It’s been quite a while since I posted the last “week that was” article.

Honestly, weeks come and go like seconds. When you’re busy (like me and the rest of the gang here at Level Up), there’s never a dull moment and time really flies (if you’re having fun).

Anyways, a lot of interesting stuff happened this week. The most controversial of course was the “spilling of the beans” for RF Episode 2 going Free-to-Play. Well, we WERE going to announce it but some players got hold of the new CDs and the posters which bore the words “FREE TO PLAY”. More on that later.

For the sake of argument, I officially “started” the week on a Saturday at SM Megatrade Hall where I attended the Perfect World launch event and it was a complete success. Thanks to all those who came, of course.

More week-ender news after one more click.

Like I said kanina, RF Online Philippines gears up for Episode 2. The RF team, invigorated with the addition of GM Cydie, their new Community Manager, goes full throttle for the biggest and baddest expansion to this sci-fi MMORPG. In Episode 2, the business model will change and the main focus of the game will now be the Item Mall. Although there will still be a premium service, anyone can now play this game for FREE and enjoy the features of this great game of galactic and racial domination. Brand Manager Keith and his team have lots of exciting events and gimmicks lined up for RF. The Novus Elite Squad Tournament (or NEST) nears the halfway point of the campaign and the semis are now being prepared.

Meanwhile, not to be outdone, the Ragnarok team also prepares to launch Rachel, Episode 15 to the nation. As you mayhaps remember, the main feature highlighted on this patch is the ability to add extra slots to weapons and gear. Sweet! Rob, Waukeen’s assistant brand manager is diligently burning the midnight oil and I’m helping him and the team to prep up for the coming launch. I’ll post a more detailed report separately. But allow me to take this opportunity to thank the young lad… he’s actually doing well. Good show, chap!

Of course, Perfect World took the spotlight as we eagerly bit our fingernails waiting for hte next metric and revenue report. Though, for obvious reasons, I cannot disclose the actual figures, suffice it to say that even the managers above my level are happy of the game’s performance. The goal is to do more, of course! And everyone’s doing their part to make sure that this happens. But with the entry of our new game comes the demise of one of our most cherished titles – R.O.S.E. Online. It’s sad to see pROSE finally go offline (forever) last August 6 .

For iRL (in Real Life) stuff – we just launched our Level Up Sportsfest this week. No, it’s not videogaming! But actually Basketball (men’s) and Volleyball (mixed). Our team “EAST” won our first match. Wohoo!!! I’ll see if I can ask for the photos and post it soon, okies?

T_T

Lastly, I am also busy preparing for the actual tournament logistics for the LIVE 2007 main event. Maps for the stages, checklists, schedules and other details are being mapped out to make sure that everything goes out without a hitch.

That’s it for this week-ender. Sorry for the long post. I think I deserve my lazy weekend now.

Where’s my wine glass?