There are two big announcements for fans of Sony Online Entertainment’s Everquest franchise!
First is the Player Studio, a new outlet for fans of SOE games to channel their creativity and have a lasting impact on the storyline as well as the in-game (and real life) economy. Using third-party art tools and sample geometry, players can name and create a description of their item, as well as come up a story for how the item fits into the ongoing narrative of the game.
“For the first time in SOE history, players will be able to build and sell their own items, truly creating a unique, customizable online marketplace within our games,” said John Smedley, President, Sony Online Entertainment. “At SOE, we believe everyone is a gamer at heart, and our goal with Player Studio is to provide a platform on which our players can further explore their inner gamer while showcasing their passion for the games they love. We are looking forward to seeing our players’ creativity come to life in an entirely new way.”
Creators that successfully get their item through the review process and into the game will share 40 percent of the net amount it receives from the sale of these items with SOE. As far as the actual stats go, although not officially stated, it will probably be up to the game balancers and not the user to decide the damage and effects each item will have.
Player Studio will be supported by Everquest and Everquest II initially, with support coming to FreeRealms and Vanguard as time goes on
Second, there will be two new expansions, one for each of the Everquest games.
Rain of Fear for the original will continue the ongoing story that started with House of Thule and the death of Cazic-Thule, revealing a new-twist sure to give veterans of the series another baddie to beat up. Rain of Fear will offer new content for players to explore with all-new features, character customization, in-game items, and will take the max level cap to 100, which is a lot of levels.
EverQuest II: Chains of Eternity has a bunch of brand new features: level increases, prestige abilities, adornments that become more powerful with players’ characters, and a new level cap of 95. New places to explore will include two spirit-realm versions of overland zones to explore, as well as new dungeons. Additionally, people that love items will be delighted to know that exclusive new in-game items will be debuted and will only be available with this expansion.
The expansions will be available this November, and a release date will be announced for Player Studio after the SOE Live event on October 18-21, 2012.