The Next EverQuest MMO - The EverQuest Show - Episode 19

What is EverQuest X? Is it EverQuest 3?
The EverQuest Show has never before seen artwork from an unannounced EverQuest game, and comment from Daybreak Games.
And everything we know about a possible EverQuest 3 and a full breakdown of the EG7 news, the state of EverQuest, it's future and what to expect.
Cut through the speculation about EverQuest with a fact-based, evidence-presenting look at what to expect for the future of the EverQuest franchise.
SWAG STORE : darkpaw-games....
Additional great EverQuest Show content found at everquestshow.com
Gameplay and music clips courtesy of EverQuest and EverQuest II.
Theme music "Top Of The World" licensed from Tim McMorris, published by King's Crown Productions Inc.
Stock footage purchased from Stock Footage, Inc.

[@EverQuestShow]

It's so interesting to hear all of the comments on this episode! I love what you all have to say! Farzad is incredibly talented, and I am in awe of his work, as someone myself who has ZERO artistic ability. It's very intriuging to see this adapted to the world of EQ, but I agree with many of you that it seemed out of place. But certainly made for interesting discussion! Also a quick note...All of the points listed for the "Next EverQuest MMO" are simply what is *currently* said, planned or mentioned. It is by no means set in stone, nor do I think it will stay the same. Thanks for watching all! Fading

[@snowballandpals]

Lol yea... Hiring an art director who isn't an EQ fan may not be a great idea. I don't think EQ fans want to look like heroes in the Marvel universe but maybe I'm wrong.

[@Alen_D]

Not wrong at all. They need to dig into their roots and look at the simple yet enchanting styles in their characters / universe

[@badlandskid]

What?!? You don’t want a pally running around wearing his underwear outside his greaves?

[@viridian10]

Lol just hire Rick Schmitz or someone else. I have to agree

[@Adrian-th2fj]

Totally agree! Just look at Parkisons work for art direction, that's what subscription paying eq fans want, the original everquest box art come to life with the same hardcore game play/eq feel

[@viridian10]

honestly I feel like that is possible now and, one of my fantasies being making an mmo and as a fantasy artist, that would be my pick for the art. make a living fantasy painting@@Adrian-th2fj

[@kitaex1533]

I hope they will NOT use this guy's art work. No offense, but It is just not EQ, it is just another over dramatized eye candy stuff. He states: "Making their look so everyone feel they are a hero." No thanks! EQ players are heroes by their accomplishments and names among the community, by the equipment they are wearing and their reputation. "Hey you know that guy, he plays the Enchanter very well, or that guy is a very reliable Cleric". We do not need to look super extreme fancy characters and outlandish visuals on a lvl 1 Paladin. Of course a polished decent look is necessary, but not like as he states "as DC Marvel heroes", Hell NO WAY. We need "lookable" characters. Humans should look like humans, Ogres like Ogres, not eye patched super styled Marvel Ogre Hero style crap.

[@JustNoot]

Rawr.....you go! Die hard beastlord and huge fan, still go back and play once awhile.

[@nikoschneid]

Please hire artists who understand and appreciate real high fantasy. People talking marvel inspiration need to take a hike. Everquest is not a super hero or Disney game. Keep people who talk like this away from the development.

[@EQ_EnchantX]

"Never played Everquest"...that guy needs to get out of here! The "dated" graphics are decades ahead of his drafts... Also R.I.P Keith Parkinson, the artist who made the box art and much of the original EQ artwork. So much style and spirit in every piece!

[@santiagomosquera9265]

The worst mistake you can make is to change classic art for "WoW style" art. I play EQ for its realistic D&D style, for its classic rules, if it loses that essence it loses me as a client. I'm sick of WoW clones. I wouldn't play WoW even if they paid me. Fortunately I have options that are far from that type of game. UO, EQ99, SWGemu, EvE O, MO II , "NW", and incoming other options Pax-Dei, etc (maybe EQ3 or not)

[@DarkAkuma]

Ugg. That "reimagining" of EQs style is terrible. I like the old original concept art MUCCCCCCCHHHHHHHHH more! Reimagining in the modern era is always the same. Make women less attractive, make men more lame and emo, make things look more abstract and excessively convoluted. Big pass on that! Make women hot, men look badass, and things in general look like like simple yet high quality 80s/90s high fantasy. If Daybreak uses that morons art style, I'm instantly out. If they use the style of the original EQ, Kunark-PoP... I still here! Simple as that.

[@JustNoot]

I played EQ for years and being a huge fan loved it then and love it now. Even made a video of the good old days raiding and still go back to watch it somedays. I would for sure love to see EQ3 and play as long as they kept most of it remastered like they plan on doing and so glad they are not going with Farzad who is new to EQ and never played. They need someone who has played, who takes it serious and to heart because EQ was never just a game and never will be to all it's die hard fans! It truly was and is so, so much more, long live EQ!💌💌💌

[@boot-strapper]

Making the EQ characters into "heroes" is lame. The great thing about eq is you start out as a shitty muddy peasant that cant fight a rat.

[@Feracitus]

exactly. these people just don't get it.

[@via_negativa6183]

I have to be honest and be that guy.. It's not that I don't want a new EQ, its in my top 5 games of all time. I want them to remake eq1 with better graphics and modernise the presentation a bit. Or actually give us the EQ Next they promised. I don't want another throw away mmo that tries to copy world of warcraft and fails like they all have. And what this guy is saying scares me previous project or not. He is not a fan of the game and thats a huge problem. Marvel heroes look? WTF. I'm sure he is a great artist but with EQ he basically has no idea what he's doing. EQ's style isn't dated, the graphics are. This guy wants to make his own thing and put the EQ trademark on it... I don't want wow caricature overtly stylized character art. I want classic heroic D&D style fantasy art in a seemless MMORPG world.

[@JustNoot]

Totally agree, they need someone who has played and lived it and stays true to EQ1, someone who takes it series to heart! I also think when Mercenaries were brought in it took away a lot, people didn't have to group no more and get to know each other which was a huge reason people loved it and became die hard fans.

[@CalabusDabus]

I seriously hope they don't use this guys concept art, it just doesn't fit.

[@kitaex1533]

This

[@JustNoot]

Agree 100%

[@firehawk22]

While Farzad's art is undoubtedly amazing, it definitely doesn't "fit" the EverQuest world. The big thing that would garner a lot of pushback is that they simply don't have anything that ticks that nostalgia box, which as we all know, is what EverQuest is all about. Saying players want to see something new isn't as accurate with this group. There's a reason a lot of us still play the same game occasionally or more after nearly 25 years. Regardless, it was great to see what Darkpaw was looking into back then. I wouldn't be surprised if this is what Holly was hinting about years ago when she said the EQ franchise was still looking to expand post EQN.

[@jonvvoid]

If they want EQ3 to be successful it will have to have nostalgia AND new things, else it will have the tiny playerbase EQ1 has currently. Honestly 80-10-10 wont work, IMO. Need like 30-30-20. EQ1 is too old for 80-10-10, if you're going to pull a large amount of the new game from it, that is.

[@JohnClark-jn7wi]

About the guy that has never played everquest coming up with ideas to change the elf and dwarf into having vines be part of their body for armor and clay for the dwarves. NONONONONO. Everquest is based off of the ideas that J.R.R. Tolkien put forth. Not some random game designer ideas than never played EQ. By the way THAT CONCEPT ART LOOKS LIKE GARBAGE. What happened to 80 10 10????

[@Valhondrian]

I would be definitely on board with the 80/10/10 concept and something is telling me that 90% of people who played EQ during these past 24 years think the same. What the artist guy did is not bad but it ABSOLUTELY doesn't fit in the EQ world. Marvel Universe ??????? God, keep this guy as far from anything EQ as possible.

[@JesseCaine]

Fantastic video and show, thank you! Sadly, every single statement Farzad made made me sink further into my seat. 'Marvel heroes' ... 'every race ... gorgeous'. I sincerely hope they find someone who knows Everquest, and knows that it isn't bloody Fortnite with Elves graphically. Ugh.

[@midwestmack785]

This artist interview has crushed all of my hopes for EQ3

[@EverQuestShow]

Did you see the end of the interview? This is from a previous project

[@stephenschindler7037]

I think the graphic of EQ X should be more like Elders Scrolls Online, more realistic design, mantaining the original architecture of the places and the feeling of the races. And, in the Future expansions put more playable races, like a Darkpaw for exemple and classes, like a SpellSword class. And itens, CAPES and Cloaks showables and Crossbows and Guns like New weapons. This is my sugestion, im a older fan and player of EQ.

[@SmokeyTheDab]

"I've never played the game, clearly I'm not in love with the property because I've never played it" - Vera Varahramyan (EQ Art director) . If that doesn't make you excited for some hot garbage, I don't know what will.

[@GES1985]

Please don't make EQ3 cartoony like wow and eqnext.

[@thewishingthorn]

This!!!

[@nicknailer1749]

CEO dude on point. Art dude, get him away from my beloved game

[@jedis_]

Agreed. Looks like cookie cutter WoW art.

[@strykrpinoy]

Nah that art style for everquest dungeons concept would of been soundly rejected by the fans of the franchise.

[@leedunning1825]

Farzad's environments and props are appealing, but I don't much care for his character designs. They are much too stylized, and I've had my fill of that with WoW. That he kept referencing Marvel as an aesthetic inspiration was troubling too. Heroic fantasy and superheroes are miles apart in theme and style. And his comments about challenging the fans and even aspiring to making them a bit angry felt too much like the reimagining of beloved IPs that have been so disastrous in recent years. He suggested that fans will easily become bored if things are too familiar, and yet, EQ is about to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Seems to me, the fans are not so fickle. Overall, I found the video very exciting and hope they come through with something that pleases fans, which perhaps draws in a new generation looking for something challenging and brings back the passion for building in-game friendships that span a lifetime.

[@nulltheworm]

Yeah, Farzad's a talented artist, but he's not an EQ artist. That whole Marvel aesthetic obsession is cringy as heck.

[@screwitidontgiveashi]

Please by the love of Mithaniel Marr don't do the huge pauldron bullshit armor, it's SO DUMB.

[@jizomeovonsteelwind]

So many comments here say exactly what I was already thinking, and to add my personal opinion on top of the 'keeping Farzad away from this' theme going on here, I just want to say I am getting sick of seeing the stylized graphics being pushed everywhere. I hate to bring it up, but the direction Pantheon is taking with their fortnite style graphics, just turns me off.

[@Feracitus]

huge turn off for me too. glad i didnt back it or i'd be pissed rn.

[@DaveChurchill]

Farzad is a talented artist, but has never played EQ completely misses the point on what makes EQ a sticky game. Simplicity. Not a single EQ player wants those Kim Kardashian elves.

[@zoopvonbeezle6241]

I totally agree, his take is dated and out of touch with the game.

[@TheOrlandolassus]

Dat Bass

[@Thraking]

Have people forgotten how groundbreaking and beautiful the Original Everquest was. Everquest developers went and recorded real life sounds to use in game to give it realism. I absolutley think the art direction for the new everquest is wrong. The game needs to be hyper realistic because even though the game is dated its original creation was to be immersive in an organic world. I do not care for overly stylized cartoon graphics. Everquest felt organic because the characters were all relatively weak and only succeeded in groups. The art director is absolutely wrong about the marvel hero aspect that is just not everquest.

[@Thraking]

Darkpaw needs to get in contact with the developers of Vermintide 2. Darkpaw should ask the fatshark studio to be responsible for the artistic direction of an everquest remaster.

[@EverQuestShow]

In case you missed it, the artwork presented here was for a previous EverQuest Game that was never developed.

[@everquestgoodurdencomp1426]

Living clay? That's called golems not Dwarf!

[@manda---]

I can't express how happy I am every time I see there's a new episode! Thank you for all you do =)

[@EverQuestShow]

Aww! Thanks for watching! I appreciate this feedback. I really enjoy making these episodes. They take a lot of work, but I am passionate about the game and franchise!

[@thrago916]

Man I hope they don't listen to that guy, Just remake the original game with modern graphics, UI and change up some of the quests etc. We all love the original for a reason. Bring in some of the things from EQ 2 that work like the mining nodes, I hope they don't turn it into a button masher, I prefer strategy. This guys ideas Suck, there is a reason this game has been played for 25 years, that guy needs to play EQ for 4-5 years then come up with some ideas. Head of EQ wants 80-10-10 they hire this guy who immediately want 10-10-80. I got ahead of myself that's from 2018 so glad they dumped that guys ideas.

[@mattnicholson8679]

Investing millions to remake a game that a few hundred people play is never going to happen. I loved EQ but almost nobody plays MMOs the way we used to play any more.

[@stephen7841]

Was anyone else worried as heck when the artist person was giving all their ideas and then a breathed a huge sigh of relief when the narrator explained their work was already over and they had opted to not use that art style?

[@TheMantis1968]

Absolutely!

[@jackbeeman9177]

I actually started to say "No, No No!" out loud and then switched to expletives as that Farzad guy continued to talk and spew nonsense. He comes off as someone that is quite full of themselves and cares more about his own egocentric ideas than what actually resonates with the everquest lore. First strike was "i've never played it" after many more, the last strike was when he said something along the lines of "i'd rather challenge the fans, something that makes them do a little of the work...up here" (pointing to his braIn). I was devastated watching this until I found out that its from some cancelled unannounced project. I'm relieved and hope darkpaw doesn't call on this guy or his ideas for the next game. I'm also a bit annoyed at the bait and switch nature of this video. Any reasonable person is going to assume this art/interview is in reference to the new game. Only telling us the reality right at the end of the video was pretty slimy.

[@magnamundian]

We don't want a Grind fest game with no depth and designs from someone who knows nothing about the game. Dwarves made of clay, thank god this was a rejected idea. I also hate how every character was thin, that isn't everquest. What i want is a game that has modern graphics quality coupled with the depth of storytelling and questing we are uaed to. This is EverQUEST, please don't make a game that feels like an extended version of The Shadow Odyssey grindfest (i have no idea how you voted that in the top five)

[@TheJofurr]

The charm of EverQuest's graphics was in their simplicity and fidelity to the classic fantasy/mythology genres. You want to fight a lion, here's a lion. You want to fight a harpy, here's a harpy. You want to fight a dragon, here's a dragon with four whole legs! I'm all for challenging audiences but in a world of WoW derivatives and excessively detailed spandex shame, getting back to basics can be a challenge in its own right.

[@phaedruslive]

At this point my dream would be to have an MMO with art direction by Peter Mullen. I don't know how realistic that is but I love his aesthetic.

[@TheMuschen]

"Everquest - You are in our world now" The core of the game is that you are not a hero. In almost every game, you are made "the hero". Its like this guy have found something ground breaking here. When i first started playing everquest, i came from games where everyone was perfect, beautiful and you were the hero of the story. One thing that struck me, was how ugly and different they made the characters in Everquest and how little you mattered in this world with the hardcore element and the faction system. Good luck!

[@discord37]

I would love to see a new EQ game, but a 5 year wait? I'll just pretend it's not a thing until it's here. I never loved a game more than EQ2 so I would be curios if I liked it as much.

[@the40yearoldgamer41]

First comment......... cue the intro song baby! Post Watch Edit: The artwork actually looks amazing. Hopefully they get just a tad lazy and use Farzad's concept art for the characters... honestly got to give that a 9.5 out of 10. The hardcore element is nice as it's really going to encourage more cooperative play, although I've done my fair share of boxing I would really just like to roll one character and maybe play with my kids in another 5 years. Finally, it may sound messed up but this game actually gives me some inspiration to be healthier so that I can become a "50 year old gamer" and enjoy the progress of this game... maybe Pantheon won't be the big let down it's starting to look like as well....

[@dansimmons8107]

"I want to make everything like MARVEL!" Well... I was hopeful for about 10 minutes there.

[@pugog87]

He's a good artist, but He's also got that "subvert the fandom's expectations" attitude that is so cancerous to so many things nowadays. I'm glad nothing came of it. I'd rather have EQ preserved the way it is than have it subverted and bastardized into something unrecognizable.

[@kinnakor6619]

I got excited when the part started about new concept art for the new EQ game, then once i saw it i started to panick and feel a bit of dread. Then when it was mentioned it was old concept art from a scrapped test phase in 2018 i had a BIG sigh of relief! Lol. Im sorry but that art direction would of been terrible!

[@EverQuestShow]

You rode my emotional roller coaster I created for you perfectly! =) Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@envionavalkirye5418]

I would like to see all the original classes and races. I want their lore to be intact and I don't want anyone to try to re-invent the wheel when it comes to the class design. I think the classes in EverQuest are good as they are. Would I like to see new ways to use their functionality? Sure. But I want their core identity to remain as they are. I'd like for the game's mechanics to be pretty similar to EQ 1 - I hope we maintain spell gems, where we have to pick and choose what spells we're going to use, for a given situation, rather than bloat out to 6, full hot bars of abilities that 70% of them do the same thing on different cool downs, like EQ II. I want combat be focused around group vs 1 or 2 enemies. None of this "Pull 15 enemies, press X to taunt and just AoE down." I want CC to be meaningful. I want you to have to think about how you're going to approach a situation and have your approach be determined by the classes you have in your party. Your response may be different if you do or do not have an Enchanter, or a Bard. I'm fine with reducing down time, but I don't want to fight a white, that could only deal 5% of my health. I don't want to1/2-shot blues. I want different play styles. I want kiting, I want charming, I want fear kiting. I want people to feel like they can play their way and not have that removed because the Warrior cried they can't do what the Enchanter does.

[@stevenmay3042]

When I heard this guy farzar the artist.. talking about never playing EQ then saying I can come from a objective perspective.. then showing this modern models of what a character would look like. I just knew then that the next eq with this guys opinions being taken serious will make eq bad. Now he's talking about drawfs putting on clay armor and he's going into detail with this bullshit that makes him excited. He thinks he is smart and knows our minds and what we could like. This man doesn't need to be in the project at all and in anyway

[@EQOAnostalgia]

I agree. Looks like he's out anyway, so that's a very good thing for traditionalists like us.

[@rpgamer13]

i suggested this before I'd love eq3 to be a prequel to everquest . tons of lore there. and getting back to basics races and classes. but allow more to get added as time goes on, just like eq 1 did. love to see the small versions of cities as villages growing through expansions up to eq1 release size. crowd control classes again better then just the holy trinity .. what it 100% does not need is voxel or digging terrain. landmark died but was fun. just not an mmo style. dual universe took that over. eq needs to be eq. trying to make the next gen mmo. won't work to many try and fail. it's best to just stick with eq knows and build ogg the best of eq and eq2 . this is why i feel a pre-quill would be better. the fan base will enjoy the lore and familiar play. vs trying over the top new innovations that no mmo does yet. i don't mean not to bring new things. do so but slowly. through expansions.

[@zoopvonbeezle6241]

I love the video, but I have reservations about Farzad's idea of what Everquest charecter's are. He says "Heroes like marvel" that's never been what Everquest charecter's are to me. We start out as nothing, but through hard work we have a chance to do heroic things. The aesthetic while nice, is not Everquest, it belongs in another MMO circa 2010 free to play.

[@nulltheworm]

100% spot on take here. The whole 'Marvel comics' comment is a tip off that the next EQ is going to be another MMO ripping off whatever was hot in pop culture 5-7 years before it is released.

[@nealorr5086]

@@nulltheworm How did you watch the video and not watch the video? 1. This guy was not the art director, just a concept artist they brought in. 2. This was for a project that is no longer in the works

[@nulltheworm]

@@nealorr5086 In my defense, some of the screen was blocked by your mom's bobbing head.

[@nulltheworm]

I guess she really liked that outtro music.

[@nealorr5086]

@@nulltheworm The only 13 year-old EQ player... Congrats, I guess?

[@jonathanhughes8679]

The game released in 99 so how can it not look dated. That’s a dumb statement that artists made.

[@EQ_EnchantX]

The "dated" graphics are decades ahead of his drafts...

[@ragebyte]

Not sure how I really feel about this. Pantheon was supposed to be the next true Everquest, but look at where they are now. It was supposed to be a 80-10-10. The only thing new was the story and how the characters looked. Then you look at how their artwork changed, and now, they have no money so they are spinning off 247. I'm hoping I'm wrong, I'm just not really excited. I would like a surprise.

[@luciusETRUR]

Ji Ham seems way more competent than anyone at VR lol

[@jonathanwilhelm4818]

This will die on the vine if Farzad stays involved.

[@killval849]

I bet a release on 2029 to coincide with 30 year anniversary, it should be hardcore balls to the wall, but also have quality of life, it must do a very difficult task, but it certainly can be done, they have a lot of the structure.

[@EQOAnostalgia]

When EQOA died, so did my love of MMO's... i was in denial of that for like a decade lol. I went through an EverRevolving door of disappointment, MMO after MMO after MMO, just to leave days, weeks, or if the game was decent, months later. It was fun while it lasted. But i don't think anything will ever reignite that passion in me for gaming. 😒

[@bhvrd]

It's a shame more people didn't play it as it was definitely a fantastic gem of a game, in some ways even better than the original Everquest itself. Maybe we will see a next iteration and this time more people will support and play it in bigger numbers cause it definitely deserved more attention. Definite claasic!

[@wohargRadu]

If Daybreak decides to go on with an EQ3 idea, just DO NOT let anybody who never played EQ closer than 1 light year to the project ! Otherwise it would end like the Rings of Power with those Amazon morons who said "We'll do a story that Tolkien never wrote." . Obviously ...

[@gnorley]

Thanks for the update! Back to p99 for now.

[@Catashe123]

The only problem with making a new EQ MMO is can it live up to the original and one of the major problem with EQ is the dependability on others to do anything really and in this day in age.. Everyone expects leveling and gearing to be easy and that just isn't EQ... So if they do make a new EQ MMO, I hope they can bring EQ into the future while not drift so far that it loses what made EQ EQ

[@TommyVXOLucia]

He cannot be serious, with the Dwarf concept 🤦 ... just no. Even worst he never played EQ and doesn't know what it is about.

[@tomwalker8944]

God I hope they don't use ANY of that concept art. It's hideous.

[@rflynn1974]

I have more faith in EG7, they seem to have an understanding how Everquest currently works. Ji hams presententation was very good

[@ripjammer]

Ji Ham’s mention of From Software is very promising. It sounds like EG7 is fully aware that there is a major market for more challenging games.

[@TheWhisperingPenis]

Yep! Glad he's paying attention. That gets me excited. You just do a niche really well. FromSoft, Dark and Darker, Dota 2. There's many very successful hardcore games. The MMO scene is missing out big time for these people.

[@DarkGnome1]

I disliked almost all of Farzad's ideas for the new EQ. It didn't capture the spirit of EQ in any way and especially his comments about each character being marvel super hero. Just no. I really hope they go a different direction than what Farzad proposed.

[@TheAradar]

I agree, I hope this won't be the art direction. It would fit more to a Warhammer og Warcraft game

[@zoopvonbeezle6241]

Yup, totally out of touch with the game.

[@Wade-1]

I hope they dont cartoon up the graphics they also to make the weapons have a realistic look in inventory with a transparent background. Warhammer 40k would be terrible. EQ Next was a terrible idea from the beginning. Pretty sure most people just want EQ1 with new graphics, similar spell system. Real EQ people don't don't want WoW character proportions. They are doing too much. The most insane thing about these new games is that they could put out polls on what people want.

[@via_negativa6183]

Actually EQ next had alot of very good revolutionary Ideas, and at this point in the mmo space its about time we started to see some of them. the stylistic approach and execution was just botched

[@GalatherGermania]

I am super excited for the next Everquest MMO!! But I am really, really disappointed at the concept artist's direction. A Marvel style universe is not Everquest, period. Its absolutely off. Although the art is intriguing, it should be directed towards a new IP, not Everquest. I understand that this was for a totally different Everquest, but I want this to be a lesson to Darkpaw. I know they will read the comments, so I want to reach out with this message. My advice as both a head of a 3D game art studio and a fan of Everquest, get someone who loves the IP. Someone who eats, breathes, and lives in Norrath. We want to return to Norrath, our home, not go to some warped reality of it. Its not cool, its not interesting, its not exciting, its not home.

[@viridian10]

Just hire Rick Schmitz or Donato Giancola, maybe Volkan Baga, someone in line with how the glorious cover art looks

[@FGustoh]

It is difficult to see how they would be able to capture EQ in a new game. Ever Quest is something unique from a bunch of mad lads who hand crafted a world. Made you feel with the ambience of howling kobolds in the Warrens, the happy jig in Rivervale. Ton of that is lost in current EQ but thats another tangent. There was a team from a certain time and place that can't be replicated. We have seen many games similar to that like Silent Hill series. After the first 3 it wasn't the same and it showed. Rather glad Farzad stuff is from a shelved game as it screamed all the things we see today be it Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek. People who never loved it or watched it glee fully turning it into something its not, completely unreconizable using the name to flip another project. This feels like creating sequels after Aliens, you can't summon lighting in a bottle. The track record of Planet Side Arena being a fad-chasing asset flip of flop and EQ Next debacle does not fill me with confidence.

[@jimmycchan]

WTF! the art dude.... think Female Dwarf with beard is wrong?..... he needs to play EQ to know more of the lore. and elf... needs to be woodsie.... forestie... well play the game... there is a race call wood elf. and Dwarf with living clay "Original" idea.... well buddy, guild wars 2 have that is call Deldrimor Dwarf. you mean original that eq don't have it... you just rip and copy from other games? or you are so lack of information you think you are "original"?

[@JustNoot]

It was very laughable, the guys a joke.

[@MrRichardgower]

More great news! Thanks again Fading for staying on top of what's going on, it's very positive news that the money behind EQ/EQ2 is going to be put back in with no end in site. We can also help Fading out by clicking on the bell by subscribed so when Fading uploads new content we can watch right away.

[@EverQuestShow]

Thank you for the support! I appreciate it and Long Live EQ!

[@yerpyerp]

80-10-10 is the right move. Not using the current staff to developed as they are needed to maintain is smart. He knows the right moves... lets see if he can get it done. The concept art is too far off. The clay dwarf were awesome tho.. perhaps a new race???

[@Elias_Halloran]

I disagree 10-10-80 sounds better. If you cannot take risks there is no chance to be a ground breaking game like the original Everquest was in it's time. Too many games copying other games.

[@yerpyerp]

@@Elias_Halloran I do not think "ground breaking" is what EQ should strive for. That is what every failure has done in the MMO industry and would kill the IP and alienate the base that makes this even possible. You want ground breaking look towards AoC.

[@mattstansbeary3068]

I liked the Style art but like keep EverQuest close to EverQuest 1 ideas not fully go Marvel or anything else.

[@JJE2010MO]

Would be nice to have the next EQ game BEFORE I die.

[@vennril]

When Farzad said he never played EQ that made sense, because none of his art looks like EQ. He completely lost me when he said he wanted to make the characters look like Marvel characters. That is so out of touch... Nice artwork, thought, if it was for a brand new IP. I actually wish there was more respect for the franchise and its lore. You wouldn't be like "let's make a new Lord of the Rings game/movie, but this time the dwarves are made from clay..." Excuse me what?

[@_marlene]

i hate to be negative but yes, exactly, and I don't think this is just peanut gallery talk. This video reveals too much, it reveals yet another astonishing blunder in progress. Lack of vision is an enduring issue with owners of EQ and it sounds like we get another 5 yr cycle now of preoccupation with capital concerns choking out any chance of somebody making a decent creative decision on where the IP goes. Ultimately this golden goose, which I was glad to hear is valued for what it is at least by leadership, was not born of conservative financial discussion. Nor was it born of plug-and-play remote creative staff with no respect for the existing work, no respect for western D&D fantasy aesthetic, showing up and pitching their canned generic "comic book movie but also WoW-flavored fantasy" portfolio to save money. Bringing up the word "Marvel" because they heard that franchise-ization is one of the client's corporate goals. And okay first of all, does doing a complete 180 on the aesthetic of EQ to make it look "marvel" sound like a *"franchise"* type decision?? or does it sound like risky new clown shoes? HELLOOOO, work the Keith Parkinson angle, doesn't anyone at the company remember that guy? Get rid of this artist and my God don't air his pitch on your promo channel, good lord! Disastrous.

[@Recrofne]

Yeah, if that guy had any say in the future EQ game's development, original EQ fans would have zero interest. As he said, he has never played EverQuest, and man it really shows. He is as disconnected from what the community wants as it possibly gets.

[@Morraak]

"I want... all the character to feel like they're heroes, heroes to the degree to where if they fit into a Marvel type universe." Thanks, but no thanks. What I liked about OG EQ1 early on was that you were just some dude plopped in a world, not the main hero of the story. That's not sandbox MMO. Also with making it more stylized, just make it fit the races. Sure ogres in eq1 were basically balls with arms and legs but that fit because they're these giant walls of beings. Iksar were thin and stick-like but that was probably so they could be more aerodynamic when swimming. EDIT: And yes, I realize this was for a game not even being worked on now. I'm just saying this in hopes it will be heard for the new EQ3 being made.

[@davewarner7046]

Glad there is still interest. But think they need to realize what hurt EQ and Not to repeat those mistakes and who is their target consumer. If they dumb it down, make it speed runnable, eliminate repercussions for bad decisions and make it so there are shortcuts then might as well not even make it.

[@MyMastamind]

The biggest take for Everquest is to keep the original influence of D&D and Tolkien in the design of races design and art work.

[@FreshCannedEels]

A lot of hate for Farzad in the comments. People seem to forget that he was working off of the suggestions that Darkpaw themselves asked for. The man is clearly talented and creative. I can see where some fans would be put off by the concepts, but since we'll never really know the context to that world's "story" I dont think anyone could say whether or not it'd work.

[@EverQuestShow]

This is exactly what happened. Some of this discussion in the interview was left on the editing cutting room floor so to speak, but this s exactly the case (I didn't want to get into a blame gamer point fingers) And one clarification, it was Daybreak at this time, as Darkpaw didn't yet exist.

[@skyjames2421]

Love your show! I truly thought it was produced with Daybreak, so great job man! Can't wait for the next episode.

[@doesitglow99]

You're a gem to the franchise, keep it up

[@cemi_3877]

lol they need to chill it on the "stylization " of the art, trying too hard to make things look 'cool' can easily make things pretty lame.

[@EverQuestShow]

I agree that "stylization" is not as preferred over "realism", but there is a very good reason for this in the gaming industry. The reason is that realism tends to date a game very quickly as graphics in games improves. When you have stylized art like WoW or Super Mario Brothers, the game tends to age a bit more gracefully. EverQuest is a little of both, but mostly "realism" for what was possible in 1997-1999. There is some stylization from the gorgeous art Rick Schmitz created, which I believe is at the heart of EQ's style. I think that's the direction to go. But it's still a tough balance.

[@malgoth]

ya the minute he said objective view and stylized, i was like NOPE, alibet thats my opinion on a IP that i have always loved. This IP is beloved, i hope they really think about it before pulling the trigger.

[@cemi_3877]

100% agree and I also believe the art style needs to survive the ages. Realism isn't quite the concern as much as dramatically or arbitrarily stylized design choices. On a different note, there is a huge amount of respect coming out of that presentation to the EQ community, overall this is very exciting! @@EverQuestShow

[@Recrofne]

Farzad's vision of EverQuest is a big nope, that's not something you do to connect with original fans. The fans want the Norrath they know, but updated with modern graphics, they WANT that old feel, that's Norrath. Hitting that nolstalgia is absolutely key. Giant Marvel styleized fantasy is the opposite of EQ, if you want to make something entirely different then go away and make a different game, people who have a new vision for beloved classics is what has ruined so many modern attempts at remakes. As the guy says, he has never played EverQuest and boy does it show he doesn't know the community. Into the trash with that stuff.

[@EverQuestShow]

I'm currently working on a complete episode about Keith Parkinson and his artwork. So, while I didn't mention it in this episode, just know that you'll get to hear a lot about his art, the story behind it and more in a future episode!

[@SkajiaSha]

I want updated graphic for everquest I and II too!

[@Recrofne]

@@EverQuestShow That sounds great, I am looking forward to it. This is easily one of my favorite channels.

[@Recrofne]

@@SkajiaShaThat is my dream. I am a 3D artist and keep hoping to find the time to attempt at least doing some neat client side updated for Project 1999, but something official would be amazing.

[@cryomancer20x68]

Honestly? I hate the nostalgia train that they have been riding. Update the game entirely, please. The player models are from 2001 for crying out loud. From what I can tell, the majority of subscribers are on the TLP servers and ignore new content because they can keep the subscriptions going by farming plat to buy krono. So much is focused on going back that that going forward becomes almost a financial loss. Please, Daybreak, focus on forward.

[@EverQuestShow]

It appears with Laurion's Song the nostalgia trip has taken a pit stop for now. Sort of.

[@Noxmare]

Majority that may be but still not all. I, for one, enjoy post-Classic era content much more than Classic.

[@SkajiaSha]

Yes, the old games need attention too! Especially the graphic!

[@JaredLBridge]

Thank for you for continuing the show! I am super excited to follow the development of the new project. I trust the development team to keep us happy as they have been, but i hope the community can keep an open mind enough to not turn off old players, but also do new things to create a new generation of players at the same time. It is going to be a hard balance, and I wish the team well in their endeavors.

[@zarroth]

all the new fangled stuff is failing everywhere. Even the people that claim they want it aren't paying for it. They need to stop listening to tripe and put in real research into what people who are willing to buy it actually want out of anything RPG related...and this isn't it.

[@Nananea]

I'm glad the EverQuest X project didn't take off. Cool ideas for a non-EQ game though!

[@TommyVXOLucia]

Thank God!

[@Proctor1986]

that art was not it chief lol at least the character art. the city art looked pretty good. but i think he took the wrong parts to draw inspiration from. also mongo hyped to see something added to the IP TBH! why dont the consider a show or a movie for the IP i think about the fan base. well it's only so big and they are already playing a game. yes there is room to draw back old player base or a new players but that's margins i think they are overestimating. should think about what else the current base can buy in addition to what they are already buying.

[@trinityleech4427]

Ok, so im one of the kids that was born in 1990, but i still started EQ at launch! So i am an EQ vet in terms of how long ive played, but im not "old school EQ player" when i hear that i think of my dad and hes almost 60 so, ANYWAYS lol, as a HUGGGGGE fan of EQ since its launch and still to this day play on Xegony, i myself would personally enjoy a remaster! Not a remake, not a EverQuest 3, not a reboot, but a complete remaster! A basically simular version of original EQ UI but with a facelift! Because tbh the UI is very nostalgic and there isnt really anything wrong with it! But yea, maybe update the UI a little, completely revamp every zone, and what i mean by that is do NOT i repeat, DO NOT change A THING except the graphics! Idk for example lets just use Gfay. Make the grass longer, put trees that actually have shadows, make the suns light reflect off water and shit! Heres an idea that would be cool, build a new gfay tree city with new graphics engine's but dont destroy the old one just build above it and make it look like the original one got old and fell down kinda shit ya know? Maybe have a few of the older tents and shit on the ground but mostly it's in tact! Think of a fishing pier after a mild hurricane it's missing hand rails, planks, people,you get what I'm saying! It's just something about the original EQ that is just so powerful and full of a whole generation's favorite memories. People want nostalgia, people will pay for that old claasic vibe with a modern spin i guaran fuckin tee it! Im super baked right now and have no idea why im even saying all of this 🤣🤣🤣

[@flammableelmo4966]

Man seeing EQ Next footage makes my blood boil honestly....first time the hype train got me, I'll never forget lol

[@Connall.]

I'm still unhappy about the Landmark ordeal. I bought 3 copies of that dang thing helping to support EQ Next development. Bleh...

[@Trendle222]

@@Connall. me too, i will stick with good ole Agnarr server (games stops at Planes of Power era) on EQ1

[@The.Man.WithAPlan]

I say just release Vanguard with bug fixes and I think a lot of people would play it.

[@Alen_D]

Man I miss the days of EQOA. I would love to see a new EverQuest however I feel like the cartoony feel that was being brought on with EverQuest next was a bit far from their original art style. I really hope the new one maintains some of the original art style and feel.

[@Cynidecia]

I really do not like Farzads direction, as it's something else entirely, just with Everquests name slapped on it. He needs to look at EQ's artstyle and heavily research it, understand where the original Devs were coming from, look at the tone it set.

[@LiamsLyceum]

Farzad’s concept art looks cool. He’s right EQ looks dated, as much as I love it.

[@LiamsLyceum]

The comparisons to Marvel are less appreciated.

[@timothypease1605]

I've been playing EQ on and off since it's released in 99. I love the game, it's core to my identity as a gamer. So far, I don't like Farzad for EverQuest. His style doesn't represent the true style EQ fans want to see. The box art is what he should reference, not the outdated game graphics. This art style looks more like WoW. Nothing like EQ base art style. Improve. Don't go all new. This doesn't work.

[@VRIceblast]

I like the landscapes, and characters, but don't like the idea of making the Dwarves look like they are made of clay. You can make a race of clay like characters if you like, but let's let the dwarves look like the EQ Classic Dwarves. Also, EverQuest Next was looking really good, it was Daybreak that sabotaged the Community connection, destroying all the trust that was built between the developers, and the fanbase. I played Landmark for 18 months. It was great, and to not even release what was created, was a crime. This time, let's not insult the fanbase.

[@Bad_Moon_Rising]

I think this is a bad idea. Kids these days don't have the attention span anymore to commit the time they would need to invest in a hardcore game like old EQ. They play quick games more like FPS shooters and LoL junk . The people who WOULD want this are already playing old EQ , or are adults now without the time available that would be needed. I believe there can be a comprimise between hardcore and accesibility.

[@joseonwalking8666]

Ji Ham seems to understand at the core what games EG7 owns. I think they are investing wisely here. I also think he gets it. If he can see a pretty big EQ launch 2028ish he might just see EG7 blow up in confidence among the WIDER player base.

[@eq2relaxation549]

I'm in the camp favcring a visual upgrade to the old(er) games. The visuals are one of the main reasons why a lot of ppl don't stick around, and I've seen this personally in my own neighbourhood and family and even on my own yt eq2 channel. My brother tried to play both games with me, but logged out in disappointment because he couldn't connect to the dated visuals. Same thing with my best friend, who just went back to his upgraded WoW. Both games look good for their age, but make no mistake, they are severely outdated by today's standards, and the gap only gets bigger as time goes on. Take the flora in eq2 for example, it's either non-existent or on a super basic N64 level of fidelity. This is just one example, but there are many more. EQ1 is even worse because it's generally on PSX level. I don't think ppl would actually need Unreal 5 level of upgrades, and the higher system requirements that are coupled to an upgrade like this, but a bit of refurbishing and upgrading going on here and there would most certainly be a nice and very much appreciated change of wind - something in-between basically. These are live service games after all, emphasis on "live" as in ever evolving. To be clear: Sure, in a perfect world we'd be going from FF7 PSX (Minecraft) to FF7 Remake (Unreal 5) level of visuals, but even a more "simple" and "straight forward" upgrade that is similar to that what Nintendo did for Ocarina of Time on N64 -> 3DS is better than nothing. Also, to the ppl saying EQ1/2 looks better than Warcraft: WoW has upgraded its graphics many times during its lifespan, and it now boasts even better looking lighting, flora, char models, water rendering with refraction, textures, polygons and even advanced raytraced shadows - you name it. It's a tremendous difference comparing the old vs the new side by side. There are comparison videos here on yt that show the difference btw, but I think I'll make one huge comparison video on my own yt channel to demonstrate the difference. There are many very popular KZbinrs, such as Nathan Napalm, and he himself, and every single person we have asked thus far, actually agrees that a visual upgrade would help greatly, if it respects the original art. He made an entire video on this subject and got one like after the other. He tried introducing his wife to EQ1, and she declined because it looked way too dated. This has been mentioned many times. The very same thing happened when I tried with my wife, which is the main reason that she went with EQ2 instead, but even then the likes of ff14 are high above us right now, and ff14 is getting yet another huge investment in the form of a major (!) graphics upgrade / overhaul later this year too, on top of even more upgrades, so it's going to be looking even better than before very soon! Even Anarchy Online got an engine upgrade at some point, and their community is much, much smaller than ours in EQ. The most popular / liked yt comment on the official EQ2 channel (RoR trailer) is asking for a visual overhaul, and it's hitting 60 likes so far. It's by far the most wanted feature / upgrade, and the most wished and upvoted feature in the entire comment history of the channel. On Steam "Sturmlocke" has triggered the same discussion, and has gotten nearly a hundred likes for the idea of further refurbishment thus far. Another prime example of why visuals are important: Nathan logged into Anarchy Online with his friends, and they decided to use the old client (= older visuals), so the first thing that they all noticed is how utterly dated it looks (like EQ), and how cumbersome the interface was (like EQ). They realized how this is exactly how other ppl are going to be feeling when trying out the current EQ games, or how it goes when you try to play these games with your family members that are used to better looking games, for example. And before someone says that graphics don't matter, yes, they actually do matter to many of us. Visuals matter the same way music, soundtracks, ambience sounds and more add to the bigger picture in the end. Example: Pantheon recently switched its art style to a more cartoony look, and it created a huge division within the community, filled with mixed feelings and disappointment, and many moving away from it out of protest. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that the next EQ-ish installment is in the works, but I also feel that failing to do at least some or any type of refurbishment for the previous games is a sad mistake, and ppl have been vocal about this over at the eq2 forums for many years too. If anything these games deserve some love and attention after decades of live service. The fact that both lotro hd and dcuo visual upgrades were silently dropped together, and that now both eq1 and 2 could be following the same path, is a sad development of things imo. Dcuo is arguably the most powerful and most popular and most flexible mmo in the entire list, and its next-gen upgrade gets cancelled? Is there a Dcuo 2.0 in the works, or is someone else making a successor (like Amazon is doing with lotro)? They literally canned all major upgrades and brushed it off as it was nothing to be worried about. Huh? To me keeping and upholding and honoring a major promise / idea / franchise is as important as anything else, the same way it's important to actually "see" that you care about a franchise by showing it via your (re)investment and (re)engagement on as many fronts as humanly possible, the visuals "merely" being one of them. All of this makes me me wonder: What if this EQ3-ish inspired idea gets cancelled later down the road as well? We have seen this happen before with EQN, and now recently with the planned - or - potential graphics upgrade of many existing titles. I say "could be following the same path" further above because the wording is a bit difficult to pin point in the eg7 presentation. It was mentioned that they view the EQ franchise as their main thing from the golden era, and that they would invest where necessary, but they also said that it leaves dcuo out of the mix for a visual overhaul or upgrade in the very same context, not EQ1/2 specifically. That said, it could very well imply this is a move against an upgrade for EQ1/2, and if it truly does, well then read above. Now one could argue that the new EQ-ish game will fix all of this by making it more appealing visually, and while that might be true, a) it's many, many years away (four to five at least) and b) we don't know yet how it'll turn out to be and if it manages to recapture the same nostalgic magic of the older games, which consists of more than just its visuals and "core" elements ofc. So let's say we ignore both EQ1/2 again and wait for the new game, then it turns out to be something completely else, something that we have witnessed before, or the powers that be change their mind and abandon the idea altogether again, and just like that we missed the opportunity to give the existing games some form of love yet again. The time to do things for the old games is now, not ten years away from now, if ever. I love Dcuo, Eq1/2 and Vanguard soh, always have, and my wife and I have been venturing these worlds for decades now, so I say the above because that is how deeply I feel about this matter, and it's no secret either. I love these games and it saddens me greatly that they aren't getting the treatment that they truly deserve after all these years, IF the dropped visual upgrades turns out to be true. That said, I'm happy for whatever comes next too, so what this does is it leaves me with a bag of mixed feelings tbh. I want a new game, but I also want to see the old ones that made the franchise what it is in the first place get their fair share of special treatment. Thanks to the EQ Show for keeping us informed about all these things, because they matter, one way or the other, and are of great importance for everyone in the community. Cheers 🥂

[@SkajiaSha]

I agree

[@SkajiaSha]

I love to play everquest two but let's be honest here both one and two are in dire need of a graphic update

[@leandroalfonsocalderonso3823]

This guys art looks like Magic the gathering or WoW. Not Raw like at all. I think it’s ugly.

[@VRIceblast]

Not a good idea to go against the fans. Hollywood does this over and over again, and they always lose. EverQuest is EverQuest for a reason, and the fans don't like things to change. Fans would love EQ just to get a ReMaster, with improvements. Remember this is suppose to be a fantasy world, not a Marvel Woke style world. Don't forget the roots of EQ, and why it's the best game made, and it just needs a fresh lease on life. Another guy that isn't a fan, making a new EQ. How does someone that doesn't know EQ, make a new EQ, when he doesn't know the old one. He's just like people today, that look at EQ, and just thinks it's a outdated game, that has nothing to offer. Completely missing, it's the game mechanics where EQ shines, not the outdated graphic engine. There is a reason why this game is still going after 25 years. You might want to learn what that reason is, before you think you can make a new version of it.

[@nickjordan8996]

Agreed. Remember EQ2! It was way too foreign and people did not like the changes.

[@VRIceblast]

​@@nickjordan8996 Yeah, I think the main problem people had, was how everyone was the same till like level 10 or was it 20, and then you got to pick a class. That alone, completely changed the feel of the game, and the combat was very different as well. EQ always made you feel like your character was kind of unique, because there is just so much gear in the game. That most people didn't have the same gear on. Also, you had to really earn everything you got, and not everyone played the game the same way, so they would have different gear, than someone else. I really like that about EQ.

[@EQOAnostalgia]

Yeah... as a former EQOA junkie, i just want what i had before. New shinies or not, our game was destroyed, and our fanbase shipwrecked. If EQ1 was remastered with the core elements in place, i think i could vibe with that, at least for a while.

[@SkajiaSha]

I would Like a remaster in form of a graphic Update for the old games but i also would not mind a new game that sticks to its roots

[@VRIceblast]

​@@EQOAnostalgia Yeah, that's the thing, EQ isn't like other MMO's, and too many people barely give it a chance, mainly because it's dated graphics, but anyone that really knows the game, knows just how good, and different it is than every other MMO. If they had remastered the game, then people would come back to the game, and really learn how good it really is. I'm starting to doubt will ever get a game as good again. Maybe with A.I., will get a different kind of MMO, but I'll probably be too old to play it by that time. smh

[@Lexelot.]

Ogres and Trolls should never be "gorgeous." If you make them gorgeous, it's not EverQuest. I'm glad this project got canned.

[@zoalord009]

If it’s looking good in UE5, I would lose my mind.

[@alutra]

Fun episode! Always intriguing to contemplate the future of EQ. Thanks for keeping us updated!

[@AerynGunn]

I’m happy to hear of the 80,10,10 plan. I would be ok with a more stylized art direction, but wouldn’t like to see WOW type armor.

[@nealorr5086]

Maybe we'll get Manga style (read 120 lb) weapons!

[@iksarguards]

"I want to feel like the characters are heroes. Heroes like they'd fit into a marvel type universe. " Get rid of this man now, thank you.

[@yerpyerp]

Yeah... that was... showing he is not aligned. You need someone that plays the game... he would be good if they wanted to 10 10 80 tho. Glad they do not.

[@Billabee]

Long live Norrath and thank you Fading for the work you put into getting the good word out about The Game ☺

[@sephirtu]

So... Daybreak is on at least their 2nd concept phase for an EQ project, after EQNext was aborted. And people are feeling hopeful???? *sigh*

[@neilcarlson72]

I'm one who's a big advocate for updated graphics in EQ. To me, it's a little bit disappointing to hear an upgrade in graphics isn't happening.

[@SkajiaSha]

Me too same here and that goes for both EQ AND EQ2! What's going on???

[@JenoFletter]

I hope they don't make it look like all the other anime looking mmo's. I hope it is not like wow classic hardcore where if you die you have to make a new character. I will not be playing such a game. I like to enjoy what I work to get. Spending time in a game and my money I do not want to lose my character and stuff. So I hope they don't make the mistake of making this a hardcore game only, just make servers for that style of play seperate. I love EQ2 have played it from the start and am still playing today.

[@rbebut1]

Don't make it look like Avitar

[@P0KEC0RE]

.... EQ X is gonna suck... Imagine not seeing all the banners all the lore all the art. Imagine Spitting in all the fans who love the art love the style love the chairs the tables the cities the world. I was not a fan of EQ 2. But after hearing this art detector talk when EQX comes out I might try EQ2 EQ marvel type universe someone plz tell this dude the marvel universe is dying no one cares about that shit. We loved the actors... We loved iron man. He's gone... Dude .. I'm not even excited for this .. he wants to make all the "eldar" druids... I hate this.. he keeps saying things I hate.... Archers... There better not be a archer .... Living clay... Well... At least I want to play EQ again. My main blue server is Now Vox if anyone wants to play hmu in comments I'll dm you.. oh yeah a little angry. Dude I want EQ to be successful and last the sands of time... I don't want to leave it in darkness... I want to know I'm playing EQ from the second I log in to the second I log out ... Oh thank God...2018 get wrecked omg please don't use that trash. So thankful they said they are not gonna use that. I'm gonna post my comment because this was an emotional rollercoaster and if anyone wants to read this and rage with me you can.