EverQuest 2 Getting Free-To-Play Starting August
SOE announced that it's introducing a free-to-play option for EverQuest II.
Sony Online Entertainment said Tuesday that a new "free adventure service" is heading to EverQuest II. Called EverQuest II Extended, the new service will provide access to premium-subscription quality content through a free-to-play and optional paid membership levels. A new web-based download application will also be introduced, making it easier for players to jump into the game rather than waiting on extensive downloads.
"Players can register within minutes, download the client to join other people in an epic journey, and launch into adventure in a fantastical online 3D world," SOE stated in a press release. "Extended is the ultimate MMORPG experience. Excitement with every breath and adventure around every turn is now available for free!"
According to SOE, gamers can play Extended without needing to purchase software, use a credit card, or be required to take on a subscription. Extended will also grant players access to all EverQuest II gaming zones through The Shadow Odyssey. A Marketplace will be available for purchasing power-up potions, armor, classes, races, weapons, mounts and more.
But wait! There's more! "Both EverQuest II and Extended players will enjoy a plethora of recent user-interface improvements designed to improve functionality and game navigation," SOE said. "Players will experience a new and improved character progression through the Golden Path while creating their own legend with the Storyteller adventure journal that visually displays quest exploration. Additionally, both titles received a graphics quality update that gives a more realistic immersive experience to fully enjoy the beauty of Norrrath."
To learn about Extended's multiple tiers of service, head here. Extended is scheduled for a beta launch "on or around" August 17, 2010.
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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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skora Ummm, Sony, no one is hear to read your announcement, they're all playing SCII. Should have picked a dfferent day for this one.Reply -
eddieroolz WoW is unstoppable at this point, but this is a nice change for those that play MMORPG.Reply -
razorblaze42 Reply@ eddieroolz "WoW is unstoppable at this point, but this is a nice change for those that play MMORPG
Did you just compare that crappy game WoW to eq2?
Electron eq2 Server: Antonia Bayle Fear the Bayle Rawr!!!!!! -
veryed So when will they follow with the original Everquest? I miss EQ but just can't justify the $15/month subscription fee.Reply -
prodigygamer SOE is useless, WoW is like candy to a screaming child and UO came before them all.Reply
EQ/EQ II is beneath Vanguard: Saga of Heroes, which gets no love from SOE and is in my opinion one of the best MMO's ever created, just a very bad launch.
SOE will not be getting anymore of my money once RIFT comes out (if it can deliver)
Can't wait for RIFT: Planes of Telara