The Sunset of Free Realms is an official term used by Sony Online Entertainment representatives when referring to the closure of Free Realms on March 31, 2014 at 6:00 PM pacific time, 7:00 Mountain time, 8:00 Central time, and 9:00 Eastern time.
On January 24, 2014, an article by Free Realms Producer Steve "Shock" George was released over the official Free Realms website announcing the closure of Free Realms[1], later reposted on the official forums and official wiki. Along with Free Realms, closure was announced for three other Sony Online Entertainment massively multiplayer online games including: Clone Wars Adventures, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes, and Wizardry Online.
Reasons for closure of the game were given by SOE's President, John Smedley, over Reddit. It was not a big cost issue, but more of an issue with the amount of time it required to maintain the code bases when updating authentication or security updates,[2] and that the resources were needed elsewhere.[3] Along with SOE will no longer be developing games exclusively aimed towards children.[4]
Free Realms Sunset FAQ[]
On February 18, 2014, Free Realms Community Relations Manager Tiffany "Amnerys" Spence posted answers to Frequently Asked Questions, concerning the sunset, over the Official Free Realms forums.[5]
FAQ
Is Free Realms being shut down?
- Yes. Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) is scheduled to sunset Free Realms on March 31, 2014.
What happens to all the code/data for Free Realms? Can someone open an emulator server for Free Realms?
- Sony Online Entertainment will retain all of the code and data from Free Realms. Sony Online Entertainment will not license or authorize the operation of a Free Realms emulator or fan operated Free Realms server.
Will the Free Realms Website and/or Forums be available after the service shuts down?
- All Websites and Forums associated with Free Realms will be removed after the service shuts down.
What’s going to happen to my Free Realms items and trading cards?
- Free Realms items and trading cards that players have prior to sunset will continue to be accessible through March 31, 2014. No new items and trading cards will be available for purchase as of March 31, 2014.
What happens to all the Station Cash I have purchased?
- Your Station Cash resides in your SOE Wallet which is shared across all of the SOE games. You can continue to use Station Cash to purchase items in other SOE games (with your parent’s permission.)
I have a further concern and want to contact Customer Service. How do I do that?
- We definitely want to help address any further concerns, and if there is some specific issue with your situation that isn’t covered but could be answered by Customer Service please follow the directions on this page. You are also welcome to post any general questions in this thread; we will be reviewing it frequently.
Dates[]
01/24/2014
- Sunset announced
01/28/2014
- All Station Cash items were permanently set on sale for 60% off their original price.
- Multiple mini-games, encounters and all Jobs had their Membership restriction lifted.
- Mystical Barrier opened, granting public access Pony Vale.
02/04/2014
- February 2014's Monthly Member Pack Items
- All players automatically granted Membership status.
- A large number of invisible walls were removed from the world.
- Pony Vale and Rocklar Village were officially opened.
- All quests had their Membership restrictions lifted.
- The Guild max members capacity was raised from 100 to 300.
02/11/2014
- Flagged all items as non-Member to fix an issue with Member Only items being unequipped on logout.
03/18/2014
- Prices on all Marketplace items were reduced to 1.
- 8-Bit Month, Lost Treasures Month, Snow Days along with Super Spooktacular questlines and NPC returned around Sacred Grove.
- Super Spooktacular Coin Shop housing and Pet Pals returned and available for purchase.
- HeroRealms Month and 8-Bit Month Coin Shop clothing returned and available for purchase.
03/31/2014
- Last day to play Free Realms.
Gallery[]
Sources[]
- Game Sunset - Monday, March 31 at 6:00 PM PT on Free Realms Forums
- Game Update Overviews in Free Realms
References[]
- ↑ With Heavy Hearts, We Announce the Sunset of Free Realms on Free Realms
- ↑ chooseareality comments on I'm John Smedley, President of SOE. AMAA on Reddit.com
- ↑ Cyliena comments on I'm John Smedley, President of SOE. AMAA on Reddit.com
- ↑ FirePuff comments on I'm John Smedley, President of SOE. AMAA on Reddit.com
- ↑ Free Realms Sunset FAQ on Free Realms Forums