[Skuz]

A future project in development appears to be in the planning stages, EverQuest 3 it might not be, but the very limited info points at some interesting groundwork being done already.


The chapter, entitled "EverQuest Next" was written by EQ Creative Director Rich Waters, where he discusses the considerations SOE is taking into account when developing their next iteration of the EverQuest franchise for next generation gamers:

"As we contemplate future EverQuest games, we have to ask, what does the modern MMO player really want from today's games? What will they want four years from now? Current MMOs are still designed traditionally with a pen-and-paper game feel behind them-lots of stats and numbers, experience-based levels and a focus on auto-attack dice roll combat. Will that work for next-gen MMOs, or do we try something different?"

"So you can see there's a lot to wrestle with as we begin laying the foundation for EverQuest 'Next.' As I write this, we have concept artists and game designers working hard in our studio-taking the lessons of the past, the best parts of the present and the most promising ideas for the future-to bring the world of Norrath to a new generation of players, as well as the dedicated legions of fans who made the EverQuest franchise timeless. I hope we'll see you there."

[Meemers]

You got a source for this, Skuz?

and Rich, wasn't he the dude "behind" the PoP expansion? Or am i confusing him with someone else? I seem to remember he had one big thing on his resum? that surpassed some of the other stuff he was behind

/Meemers

[Skuz]

Recently, we got our hands on a copy of the 10th Anniversary EverQuest Book written by Rusel DeMaria and Paul Lipscombe. The last chapter of this book is intriguingly titled "EverQuest Next" and was individually written by EverQuest Creative Director, Rich Waters.

The excerpt in my original post was taken directly from the 10th Anniversary table top book about EQ.

They also created a documentary all about EQ around the same time in a similar vein ( 10th Anniversary ).

EQ isn't the only game that SoE are tagging with the "next" moniker either, Planetside is slated for a sequel too & it would seem that the massive success of Free Realms (4 million + free users & over 2 million subs) has played a part in giving them the financial clout to go ahead on these 2 major projects.

Sadly there is no news around on any plans to further the Vanguard franchise, quite the opposite in fact with mention of no interest in furthering that franchis, though the Flying Labs guys are investing heavily into Pirates of the Burning Sea, a game which SoE only handle the back-end of and is a part of the SoE station-access package, which has not decreased in cost since the Matrix Online was discontinued...

Getting back on topic though it would seem SoE see Planetside & EQ as IP's they wish to redevelop for a future release & will be the only ones they take forward once their newer IP's are done (DC Universe Online & The Agency)

[Murasame]

The main problem with SoE and EQ is they don't know how to make it work, EQ2 was a nice concept, and that's it.

I've been hearing about EverQuest next for a while now, and as a nostalgia-induced-freak I'm looking forward to the next installment.

They should listen to those playing EQ1, those guys are the "cult" or "following" that should be heard, look at what blizzard did, took some EQ players and made them help out in WoW. They should really listen to their players, at least thats my opinion.

Anyways, speaking about EverQuest Next, the documentary on IGN "EverCracked" showed a concept art or something, but of course I don't believe anything I saw, but it does look... Interesting to say the least.

Check it out when you can!

[snirks]

What we (well I) need is a Eve Online-type sandbox on the ground with elves and orcs and territory control.

Or something like that.

[Meemers]

IGN - EverCracked

Here's a link to IGN's site where the 5 episodes are. You see the concept art of EverQuest Next in episode 5. Though just a brief look.

Good doc tbh. There was a few things i didn't know and was funny to see what intentions were and stuff.