EQ History Buff

I don’t consider myself a history guru, that would make me a borderline crazed developer stalker, but it’s always good to know at least a little history behind the development of a mmo before you go off posting on message boards blindly making allegations and asinine assumptions about a specific era in development.

This post was kindled from Aggro Me’s interview with Xalmat of eqsummoners. I want to post a snippet of the interview here and my response in case any of you are former or current EQ players who might have an interest in some of the history behind ‘the visions’ departure from SOE.

Xalmat wrote: “I didn’t actually start dabbling in MMORPGs until I discovered EverQuest in November 2001, where I created my Magician.

Vanguard, I’m completely turned off from because it’s run by none other than Brad McQuaid; as far as I’m concerned he’s the reason that EQLive went downhill, and I’m distancing myself as far away from him as possible. I don’t see Vanguard being successful at all.”

Brad McQuaid left SOE in early October 01, SOL (Shadows of Luclin) was released in December 01. I believe Jeff Butler left in January 02. A few lead developers working on the SOL expansion also left SOE during the development of the expansion. In all fairness of the Sigil team, the horrible outcome of the expansion is not primarily their fault.

With Brad & a several key members of ‘the vision’ fleeing during crucial development, and all the rumors around the office or I suppose a good way to put it would be “plotting” new endeavors for the future this internal dismay would distract from the potential of that specific expansion. I’m sure it’s a safe assumption that it was definitely effecting the development process ultimately leading up to its demise.

Bill Fisher, (Tagad) did most of if not all the content implementation for Vex Thal, including itemization, mob abilities, spawn population, etc. Sadly, before the zone was even finished Tagad left SOE and the zone was never tweaked or tuned correctly until much later, where imo, it’s still fubared. It’s obvious the zone would of been a lot better if Tagad had more time to work on it. He was afterall, to my knowledge, primarily responsible for the content implemetation for Kael and Tov.

John Capozzi, (Kendrick) did most of if not all the content implementation for Sanctus Seru and I believe Katta Castellum. I know he also was responsible for the main story arch between Seru and Katta which was never finished. Anyway, same thing, Capozzi left SOE during SOL’s development and were not able to finesse the content.

John Capozzi is no longer with Sigil Games.

Steve Burke (Akirrus) was responsible for Shar Vahl, Hollowshade Moor, Grimling Forest and Acrylia Caverns. Some of Acrylia Caverns was also handed off to other designers when he was promoted to Lead Content designer. Steve also participated heavily in the design of the Alternate Advancement systems. Steve Burke joined Sigil in April, 2002

In March of 2000 Jeff Buttler (Jalen) became the producer of the EQLive team, responsible for the ongoing content and development of the game, in addition to wrapping up the Ruins of Kunark expansion, and shipping Scars of Velious and Shadows of Luclin. Jeff left shortly after the release of Shadows of Luclin in early 02.

That’s just a gist of several key members that experienced and informed EQ players refer as being the vision. The vision was dismantled during SOL’s development and died thereafter.

More comments can be found in this thread including Xalmat’s response.