| Mail |

You might also like: WoW Insider, Massively, and more

More Sites You Might Like

/ Register

Joystiq

'EverQuest 2 Extended' bringing free-to-play to EQ2

by JC Fletcher on Jul 27th 2010 2:50PM

SOE has announced a free-to-play version of EverQuest 2, called EverQuest 2 Extended. Yes, a free-to-play version. Rather than switching its business model as some MMOs have, SOE is actually going to operate Extended in parallel with the existing, subscription-based version of EverQuest 2.

Extended uses a smaller web-based application instead of EQ2's full download, and offers both free and optional paid membership content, as well as the option to purchase equipment. It includes access to all the game zones available in the "real" game, including those added in expansions up to "Shadow Odyssey". In other words, everything but the stuff added in "Sentinel's Fate." Find all the confusing details about the membership options after the break, or check the FAQ.

EverQuest 2 Extended is expected to launch in beta form "on or around August 17, 2010." Along with it, UI improvements will be released for the current version of EQ2.

click for larger

Via: Massively
Source: Press release

Tags: EQ2, EverQuest-2, everquest-2-extended, free-to-play, mmo, pc, sony-online-entertainment

Reader Comments (16)

This is relevant to my interests.

As a current player, I can confidently say DO NOT WANT.

Anyone who thinks they won't completely switch business models if this takes off is very, very naive. Not to mention, as with the marketplace, the 'regular people' will likely now be neglected in order to give the rich people special treatment.

rar, i might finally give this game a try

@Commenter jr rar, die

@Commenter jr rar, that's just silly.

@Ezio Auditore da Firenze

I have a hard time understanding why "Commenter jr" is the one getting downvoted here?

I know Ezio posts here a lot, and may be a respected member of the community, but since when did we start promoting unnecessary trolling?

SO no expert spells or legendary gear for the free service? That pretty much rules out running any instances at max level, or you know, seeing 90% of most expansions

@Bizzac.

Erm so you're expecting to have the full experience for free? Not only that, but you expect the hardcore person who plays this game a tonne to not be willing to fork out money for the extra money?

Seriously? Must be tough living for you where you have to pay for food and things like that which should obviously be free.

I'm ok with this

They should really being doing this all access style and not just EQ2. All SOE games free to play with that plan would be great. we'll see how it works out though.

This could be grim for the current subs to EQ2, if it takes off that is.
I think EQ2 would get my dollars again if only they went back to the days of difficulty. Access quests, branching class systems, citizenship quests, etc. Oh well, seems like every MMO vet fondly remembers "the old days."

This is like the most restricted "free" game I've ever seen, even the $200 option makes you buy races.

The $15 a month (current cost of full EQ2) option still makes you buy extra races, doesn't give you full bank/charecter slots, and makes you pay for level cap.

Screw sony. Screw sony with the biggest and spikiest weapon in their games.

@satn Thats where I'm lost.

We are going to have to buy races now? I have no character made in any of the free races. The free ones are Human, Eurudite, Barbarian and high-Elf.

Sounds confusing and not fair at all. I do't like it, I rather keep my normal 15$ per month.

Alright! a visit to their site clarifies a lot, and puts me at ease.

"EQII Extended will be managed as a separate game and should not impact the live subscription game."

Why anyone would pay the $15 a month fee for this instead of the normal EQ2 game is mind boggling, on top of the $35 charge to copy your character from the live servers with nothing but bound items.

Crazy.

EQ2 is a black hole of pure MMO PvE bliss that sucked my soul and life away during my senior year of high school... if no one had intervened I wouldn't have graduated and gone on to my college of choice!

Now that I'm a college senior... IT'S TRYING TO SUCK ME IN AGAIN OH GOD RUN AWAY, RUN AWAY AND NEVER LOOK BACKKK

Sorry, you must be logged in to leave a comment.

Breaking News

EverQuest 2

'EverQuest 2 Extended' bringing free-to-play to EQ2

Reader Comments (16)

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 2:55PM Ezio Auditore da Firenze said

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 3:04PM xz87 said

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 3:07PM Commenter jr said

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 3:15PM Ezio Auditore da Firenze said

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 3:30PM Ezio Auditore da Firenze said

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 4:05PM JoeRo said

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 3:44PM Bizzac said

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 11:28PM PhilipJWitow said

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 3:47PM (Unverified) said

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 4:01PM Sidebuster said

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 4:07PM JoeRo said

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 6:52PM satn said

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 10:48PM Vorundor said

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 10:56PM Vorundor said

Posted: Jul 28th 2010 10:26AM Jerrek said

Posted: Jul 28th 2010 5:08PM Naru now in 3D said

EverQuest 2 Info

Description

MSRP

Release Date

Genre

Developer

Publisher

Rating

Breaking News

Double Fine Kickstarter passes $1 million in under 24 hours, breaking yet another record

Featured Stories

Ghost Recon: Future Soldier brings information warfare to the front

Rhythm Heaven Fever review: Crazy into you

Remedy not done with Alan Wake

The most popular posts
in the last 7 days

Engadget

TUAW

Massively

WoW

EverQuest 2

'EverQuest 2 Extended' bringing free-to-play to EQ2

Reader Comments (16)

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 2:55PM Ezio Auditore da Firenze said

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 3:04PM xz87 said

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 3:07PM Commenter jr said

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 3:15PM Ezio Auditore da Firenze said

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 3:30PM Ezio Auditore da Firenze said

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 4:05PM JoeRo said

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 3:44PM Bizzac said

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 11:28PM PhilipJWitow said

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 3:47PM (Unverified) said

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 4:01PM Sidebuster said

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 4:07PM JoeRo said

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 6:52PM satn said

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 10:48PM Vorundor said

Posted: Jul 27th 2010 10:56PM Vorundor said

Posted: Jul 28th 2010 10:26AM Jerrek said

Posted: Jul 28th 2010 5:08PM Naru now in 3D said

EverQuest 2 Info

Description

MSRP

Release Date

Genre

Developer

Publisher

Rating

Breaking News

Double Fine Kickstarter passes $1 million in under 24 hours, breaking yet another record

Featured Stories

Ghost Recon: Future Soldier brings information warfare to the front

Rhythm Heaven Fever review: Crazy into you

Remedy not done with Alan Wake

The most popular postsin the last 7 days

Engadget

TUAW

Massively

WoW

The most popular posts
in the last 7 days