Friday Fish(ing Minigame)wrap*

A bunch of interesting MMOG newsbits today.

Asheron's Call 2 to Close

From the official site:

Closing Asheron's Call 2

Dear AC2 subscribers,

In spite of our hard work and the launch of Legions, AC2 has reached the point where it no longer makes sense to continue the service. We will be officially closing the Asheron's Call 2 service on 12/30/05. Until then, we plan to run live events, but we will not be adding any content or features.

We deeply appreciate the many dedicated fans of AC2 who have stood by us over the years. You have our sincerest gratitude.

Best regards,

Jeffrey Anderson
CEO, Turbine

I imagine WoW like a WWII-era B-52 bomber, its nose dotted with little stencils of sword-wielding elves, each representing a vanquished competitor.

SOE Makes Bank with Station Exchange

Sony's in-house real money auctions for EQ2 equipment and characters saw $180,000 in transactions during the service's first 30 days. SOE charges listing fees depending on what's being sold as well as a 10% transaction fee, so while they won't reveal how much they've made, they've raked in at least $18,000 so far. Small potatoes, maybe, but those potatoes are free, mac.

Toontown to Be Sold in Stores

Sony again, this time their publishing arm, signing Disney Online's Toontown for publication and distribution. Toontown's been available as a download since launch, but has not yet reached a very wide audience despite the failsafe Disney brand, savvy game design, and consumer-friendly low technical requirements. During a presentation at last year's Austin Game Conference, developers noted that many people in the mass market still are hesitant to buy software online, citing security and technical concerns. Plus, you can't give a download as a gift. A boxed product that comes with two months gameplay makes a lot of sense.

Game Rental Outfit Hunting Down Loose AO Copies of GTA: SA

Ok, so it's not an MMOG, but The Boyfriend and I are now part of the Hot Coffee kerfuffle! Quick, book us on Fox News for some poorly sourced commentary!

Dear The Boyfriend,
Our records show that you currently have Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas rented.

As you may know, the ESRB recently changed the rating of GTA: San Andreas from M (Mature) to AO (Adults Only).

Due to Take 2 Interactive's recall of this AO-rated version, GameFly is offering you two options for this title:

• You may place a Keep It order for $29.99*, and we will send you the case and instructions. Shipping and handling is free for members.

-or-

• Return the copy you currently have rented by September 9, 2005.

If you do not place a "Keep It" order, or we do not receive your rented copy by September 9, 2005, GameFly will charge you the "Keep It" price for the game.

An M-rated version of the game will be available soon. You may add this version to Your GameQ today, and we will ship it once it becomes available.

Thank You
GameFly Support
support@gamefly.com

Just to be clear, we got the game before the scandal broke, not after. Ahem.

* With apologies to the late Herb Caen.