WASHINGTON, DC—Stratics, the Internet’s oldest continually-operating MMO fansite, will celebrate its 16th anniversary next Sunday by hosting a series of interviews with some of the gaming industry’s most influential figures. In keeping with the theme of the celebration, “What’s Old is New Again,” Stratics’ guests will include individuals whose historical contributions uniquely shaped the modern MMORPG landscape. The event will also feature giveaways and interviews with some of Stratics’ former and current team members, as well as an unveiling of the newly-redesigned Stratics.com.

Richard Garriott and Starr Long, whose 1997 launch of Ultima Online (UO) forever shaped MMORPG development, will be meeting to discuss the anthropology of gaming and to promote their new title, Shroud of the Avatar (SotA).

Paul Sage, Creative Director at ZeniMax and another key contributor to UO’s impact on the MMORPG industry, along with veteran Community Manager Jessica Folsom will discuss ZeniMax’s highly anticipated title, The Elder Scrolls Online.

Bonnie Armstrong, Producer of Ultima Online, will discuss her leadership of the historic title and reflect on Stratics’ close support to the UO team over the past sixteen years.

Jen Gordy, Lead PvP Designer at Carbine Studios and former Stratics volunteer, will join us to discuss Carbine’s WildStar Online, which continues to generate enormous excitement at gaming conventions.

UPDATE: In an exciting new development, Stratics will also be joined by CCP Copywriter/Editor John “Loktofeit” Albano, who will comment on Stratics’ support for Eve Online over the past decade.

Since its founding in 1997, Stratics has endeavored to facilitate productive communication between game developers and the communities that support them. To this end, Gina Dionne, SotA’s Community Manager, will join Jessica Folsom to discuss the role and importance of fansite communities.

As these interviews progress, Stratics will be giving away digital and physical “swag” to viewers. Moreover, Stratics will unveil the newly-redesigned Stratics.com and announce important changes to its direction and organization, to include paid opportunities for all content contributors.

The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 20 October, between 2-8 PM EST. Visit Stratics.com/Stratics16 for more details! Check back often, as more information is being added as the anniversary approaches.

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Stratics.com publishes fansite news, strategy guides, and statistics for MMORPGs. The network is united by a vibrant community of players, developers, and over 50 staff members. Since its founding in 1997, Stratics has endeavored to create opportunities for players and developers to share their passionate love for gaming. Stratics is published by Valour Corp.