SOE has announced that the Executive Producer of ABC’s “V” television series, veteran video game developer and ultra personality Jason “Jace” Hall, as the master of ceremonies of Fan Faire 2010 at Bally’s Las Vegas from August 5-8. Jace Hall wowed the attendees of the 2009 Fan Faire with a preview of the SOE documentary EverCracked. 

Hall will maintain the flow of the show by hosting the annual Kickoff Reception, Grand Banquet and Costume Contest. "I’m honored that SOE chose me as their official emcee for Fan Faire," says Hall. "Giving the show a bit of my own flavor and personality and mixing it with traditions from the past will be just the right combination to make this event PWN 4LL n00bs!"

source:  SOE Press Release

Have you registered for Fan Faire yet?  It's less than a month away and registration closes in two weeks. That means it's time for my annual Fan Faire Tips!  This is stuff I and other Fan Faire veterans have learned attending past Fan Faires and other conventions.  All this may mean nothing if you're the type who can toss a change of undies in a bag and be good for a week, but me, I need to plan a bit.

On the heels of today's announcement about Free Realms reaching the 12 million player landmark, SOE also mentioned that there will be another Double Station Cash Weekend coming up to celebrate the 4th of July. Additionally, non-members will get a taste of membership, when a free trial period will be activated to last through the holiday weekend.

To celebrate the Fourth of July weekend, SOE is running a Double Station Cash Weekend where players can purchase Station Cash^TM cards, excluding Starter Cards, from local retailers, which can be redeemed from Friday, July 2 at 12p.m. PDT to Monday, July 5 at 12a.m. PDT for double their value in Station Cash, which can be used to buy virtual goodies or upgrade to a Membership status in the game. Also, for those who have wanted to see what the buzz is all about, SOE is offering a free trial membership all weekend long. All players will have access to the membership content during the trial period and at the end of the weekend, players will have the option to keep their member status through a variety of multi-month membership payment options.

Double SC will only be rewarded for retail Station Cash cards (excluding the starter cards), which can be found at a variety of vendors. Only game cards redeemed between July 2nd at 12PM PDT and July 5th at 12AM PDT will have their value doubled.

The latest SOE Podcast includes co-host Linda “Brasse” Carlson talking about E3, G.I.R.L, and Legends of Norrath: Doom of the Ancient Ones.  Listen in as they start counting down the days until Fan Faire and Hallie and Emily continue to look into Hubert’s whereabouts.  Aaron Bisnett’s news gives all of the latest updates on SOE titles!

You can download the podcast from the Podcast Website and iTunes (search for SOE and click "subscribe")

Have comments about the Podcast, your favorite game, or anything vaguely SOE related? You might get a sweet goodie bag for sending Listener E-Mail to podcast@soe.sony.com!

Join the SOE Community Department for the “Secret Covert Ham-Cast,” the Official SOE Podcast #87.  In this exciting episode:

• Podramady author (and EQII Community Manager) Christie "Kiara" Renzetti co-hosts.
• Emily tries to track down Hubert, who has gone missing yet again.
• The news with Jason Ryan gives you all of the latest updates on SOE titles!

You can download the podcast from the Podcast Website and iTunes (search for SOE and click "subscribe"). Your feedback is always welcome either on the Station forums or via email.

Join the SOE Community Department for Official SOE Podcast #86: the “Hodgepodge Cast!”  In this exciting episode:

• Hear all about EverQuest II’s Halas Reborn.
• PlanetSide’s Black Ops event recap.
• The announcement of the Mr. and Ms. Challenge winners.
• Lydia “Zatozia” Pope talks about the upcoming EQ server merges.

You can download the podcast from the Podcast Website and iTunes (search for SOE and click "subscribe"). Your feedback is always welcome either on the Station forums or via email…                        

The "PodSide Cast" (Official SOE Podcast #85) is live! This exciting episode includes:

• An interview with EQII Senior Producer Dave Georgeson
• The Agency: Covert Ops
• PoxNora’s 13th expansion, Maljaran Shores
• PlanetSide’s 7^th anniversary

So tune in! You can get your Podcast from the official Podcast site or the  iTunes store (type SOE into the search box and click “subscribe”).  Your feedback is always welcome on the Station forums or via email.