EverQuest II Extended Interview
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VE: What was the rationale behind the decision to create new servers for EQ2 Extended instead of just implementing the change across the existing servers?
David: We have an existing player base of folks that like the game exactly the way it is. They don't want that to change. They were very resistant to the idea of microtransactions and stat-based items or power items to get you ahead. They don't want to see that stuff in their game because basically they wanted to feel proud about having achieved level 90 with all this great gear and they wanted to be able to show it off. And we respect that. We get that. We set up the separate servers so that when the new people come in, it will be a normal experience for them, and the existing customers who like it the way it is will not be impacted.
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VE: As one reader puts it, free players will be "severely gimped" since they will be restricted to adept level spells and lower equipment grades. Will they ever be able to get past these restrictions by buying upgrades from the cash store?
David: We're going to be changing the marketplace as we go forward so I'm not sure what will happen in the future. I've been playing EQ2 a lot since I got this job and you can go a long way in this game without ever upgrading your spells past Adept. You can't raid without the high-end gear, that's correct. People would most likely have to upgrade to silver and possibly gold to get to that level. Granted, you might get to level 50 or 60 and feel that you might want to upgrade because it gets a little tougher, but the fact of the matter is that you CAN play without it.
