Filed under: Trading card games

EVE giveaway: Fanfest loot from CrazyKinux's Musing

by Rubi Bayer Oct 13th 2009 at 5:00PM

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Trading card games, Giveaways

We all love freebies, and CrazyKinux has a whole pile of them for you. Well, for someone, anyway. He's feeling festive after Canadian Thanksgiving, and has opened up a giveaway of some great EVE Online items from last year's Fanfest.

In exchange for promoting his blog and Twitter page this month, CrazyKinux will put your name in a drawing for some great prizes, to be given away after Halloween. He's got some pretty impressive items, including t-shirts, EVE Collectible Card Game packs, and even a couple of one year extended hosting plans.

Just give him a mention on your blog, site, or Twitter page, link to it in a comment on his giveaway post, and he'll add your name to the drawing. After Halloween, he'll draw two names, and the winners will share in the pack of goodies.

Good luck to all of the EVE fans who enter, and thanks to CrazyKinux for his generosity!

SOE announces a new way for Free Realms players to get in the game

by Krystalle Voecks Aug 23rd 2009 at 10:00AM

Filed under: New titles, News items, Trading card games, Free Realms, Kids

Like the Free Realms Card Duelist job? Ever thought how cool it would be to have a card of your duelist? Well, it seems like Sony Online Entertainment thinks that would be pretty cool too, as they've just added a new service allowing players to do just that. The Duelist on Demand service allows Free Realms players to create physical Topps cards of their very own duelists. As an added bonus, each physical card has a code on the bottom of it that you can redeem in-game for a virtual copy of your unique duelist card!

The cards are currently only available in the US (except Maine for some strange reason) and are $12 US for 10 cards. "This print-on-demand option gives Free Realms players an entirely new way to immerse themselves into the game, with a unique, physical Topps trading card," said Scott Martins, Director of Development at SOE Denver. "Imagine creating a trading card based on your in-game character and then trading it with your friends for their personalized card. It's as if you are passing out your very own Free Realms business cards." With school back in, this could also be a pretty nifty way to reward excellent grades, or as a unique gift idea for friends and family who enjoy Free Realms.

Gen Con 2009: MMOs in the E-gaming area

by Mike Schramm Aug 16th 2009 at 8:00PM

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Galleries, Events, real-world, MMO industry, Star Trek Online, Free-to-play, Trading card games, Roleplaying, Free Realms, Champions Online, Legends of Norrath, Star Wars: The Old Republic

Massively was at Gen Con 2009 yesterday in Indianapolis, Indiana, and while most of the (gigantic) convention was involved with more traditional types of gaming, from dice and board games to collectible card games and RPGs, MMOs made their own splash in the "e-gaming" area. Sony Online Entertainment probably had the biggest presence -- in among huge posters of Free Realms and Star Wars Galaxies, they had demos running of all of their current games (though we didn't see any previews of DCUO or The Agency running). A costumed model posed for pictures in front of a large Legends of Norrath poster, while over in the CCG area, SOE held tournaments of the game for players.

Gallery: MMOs at Gen Con 2009

The Free Realms trading card game arrives this week

by James Egan May 4th 2009 at 8:00PM

Filed under: Trading card games, Casual, Free Realms, Kids

We've known for a while now that the Sony Online Entertainment studio in Denver has been hard at work developing a collectible card game to coincide with the launch of Free Realms. SOE and Topps have partnered to create and distribute the Free Realms Trading Card Game which will hit store shelves this week. The Free Realms Trading Card Game bridges the gap between a physical card game and the MMO with virtual rewards like pets, clothing, and 'special character effects'. There will be over 180 game cards, with 50 virtual reward cards that can be redeemed for in-game items. In fact, each pack sold will have a virtual reward card. In addition, there will be 16 cards with codes that unlock their corresponding card in the game.

Free Realms players interested in checking out the trading card game can pick up the 'Passport to Free Realms Starter Pack', at $10, which includes a 40 card deck with virtual benefits in the MMO: a card that unlocks a Black Lab, a t-shirt for your character, three jumbo health potions, a virtual 'Cardie Racer', and one month of full (subscriber) access to Free Realms. Booster packs will also be available at $4 each. Booster packs will include 10 game cards, one virtual reward card, and 50 Station Cash.

Gallery: Free Realms TCG

More on the Free Realms trading card game

by Shawn Schuster Apr 16th 2009 at 8:00PM

Filed under: Galleries, New titles, Free-to-play, Trading card games, Free Realms, Kids

We first mentioned the Free Realms trading card game when it was announced by SOE back in November of last year, but now we get treated to even more exclusive artwork from the game as it approaches official launch. This TCG will be available in both online and in-store versions where you can battle your friends in the MMO or face-to-face, courtesy of cards made by Topps.

So check out the exclusive new pieces straight from SOE's Denver studio, in our gallery below. It includes the full hi-res artwork itself, as well as the final cards as they'll look in the stores. Also be sure to check out the Free Realms website for complete info on these cards, in both online and offline versions.

Gallery: Free Realms TCG

Destroy all droids and nab some free loot!

by Seraphina Brennan Apr 12th 2009 at 6:00PM

Filed under: Sci-fi, Events, in-game, News items, Star Wars Galaxies, Trading card games

What do bounty hunters and trade federation droids have in common? They're both rewards for playing through the upcoming Star Wars Galaxies trading card game scenario, "Destroy All Droids!"

Yes, you too can bask in the glory of a rare card featuring bounty hunter Bane Malar and a nice piece of Star Wars Galaxies in-game loot for your house. All you have to do is simply complete the upcoming card game scenario, which will be released on April 15th. That's it!

When you complete the small little storyline, the game will reward you with your card and a trade federation droid vendor for your house. If you beat it again with a new deck that has a different archetype you'll get another copy of the Bane Malar card, but you can only have up to four copies. So, if you're a Star Wars Galaxies player, you might want to check this out even if you aren't a rabid follower of the card game. Free stuff is free stuff!

Massively catches up with SOE Tucson director Dan Kopycienski

by James Egan Feb 5th 2009 at 12:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Business models, MMO industry, Trading card games

Sony Online Entertainment surprised us recently with the announcement that they'd acquired Octopi -- creators of the collectible strategy game PoxNora -- and that the studio would now be known as SOE Tucson. We had some questions about what this acquisition might mean for SOE moving into the future, as well as what changes are on the horizon for PoxNora.

Massively caught up with the former president of Octopi, Dan Kopycienski, who is now Director of Development at SOE Tucson. Although SOE Tucson is still very much a studio in transition, he was kind enough to speak with us about where PoxNora is today, and what it may become with the newfound backing of Sony Online Entertainment.

A little more about Wizard101

by Alexis Kassan Jan 3rd 2009 at 6:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Trading card games, Kids, Wizard101

There have been quite a few releases for magic-themed game Wizard101 of late as well as the preview of the first expansion. Enough so that WhatTheyPlay has posted an overview aimed at parents to explain the basis of the game and what they can expect if their kids play it.

In a nutshell, Wizard101 is a world where players are students of magic. Combat relies on a trading card system and is turn-based. No one ever "dies" in the game. It's free to play in much the same way that Runescape is - meaning that many areas and quests are only available to paid accounts. The options are numerous in terms of membership levels depending upon what the players (or their parents) want to be able to do. For those parents worried about the community, they do discuss the limitations on communication and the average age of players (about 12). Then again, with family plan pricing available, parents could join their kids in the game and find out for themselves what it's all about.

Star Wars Galaxies TCG expansion Squadrons Over Corellia live

by Michael Zenke Dec 22nd 2008 at 1:00PM

Filed under: Sci-fi, Expansions, Star Wars Galaxies, Trading card games

Early last week Star Wars Galaxies players and TCG fans received a holiday treat: the launch of the first expansion for Champions of the Force, the in-game card game for SOE's Star Wars MMO. The expansion is entitled Squadrons Over Corellia, and was just announced late in November. The new card set has added a number of novel game elements to the card-based title, not least of which is new cards featuring Han Solo and the Emperor.

New design elements include starship battle components, additional avatar races, new loot, and much more. The card game has also been revamped card event scenarios and one-on-one events, for players who want to pit their TCG decks one against the other. And, of course, the whole thing is wrapped up in a brand-new storyline centered in the Correllia system during the Galactic war. A recent 'Friday feature' on the official game site has numerous insights into the new loot cards and fun elements added to the game. For full details on the expansion check out the official site, read into our card gallery below, or click through below the cut for the official press release.

Gallery: Champions of the Force

First expansion to the Star Wars Galaxies TCG: Squadrons Over Corellia

by Michael Zenke Nov 28th 2008 at 11:00AM

Filed under: Sci-fi, Expansions, Star Wars Galaxies, Trading card games

Earlier this week SOE announced a brand-new expansion to the Star Wars Galaxies TCG, Champions of the Force. That trading card game, released back in August of this year, puts players of the contentious Star Wars MMO into their favorite setting in a wholly different way. From what we've heard, it's been fairly well received by the players - well received enough to warrant an entirely new expansion to to the game. Squadrons Over Corellia will offer the usual level of quality we've come to expect from SOE Denver expansions - some 250 new cards, incredible artwork, and a heaping helping of all-new loot cards to boot.

Players will be able to create Rodian and Wookie avatar cards for the first time, make use of powerful iconic characters like the Emperor and Han Solo in their deck builds, and engage in space-based gameplay new to the Champions of the Force card game. You can see all the details on the official website, or get a big taste of the expansion's potential in the official annoucnement below the cut.

Gallery: Champions of the Force

Free Realms gets a TCG too, courtesy of Topps

by Samuel Axon Nov 25th 2008 at 3:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, New titles, News items, Free-to-play, Trading card games, Free Realms

SOE is going all in with Free Realms, what with beta signups already underway and rumors of spinoff PSP projects, so well-known-card-maker Topps has made a deal with SOE to distribute a trading card game that will exist both virtually within the game and in physical packs you can buy at the store.

The card game will launch in the Spring with 200 or so cards, and each booster pack (priced at $3.99) will feature a loot card that will allow consumers to unlock unique in-game items. Keep in mind that the game itself was designed by SOE's Denver studio -- Topps is just printing and distributing the physical card packs. Anyway, check out our gallery of artwork from the TCG -- fine stuff!

Gallery: Free Realms TCG

World of Warcraft miniatures game launches

by James Egan Nov 14th 2008 at 8:00PM

Filed under: World of Warcraft, Fantasy, MMO industry, Trading card games

One of the biggest names in the trading card industry is Upper Deck Entertainment. Given the success of their World of Warcraft Trading Card Game, they've released a follow-up game this week: The World of Warcraft Miniatures Game.

The World of Warcraft Miniatures Game went on sale worldwide as of Tuesday, November 11th. There are 70 different miniatures, including Warchief Thrall, Varimathras, and yes... even Leeroy Jenkins. There's a bonus for your actual WoW characters as well -- miniatures booster packs come with sample packs from the WoW Trading Card Game which might include Loot cards. Essentially, they're unlocks for "cosmetic in-game upgrades for their online World of Warcraft characters". Check out the Upper Deck launch announcement for their World of Warcraft Miniatures Game for the full details.

One of Azeroth's millions of citizens? Check out our ongoing coverage of the World of Warcraft, and be sure to touch base with our sister site WoW Insider for all your Lich King needs!

The Daily Grind: What do you think of table-top games?

by Samuel Axon Oct 10th 2008 at 8:00AM

Filed under: World of Warcraft, EverQuest, EverQuest II, Culture, Warhammer Online, Opinion, The Daily Grind, Trading card games

There exists a very close relationship between MMOs and table-top games.

Yesterday saw the launch of Ethernauts, the fifth expansion to EverQuest-related collectible trading card game Legends of Norrath. LoN is digital, but gameplay-wise, it's totally a table-top game. World of Warcraft has an entirely material trading card game. Warhammer Online is of course based on the Warhammer miniatures game, and WoW is getting a miniatures game of its own. And of course, the RPG genre originated on the table-top with Dungeons & Dragons.

We're wondering: how much crossover is there between digital and table-top games? How many of our readers play them? Tell us! What do you think of table-top games?

Legends of Norrath launches fifth expansion: Ethernauts

by Samuel Axon Oct 9th 2008 at 7:30PM

Filed under: Fantasy, EverQuest, EverQuest II, News items, Trading card games

Today marks the release of the fifth expansion to the Legends of Norrath digital trading card game -- Ethernauts. More than 280 cards join the existing arsenal, including four avatar cards, two new unit races, and 20 loot cards. They all play into a story that sets the stage for EverQuest II's upcoming The Shadow Odyssey expansion. In fact, there are even some scenarios based on never-before-seen TSO content.

In an attempt to give would-be newbies an incentive to buy in, SOE has also introduced the Legendary Starter Pack at the price of $19.99. If you're a vet, though, you can pick up Ethernauts booster packs for $2.99 each. Current EverQuest or EQ2 subscribers will get a free starter deck, 'cause, y'know -- you're not hooked on Norrath enough already, right?

Oh, and there are a bunch of special events all weekend celebrating the launch.

Well met, fellow Norrathian! Make sure to check out all of our coverage of the next EverQuest II expansion, The Shadow Odyssey as well as Seeds of Destruction, the next expansion to EverQuest!

Gallery: Legends of Norrath: Ethernauts

Legends of Norrath Ethernauts loot card preview

by Michael Zenke Oct 2nd 2008 at 10:30AM

Filed under: Fantasy, EverQuest, EverQuest II, Trading card games, Legends of Norrath

We've been walking through some previews of the Legends of Norrath cards over the last two weeks, and now SOE has some more 'fun stuff' to show off. We have three brand-new loot cards to show off. Two are transformations for your EverQuest II character, and the third is a brand-new pet for your EverQuest character. Check out Allakhazam for even more EQ2 and EQ loot card hijinks!. Plus, keep your eyes on Massively for more loot card information soon, and another preview card through next week!

Gallery: Legends of Norrath: Ethernauts

Well met, fellow Norrathian! Make sure to check out all of our coverage of the next EverQuest II expansion, The Shadow Odyssey as well as Seeds of Destruction, the next expansion to EverQuest!