Keeping EverQuest Alive, 25 Years Later - MinnMax Spotlight

[@minnmax]

Thanks for sharing the video and supporting independent games media! You're welcome to jump in and play EverQuest for free or get a subscription. Pick up where your old character left off or start fresh and get ready for the 31st expansion releasing in December called The Outer Brood. www.everquest.com #ad #sponsored

[@EverQuestShow]

Great video! Loved what you've done here!

[@minnmax]

@@EverQuestShow Hey, thanks so much!

[@Foot-N-Mouth]

I have invested so much time into eq1 that I can never move to a new Everquest unless it is just an updated revamp that I could port over all my chars. The amount of time invested is ridiculous. Leaving those chars behind, and everything they went through would be tantamount to self abandonment. A part of me would die.

[@DeerpathDeb]

70 years old here and been playing for years. I had my 20-year anniversary birthday pop up in my chat last year! Met my husband through EQ. He's now deceased and still have him on my friends list. My granddaughter played when she was 4 years old and helped take down LockJaw a few times with me standing near so she didn't get hurt. I log on a few times a week to manage my plots in the housing zone. 😂 my hands have arthritis now, so don't adventure much anymore. I may make a new character to explore Black Burrow. Love my EQ I have very, very happy memories. Hugs to all, Lady Audeb

[@memelord-gy9tfmeme]

this comment made my day Lady Audeb

[@keenanhorrell4511]

Wow, I think when I joined the Patreon at launch you asked for what type of content you would like to see from MinnMax and I'm pretty sure I specifically asked for a documentary or interview with the game studios that keep legacy MMOs running and putting out fresh content years and years later after their heyday. Its been a long time coming but way to follow through! 😆

[@minnmax]

It was all for you, Kennan!

[@brianross9926]

I'm 51 years old and have been playing Everquest since it's release. Loved the video!

[@ScottiefromBMW]

im 46 also been playing the game since 2 weeks after the game went live, i started out on Xegony =) now play p99 =)

[@brianross9926]

@@ScottiefromBMW Nice. I started on Tunare back in the day. Play on Mischief TLP now. I tried P99 a while but it is tough to get used to after experiencing all the quality of life of a modern EQ server! But, I do appreciate the nostalgia and challenge of it.

[@XoJaguaroX8480]

Rodcet Nife

[@charlesdebarber2997]

@@ScottiefromBMW How do you do fellow P99 player? :)

[@EvangelionEscaflowne]

need to try P99!!

[@pellaeon1877]

I’m so glad a place like MinnMax exists to get this kind of story out there

[@PhoenixWrightfan101]

I have no practical interest in Everquest, but believe me when I say that this is exactly the kind of content I love to see Minnmax doing. It's the kind of thing I'd love to make myself. There's tons of interesting niches like this in the industry and they're worth celebrating. Thank you for making this

[@EstusFlaskHappyHour]

Same!! It hasn't ever been a game that's ever been on my radar because I'm console only, but even so this is great content!

[@RolledDie]

That wall of paintings, I'm in awe. Would have never guessed how large those key art paintings really are, thanks for the vid love seeing behind the scenes on studios like this

[@NoNameMnk]

I would love it if they made prints of those for purchase. Although maybe not quite that large perhaps.

[@haleyfax]

Anyone else wanna start a Jenn Chan fan club with me, I adore her!!

[@minnmax]

Don't get creepy, Haley. This is a public comment.

[@haleyfax]

@@minnmax damn thought this was my alt

[@KelseyLewin]

don't listen to Ben, I'm joining the fan club

[@arthurcamargo8416]

I am on board as well! And what was this she mentioned about another EQ? Wonder what it will be called?

[@rdizzy1]

@@arthurcamargo8416 Going to be called "Project 1999" LOL.

[@kylegraywolf]

RIP Brad McQuaid and Keith Parkinson

[@adammccall5266]

This makes me want to play Everquest again. EQ was my first experience with an online video game that had real people and a community, so many memories and friends made over many years of exploring Norrath!

[@EsoxLucius21]

Last week I reinstalled. All my characters were still there. I spent a few hours walking from Freeport to tox forest. Even took the boat. What memories. I was die hard raider back in the day.

[@grahamgilmore42]

5:40 It’s so cool to listen to the praise he has for younger developers. It really is a symbiotic relationship. In the end, the right people working with each other makes all the difference.

[@KelseyLewin]

Great work!! I hope MinnMax gets to do a million more spotlights

[@KyleHilliard]

This is a good/fun/informative/interesting video! Awesome work, Ben!

[@minnmax]

What do you want?

[@KyleHilliard]

To publicly compliment you and this video? 🤷‍♀️

[@gamershow5944]

i love everquest and everquest 2 hope its around for many decades to come.

[@masebreakface3426]

EverQuest is the dearest game in my gamer memory. So much time, so many challenges conquered, so many friends and laughs had. It’s such an amazing game that brings people together in a way that no other game I’ve experienced has. I look forward to the future of the game, and maybe new game. ❤

[@flexcat]

So many memories with everquest. I sometimes forget that SOE is Daybreak now. Planetside, DCUO and Everquest were some good times. PC gaming was and is special.

[@the_jaggernaut]

This is one of the most incredible videos I've seen in years. EverQuest is so important to me and my tastes as a gamer, so this is just amazing stuff. Thank you for doing this video and thank you to the folks at Daybreak for giving you such amazing access!

[@joshuaanderson1369]

I may not be able to make it back right now, but I'm really glad it's still here.

[@Tristan_YT517]

Still play this game til this day 25 years later 🎉

[@IchibanKasuga-6969]

No one does this better than MinnMax, I learned a lot about a classic game that is a personal blind spot. P.S. Nice jacket, Ben

[@jeremiahcomer]

I would cry in front of that wall of paintings.

[@pwgreene]

I almost cried just seeing them in the video. So many great memories with early EQ.

[@_Snugglebus]

My only complaint is that this wasn't longer! Love this content and diving into developers that don't get enough spotlight.

[@laurabledsoe4670]

My husband and I have played EverQuest off and on since 2001. He still plays. I unfortunately took some time away from the game and lost my character, but I have so many great memories of the game, the people, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with the game. It really is a great game!

[@bitterbuffalo8997]

My mind was BLOWN when my friend showed me EverQuest

[@craventiger]

Awesome video! Ty so much for this, and to all those from the EQ team who spend time with you, especially Kevin and Jenn. Warms the heart.

[@FishboneINK]

Damn, those paintings are cool as hell. I'm liking these spotlight videos. It's nice to see inside smaller studios.

[@MunchieLuknight]

yeah if they are ever tight on money, those would all sell for a pretty penny. that first one would easily be several hundred thousand if not a few million

[@StephenWoodson]

This video keeps getting better and better. I thoroughly enjoyed the office tour, and especially when Jenn started showing the key art paintings and the code that runs Everquest. Fascinating stuff, keep it up! Wishing the best for them keeping the games rolling.

[@jacknxmbers]

You’re really good at this, Ben

[@minnmax]

Oh hey, thanks! Any help sharing the video online is appreciated.

[@kuyzat]

That was just wonderful. EQ is still king after all these years. Thanks a lot.

[@yerpyerp]

Really great video. Jenn is so very kind to share with you content creators in interviews.

[@Zzues]

I enjoyed watching this so much. I played EQ at launch and was immediately in love with the game. I played for about 4 years but then ran into some life problems and had to stop playing. I still have fond memories farming Lizard men at the temple and my first encounter with a spectre, holy moly was that terrifying. I've played so many MMORPGs since EQ but still find it difficult to have that same feeling of wonder, emotion talking to people playing, the old trade zones and economy. Thanks for the memories, EverQuest got me through sole very, very difficult times in my life.

[@TheGamePiece]

Didn't expect that opening LOL. Excited to watch!

[@josephbrown-ut9ty]

I started playing in 2001 , first character was a dwarven warrior named Eberak on Cazic Thule server. Took a break from the game in 2011 and came back last dec on the Drinal server under the name Randex , now a 125 war. Thank You Jenn and the entire Everquest Team for all you do for us players Past,Presant and Future.

[@oliverodell3105]

So awesome to see the team going so well after this time and continuing to put content out there :)

[@nathans1787]

What an awesome video!! I’ve recently returned to the game after a 20 year absence and have been having a blast. The Teek TLP server is the highest population EQ server of all time-highly recommend for anyone feeling nostalgic!

[@Xyvyn1989TTV]

Hearing them talk about bringing in the new generation of gamers almost brought tears to my eye. So glad they have many plans for the games future!

[@themadhatter444]

This was really wonderful. I haven't played in years but still religiously watch The Everquest Show and content like this. They were so generous with their time! It's so nice to know that the people behind the game are just as great as the game itself.

[@sauntor]

Great video! Kevin, Jenn, and that team are awesome people for keeping Norrath alive. EverQuest reboot would get me back, but it's good to know my Warrior and Shaman are safely retired on a harddrive somewhere.

[@joeblow7735]

Please tell Jenn Chan, EQ1 revamp (better graphics) yet the same! YES PLEASE!

[@scott3407]

Yeah I think they're really onto something there. Retaining the heart and soul of EQ will be difficult when it's something completely new and that players might reject, so just rebuild what the players already love from the ground up. It's probably their best chance to make a new EQ game that would be accepted and successful.

[@Intrepimid]

But don't butcher the zones like revamped Freeport FOR THE LOVE OF GOD lmao! Otherwise YES!

[@joeblow7735]

@@Intrepimid You know....I hear you and completely understand but at this point a new version, upgraded graphics and stuff, I wouldn't personally mind small alterations. BUT, not saying I want them it's just I'm to the point where I wouldn't focus energy on it if they did do that.

[@joshread3740]

Love the vlog style. Great video quality too.

[@cheoa.becerra9016]

those paintings were amazing. great video !

[@TRUEfoe]

I've been looking forward to this video all week!

[@Aethplayseverquest]

Great video, really enjoyed it!

[@minnmax]

Thanks so much! Is this your first MinnMax video?

[@Aethplayseverquest]

@@minnmax Yep!

[@leedunning1825]

What a lovely video. It brings me so much joy to see the continued passion poured into a game that brought me memories I cherish every day.

[@LarsSveen]

15:20 I've seen those paintings in person and they are amazing. Kieth Parkinson was an incredible painter and concept artist who was integral to the look and characters of EQ and I'm really disappointed that his name wasn't mentioned here. I was able to meet him in San Diego just a couple years before he passed away. I was super into Everquest, to the point where I felt like I finally understood addiction. Such an incredible experience back around y2k. I don't think the magic of it could truly be re-created in today's world. But I would love to see a new iteration with some of the quality of life features that other MMO's have spearheaded (like WoW and New World).

[@Sk1ndredd]

Awesome video man. Really cool stuff to get to see!

[@chrishmmr]

That was a great video, thank you Hanson!

[@TheLrdjustice]

This is so awesome to watch, thank you for the research and interviews! Have so much love for EQ, love that it is still going strong enough after so many years, would absolutely love to see a reboot with all the existing lore!

[@Admiral_Cant_Hackett]

Truly awesome work. Thanks for doing these and hope there’s more to come.

[@BeLovingAwarenessNow]

Tanarus!! I remember playing that! I'm so glad that after all this time, the EverQuest franchise is still in the hands of people that love and respect it.

[@StretchRhys]

Never played it but what amazing people behind the scenes. Thanks for sharing.

[@tompstravels]

As a long time EQ player(lauch day), loved this video and seeing a little bit of behind the scenes of what goes on there.

[@Jeorin]

This was such a great video. I played EverQuest way back in the beginning on dial-up internet. It was a rough experience, but so cool in so many ways. I loved having conversations with npcs by actually typing conversations in chat. There's a magic to it that modern MMO's are missing.

[@shawnb5899]

Mind blown, thanks so much for this video! I still remember getting my cow box (Gateway PC) and installing Ruins of Kunark on it back when I first started playing EQ. Still playing it today and having a great time. Also - side note - I had a completely different career back then and since have become a senior software developer. When Jenn demoed the code I was like hey that's C++, I recognize that!

[@TommyCarver-Chaplin]

This is awesome Ben. Absolutely fits exactly what I would expect from a MinnMax Spotlight.

[@joshlambert3695]

What a treat. Thanks for the great content.

[@Fuminsho]

This was just fantastic. What an amazing studio. Love hearing the passion ❤️

[@jaredcherry7416]

Really cool to see the inside of Daybreak - there's a real passion for Everquest. Great video.

[@rjpx947]

Keep it good, and keep the servers up; I'll be there. I did not start this thing in 2002 to give it up.

[@wawawalrus]

Ben!! You totally downplayed this video in BonusPod. I expected it to be not as good because it’s “sponsored content” but this was awesome and you did a great job! It’s so cool seeing the artwork, the code, and the beautiful beach. Jenn seems like a really awesome person.

[@Badalight]

BRO WHAT. EverQuest was my childhood. Thank you for this. It needs more love and recognition. I feel like WoW rewrote the history books and people forget about EQ and what it did for MMOs.

[@YourGoodTwin]

Such a rare video. It seems like all entertainment media produced these days is either wildly popular or a failure with no room for in between. Fascinating to look in on something that's just... perfectly fine.

[@Daver124]

Fun and interesting look behind the scenes, thank you!

[@memelord-gy9tfmeme]

incredible video!

[@DrChacatumbi]

If they make it eq1 live but modern graphics, this will absolutely slay

[@willieko]

One of the most magical gaming experiences of my life was booting up Everquest for the first time in 99' and being dropped at the entrance of Freeport and seeing a fireball whip across the screen as two wizards chased each other. Just knowing that those were real people and not NPCs completely blew my mind. Did my parents hate that they couldn't use the phone for hours? Probably. Did I stay away from all MMORPGs ever since cause I didn't want to get sucked into another one? Yup. But man was it awesome.

[@MrNateDD]

Totally! I remember in '99 me and friend started off by creating Erudites and dropping into that dark forest and seeing someone run past glowing really bright and casting a bunch of stuff. Thinking back it ran surprisingly well over the modem!

[@Dosbomber]

It was also called EverCrack for a reason. People lost their livelihoods over this game. Jobs, marriages, relationships, families, because they lived more in the game than in the real world. With in-game spawns happening at set intervals, you had to be online and in position, sometimes with a crew of raiders, to get the rare thing you needed to finish a quest. Often, that spawn was like 4am on a weekday, and you had work or school in 2-3 hours. Been almost 20 years since I quit, and I don't play online games anymore, unless I can drop out without major social reputation loss like it would in EQ. My days of spending 12-15 hours in High Keep's Warrior/Raider room or 20 hours camping Gornit are over, and I'm so glad for that.

[@WebbyWebs]

25 year EQ player here, and so happy to have found this video! Best game ever made, and you can see why. So much passion still being put into the game every day. Thank you for this video, and Hail Norrath!!!!

[@minnmax]

Heck yeah, how'd you find the video?

[@WebbyWebs]

@@minnmax It was recommended to me on the youtube home screen :)

[@USMCbrantley]

The only thing I remember about this game from back then is a friend from back then he's dad 2nd wife divorced him cause he spent too much time playing EverQuest and I remember national news reporting the something across the nation that women was divorcing their husband's over this game.

[@aldoorn]

That was a great video. Nicely done

[@eq2relaxation549]

Oh wow, this video just got recommended to me randomly, and I'm glad that I watched it. What a beautiful setting that was with that beautiful sunset in the background! Must have been an interesting experience. I also enjoy watching content behind the scenes just to realize how Daybreak still honors all of their games - both live and sunset titles - they're all part of their own halls / walls of fame. I like what Jenn said about the next step for the EQ franchise, makes sense tbh (as a father of two and soon three kids I want to see a new generation experience the same magic that we did all those years ago). At the same time, everything seems to be pointing and moving towards a partial (?) Remaster of the original worlds, which is good. I've been in favor of this for some time now and seeing both a new project and the original worlds get their fair share of development and quality of life enhancements pleases me greatly! Said it before, will say it again, oldies but goldies! Hope to see more interviews in the future! Liked and subbed.

[@ashroorbach2921]

Awesome video! I learned a ton about EQ and DayBreak I didn't know. Thank you!

[@BoomerElite4u]

It is a genius concept to make a modernized EQ1. I'm actually surprised it hasn't been plagiarized already. I've played a lot of rumored WoW killer MMOs over the years and a lot of them had great graphics and design, but lacked content. By literally just copy/pasting EQ 1 with quality of life changes, better graphics, more modern mechanics etc. you already have a ton of content and intrigue that could lure a lot of younger players who are curious about what a classic MMO was like. When WoW classic launched I was a little surprised at how many 20 year olds were in my guild who were just there to see what it was all about since they never tried the original.

[@rivenempire]

Everquest on a new engine will be badass

[@Chandlest]

Starting on the bears lap, seamless transition to hallway walk and talk, and back to the bears lap. Real movie magic

[@indiggohaze]

Well done, great video!!

[@Cynidecia]

Awesome to see! as someone who is younger and into EQ, this is amazing to see.

[@rossprice1646]

Honestly surprised that Keith Parkinson and his legacy was not mentioned a single time in this video during the original art section....

[@HorrorTubeHDTV]

Oh man.. an EQ1 reboot will be awesome!

[@Waresdom]

A reboot of EQ1 is the absolute way to go! I hope it happens!

[@icarozzz]

EQ2 was my first everquest, so glad to see the original is still around. I really hope they get to make another, modern entry in the franchise. Even if it isn't a mmorpg, the world and lore deserves to reach a new audience.

[@MasSehdev]

Dude... Tanaris. Deep cuts here. Great job again Ben.

[@duncanwallace7760]

Beautiful legends! They've brought so much joy to so many people. I'd love to play an updated Everquest game, especially if it has the spirit of the original and the same setting and timelines! It would be my ultimate gamer wish.

[@oz5150]

EverQuest is probably one of the most perfect games, I still love it to this day. I come back every so often, and I'm glad that Brad, Steve and John's baby is being well taken care of by passionate poeple like Jenn and the rest of Darkpaw Studios.

[@coriant]

I started EQ in vanilla in 99 and I still play with some friends now from live to private servers. I would love to see daybreak go in with some of the lead guys at eqemulator to make the new game they would have so much input and would make the game everyone really wants.

[@michaels6837]

Excited to hear more about their new EQ (like) game in development. That's great news to hear they are thinking about it.

[@Morraak]

I'm all for an Everquest reboot!

[@tigercotton8138]

This is great! Hope to see more like this in the future

[@rikkuricky]

I didn't know EQ was still going, this is so cool!

[@nanfoodles]

I was playing EQ1 back in 1999 when it launched. My first MMO and its impacted my every decision on every MMO I have played since. Would love to see a new EQ and a reboot sounds like the best idea since EQ launched.

[@derekzombie1514]

I really hope they pull off that new EverQuest game. Makes me happy there’s a dedicated team that won’t give up on Norrath. I’d love to return one day!

[@Intrepimid]

I heard EQ Remake and my heart skipped a beat. Please do this. PLEASE. I came back to the game some years ago and got into raiding on Mischief server to see all the expansions I missed through the years. I'm having the time of my life, but the original trilogy was where my heart truly lived. I would kill to see a proper remake.

[@rumblefish9084]

Loving the MinnMax spotlights

[@Gambitfl]

OH man, I had such an awesome time in this game when i was just 19. I must've played it for atleast 9 years. Had a paladin named RemyC from the Torvonillious server.

[@glucosaminecondroitan9135]

I have only played Champions of Norrath and its sequel. Still pretty interested in the history of Everquest. I also liked the GI Replay with Andy Mac playing Everquest while telling stories of when he used to play a lot.

[@ShaunHall-i7e]

Variant ❤ I really think they are on the right track to focus on EQ rather than coming out with a new version. So stoked right now!

[@bluenglish27]

please keep doing these

[@Spiricore]

Ooh, an OG EverQuest reboot that (hopefully) isn't another EQ2. You have my attention!

[@johnstewart1597]

Awesome game, keep coming back to it

[@ComedyUndergroundBuffalo]

This was great! Thank you

[@minnmax]

Hey thank you!

[@cecilandblues]

great spotlight. loved it!