Not too long ago, my feelings about Sony Online’s Everquest (EQ) were mostly frustration and disappointment. Despite its position as a genre-defining title, the release of EverQuest 2 signaled to me that Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) was no longer going to be focusing on the game … I can now say categorically that I was wrong.

I recently had the opportunity to take a tour of the upcoming expansion, Serpent’s Spire, with EQ Lead Designer Travis McGeathy. I’ve seen the light. Today I’m going to look at EverQuest’s past, the reason for my reversal of opinion, and where the game is going. Finally, I’ll talk about why I think the direction Everquest is headed (and the revamp of Ultima Online) signals nothing but good things for the future of Massive gaming.

GameSetWatch - COLUMN: MMOG Nation - ‘Resurrecting EverQuest’

Every time I think I can sit on my throne built out of righteous Sony Online annoyance …

I find it utterly flabbergasting that the same company that has so royally screwed up the Star Wars license can craft such a customer-focused and cogent expansion. Obviously, very different teams and pressures is the explanation, but it’s still a little brain-bending.

It seems that one of the MMO’s that popularized the genre will continue to receive some life support, this time in the form of a totally new client. Yep, massively multiplayer online role playing game Ultima Online will see a considerable graphics overhaul and a reworked UI.

Ultima Online Gets Upgrade In Its 10th Year - Kotaku

Yee gods! I guess in light of the fact that UO will apparently be living forever, my callous comments about EQ are even more improper. My apologies to any title I’ve besmirched before their time.

One of a handful of sessions occurring immediately after Peter Molyneux’s keynote speech at this year’s Games Convention Developers Conference was a roundtable discussion titled The Future of MMO. Speakers on the panel included Mythic Entertainment’s Eugene Evans, Cipsoft’s Stephan Vogler, Webzen’s Cindy Armstrong (formerly of Sony Online Entertainment), and Sigil Games’ Zakk Karlsson (also formerly of SOE).

What the future holds for MMOs - News at GameSpot

Interesting article, if only because they talk about one of my favorite things to noodle: PC and console gamers getting together in one world.

At a panel titled ‘The Future of MMO,’ Zack Karlsson, Director of Business Development for Sigil Games (the people behind Vanguard: Saga of Heroes let slip that user-generated content would be included eventually in the game. When a panel-listener asked about the importance of user-generated content in the MMO space, Karlsson said that the developers who come up with a way to really energize user generated content “has the golden checkbook.”

LGC 2006: User-Generated Content in Vanguard? news from 1UP.com

The article goes on to say that, even though they’re not going to have user-generated stuff in there at launch ‘they do have a plan’ for it. Bah.

It’s interesting, to be sure, but it sure would be nice to know what content they’re planning to be user-generated. Will it be huge-tastic, like Ryzom Ring or more superficial like the flags and boats in Pirates of the Burning Sea? Considering the hardcore nature of the game, I can’t imagine they’ll give up a lot of control as regards important game elements. Fascinatingly frustrating.

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A long day of writing and such, and I’m not in the mood to be particularly witty … not that I ever am, but you understand what I’m saying.

EVE Online Re-Review at MMORPG.com

Since the last review quite a bit has been added to the EVE universe in the form of three major content expansions called Exodus, Cold War and Red Moon Rising. Exodus added tons of new ships, modules and skills, but also added the capability for groups of Corporations to form Alliances to control their territory and defend it from others with Starbases. These allowed for entirely new level of galactic conquest and many great player empires had risen and fallen in the two years since.

MMORPG.COM - EVE Online : Reviews - Our Exclusive Reviews Of The Game

Pyschochild Explains Why We Need Stories in Games

So, let’s focus on some basics first. It’s obviously hard to put storytelling into games given the notable failures all around us, so why do so many people bother? Well, the main reason I can think of is commercial. Lots of people watch movies, read fiction books, and watch TV dramas. All these media have storytelling in them, and people obviously enjoy it. More people watch just about any TV drama on during prime time than will play any particular game of ours. So, there’s an audience out there that wants to enjoy a good story, and game developers (who like solving puzzles) are trying to figure out ways to draw them in.

Psychochild’s Blog » A spirited defense of storytelling in games

Ralsu of TenTonHammer Talks Nonsense

Is DDO a cool game or not? Does the good outweigh the bad? Just what am I saying?DDO is a cool game. It crams a lot of fun and intense action into its package. Honestly, it feels more like an action game than a MMOG to me—one that could have been a single purchase with a lobby for online gaming.I think the good aspects of the DDO merit giving it a try. Long-term, I have an idea what Turbine really needs to do to fix this game: give up on the D&D concept.

Dungeons and Dragons Online at TenTonHammer.com :: Your DDO Community and Resources!

This last article link was to be accompanied by a long rant about why, while it is a good idea to start thinking of moving away from D&D, DDO needs to stick closer to its roots to be successful.

Instead, I think I’ll go play Dead Rising.

Welcome to the Carnival of Gamers Summer Clearance Sale! When CoG meets CAG, you’d expect one hell of a sale, and my friends, you won’t be disappointed. Just look at our $9.99 deals!

Cheap Ass Gamer: The Carnival of Gamers August/September Clearance Sale

Pick me up some cotton candy while you’re there!

My second column for GameSetWatch has gone up, this time with a slightly broader and more esoteric bent. It’s the ‘Random Dialogue’ column from MMORPGDot all over again, and I’m very grateful to Simon for the chance to write it.

With development times measured in years and half-decades instead of quarters, nothing will break your heart as badly as a crappy Massive game. Today I’m going to be talking about the inflated expectations that long MMOG development times can build, why I think Pirates has fulfilled player expectations, and what future titles can do to ensure that high hopes stay grounded in reality.

GameSetWatch - MMOG Nation: The Appeal of the Unseen