News: SOE Live 2013 Announced

[EightEightEight]

They sure are advertising to the EQ crowd, I guess that is their staple but I think we can show SOE that Planetside 2 can have a substantial backing as well. I would love to see some Planetside 2 costumes in the Costume Contest this year

https://www.soe.com/soelive/news-article.vm?id=002

HURRAH! SOE Live 2013 planning is underway! We will release regular updates every month, or even more often as we get closer to the event. Tell us what you want to know about on our forums, on Twitter (@SonyOnline) and on Facebook - we'll get you the answers.

When I started writing this blog, it brought to mind how much SOE Live embodies Sony Online Entertainment's belief statements. This event is a living testament to how we approach every aspect of our jobs as a gaming company, so I thought I'd use the statements as headers, below.

Everyone's a gamer at heart

We're all gamers too, and can hardly wait to hang out with you again! Everyone at the company LOVES going to SOE Live, the one event each that focuses solely on our players. We have everything in common!

Our players are our extended family

SOE Live is an unparalleled opportunity to exchange information and ideas with all of you and it's just plain FUN - a weird and crazy sort of family reunion every year, each better than the last.

We warmly invite all players of our SOE games, but we'd love to have former players as well, whether you want to meet up with guildies or simply check out what's going on with your old game. Bring along people who have not played our games yet – your extended friends and family are equally welcome to attend! This event is truly a "the more the merrier" gathering.

Kids will get in free again this year, so bring them along!

Experimentation leads to innovation

Yes, we are at a new venue for 2013! We took all of your detailed feedback from last year's SOE Live and as a result, decided to move to a new location in Vegas: Planet Hollywood. We think this will improve the event in every respect:

• Better air quality – this was the number one complaint about our previous location.
• Better sound in the auditorium – you'll be able to hear Smed more clearly than before!
• More flexible meeting space – more rooms with more room. Given how many people sat in on some of the sessions, we NEED more room!
• A more vibrant and interesting Bazaar – in a unique, open environment that overlooks the casino, while still being its own separate space.

In our planning, budgets are still a major consideration for all of us. We need to keep our costs down, and we want to make sure there is no huge jump in room rates for you – again, Planet Hollywood is a great fit on both fronts. We think you'll really like it, and of course we gladly welcome your impressions after the event!

A Game is More than Just a Game

We know that everyone takes their favorite game very seriously; good games evolve into social settings that extend far beyond the pixels and game mechanics we use as tools. Games become worlds unto themselves, and we love that you are so heavily invested in those worlds and are fiercely dedicated to improving them for all. This is why we need your input, your thoughts and your feedback – where better than face-to-face at SOE Live?

Come meet the Devs who work on your world, as well as all the linked support teams, and talk to them in a comfortable, casual environment. They're remarkably human! We don't put up any velvet ropes at SOE Live, and offer free and clear access to all of our teams. If you are ever nervous about approaching a Dev at the event, just remember... they are probably more scared of you than you are of them. Just say hi!

Creativity is the Cornerstone of Development

Our Dev teams come back from SOE Live every year simply rejuvenated and energized by all the discussions with fans, whether at panels, in halls, or at late night hangouts. You are the inspiration for their creations. I have long since lost count of the great ideas from SOE Live that have gone into improving our games, and your thoughts clearly influence the direction of development.

Diversity Drives Success

We have employees of all shapes, sizes, and origins here at SOE, from brilliant programmers to dedicated customer support reps. In fact, some of us are even strange, cosplaying Dwarves. This makes us a better, stronger company. You are all just as diverse, and this means you bring everything to the table, regardless of your playstyle or game of choice. Whether you're a die-hard FPS player or a dedicated roleplayer, crafter or explorer, you are a vital part of our success. So come be a part of it all at SOE Live!

On that note, Player Panels will be back again in 2013! These were some of the best-attended and amazing sessions of last year. I was able to attend almost all of them, and was deeply impressed (and entertained)! We do expect that there will be a lot more submissions for this year, and we will host as many as we can… keep an eye out for more information and the invitation for submissions, likely in early May.

SAVE THE DATES – August 1-4, 2013! Ask for your holidays now, book your plane, train or automobile and plan to spend three wacky, exhausting, crazy days with your friends at SOE. I look forward to seeing and meeting you all once more, or for the first time.
Remember to follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@SonyOnline) for all the latest SOE Live news!

Brasse
Dwarven Overlord, SOE

(@Brasse – in case you want ALL the tidbits about SOE Live as we roll along)
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