The in-game items for Fan Faire have been announced!  We are pleased to report that this year all registrants will receive the items, whether you pre-register or do walk-in.  You don't even have to attend, just register!

Even better, registrants no longer have to choose one game for their goodie.  Registrants will receive the in-game items in all participating games for which they have an account at the time of registration.

Games with in-game Fan Faire items include EverQuest, EverQuest II, Star Wars Galaxies, The Matrix Online, Vanguard, Legends of Norrath, PoxNora, and the SWG and Free Realms TCG's.

For details, read more at EQII Players!

As I post this the SOE Fan Faire is a mere 40 days away.  This will be my third Fan Faire, and this time I'm gonna be busier than a one-winged bixie in a jumjum field with both EverQuest II and Free Realms to cover for ZAM.  It's a great time, if you can make it you surely should.

Here's some things I've learned the last two Fan Faires which you might find interesting, informative, or at least amusing.  All this may mean nothing if you're the type who can toss a change of underthings in a bag and be good for a week, but me, I need to plan a bit.

Getting There:  If you're flying be sure to check with your airline and airport's websites for current FAA regulations and how far ahead you need to be at the airport.  Also note that many airlines charge you to check more than one bag.  If you're driving, watch your budget by using a site like GasBuddy to find cheaper gas. Once you're in Vegas, grab a shuttle to the hotel.  They're all about the same, and you can buy a round-trip shuttle ticket for under $15.  Cheaper than a cab!  You don't really need a car in Vegas, especially if you're staying near the monorail (Bally's also offers free shuttles to its sister hotels).  

Do you know someone who you think deserves to be called the SOE Player of the Year? Do you think you fit that title? If so, you can nominate another player or yourself in the Player of the Year 2009 Contest for the chance to win a trip to Fan Faire 2009, which is being held at Bally's Las Vegas from June 25-28.

To enter, all you need to do is submit a letter or role-playing story up to 300 words explaining why you or another player should be considered for the honor. If you'd like, you can even send a screenshot or video to accompany the submission. You have until May 10 to complete your entry and send it in.

Up to two grand prize winners will get a round-trip plane ticket to Las Vegas, standard hotel room accomodations, transport to and from the airport and an All-Access pass to Fan Faire. The approximate retail value is $690. The nominee must be at least 21 years old and a U.S. resident. The official rules can be found here. More information can be found after the jump.

Registration is now open for SOE Fan Faire 2009, which will be held at Bally's Las Vegas from June 25-28. An All-Access pass for the entire weekend costs $89, or day passes are available for $39 each. There will be all sorts of events taking place, including tournaments, demos, parties, panels and an address by SOE President John Smedley. You can even buy a copy of "EverQuest: The 10th Anniversary Collector's Edition" and have it signed by artist Donato Giancola.

Those who pre-register 10 or more guild mates online will receive 50% off an All-Access pass, so talk to your friends ahead of time and plan accordingly. To register, visit the official Fan Faire Web site. For more information, you can always check our very own Fan Faire wiki page. The full announcement can be found after the jump.