The long awaited Pirates of the Burning Sea being developed by Flying Lab Software is slated to be managed by Sony Online Entertainment via their Platform Publishing partnership (similar to the original arrangement with Sigil and Vanguard: Saga of Heroes).

According to the Pirates of the Burning Sea website, a press release will be issued tomorrow.

We will be increasing our Station Access subscription rate in June. Effective June 1, 2006, the new monthly subscription rate will be $24.99/month, up $3.00 from its current price $21.99/month. We have added significant value to the Station Access subscription since its inception including two games, The Matrix Online and Star Wars Galaxies, as well as incorporating the Adventure Packs for EverQuest II at no additional fee, (including The Fallen Dynasty due out this summer). In addition, the cost of operating the game service for the games included in the Station Access subscription package has increased significantly since we launched Station Access. This change will help us achieve our goal of seeing that every player has a consistently enjoyable experience in our game worlds and we intend to continue to add value to this all-in-one subscription package. Current subscribers don't have to do a thing; you will automatically be migrated to the new billing structure under your current subscription plan when your current subscription plan expires. Subscription rates are subject to tax and value-added taxes, as applicable.

For more detailed information on the Station Access subscription package, please go to www.stationaccess.com.

SOE will be holding another Fan Faire, this time in Atlanta. The event will run from April 6th through April 8th 2006.

Events will include "Live Tournaments", Fan Art contest, special MMO roundtable breakout sessions, and as always the infamous costume contest. There is plenty to do at these events, and after attending over 6 myself, I can say with confidence that you will not have a bad time if you attend.

Full details and registration information can be found at the Fan Faire site.

SOE Fan Faire registration

SONY ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT LAUNCHES A NEW WEBSITE FOR THE PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) System

Mobile.Station Puts Station.com At Your Fingertips With New PSP™ System Web Portal

It's that time of year again... and it's Vegas baby! The Safehouse will be there representin'. Hope to see you there!

SOE Fan Faire is the gaming event of the season, not only for EverQuest players, but for EverQuest II, PlanetSide, and EverQuest Online Adventures players as well! This is a real-life event for SOE gamers and their guests to meet other players and members of the development teams, participate in events, and win prizes. No matter which of these SOE games you play, Fan Faire will be specially tailored to you and your game community...

... and it's not going to be in the Fantasy genre. "Modern weapons" will be a focus.

In an interview on CNN today, John Smedley talks about the current MMORPG market, the competition, and current technological trends. In the wake of current events, its refreshing to see SOE looking towards the future.

"We know what we're doing now and we're going to take it to the next level."

SONY ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES NEW DISTRIBUTION LABEL, RELEASES NEW ASHERON’S CALL TITLES
posted on 18-Jan-2005

Station Publishing Brings Turbine's MMORPG Games Back to Retail Channel
SAN DIEGO, CA – January 18, 2005 – Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE), a worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online (MMO) gaming, today announced the formation of Station Publishing, a new distribution label within the company. Station Publishing will focus on distributing interactive entertainment products licensed from external content providers for the PC and game console market. The first titles due from Station Publishing will be Turbine Entertainment Software's Asheron's Call®: Throne of Destiny™ and Asheron's Call® 2: Legions™.