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Sony Online Entertainment

Sony Online Entertainment

Overview

Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) is a game development
Game development
Game development is the process by which a game is produced. Today this term most commonly refers to the development of video games.- Overview :...

 and game publishing
Video game publisher
A video game publisher is a company that publishes video games that they have either developed internally or have had developed by a video game developer....

 division of Sony
Sony
is a multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan, and one of the world's largest media conglomerates with revenue exceeding ¥ 7.730.0 trillion, or $78.88 billion U.S. . Sony is one of the leading manufacturers of electronics, video, communications, video game...

 that is best known for creating massively multiplayer online game
Massively multiplayer online game
A massively multiplayer online game is a video game which is capable of supporting hundreds or thousands of players simultaneously. By necessity, they are played on the Internet, and feature at least one persistent world. They are, however, not necessarily games played on personal computers...

s, including EverQuest
EverQuest
EverQuest, often shortened to EQ, is a 3D fantasy-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game that was released on the 16th of March, 1999. The original design is credited to Brad McQuaid, Steve Clover, and Bill Trost. It was developed by Sony's 989 Studios and its early-1999 spin-off...

, EverQuest II
EverQuest II
EverQuest II , based upon the popular EverQuest, is a fantasy massively multiplayer online role-playing game developed by Sony Online Entertainment and shipped on 8 November 2004...

, The Matrix Online
The Matrix Online
The Matrix Online was a massively multiplayer online game developed by Monolith Productions. It was the official continuation of the The Matrix storyline. The game began closed beta-testing in June 2004 which was then opened for people who pre-ordered the game in November 2004. Warner Bros...

, PlanetSide
PlanetSide
PlanetSide is a massively-multiplayer online first-person-shooter computer game published by Sony Online Entertainment and released on May 20, 2003 ....

, Star Wars Galaxies
Star Wars Galaxies
Star Wars Galaxies is a Star Wars themed MMORPG for Microsoft Windows developed by Sony Online Entertainment and published by LucasArts.-History:...

, Free Realms
Free Realms
Free Realms is a Massively Multiplayer Online Game Adventure game developed by Sony Online Entertainment set in a whimsical, family-friendly, fantasy-themed world for the PC. The game was released on April 29, 2009 for the PC....

, and Vanguard: Saga of Heroes
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes is a high fantasy-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game created by Sigil Games Online, and now developed and run by Sony Online Entertainment. Originally, the game was co-published by Sony Online Entertainment , and the company producing it, Sigil Games...

.

In 2008 Sony Online Entertainment’s game Everquest was honored (along with Neverwinter Nights
Neverwinter Nights (AOL game)
Neverwinter Nights was the first massively multiplayer online role-playing game to display graphics, and ran from 1991 to 1997 on AOL. Neverwinter Nights was followed by a series of progressively more successful graphical MMORPGs, including Ultima Online , Everquest and World of Warcraft...

 and World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft, often referred to as WoW, is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game by Blizzard Entertainment. It is the fourth released game set in the fantasy Warcraft universe, which was first introduced by Warcraft: Orcs & Humans in 1994...

) at the 59th Annual Technology & Engineering Emmy Award
Technology & Engineering Emmy Award
A Technology and Engineering Emmy Award is given by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for outstanding achievement in technical or engineering development...

s for advancing the art form of MMORPG
MMORPG
Massively multiplayer online role-playing game is a genre of computer role-playing games in which a very large number of players interact with one another within a virtual game world....

  games.

Sony Online Entertainment and Verant's history can be seen as starting with Sony Interactive Studios America (SISA), an internal game development studio of Sony that formed around 1995.
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Encyclopedia

Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) is a game development
Game development
Game development is the process by which a game is produced. Today this term most commonly refers to the development of video games.- Overview :...

 and game publishing
Video game publisher
A video game publisher is a company that publishes video games that they have either developed internally or have had developed by a video game developer....

 division of Sony
Sony
is a multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan, and one of the world's largest media conglomerates with revenue exceeding ¥ 7.730.0 trillion, or $78.88 billion U.S. . Sony is one of the leading manufacturers of electronics, video, communications, video game...

 that is best known for creating massively multiplayer online game
Massively multiplayer online game
A massively multiplayer online game is a video game which is capable of supporting hundreds or thousands of players simultaneously. By necessity, they are played on the Internet, and feature at least one persistent world. They are, however, not necessarily games played on personal computers...

s, including EverQuest
EverQuest
EverQuest, often shortened to EQ, is a 3D fantasy-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game that was released on the 16th of March, 1999. The original design is credited to Brad McQuaid, Steve Clover, and Bill Trost. It was developed by Sony's 989 Studios and its early-1999 spin-off...

, EverQuest II
EverQuest II
EverQuest II , based upon the popular EverQuest, is a fantasy massively multiplayer online role-playing game developed by Sony Online Entertainment and shipped on 8 November 2004...

, The Matrix Online
The Matrix Online
The Matrix Online was a massively multiplayer online game developed by Monolith Productions. It was the official continuation of the The Matrix storyline. The game began closed beta-testing in June 2004 which was then opened for people who pre-ordered the game in November 2004. Warner Bros...

, PlanetSide
PlanetSide
PlanetSide is a massively-multiplayer online first-person-shooter computer game published by Sony Online Entertainment and released on May 20, 2003 ....

, Star Wars Galaxies
Star Wars Galaxies
Star Wars Galaxies is a Star Wars themed MMORPG for Microsoft Windows developed by Sony Online Entertainment and published by LucasArts.-History:...

, Free Realms
Free Realms
Free Realms is a Massively Multiplayer Online Game Adventure game developed by Sony Online Entertainment set in a whimsical, family-friendly, fantasy-themed world for the PC. The game was released on April 29, 2009 for the PC....

, and Vanguard: Saga of Heroes
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes is a high fantasy-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game created by Sigil Games Online, and now developed and run by Sony Online Entertainment. Originally, the game was co-published by Sony Online Entertainment , and the company producing it, Sigil Games...

.

In 2008 Sony Online Entertainment’s game Everquest was honored (along with Neverwinter Nights
Neverwinter Nights (AOL game)
Neverwinter Nights was the first massively multiplayer online role-playing game to display graphics, and ran from 1991 to 1997 on AOL. Neverwinter Nights was followed by a series of progressively more successful graphical MMORPGs, including Ultima Online , Everquest and World of Warcraft...

 and World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft, often referred to as WoW, is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game by Blizzard Entertainment. It is the fourth released game set in the fantasy Warcraft universe, which was first introduced by Warcraft: Orcs & Humans in 1994...

) at the 59th Annual Technology & Engineering Emmy Award
Technology & Engineering Emmy Award
A Technology and Engineering Emmy Award is given by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for outstanding achievement in technical or engineering development...

s for advancing the art form of MMORPG
MMORPG
Massively multiplayer online role-playing game is a genre of computer role-playing games in which a very large number of players interact with one another within a virtual game world....

  games.

History


Sony Online Entertainment and Verant's history can be seen as starting with Sony Interactive Studios America (SISA), an internal game development studio of Sony that formed around 1995. In 1996, John Smedley
John Smedley (developer)
John Smedley is a computer game programmer, now President of Sony Online Entertainment as of 2007.Smedley was involved with the creation and development of the original EverQuest and was co-founder of Verant Interactive, Inc., which became Sony Online Entertainment Inc...

 (known to the gaming community as "Smedley") was put in charge of SISA's development of an online computer role-playing game
Computer role-playing game
A computer role-playing game is a broad video game genre originally developed for personal computers and other home computers. While technically not a separate genre, and sharing the same defining characteristics as console RPGs there are nonetheless general tendencies that make them distinct...

, or MMORPG
MMORPG
Massively multiplayer online role-playing game is a genre of computer role-playing games in which a very large number of players interact with one another within a virtual game world....

 that would evolve into EverQuest. Smed hired programmers Brad McQuaid
Brad McQuaid
Brad McQuaid is an American computer game designer who was the key designer of EverQuest, a highly successful massively multiplayer online role-playing game released in 1999...

 and Steve Clover who had come to Smedley's attention through their work on the singleplayer RPG Warwizard
WarWizard
WarWizard was a fantasy computer role-playing game that was released as shareware in 1993, first for Amiga, then ported to Ms-Dos for IBM-compatible computers. It was developed by MicroGenesis, a small company founded by Brad McQuaid and Steve Clover in 1989...

.

In April 1998, Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) was formed by merging parts of Sony Online Ventures with Sony Pictures Entertainment. Within a matter of months after this change, Sony Interactive Studios America was renamed 989 Studios
989 Studios
989 Studios was a division of Sony Computer Entertainment America that developed games for the PlayStation consoles and Windows personal computers. Their titles include Twisted Metal III and 4, Syphon Filter and Syphon Filter 2, Jet Moto 3, Bust a Groove, EverQuest and others...

.

Towards the end of 1998, 989 Studios shifted its strategy to making PlayStation
PlayStation
The PlayStation is a 32-bit fifth generation video game console released by Sony Computer Entertainment in December ....

 console
Video game console
A video game console is an interactive entertainment computer or electronic device that produces a video display signal which can be used with a display device to display a video game...

 games only. The company's computer game/online development branch spun off, initially calling itself RedEye Interactive and then soon after Verant Interactive.


EverQuest
EverQuest
EverQuest, often shortened to EQ, is a 3D fantasy-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game that was released on the 16th of March, 1999. The original design is credited to Brad McQuaid, Steve Clover, and Bill Trost. It was developed by Sony's 989 Studios and its early-1999 spin-off...

 launched with modest expectations from Sony on March 16, 1999 under its Verant Interactive brand and quickly became successful. Numbers continued rising at a steady rate until mid-2001 when growth slowed. As of 2004, Sony reported subscription numbers close to 450,000.

In April 2000, Verant hired former Ultima Online
Ultima Online
Ultima Online is a graphical massively multiplayer online role-playing game , released on September 25, 1997, by Origin Systems. It was instrumental to the development of the genre, and is still running today...

 developers Raph Koster
Raph Koster
Raphael "Raph" Koster is an American entrepreneur, game designer, and author of A Theory of Fun for Game Design. Koster is widely recognized for his work as the lead designer of Ultima Online and the creative director behind Star Wars Galaxies...

 and Rich Vogel forming its office in Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas
Austin is the capital of the U.S. state of Texas and the seat of Travis County. Located in Central Texas on the eastern edge of the American Southwest, it is the fourth-largest city in Texas and the 15th-largest in the United States. It was the third-fastest-growing large city in the nation...

 to develop Star Wars Galaxies
Star Wars Galaxies
Star Wars Galaxies is a Star Wars themed MMORPG for Microsoft Windows developed by Sony Online Entertainment and published by LucasArts.-History:...

 for LucasArts
LucasArts
LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC is an American video game developer and publisher. The company was famous for its innovative line of graphic adventure games, the critical and commercial success of which peaked in the mid 1990s...

. SOE acquired Verant in June 2000 and eventually promoted Brad McQuaid to be its Chief Creative Officer. EverQuest: The Ruins of Kunark
The Ruins of Kunark
EverQuest: The Ruins of Kunark is the first expansion to EverQuest, a massive multiplayer online role-playing game . It introduced a new land area to the game, the continent of Kunark, which had been previously unexplored...

 (March 2000) was the first in a long list of expansions
Expansion pack
An expansion pack, expansion set, or supplement is an addition to an existing role-playing game, tabletop game or video game. These add-ons usually add new game areas, weapons, objects, and/or an extended storyline to a complete and already released game...

 for its hit MMORPG
MMORPG
Massively multiplayer online role-playing game is a genre of computer role-playing games in which a very large number of players interact with one another within a virtual game world....

. In October 2001, McQuaid resigned and went on to found Sigil Games Online
Sigil Games Online
Sigil Games Online, Inc. was a computer game developer based in Carlsbad, California that was founded by Brad McQuaid and Jeff Butler in January 2002. On January 30, 2007, Sigil released their debut game "Vanguard: Saga of Heroes", a massively multiplayer online role-playing game co-published by...

, drawing many of the original developers of EverQuest from SOE to develop their Vanguard: Saga of Heroes
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes is a high fantasy-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game created by Sigil Games Online, and now developed and run by Sony Online Entertainment. Originally, the game was co-published by Sony Online Entertainment , and the company producing it, Sigil Games...

 MMORPG, released January 2007.

Developed by Sony Online Entertainment, LucasArts
LucasArts
LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC is an American video game developer and publisher. The company was famous for its innovative line of graphic adventure games, the critical and commercial success of which peaked in the mid 1990s...

 released Star Wars Galaxies
Star Wars Galaxies
Star Wars Galaxies is a Star Wars themed MMORPG for Microsoft Windows developed by Sony Online Entertainment and published by LucasArts.-History:...

 in 2003, which saw rapid growth as expected. Bruce Woodcock estimates that SWG reached nearly 300,000 subscribers within the year before trailing off. LucasArts has released three expansions for Star Wars Galaxies, Jump to Lightspeed October 2004, Rage of the Wookies May 2005 and Trials Of Obi-Wan November 2005.

In 2003, the company also explored relatively untouched MMO territory with the MMOFPS PlanetSide
PlanetSide
PlanetSide is a massively-multiplayer online first-person-shooter computer game published by Sony Online Entertainment and released on May 20, 2003 ....

 and the PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony. The PS2 console is the sequel to the original PlayStation console. The successor to the PlayStation, and the predecessor to the PlayStation 3, the PlayStation 2 forms part of the PlayStation series of video game...

 MMORPG EverQuest Online Adventures
EverQuest Online Adventures
EverQuest Online Adventures is a fantasy massively multiplayer online role-playing game for the PlayStation 2. EQOA is one of the few MMORPGs released on a video game console...

. PlanetSide enjoyed a reasonably successful launch, however the product never attracted wide popularity. SOE has released two expansions for PlanetSide, one a retail product called Core Combat, and a second free expansion titled Aftershock. PlanetSide can be played for free under a "Reserves" program, that limits character advancement, but otherwise grants full access to the game. EverQuest Online Adventures
EverQuest Online Adventures
EverQuest Online Adventures is a fantasy massively multiplayer online role-playing game for the PlayStation 2. EQOA is one of the few MMORPGs released on a video game console...

 was not as successful but spawned an expansion EverQuest Online Adventures Frontiers, which is still maintained by SOE as of 2007.

In November 2005, SOE suffered a large subscriber loss, after pushing the launch of the New Game Enhancements to Star Wars Galaxies
Star Wars Galaxies
Star Wars Galaxies is a Star Wars themed MMORPG for Microsoft Windows developed by Sony Online Entertainment and published by LucasArts.-History:...

, changing many of the game's core mechanics. This caused an outrage from the players, many demanding their money back for the recent expansion that was released just days before the announcement of the changes. The refund was eventually given.

The company continued the EverQuest universe through a sequel set hundreds of years after the original with the release of EverQuest II
EverQuest II
EverQuest II , based upon the popular EverQuest, is a fantasy massively multiplayer online role-playing game developed by Sony Online Entertainment and shipped on 8 November 2004...

 on November 9, 2004, which has seen similar success to the original phenomenon. SOE has released several adventure packs and expansion packs for EverQuest II, including The Bloodline Chronicles March 2005, The Splitpaw Saga June 2005, Desert of Flames September 2005, Kingdom of Sky February 2006, The Fallen Dynasty June 2006, Echoes of Faydwer November 2006 and Rise of Kunark November 2007.

Through 2007, the company experienced many technical support issues causing a decrease in the number of players using their services.

Recent history



Currently, John Smedley
John Smedley (developer)
John Smedley is a computer game programmer, now President of Sony Online Entertainment as of 2007.Smedley was involved with the creation and development of the original EverQuest and was co-founder of Verant Interactive, Inc., which became Sony Online Entertainment Inc...

 is the CEO of Sony Online Entertainment. SOE is headquartered in San Diego, California
San Diego, California
San Diego , named after Saint Didacus , is the second-largest city in California and the ninth largest city in the United States, located along the Pacific Ocean on the west coast of the United States. The US Census Bureau estimates the city's population at 1,279,329 as of 2008...

, with additional game development studios located in Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas
Austin is the capital of the U.S. state of Texas and the seat of Travis County. Located in Central Texas on the eastern edge of the American Southwest, it is the fourth-largest city in Texas and the 15th-largest in the United States. It was the third-fastest-growing large city in the nation...

, Denver, Colorado
Denver, Colorado
The City and County of Denver is the capital and the most populous city of the state of Colorado, in the United States. Denver is a consolidated city-county located in the South Platte River Valley on the High Plains just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains...

 and Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Situated in the western part of Washington State on an isthmus between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, about south of the Canada – United States border, it is named after Chief Sealth, of the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes...

.

In January 2005, Sony Online Entertainment announced the creation of Station Publishing, a new label for distributing titles made by external developers. The first products expected from Station Publishing are Turbine's Asheron's Call: Throne of Destiny
Asheron's Call
Asheron's Call is a fantasy MMORPG for Microsoft Windows-based PCs developed by Turbine Entertainment and published by Microsoft. It was released on November 2, 1999. Asheron's Call is set on the continent of Dereth and its surrounding islands on the fictional planet of Auberean...

 and Asheron's Call 2: Legions
Asheron's Call 2
Asheron's Call 2: Fallen Kings was a fantasy MMORPG for Microsoft Windows-based PCs that was released on November 22, 2002 and shut down on December 30, 2005...

 expansions.

SOE has produced numerous EverQuest expansions and spin-off video games, including Champions of Norrath
Champions of Norrath
Champions of Norrath is an online-capable action role-playing game for the PlayStation 2, set in the EverQuest universe. It is playable with one single player or cooperative for up to four players. However, with a Network Adapter, players can take the game online with others and kill others or...

 (for PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony. The PS2 console is the sequel to the original PlayStation console. The successor to the PlayStation, and the predecessor to the PlayStation 3, the PlayStation 2 forms part of the PlayStation series of video game...

) and Lords of EverQuest
Lords of EverQuest
Lords of EverQuest is a 3D fantasy Real-Time Strategy game released in December 2003. It was developed by the short-lived startup company Rapid Eye Entertainment and published by Sony Online Entertainment...

 (Windows). They published the sequel to Champions of Norrath, called Champions: Return to Arms
Champions: Return to Arms
Champions: Return to Arms is an Action RPG set in the EverQuest universe. It is the sequel to Champions of Norrath and is developed by Snowblind Studios.-Gameplay:...

, in February 2005.

In August 2005 SOE entered a deal with Warner Bros. Entertainment which saw the acquisition and transition of The Matrix Online
The Matrix Online
The Matrix Online was a massively multiplayer online game developed by Monolith Productions. It was the official continuation of the The Matrix storyline. The game began closed beta-testing in June 2004 which was then opened for people who pre-ordered the game in November 2004. Warner Bros...

 to the existing line up of Station games.

In April 2006, Sony Online Entertainment, Inc. became Sony Online Entertainment LLC, owned by Sony Pictures Digital
Sony Pictures Digital
Sony Pictures Digital, first known as Columbia TriStar Interactive, then Sony Pictures Interactive Network , then Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment , is an operating unit of Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc....

 and Sony Computer Entertainment America.

In May 2006, it was announced that SOE would be co-publisher of Vanguard: Saga of Heroes
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes is a high fantasy-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game created by Sigil Games Online, and now developed and run by Sony Online Entertainment. Originally, the game was co-published by Sony Online Entertainment , and the company producing it, Sigil Games...

. However, Sigil retains full development rights, and SOE's role is only that of marketing, distribution, technical support and hosting the game servers. SOE also announced the release of Field Commander
Field Commander
Field Commander is a military turn-based tactics game for the PlayStation Portable. The player takes on the persona of a new Advanced Tactical Legion for Allied Security recruit, an international military alliance...

, its third game for the PlayStation Portable System.

In August 2006, SOE announced the acquisition of developer Worlds Apart Productions, renaming the studio SOE-Denver. The studio has since released an online version of the Wizkids
WizKids
WizKids, Inc. is an American Seattle-based company that first made its mark in the game industry producing collectible miniatures wargames. WizKids was purchased by and is a subsidiary of National Entertainment Collectibles Association. The company was founded in 2000 by Jordan Weisman, a veteran...

 Pirates Constructible Strategy Game.

In November 2006, SOE released its first PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The PlayStation 3 is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment, and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series...

 title, Untold Legends Dark Kingdom
Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom
Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom is a video game for the PlayStation 3 system, released on November 17, 2006. The game was a PS3 launch title and is a hack and slash with RPG elements...

, within the launch window of the PlayStation 3 system, which was released in North America on November 17 2006. SOE also released Pirates Online Constructible Strategy Game, which is the online version of the Wizkids
WizKids
WizKids, Inc. is an American Seattle-based company that first made its mark in the game industry producing collectible miniatures wargames. WizKids was purchased by and is a subsidiary of National Entertainment Collectibles Association. The company was founded in 2000 by Jordan Weisman, a veteran...

 Pirates Constructible Strategy Game.

In January 2007, SOE announced that it has licensed rights from Midway Home Entertainment to develop and release six classic Midway games for PlayStation 3 Digital Download, including Mortal Kombat II
Mortal Kombat II
Mortal Kombat II is a 1993 arcade game and the second title in the Mortal Kombat fighting game series.-Development:To create the character animations for the game, actors were placed in front of a gray background and performed the motions, which was recorded by on a Hi-8 videotape, which had been...

, Gauntlet II
Gauntlet II
Gauntlet II is a 1986 arcade game, the first sequel to the game Gauntlet, released the previous year. Gauntlet II, like its predeccesor, is a fantasy-themed hack and slash.-Overview:...

, Joust, Rampage World Tour
Rampage World Tour
Rampage World Tour is a video game released in 1997 and is the second game in the Rampage series.Up to three simultaneous players control the monsters George , Lizzy , or Ralph , created from humans who were mutated by experiments conducted at Scumlabs...

, Rampart
Rampart (arcade game)
Rampart is an arcade game, released in 1990 by Atari Games, that combines the shoot 'em up and puzzle genres. It is one of the most widely-ported video games in existence, with versions for most contemporary systems.-Overview:...

, and Championship Sprint
Championship Sprint
Championship Sprint is an arcade game that was released in 1986 and was the sequel to Super Sprint. Championship Sprint is also available as a downloadable game on the PlayStation Store.-Gameplay:...

, which will be available from the PlayStation store. The announcement came shortly after SOE released its second PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The PlayStation 3 is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment, and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series...

 digital download GripShift
GripShift
GripShift is a hybrid title video game that was developed by Sidhe Interactive and co-published by Red Mile Entertainment, Sony Online Entertainment and Ubisoft Entertainment for the PlayStation Portable handheld in 2005. The game was later released for download on PlayStation 3 via the Playstation...

.

On January 30, 2007, Sony Online Entertainment and Sigil Games Online launched Vanguard: Saga of Heroes
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes is a high fantasy-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game created by Sigil Games Online, and now developed and run by Sony Online Entertainment. Originally, the game was co-published by Sony Online Entertainment , and the company producing it, Sigil Games...

.

On May 15, 2007, Sony Online Entertainment announced that they had completed a transaction to purchase key assets from Sigil Games Online, including Vanguard: Saga of Heroes
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes is a high fantasy-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game created by Sigil Games Online, and now developed and run by Sony Online Entertainment. Originally, the game was co-published by Sony Online Entertainment , and the company producing it, Sigil Games...

 (described as Sigil's "tentpole property").

On April 9, 2007, Sony Online Entertainment announced a partnership with Virgin Comics
Virgin Comics
Virgin Comics LLC is a comic book company, founded in 2006, which produces stories for an international audience. The company was founded by Sir Richard Branson and his Virgin Group, author Deepak Chopra, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, and entrepreneurs Sharad Devarajan, Suresh Seetharaman, and Gotham...

 to create a MMO based on the popular Indian-Mythology inspired Ramayan 3392 A.D. graphical novel.

On June 11, 2007, Sony Online Entertainment announced that The Agency
The Agency (video game)
The Agency is a spy-themed massively multiplayer online shooter. It is being developed and published by Sony Online Entertainment studios in Seattle for Microsoft Windows and PlayStation 3...

 was currently under development.

On March 13, 2008, Sony Online Entertainment announced that Sony Computer Entertainment
Sony Computer Entertainment
is a video game company specializing in a variety of areas in the video game industry, and is a full subsidiary of Sony. The company was established on November 16, 1987 in Tokyo, Japan prior to the launch of the original PlayStation video game system...

 will have direct control over SOE.

On January 16, 2009, the company joined Steam
Steam (content delivery)
Steam is a digital distribution, digital rights management, multiplayer and communications platform developed by Valve Corporation. It is used to distribute a wide range of games and related media entirely over the internet, stretching from one-man independent efforts to some of the world's most...

, selling EverQuest, EverQuest II and Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. Also on this day, the company purchased a massively multiplayer online turn based strategy game called Pox Nora.

Games

Game Title US Release Date Platform
The Agency
The Agency (video game)
The Agency is a spy-themed massively multiplayer online shooter. It is being developed and published by Sony Online Entertainment studios in Seattle for Microsoft Windows and PlayStation 3...

 		2010  PC
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end user, with no intervening computer operator...

, PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The PlayStation 3 is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment, and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series...
DC Universe Online
DC Universe Online
DC Universe Online or DCUO is a MMORPG being developed by Sony Online Austin. Jim Lee serves as the game's Executive Creative Director, along with Carlos D'Anda, JJ Kirby, Oliver Nome, Eddie Nunez, Livio Ramondelli, and Michael Lopez. EverQuest developers Chris Cao and Shawn Lord are also involved...

 		2010  PC
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end user, with no intervening computer operator...

, PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The PlayStation 3 is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment, and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series...
Free Realms
Free Realms
Free Realms is a Massively Multiplayer Online Game Adventure game developed by Sony Online Entertainment set in a whimsical, family-friendly, fantasy-themed world for the PC. The game was released on April 29, 2009 for the PC....

 		(April 2009 for PC; TBA 2009 for PS3) PC
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end user, with no intervening computer operator...

, PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The PlayStation 3 is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment, and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series...
Cash Guns Chaos
Cash Guns Chaos
Cash Guns Chaos DLX is a fast paced arcade style action game for the PlayStation 3 system that was released via download in the PlayStation Store. The name was changed from Cash Carnage Chaos to Cash Guns Chaos DLX before launch. In October, 2006 it was announced that the game would be available as...

 		(December 2007) PlayStation Network
Field Commander
Field Commander
Field Commander is a military turn-based tactics game for the PlayStation Portable. The player takes on the persona of a new Advanced Tactical Legion for Allied Security recruit, an international military alliance...

 		May 2006  PSP
PlayStation Portable
The PlayStation Portable is a handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Computer Entertainment. Development of the console was announced during E3 2003, and it was unveiled on May 11, 2004 at a Sony press conference before E3 2004...
Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom
Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom
Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom is a video game for the PlayStation 3 system, released on November 17, 2006. The game was a PS3 launch title and is a hack and slash with RPG elements...

 		(November 2006) PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The PlayStation 3 is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment, and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series...
Untold Legends: The Warrior's Code
Untold Legends: The Warrior's Code
Untold Legends: The Warrior's Code is a sequel to the handheld video game Untold Legends: Brotherhood of the Blade. It was released on March 2006...

 		(March 2006) PSP
PlayStation Portable
The PlayStation Portable is a handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Computer Entertainment. Development of the console was announced during E3 2003, and it was unveiled on May 11, 2004 at a Sony press conference before E3 2004...
Untold Legends: Brotherhood of the Blade
Untold Legends: Brotherhood of the Blade
Untold Legends: Brotherhood of the Blade is a launch title for the Sony PSP handheld video game system and it is a top down perspective action role-playing game in which the player can solve various quests for money and items...

 		(March 2005) PSP
PlayStation Portable
The PlayStation Portable is a handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Computer Entertainment. Development of the console was announced during E3 2003, and it was unveiled on May 11, 2004 at a Sony press conference before E3 2004...
Champions: Return to Arms
Champions: Return to Arms
Champions: Return to Arms is an Action RPG set in the EverQuest universe. It is the sequel to Champions of Norrath and is developed by Snowblind Studios.-Gameplay:...

 		(February 2005) PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony. The PS2 console is the sequel to the original PlayStation console. The successor to the PlayStation, and the predecessor to the PlayStation 3, the PlayStation 2 forms part of the PlayStation series of video game...
EverQuest II
EverQuest II
EverQuest II , based upon the popular EverQuest, is a fantasy massively multiplayer online role-playing game developed by Sony Online Entertainment and shipped on 8 November 2004...

 		(November 2004) PC
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end user, with no intervening computer operator...
Champions of Norrath
Champions of Norrath
Champions of Norrath is an online-capable action role-playing game for the PlayStation 2, set in the EverQuest universe. It is playable with one single player or cooperative for up to four players. However, with a Network Adapter, players can take the game online with others and kill others or...

 		(February 2004) PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony. The PS2 console is the sequel to the original PlayStation console. The successor to the PlayStation, and the predecessor to the PlayStation 3, the PlayStation 2 forms part of the PlayStation series of video game...
EverQuest Online Adventures: Frontiers (November 2003) PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony. The PS2 console is the sequel to the original PlayStation console. The successor to the PlayStation, and the predecessor to the PlayStation 3, the PlayStation 2 forms part of the PlayStation series of video game...
Star Wars Galaxies
Star Wars Galaxies
Star Wars Galaxies is a Star Wars themed MMORPG for Microsoft Windows developed by Sony Online Entertainment and published by LucasArts.-History:...

 		(June 2003) PC
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end user, with no intervening computer operator...
PlanetSide
PlanetSide
PlanetSide is a massively-multiplayer online first-person-shooter computer game published by Sony Online Entertainment and released on May 20, 2003 ....

 		(May 2003) PC
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end user, with no intervening computer operator...
EverQuest Online Adventures
EverQuest Online Adventures
EverQuest Online Adventures is a fantasy massively multiplayer online role-playing game for the PlayStation 2. EQOA is one of the few MMORPGs released on a video game console...

 		(February 2003) PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony. The PS2 console is the sequel to the original PlayStation console. The successor to the PlayStation, and the predecessor to the PlayStation 3, the PlayStation 2 forms part of the PlayStation series of video game...
Cosmic Rift
Cosmic Rift
Cosmic Rift is a two-dimensional massively multiplayer video game designed by Lead Programmer Jeff Petersen. It is based in a science fiction universe wherein players can fly from an overhead view one of 13 spaceships, each with their own strengths and unique weapons, in a variety of gaming zones...

 		(April 2001) PC
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end user, with no intervening computer operator...
EverQuest
EverQuest
EverQuest, often shortened to EQ, is a 3D fantasy-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game that was released on the 16th of March, 1999. The original design is credited to Brad McQuaid, Steve Clover, and Bill Trost. It was developed by Sony's 989 Studios and its early-1999 spin-off...

 		(March 1999) PC
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end user, with no intervening computer operator...

Titles


    • The Ruins of Kunark
      The Ruins of Kunark
      EverQuest: The Ruins of Kunark is the first expansion to EverQuest, a massive multiplayer online role-playing game . It introduced a new land area to the game, the continent of Kunark, which had been previously unexplored...

       (March 2000)
    • The Scars of Velious
      The Scars of Velious
      EverQuest: The Scars of Velious is the second expansion released for EverQuest, a massively multiplayer online role-playing game...

       (December 2000)
    • The Shadows of Luclin
      The Shadows of Luclin
      EverQuest: The Shadows of Luclin is the third expansion released for EverQuest, a massively multiplayer online role-playing game...

       (December 2001)
    • The Planes of Power
      The Planes of Power
      EverQuest: The Planes of Power is the fourth expansion to EverQuest, a massively multiplayer online role-playing game...

       (October 2002)
    • The Legacy of Ykesha
      The Legacy of Ykesha
      EverQuest: The Legacy of Ykesha was the fifth expansion for the EverQuest MMORPG. It was the first EverQuest expansion exclusively available to be issued by digital download—meaning the customer could download and play the expansion without having to purchase it from a store...

       (February 2003)
    • Lost Dungeons of Norrath
      Lost Dungeons of Norrath
      EverQuest: Lost Dungeons of Norrath was the sixth expansion pack for the EverQuest MMORPG. It was made available as a digital download in September 2003...

       (September 2003)
    • Gates of Discord
      Gates of Discord
      EverQuest: Gates of Discord is the seventh expansion released for EverQuest, a massively multiplayer online role-playing game...

       (February 2004)
    • Omens of War
      Omens of War
      EverQuest: Omens of War, often abbreviated as OOW or Omens, is the eighth expansion released for EverQuest, a massively multiplayer online role-playing game...

       (September 2004)
    • Dragons of Norrath
      Dragons of Norrath
      EverQuest: Dragons of Norrath is the ninth expansion pack released for EverQuest, a massively multiplayer online role-playing game .-General information:...

       (February 2005)
    • Depths of Darkhollow
      Depths of Darkhollow
      EverQuest: Depths of Darkhollow is the tenth expansion pack released for EverQuest, a massively multiplayer online role-playing game...

       (September 2005)
    • Prophecy of Ro
      Prophecy of Ro
      EverQuest: Prophecy of Ro is the 11th expansion pack for EverQuest, a massively multiplayer online role-playing game...

       (February 2006)
    • The Serpent's Spine
      The Serpent's Spine
      EverQuest: The Serpent's Spine is the 12th expansion to EverQuest, released September 19, 2006. New features include new zones, a new player race known as the "Drakkin", an attainable player level of 75, as well as new spells and alternate advancements.The expansion was added with the aims of...

       (September 2006)
    • The Buried Sea (February 2007)
    • Secrets of Faydwer (November 2007)
    • Seeds of Destruction
      Seeds of Destruction
      "Seeds of Destruction" is an episode from the sixth season of The Outer Limits. It originally aired on 3 March 2000.- Synopsis :A veterinarian in a small farming town probes links between the rash of fast-growing tumors and a new breed of genetically engineered corn.-Opening...

       (October 2008)
    • The Bloodline Chronicles (March 2005)
    • The Splitpaw Saga (June 2005)
    • Desert of Flames
      EverQuest II: Desert of Flames
      EverQuest II: Desert of Flames is the first expansion for Sony Online Entertainment's EverQuest II. The expansion went live September 13, 2005...

       (September 2005)
    • Kingdom of Sky
      EverQuest II: Kingdom of Sky
      EverQuest II: Kingdom of Sky is the second expansion for Sony Online Entertainment's EverQuest II, released on February 21, 2006. It features a new region to explore, located high above the skies of Norrath, known as the Overrealm...

       (February 2006)
    • The Fallen Dynasty (June 2006)
    • Echoes of Faydwer
      EverQuest II: Echoes of Faydwer
      Everquest II: Echoes of Faydwer an expansion pack for the MMORG EverQuest II from Sony Online Entertainment, released with live update #29 on November 14, 2006....

       (November 2006)
    • Rise of Kunark
      EverQuest II: Rise of Kunark
      Everquest II: Rise of Kunark is the EverQuest II expansion pack from Sony Online Entertainment. The expansion pack introduces a new continent, Kunark; a new player race, the Sarnak; and raises the level cap for adventure, tradeskills and guilds to 80....

       (November 2007)
    • The Shadow Odyssey
      EverQuest II: The Shadow Odyssey
      Everquest II: The Shadow Odyssey is the latest EverQuest II expansion pack from Sony Online Entertainment .* Heritage Quests: Five new quests with rewards being added....

       (November 2008)


  • Infantry (computer game)
    Infantry (computer game)
    Infantry Online is an isometric perspective multiplayer combat computer game with sprite animation graphics, using complex soldier, ground vehicle and space-ship models on typically complex terrains...

     — PC
    Personal computer
    A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end user, with no intervening computer operator...

     (October 1999)
  • Lords of EverQuest
    Lords of EverQuest
    Lords of EverQuest is a 3D fantasy Real-Time Strategy game released in December 2003. It was developed by the short-lived startup company Rapid Eye Entertainment and published by Sony Online Entertainment...

     — PC
    Personal computer
    A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end user, with no intervening computer operator...

     (December 2003 - Developed by Rapid Eye Entertainment)
  • Pirates of the Burning Sea
    Pirates of the Burning Sea
    Pirates of the Burning Sea is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game developed by Flying Lab Software . The game is set in the Caribbean in 1720 and combines tactical ship and swashbuckling combat with an immersive player-driven economy.- Development:Pirates of the Burning Sea has been...

     — PC
    Personal computer
    A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end user, with no intervening computer operator...

     (January 2008)
  • Planetside (May 2003)
    • Core Combat (October 2003)
    • Aftershock (October 2004)
  • Pox Nora (January 2009)
  • Star Chamber: The Harbinger Saga (November 2003)
  • Star Wars Galaxies
    Star Wars Galaxies
    Star Wars Galaxies is a Star Wars themed MMORPG for Microsoft Windows developed by Sony Online Entertainment and published by LucasArts.-History:...

     — PC
    Personal computer
    A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end user, with no intervening computer operator...

     (June 2003 - Published by LucasArts
    LucasArts
    LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC is an American video game developer and publisher. The company was famous for its innovative line of graphic adventure games, the critical and commercial success of which peaked in the mid 1990s...

    )
    • Jump to Lightspeed — PC
      Personal computer
      A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end user, with no intervening computer operator...

       (October 2004)
    • Rage of the Wookiees — PC
      Personal computer
      A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end user, with no intervening computer operator...

       (May 2005)
    • Trials of Obi-Wan — PC
      Personal computer
      A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end user, with no intervening computer operator...

       (November 2005)
  • Tanarus — PC
    Personal computer
    A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end user, with no intervening computer operator...

     (November 1997)
  • The Matrix Online
    The Matrix Online
    The Matrix Online was a massively multiplayer online game developed by Monolith Productions. It was the official continuation of the The Matrix storyline. The game began closed beta-testing in June 2004 which was then opened for people who pre-ordered the game in November 2004. Warner Bros...

     — PC
    Personal computer
    A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end user, with no intervening computer operator...

     (Assumed operation as of August 2005)

  • Vanguard: Saga of Heroes
    Vanguard: Saga of Heroes
    Vanguard: Saga of Heroes is a high fantasy-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game created by Sigil Games Online, and now developed and run by Sony Online Entertainment. Originally, the game was co-published by Sony Online Entertainment , and the company producing it, Sigil Games...

     — PC
    Personal computer
    A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end user, with no intervening computer operator...

     (January 2007 - Co-Published with Sigil Games)
  • Wheel Of Fortune 2 — PC
    Personal computer
    A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end user, with no intervening computer operator...

     (March 2007)

Station.com


SOE's Station.com
Station.com
Station.com is Sony Online Entertainment's portal that is the home to its many PC, Console, Casual and Mobile games. It is the home to many MMORPG's including EverQuest, EverQuest II, The Matrix Online , PlanetSide, and Star Wars Galaxies, which have gained hundreds of thousands of paid...

 is a portal to its PC, console, casual and mobile games. Players can access and download games such as EverQuest
EverQuest
EverQuest, often shortened to EQ, is a 3D fantasy-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game that was released on the 16th of March, 1999. The original design is credited to Brad McQuaid, Steve Clover, and Bill Trost. It was developed by Sony's 989 Studios and its early-1999 spin-off...

, EverQuest II
EverQuest II
EverQuest II , based upon the popular EverQuest, is a fantasy massively multiplayer online role-playing game developed by Sony Online Entertainment and shipped on 8 November 2004...

, Star Wars Galaxies
Star Wars Galaxies
Star Wars Galaxies is a Star Wars themed MMORPG for Microsoft Windows developed by Sony Online Entertainment and published by LucasArts.-History:...

, The Matrix Online
The Matrix Online
The Matrix Online was a massively multiplayer online game developed by Monolith Productions. It was the official continuation of the The Matrix storyline. The game began closed beta-testing in June 2004 which was then opened for people who pre-ordered the game in November 2004. Warner Bros...

 and PlanetSide
PlanetSide
PlanetSide is a massively-multiplayer online first-person-shooter computer game published by Sony Online Entertainment and released on May 20, 2003 ....

. Station.com also provides sneak previews to new games for Sony PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony. The PS2 console is the sequel to the original PlayStation console. The successor to the PlayStation, and the predecessor to the PlayStation 3, the PlayStation 2 forms part of the PlayStation series of video game...

, PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The PlayStation 3 is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment, and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series...

 and PSP
PlayStation Portable
The PlayStation Portable is a handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Computer Entertainment. Development of the console was announced during E3 2003, and it was unveiled on May 11, 2004 at a Sony press conference before E3 2004...

, including Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom November 2006. In August 2006, Station.com added several games by Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment.

External links