Editorials

Robert Cox: The Holidays in the MMO Universe

Anarchy Online

Even with the twin suns scorching the lands on Rubi-Ka, people find a way to be merry and celebrate the winter holidays.

Dressed in Santa suits and waving mistletoe twigs, the citizens of Anarchy Online are very good at making the party last, especially as they wait for Santa Leet, the most mysterious leet of them all, who shares presents with everyone.

Give Santa Leet what he wants, get Christmas decorations. Sounds simple enough.

City of Heroes/Villians

Residents of Paragon City are more concerned with the coming New Year. Winter is blowing in across the bay to Paragon City, and settling on the Rogue Isles like an icy blanket.

Players who log in between December 17th and January 6th will receive the Gifted badge and the Fuzzy Earmuffs costume piece, along with the Holiday Spirit Temporary Power, which grants 48 hours of 25% Debt Protection, as well as the Holiday Cheer Temporary Power - target another player and use Holiday Cheer on them. It will reward them with a random, mystery Gift - a Temporary Power, a sack full of Influence or Infamy, or maybe even a very recognizable hat.

For the more action-oriented, players are asked to help Father Time. Snaptooth has kidnapped Baby New Year in order to keep Father Time from passing on the chronological mantle. If he keeps Baby New Year locked away forever, guarded by the Red Caps and allies among the Tuatha, winter will never give way to spring, and the universe may come to an end. Wait ... that sounds mighty familiar.

While there isn't much chance of a snowball fight(except between ice blasters, anyway), Heroes and Villians alike can hit the ski slopes. Authorities have kept the slalom course in great condition. This year all runs will be timed and players can earn Bronze, Silver, or even Gold Medalist Badges.

Just to keep things interesting, The Gamester is once again on the loose and has loaded the streets and rooftops with "gifts". Use caution and watch for falling candy canes. With each present players open "successfully," a Candy Cane will appear. These can be redeemed with the Candy Keeper in the Pocket D chalet for a huge host of holiday rewards.

Wrapping it up

In the end, the holiday season is about fun and fellowship. It doesn't matter what or how people celebrate. If it's fun,it's fun. Even if, like those poor souls in Hobbiton, you spend your Yuletide doing a handful of quests and never get a mug of warm cider or a visit from a gift-bearing wizard.

Do you have a favorite ingame holiday memory? Tell us about it. We love stories.