Sony's All-Access Subscription Plan Now Live

By Kevin Parrish
published

Sony Online Entertainment is now rolling out its All Access membership, a new subscription model that allows customers to play any number of MMOGs maintained by the company, not just one. The titles included in this new service include EverQuest, EverQuest II, DC Universe Online PC, PlanetSide 2 PC, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes, and the upcoming EverQuest Next, Landmark and H1Z1.

But that's not all. This membership has its perks, including 500 Station Cash each month from within the game marketplaces, a 10 percent discount on marketplace purchases, and access to exclusive promotions and offers throughout the year.

"We will be upgrading all existing individual game memberships to the new All Access plan, which will include the top-tier membership level in all eligible SOE games for one, low monthly rate of $14.99 (with extra savings for 3, 6 and 12 month plans). We're also finalizing membership benefits to Dragon's Prophet and will share these new updates as available," reads SOE's public announcement.

The new subscription service arrives after SOE announced that it planned to shut down four MMOGs in 2014, one of which is Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures and Free Realms closed down on March 31. Wizardry Online and Vanguard, the latter of which is one of the company's oldest titles, are slated to be shut down on July 31.

"[Vanguard] is an older game and we're experiencing more and more technical challenges to continue running and updating it in a way you deserve. Simply put, these are issues that cannot be fixed in the long term and as a player, we would be doing you a disservice and going against our company commitment to provide the best gameplay experiences. So given this information, sunsetting the game later this year is the inevitable conclusion," writes a company rep.

The new subscription model, with or without Vanguard, seemingly shows a dire need to keep paying customers happily glued in their seats and immersed in an SOE product. The company likely figured that customers paying for a monthly subscription in one title was probably testing the free-to-play waters in other titles. The 500 Station Cash and 10 percent discount are definite clues to that mindset.

Regardless, we'll see if this all-you-can-eat MMOG buffet will not only keep customers from jumping ship, but reel in fresh new ones wandering in from other AAA MMOGs.

Kevin Parrish
5 Comments Comment from the forums
  • clonazepam
    It has launched without a hitch (for me).
    Reply
  • spookyman
    Will I get my data stolen again?
    Reply
  • coolestcarl
    Will I get my data stolen again?

    If you plan on using ANY service on the internet ... oh i dunno like email, purchase something online, etc ... then plan on the possibility of data being stolen.

    Like when you walk down the street... plan on being mugged.

    Otherwise the only way to be absolutely being sure that no data will be stolen is to follow these steps in increasing levels of security:

    1. Do not transmit any personally identifiable information while using the internet which can be traced back to you.
    2. Do not store any personally identifiable data on your computer.
    3. Do not connect your computer to the internet.
    4. Do not any wireless or wired technologies that transmit data.
    5. If using electronics, use only devices that receive information (like old style "dumb" tvs, analog radio receiver)
    6. Burn all mail after reading
    7. Use rippled glass for windows in the house and sound dampening felting to defeat laser mikes.
    8. Do not use any commercial services that require you to be personally identifiable, like banks etc.
    9. Only take payments in cash. Convert long term cash savings into anonymous assets like gold coins.
    10. Do not use ANY government services (this could be tricky if you own your own home, or an automobile - though there are legal ways around this problem).
    11. Be cordial to your neighbours, but keep them at arms length.
    12. Do not travel across international borders.
    13. Always travel in public transport.
    14. Wear eye shades that prevent iris recognition in public areas.
    15. Wear clothing that prevent immediate recognition but is not conspicuous.
    16. Keep your personal circle of trust small.

    Of course this list is not completely exhaustive and the order could be tweaked... I am sure there others who could add to this discussion with much more expertise in security.
    Reply
  • In the age of free-to-play, the only way they're gonna convince me to pay these extravagant subscription prices is if they work out a deal across multiple companies. Ex: pay one subscription, and play WoW, Elder Scrolls Online, Eve Online, SOE games, etc. I'd pay for that.

    Or if SOE wants me back, open a Pre-NGE Star Wars Galaxies server. Or even just let me play the Jump To Lightspeed component.
    Reply
  • del35
    "Also, they aren't meant to be powerful. You want power get normal Macbook."

    Ummm, I would have to be paid a salary to be straitjacketed into the jailamoron iPrison. There are people that have a honest take on the Apple cult. Using Apple products in total disregard for open standards, and the overpricing of technological mediocrity, is like preaching religious fanaticism. Thanks but no thanks. Sadly, I also admire Mr Cook and think that unlike Steve Jobs, he is truly a great man.
    Reply