Sony Online seeks to reinvent online gaming

[Gnobrin]

John Smedley, one of the original creators of “EverQuest” and the president of Sony Online since 2000, has watched the rapid changes in the space his company once owned, and he believes it’s time for a change.

In his keynote speech at an online game conference in Seattle recently, Smedley spoke of the need to reinvent the MMO — and he says the two new games his company is developing, “The Agency” and “Free Realms”, will do just that.

Read the entire article and Smed's interview on MSNBC's Technology & Science.

~Gnobrin!

[ZThoth]

As a parent with a 13 year old daughter, I'm curious if these MMO's will be part of the All Access Pass.  Also, as an owner of a PS3, I'm curious if the Access Pass, if applicable, could be merged with my PSN account and allow my daughter to play these games on the PS3 instead of the PC.

One thing the article never mentioned is the use of game cards, much like GAIA uses.  My daughter buys those cards at Target with her allowance, scratches off the code and adds funds to her account.  I'd like to see this as an option as well. (pssst pass the word to Smed).

Great ideas and I hope they work for SOE.

[ke'la]

Azag@Crushbone wrote:

As a parent with a 13 year old daughter, I'm curious if these MMO's will be part of the All Access Pass.  Also, as an owner of a PS3, I'm curious if the Access Pass, if applicable, could be merged with my PSN account and allow my daughter to play these games on the PS3 instead of the PC.

One thing the article never mentioned is the use of game cards, much like GAIA uses.  My daughter buys those cards at Target with her allowance, scratches off the code and adds funds to her account.  I'd like to see this as an option as well. (pssst pass the word to Smed).

Great ideas and I hope they work for SOE.

Last I heard Freerelms was a Velvet Rope or Pay as you go game, kinda like the Disney "MMOs" which are free to a point, but after that you have to pay to get into certain areas and get certain things, that said again last I heard you will be able to "fully enjoy" Freerelms for free, however the really neat stuff will cost you.

[Spyderbite]

Azag@Crushbone wrote:

As a parent with a 13 year old daughter, I'm curious if these MMO's will be part of the All Access Pass.  Also, as an owner of a PS3, I'm curious if the Access Pass, if applicable, could be merged with my PSN account and allow my daughter to play these games on the PS3 instead of the PC.

Please don't take this the wrong way. But, I envisioned the Console Crowd invading the PC MMO community some years ago. And, frankly, it scared the hell out of me for two primary reasons.1. Maturity Diversity - I have nothing against young people gaming. And, I don't want to sound like I'm blanket labeling an entire game genre. But, lets face it, behind every PS3, Xbox & Wii there is often (but not always) a child between the ages of 7-43. (The latter 30 years of that group being based on maturity not chronological age).We have our share of immature players now in PC MMOs. The deluge of more of these types would be devastating to a game genre that generally (again, but not always) appeals to a more mature crowd.2. Learning Curve - Take a browse through the "Newbie Yard" forum here and look at the questions people who are generally computer savvy have about EQ2 when they first start playing and haven't yet discovered all the wikis and fan sites full of information. Now, factor in the console players who's only source of information is the public chats in game. I like helping new players out as much as the next person. Pershaps more in some cases. But... /shuddersNow, granted, conlose systems these days are basically just dumbed down gaming PC's with less input devices. And, such an infusion is eventually inevitable as their functionality expands. But, lets wait until such functionality is available so that these issues are a little more handleable.Just my 2 copper on the subject.

[SenorPhrog]

Spyderbite@Venekor wrote:

Azag@Crushbone wrote:

As a parent with a 13 year old daughter, I'm curious if these MMO's will be part of the All Access Pass.  Also, as an owner of a PS3, I'm curious if the Access Pass, if applicable, could be merged with my PSN account and allow my daughter to play these games on the PS3 instead of the PC.

Please don't take this the wrong way. But, I envisioned the Console Crowd invading the PC MMO community some years ago. And, frankly, it scared the hell out of me for two primary reasons.1. Maturity Diversity - I have nothing against young people gaming. And, I don't want to sound like I'm blanket labeling an entire game genre. But, lets face it, behind every PS3, Xbox & Wii there is often (but not always) a child between the ages of 7-43. (The latter 30 years of that group being based on maturity not chronological age).We have our share of immature players now in PC MMOs. The deluge of more of these types would be devastating to a game genre that generally (again, but not always) appeals to a more mature crowd.2. Learning Curve - Take a browse through the "Newbie Yard" forum here and look at the questions people who are generally computer savvy have about EQ2 when they first start playing and haven't yet discovered all the wikis and fan sites full of information. Now, factor in the console players who's only source of information is the public chats in game. I like helping new players out as much as the next person. Pershaps more in some cases. But... /shuddersNow, granted, conlose systems these days are basically just dumbed down gaming PC's with less input devices. And, such an infusion is eventually inevitable as their functionality expands. But, lets wait until such functionality is available so that these issues are a little more handleable.Just my 2 copper on the subject.

It's kinda weird reading this interview because I think I was listening to it done at ION right before mine.  It's not really an invasion spyderbite, it's more a blending of machines.  The console market dwarfs the PC, so why wouldn't they explore that option?  As for the mature diversity, they are tailoring products to certain demographics.  Free Realms is targeted for kids to teens.  The Agency is targeted to...I think he stated 17-31 but don't quote me on that.   So the maturity levels should be filtered out depending on the product.  And honestly?  I don't think console players are any less mature than PC players.  Sure a PC player might be more intelligent on average just because it takes a little more ability to use a PC, but maturity?  I think it's dead even.  As for the learning curve?  If you look at games besides EQ2 you'll notice a lot more functionality is being built into journals and maps making wiki's less and less of an issue (Age of Conan and Tabula Rasa being good examples).  If nothing else though all consoles have web browsers so it's just a matter of the sites making sure that data is accessible.  Console MMO's are either going to be an explosive success or an epic failure.  Either way, we'll be sharing space with them soon.

[Spyderbite]

Radar-X wrote:

Console MMO's are either going to be an explosive success or an epic failure.  Either way, we'll be sharing space with them soon.

Good points, Radar. And, I concede to each and everyone of them. However, the quote above is what still frightens me because you are spot on. If that were a bet at the track I'd avoid those odds. But, I hope my apprehensiveness is just wasted anxiety and it turns out to be a great blending gaming communities.The little pessimist that lives in my mouth is telling me that we're doomed.

[Ama]

Spyderbite@Venekor wrote:

Radar-X wrote:

Console MMO's are either going to be an explosive success or an epic failure.  Either way, we'll be sharing space with them soon.

Good points, Radar. And, I concede to each and everyone of them. However, the quote above is what still frightens me because you are spot on. If that were a bet at the track I'd avoid those odds. But, I hope my apprehensiveness is just wasted anxiety and it turns out to be a great blending gaming communities.The little pessimist that lives in my mouth is telling me that we're doomed. " width="15" height="15" />

Unfortunately it's not too promising because there have been 2 noteable console MMOs.  The 1st one to bring up is EverQuest Online Adventures and the second is FFXI.  EQOA is still going, but the EQ crowd especially the lore guru's dissmissed EQOA saying it wasn't cannon.  So tie in games may not be the way to go and you may have to see totally new games with new lore to avoid that.

What would be nice to see imho are games that tie consoles and PCs together, but i've heard that is a daunting task met with little success.

[TaleraRis]

I'd be interested in seeing the numbers with male and female that makes Smed think girls don't play online games. I also hope they don't confuse "girls who play games" with "gamer girls" because I am the latter and these mindless, prissy "girl"-themed games that have been coming out lately make me physically ill. Some of us gamer girls enjoy the same things the boys do.

[Spyderbite]

Gwyneth@Najena wrote:

I'd be interested in seeing the numbers with male and female that makes Smed think girls don't play online games.

Mhmmmm... A friend of mine ran one of the most popular female gaming sites a few years back, Girls Game Too. Based on the sheer numbers of members there alone I'd have to agree that who ever collected Smed's data for him might have spent a bit too much time at happy hour.

[Sinafe]

Gwyneth@Najena wrote:

I'd be interested in seeing the numbers with male and female that makes Smed think girls don't play online games. I also hope they don't confuse "girls who play games" with "gamer girls" because I am the latter and these mindless, prissy "girl"-themed games that have been coming out lately make me physically ill. Some of us gamer girls enjoy the same things the boys do.

I Second That!

[Rijacki]

Gwyneth@Najena wrote:

I'd be interested in seeing the numbers with male and female that makes Smed think girls don't play online games. I also hope they don't confuse "girls who play games" with "gamer girls" because I am the latter and these mindless, prissy "girl"-themed games that have been coming out lately make me physically ill. Some of us gamer girls enjoy the same things the boys do.

The females who like the same things as the males they count don't count, I guess.  I'm sure they're looking at a very narrow demographic to define "girls" that completely excludes the majority of females who do game.A few years back while I was playing SWG, there was a special interest group panel for women in gaming that SOE was hyping and trying to get female players to sign up for.  Since it was in my area (SF Bay Area) and I was, at the time, unemployed so I had time to attend, I called.  They were looking for 18-25 specifically.  Anyone outside of that range didn't count.  Being that I was over 30 at the time, I was right out.  Sadly, I had been looking forward to giving insight about what actual -women- gamers might want (and not that fruffy pink crap either)."Girls" is probably 16-25.  The prissy pepto-pink stuff intended to attract them isn't even intended to appeal to anything outside that narrow demographic. Sadly, the pepto-pink worlds won't bridge to other games so I really hope they don't get too fixated on them as the way to get more "girls" into gaming. 

[Anekuh]

Interesting interview to say the least.

I must admit Smed and the heads of SoE are missing the boat when it comes to the "fan base" of MMoGs. I cannot see a "spy" shooter MMoG ever making it big time. Seriously, what would that game provide to make me enjoy a first person shooter (or third person or whatever person)? There a ton of shooter games out there that are slicing up the market. I just can't see paying a monthly installment to play a "spy" shooter.

WoW is doing well because it targets everyone. The casual player can have an easy time questing and soloing content all the way up to the top. Also, WoW offers raid content for the hardcore player. Furthermore, the game's graphic is simple and does not require a top end gaming machine. Lastly, Blizzard is using one of the best themes in their arsenal. Give credit to where it is due. Blizzard did their homework and destoyed the competition.

[Calthine]

Anekuh wrote:

Interesting interview to say the least.

I must admit Smed and the heads of SoE are missing the boat when it comes to the "fan base" of MMoGs. I cannot see a "spy" shooter MMoG ever making it big time. Seriously, what would that game provide to make me enjoy a first person shooter (or third person or whatever person)? There a ton of shooter games out there that are slicing up the market. I just can't see paying a monthly installment to play a "spy" shooter.

Sounds to me like you've missed a lot of the hype about the Agency.  It's not just a FPS. 

[Anekuh]

Calthine wrote:

Anekuh wrote:

Interesting interview to say the least.

I must admit Smed and the heads of SoE are missing the boat when it comes to the "fan base" of MMoGs. I cannot see a "spy" shooter MMoG ever making it big time. Seriously, what would that game provide to make me enjoy a first person shooter (or third person or whatever person)? There a ton of shooter games out there that are slicing up the market. I just can't see paying a monthly installment to play a "spy" shooter.

Sounds to me like you've missed a lot of the hype about the Agency.  It's not just a FPS. 

I've read what the game is all about. Sorry, but it's a FPS shooter with RPG elements.

[SG_01]

Anekuh wrote:

Calthine wrote:

Anekuh wrote:

Interesting interview to say the least.

I must admit Smed and the heads of SoE are missing the boat when it comes to the "fan base" of MMoGs. I cannot see a "spy" shooter MMoG ever making it big time. Seriously, what would that game provide to make me enjoy a first person shooter (or third person or whatever person)? There a ton of shooter games out there that are slicing up the market. I just can't see paying a monthly installment to play a "spy" shooter.

Sounds to me like you've missed a lot of the hype about the Agency.  It's not just a FPS. 

I've read what the game is all about. Sorry, but it's a FPS shooter with RPG elements.

So is Planetside... People pay for that ^^Anyhow, I think The Agency is a great idea, can't wait to play it alread

[ke'la]

SG_01 wrote:

Anekuh wrote:

Calthine wrote:

Anekuh wrote:

Interesting interview to say the least.

I must admit Smed and the heads of SoE are missing the boat when it comes to the "fan base" of MMoGs. I cannot see a "spy" shooter MMoG ever making it big time. Seriously, what would that game provide to make me enjoy a first person shooter (or third person or whatever person)? There a ton of shooter games out there that are slicing up the market. I just can't see paying a monthly installment to play a "spy" shooter.

Sounds to me like you've missed a lot of the hype about the Agency.  It's not just a FPS. 

I've read what the game is all about. Sorry, but it's a FPS shooter with RPG elements.

So is Planetside... People pay for that ^^Anyhow, I think The Agency is a great idea, can't wait to play it alread " />

Personally with The Agency I think SoE is trying to strike into new untapped territory with an MMO that is outside the realm of Fantasy as there are already way to many Fantasy MMOs on the market fighting over WoW's table scraps, heck SoE has three of them.  Besides this game is going to be totally different then your basic FPS, first and foremost the world is going to be presitent, and not reset every time you want to play, and there actually will be a number of RPG elements "thrown in".As to the "Girls in Games" thing, Taking one look around fan fair last year and it seemed to me that a large percentage of the attendees where "Girls" and I am talking people with "Player" badges not "Guest" badges.

[Zabjade]

I say beat Blizzard to the punch have a Sci Fi game that would get the jump on some theoretical World of Starcraft (My sister would love to be a Zerg Queen and I good with Terrans) Maybe even have Rodcet's people (The ones that never immigrated to Norrath) as one of the factions!

[Anekuh]

Zabjade wrote:

I say beat Blizzard to the punch have a Sci Fi game that would get the jump on some theoretical World of Starcraft (My sister would love to be a Zerg Queen and I good with Terrans) Maybe even have Rodcet's people (The ones that never immigrated to Norrath) as one of the factions!

Exactly! Blizzard is using proven platforms, and they are hitting grand slams. SoE is gambling on something that will either hit a home run or strike out. From what i've seen, it's been allot of strikeouts.

[ke'la]

Anekuh wrote:

Zabjade wrote:

I say beat Blizzard to the punch have a Sci Fi game that would get the jump on some theoretical World of Starcraft (My sister would love to be a Zerg Queen and I good with Terrans) Maybe even have Rodcet's people (The ones that never immigrated to Norrath) as one of the factions!

Exactly! Blizzard is using proven platforms, and they are hitting grand slams. SoE is gambling on something that will either hit a home run or strike out. From what i've seen, it's been allot of strikeouts.

What "proven platforms" does SoE have? Personally I prefure innovation to proven platforms, as other then WoW no proven platform has yet been anywhere near a Blizzard level home run, as you call it. Blizzard, got struck by lighting by doing everything just right(for the masses), when MMOs where starting to hit big. Now yes it's possible when Blizzard comes out with at Starcraft online game that it may also will be as big as WoW, but again it's success will be based off the fact that it is a license of one of the most popular games for the PC there is out there. But the fact that no other MMO that has come out that has an equally large following has in fact approached WoW numbers means that using proven platforms is not always the best way to go... Heck if SoE stuck to "Proven Platforms" WoW would not even likly exsist... neither would EQ2 for that matter, at least in 3D.::EDIT::Also sence EQ2 launched SoE really has not developed and release a new MMO, it's published a few Via the Platform group, but not developed it and of the two it published the successful one was the marginally innovative one PBoS and if VG was not such a bug fest do to the developer running out of money it probably would have been a success too, as it is considering the fact that it was barly a game at launch it is actually doing fairly well

[Anekuh]

ke'la wrote:

Anekuh wrote:

Zabjade wrote:

I say beat Blizzard to the punch have a Sci Fi game that would get the jump on some theoretical World of Starcraft (My sister would love to be a Zerg Queen and I good with Terrans) Maybe even have Rodcet's people (The ones that never immigrated to Norrath) as one of the factions!

Exactly! Blizzard is using proven platforms, and they are hitting grand slams. SoE is gambling on something that will either hit a home run or strike out. From what i've seen, it's been allot of strikeouts.

What "proven platforms" does SoE have? Personally I prefure innovation to proven platforms, as other then WoW no proven platform has yet been anywhere near a Blizzard level home run, as you call it. Blizzard, got struck by lighting by doing everything just right(for the masses), when MMOs where starting to hit big. Now yes it's possible when Blizzard comes out with at Starcraft online game that it may also will be as big as WoW, but again it's success will be based off the fact that it is a license of one of the most popular games for the PC there is out there. But the fact that no other MMO that has come out that has an equally large following has in fact approached WoW numbers means that using proven platforms is not always the best way to go... Heck if SoE stuck to "Proven Platforms" WoW would not even likly exsist... neither would EQ2 for that matter, at least in 3D.::EDIT::Also sence EQ2 launched SoE really has not developed and release a new MMO, it's published a few Via the Platform group, but not developed it and of the two it published the successful one was the marginally innovative one PBoS and if VG was not such a bug fest do to the developer running out of money it probably would have been a success too, as it is considering the fact that it was barly a game at launch it is actually doing fairly well

Blizzard has many proven platforms they can work with: Diablo, World of Warcraft (done), Starcraft (on the way), Diablo 2, and Starcraft 2 (on the way).

Blizzard will have another home run MMO with Stracraft because it's a great game and has great lore behind it.

As for EQ2, SoE screwed it up by pushing it out to fast. Also, it failed so bad that the Devs had to re-do the classes since they were so vanilla.

SoE needs a shake up from top to bottom. They are missing on what sells as a gamer.

[Spyderbite]

Anekuh wrote:

Exactly! Blizzard is using proven platforms, and they are hitting grand slams. SoE is gambling on something that will either hit a home run or strike out. From what i've seen, it's been allot of strikeouts.

Breyer's announced that they're re-inventing the traditional Vanilla ice cream.That was 12 years ago.. Coke had tried the same approach. Improving on something everyone already enjoyed.Bottom line.. Blue Bunny and Ben & Jerry's went through the roof with their innovative approach to Ice Cream. And, Sobe took over the beverage industry in Carbonated, Natural Waters and Vitamin Drinks.Replaying the same deck is just milking the cow till its dead. New ideas are a good thing. If they weren't, you'd still be playing Atari 2600 and drinking Tab or Fresca with your folks.

[Anekuh]

Spyderbite@Venekor wrote:

Anekuh wrote:

Exactly! Blizzard is using proven platforms, and they are hitting grand slams. SoE is gambling on something that will either hit a home run or strike out. From what i've seen, it's been allot of strikeouts.

Breyer's announced that they're re-inventing the traditional Vanilla ice cream.That was 12 years ago.. Coke had tried the same approach. Improving on something everyone already enjoyed.Bottom line.. Blue Bunny and Ben & Jerry's went through the roof with their innovative approach to Ice Cream. And, Sobe took over the beverage industry in Carbonated, Natural Waters and Vitamin Drinks.Replaying the same deck is just milking the cow till its dead. New ideas are a good thing. If they weren't, you'd still be playing Atari 2600 and drinking Tab or Fresca with your folks.

Yea. Having to push out an unfinish product makes allot of sense. Blizzard's WoW was in beta for over a year. At least they did their homework. SoE pushed EQ2 waaay to early and got crushed (WoW never looked back).

Hey, I'm no WoW fan here, but I know a winner when I see one. SoE is now second (probably third by now) fiddle in the MMO market.

[Spyderbite]

Anekuh wrote:

Hey, I'm no WoW fan here, but I know a winner when I see one. SoE is now second (probably third by now) fiddle in the MMO market.

So? I choose my games based on enjoyment. I do not choose my games based on popularity. The sad truth is that most of the consumers are Lemmings and go with popularity without trying other brands. This goes for any form of commerce.WoW is a mindsink. Its mindless entertainment. If somebody hadn't had the huevos to develop it on the PC platform it'd be a console game right now.Anyways.. sort of a derailed conversation.. and partially my fault. But, meh. Back on topic.. there are games in 8th and 9th place that are still thriving with fans who didn't buy in to WoW. Heck. I have friends that think I'm crazy for leaving UO 3 years ago for EQ2 to this day. Seriously.

[Zabjade]

Basically I suggesting a world possibly in the same universe as Norrath that has come under contention between several factions for quantum (Read magic) resources; Terran Humans [Masters of Quantum-tech], The Jal'Raeth (Rodcet's People) [Master Quantum manipulators, or Norrath they would be mages etc] and Veeshan's Brood Cyborg Droags etc.

[Prodigus]

Havent read much into The Agency (about to do so now) but dont they have a FPS with RPGish elements with Matrix Online? Or has that been canned lol.

[Grimwell]

Do some Google-Fu on the Agency and watch a video or two of gameplay and folks like Hal Milton talking about it. Agency and MXO really don't cross genre's. Yeah, both are set in a relatively 'modern' setting, have guns, and cool outfits... but the play is different. Just as EQ and EQII are both fantasy games in the same setting, but each offer something that the other does not in terms of play.

[ke'la]

Prodigus@Mistmoore wrote:

Havent read much into The Agency (about to do so now) but dont they have a FPS with RPGish elements with Matrix Online? Or has that been canned lol.

Accually it would be more accurate to say that Agency is like Planetside, not Matrix(gameplay wise), I have played Matrix, and it more or less is a standard RPG with some FPS elements, kinda like NGE-SWG is. From what I have read of Agency it is more of a group centric(as aposed to a 50-60 person zerg centeric) Planetside type game, but with an accual storyline.

[SenorPhrog]

ke'la wrote:

Prodigus@Mistmoore wrote:

Havent read much into The Agency (about to do so now) but dont they have a FPS with RPGish elements with Matrix Online? Or has that been canned lol.

Accually it would be more accurate to say that Agency is like Planetside, not Matrix(gameplay wise), I have played Matrix, and it more or less is a standard RPG with some FPS elements, kinda like NGE-SWG is. From what I have read of Agency it is more of a group centric(as aposed to a 50-60 person zerg centeric) Planetside type game, but with an accual storyline.

I got a visit to SOE Seattle recently to see a little bit of what they are working and I say this being a fan of Planetside.  They really aren't very similar.  Planetside was HUGE zones with all PvP, all the time.  The Agency will use instancing, funneling movement, and mostly PvE content not to mention a heavier emphasis on socialization.  While they will support group content I think quite a bit of it will be solo.

[Espyderman]

SG_01 wrote:

Anekuh wrote:

Calthine wrote:

Anekuh wrote:

Interesting interview to say the least.

I must admit Smed and the heads of SoE are missing the boat when it comes to the "fan base" of MMoGs. I cannot see a "spy" shooter MMoG ever making it big time. Seriously, what would that game provide to make me enjoy a first person shooter (or third person or whatever person)? There a ton of shooter games out there that are slicing up the market. I just can't see paying a monthly installment to play a "spy" shooter.

Sounds to me like you've missed a lot of the hype about the Agency.  It's not just a FPS. 

I've read what the game is all about. Sorry, but it's a FPS shooter with RPG elements.

So is Planetside... People pay for that ^^Anyhow, I think The Agency is a great idea, can't wait to play it alread " width="15" height="15">

Here i was begging for innovation and change in the MMO market, and they announce this? Im disappointed. Already its pointed out the Agency is much like Planetside....a shooter MMO with RPG Elements...so was battlefield 2142....its not an MMO, nor did it do anything groundbreaking

Fact is we like our traditional Midieval type/magic realm fantasy MMO's, whats needed is to change how we approach these MMOs and how players play them and make them more interactive, require more socializing and grouping, and for god sakes allow us to affect the world!

Instead we get a re-hash of something thats been done and they call it reinventing the MMO? Im appauled...stunned...i feel sick to my stomach.Gaming today is not what it used to be, exciting, new things abroad...i remember those days...these days its recycling the old calling it new and innovative.For now, ill be waiting to see this reinvention...

Whats scary is that he is trying to please everyone, young, old, girls, boys, men, women, on and on.If he was so smart he would realize this is impossible.

Unless he does something like nintendo did with the Wii, he isnt doing anything different then whats already been done. You can change "kill mobs" to "imprison mobs" or "suck mobs soul and send to hell" and in the end its all the same crap...just a different smell.

Ill be watching to see this reinvention, but i seriously doubt they have the innovation to be able to do this. Id bet on blizzard doing better at reinventing then Sony....why? Because while SOE is busy talking about reinventing, Blizzard makes a career of it.

[ke'la]

Radar-X wrote:

ke'la wrote:

Prodigus@Mistmoore wrote:

Havent read much into The Agency (about to do so now) but dont they have a FPS with RPGish elements with Matrix Online? Or has that been canned lol.

Accually it would be more accurate to say that Agency is like Planetside, not Matrix(gameplay wise), I have played Matrix, and it more or less is a standard RPG with some FPS elements, kinda like NGE-SWG is. From what I have read of Agency it is more of a group centric(as aposed to a 50-60 person zerg centeric) Planetside type game, but with an accual storyline.

I got a visit to SOE Seattle recently to see a little bit of what they are working and I say this being a fan of Planetside.  They really aren't very similar.  Planetside was HUGE zones with all PvP, all the time.  The Agency will use instancing, funneling movement, and mostly PvE content not to mention a heavier emphasis on socialization.  While they will support group content I think quite a bit of it will be solo.

I am talking about the base game play elements, RPG vers FPS, and on the most basic level they are similar, however thats like saying Doom and Halflife are similar, because they also are both FPSes. Once you get out of that basic level, being a FPS type game with the ablity to level and a few other RPG attibutes, your right there really is no similarity between the two games... wich is a good thing, because I also like Planetside, it's accually the only MMO PvP I like(as you can be effective at all levels against all levels) and I would not want to see it go away because they made a modern clone of it... that and the zerg fest of base taking would not do well in a modern game enviorment.