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| genre = [[Massively multiplayer online role-playing game]] | | genre = [[Massively multiplayer online role-playing game]] | ||
| modes = [[Multiplayer video game|Multiplayer]] | | modes = [[Multiplayer video game|Multiplayer]] | ||
| platforms = [[ | | platforms = [[Windows]] (1999–) <br> [[Mac OS X]] (2003–2013) | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''''EverQuest''''' is a [[3D computer graphics|3D]] [[fantasy]]-themed [[massively multiplayer online role-playing game]] (MMORPG) originally developed by [[Verant Interactive]] and [[989 Studios]] for [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]. It was released by [[Sony Online Entertainment]] in March 1999 in [[North America]],<ref>{{cite web |title=EverQuest II announced |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/everquest-ii-announced/1100-2863644/ |access-date=March 28, 2015 |date=May 1, 2002 |author=Trey Walker|website=[[GameSpot]] |quote=Sony Online Entertainment has announced ''EverQuest II'', the upcoming sequel to its groundbreaking massively multiplayer online role-playing game ''EverQuest''.}}</ref> and by [[Ubisoft|Ubi Soft]] in [[Europe]] in April 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ubisoft.co.uk/index.html |title=Ubi Soft Entertainment UK |publisher=[[Ubisoft]] |access-date=November 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020808001257/http://www.ubisoft.co.uk/index.html |archive-date=2002-08-08 |url-status=dead}}</ref> A dedicated version for [[Mac OS X]] was released in June 2003, which operated for ten years before being shut down in November 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/10/18/everquest-mac-shutting-down-again/ |title=EverQuest Mac shutting down (again) |publisher=[[Engadget]] |date=October 18, 2013 |access-date=November 10, 2018 |author=Olivetti, Justin}}</ref> In June 2000, Verant Interactive was absorbed into Sony Online Entertainment, | '''''EverQuest''''' is a [[3D computer graphics|3D]] [[fantasy]]-themed [[massively multiplayer online role-playing game]] (MMORPG) originally developed by [[Verant Interactive]] and [[989 Studios]] for [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]. It was released by [[Sony Online Entertainment]] in March 1999 in [[North America]],<ref>{{cite web |title=EverQuest II announced |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/everquest-ii-announced/1100-2863644/ |access-date=March 28, 2015 |date=May 1, 2002 |author=Trey Walker|website=[[GameSpot]] |quote=Sony Online Entertainment has announced ''EverQuest II'', the upcoming sequel to its groundbreaking massively multiplayer online role-playing game ''EverQuest''.}}</ref> and by [[Ubisoft|Ubi Soft]] in [[Europe]] in April 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ubisoft.co.uk/index.html |title=Ubi Soft Entertainment UK |publisher=[[Ubisoft]] |access-date=November 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020808001257/http://www.ubisoft.co.uk/index.html |archive-date=2002-08-08 |url-status=dead}}</ref> A dedicated version for [[Mac OS X]] was released in June 2003, which operated for ten years before being shut down in November 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/10/18/everquest-mac-shutting-down-again/ |title=EverQuest Mac shutting down (again) |publisher=[[Engadget]] |date=October 18, 2013 |access-date=November 10, 2018 |author=Olivetti, Justin}}</ref> In June 2000, Verant Interactive was absorbed into Sony Online Entertainment, which took over full development and publishing duties of the title. Later, in February 2015, SOE's parent corporation, [[Sony Computer Entertainment]], sold the studio to investment company Columbus Nova<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://variety.com/2015/digital/news/sony-online-entertainment-sold-to-investment-firm-columbus-nova-1201421468/ |title=Sony Online Entertainment Sold to Investment Firm Columbus Nova |date=2 February 2015}}</ref> and it was rebranded as [[Daybreak Game Company]], which continues to develop and publish ''EverQuest''. | ||
It was the first commercially successful MMORPG to employ a 3D game engine, and its success was on an unprecedented scale.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/why-we-still-play-the-classics-everquest-unreal-tournament-and-x-wing |title=Why We Still Play Everquest |publisher=USgamer.net |date=3 November 2014 |language=en |access-date=2018-07-21}}</ref> ''EverQuest'' has had a wide influence on subsequent releases within the market, and holds an important position in the [[history of massively multiplayer online games]]. | It was the first commercially successful MMORPG to employ a 3D game engine, and its success was on an unprecedented scale.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/why-we-still-play-the-classics-everquest-unreal-tournament-and-x-wing |title=Why We Still Play Everquest |publisher=USgamer.net |date=3 November 2014 |language=en |access-date=2018-07-21 |archive-date=July 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721073203/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/why-we-still-play-the-classics-everquest-unreal-tournament-and-x-wing |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''EverQuest'' has had a wide influence on subsequent releases within the market, and holds an important position in the [[history of massively multiplayer online games]]. | ||
The game surpassed early [[Subscription business model|subscription]] expectations and increased in popularity for many years after its release. It is now considered one of the [[List of video games considered the best|greatest video games ever made]]. It has received numerous awards, including the 1999 [[GameSpot]] [[List of Game of the Year awards|Game of the Year]] and a 2007 [[Technology & Engineering Emmy Award]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Winners of 59th Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards Announced by National Television Academy at Consumer Electronics Show |url=http://www.emmyonline.tv/mediacenter/tech_2k7_winners.html |publisher=The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) |access-date=12 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100921181619/http://emmyonline.tv/mediacenter/tech_2k7_winners.html|archive-date=21 September 2010}}</ref> While dozens of similar games have come and gone over the years, ''EverQuest'' still endures as a viable commercial enterprise, with new expansions still being released on a regular basis, twenty-five years after its initial launch.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/everquests-22nd-expansion-goes-live-tomorrow/ |title=Everquest's 22nd expansion goes live tomorrow |work=[[PC Gamer]] |access-date=2018-07-21 |language=EN-US}}</ref> It has spawned a number of [[Spin-off (media)|spin-off media]], including books and video games, as well as a sequel, ''[[EverQuest II]]'', which launched in 2004. | The game surpassed early [[Subscription business model|subscription]] expectations and increased in popularity for many years after its release. It is now considered one of the [[List of video games considered the best|greatest video games ever made]]. It has received numerous awards, including the 1999 ''[[GameSpot]]'' [[List of Game of the Year awards|Game of the Year]] and a 2007 [[Technology & Engineering Emmy Award]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Winners of 59th Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards Announced by National Television Academy at Consumer Electronics Show |url=http://www.emmyonline.tv/mediacenter/tech_2k7_winners.html |publisher=The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) |access-date=12 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100921181619/http://emmyonline.tv/mediacenter/tech_2k7_winners.html|archive-date=21 September 2010}}</ref> While dozens of similar games have come and gone over the years, ''EverQuest'' still endures as a viable commercial enterprise, with new expansions still being released on a regular basis, twenty-five years after its initial launch.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/everquests-22nd-expansion-goes-live-tomorrow/ |title=Everquest's 22nd expansion goes live tomorrow |work=[[PC Gamer]] |access-date=2018-07-21 |language=EN-US}}</ref> It has spawned a number of [[Spin-off (media)|spin-off media]], including books and video games, as well as a sequel, ''[[EverQuest II]]'', which launched in 2004. | ||
==Gameplay== | ==Gameplay== | ||
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''EverQuest'' featured fourteen playable character classes upon release in 1999, with two others - Beastlord and Berserker - added in the ''[[EverQuest expansions#The Shadows of Luclin|Shadows of Luclin]]'' (2001) and ''[[EverQuest expansions#Gates of Discord|Gates of Discord]]'' (2004) expansions, respectively. Each person falls within one of four general categories based on playstyle and the type of abilities they use, with certain classes being restricted to particular races.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.everquest.com/classes |title=EverQuest – Classes |publisher=[[Daybreak Game Company]] |access-date=November 17, 2018}}</ref> | ''EverQuest'' featured fourteen playable character classes upon release in 1999, with two others - Beastlord and Berserker - added in the ''[[EverQuest expansions#The Shadows of Luclin|Shadows of Luclin]]'' (2001) and ''[[EverQuest expansions#Gates of Discord|Gates of Discord]]'' (2004) expansions, respectively. Each person falls within one of four general categories based on playstyle and the type of abilities they use, with certain classes being restricted to particular races.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.everquest.com/classes |title=EverQuest – Classes |publisher=[[Daybreak Game Company]] |access-date=November 17, 2018}}</ref> | ||
Melee classes are those which fight at close quarters and often use direct physical attacks as opposed to magic. These include the [[Warrior (character class)|Warrior]], a [[tank (computer gaming)|tank]]-based character which wears heavy armor and is designed to take damage for its group using a [[taunt#video games|taunt]] ability; the [[Monk (character class)|Monk]], a character which uses a combination of [[martial arts]] and barehanded fighting techniques; the [[Rogue (character class)|Rogue]], a combination of thief and assassin classes which can sneak and hide in the shadows as well as steal from enemies; and the Berserker, a strong fighter who | Melee classes are those which fight at close quarters and often use direct physical attacks as opposed to magic. These include the [[Warrior (character class)|Warrior]], a [[tank (computer gaming)|tank]]-based character which wears heavy armor and is designed to take damage for its group using a [[taunt#video games|taunt]] ability; the [[Monk (character class)|Monk]], a character which uses a combination of [[martial arts]] and barehanded fighting techniques; the [[Rogue (character class)|Rogue]], a combination of thief and assassin classes which can sneak and hide in the shadows as well as steal from enemies; and the Berserker, a strong fighter who specializes in two-handed weapons such as axes and are able to enter a state of increased fury and power. | ||
Priest classes are primarily healers who learn magic that can heal their allies or themselves. The Priest classes are made up of the [[Cleric (character class)|Cleric]], a heavily specialized support class that wears heavy armor and is adept at healing and strengthening their allies; the [[Druid (character class)|Druid]], a magic-user who draws power from nature which can restore the vitality and magic power of their teammates; and the [[Shaman (character class)|Shaman]], tribal | Priest classes are primarily healers who learn magic that can heal their allies or themselves. The Priest classes are made up of the [[Cleric (character class)|Cleric]], a heavily specialized support class that wears heavy armor and is adept at healing and strengthening their allies; the [[Druid (character class)|Druid]], a magic-user who draws power from nature which can restore the vitality and magic power of their teammates; and the [[Shaman (character class)|Shaman]], a tribal warrior who draws upon the spirit realm to heal, empower those around them, and weaken their enemies. | ||
Casters are magic-users and sorcerers | Casters are magic-users and sorcerers that wear light armor but command powerful spells. Those among them include the [[Wizard (character class)|Wizard]], a specialized damage-dealing class which uses the power of fire, ice, and pure magic energy for devastating effect as well as teleportation abilities; the Magician, a summoner who is able to call upon elemental servants which aid them in dealing damage; the Necromancer, a dark caster who uses the power of disease and poison to wither away their opponents while commanding undead allies to aid them;<ref name="EQPlayers Necro Spells">{{cite web | title=Necromancer Spell Reference | publisher=Sony Online Entertainment | url=http://eqplayers.station.sony.com/goToPage.action?goToPageNumber=1&result=spellsearch&spellSearch.classId=11 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716105058/http://eqplayers.station.sony.com/goToPage.action?goToPageNumber=1&result=spellsearch&spellSearch.classId=11 | archive-date=2011-07-16}}</ref> and the Enchanter, an illusionist who can take on many forms, support allies with strengthening spells, and pacify enemies with mesmerizing abilities. | ||
Hybrid classes are those | Hybrid classes are those that can perform multiple roles or have abilities of various types. These include the [[Paladin (character class)|Paladin]], a knight who possesses the ability to take damage or heal with magic or [[laying on of hands]]; the Shadowknight, a dark warrior who uses a combination of melee attacks and disease/poison abilities to damage foes as well as take damage for the party; the [[Bard (character class)|Bard]], a [[minstrel]] who is able to use magical songs for a number of effects, including damaging enemies, strengthening allies, and improving the movement speed of themselves and others; the [[Ranger (character class)|Ranger]], a protector of nature who learns healing and support magic in addition to being able to damage enemies in close combat or at a distance with bows and arrows. They also have the unique ability to track their quarry, mastering the tyranny of distance out in the wild unknown reaches of Norrath. Finally, the Beastlord is a primal fighter who is constantly joined by their animal wards that help them deal damage, and they can assist their teammates with healing and support skills. | ||
===Deities=== | ===Deities=== | ||
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</ref> | </ref> | ||
===Growth | ===Growth And Sequels=== | ||
The first four expansions were released in traditional physical boxes at roughly one-year intervals. These were highly ambitious and offered huge new landmasses, new playable races and new classes. The expansion ''[[EverQuest: The Shadows of Luclin|Shadows of Luclin]]'' (2001) gave a significant facelift to player character models, bringing the dated 1999 graphics up to modern standards. However, non-player characters which do not correspond to any playable race-gender-class combination (such as vendors) were not updated, leading to the coexistence of 1999-era and 2001-era graphics in many locations. The expansion ''[[EverQuest: The Planes of Power|Planes of Power]]'' (2002) introduced The Plane of Knowledge, a hub zone from which players could quickly teleport to many other destinations. This made the pre-existing roads and ships largely redundant, and long-distance overland travel is now virtually unheard of. | The first four expansions were released in traditional physical boxes at roughly one-year intervals. These were highly ambitious and offered huge new landmasses, new playable races and new classes. The expansion ''[[EverQuest: The Shadows of Luclin|Shadows of Luclin]]'' (2001) gave a significant facelift to player character models, bringing the dated 1999 graphics up to modern standards. However, non-player characters which do not correspond to any playable race-gender-class combination (such as vendors) were not updated, leading to the coexistence of 1999-era and 2001-era graphics in many locations. The expansion ''[[EverQuest: The Planes of Power|Planes of Power]]'' (2002) introduced The Plane of Knowledge, a hub zone from which players could quickly teleport to many other destinations. This made the pre-existing roads and ships largely redundant, and long-distance overland travel is now virtually unheard of. | ||
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The 2006 expansion ''[[The Serpent's Spine]]'' introduced the "adventure-friendly" city of Crescent Reach in which all races and classes are able (and encouraged) to start. Crescent Reach is supposed to provide a more pedagogic starting environment than the original 1999 cities, where players were given almost no guidance on what to do. The common starting city also concentrates the dwindling number of new players in a single location, making grouping easier. 2008's ''[[EverQuest: Seeds of Destruction|Seeds of Destruction]]'' expansion introduced computer controlled companions called "mercenaries" that can join groups in place of human players, a response to the increasing difficulty of finding other players of appropriate level for group activities. As of ''Seeds'' the production rate also returned to one expansion a year instead of two. | The 2006 expansion ''[[The Serpent's Spine]]'' introduced the "adventure-friendly" city of Crescent Reach in which all races and classes are able (and encouraged) to start. Crescent Reach is supposed to provide a more pedagogic starting environment than the original 1999 cities, where players were given almost no guidance on what to do. The common starting city also concentrates the dwindling number of new players in a single location, making grouping easier. 2008's ''[[EverQuest: Seeds of Destruction|Seeds of Destruction]]'' expansion introduced computer controlled companions called "mercenaries" that can join groups in place of human players, a response to the increasing difficulty of finding other players of appropriate level for group activities. As of ''Seeds'' the production rate also returned to one expansion a year instead of two. | ||
In March 2012 ''EverQuest'' departed from the traditional monthly subscription business model by introducing three tiers of commitment: a completely [[free-to-play]] Bronze Level, a one-time fee Silver Level, and a subscription Gold Level.<ref name="F2P">{{cite web | title=EverQuest Free to Play | access-date=2012-02-01 | url=http://www.everquest.com/free/}}</ref> The same month saw the closure of ''[[EverQuest Online Adventures]]''. Just a few months earlier ''[[EverQuest II]]'' had gone free-to-play and SOE flagship ''[[Star Wars Galaxies]]'' was also closed. | In March 2012, ''EverQuest'' departed from the traditional monthly subscription business model by introducing three tiers of commitment: a completely [[free-to-play]] Bronze Level, a one-time fee Silver Level, and a subscription Gold Level.<ref name="F2P">{{cite web | title=EverQuest Free to Play | access-date=2012-02-01 | url=http://www.everquest.com/free/}}</ref> The same month saw the closure of ''[[EverQuest Online Adventures]]''. Just a few months earlier ''[[EverQuest II]]'' had gone free-to-play and SOE flagship ''[[Star Wars Galaxies]]'' was also closed. | ||
In June of the same year SOE removed the ability to buy game subscription time with Station Cash without any warning to players. SOE apologized for this abrupt change in policy and reinstated the option for an additional week, after which it was removed permanently.<ref>[http://forums.station.sony.com/eq/posts/list.m?topic_id=187127 Non-recurring Subscriptions Removal] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624044232/http://forums.station.sony.com/eq/posts/list.m?topic_id=187127 |date=2012-06-24}} Official news and announcements - 2012-06-15</ref> | In June of the same year, SOE removed the ability to buy game subscription time with Station Cash without any warning to players. SOE apologized for this abrupt change in policy and reinstated the option for an additional week, after which it was removed permanently.<ref>[http://forums.station.sony.com/eq/posts/list.m?topic_id=187127 Non-recurring Subscriptions Removal] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624044232/http://forums.station.sony.com/eq/posts/list.m?topic_id=187127 |date=2012-06-24}} Official news and announcements - 2012-06-15</ref> | ||
The sole Mac OS server Al'Kabor was closed on November 18, 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|title=EverQuest Mac shutting down (again)|url=https://www.engadget.com/2013-10-18-everquest-mac-shutting-down-again.html|access-date=2021-02-06|website=Engadget|date=18 October 2013 |language=en-US}}</ref> | The sole Mac OS server Al'Kabor was closed on November 18, 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|title=EverQuest Mac shutting down (again)|url=https://www.engadget.com/2013-10-18-everquest-mac-shutting-down-again.html|access-date=2021-02-06|website=Engadget|date=18 October 2013 |language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
In February 2015 Sony sold its online entertainment division to private equity group [[Columbus Nova]], with Sony Online Entertainment subsequently renamed [[Daybreak Game Company]] (DBG). An initial period of uncertainty followed, with all projects such as expansions and sequels put on hold and staff laid off. The situation stabilized around the game's 16th anniversary celebrations, and a new expansion was released nine months later.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Guthrie |first1=MJ |title=EverQuesting: EQ to release The Broken Mirror expansion November 18th |url=https://massivelyop.com/2015/10/03/everquesting-eq-to-release-the-broken-mirror-expansion-november-18th/ |website=Massively Overpowered |date=3 October 2015 |publisher=Overpowered Media Group, LLC |access-date=19 March 2023}}</ref> | In February 2015, Sony sold its online entertainment division to private equity group [[Columbus Nova]], with Sony Online Entertainment subsequently renamed [[Daybreak Game Company]] (DBG). An initial period of uncertainty followed, with all projects such as expansions and sequels put on hold and staff laid off. The situation stabilized around the game's 16th anniversary celebrations, and a new expansion was released nine months later.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Guthrie |first1=MJ |title=EverQuesting: EQ to release The Broken Mirror expansion November 18th |url=https://massivelyop.com/2015/10/03/everquesting-eq-to-release-the-broken-mirror-expansion-november-18th/ |website=Massively Overpowered |date=3 October 2015 |publisher=Overpowered Media Group, LLC |access-date=19 March 2023}}</ref> | ||
==Expansions== | ==Expansions== | ||
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| 31 ||data-sort-value="Outer Brood"| ''[[EverQuest expansions|The Outer Brood]]'' || December 3, 2024<ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-11-22 |title=The Outer Brood Will Be Launching Soon! | | 31 ||data-sort-value="Outer Brood"| ''[[EverQuest expansions|The Outer Brood]]'' || December 3, 2024<ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-11-22 |title=The Outer Brood Will Be Launching Soon! | ||
|url=https://www.everquest.com/news/eq-tob-launch-date |access-date=November 19, 2024|website=EverQuest|language=en}}</ref> || 125 | |url=https://www.everquest.com/news/eq-tob-launch-date |access-date=November 19, 2024|website=EverQuest|language=en}}</ref> || 125 | ||
|- | |||
| 32 || ''[[EverQuest: Shattering of Ro|Shattering of Ro]]'' || December 2, 2025<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.everquest.com/news/eq-sor-launch-date |title=Shattering of Ro will be launching soon! |website=EverQuest |date=November 18, 2025 |accessdate=December 1, 2025}}</ref> || 130 | |||
|} | |} | ||
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==Reception== | ==Reception== | ||
{{Video game reviews | {{Video game reviews | ||
| MC = 85 / 100<ref name=MC>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/everquest/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=October 1, 2017 |title=EverQuest for PC Reviews}}</ref> | | MC = 85/100<ref name=MC>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/everquest/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=October 1, 2017 |title=EverQuest for PC Reviews}}</ref> | ||
| Allgame = 5/5<ref name="allgamereview">{{cite web | url = http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=16457&tab=review | title =EverQuest - Review | author = Couper, Chris | publisher = [[AllGame]] | access-date =March 21, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210153319/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=16457&tab=review | archive-date=December 10, 2014}}</ref> | | Allgame = 5/5<ref name="allgamereview">{{cite web | url = http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=16457&tab=review | title =EverQuest - Review | author = Couper, Chris | publisher = [[AllGame]] | access-date =March 21, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210153319/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=16457&tab=review | archive-date=December 10, 2014}}</ref> | ||
| CGM = 4.5/5<ref name=CGM>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.cdmag.com/articles/019/024/everquest_review.html |date=1999 |access-date=October 1, 2017 |magazine=[[Computer Games Magazine]] |title=EverQuest Review |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020005752/http://www.cdmag.com/articles/019/024/everquest_review.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> | | CGM = 4.5/5<ref name=CGM>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.cdmag.com/articles/019/024/everquest_review.html |date=1999 |access-date=October 1, 2017 |magazine=[[Computer Games Magazine]] |title=EverQuest Review |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020005752/http://www.cdmag.com/articles/019/024/everquest_review.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
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===Sales and subscriptions=== | ===Sales and subscriptions=== | ||
''EverQuest'' was the most pre-ordered PC title on [[EB Games|EBGames.com]] prior to its release in March 1999.<ref name=milestone>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamershell.com/infosheets/219023.html#a4pZCKoTCuP6BEVp.99 |title=Readme: Everquest Milestones |publisher=GamersHell.com |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028033700/http://www.gamershell.com/infosheets/219023.html#a4pZCKoTCuP6BEVp.99 |archive-date=October 28, 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The game had 10,000 active subscribers 24 hours after launch, making it the high-selling online role-playing game up until that point.<ref name=milestone/> It achieved 60,000 subscribers by April 1999.<ref name=60k>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001118015000/http://www.gamecenter.com/News/Item/Textonly/0,78,0-2648,00.html | url=http://www.gamecenter.com/News/Item/Textonly/0,78,0-2648,00.html | title=Game Spin: On an ''EverQuest'' | author=Asher, Mark | date=April 7, 1999 | work=[[CNET Gamecenter]] | archive-date=November 18, 2000 | url-status=dead}}</ref> Six months later, around 225,000 copies of the game had been sold in total, with 150,000 active subscribers.<ref name=milestone/> By early 2000, the game's domestic sales alone reached 231,093 copies, which drew revenues of $10.6 million.<ref name=231k>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010112165200/http://www.gamecenter.com/News/Item/Textonly/0,78,0-3868,00.html | url=http://www.gamecenter.com/News/Item/Textonly/0,78,0-3868,00.html | title=Game Spin: Daika-X-Box | author=Asher, Mark | date=March 10, 2000 | work=[[CNET Gamecenter]] | archive-date=January 12, 2001 | url-status=dead}}</ref> [[NPD Techworld]], a firm that tracked sales the United States,<ref name=usnpd>{{cite web | url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/gateway-notebook-goes-for-ratings/ | title=Gateway notebook goes for ratings | author=Spooner, John G. | date=June 13, 2003 | work=[[ZDNet]] | access-date=September 20, 2019}}</ref> reported 559,948 units sold of ''EverQuest'' by December 2002.<ref name=controversial>{{cite journal | author=Staff | title=The 10 Most Controversial PC Games of All Time | date=May 2003 | volume=10 | number=5 | journal=[[PC Gamer US]] | pages=50, 51}}</ref> Subscription numbers would rise to over 500,000 active accounts four years after release in 2003.<ref name=mac/> By the end of 2004 the title's lifetime sales exceeded 3 million copies worldwide<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906165059/https://www.sony.com/en_us/SCA/company-news/press-releases/sony-online-entertainment/2004/satellite-feed-everquest-ii-online-game-hits-the-s.html |url=https://www.sony.com/en_us/SCA/company-news/press-releases/sony-online-entertainment/2004/satellite-feed-everquest-ii-online-game-hits-the-s.html |archive-date=September 6, 2015 |access-date=November 6, 2018 |date=November 5, 2004 |publisher=[[Sony|Sony Corporation of America]] |title=Satellite Feed - EverQuest II Online Game Hits the Stores |author=Sony Online Entertainment}}</ref> and reached an active subscriber peak of 550,000.<ref>{{cite book |title=Virtual Lives: A Reference Handbook |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ek-L3QqtwoYC&pg=PA154 |author=Ivory, James D. |year=2012 |publisher=ABC CLIO, LLC |page=154|isbn = 9781598845853}}</ref> As of September 2020, ''EverQuest'' had 66,000 subscribers and 82,000 monthly active players.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Yin-Poole|first=Wesley|date=2020-12-05|title=EverQuest is bigger than EverQuest 2|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-12-05-everquest-is-bigger-than-everquest-2|access-date=2021-02-06|website=Eurogamer|language=en}}</ref> | ''EverQuest'' was the most pre-ordered PC title on [[EB Games|EBGames.com]] prior to its release in March 1999.<ref name=milestone>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamershell.com/infosheets/219023.html#a4pZCKoTCuP6BEVp.99 |title=Readme: Everquest Milestones |publisher=GamersHell.com |access-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028033700/http://www.gamershell.com/infosheets/219023.html#a4pZCKoTCuP6BEVp.99 |archive-date=October 28, 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The game had 10,000 active subscribers 24 hours after launch, making it the high-selling online role-playing game up until that point.<ref name=milestone/> It achieved 60,000 subscribers by April 1999.<ref name=60k>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001118015000/http://www.gamecenter.com/News/Item/Textonly/0,78,0-2648,00.html | url=http://www.gamecenter.com/News/Item/Textonly/0,78,0-2648,00.html | title=Game Spin: On an ''EverQuest'' | author=Asher, Mark | date=April 7, 1999 | work=[[CNET Gamecenter]] | archive-date=November 18, 2000 | url-status=dead}}</ref> Six months later, around 225,000 copies of the game had been sold in total, with 150,000 active subscribers.<ref name=milestone/> By early 2000, the game's domestic sales alone reached 231,093 copies, which drew revenues of $10.6 million.<ref name=231k>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010112165200/http://www.gamecenter.com/News/Item/Textonly/0,78,0-3868,00.html | url=http://www.gamecenter.com/News/Item/Textonly/0,78,0-3868,00.html | title=Game Spin: Daika-X-Box | author=Asher, Mark | date=March 10, 2000 | work=[[CNET Gamecenter]] | archive-date=January 12, 2001 | url-status=dead}}</ref> It had sold 352,000 copies and had 259,000 subscribers by September 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/cyber/tech/review/games/cgg224.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010626105108/http://www.usatoday.com/life/cyber/tech/review/games/cgg224.htm|title=EverQuest or 'EverCrack'?|website=[[USA Today]]|archivedate=June 26, 2001|date=September 8, 2000|accessdate=February 4, 2026}}</ref> [[NPD Techworld]], a firm that tracked sales the United States,<ref name=usnpd>{{cite web | url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/gateway-notebook-goes-for-ratings/ | title=Gateway notebook goes for ratings | author=Spooner, John G. | date=June 13, 2003 | work=[[ZDNet]] | access-date=September 20, 2019}}</ref> reported 559,948 units sold of ''EverQuest'' by December 2002.<ref name=controversial>{{cite journal | author=Staff | title=The 10 Most Controversial PC Games of All Time | date=May 2003 | volume=10 | number=5 | journal=[[PC Gamer US]] | pages=50, 51}}</ref> Subscription numbers would rise to over 500,000 active accounts four years after release in 2003.<ref name=mac/> By the end of 2004 the title's lifetime sales exceeded 3 million copies worldwide<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906165059/https://www.sony.com/en_us/SCA/company-news/press-releases/sony-online-entertainment/2004/satellite-feed-everquest-ii-online-game-hits-the-s.html |url=https://www.sony.com/en_us/SCA/company-news/press-releases/sony-online-entertainment/2004/satellite-feed-everquest-ii-online-game-hits-the-s.html |archive-date=September 6, 2015 |access-date=November 6, 2018 |date=November 5, 2004 |publisher=[[Sony|Sony Corporation of America]] |title=Satellite Feed - EverQuest II Online Game Hits the Stores |author=Sony Online Entertainment}}</ref> and reached an active subscriber peak of 550,000.<ref>{{cite book |title=Virtual Lives: A Reference Handbook |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ek-L3QqtwoYC&pg=PA154 |author=Ivory, James D. |year=2012 |publisher=ABC CLIO, LLC |page=154|isbn = 9781598845853}}</ref> As of September 2020, ''EverQuest'' had 66,000 subscribers and 82,000 monthly active players.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Yin-Poole|first=Wesley|date=2020-12-05|title=EverQuest is bigger than EverQuest 2|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-12-05-everquest-is-bigger-than-everquest-2|access-date=2021-02-06|website=Eurogamer|language=en}}</ref> | ||
==Controversies== | ==Controversies== | ||
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In 2012, Sony added an in-game item called a "Krono", which adds 30 days of game membership throughout ''EverQuest'' and ''EverQuest II''. The item can be initially bought starting at US$17.99. Up to 25 "Kronos" can be bought for US$424.99. Krono can be resold via player trading, which has allowed Krono to be frequently used in the real-world trade economy due to its inherent value.<ref>{{cite web|title=Value of EverQuest Krono|url=https://www.everquest.com/krono|access-date=2021-11-29|work=EverQuest}}</ref> | In 2012, Sony added an in-game item called a "Krono", which adds 30 days of game membership throughout ''EverQuest'' and ''EverQuest II''. The item can be initially bought starting at US$17.99. Up to 25 "Kronos" can be bought for US$424.99. Krono can be resold via player trading, which has allowed Krono to be frequently used in the real-world trade economy due to its inherent value.<ref>{{cite web|title=Value of EverQuest Krono|url=https://www.everquest.com/krono|access-date=2021-11-29|work=EverQuest}}</ref> | ||
===Intellectual property and | ===Intellectual property and roleplaying=== | ||
==== Mystere incident ==== | ==== Mystere incident ==== | ||
{{Main|Mystere incident}} | {{Main|Mystere incident}} | ||
| Line 224: | Line 226: | ||
===Addiction=== | ===Addiction=== | ||
{{Further|Video game addiction|Internet addiction disorder|Computer addiction}} | {{Further|Video game addiction|Internet addiction disorder|Computer addiction}} | ||
Some argue the game has addictive qualities. Some players jokingly refer to it as "EverCrack" (a comparison to crack cocaine).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gameogre.com/everquest.htm |title=EverQuest Lair - Reviews, Platinum, and Cheats |publisher=Gameogre.com |access-date=2009-03-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090405171532/http://www.gameogre.com/everquest.htm |archive-date=2009-04-05 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=cbs>{{cite web|first=Tatania|last=Morales|title=Everquest Or Evercrack?|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/everquest-or-evercrack/|website=CBS News|date=May 28, 2002|access-date=November 21, 2019}}</ref> There was one well-publicized suicide of an ''EverQuest'' user named Shawn Woolley, that inspired his mother, Liz, to found Online Gamers Anonymous.<ref name="SPAIN2005A">{{cite journal |last=Spain |first=Judith W. |author2=Vega, Gina |title=EverQuest: Entertainment or Addiction? |journal=The CASE Journal |date=Spring 2005 |volume=1 |issue=2 |pages=60–66|doi=10.1108/TCJ-01-2005-B006}}</ref><ref name="SPAIN2005B">{{cite journal |last=Spain |first=Judith W. |author2=Vega, Gina |title=Sony Online Entertainment: EverQuestor EverCrack? |journal=Journal of Business Ethics |volume=58 |issue=1 |date=May 2005 |pages=3–6 |doi=10.1007/s10551-005-1376-9|s2cid=154620737}}</ref> In November 2001, Shawn Woolley committed suicide. Although he had been diagnosed with depression and [[schizoid personality disorder]],<ref name=cbs/> Shawn's mother said the suicide was due to a rejection or betrayal in the game from a character Shawn called "iluvyou".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/addicted-suicide-over-everquest/ |title=Addicted: Suicide Over Everquest? |date=11 February 2009 |publisher=[[CBS News]] |access-date=4 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112054413/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/10/17/48hours/main525965.shtml |archive-date=12 January 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> | Some argue the game has addictive qualities. Some players jokingly refer to it as "EverCrack" (a comparison to crack cocaine).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gameogre.com/everquest.htm |title=EverQuest Lair - Reviews, Platinum, and Cheats |publisher=Gameogre.com |access-date=2009-03-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090405171532/http://www.gameogre.com/everquest.htm |archive-date=2009-04-05 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=cbs>{{cite web|first=Tatania|last=Morales|title=Everquest Or Evercrack?|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/everquest-or-evercrack/|website=CBS News|date=May 28, 2002|access-date=November 21, 2019}}</ref> There was one well-publicized suicide of an ''EverQuest'' user named Shawn Woolley, that inspired his mother, Liz, to found Online Gamers Anonymous.<ref name="SPAIN2005A">{{cite journal |last=Spain |first=Judith W. |author2=Vega, Gina |title=EverQuest: Entertainment or Addiction? |journal=The CASE Journal |date=Spring 2005 |volume=1 |issue=2 |pages=60–66|doi=10.1108/TCJ-01-2005-B006}}</ref><ref name="SPAIN2005B">{{cite journal |last=Spain |first=Judith W. |author2=Vega, Gina |title=Sony Online Entertainment: EverQuestor EverCrack? |journal=Journal of Business Ethics |volume=58 |issue=1 |date=May 2005 |pages=3–6 |doi=10.1007/s10551-005-1376-9|s2cid=154620737}}</ref> In November 2001, Shawn Woolley committed [[suicide]]. Although he had been diagnosed with [[Depression (mood)|depression]] and [[schizoid personality disorder]],<ref name=cbs/> Shawn's mother said the suicide was due to a rejection or betrayal in the game from a character Shawn called "iluvyou".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/addicted-suicide-over-everquest/ |title=Addicted: Suicide Over Everquest? |date=11 February 2009 |publisher=[[CBS News]] |access-date=4 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112054413/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/10/17/48hours/main525965.shtml |archive-date=12 January 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
===Sociological aspects of MMORPGs=== | ===Sociological aspects of MMORPGs=== | ||
| Line 265: | Line 267: | ||
== General and cited references == | == General and cited references == | ||
* {{cite journal|last=Malone|first=Krista-Lee|title=Dragon Kill Points: The Economics of Power Gamers |journal=[[Games and Culture]] |issn=1555-4120|ssrn=1008035|doi=10.2139/ssrn.1008035|year=2007}} | * {{cite journal|last=Malone|first=Krista-Lee|title=Dragon Kill Points: The Economics of Power Gamers |journal=[[Games and Culture]] |issn=1555-4120|ssrn=1008035|doi=10.2139/ssrn.1008035|year=2007|doi-access=free}} | ||
==Further reading== | ==Further reading== | ||