Fantasy was once a difficult conquest: it was confined to crowded corners and fragile boards, the toss of dice and (friendly) mockery. Games were shaped to the primitive traditions – singular homes and dull experiences. Connections could not be forged. Quests could not sprawl onward. All attempts were instead forced to the slow movement of pieces, the creased cards and lost guides. The format was understood but ultimately ineffective.
This changed, however, with the introduction of the Internet. Suddenly players from across the globe could seek each other out: creating endless imaginary worlds, journeying through pixels. There were no limitations. All could instead do as they pleased. The desire was to explore.
And Everquest has bridged that desire with reality.
Begun in 1999, Everquest is a massively multi player online role-playing game (commonly dubbed MMORPG) that allows users to immerse themselves in a unique technological interface. It exists within a virtual world of over 300 specific zones and platforms. Its expansive dynamics ensures that individuals will never be without distraction; and its detailed history and character distinctions offer endless possibilities.
It also provides glimpses of the past.
Everquest – despite what so many users may assume – is not a thoroughly original concept. It’s instead a reflection of the activities that came before it, tailoring their strengths to technology. It blends the genres of traditional role-playing games (which focused on player development and in-depth story lines) and Multi-User Domains (often referred to as MUDs, and the precursors for all interactive entertainment). These notions were understood for their values and injected within the MMORPG arena. By selecting only what was worthy within these was Everquest able to succeed.
And that success has proven unstoppable.
Since its conception Everquest has gained countless subscriptions and has maintained popularity. This must be credited to both the graphics and the inclusion of past games. The coupling simply works – offering thrills, adventure and style.