GC '07 :  after a " making of " video of their next spy-themed MMO "The Agency" , SOE President John Smedley explained that they worked to create a world where adults live out their fantasy of being an elite super agent. He added that The Agency will combine different business models beside in-game ads and some areas off-limits till players gain access .

It appears to us that Smedley was aware that although players now are very accepting of the subscription fees for playing online they're also resistant to certain alternatives like paying for microtransactions such as new weapons or armors and buffs .

He also noted that subscription fees will not disappear but only when you subscribe , the ADs will be gone and you'll gain access to new areas and outfits.

" we hope that doesn't make the game un-balanced for free players "

Thought Sony would stop at Planetside? Think again. As opposed to fitting as many players as humanly possible onto a single battlefield, The Agency is an MMOFPS where players are emersed in a present world spy vs. spy storyline. Contracts are made available to spy agencies and carried out by players. Don't want to work for the man? That's fine too, just create your own agency. Not too much information has been released on the game but you can bet to see much more in the near future.

As of June, SOE has a closed beta and has been accepting applicants to join one of their two main featured agencies: paraGON or U.N.I.T.E.

Interested in joining beta? Send applications to   jointheagency@soe.sony.com and cross those fingers.