Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: The highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-neverending-quest-the-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-neverending-quest-the-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-neverending-quest-the-highlights/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

To many veteran MMO players, the opening horns of EverQuest's score are enough to trigger vivid memories, violent hallucinations, and an unstoppable desire to leap through the computer screen to return to Norrath. It all depends, of course, on which MMO you first cut your teeth, and while many gamers would claim titles like World of Warcraft as their first, there is a large contingent who will confess that EQ was their first MMO lover.

In fact, before WoW came on the scene in 2004, EverQuest was the gold standard of MMOs for a half-decade -- it was insanely popular, perfectly addictive, and absolutely revolutionary. It was a giant that roamed the virtual lands of those days, a giant that continues to forge new grounds well over a decade from its inception.

It was 1995 when John Smedley realized the potential for online gaming and roped in Brad McQuaid and Steve Clover to start putting together an online RPG for SOE. What began as a small project ballooned into a crazy endeavor as the growing team created a monster RPG the likes the world had never seen before -- a game that would forever shape the MMO genre.

This month, the Game Archaeologist is going after one of the biggest treasures of recorded history as we unearth the secrets to EverQuest's popularity, legacy, and longevity. The first step on our journey is to look at some of the highlights that made EQ what it is today.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: The highlights

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: The highlights originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.5-dacAlex-Afrasiabiasherons-callbrad-mcquaidclone-wars-adventuresdc-universe-onlinedcuodikumuddingdkpdoomDuke-Nukem-3De-deqeq-iieq2evercrackedevercracked-the-phenomenom-of-everquesteverquestEverQuest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iiexpansionsfarmfree-realmshouse-of-thuleignj-allen-brackjace-halljeff-kaplanjohn-smedleykunarkmeridian-59mezzmudnerfnichenorrathPirates-of-the-Burning-Seaplanetsideprocraph-kosterrezrob-pardoshadows-of-luclinsoesonySony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesstation-accesssteve-cloversubscription-numberssubscriptionsswgthe-game-archaeologistthe-matrix-onlinethe-ruins-of-kunarkultima-onlineunderfootuovanguardverantverant-interactiveWorld-of-WarcraftwowTue, 04 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Evercracked! looks back at EverQuest history]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/14/evercracked-looks-back-at-everquest-history/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/14/evercracked-looks-back-at-everquest-history/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/14/evercracked-looks-back-at-everquest-history/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Everyone has their own lists of what games have been the most important in the grand scheme of the industry, but it's pretty impossible to argue that EverQuest doesn't deserve a spot near the top of the list. While time hasn't seen the classic game and its sequel remain the 900-pound-gorilla of the industry, it still holds a place near and dear to many people's hearts. More to the point, the impact it had on MMOs as a whole is undeniable. That's why the new Evercracked! video series running on IGN should bring a nice dose of joy, nostalgia, and general good feelings to a number of people.

Hosted by Jace Hall, the series is slated to include interviews with veteran players and designers, behind-the-scenes footage, and a general collection of trivia and recollections. The first episode is now available, with new episodes going live every week until December 10th, so really, what's keeping you? The game has inspired countless people into the genre, including the original sources of the industry's current big success story. Even if you're just looking for historical purposes, it's likely to contain some amusement. And if you got your start in the genre with EverQuest, well, that's all the better.

MassivelyEvercracked! looks back at EverQuest history originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqevercrackedeverquestinterviewsjace-hallmmo-historymmo-industrysoesony-online-entertainmentvideoSat, 14 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA["EverCracked! The Phenomenon of EverQuest" to debut at SOE Fan Faire]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/evercracked-the-phenomenon-of-everquest-to-debut-at-soe-fan-f/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/evercracked-the-phenomenon-of-everquest-to-debut-at-soe-fan-f/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/evercracked-the-phenomenon-of-everquest-to-debut-at-soe-fan-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


We don't doubt that many of our readers first got their feet wet in the world of MMOs with EverQuest, a game that gave rise to addictions so severe that it was often referred to as "EverCrack" by its loyal fans. It's these folks (this blogger amongst them) that will likely get the most enjoyment out of a new documentary called EverCracked! The Phenomenom of EverQuest that is set to debut at SOE Fan Faire 2009 later this month.

The documentary is hosted by Jason "Jace" Hall (of the Jace Hall Show) and features interviews not only with some of the main brains behind the game, but also with another very important group of people -- the players. We aren't sure yet when those who aren't visiting Fan Faire will be able to see it, but for now, check after the break for a preview trailer.

Continue reading "EverCracked! The Phenomenon of EverQuest" to debut at SOE Fan Faire

Massively"EverCracked! The Phenomenon of EverQuest" to debut at SOE Fan Faire originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>documentaryeqevercrackevercrackedevercracked-the-phenomenom-of-everquesteverquestfan-faire-2009filmjace-halljace-hall-showjason-hallmoviesoesoe-fan-fairesony-online-entertainmenttrailerThu, 11 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New video of 38 studios' Copernicus tantalizes, teases]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/new-video-of-38-studios-copernicus-tantalizes-teases/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/new-video-of-38-studios-copernicus-tantalizes-teases/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/new-video-of-38-studios-copernicus-tantalizes-teases/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The other day we mentioned that Curt Schilling - baseball-player-turned-MMO-backer - would be making an appearance on the Jace Hall show. The episode is now live, and if you're so inclined the episode does indeed contain some brief moments of footage captured in the 38 Studios offices. That said, it's pretty short, and doesn't 'show' anything per se. The few money shots have been snipped out of the episodes footage by the folks over at 38Watch, a Copernicus / 38 Studios fansite.

They have some still images clipped from the show which give us a little taste of some of the concept artists in action. One image appears to be that of a rolling wheat field, while others show a night-time cityscape of blues and purples. You can check out the full episode of the show with Schilling's appearance below the cut.

Continue reading New video of 38 studios' Copernicus tantalizes, teases

MassivelyNew video of 38 studios' Copernicus tantalizes, teases originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscopernicuscurt-schillingfantasyjace-hallpreviewFri, 11 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sneak peak at 38 Studios and Curt Schilling's "Copernicus" this Thursday]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/sneak-peak-at-38-studios-and-curt-schilling-s-copernicus-this/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/sneak-peak-at-38-studios-and-curt-schilling-s-copernicus-this/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/sneak-peak-at-38-studios-and-curt-schilling-s-copernicus-this/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The code behind 38 Studios' "Copernicus" will start to unravel this Thursday on the Jace Hall Show. Red Sox Ace, Curt Schilling will be making an appearance and a glimpse from the top-secret fantasy MMOG "Copernicus." is due for a debut. For those that don't know Curt Schilling is a passionate MMOG player, casting his first roots in EverQuest over five years ago. Schilling started 38 Studios to focus on a main passion and create MMOGs with amazing talent as his baseball career winds down. The eclectic and veteran talented crew over at 38 Studios have been hard at work for over a year now on the super-secret title which utilizes the BigWorld and Unreal technologies.

If you are a fan of MMOG discussion, Curt Schilling is an active poster on the FohGuild forums. Be sure to check out Schilling's post history for thoughts relating to his philosophy on MMOG design.

[Via Kotaku]

MassivelySneak peak at 38 Studios and Curt Schilling's "Copernicus" this Thursday originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbigworldcopernicuscurtcurt-schillingfohguildjace-hallnew-titlesschillingthe-jace-hall-showunrealvideoTue, 08 Jul 2008 21:30:00 EST