How Long Does EverQuest 2 Have?

by: Tony "RadarX" Jones

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I was trol...err browsing through the forums today and I noticed an
interesting thread. It was originally started in March but thanks to the
wonderful necromantic powers of a few posters, it rose and caught my attention.
The first poster complained of prior to release populations and an antagonistic
environment as a result. Is EverQuest 2 really crashing?

They had no numbers to back anything up and even now it's widely known SOE
doesn't comment on actual subscriptions. What does that mean? There is no real
data. "But Radar MMOG Chart was just updated! *point* *point* It lists EverQuest
2 subscriptions well under 100k." Let me make a few points about MMOG Chart
really quick.

RadarX's Top 5 Reasons MMOG Chart is Useless for EverQuest 2

5) As I stated earlier SOE never releases actual numbers so the individual
compiling this data must be using one of their anonymous sources. You'll forgive
me if I don't hold Bill in Customer Service's opinion on the current number of
subscribers in high regard.

4) The game has been out for 31 months now and there are 9 plots for
EverQuest 2. So the data has been mapped for about 33% of the time. There was an
entire year between plots at one point. I don't remember much about my
Statistics class in college, but I wouldn't call that solid.

3) The numbers show EverQuest2 has never exceeded EverQuest Live in
subscribers. This might be true but I can't believe it personally. I mean
supposedly Star Wars Galaxies was ahead at one point? No.

2) You are looking at specifics of one game. This compiles data for dozens
all around the world. How thoroughly can you really be monitoring that many games? Without revealing his source I can't see credibility.

1) This data shows EVERY single MMO in decline. Where is everyone going? Did
they all buy Wii's? From the press releases I’ve read about how much the online
game industry will expand over the next decade it’s just hard for me to chew
on.

Am I saying his data is completely useless? Absolutely not! Some of his
numbers, World of Warcraft in particular, I compared with press releases and are
dead on accurate. He breaks down subscription demographics and shows some very
interesting subscriber trending which can’t be found anywhere else. I think it’s
a great tool that does most certainly have some applications.

So are his EverQuest 2 numbers wrong? Wrong is such an ugly word, especially
when I’m accused of being it. I’d say skewed was a little more accurate. There
are also frequent debates on how to interpret these numbers. What about multiple
accounts, the Station Pass, time cards, and even people that forget to cancel or
just “are meaning to start playing again.” Yes those people really do exist.
Maybe I’m just a skeptic and like to see where data comes from, but I have
trouble believing the numbers are as low as they appear.

So how much longer does EverQuest 2 have? Honestly I’d say years easily and
here is why:

RadarX’s Top 5 Reasons EverQuest 2 isn’t Going Away Anytime Soon

5) The Community. EverQuest 2 has an amazing community of folks filled with
artists, comics, writers, and generally nice people. That isn’t to say there
aren’t a few Negative Nancy’s running around but it’s by far one of the best
I’ve ever seen.

4) Content is being put in on a regular basis. Ok, it may not be content YOU
personally want to see but many people enjoyed the Swords of Destiny (I should
finish collecting my statues…) and I haven’t heard anything negative (except
from raiders) about Neriak and Darklight Woods.

3) Coyote still has things to make fun of. No, stay with me on this one. If
the game gets to the point there is nothing left for Coyote to poke at it has
truly died. As long as he can mock it means new and interesting things are
happening.

2) The memories. Face it, there are still cagillions of folks who played the
original EverQuest and while it’s true you can never go home, you can always
hang out somewhere that feels like home.

1) The IP is gold. It’s EverQuest, meaning the lore, the characters, the
creatures, even some of the quests are famous. The directions they can go are
really endless. Even with World of Warcraft dominating the market, almost
everyone knows the EverQuest name. This product will continue to be branded
because it’s established and people will buy it.

So there you have it, plenty of reasons EverQuest 2 isn’t going anywhere.
Just face it, you like the game so log in, grab a friend and enjoy it while you
can. One day it will be gone and you’ll miss it I promise.