Sign on Options
Theme:
To Dark

SOE unveils EverQuest Next

MMORPG publisher prepping all-new, alternate history installment in long-running fantasy universe; Fan Faire 2010 highlights offer first concept art.

Over the weekend, Sony Online Entertainment held its annual Fan Faire, a meet-and-greet for those interested in finding out everything that's going on with EverQuest, EverQuest II, DC Universe Online, The Agency, and more. However, that's not all that SOE had in store, as the massively multiplayer online role-playing game company also took the opportunity to announce its latest evolution of the EverQuest franchise, tentatively titled "EverQuest Next."

Kelethin appears to be in for a facelift.

Kelethin appears to be in for a facelift.

As detailed in a panel posted to SOE's official Facebook page, EverQuest Next will be an all-new MMORPG effort from the storied developer. However, unlike 2004's EverQuest II, the new title will not be a continuation of the events that began in the 12-year-old original. Instead, the studio is positioning EverQuest Next as a "reimagining of the EverQuest universe," one that will have "familiar faces, races, and places" but operate as an alternate dimension and with a "clean slate."

Those statements were supported by a batch of concept art that accompanied SOE's EverQuest Next panel. The shots showed a variety of familiar environments, including the human town of Freeport and the elven forest of Faydark. Other shots showed detailed images of familiar races and monsters, including dark elves, ogres, and ghouls.

The design panel also noted that the next EQ will include a range of classes more in line with the original rather than the more specialized slate available in EQ2.

"We wanted to make the next EverQuest be something that still keeps the flavor the original and the lore and core tenants of it, but we wanted to make something that is truly next generation," said SOE president John Smedley of the game's direction. Smedley also said that SOE plans to provide a wide range of scalability for the game, noting that EverQuest Next will accommodate cutting-edge tech right down to minimalist laptops.

EverQuest Next remains in the early development phase, and SOE did not offer an expected release window or platforms.

87 Comments

  • Red2000bc

    Posted Jan 24, 2011 8:11 pm GMT

    hey calypa umm personally just dont put eq1 or eq2 in the same genre as a console mmo because they dont match up. even with out date graphics eqoa is better just due to the fact that ur not behind some 17inch computer screen while in eqoa ur just chilling on the couch. This gives eqoa a much better feel and with that a much better comfort lvl. just think a western game like eqoa on the ps3 = better then some cartoonish eastern game and better then any other garabage you can throw at the ps3 if they just get off their arsh

  • Red2000bc

    Posted Jan 24, 2011 8:05 pm GMT

    As Bart Scott would Say !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't Wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! give use some info ive tried like every mmo and the saying power for me is just low all suck. Atm trying pc games lol hate it so much need eqoa on the big screen while im sitting on my couch. Wow, runescape, ddo, everquest 2, ect ect ect all just trash. Atm im thinking of going back to eqoa but umm not willing to go and buy a ps2 again after I sold mines over 3 years ago for a ps3 in hopes for a new eqoa because at that time eqoa was hot as helllllllllllllllllllllll

  • Calypta

    Posted Jan 1, 2011 10:06 am GMT

    Please.... Again? How many times do we need to "redo" EverQuest? You can't live in the past, guys. You had your days of fame, and those days are over. I'm tiring of the whole "next EQ" garbage. I quit EQ to play EQ2, which was supposed to be the grand continuation of EQ. It was completely different and though it has not completely fallen on it's face, it's little more than recycled content. Every expansion that comes out.. Oh yep, I was there! Newest one, Velious. Yep, been there! Is it impossible to have a completely new idea, guys? And then came Vanguard, which was supposed to be the TRUE predecessor to EQ. It was supposed to be EQ gameplay in a new exciting world. Guess what. It flopped. Now this? Stop beating a dead horse already and come up with a new IP.

  • wgc01

    Posted Sep 26, 2010 4:12 pm GMT

    Smeddley smeghead would not know next gen if it flew up and bit him on the arse, I won't play another soe product until he is gone..

  • zahlhedren

    Posted Aug 31, 2010 6:02 am GMT

    No Console
    No Mac
    No listening to the player base whine and giving in to them.

  • CaptainAhab13

    Posted Aug 22, 2010 1:37 am GMT

    Sony, you've opened up the gates to a game that might take down WoW, because the world of EverQuest is such a fantastic place to explore. Please, PLEASE, don't botch it.

    Also... Mac support. Let's go.

  • TheTenth10

    Posted Aug 20, 2010 2:52 am GMT

    +10 for that
    had great pleasure playing Everquest 2 for months
    I actually despise PvP, love Coop, I play for having fun - with people or not - not gloating over wiping enemies

  • LShadowthorn

    Posted Aug 16, 2010 5:27 pm GMT

    I hope it is only for the computer it will be lame if it tries to dumb down for the other systems. If it was not a MMO I would not care as much. But EQ Next should not be watered down to console levels. So Sony here is your chance to get people away from WoW do not waste it.

  • Psychokillaz

    Posted Aug 12, 2010 8:08 am GMT

    Finally the best mmorpg is coming out for the PS3. About time! People still play EQOA Fronts on PS2. This is great news!

  • Frostnut

    Posted Aug 11, 2010 3:12 am GMT

    Players arent looking for graphics when playing MMOs,just look at WOW,graphics arent so good but still the game is very popular+if the graphics are too beautiful,you lose players cause its not everyone who will spend money upgrading their pc.

  • nedrith

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 10:33 pm GMT

    For anyone who thinks any MMO will want to beat WoW's subscription numbers, Many of the major ones aren't. I can tell you FFXIV isn't and I doubt EQ next will. You don't exactly make a hardcore MMO to try to beat a casual MMOs that's barely a MMO numbers. These are true MMOs being made.

  • nedrith

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 10:29 pm GMT

    Honestly PvP games need to stay away from balanced classes and such, make each class special and make them all work together. There might be one class that excels in a nice team but sucks alone. Developers have to remember they aren't creating a chat box but a MMO, people are supposed to work together.

    as for MMOs not working on consoles, I agree from a UI format but besides that there's no reason they can't. Sure the graphics might not improve ever but so what. Do you really need to improve the graphics when making a expansion? not really. FFXI might not of improved much graphically, but it was a wonderful game and still is.

  • Ravenlore_basic

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 5:49 pm GMT

    That is because when balancing classes they keep everything in perameters the same. They should not TRY to make a perfect balance. As long as there is not classes that totally destroys another class then its fine. I hate when every charter has the same range, or all charters have some way to stun,... make people different. This should not be hard to do. There are SOOO many ways to fight Close combat, near combat, distance. Then there is Stelth, magic, strength, environment, ... Too many ways to make different classes differenate from eachother

  • dre256x

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 5:17 pm GMT

    @ taxonomic
    PvP focus mmo's will always fail subscription wise.. Why? Because u can never truly have perfect balance because not every one plays there role right and someone will always Q.Q about why cant my class kill the class even if they are evenly gear.. And lets not forget Pvp actually takes skill, quick thing and quick reaction..
    The pvp in Wow has come a far way (still not perfect) but you still got crappy players who makes the game not fun for others...

  • Frostnut

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 5:01 pm GMT

    @Drummerdickens

    Sorry to hear that you didn t play DAO cause it s a wonderful game on both pc and consoles but don t be too quick to judge MMO on consoles.As I said FFXI was pretty good on PS2.Just give consoles a chance.

  • Baked-Calbee

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 4:19 pm GMT

    Expansion every year and same old BS... no thx

  • Kan0nF0dder

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 2:48 pm GMT

    LOADING PLEASE WAIT . . .

  • Kan0nF0dder

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 2:26 pm GMT

    The original Everquest really was something else, no MMO - including WoW - has provided the same level and enjoyment and addiction since. Plus, honestly, the lore was actually a lot better.

  • taxonomic

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 12:42 pm GMT

    From what I read it seems EQ Next is focusing on PvP. Though I'm not too fond of PvP, this is actually a good tactic, considering that other than Shadowbane there really hasn't been a concerted effort to make a heavy PvP MMO, unless I missed a few.

    WoW does a lot of things greatly, but not one of those things is PvP, so I'm willing to bet Sony figured this was the one thing they could do better. Just a theory, but from my viewpoint it seems like a good way to poach hardcore types that feel trapped in WoW.

  • gbrading Site moderator

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 12:17 pm GMT

    If it looks as beautiful as the screenshot suggests that certainly quite impressive.

  • RobbySpry

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 11:42 am GMT

    @Ohaidere I read ya, but i honestly doubt that most people who play MMOs care that much about the graphics and i also doubt that most people who stop playing an MMO after a while don't do so because they got bored with the graphics rather than many other things. And for that matter, EQ1's initiatl graphics is still good enough to enjoy it in present day. I doubt very much that more than a few percentage of the customers would actually choose to get this new MMO for their PC rather than console just because of their version of the game then having a higher chance of looking better in the future. The price might be lower, the features might be more plentiful, but you don't get a game for the PC rather than PS3 for the graphics, unless you have a really high-end PC of course, because with a keyboard and a mouse you'll get about the same important things on a PS3 as on a PC with an MMO.

  • 63subzero

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 11:07 am GMT

    i kinda look forward to this. i enjoyed the first eq a lot, and could never really get into wow. i mean, total respect for wow, 12 million subscribers can't be wrong, but it was always been a bit childish looking for my taste.

  • SS_Lord

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 11:03 am GMT

    Good gosh, I fail at posting here... not only I double posted, but failed to even put line separation between paragraphs. Sorry everyone.

  • Ohaidere

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 11:03 am GMT

    @Robbyspry

    The main problem with putting in on a console is that it limits the game's technical progress to the static realm of a console, instead of the constantly improving realm of PCs. Now, it might not be a big deal since they're claiming that it will be able to run on low end comps as well as high end ones, but if you look at EQ 1's graphics now, and EQ 1's graphics at launch- a PS2 would likely not be able to run it in it's current state.

    Not to mention look at FFXI- the game's graphics have virtually gone nowhere in 7 years because it's been developed for a console. This late in a console cycle would be a bad idea to launch a PC/console cross-platform MMO.

  • SS_Lord

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 10:59 am GMT

    @atopp399 MMOs "might" work fine on a console, but honestly it's just a complete waste and horrible idea, thinking about game design and "modularity". First, even if mouse/keyboards are enabled, they will have to make the UI controller-friendly, which is horrible. Don't even dare to say FFXI's UI is good. Second, MMOs are very long-lasting games, some might even outlive the "lifespan" of a planned console generation. As computer hardware evolves, so does the game's graphics and features. If you need examples of that, EQ1 has gone through so many changes (new models at first, then improved textures, then the adition of Pixel/Vertex Shader effects). Looking at EQ2 and even WoW is the same: new expansions come out, they improve textures and sometimes even add new effects to the engine (improved shadow maps, higher-poly count monster models, etc). All that is impossible on a console, because it's a fixed piece of hardware. FFXI, for example, changed almost nothing graphically. They are currently at the limit of the system, being unable to improve textures or add new effects because of lack of processing power and, more importantly, system memory. So, yeah, as a long-time MMO gamer that has experienced more than a dozen titles since EQ1's debut in the late 90s, I want them to stay the hell away from consoles.

  • SS_Lord

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 10:59 am GMT

    @atopp399 MMOs "might" work fine on a console, but honestly it's just a complete waste and horrible idea, thinking about game design and "modularity". First, even if mouse/keyboards are enabled, they will have to make the UI controller-friendly, which is horrible. Don't even dare to say FFXI's UI is good. Second, MMOs are very long-lasting games, some might even outlive the "lifespan" of a planned console generation. As computer hardware evolves, so does the game's graphics and features. If you need examples of that, EQ1 has gone through so many changes (new models at first, then improved textures, then the adition of Pixel/Vertex Shader effects). Looking at EQ2 and even WoW is the same: new expansions come out, they improve textures and sometimes even add new effects to the engine (improved shadow maps, higher-poly count monster models, etc). All that is impossible on a console, because it's a fixed piece of hardware. FFXI, for example, changed almost nothing graphically. They are currently at the limit of the system, being unable to improve textures or add new effects because of lack of processing power and, more importantly, system memory. So, yeah, as a long-time MMO gamer that has experienced more than a dozen titles since EQ1's debut in the late 90s, I want them to stay the hell away from consoles.

  • WolverineNinja

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 9:57 am GMT

    Kind of excited about this actually. Played EQ for 3-4 years and then EQ2 after that for a couple years. Would be nice to go back to Norrath in an experience closer to EQ1. However, there needs to be a Mac version as I no longer use PC and won't go back.

  • TexArcane posted Aug 10, 2010 9:43 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    TexArcane

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 9:43 am GMT (hide)

    To me this just translates to: "Let's just keep trying to get WoW numbers."

  • rprevidi5

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 9:09 am GMT

    This could be awesome. Lets hope they do it right and incorporate the elements from the original game that made it great. Especially !! the music and the tension. I sware people just don't realize how captivating the music was in the original. The suspense / fear factor played a large part in keeping a player engaged.. Good luck SOE. See you guys in a couple years when they beta test.

  • skemaal

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 8:59 am GMT

    Yay more EQ yay!

  • pelvist

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 8:27 am GMT

    If they keep everything that made the original EQ so good back in the day and redo the graphical aspect of the game then ill be happy with this. The only thing keeping me from wanting to go back to EQ1 is how dated the game is so this news is good news.

    Lets see if it can live up to the original instead of becoming another over casualised WoW clone full of kids.

  • rapiergv

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 8:08 am GMT

    i am always looking forward to a good MMO! let's hope it's the real deal

  • Bortson

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 8:04 am GMT

    If they do a "reboot" of EQ and make it a lot like the original that I loved then I might get back into it. At least until my favorite class gets gimped

  • atopp399

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 7:28 am GMT

    Two things need to happen for me to play this.

    First, it needs to run well on current computers. EQ2 ran like crap even on really good machines. I had the best nVidia video card(I think it was a 6800 Ultra) and CPU(not an extreme edition) at the time and it still ran poorly.

    Second, they need way less classes. I see according to the article they are moving in this direction which is good. EQ2 was so annoying having so many of each type of class which pretty much all did the same thing.

    If it is similar to EQ1 while at the same time making it slightly easier and more enjoyable to solo it will be a winner in my book.

    I also agree an MMO could work fine on a console. Look at Final Fantasy XI or XIV. Sure, maybe the console version will have slightly inferior graphics but as long as mouse/keyboard support is available it really is no different than a prebuilt computer.

  • Delius

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 7:00 am GMT

    I loved the original, so if this is just a modernized version of the original I'm all for it. I would love to come back to Norrath.

  • RobbySpry

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 6:24 am GMT

    @ Odins_Fury - "The PS3 has keyboard and mouse support, so I'm tired of hearing this "keep it off the consoles" nonsense. " - Well said. The PS3 is a lot more than simply a gaming console, which X360 owners probably never will grip.

  • mardinn

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 6:22 am GMT

    drummerdickens well tough luck I don't care. The developers out there don't care about PC. Now you'll feel the pain that the developers have caused to us. You got God Of War 3. Heavy Rain (Fahrenheit predecessor which was available on PC) while we got Diablo series, StarCraft series and what else. Nothing else. Everything we've almost got, consoles do too(only those series and couple of other one's). So now I am speaking for the PC community. I hope you suffer!

  • Odins_Fury

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 6:11 am GMT

    The PS3 has keyboard and mouse support, so I'm tired of hearing this "keep it off the consoles" nonsense.

  • deke913

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 6:01 am GMT

    @method115

    Sorry to hear you didnt get to play Dragon Age on pc. It is freaking awesome and for others out there who are timid about pc and having to upgrade ..consider this. I just bought a computer for 490 dollars off ebay. Phenom quad core with 4 gig of corsair gaming ram and GTS 250 video card, 320 gig of hard drive space (2 160's in raid setup) and it smokes every game I've thrown at it except maybe Crysis which I still run on high. Dragon Age, Risen, Batman Arkham Asylum, COD4, etc all at max with 4x AA. In about 6 months I'll spend another 200 and get a 460 nvidia card and be set for a year or more easy knowing I can always buy another card to meet any new game down the road for the next 2 to 3 years. (and this is at MAX settings too)

  • method115

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 5:18 am GMT

    @ drummerdickens

    lol I'm in the same boat as you. I used to be a PC gamer but since I work with PC's all day now I quit that and got a console. When star craft 2 got released I had to over clock my PC to the max it would go and it's barely playable now.

    Your missing out on Dragon Age though it was a great game even on the Consoles. Not sure what the PC version was like but I know the Console version was more then good enough.

  • drummerdickens

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 4:51 am GMT

    @Frostnut

    My PC is so old it can't play any games and I only have a PS3. I also want to play FF Online.

    The difference between you and me is that I know it will suck on the PS3 in comparison to on a PC. I still haven't bought Dragon Age Origins because I'm waiting to get a gaming rig.

  • Aggieman10 posted Aug 10, 2010 4:48 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Aggieman10

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 4:48 am GMT (hide)

    All MMO's suck...

  • Miroku_of_Nite1

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 3:48 am GMT

    EQOA was loads of fun on the PS2.

    CLW ftw!

  • Frostnut

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 3:12 am GMT

    @drummerdickens They released FFXI on ps2 and it was pretty good and PS3 ownwers can always use a keyboard if they want to.Stop being so selfish!!!!

  • drummerdickens

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 2:07 am GMT

    All you people who are shortsighted enough to ask for it on PS3; don't you realise that there are quite simply not enough buttons on a PS3 controller to effectively operate a good MMO?

    Keep it off the consoles.

  • blackace posted Aug 10, 2010 1:23 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    blackace

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 1:23 am GMT (hide)

    They should have called it EverQuest Last. Are people tired of this game yet. I did like EQ2, but WoW took up so much of my time, that I had to drop EQ2 and even GuildWars. ******************************************************** Kleeyook

    Also on PS3, no monthly fees but microtransaction plz!
    -----------------------------------------------------------------
    It won't be on the PS3. They already tried that with EverQuest Adventures for the PS2 and that was a total disaster. You think they are going to waste time transferring this game to the PS3? Any MMO that comes to the PS3 will definitely have a fee. Sony needs to make all the money it can get, after losing billions for the last 2 yrs. I would be surprised if EverLast's fee is even higher.

  • darkfox101

    Posted Aug 10, 2010 12:11 am GMT

    MMO on a console? Yea goodluck, just grab a gaming PC. Chances are you can spend less than 200 on a video card and should be good to go. Oh and youll be playing games that last longer than a week and aren't 60.

  • genecalypse

    Posted Aug 9, 2010 11:31 pm GMT

    the agency, dc universe is all on ps3 as well. i swear this will come as well

  • ReaperV7

    Posted Aug 9, 2010 11:05 pm GMT

    Everquest is one of Sony's best franchises. I need me some more evercrack.

  • Merex760

    Posted Aug 9, 2010 10:33 pm GMT

    I love Everquest. Some of the best lore and story out of any mmorpg. I hope SOE does well with this.

Subscribe to GameSpot's YouTube Channel

Hot Stories

Newsmakers

Featured Stories

Submit News

Got tips? Send them in!