Yep, you read right. It’s safe to assume that players, hardcore and casual alike, have a lot to get excited about with Final Fantasy XIV. Adding to the hype is that the open beta for Square Enix’s newest MMO finally starts tomorrow!

News broke of the open beta test date after details were posted on FFXIV’s official Twitter account. A trailer was also released, with several copies already uploaded on YouTube.

The prerelease trailer, a three and half minute clip summarizing the high-definition gameplay experience, is accompanied by the official FFXIV theme song “Answers” as recorded by award-winning vocalist/musician Susan Calloway.

Apart from the outstanding musical score, FFXIV keeps content fresh with changes such as quicker leveling accessible in either solo or group play; high-definition, real-time cut scene features; and five new playable races.

Eorzea, the intricately designed FFXIV environment, is more than just a backdrop for one’s quests and combats. Comprised of six-city states, players traverse through various locations and immerse themselves further in the game. Grand landmarks that will undoubtedly attract players are the coliseum in Ul’dah and the medieval castle in Limsa Lominsa, to name a few.

There’s a lot to take in at this point so load up on FFXIV gil and boost your game time to prepare yourself.

ETA: Hold on, folks. An announcement from Square Enix said that the open beta test “will be postponed due to a confirmation of critical bugs”.  Details on the new schedule to come soon.

Challenge the architect in you with STO’s newest web-based mini-game!

Cryptic Studios and Atari just unveiled Star Trek Online Architect, a ship-building game designed to test players’ speed and accuracy as well as promote creativity.

Check out the site now and enter the sweepstakes to win prizes such as a TOS captain’s chair replica and Intel processors.

Get a chance to go behind the scenes with Sony Online Entertainment as they kick off Fan Faire 2010’s Backstage Blogger Contest on June 16, 2010.

To enter, participants must submit video or written entries showing off their fanboy/girlisms for any SOE game—from DC Universe Online to EverQuest II.

As for the prizes? A bloggie™ Camera Kit, which includes a bloggie™ PM5 MP4 camera, 270-degree swivel lens + 360-degree video accessory + 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media card (approximate retail value: US$189.99), Fan Faire Platinum Pass and more await the winners.

Remember to read through the official contest rules first before entering.

The annual spring-themed celebration is back this year, kicking off on the 6th of June all the way to the 12th.

The weeklong player-run event will feature fun-filled, friendly activities such as scavenger hunts, archery and fishing tournaments, charades, duels, trivia contests, date auctions and so much more.

Get more info on the schedule and locations of events by going to EQII’s news page.

Heads up, Adventurers! Even more weapon enhancements are coming your way as FFXI expands Trial of the Magians.

Apart from further augmentations to relic and mythic weapons, there’s promise of getting to experience new trial sequences once the update goes live.

The new Miraculous Magian Spectacles is yet another addition to look forward to. You may obtain it from the Magian Moogle and once activated will conjure a Magian trial log by your side helping you keep track of your progress.

Say goodbye to hours upon hours of patching! Surely, all you diehard Aion fans are well aware that update 1.9 won’t be hitting the live servers until the 2nd of June, but who’s to say that you have to wait till then to download the full patch?

Now you can download portions of the patch in short and sweet stages instead of one huge content dump in one sitting. And the best part? You don’t have to go out of your way to do this.

The patch has been programmed to easily be detected and downloaded by your NCsoft launcher and all you have to do is click “check for updates”. Spread the word!

The latest installment of the Fan Art Contest returns as part of FFXI’s 8th year anniversary celebrations.

From May 16 to June 16, contestants will be asked to submit their most awe-inspiring and imaginative masterpieces in the medium of their liking. Full creative freedom is what the contest champions.

The winning entries will be featured and recognized in the Topics section, with the winners receiving the Nomad Moogle Rod in-game item as their prize. A bonus Chocobo Beret also awaits the Crystal and Mythril awardees.

Another piece of the Catalcysm puzzle falls into place as Blizzard releases a preview of the Halls of Origination, a new dungeon to be introduced in the latest World of Warcraft expansion.

Housed in the ancient Titan zone Uldum, the level 85 dungeon is designed for five players and includes seven unique boss encounters.

This is definitely not for the faint of heart. And as such, those who emerge victorious are highly paid off as they will be given a chance to help Brann Bronzebeard uncover the mysteries behind these Halls.

The Ebony Complete Home Set is now available for purchase, containing over 20 classy heirloom fixtures such as the Ebony Vanity Mirror, Ebony Bedroom Armoire and the Ebony Loveseat, just to name a few.

Just click on the Marketplace tab in the main menu to select from the list of available items. Happy shopping!

You can’t always get what you want…

While I normally agree with The Rolling Stones on that one, I have recently found that it shouldn’t have to be true.

If this want takes on the form of World of Warcraft’s Celestial Steed, that is.

Since its launch on April 15, the fanciest mount ever to be released has tickled the fancies of WoW players everywhere.

If you’re still lusting for the magical warhorse yet thinking that shelling out $25 for it is too much, don’t fret.

EpicToon.com is having a promo intended to give four lucky customers a chance to get a sweet and absolutely free ride on the prized pony just by ordering gold.

Now the logic behind it is pretty simple. Order gold from the site, get an instant 10 entries to the Celestial Steed raffle contest. What’s more is that they will also throw in 10% bonus gold on all orders.

Contest is until May 31 only so if you want Christmas to come early, get your gold fix now.