Filed under: Free Realms

Only two days left for SOE's ConnectDING event!

by Seraphina Brennan Feb 8th 2010 at 12:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, EverQuest, EverQuest II, Culture, Events, in-game, News items, Free-to-play, Free Realms

Two words for you: cushy pillows. Yes, that's right, you heard me.

There are two days left for the Sony Online Entertainment ConnectDING event -- a marketing event designed to get you and your friends looking at the Facebook fan pages and Twitter accounts of EverQuest, EverQuest II, and Free Realms. Each one of the games has its own special reward once it hits so many fans, so why turn down free rewards for doing nothing more than clicking a button?

And that, my friends, is where we get to cushy pillows. EverQuest II is close to their goal -- only 2,000 fans shy! However, the event ends on February 10th! Oh teh noes, right? If EQII can get 2,000 more fans, everyone in the game will get 500 station cash for the in-game marketplace and awesome "Community Pillows" to add to their homes. The pillows not only look stylish and reduce the rent status of your property, but they also let avatars have pillow fights when activated!

So please, reach out and become a fan of EverQuest II today. Follow them on Facebook, on Twitter, or on both! Give these poor, orphaned pillows a home. (Plus the cash isn't too bad either.)

Free Realms reaches 8 million registered accounts, nominated in Game Developer's Choice Awards

by Seraphina Brennan Feb 8th 2010 at 11:00AM

Filed under: Fantasy, MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play, Free Realms

No matter which way you spin it, 8 million accounts is a ton of accounts. Free Realms has recently hit that magical milestone, celebrating a huge amount of fan interest in the game and a recent nomination for Best New Social/Online game in the Game Developer's Choice Awards. In fact, it's the only traditional MMO to be nominated for an award this year (outside of Nexon's Dungeon Fighter Online.)

As usual with our "account milestone" announcements, 8 million players is not the number of active players in the game. It's just the number of accounts that have been signed up on the Free Realms website. However, even if only 1% of those accounts were active, that's still 80,000 accounts playing the game -- a number you still should not scoff at.

So congratulations to SOE on your recent account milestone, and good luck in the Game Developer's Choice awards! Beat out Farmville for us!

Free Realms expands its portfolio of pets

by Rubi Bayer Feb 2nd 2010 at 3:00PM

Filed under: Free-to-play, Free Realms, Kids

Do you love the pets in Free Realms as much as Game Designer Margaret Krohn? If you just can't get your fill of all things furry and scaly in Free Realms, you'll be very happy with the new pets.

Haven't seen them yet? Well, for starters there is now a sad little spider named Mister Munchy, available in five different colors. He's got the blues and being adopted would cheer him right up. Are you more of a dinosaur fan? Several new dinosaurs are available as well, including Screech the Raptor -- who seems a lot friendlier than the Jurassic Park variety -- and Crackers, who is having a bit of an identity crisis. If you're more the traditional sort, there are new ponies available as well, bringing the total to thirteen.

All of the new pets are available now, so make a visit to the Marketplace and see what you'd like to add to your collection.

Free Realms releases January Ask a Dev video

by Rubi Bayer Jan 26th 2010 at 8:00PM

Filed under: Video, News items, Free-to-play, Free Realms, Kids

Free Realms has released its January Ask a Dev video, and it's another fun one. Game Designer Margaret Krohn and Lead Character Artist Matt Case are back to answer more questions from Free Realms players, this time with a slightly more personal angle added.

They began by talking about some of the new Marketplace and Coin Shop items coming up, including housing items, pets, and clothing. Matt and Margaret both hinted at new housing locations and decorating items in the future, so we'll be keeping an eye out for those.

The video explored a different series of questions next, starting with "How was your holiday break?", and then spending some time exploring the things that Matt and Margaret like the most in game, what they've been having fun with in Free Realms, and their favorite things about working for Sony Online Entertainment.

Follow along after the jump to take a look at the video for yourself!

Buy special Station items and SOE will donate to Haitian relief

by Krystalle Voecks Jan 17th 2010 at 10:00AM

Filed under: Fantasy, EverQuest, EverQuest II, News items, Free Realms

If you've been considering donating to Haitian relief efforts and happen to play EverQuest, EverQuest II, or Free Realms, then we've got some news that you'll undoubtedly want to take a look at.

Between now and midnight PST on January 18th, for every purchase of either a Zando T-Rex pet in Free Realms, a Protectors of the Faydark armor crate in EverQuest II, or a Plush Bear item in EverQuest, SOE will donate $10 to the relief efforts up to a maximum of $25,000. Considering each of the items only costs 500 Station Cash to purchase, that equates to players donating $5, then SOE matching the donation with $5 of their own and then sending it along. That's pretty cool in our book.

So if you want to help a great cause and land a little something fun for your EQ, EQII, or Free Realms character, then these items are something you'll want to pick up before the midnight on the 18th. Also, a big thumbs up to SOE for offering items to raise money for Haiti.

[Update: SOE has raised $25,000 for this relief effort in just three days!]

MMO Family: A parent's look at Free Realms

by Lisa Poisso Jan 15th 2010 at 6:00PM

Filed under: At a glance, Free-to-play, Free Realms, Kids, MMO Family

MMO Family is your resource for leveling a gaming-specced family ... From tips on balancing gaming with family life to finding age-appropriate niches for every family member, MMO Family offers you advice on MMO gaming of the family, by the family and for the family.

This week, MMO Family begins a gaming-savvy look at some of the most popular kid MMOs. You know what you like in an MMO – but what about your kids? And what if you're looking for something the whole family could play together? Today's gaming family can nibble from a whole feast of MMOs: games for grownups (we can help you fence off areas for kids who want to play what Mom and Dad do), games for the little ones, games for tweens and teens, and games for everyone to play together. When it's time to find just the right selection for the kids, we'll help you reticle over the most likely targets.

First up: Free Realms from Sony Online Entertainment.

Free Realms adds party locations and planners to the game

by Rubi Bayer Jan 3rd 2010 at 10:00AM

Filed under: Events, in-game, News items, Free-to-play, Free Realms, Kids

One of the features that Free Realms players enjoy is the ability to throw a great party. It's such a popular feature, the Free Realms team has decided to expand it a bit with the addition of two great new items: party planners and party locations.

It's pretty simple. Party planners are now located in Sanctuary, Lakeshore, and Briarwood, and talking to any of them will send you to a brand new party area, complete with decorations and cake. (Make sure to click on that cake - it holds a few surprises that you'll enjoy.) The Sanctuary party planner will transport you to a party location behind the Pixiewood sign, Courtney Lakebash in Lakeshore opens up a treehouse party area, and Briarwood party planner Mandy Vide has a party set up in the towers above Tanglewood fort.

Of course, party planners are only available to members, but they can invite anyone they choose to their party, member or not. Make sure you check out all of the new party locations, and have fun!

Free Realms: Evil snowmen are here to stay

by Rubi Bayer Dec 30th 2009 at 8:00PM

Filed under: PvE, Free-to-play, Free Realms, Kids

Snowmen in the Snowhill area of Free Realms are nothing new, but lately they're a little different. While they've got the basics of snowman fashion down -- top hat, scarf, sticks for arms -- these days they don't look quite as jolly and friendly as one would expect a snowman to look.

They got a bit aggressive during the holidays, and began attacking adventurers on sight, providing a fun new challenge for Free Realms players. It seems to have been a hit with players, and it looks like their feisty new attitude is here to stay. A note on the Free Realms site yesterday informed players "No one knows who made the snowmen or who cast the magic spell that animated them, but they are here to stay."

So if you enjoyed duking it out with the snowmen, and think you'll want some frosty cool hunting grounds in the summer months, Snowhill might just be your new favorite place!

Free Realms hops on the TV commercial bandwagon

by Rubi Bayer Dec 24th 2009 at 10:00AM

Filed under: Video, MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play, Free Realms, Kids

It looks like MapleStory isn't the only one seeking to draw in some new players over the holidays. Free Realms has released two eye-catching television commercials, set to air over the holidays.

Both spots aim for a thirty second intro to all things Free Realms, with the first one focusing on holiday events and the second a more general view. All the bases are covered in these whirlwind tours of the game: cool costumes, houses to decorate, pets, monster fights, jobs, and more.

There is a heavy emphasis on "free" and "with your friends", which should hold a hefty appeal to the tween and teen set as the holiday vacation from school starts to drag out a little bit next week. There is a brief text disclaimer about halfway through: "premium content and membership available for purchase," which offers a tempting suggestion for kids who haven't decided what to do with that Visa gift card they got from Aunt Judy in Oklahoma.

Both commercials can be viewed at the official site.

Sony Online Entertainment launches Winter Charity Drive

by Rubi Bayer Dec 21st 2009 at 9:00AM

Filed under: Fantasy, EverQuest, EverQuest II, Events, in-game, News items, Free-to-play, Free Realms

It's always great when we can combine MMO gaming with the support of a good cause, and if you're a player of either Free Realms, EverQuest, or EverQuest II you have a chance to do just that with the Child's Play Winter Charity Drive. You can also get your characters some fun new items in the process.

From now until January 17th, Sony Online Entertainment has earmarked a few special items to support Child's Play, a game industry charity that provides toys and games to children in over 60 hospitals worldwide. The brand new Triceratops pet in Free Realms, the Child's Play Anklebiter doll in EverQuest, and the Child's Play Bouncing Baby Panda Cub in EverQuest II are all available now for 500 Station Cash each. For every purchase of one of these items, SOE will donate $10 to Child's Play, up to $50,000.

Child's Play has been around since 2003, and has donated nearly $1.4 million to the hospitals in their network this year.

Free Realms video shows off new pets

by Rubi Bayer Dec 20th 2009 at 10:00AM

Filed under: Video, News items, Free-to-play, Free Realms, Kids

You know that whole cliche about wanting a pony as a Christmas or birthday gift? Thanks to Sony Online Entertainment, you can finally fulfill that wish for yourself and your friends. You can also fulfill their wish for a dragon, a dinosaur, a pegasus, or a unicorn while you're at it. Free Realms has introduced all of those animals as new pets in the game and they come with a variety of colors and emotes, from a fire breathing dragon to a dancing Tyrannosaurus Rex that blows bubbles to a unicorn that...wait, is that rainbow what we think it is?

You can decide for yourself with the alternately adorable-and-hilarious behind the scenes video from the Free Realms development team, depicting the creative process and the auditions for new pets. Free Realms Producer Andy Sites describes the search for the perfect new pet, and shows off the winning choices. Follow along after the jump to view the video, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Free Realms Introduces player-to-player real money transactions

by Rubi Bayer Dec 18th 2009 at 1:30PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Business models, News items, Free-to-play, Free Realms

Sony Online Entertainment is taking an interesting step to help cut down on fraud and gold farming: beating them at their own game. As of today, if you are a Free Realms player over the age of 18 you have the option to use Live Gamer Exchange (LGX), a RMT service set up to allow players to trade virtual goods in Free Realms for real world cash. "LGX for Free Realms allows SOE to make tremendous progress in reducing fraud by providing a secure platform for legitimate player-to-player transactions."

Live Gamer is an established provider of real money transaction platforms, and all LGX transactions in Free Realms will be authenticated through Live Gamer and done without extra fees. It's an unusual approach to the gold-seller problem, but may meld well with the new Free Realms pricing structures in the end as players find they can earn a few dollars in game to offset the cost of advancing in the game.

Free Realms releases massive December patch

by Eliot Lefebvre Dec 15th 2009 at 9:00PM

Filed under: Patches, Player Housing, Free-to-play, Free Realms, Kids

Like many free-to-play games, Free Realms has seen pretty notable gains with the occasional rough patch -- not exactly a surprise when you consider how the year has in no small part been a renaissance for the business model. But love it or hate it, the game is still going strong, and is ending the year with its best foot forward. A massive December update has just hit the game, with a number of changes and additions to the entire experience. There's been an extensive combat overhaul, and -- hey, where are you going?

Yes, okay, get the obvious Star Wars Galaxies joke out of your system, we can hardly blame you. But the changes here seem to be for the best, at least from the outside, with clearer labeling of stats and a more engaging experience all around. Even if you aren't enamoured of the combat changes, you can kick back in the new player housing, take part in the newly-added Fishing minigame, launch yourself into the sky or enjoy some of the many other additions in the game. Take a look at the full list for more details, and expect to clock a few extra hours in on Free Realms if you're a fan of the game.

[ Thanks to Brian for the tip! ]

Gallery: Free Realms December Patch

Sony Online Entertainment offers in-game loot for social networking

by Rubi Bayer Dec 10th 2009 at 8:00PM

Filed under: EverQuest, EverQuest II, Culture, News items, Free-to-play, Free Realms

Sony Online Entertainment has jumped on the social networking bandwagon with a vengeance, setting up Facebook and Twitter pages for Free Realms, EverQuest, and EverQuest II.

Of course, they want their player base to get involved and check these sites regularly, but they also want you playing their games. How to accomplish both goals? Simple -- offer prizes for doing both, and offer them up to everyone via a fun new program called "ConnectDING!"

SOE has set some goals for followers and fans of the sites for all three games: 5,000, 10,000, and 15,000. Each time they hit one of those milestones in a game they'll "DING!" and everyone in the game in question will be able to claim a little gift. At 5,000 it will be 250 Station Cash, at 10,000 it will be 250 Station Cash plus an interactive item, and at 15,000 everyone will receive 500 Station Cash and another interactive item.

Check out the official information page for all the details, and then head over to Facebook and Twitter to make your prizes arrive even faster.

Free Realms releases newest Ask a Dev video

by Rubi Bayer Dec 10th 2009 at 10:00AM

Filed under: Video, Professions, News items, Free-to-play, Free Realms, Kids

Free Realms has released its third "Ask a Dev" video -- lead character artist Matt Case and game designer Margaret Krohn teamed up to bring information on the new content coming this month.

The first order of business was fishing. This new job will have its own minigames, as well as the chance to explore new types of fish as you advance. Keep an eye out as you play, because fish aren't the only thing you have a chance at catching! December brings new pets as well. Dragons, dinosaurs, unicorns and more will be available as companions, each with a variety of colors and their own special personalities and animations. Need a place for you and your pet to go after a long day of fishing? Margaret answers questions about housing -- how you can furnish it, what is available (dance floors and rocket ships, anyone?), and how much stuff you can fit in your new digs.

Finally, Matt had some information about the upcoming holiday events. There will be a nice variety of costumes available as well as a fun quest series, snowball fights and...special phone booths in Snowhill? Color us intrigued.

Check out the video after the jump, and we'll see you in Free Realms!