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Storybricks and Voxel Farm: The indie contribution to EQ Next
Here at Massively, we've had our eye on Storybricks for quite some time; the idea of NPCs reacting to players individually was just drool-worthy. So there was definite excitement when this indie outfit announced its collaboration on the upcoming EverQuest Next. But Storybricks isn't the only indie project playing a major role in the development of SOE's new game: Voxel Farm, the voxel-based procedural engine, is responsible for the landscape of both EQ Next and EverQuest Next Landmark. In recent interviews, US Gamer talks with both Storybricks developer Brian Green and Voxel Farm creator Miguel Cepero about their respective work on the games. Cepero spoke about why he created the software ("I became obsessed with creating virtual worlds.") and his hopes of moving into voxel-based creatures. Among other things, Green shared this tidbit about using an intelligent AI: "It might also be something like maybe if you're fighting something and a second monster comes and the second monster hates the monster you're fighting more than it hates you, it might actually join in on your side. This is a possibility; something that could happen. It depends on the situation." [Thanks to Matixzun for the tip]
The Daily Grind: Has a mega-hyped MMO ever met your expectations?
The MMO hype machine is in full swing for SOE's forthcoming EverQuest Next. It's inevitable given the combination of a long-lived franchise, a big-budget studio, and plenty of update-hungry followers. We've been here before as MMO fans, though, most recently with mega-hyped titles like Guild Wars 2 and Star Wars: The Old Republic. While hype in and of itself isn't necessarily a bad thing, I'm curious how many of you feel like a much-hyped MMO has actually met your expectations. Has any game managed it? Which one? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
EverQuest Next confirms cross-region play
Amid all of the revelry surrounding EverQuest Next's announcement are a few grumpy faces concerned that SOE was looking to region lock the upcoming title. President John Smedley took to Twitter to address the confusion. "Clearing up a few misconceptions about EverQuest Next in Europe and UK," Smedley tweeted. "All players -- including ones from Prosieben -- can play on all servers. If you are from the EU or UK you will go through Prosieben, but [you] will be playing on SOE servers." So there you have it: We will soon be one happy family with an infectious case of the voxels.
EverQuest Next groups will function without 'the stereotypical tank'
The holy trinity has been a hot topic ever since SOE introduced EverQuest Next at last week's SOE Live convention in Las Vegas. The firm is clearly trying to move away from traditional MMO combat, and more evidence of this comes courtesy of a USGamer interview with producer Terry Michaels. "The dedicated roles of the holy trinity are not going to be present in Everquest Next. There will be different classes and different builds that are angled towards some of the roles," Michaels explains, "so there might be a class or a build that is more tankish but you don't need that person to accomplish that goal and content. You can go in there without having somebody who is the stereotypical tank." Not only that, but EQN is attempting a new spin on aggro in general. "The combat's very different. There's not the common threat mechanic that people see in MMOs where there is somebody who can generate enough aggro that the NPC will never ever turn away from them," Michaels says. [Thanks bardamu1999!]
Leaderboard: What classes do you want in EverQuest Next?
OK, I know what some of you are thinking. That damn Massively! Just milking the heck of out EverQuest Next! And yeah, I guess we kinda are since we've had several SOE Live features, a Daily Grind, and now a Leaderboard focused on SOE's upcoming fantasy sandbox over the past few days. But you know what? We're not apologizing! It's an exciting time to be an EverQuest Next fan, even though we have as many questions as answers after last week's reveal. Speaking of, SOE has thus far mentioned but five of a reported 40-plus classes. We don't know yet if these will be starting classes, advanced classes, or really anything else about them other than that they're called Rogue, Warrior, Tempest, Wizard, and Blademaster. With that said, what other classes or class types would you like to see? Vote after the cut! Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!
Peek behind SOE's EverQuest Next development curtain
Remember that meany-pants teaser vid for EverQuest Next a couple of weeks back? Of course you do. Who could forget the sight of senior producer Terry Michaels about to open the door to the SOE inner sanctum only to be thwarted by a quick cut to black? Well, SOE has finally aired the rest of that video, and it's basically a quick five-minute tour through the offices where EQN is currently taking shape. Along the way there are interviews with key team members, including creative director Jeff Butler just before he dons an Oculus Rift device, as well as some glimpses of art and in-game vistas. See for yourself after the break. [Thanks Paul!]
SOE Live 2013: The lore of EverQuest Next
In the lead up to the big reveal for EverQuest Next, one note that gave a number of fans pause was that the world will be re-imagined for this iteration of the EverQuest franchise. The next Norrath will be familiar, but definitely not the same. But just how different is different? That question was on the lips of lore enthusiasts (who can most likely recite the entire history of the pantheon) and casual players (who've grown comfortable with their surroundings) alike. Thanks to SOE Live, we now have a partial answer to that very query. During a dedicated lore panel, attendees were treated to a Norrathian History 101 class. Those in attendance heard the philosophy behind the lore design of EQ Next as well as a sketch of the history leading up to the start of the game. And now you can benefit from the class notes!
SOE Live 2013: EverQuest Next's mechanics and more
Anyone who attended SOE Live this year heard quite a bit about EverQuest Next. Even if the upcoming sandbox was not the reason you came, you couldn't help but learn a thing or two. And for those who braved the crowds to attend multiple panels focused on the game, chances are you are still trying to sort through all the information and remember everything that was said! That's where we come in. After attending all the panels and sitting down with multiple devs, we've complied and summarized as much information as we can for you. Today's focus is on various mechanics (such as armor, combat, and classes) as well as a few other odds and ends we tossed in. So why are you still here? All that good stuff is after the break!
The Daily Grind: What's your favorite thing about EverQuest Next?
So, EverQuest Next. Huh. Wow. Sheesh. Jeeze. Dayum. I could go on, but you get the idea. It's safe to say that not many people expected what SOE delivered over the weekend, and even though it's a ways off, it's also safe to say that there isn't another MMO quite like EQN. After rewatching the livestream and scarfing up most of the related coverage, I think my favorite thing about the title at this point is actually Landmark, along with the way it's going to allow content creators and decorators to port their stuff into EQN proper. What about you, Massively readers? What's your favorite aspect of EQN thus far? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
SOE Live 2013: Five of EverQuest Next's classes announced
While yesterday's big reveal showed us what races are confirmed as playable so far in EverQuest Next (Dwarf, Human, Ogre, Elf, Dark Elf, and Kerran), only two classes were highlighted during the demonstration. We also discovered that characters will be able to learn more classes -- and there are more than 40 of them -- as they adventure. But what are all the classes and which ones can players choose when they first embark on their next Norrathian exploits? We cannot answer the latter, but we now have a partial answer to the former. Five of the classes that will be available in EQ Next are: Rogue, Warrior, Tempest, Blademaster, and Wizard. Any, all, or even none of these may be one of eight starting classes. A few other tidbits about classes were also discussed during SOE panels, including how to distinguish what class a player or NPC is (answer: how s/he stands and holds his or her weapon) and character builds (items plus abilities will together constitute a build). Hungry for more info? Keep your eyes peeled for a more in-depth look at the philosophy and mechanics of classes coming soon! What happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas, at least where SOE Live is concerned! Massively sent intrepid reporters MJ Guthrie and Karen Bryan to this year's SOE Live, from which they'll be transmitting all the best fan news on EverQuest Next, EverQuest II, DC Universe Online, and the other MMOs on SOE's roster.
SOE Live 2013: Here's where you can sign up for EverQuest Next's beta
Annnnd, how's about a little EverQuest Next beta signup action to close out your Friday? Here you go and have fun! I bet most of you stopped reading already, didn't ya? I know I did, because truthfully, after you've said 'EQN beta signups,' really what more needs to be said? But Massively has standards, and one of them is word-count in our posts. So, I think now that I've signed up for EQN's beta, I'm going to go eat a piece of pie and rewatch the SOE livestream. Until next time! What happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas, at least where SOE Live is concerned! Massively sent intrepid reporters MJ Guthrie and Karen Bryan to this year's SOE Live, from which they'll be transmitting all the best fan news on EverQuest Next, EverQuest II, DC Universe Online, and the other MMOs on SOE's roster.
SOE Live 2013: Get your EQ fix on the go with EverQuest Worlds mobile app
Now that the big EverQuest Next reveal is in the books, we can get on with the business of covering the rest of this weekend's SOE Live. Massively has learned of a new, free mobile app called EverQuest Worlds that "provides you with quests and minigames that reveal lore, content, and rewards from the EverQuest franchise." You can click the source link below to download the app, or search for it in Apple's App Store or via Google Play. If you're at SOE Live, there are two quests built into the app that are designed to enhance your con-going experience.
SOE Live 2013: Introducing EverQuest Next Landmark
While you were sitting back and waiting (im)patiently for EverQuest Next, did you guess that there would actually be two EQ Next games coming out? No? Well, surprise! There is actually an independent yet related game that is coming to you sooner than the one you knew about, and EverQuest Franchise Director Dave Georgeson revealed it at SOE Live 2013. If you are a builder, decorator, or Player Studio fanatic, EverQuest Next Landmark is seriously the game for you. In a physical world built on the same principles as EQ Next, Landmark actually gives players the same tools to build as the devs are using to make its namesake. In fact, all the devs were having so much fun on their free time designing and building that they had to offer this same ability to the rest of us! In a nutshell, Landmark allows players to claim a plot of land and construct whatever s/he wants (with the exception of inappropriate things). Recipes and materials to build are found throughout the world. Those creations can then be sold on Player Studio, and players even get royalties if their item is used as a component of another product for sale. Player designs can also possibly find their way into EQ Next. Sound intriguing? Look for more in-depth coverage of Landmark this weekend!
SOE Live 2013: EverQuest Next explained
With that pesky SOE Live embargo out of the way, we can finally stop speculating and start talking about EverQuest Next! And if you're a sandbox fan, you're going to love it because when SOE declared last year that it was doing something really, truly different with EQ Next, it wasn't kidding. EQ Next is set in the realm of Norrath, but this is a rebooted version of those lands. Veteran players will find familiar places and names in the lore and setting, but they won't have a monopoly on the knowledge of this world; players new to the franchise can be equally comfortable because everyone is discovering this new world at the same time. On two separate occasions over the last few weeks, I got to sit down with Franchise Director Dave Georgeson to learn even more details about the game in preparation for today's SOE Live reveal. Want to see what all the fuss is about? Then join me for a tour through some of the key aspects and features of the upcoming sandbox.%Gallery-195288%
SOE Live 2013: Thursday keynote announces expansions, release dates, and more
SOE Live 2013 kicked off in the new Planet Hollywood venue with a keynote full of information as well as frivolity. The night started with a rap performance by a PlanetSide 2 player and continued with plenty of humor and even prize giveaways. Fan favorite Brasse, aka Linda Carlson, then lit up the stage (literally) in her PlanetSide 2-inspired Dwarven armor set and plugged Player Direct, a way for player-made gaming videos to gain more exposure. And then came the gaming news. Although even more details will be forthcoming as the convention progresses, there were some definite highlights shared by SOE CEO John Smedley, EverQuest Producer Thom Terrazas, and EverQuest II Producer Holly Longdale, including expansion announcements, release dates, and even some EverQuest Next tidbits.
SOE Live prepares for record attendance, debut of EverQuest Next
Sony Online Entertainment's SOE Live event is promising to be bigger than ever this year, as the company is reporting that advance passes are sold out and that walk-up tickets are expected to do the same, and quickly. SOE Live 2013, which takes place August 1st through 4th at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, is surrounded by hype thanks largely to the long-awaited debut of EverQuest Next. SOE will also host five tournaments, a silent auction, a pool party, and talent and costume contests. Fans of DC Universe Online, PlanetSide 2, and EverQuest may want to check out the official event lineup for details as to when their games will be featured. We have two Massively staffers on deck in Vegas: MJ Guthrie and Karen Bryan will be covering news as it happens, and Karen is set to host a player panel dedicated to helping guild leaders find better ways to run their guilds at 7:00 p.m. EDT (4:00 p.m. PDT). Stay tuned: SOE Live starts tomorrow Thursday with a keynote address at 10 p.m. EDT (7 p.m. PDT). You can watch it live on SOE's EQ Next and main Twitch channels. [Source: SOE press release]
Coming soon to a console near you: MMOs
Remember E3 2013? That huge video games conference thing from earlier in the summer? Weeks have passed since Microsoft and Sony squared off in the Los Angeles convention center (while Nintendo posted up at Best Buy and Ouya sulked in the parking lot), but the news made there continues to reverberate through the games industry. One curious trend seems to have been missed amid the clashing of proverbial titans: There sure are a lot of MMOs and online-focused games due on consoles this generation. And since MMOs are the business of Massively, we thought it might be fun to compile a quick list of all the ones we can find that are either already available on our current consoles or set for launch on the next batch. The list, as it turns out, is pretty extensive.
Leaderboard: How excited are you for EverQuest Next?
So, EverQuest Next is a thing. A rapidly approaching thing, given that SOE Live and the sandbox title's world premier is less than a fortnight hence. We can't really tell you what we know about the super sekrit sequel just yet, but we can indulge in a little bit of speculation. Actually, we've been doing that already, and today's Leaderboard is as good a place as any to continue that tradition. So, assuming that EQN follows EverQuest II's lead in deviating substantially from its predecessor, how likely are you to play it? Let's even say, for the sake of argument, that EQN is incredibly different not only from EverQuest and EQII, but from most other MMOs as well. Would you still be itching to play it? How excited are you for EverQuest Next? Vote after the break! Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!
The Tattered Notebook: Speculation's last stand for EverQuest Next
I found myself in an interesting predicament this week. Today's Tattered Notebook was slated to be my last big speculation about EverQuest Next before I learned the real scoop at SOE Live 2013. However, as many of you know, I actually got the goods in a special preview a couple of weeks back! So until I can talk about what I know, my speculation days are done... at least on the features front, that is. What I can still ruminate on is the hype surrounding the game. After all, who needs concrete information when hype is involved? Hype is a powerful tool, able to work people into quite a frenzy. As often as we've been burned by unfulfilled promises, you'd think we we'd skip the hype boat, but that's not the case; we often book a ticket and hop on anyway. We just can't help but feel our heart strings pulled and hope renewed when a new title comes out flashing our favorite buzzwords. And EQ Next has offered a few: emergent gameplay, sandbox, innovation. From there, every little morsel of news -- no matter how few and far between -- has been like a drop of fuel to the fire, elevating our hopes and building expectations. Is the hype justified? We'll all have a better idea of that soon, though not soon enough. Until then, here's a recap of what we do know to chew on until the main course is served in two weeks. Then you can let your speculation run wild, even if I can't!
SOE teases new EverQuest Next art
SOE is drumming up a little social media publicity for EverQuest Next. The forthcoming fantasy MMO, scheduled to be formally unveiled at next month's SOE Live convention in Las Vegas, is the subject of a new concept art painting that's being revealed as part of a teaser promotion. SOE is parceling out additional characters in Gabor Sziksai's artwork as fans join the firm's social networking spaces. If the painting looks familiar, that's because Sziksai has reimagined original EverQuest artist Keith Parkinson's seminal concept art, which is also viewable on the official EQN website. [Thanks everyone who tipped us!]
