SOE Event Planning: Suggestions wanted!

[Danicia]

Greetings all!

I've been doing this a while, so I know all your tricks about getting information out of Devs! That being said, I'm going to do my best to /not/ reveal anything while still asking for some feedback.

For those of you new to Planetside 2, you may not be aware of our yearly fan event for SOE games. We just had our first planning meeting, which was fantastic! There are a lot of great things coming up, and we have some great ideas to spotlight Planetside 2.

If you follow the Station Forums, specifically the Fan Faire planning forum, you may note that our event will be in Las Vegas in Autumn. That's about as close as I'm going to get before we go public with an announcement!

Here are some questions for you:

1. Have you been to one of our events before? If so, what did you like about it? What did you dislike?

2. If you haven't, what sorts of panels & activities would bring you to Vegas to hob nob with our Planetside 2 team & other players/fans?

3. Any other suggestions?

Regarding other conventions:

1. Do you attend PAX East in Boston or PAX Prime in Seattle? If we didn't exhibit, but had other ways of showing the game at either, what sorts of things would you like to experience regarding Planetside 2?

2. Do you attend ComicCon? Dragon*Con? Games-Com Cologne? What would draw you to attend these events if Planetside 2 was involved?

I want to make a special note regarding non-SOE events. Don't look too much into these, as we cannot promise we'll be involved at all. :) Think of it as an informal poll so I can write up some things.

Thanks!

[MooK]

No
Were I to venture to Las Vegas for the sole purpose of Planetside, the gathering would likely have:

Outfit Meet & Greet
Developer Meet & Greet, long-winded questionnaire, lengthily film and afterparty.
ARG?
Physical activity of some kind, airsoft/paintball with the devs, etc. Ooh, Planetside weapon airsoft. Nom.

[Figment]

Never been to an event: location location location. On that note, Cologne, that's almost nearby... >.>


At least I take it's the German Cologne? :P

Hmmm... suggestions?

* Dev team interrogation session (preferably incl. truth serum and some blackmail suitable photographs).
* Brewko piñata (just tie him up on a string, no need to fill with candy) with "NO to Reaver buff" and "NO to BR40 with extra certs" signs readily available
* mini-Thunderer toy model and/or an exploding mini-Magrider toymodel <3

[Erikson]

If we didn't exhibit, but had other ways of showing the game at either, what sorts of things would you like to experience regarding Planetside 2?

That took me a while to figure out what you were asking. So if you don't have an exhibit, but still had a presence at PAX... A panel would be nice. Selling, or preferably handing out, T-Shirts.

[Espion]

I would never attend any event with that scottish bearded female wizard thing from last fanfaire. Step 1 is burning that.

[LZachariah]

1. I have not been to any of your events before, nor any convention as of yet.

2. I couldn't afford to travel to Vegas, as I am in New Hampshire, working on my Doctorate of Psychology, so even if the tickets were somehow free, I wouldnt' have the time to make that trip.

3. The developers of Planetside 2 are the most involved, fan-supporting team in gaming history. Embrace that, and cultivate it, and celebrate how involved your team is; it will create an unbelievably strong community, and a deeply-rooted sense of connection with Planetside 2 and its fans.

Regarding other conventions:

1. I am EXTREMELY excited to be attending PAX East this year for the first time, and intend to make it an annual event! Any information about Planetside 2 would be my primary attraction at PAX, without question. It would be amazing to have a hands-on playing opportunity, though that would be determined by how far-along the game is in its development. If hands-on playing was not available, then a long demonstration would be amazing. And I would be thrilled to meet Higby, T-Ray, or Maggie Ann; they are like our celebrities.

2. PAX East is the only convention I'm attending this year.

Thank you so much for reaching out to us for our input!

~Zachariah

[basti]

Games-Com Cologne Would get me if any of the devs are around. An open round table about future plans would pretty much force me to attend.

As for the other stuff: Attending anything US based is quite pricy, and therefore not possible.


As for the presentation: Everyone has a panel and shows his game, everyone has big banners and flashy images to gain attention. Everyone fails at that.
To gain the max of attention out of an event, put some guys and gals in Game related outfits (Have a chick in a VS cloaker suit, hurrrr :D ), let them roam the halls and give out flyers.

Also, involve the community as much as possible: For example, CCP had a german Corporation (A guild/Clan/bla, players) doing their Eve stuff at GamesConvention Leipzig for several years (the event that was before GamesCom). And i believe the same guys do GamesCom these days.

[Raymac]

2. If you haven't, what sorts of panels & activities would bring you to Vegas to hob nob with our Planetside 2 team & other players/fans?


Well since you said it will be in the Fall, then ideally the game will be released by then so I may not be able to pull myself away from Auraxis even for a trip to Vegas.

But if I could, then a panel discussing the "3 Year Plan" we've heard about would be a requirement.

A massive Planetside 2 LAN would be pretty epic. Playing with massive amounts of people not only online but in the same room would be a unique experience.

If the game isn't releaed by the Fall....then there is only 1 thing you absolutely need to do at Fan Faire...Release the game.

[Tikuto]

1. Have you been to one of our events before?
No.

2. If you haven't, what sorts of panels & activities would bring you?
Not far from airport
Easy to locate
Cheap prices alongside Visitor's travel and accommodation costs. Reward for bringing a friend
Interviews and Q&A
Entertainment (PlanetSide-related or not):

Music
Costume
Drama
Comedy


3. Any other suggestions? Hospitality (Outdoor): Food for starved people, Shelter for queue, Security including presence of Event-handlers.
Hospitality (Indoor): Food, Warmth, Security, 101% Presentable, other Services (toilets, cashpoint, leaflets, etc)
Immersion. "This is PlanetSide! Why does it feel like a cold quiet hospital with Elves?!"
Photography
Semi-nudity. Horny ladies.
Catering (Food to digest all the awesomeness during Event intervals)
Quiet zone (for the home-sick, etc..) which becomes a;
Themed Party zone later! (to let the end-day simmer into memory...)
T-Ray sayin' "We got this.."Supreme Commander Live Game Event: A key unique new thing that involves whole world regions and players simultaneously. A preluding regional tournament to reveal some of PlanetSide2's world's best commanders. These Supreme Commanders e.g. three (TR, NC & VS) attend the Event as V.I.Ps., and attend their live-game 'supreme commander' event competing over one continent involving and subjecting every player to their strategies, almost, as they will have special contemporary Event-related Supreme Commander abilities: an Imperial Mothership (one each Empire through-out whole Event).
summon BFRs (limited) for home-based regular players.
an Inspirational Presence (auto-buff chain-linked friendlies).
Unique in-game Battle Suit.
summon Unique territorial buildings.
other super-amazing powers...
This 'sports' event would identify the game's popularity as well as showcase some extraordinary moments of the players and the 'supreme commander' event itself. An event to promote popularity, in-game experience for those who are destined to become ... the Supreme Commander of their Empire! And possibly even promote sales and the Fan Faire as well as attract PlanetSide2 to venues around the world, maybe! At the same time treating the whole player-base within their homes around the world with live-game Event contents! Everyone would be loving it especially your Supreme Commander!

The 'big screen' live-game client will be specially made for showcasing this Live Game Event. Camera-panning, freely moving and viewing whole continent, territorial map and Supreme Commander's unique content, actions and inventory. Commentators may be necessary.


Regarding other conventions:

1. Do you attend PAX East in Boston or PAX Prime in Seattle? If we didn't exhibit, but had other ways of showing the game at either, what sorts of things would you like to experience regarding Planetside 2?
No.
Big screen of the live-game Supreme Commander event. Supreme Commander attending from home. Bonus if the three supreme commander players have a webcam.
An audience at the Event.

Deal: Free tickets! Bigger audience!
Deal: Bring a friend for free! Bigger audience & more fun!

Guest 'Militia' players at the event contributing to the live game and the 'Supreme Commander' Event idea if it's On!


2. Do you attend ComicCon? Dragon*Con? Games-Com Cologne? What would draw you to attend these events if Planetside 2 was involved?
No. No. No.
Same as [1.] above.

[RedKnights]

Hey thanks for asking for the input!

I've never been to fan-faire because of:
A) That damn bearded Elf.
B) All the Everquest nerd-dom
C) It's on the opposite side of the country.

If you came to PAX east with an awesome display, and made a show of it, I would most defiantly be in for that, PLUS that will give you far more coverage than fan-faire, SOE just isn't as relavent as it used to be, so except for some MMO circles it's largely ignored I find. The idea of going to an SOE-run convention where the main attraction is Everquest really isn't the kind of thing Planetside player are in to, or want to be associated with, for the most part.

Just make the rounds at the conventions, set up a large bank of computers, and let people experience the game like you did with PS1 at E3 all those years ago. Put Higby and T-Ray out there to talk to the press along with a few others, they're quite charismatic and seem to make a great impression on the media, and just expose people to the game.

Now if you were to ask me, what would get me to come to fan-faire? If you offer those that go keys for alpha testing, or simply let them put their hands on the game at let the veterans get a feel for it. WE SHALL COME. :D

[Tasorin]

Pax Prime > SOE Fan Faire

First SOE FanFaire I went too was during the SWG hey-day. Personally, the SOE specific content isn't a big enough of a driving factor for me to take a trip to Vegas to get content that I could get less then a week after the event. This is where Pax Prime has a greater draw for me then a specific developers Expo. More variety at Pax Prime from multiple Dev Houses and usually there are multiple "firsts" at Pax for release of information across a wider base of gaming genres.

That being said, there are plenty of fan boi's and gal's out there that eat this kind of thing up. Some of the things that were quality about previous SOE FF were industry God Fathers that don't do a lot of these types of events. Point in case is Larry Elmore. Other then Ed Fries, Elmore @ FF was probably one of the best panels I have attended. The more unique content in SOE FF you can get the better off you are going to be in drawing in customers and differentiating yourself from PAX. Don't punish your community though by not attending a PAX in order to try and draw people into FF.

Secondly, SOE FF suffers from the bane and boon of streaming content be it live or a repackaged replay. I no longer have to attend the SOE FF in order to get the chance to see Smed's kick off a FF as the Keynote Speaker. That goes for Authorized content and vid's from the Tapers Section.

The bottom line for me is I don't want to dress up in costumes, I don't care about other content that SOE has other then PS2, I don't want to stand for 45 minuets to wait for a spot to stand in a Conf room in order to hear a symposium or keynote interaction that I can get off the web in real time or on replay. These are the detractors for SOE FF for me personally.

I would like to add as well that Higgles does such an amazing job in connecting with the closed community of PS that he has reset the bar for what it takes for me to believe a Dev is really committed and passionate about their project. The SOE Community Engagement and Marketing people should be heaping praise on him not rapping his knuckles for his continued support and interaction with the Core PS Community.

If you want to draw people in for PS2, give them an opportunity to play a closed LAN on a ALPHA build and be some of the first PS Community to get some stick time. Lastly I would like to add that the SWAG bags for me personally are mostly garbage I wouldn't buy and don't keep. Just my two cents worth, but if you want the SWAG bags to be legendary then reduce the volume of junk in the bag and increase the quality and rarity of what is left in the bag.

[SgtMAD]

LOL I live IN VEGAS and have been here for the last 25 years and I never attended any of the SOE Fan Faire's

I now wish I would have because then DanB and I would be drinking buddies and that would lead to a beta inv..............

I could lead everyone on a Stripper Hunt,teach ppl how to tip in Vegas to get that VIP experience,show these ppl what strip clubs to avoid and which ones are the most fun.

you also need to move the events out of Bally's and go to The Palms,the scenery there is so much better. plus you would generate more buzz because The Palms would put you on the huge markee(sp) on Flamingo so everyone would see we were there.

no one comes to vegas to stay at friggin Bally's, its old and very dated.

[Quovatis]

Went to last year's FF. Absolutely loved it.

Things I liked:
PS2 panels and the ability to talk 1v1 with the devs and Smed himself
The opening and closing receptions that tried to incorporate all the SOE titles
The awesome pool party (when not raining)

What I didn't like:
95% of the attendees were EQ players. Only 5 or 6 real PS players were there, but I guess that was mostly to do the last-minute deal of PS2 and the historic low PS turnout.

Things I would like to see:
More PS2 panels (which I'm sure there will be next go-around as there is more to talk about)
More PS stuff in general (events, contests, etc), but I'm sure that will also come with the increased popularity.
Some way to attract many many more PS2 fans to attend (perhaps the above will do it)

All in all, Fan Faire is a great event. If you have enough PS2 panels and events, the players will come.

[acosmo]

funny, i said PS2 CON in a recent thread and then suddenly this? butterfly effect

1. Have you been to one of our events before? If so, what did you like about it? What did you dislike?
I haven't been to any SOE events.

2. If you haven't, what sorts of panels & activities would bring you to Vegas to hob nob with our Planetside 2 team & other players/fans?
taunt animations mocap contest

[Quovatis]

If I were to go to Las Vegas, I will get entirely too drunk and arrested and not specifically in that order. Onsite drunk tanks would be my first suggestion :P

You and Evilpig would have a great time.

[Danicia]

If I were to go to Las Vegas, I will get entirely too drunk and arrested and not specifically in that order. Onsite drunk tanks would be my first suggestion :P

Drunk Tank or Dunk Tank? Or both? :)

[NivexQ]

1. No
2. Almost nothing, but only because I just can't afford it. Although I would beg for you guys to stream the event online. I would even pay for said streaming, like Blizzard does with Blizzcon.

[SgtMAD]

hell, if I have to, I'll run a class on how to get shit faced and not get in trouble

[Shogun]

Games-Com Cologne Would get me if any of the devs are around. An open round table about future plans would pretty much force me to attend.

As for the other stuff: Attending anything US based is quite pricy, and therefore not possible.


As for the presentation: Everyone has a panel and shows his game, everyone has big banners and flashy images to gain attention. Everyone fails at that.
To gain the max of attention out of an event, put some guys and gals in Game related outfits (Have a chick in a VS cloaker suit, hurrrr :D ), let them roam the halls and give out flyers.

Also, involve the community as much as possible: For example, CCP had a german Corporation (A guild/Clan/bla, players) doing their Eve stuff at GamesConvention Leipzig for several years (the event that was before GamesCom). And i believe the same guys do GamesCom these days.

that´s pretty much what i would have written, too ;-)
come to gamescom cologne and give a little love to the fans from europe!
and the thing about walking acts is true! i did walking acts for starwars galaxies and all the activision sw games at several games conventions and we felt like celebretys. send me a nc rexo suit and i will do it for free on every gamescon the game is promoted on ;-)

[LostSoul]

1. No
2. Almost nothing, but only because I just can't afford it. Although I would beg for you guys to stream the event online. I would even pay for said streaming, like Blizzard does with Blizzcon.

This, Fan faire is nice and all but its so hard to actually get there if you are not based in the US of A, There should be something you people can do for those fans abroad (like streaming).

[Quovatis]

The major events are streamed. But yeah, would be nice to have all the panels streamed too.

[Nephilimuk]

1. Have you been to one of our events before? If so, what did you like about it? What did you dislike? No never attended I live in Britain : (

2. If you haven't, what sorts of panels & activities would bring you to Vegas to hob nob with our Planetside 2 team & other players/fans? A get out of jail free card which works with my wife and the opportunity to shape the game the direction

3. Any other suggestions? how about a Europe event! Manchester is the centre of the known universe so I would go there.

Regarding other conventions:

1. Do you attend PAX East in Boston or PAX Prime in Seattle? If we didn't exhibit, but had other ways of showing the game at either, what sorts of things would you like to experience regarding Planetside 2? No I live in the UK and European events a few and far between for SOE. However if it was streamed I would like to see the event as a sound board to illustrate the scale of the game.

2. Do you attend ComicCon? Dragon*Con? Games-Com Cologne? What would draw you to attend these events if Planetside 2 was involved? No Games Com Cologne is in Germany and Europe iz quite big

** if you did do an event in the UK i do promise to take you and the team out for a jar of real (proper) ale!!!!

[CidHighwind]

Greetings all!

1. Have you been to one of our events before? If so, what did you like about it? What did you dislike?

No

2. If you haven't, what sorts of panels & activities would bring you to Vegas to hob nob with our Planetside 2 team & other players/fans?


1.) travel and accomodation expenses reimbursement of some kind
2.) Q&A panel with the devs
3.) Planetside special events, both live (airsoft/paintball?) and in game.
4.) end of event contest to have the ability to ask ONE question that the devs MUST answer (NDA waived - pre-approved by SOE of course), OR, the opportunity for a 'day with the devs at the office'

OR

A live-feed stream that I could pay a flat amount for - Id say 5 dollars - 10 dollars a day for full access that day. Can also be purchased retro-actively to view previous days (for those who work and such).... With swag attached for those who buy the whole event.


3. Any other suggestions?

I am a sucker for swag, and I would LOVE to see some small trinkets and baubles, like Higby and T-ray bobble heads, along side Empire bumper stickers. Id be on that shit like a dragon his hoard.

Regarding other conventions:

1. Do you attend PAX East in Boston or PAX Prime in Seattle? If we didn't exhibit, but had other ways of showing the game at either, what sorts of things would you like to experience regarding Planetside 2?

I haven't in the past, but I travel regularly enough to Boston that if PS2 made a SHOWING, then I would pay the entry fee and go. I would want a full hands on experience if I was going to drive that far, or at the very least, the ability to video conference with the team, and see some exclusive content. Also, swag. Moar Swag.

2. Do you attend ComicCon? Dragon*Con? Games-Com Cologne? What would draw you to attend these events if Planetside 2 was involved?

A new role playing system or table-top game (i.e. warhammer-esque) based on planetside

I want to make a special note regarding non-SOE events. Don't look too much into these, as we cannot promise we'll be involved at all. :) Think of it as an informal poll so I can write up some things.

Thanks!

My answers in BLUE!

[SKYeXile]

probably should have some events in Australia hey guys?....guys? ...

[Danicia]

probably should have some events in Australia hey guys?....guys? ...

I love AussieLand. Quite easy to get a Visa. :) Can you keep the drop bears away?

[TheGoatFather]

1. Sadly I haven't attended any Fan Faire's...on the wrong side of the pond!

2. A chance to play a game or twelve of Planetside with the dev team, other community and press, as well as a nice roundtable discussion about the game and it's future.

3. Host a press event in the UK for leading PC mags/sites, get a few UK lifestyle & Euro outlets in as well as EU community. Dress it up all nice and fancy, film the event to justify the budget and everyone have a lovely time! (Ex-PR, just thinking out loud).

Regarding other conventions:

1. I wish I could attend PAX. Maybe next year!

2. I was at GamesCom last year - I did try and sneak a look in to the Planetside2 section, but it was heavily guarded so I didn't want to risk it. PS2 should definitely have more of a presence next year - maybe have some select players sent to the business area and not on the show floor as it's utter bedlam there. Would be again nice to show the influential people that haven't seen the wonder of PS2 just how good it is compared to every single other bland, half-arsed FPS there is out there.

In summary: bring PS2 to the UK please!!! :D

[akiadan]

1. I went to one of them around the time of the fusion blade. I really had a lot of fun but I disliked the idea of getting an item only by going to the event. I didn't think it would be fair because some people don't have the money to fly in from places further way.

2. I like the idea of dev meet and greets along with maybe some sort of empire pride contests for maybe concept art or maybe art contests for stuff.

3. I think if you give out an in game item, you should be able to acuire it anyways so maybe if you were to give something out maybe have a list of 5 or so items the person can unlock for their toon to choose from.

[Mastachief]

Greetings all!



Here are some questions for you:

1. Have you been to one of our events before? If so, what did you like about it? What did you dislike?

NO, I live in Britain so the cost of getting to and staying in Vegas is some where around $2000

2. If you haven't, what sorts of panels & activities would bring you to Vegas to hob nob with our Planetside 2 team & other players/fans?

Massive planetside2 related 4days LAN party


3. Any other suggestions?

UK based promotion/exhibition with the likes of http://multiplay.co.uk just like SOe did for the original planetside (this was how i found the game, the devs showing off the orbital strike actually at the venue)


2. Do you attend ComicCon? Dragon*Con? Games-Com Cologne? What would draw you to attend these events if Planetside 2 was involved?

I could be attracted to cologne but the travel cost is pretty high so i would have to be very attractive



:)

[Tapman]

Greetings all!

I've been doing this a while, so I know all your tricks about getting information out of Devs! That being said, I'm going to do my best to /not/ reveal anything while still asking for some feedback.

Happy to give feedback! All we ask for is that you take care of our baby, don't forget that we are willing to be footsoldiers of the social media marketing, just give us a constant stream of solid material and we will make sure people see it!

For those of you new to Planetside 2, you may not be aware of our yearly fan event for SOE games. We just had our first planning meeting, which was fantastic! There are a lot of great things coming up, and we have some great ideas to spotlight Planetside 2.

If you follow the Station Forums, specifically the Fan Faire planning forum, you may note that our event will be in Las Vegas in Autumn. That's about as close as I'm going to get before we go public with an announcement!

:thumbsup:

To answer your questions:
1. No, I've paid close attention before from afar though. I liked it when you guys talked about Planetside (2) and the fan interaction. I disliked that most of the questions sounded uninformed or confused except when talking to actual fans. I would suggest finding a way for reporters to get a quick but concise briefing of the history and gameplay basics of Planetside in general, as well as any information you are prepared to release about the sequel. Not to sound too bitter but it's hard not to resent the lack of spotlight Planetside has had at many of the Fan Faires over the years, I think if you reversed that you would see a lot of veteran players willing to join in the publicity campaign.

2. LOTS of Planetside 2 coverage, questions being answered, gameplay footage being shown (Ideally a live feed to a frontline/three-way battle happening in Closed Beta!) Also interaction with the developers including a Q/A and answering Twitter questions whenever possible, after/private party at a nice lounge that isn't too loud (NOT A CLUB, OH GOD THE POTENTIAL AWKWARDNESS) ideally one that serves nice beers, I know from Twitter that Higby is something of a beer connoisseur. Probably smart to have people check in their mobile/recording devices.

3a. Remember to introduce it well too, have a massive screen and figure out a way to not only show off the graphics and gameplay, but the SCALE. No offense but so far the gameplay videos have done little to nothing to indicate the truly massive scale that makes Planetside unique and attractive instead of just another space marine shooter.
3b. Have stations set up for each empire where people can play for a little while on a live Beta server with real players. Give them headphones with a mic and automatically put into preselected squads. Put it all up on decently sized screens so that large groups can gather and watch.

I have not attended any conventions, mostly because I have a job and real life. Having Planetside 2 featured at a convention would certainly attract me, please try to have lots of exposure in the New York metropolitan area! Cool perks for attending would be nice too, especially Veteran recognition!

[Lonehunter]

:( If it was somewhere on the East Coast I'd sell my Xbox to get there. But for West Coast I'd have to sell my car lol

[Wizkid45]

1. Have you been to one of our events before? If so, what did you like about it? What did you dislike?

Yes, I've been to every single Block Party (was bummed there wasn't one last year). I liked how there were displays with a computer for each game with said game running so that you could play, getting to meet the devs and other players and just talk and talk and have a grand ol' time, free food and drinks :P, tours of the buildings at your headquarters. I've never been to Fan Faire (wasn't 21 until this year) but plan on attending. The only thing I didn't like about Block Party was how it was only a couple of hours, too short :)

2. If you haven't, what sorts of panels & activities would bring you to Vegas to hob nob with our Planetside 2 team & other players/fans?

I would go just to meet and talk with the devs and other players. It would be sweet if there was a LAN setup so that players could play at the event.

3. Any other suggestions?

Maybe a special in game item for players who attend? Much how players got an in-game Katana for attending one of the past Fan Faires.

Regarding other conventions:

1. Do you attend PAX East in Boston or PAX Prime in Seattle? If we didn't exhibit, but had other ways of showing the game at either, what sorts of things would you like to experience regarding Planetside 2?

No, I would like to seen the game really shown off, like some really great video's played, maybe a live display of the game showing it off.

2. Do you attend ComicCon? Dragon*Con? Games-Com Cologne? What would draw you to attend these events if Planetside 2 was involved?

I attend Comic-Con every year (and the Block Party). I would (and do) attend and visit you guys (Joel and Linda are always around) even though there hasn't been anything Planetside related since '06 or '07. Talking to you folks is great in itself.

[Goku]

1. Have you been to one of our events before? If so, what did you like about it? What did you dislike?

No

2. If you haven't, what sorts of panels & activities would bring you to Vegas to hob nob with our Planetside 2 team & other players/fans?

There needs to be a far stronger focus on PS2 for there to be any chance of me attending. I realize EQ is SOE's largest franchise and they have to cater to that segment, but I have no interest in attending that type of function. SOE has to have more then a couple developer panels during the weekend to make it worthwhile for me to go. I would like to see continuation of the panels of course, but there are other areas to expand. Anything from a party focused for PS2 instead of EQ to the setting up of a special even that can take place in PS2.

3. Any other suggestions?

None that I can think of.

Regarding other conventions:

1. Do you attend PAX East in Boston or PAX Prime in Seattle? If we didn't exhibit, but had other ways of showing the game at either, what sorts of things would you like to experience regarding Planetside 2?

I attended PAX East last year and I already plan on going this year along with the BYOC LAN. If SOE doesn't want to have a place on the floor you could at least secure a developer panel and a demonstration of the game at one of the stations. I know Sony (PS3) and Nvidia was there last year, so perhaps you could make use of one of those floors to show off the game once. If you had to use one probably best of with Nvidia given the Sony section is for their console. Guild Wars 2 did something similar to this as well even though they did not have anything on the floor. As someone else metioned in this thread SWAG.

2. Do you attend ComicCon? Dragon*Con? Games-Com Cologne? What would draw you to attend these events if Planetside 2 was involved?

I am not into comics/fantasy stuff, so PS2 being there wouldn't be enough to make me go. Games Con in Germany while great for the Euros will be hard on my wallet if I attempted to attend.

[WellWisherELF]

1. Have you been to one of our events before? If so, what did you like about it? What did you dislike?

Unfortunately not, as I live on the east coast.

2. If you haven't, what sorts of panels & activities would bring you to Vegas to hob nob with our Planetside 2 team & other players/fans?

I'm not privy to the usual activities of the SOE Fan Faire, but Panels and live-action activities are always fun.

3. Any other suggestions?


Regarding other conventions:

1. Do you attend PAX East in Boston or PAX Prime in Seattle? If we didn't exhibit, but had other ways of showing the game at either, what sorts of things would you like to experience regarding Planetside 2?

Yes, PAX East. I'm not sure how the devs/PR would plan on showing their game without an official 'exhibit' or presence at PAX (besides a panel), but Bethesda did something different with Brink last PAX, hosting an out-of-venue event and inviting all attendees to the waterfront, where they let people play the game against one-another in a LAN-type environment, all whilst supplying free food and swag

If you did host a panel, then gameplay footage (and lots of it) would be a no brainer, as we've all been salivating like children waiting for candy waiting to see any new footage. A Q&A would also be necessary, with the usual suspects all available for questions.


I understand it would be difficult to have proper demo booths at a convention such as PAX, solely because of the massive nature of the game, but it would be possible to have people on the show floor connected to the beta servers to play simultaneously with the beta players, like with what APB did at PAX 2010 (which worked out very well).

2. Do you attend ComicCon? Dragon*Con? Games-Com Cologne? What would draw you to attend these events if Planetside 2 was involved?

No.

Thanks for taking the time to read my input!

[Danicia]

I am taking lots of notes. I agree with many of your points and have visited so many shows. I've been a speaker, a coordinator, staff...every think you can imagine one could do at a con or conference.

Keep your ideas & thoughts coming! Since we're in planning mode, nothing is too crazy or awesome to pitch.

[Justaman]

1. Have you been to one of our events before? If so, what did you like about it? What did you dislike?
no

2. If you haven't, what sorts of panels & activities would bring you to Vegas to hob nob with our Planetside 2 team & other players/fans?
Obviously, if I could afford the time off and the flight, more info on the game that we haven't heard/seen before (a Q&A session?). Because honestly, until we're playing the game, the next closest thing is learning everything about it we can.

3. Any other suggestions?
Watch a bunch of employee's fight over a small tower/location in game? With some energetic music to set the mood.

Regarding other conventions:

1. Do you attend PAX East in Boston or PAX Prime in Seattle? If we didn't exhibit, but had other ways of showing the game at either, what sorts of things would you like to experience regarding Planetside 2?
Don't know enough about the game to know what I wanna see. Other than the game.

2. Do you attend ComicCon? Dragon*Con? Games-Com Cologne? What would draw you to attend these events if Planetside 2 was involved?


One of them being close enough to drive to. As flying is to expensive for a day trip.


I've never been to any kind of con, seen video's and such of various ones. So I don't have much in the way of idea's. :(

[Hyncharas]

There's no chance that I'm going to get there without a job to earn money, but I think it would be great for there to be photo opportunities; representatives of the three empires to have their picture taken beside many new PS2 and veteran PlanetSide fans...

Another idea might be an art design lecture showcasing some of the techniques you guys use when you're making the game. Remember that some of those who play your titles aren't just gamers, but may be people like myself who've either done or are doing degrees in games/computer animation, and may want a career in the industry.

[Shogun]

I am taking lots of notes. I agree with many of your points and have visited so many shows. I've been a speaker, a coordinator, staff...every think you can imagine one could do at a con or conference.

Keep your ideas & thoughts coming! Since we're in planning mode, nothing is too crazy or awesome to pitch.

nothing is too crazy?
ok, get those guys to build a max unit costume for every faction and let them walk around at conventions ;-)
http://www.wolfbrothers.de/index2.php?action=costumes&costumegrpid=4&costumeid=16&lang=en

[kaffis]

If I'm not too late to reply, Danicia, I attend Dragon*Con religiously each year. I'd love to see Planetside 2 make an appearance there!

Once the beta is underway, I can only recommend setting up a travelling LAN party for fans to drop in (or line up, more like, I'm sure!) and play as part of a squad with their other gaming geek con attendees. That would be utterly epic.

[EVILPIG]

I first attended the Fan Faire in 2007 when I won Player of the Year. SOE provided my plane tickets, my room (5 nights at the Rio) and Limo service from my house to the airport, from the airport to my room and vice versa. At the Fan Faire I had an all access pass and attended all the SOE parties. SOE had a live event in which the FF attendees were able to participate in (introduction of Black Ops). There were also a couple of Planetside panels. The best part of the FF was simply meeting the developers and having face time with them. I have been fortunate that I have had a few opportunities to do this (the first time was a tour of SOE with Sporkfire and a face to face with Smed in 2005). It was also very fun to meet the many SOE employees who were members of my outfit and who I have faced on the battlefield throughout the years.

I also attended last year as a member of the Community Council. The FF had the official announcement of Planetside 2 and a panel on the game's development. Having an opportunity to see artwork for the first time is very exciting, but again, the real draw is having face time with developers. Every developer I have ever met is interested in discussing game concepts and getting feedback about them.

I am planning to attend with the Community Council again this year, however I do not know if I will be able to attend. As an attendee, I really do not need live events or games. What I really look forward to are discussion panels and having personal time with my friends at SOE. I would suggest some discussion panels, definitely a live in-game event and some personal face to face events. Like a mixer designated in a particular lounge at a certain time. T-shirts and other swag (related to our game) that you can only get at the FF are also big turn ons to the real game geeks.

And yes Quovatis, I had a blast. I do not remember much about the pool party or passing out in a hallway, but huge thank you to Fishsticks who found me and took me to my room.

[Fenrys]

1. Have you been to one of our events before? If so, what did you like about it? What did you dislike?

2. If you haven't, what sorts of panels & activities would bring you to Vegas to hob nob with our Planetside 2 team & other players/fans?

3. Any other suggestions?


1. No.

2.
-Burning Man/Rainbow Gathering style community kitchens
-Organizational help for ride sharing (rent a few buses?)
-Free commons sleeping area to toss a sleepingbag
-Discussion of upcoming patches
-LAN party type room, with publicly available fast computers, fast internet, and PS2 installed
-In-Game events like everyone at that LAN party gets a temporary PS2 login for a Black Ops type of character (as in the BlOps event in PS1)
-Video and discussion of hilarious bugs that occurred during development
-Harasser Go-Kart paintball
-Brewko in a dunk-tank
-Open bar (me in a drunk-tank?)

3. Everything is air-droppable at least once.

On a more serious note, the PS2 team is doing a great job communicating. Your Planetside fans are a more . . . 'experienced' . . . audience than gamers in general, and the typical marketing schtick need not apply. Console tweens may poo-poo the quality of Higgby's phone-snapped pics and vids, but I think it's absolutely fabulous to get that level of interaction with the Devs and I hope we all can put that information into perspective regarding the relatively early stage of development the game is in (it's great to see the engine is working! and that you have an engine at all!). The Planetside team's openness about the development process is as unique, special, and valued as your one-of-a-kind games. My suggestion is to keep up the good work.

Regarding other conventions:

1. Do you attend PAX East in Boston or PAX Prime in Seattle? If we didn't exhibit, but had other ways of showing the game at either, what sorts of things would you like to experience regarding Planetside 2?

2. Do you attend ComicCon? Dragon*Con? Games-Com Cologne? What would draw you to attend these events if Planetside 2 was involved?


1. No and no. I've never been to a gaming convention. I think it would be cool to show video of massive battles, taken from the perspective of an invisible, invincible, non-participating flyer. Include a combination of real-time recorded events, tame-lapse recorded events, and streaming video of the live game.

2. No. No. No. "All expenses paid."

[Traak]

I want to see full-size, functioning (minus weapons) MAX, HA MA and LA armor. In person.

[That one noob]

Well, considering I live in the damn place, I would really consider going to PAX Prime if there was a Planetside 2 showcase, but I can't remember if there is an age limit or something.

[Traak]

Well, considering I live in the damn place, I would really consider going to PAX Prime if there was a Planetside 2 showcase, but I can't remember if there is an age limit or something.

minimum or maximum?

[Tatwi]

1. Have you been to one of our events before? If so, what did you like about it? What did you dislike?

Sadly, I have not been to any SOE events. However, I watched pretty much all of the panels once they were posted on youtube. My internet is far, far too slow to watch live streaming video...

2. If you haven't, what sorts of panels & activities would bring you to Vegas to hob nob with our Planetside 2 team & other players/fans?

If I was to attend, I would enjoy taking part in a Planetside 2 themed laser-tag event. I haven't seen laser-tag since 90s, but man if we had that when I was a teen, then it's got still be going on! I would also do my best to make a Vanu costume.

3. Any other suggestions?

Having a limited production run of PS2 toys, such as action figures and vehicles, would be fantastic. I'd pay around $30 per item - now, I wouldn't buy one of everything, but I'd buy a couple things! Really, the Transformers cartoon back in the 80s was produced as just a huge advertisement to sell toys, so realistically Sony could make a line of Planetside 2 action figures for normal retail sale and not be doing something weird or fanciful.

So... my suggestions are to have laser-tag and toys!

Regarding other conventions:

1. Do you attend PAX East in Boston or PAX Prime in Seattle? If we didn't exhibit, but had other ways of showing the game at either, what sorts of things would you like to experience regarding Planetside 2?

Being poor and Canadian, the likelihood of me attending an event that isn't in Toronto, Montreal, or Ottawa is slim to none (well, it's just plain none), but if I were to attend one I would like to see:

- Playable Beta.
- Actors in PS2 costume.
- Collectibles, both simple free things (like a travel brochure) and things for purchase (like the toys, art books, ).
- Smed and company chat a bit more about the Forgelight Engine, such as its realistic limits on population, world size, load times, and how detailed the graphical options would be (very detailed like EQ2 or pitiful like Free Realms).
- Devs / Community folks available to autograph memorabilia.
- A real flight simulator machine setup to function with Planetside 2... dream come true right there baby!


2. Do you attend ComicCon? Dragon*Con? Games-Com Cologne? What would draw you to attend these events if Planetside 2 was involved?

I've never really been drawn to the world of comic books and what not. I really don't think I'd attend a generic "con" event. Given that I play Everquest II and that I enjoy other SOE games, I'd really rather attend an event hosted by SOE that is about SOE/Sony games. I mean, I play WoW still, but other that and EQ2, I'm not much of a "gamer" any more. I'm quite into that whole parenting thing though. :lol: