tipped me off on this before the official announcement. I know what you’re saying, “Omali! You lying sack of crap! Dave Georgeson just said last month that Everquest 2 was not going free to play!” You would be correct, partially. Today’s news brings the announcement that Sony Online … Continue reading “Everquest II Heading Free To Play…Partially.”

EA: Microtransactions Through Live Gamer


Those of you who are acquainted with Sony Online Entertainment are likely aware of Live Gamer, the “legit” real money trading website where players can buy and sell characters, gold, and more between each other without fear of getting scammed by some guy sitting in China watching ten WoW bots do their work. Currently, the … Continue reading “EA: Microtransactions Through Live Gamer”

Mark Gerhard: Free Realms Is Insipid


Mark Gerhard, current CEO of Jagex, isn’t a bad guy by any means. Hell, he was featured here on MMO Fallout specifically this past March for his help in toppling the court case of Evony Vs a blogger. Runescape players may be at a divide on his positive or negative impact on the game, but … Continue reading “Mark Gerhard: Free Realms Is Insipid”

Healthy Reminder: DC Universe Preorders…


Those of you who use Steam,  Direct2Drive, shop at Gamestop/Fry’s, etc, will be aware that DC Universe, the upcoming MMO by development-Goliath Sony Online Entertainment, has recently gone on for Preorder and being the impulsive buyer that I am, I have to say my response was…no. I have a fundamental disagreement with DC:U going up for … Continue reading “Healthy Reminder: DC Universe Preorders…”

Free Realms: Limited Lifetime Membership: $30


Bike dwarf aside, let me ask you something: How much do you expect to pay for a lifetime membership? Depending on which MMO you go to, assuming it even offers such a deal, you’re probably looking at between one and two hundred dollars. Very few MMOs offer lifetime subscriptions, as although it does offer a … Continue reading “Free Realms: Limited Lifetime Membership: $30”

SOE: Security Alert And Layoffs Abound


“In a move to better align the company’s resources against areas of growth that meet consumer demand in today’s online market as well as improve operational efficiency, Sony Online Entertainment has eliminated just over 4% of its full-time workforce, equaling 35 people. The changes will better position SOE to deliver against its emphasis on developing … Continue reading “SOE: Security Alert And Layoffs Abound”

Final Fantasy XIV: No Microtransactions


When Realtime Worlds announced that All Points Bulletin would not feature a cash shop, of course they meant “unless the voices in our heads tell us that the community wants a $25 mount.” Whether or not you enjoy paying over an existing subscription fee, I think we can all agree that the cash shop system … Continue reading “Final Fantasy XIV: No Microtransactions”

Checking In On The BBB


Earlier this year I started Checking In With The Better Business Bureau, a segment talking about the consumer protection group with no authority. Back in February I checked up on a few MMO developers to see their scores, and this time I want to go more in depth on each company and their score. For … Continue reading “Checking In On The BBB”

Looking Back, Moving Forward: June 2010


I have decided to retire the Month In Review sessions in replacement for what I call “Looking Back, Moving Forward,” essentially a recap of the month and a look forward into the coming month.

June, like any decent bridging sequel, brought more questions to the table than it did answers…

Shut Up, Everquest, Get On My Horse


Blizzard appears to set standards wherever they go. The latest venture? A sparkling horse. Not just any sparkling horse, a sparkling horse that generated millions of dollars for Blizzard over the course of just one day. Back in May, Sony Online Entertainment announced that Everquest II would be receiving a similar update. This horse, featuring … Continue reading “Shut Up, Everquest, Get On My Horse”