Is there still a chance for Everquest Next? Daybreak Games discussed why the MMORPG was canceled and even holds out hope that we might still be able to play it someday.
Why did Everquest Next fail? The MMORPG had a very ambitious goal. With the voxel engine, the game world was supposed to change constantly. Players were to be able to dig caves and build structures themselves.
Furthermore, Everquest Next was also planned as a classic online role-playing game with quests, battles against monsters, group play, and more. The aim was to return to the roots but package the MMORPG in a new, technically interesting guise.
According to Daybreak Game Director Holly Longdale, the game ultimately failed due to technical hurdles. It was technically unfeasible for players to alter the entire world while they still wanted to complete quests. The entire concept collapsed under its own weight.
What is Everquest anyway?
Daybreak had to rethink: After the project’s demise, the team considered what made Everquest so special. They concluded that an Everquest Next should not consist of a world that players could completely alter.
Instead, a new Everquest should focus on what made the series great and what players have enjoyed so far.
So what’s the situation with Everquest Next now? Holly Longdale doesn’t want to announce anything concrete but explains that a possible new Everquest will revolve around quests. Team play should be in the foreground, with roles that each player takes on in these teams.
According to Holly Longdale, this is the core of an Everquest game. Experiencing adventures together with friends and making a contribution in the role you take on.
A new MMORPG would build on the 20 years of experience and background that the series has. That is what a new Everquest would be.
Skepticism is warranted
What are the chances for this game? As Holly Longdale explains how she envisions a new Everquest, it seems that something is indeed in the works. Daybreak has thought a lot about it and surely not without reason. However, nothing has been confirmed yet.
Why should players remain skeptical? Daybreak currently has few successes to show. The online shooter H1Z1 could not maintain its market position and whether the relaunch as Z1: Battle Royale can engage players in the long term is questionable. After all, it has already faced criticism.
Similarly, the other games from the studio are currently just dragging along. There have been many layoffs and players currently have little trust in the company. What connections to the controversial Russian company Columbus Nova exist remains unclear to this day.
Therefore, it is uncertain whether Daybreak can create a new Everquest. And if so, what role will microtransactions play? Accordingly, the reactions on Reddit are:
Pairadockcickle states, “Everquest Next was canceled because SOE was sold to Daybreak, which is basically a Russian trading company. Companies are being milked, employees laid off, and it’s all about the money. That’s why all Daybreak games revolve around microtransactions.”
Many of the former developers are already working on another title in development:
