Sony and The Jace Hall Show bring the epic tale of EverQuest to life in documentary!

Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) and The Jace Hall Show are pleased to announce the creation of the epic documentary based on the monumental entertainment property, EverQuest. EverCracked! The Phenomenon of EverQuest chronicles the trials and tribulations leading to the development, launch and success of the hit massively multiplayer online game which celebrated its tenth anniversary in March 2009. The full-length film will debut at the 2009 Fan Faire in Las Vegas, NV on June 26. The film’s trailer is available for download online at: www.soepress.com.

“When we began mapping out ideas for EverQuest, we never anticipated it would endure to create such a powerful cultural impact over the next decade and beyond,” said John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment. “As part of the continued 10th anniversary celebration, this film does a fantastic job at revealing the story behind the game and how the team created a franchise that forever changed the landscape of online entertainment.”

EverCracked! celebrates EverQuest’s legacy by taking a look at the past, present and future of the franchise. The film, hosted by veteran video game developer and personality Jace Hall, includes never-before-seen footage and interviews with industry moguls and longtime players. EverCracked! details the events, products, personalities and art that graced the world of Norrath over the years, with many tongue-in-cheek moments that befit EverQuest’s own sense of fun and humor.

“EverQuest was such an influential title; many people don’t realize just how daunting of a task it was to create,” said Jace Hall, President of HD Films. “With this documentary we were able to tell the epic story of the game and the people behind it while incorporating the light-hearted signature of the Jace Hall Show.”

In addition to the film’s premier screening, SOE will host numerous EverQuest 10th Anniversary activities throughout Fan Faire in Las Vegas, NV from June 25-28. Online registration is open now. Please visit http://www.soefanfaire.com for more information.

To download the trailer visit http://www.soepress.com.

EverQuest II’s Elements of Corruption video game update - with videos

EverQuest II’s game update “Elements of Corruption” features conflicts rising between old enemies as the island of Lavastorm is invaded by Void creatures. Players will be treated to multiple feature updates and changes to Lavastorm itself.



This update also brings new solo content, robe appearance, and weapon slots, along with new sets of armor that will be available for purchase, featuring new stats and appearances.



“Elements of Corruption” Features:

• Lavastorm Revamp: Lavastorm has undergone a huge make-over. The beach areas at the entrance have been extended as the Void creatures encroach on Najena's territory. In her efforts to fight back, it appears that Najena decked out the Lavastorm elementals with some eye-catching new armor! There are more than 20 new quests available for levels 45-55 and a whole new set of level 80 solo content.

• New Dungeons: Players will notice three new dungeons in this update. Groups of tradeskillers can provide emergency help to a stranded raid by building the escape portal in their own version of the Palace of the Ancient One. Up to twelve adventurers can enter Najena’s Ward of Elements in an attempt to save Najena from the agents of Munzok. Full raid groups will be asked to venture into Munzok’s Material Bastion and find ways to defeat Munzok the Corruptor himself.

• Guild Hall Trophies: Want to show off your guild’s awesome fighting skills? Now you can display a trophy mounted with the head of the raid mob you killed to display in your Guild Hall.

EverQuest and EverQuest II Players Contribute $20,000+ to child's charity

Sony Online joined forces with players of its popular online video games to support the Child’s Play 2009 Winter Charity Drive. The fundraising efforts culminated this week with a donation of more than $20,000 to the Child’s Play charity.

The month-long fundraising campaign supported Child’s Play; an organization that’s purpose is to improve the lives of hospitalized children across the nation. SOE donated $10 each time an EverQuest or EverQuest II player bought a specific Child’s Play virtual item on the Marketplace with Station Cash, SOE’s recently introduced in-game currency. The in-game items purchased by players are theirs to keep within the online virtual worlds.

“The ability of our players to make a donation of this magnitude in these tough economic times is beyond anything we could have hoped for,” said John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment. “As we continue to diversify with programs like Station Cash we will be able to offer unique items that benefit not only our players, but other partnerships and organizations such as Child’s Play in this case.”

Founded in 2003, Child’s Play is a game industry charity that is dedicated to providing children with toys and age-appropriate games at more than 40 hospitals worldwide.

EverQuest II The Shadow Odyssey to download

GamersGate today announced the digital release of Everquest II: The Shadow Odyssey.

Everquest II: The Shadow Odyssey is the fifth expansion for the critically acclaimed EverQuest II franchise. This all-in-one compilation pack follows the award-winning and best-selling Rise of Kunark expansion. New players and veterans alike will journey through a massive amount of exquisite content unlike anything ever before seen in EverQuest II. The Shadow Odyssey stretches well beyond the fantasy realm and propels the EverQuest II world into a new era of excitement and adventure.



Click here to go to the game on GamersGate

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EverQuest Seeds of Destruction the 15th video game expansion

Online gamers can now experience EverQuest Seeds of Destruction, the brand-new expansion from the genre-defining video game. Seeds of Destruction is the unprecedented 15thexpansion for EverQuest, and is available via digital download at http://www.everquest.com for the suggested retail price of $39.99.

"With EverQuest rapidly approaching its 10th anniversary next March,
the legacy of the franchise continues to grow along with the amount of new
content offered," said Clint Worley, senior producer, EverQuest. "Seeds of
Destruction will take players back in time where they can discover new
storylines, adventures and zones."
About EverQuest Seeds of Destruction

The timelines of the world of Norrath have been destroyed completely.
The only objects left are the drifting asteroid shards called The Void.
Portals in The Void allow players to travel into the past and potentially
alter the world of Norrath as we know it today. Revisit the Plane of Time,
Bloody Kithicor or the Field of Bone to help stop the forces of Discord.

For the first time ever, players will have the ability to hire
non-player characters (NPCs) to aid them in their heroic endeavors in Seeds
of Destruction. These mercenaries will be valuable player assets as they
thwart the efforts of Discord's Dark God. This expansion also includes a
level cap increase to 85, dynamic high-level raid content, new spells and
updated alternate advancement abilities.
EverQuest Seeds of Destruction Feature Set:
Mercenaries: Player-controlled NPCs are now available and will not
only scale to the appropriate level but also think and act for themselves
with limited player guidance. Designed for extra support or extra muscle in
PvE encounters, mercenary archetypes include a variety of classes from all
playable races.

Level Cap Increase: Players can now achieve level 85 with new
high-level item sets, new alternate advancement ability lines and new
spells.

20 New Zones: Experience reimagined classic content and brand-new
realms for adventurers to explore, including the eerie wasteland of The
Void, the Battle of Rathe on the Plane of Earth and the ultimate Heart of
Darkness in the Plane of Discord.

Access to All Previous Content: Includes all features and content
from the 14 previous expansion packs.

Legends of Norrath: Includes strategic online trading card game,
digital starter deck, booster pack and loot item.
For more expansion information from EverQuest Seeds of Destruction and
a free trial of EverQuest, visit http://www.everquest.com.

Koch Media and Sony Online Entertainment Sign Publishing Agreement for EverQuest II The Shadow Odyssey

Koch Media, a leading producer and distributor of digital en-tertainment products, and Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) announce today the signing of a publishing agreement for EverQuest II The Shadow Odyssey. Koch Media will market the new all-in-one compilation pack featuring the new expansion pack and all previous expansions for the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) EverQuest II as a retail and downloadable version in Europe and Norway, Switzerland, the Middle East, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The Shadow Odyssey will be distributed in these territories by Koch’s Deep Silver label and is scheduled to be released on Nov. 18, 2008.

EverQuest II The Shadow Odyssey is the fifth expansion for the critically acclaimed EverQuest II franchise and follows the award-winning and best-selling Rise of Kunark expansion. New players and veterans alike can journey through a substantial amount of exquisite content with more than 20 new zones, including the Moors of Ykesha, a massive outdoor zone once known as Innothule Swamp, and the legendary dungeon Guk.

EverQuest II The Shadow Odyssey includes all previous expansions and relevant ad-venture packs.

The Shadow Odyssey Features:

• New Zones: Journey through more than 20 new zones, including the new overland zone, Moors of Ykesha.
• Dungeon Adventures: Experience nostalgic EverQuest dungeon themes such as Najena, Mistmoore and The Sebilisian Empire, and adventure through more than 18 goal-based dungeons, such as Ruins of Guk and Befallen.
• Achievement Point: An achievement level cap increase to 200 that offers new achievements for class-specific lines.
• Dungeon Delving: A new mission system for players to replay content with new and dif-ferent experiences.
• Heritage Quests: Five new quests with unique rewards being added.
• A new, mysterious group of erudites with powerful new armor and equipment will barter for void shards earned during players’ encounters.
• Epic Tales: Stories told through battles with dozens of new creatures and hundreds of new quests.
• New Deities: Rodcet Nife and Anashti Sul are introduced into Norrath.
• Access to All Previous Content: Includes all previous expansion packs and adventure packs.
• Legends of Norrath: Includes strategic online trading card game, digital starter deck, booster pack and loot card.

For information on EverQuest II The Shadow Odyssey, please visit www.everquest2.com.

'Breaking Ground' Everquest II new update - sneak preview of Expansion

EverQuest II most recent game update 'Breaking Ground' provides players with access to the new group zone Veksar.

The dungeon is a preview to the launch version available in the upcoming expansion The Shadow Odyssey for release on November 18th. Players are also called upon to help construct the nearly completed massive Guild Hall project and the Murder Mystery live event is transpiring, as theories abound as to who performed the dastardly deed.

EverQuest II 'Breaking Ground' features -

Breaking Ground Veskar – An ancient underwater city that has once again been discovered by the adventurers of Norrath. Veksar offers both new quests and treasures to those wishing to enter its dangerous chambers. Players will have to have achieved level 80 to make their way to the outpost of Omen’s Call, there they can begin to unravel the mysteries of this risen ancient monument. Half of the new dungeon is available to current players and the rest will be available in the upcoming expansion.

Breaking Ground Guild Hall Construction Event - The Guild Halls building projects are starting to run low on resources requiring the help of Norrath’s finest adventurers. Director Jasmine at the Antonica docks and Director Hezreal at the Commonlands docks are eagerly seeking workers willing to help alleviate the situation.

Breaking Ground Murder Mystery Live Event - The Prophet of Healing has been found murdered and the main suspect is found dead shortly thereafter! It’s up to players of all levels to study the clues and figure out who the real murderer is. The progressive live event is schedule to run throughout this update. This prelude event holds significant importance to The Shadow Odyssey journey that begins this November.

Breaking Ground Everfrost Revamp - Everfrost gets a facelift! Adventurers levels 40-50 will find dozens of additional quests, four new hubs, and a population friendlier to various play styles, along with a new tunnel to make it easier to travel around the zone.

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EverQuest II and Star Wars Galaxies Go Live With Free Voice Chat,EverQuest to Follow Suit Soon

Station Voice, a service powered by Vivox that allows players to talk to each other in online games, is now available in the role-playing games EverQuest II and Star Wars Galaxies, Sony Online, announced today. Station Voice, which is scheduled to be available next month in EverQuest, is available for players at no additional cost with their current subscription plan.

“In-game voice chat is an enhanced new feature gamers of all levels can enjoy. Now, SOE’s players can easily talk to one another and better enjoy the online gaming experience,” said John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment. “The integration of Station Voice into these initial games was seamless, and we look forward to incorporating this added gaming experience into other SOE titles, as well as implementing the next phase of features to come soon.”

The initial launch of Station Voice will allow players to:

• Talk person-to-person in game with any microphone and headset combo
• Chat with their party, guild or any other group in game
• Play and communicate without worry of a significant increase in game lag
• Manage group/user participation with moderator controls
• Individually mute and set volume per user
• Set up easily without the need for separate software, accounts or registration

Everquest II with 'Gathering Tempest' game update

WHAT:
In “Gathering Tempest”, EverQuest II’s game update No46, players will experience an exciting live event, introduction of a new zone and a plethora of new content for both current and returning players of all levels.

The Void Storms Part 1: The Invasion
This live event runs through the middle of July, and gives players the opportunity to join in the investigation to explore the electrifying mysteries surrounding the wild energy storms appearing in Norrath. “The Void Storms Part 1: The Invasion” is one of the many scheduled live events and expansion pack themed content releasing this summer as part of the Living Legacy program. This live event is open to players of all levels and through their participation everyone can obtain a reward.

Heroic Runnyeye Zone Introduced
Players will be able to recapture the magic with a brand new experience in Heroic Runnyeye as it is introduced to the game with unique loot and exciting adventures. A worthy demonstration of the dedication and advancement of the EQII world.

Adventuring Updates
Adventuring in eighteen group instances such as Chelsith, Shard of Fear and Estate of Unrest will now yield status points when the bosses are killed!



For more details log onto www.eq2players.com

WHEN: Game Update No46 is live.

WHERE: www.everquest2.com
Art assets are available for download at www.soepress.com

Everquest celebrates fans with living legacy promotion

The EverQuest franchise, the groundbreaking, award-winning fantasy series that redefined massively multiplayer online (MMO) video games for a generation of gamers around the globe, is bringing a near decade of success back to millions of fans with a new Living Legacy program from Sony Online Entertainment LLC, which will feature in-game events, promotions, game updates and more.

Living Legacy, announced today, is a brand-new initiative aimed at the millions of players who have experienced the vast, engaging online worlds of EverQuest (EQ) and EverQuest II (EQII) since the original EQ game was launched in 1999. The celebration starts today and continues through the end of September. As part of the promotion, both EQ and EQII subscribers with inactive accounts who left in good standing will be able to log back in to the games and play for free until the end of July.

“The EverQuest franchise has touched so many lives since the launch of EverQuest in 1999, and with the 10th anniversary of EverQuest just around the corner, we felt it was the best time to give back to all the players who made it the cultural phenomenon it is today,” said John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment. “We are grateful for the continued support from our legions of fans and are extremely excited about the groundswell of interest surrounding Living Legacy.”

While the Living Legacy program is aimed at former EQ and EQII players, the program also offers a perfect way for new players to experience the world of Norrath. Nostalgic NPCs and group PvE encounters, as well as brand new raid content, will commemorate EQ’s hardcore heritage. The program features bonus XP weekends, several live events, new content updates and the introduction of new zones all taking place in EQII. Returning EQII players will also be able to experience Rise of Kunark, EQII’s fourth expansion, which just became the game’s best-selling expansion of all time.

Key features of the Living Legacy program include:

• All qualified returning EQ players will receive the EverQuest Secrets of Faydwer all-in-one compilation and bonus in-game items at no additional cost.
  
• All qualified returning EQII players will receive the EverQuest II Rise of Kunark all-in-one compilation and bonus in-game items at no additional cost.
  
• All software provided during the promotional period will be credited to any EQ or EQII account that is converted to a valid, paying monthly subscription.
  
• Current EQII players who recruit a friend to play the game who converts to a valid subscription will receive free gameplay-time added upon conclusion of their then-current subscription .

In the spirit of honoring the players, the Living Legacy program is supported by an online and print advertising campaign that features real EQ and EQII players.

EVERQUEST CELEBRATES NINE YEARS OF ONLINE GAMING ADVENTURES

EVERQUEST CELEBRATES NINE YEARS OF ONLINE GAMING ADVENTURES

Ground Breaking Online PC Game Continues to Deliver Exciting Game Play Experience

Sony Online Entertainment is proud to celebrate the ninth anniversary of the launch of the ground-breaking MMORPG, EverQuest this weekend. After its launch in 1999, EverQuest would prove to be a monumental entertainment property, spawning more than a dozen expansion packs, numerous cross-platform game properties and introducing millions of players to the virtual world of Norrath.

“It’s a great feeling to know that after nearly a decade, and fourteen expansions, EverQuest still resonates so positively with people all over the world,” said Clint Worley, Producer, Sony Online Entertainment. “Alongside its flourishing community, the in game world is still going strong and changing daily, further proving EverQuest is a living and breathing virtual world that will stay active into the foreseeable future.”

In honor of the ninth anniversary, EverQuest is hosting a variety of in game and fabled events throughout the year, the first of which are connected to the Planes of Power. On March 16th, a scavenger hunt will start with the NPC Garin Tvalish in Plane of Tranquility in which Garin will give players a clue book and a bag. Players will then get to figure out which items from the Planes of Power expansion those clues refer to, and combine them together in the bag to receive an in game reward. Also kicking off March 16th is a month-long in game event linked to the divinities and servants of the Planes of Power. Players will also notice that the might has increased for their favorites, such as the Thunder Giant Hreidar Lynhiilig and Rallos Zek the Warlord, allowing them to challenge the current player base. The gods have also been updated with commensurate loot to properly reward adventurers who are willing to take them on.

For more information about anniversary events and special downloadable items, such as the EverQuest timeline poster, or to jump back into EverQuest log onto www.station.com.

CELEBRATIONS, PRANKS AND PINK ELEPHANTS ABUNDANT IN EVERQUEST II GAME UPDATE No43

CELEBRATIONS, PRANKS AND PINK ELEPHANTS ABUNDANT IN EVERQUEST II GAME UPDATE No43

WHAT:
From the third annual Brew Day festival to the traditional Bristlebane Day celebration, EverQuest II’s Game Update No43 will present players with a month chock full of merriment.

In addition to scheduled live events, GUNo 43 will bring some new group looting options as well as a change to how players harvest the ever elusive "shiny". Now the shiny will be subject to standard group looting settings however, players will be able to loot them or leave them and, if left, the shiny will remain intact until it is harvested and respawns again.

Brewday Festival:
Grab a stein and celebrate in recognition of Brew Day! Receive a Tumpy Tonic bottle for your in-game house when you complete the quest given out by the Avatar of Below. Keep an eye out for the magical appearance of portals, and listen for the shouts of rowdy patrons who will lead you to The Bar of Brell where adventures await those thirsty enough to enter. For those who can’t seem to stop celebrating, you may just run into pink elephants and flying pigs as you embark on quests.

Bristlebane Day:
Fans of mischief are invited to celebrate the King of Thieves and the Grand Prankster himself, Fizzlethrope Bristlebane. Be on the lookout for the Comfort Cube as you never know what laughs and pranks you may come across.

WHEN: Game Update No43 is scheduled to launch on, March 4, 2008.
The Brew Day Festival is expected to run March 14-21 and Bristlebane Day is Tuesday, April 1, 2008.

WHERE: www.everquest2.com
EverQuest II is rated T (for Teen) by the ESRB with content descriptors for suggestive themes, use of alcohol and violence.

EVERQUEST ONLINE ADVENTURES

The Adventure Continues With New Holiday Themed Quests and Activities

WHAT: Gone Fishing!
Scheduled to begin on October 31st, EverQuest Online Adventures (EQOA) will officially kick-off fishing season with its first ever in-game fishing tournament. Players can grab their rods and reels and seek out the best locations as weekly prizes will be awarded for catching special tagged fish. Anglers who are able to lure in the tagged fish will be awarded an in-game pet as a reward. The tournament is scheduled to culminate on November 15th, so time is limited. Join in the fun and hook a big one!

Fall Activities Galore!
• Trick or Treat Halloween Quest: Quest is comprised of 20 NPCs that the player must discover, collecting all the “treats” they hand out.
• Moradhim Earth Elemental Invasion: A GM run event that has players battling a Rift, the enraged earth guards, and the muddites. GMs take the guise of “rock named” elementals to fight.
• Scavenger Hunts: Players have the opportunity to collect specific items from various NPC’s around Norrath.
• Witch Hunt Quest: A witch harasses a nearby town. In an attempt to be rid of her, players assist her in finding her sisters.
Unlock the Mystery of the Broken Blade!
Many years ago, adventurers encountered a Cave Hydra in the depths the caverns of Solusek’s Eye. After a long battle with this mystical three headed creature the adventurers discovered that it was protecting a secret. The Hydra possessed a magical Broken Blade with an inscription that provided little information as to the true destiny of this item. Hoping to decipher the words written on the blade they sought out many races throughout Tunaria for translation, but to no avail. Hop online and see if you can be the first to decipher the mystery of the broken blade that has eluded puzzle experts for years!

Click here to check out all latest enhancements!

WHEN: October 31, 2007

WHERE: EverQuestOnlineAdventures.station.sony.com

WHO: About EverQuest Online Adventures
EverQuest Online Adventures is a Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG), which allows PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system owners to experience an open-ended, persistent virtual world, filled with thousands of other players. It was the first of its kind available on the PlayStation 2 system in North America and utilizes the Network Adaptor to connect seamlessly to the Internet. The game carries a monthly subscription fee per person for continuing access and updates to the game world. Players can subscribe either by using a credit card, or by purchasing SOE Game Cards from various retail outlets. For more information, please visit www.everquestonlineadventures.com.