EverQuest(R) Celebrates 10-Year Milestone

Sony Online Entertainment Honors the Online Game with Yearlong Anniversary Activities and Announces Fan Faire 2009

SAN DIEGO, March 16 /PRNewswire/ — An epic online adventure a decade in the making, Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is proud to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the launch of the groundbreaking 3-D fantasy-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), EverQuest(R). Since its release in 1999, EverQuest (EQ) has proved to be a monumental and inspirational entertainment property, spawning 15 expansion packs and subsequent franchise titles, introducing millions of players to the virtual world of Norrath, and inspiring virtually every other MMORPG made.

EverQuest has earned many awards, including the 1999 GameSpot “Game of the Year” and a 2008 Technology & Engineering Emmy Award. The City of San Diego, where SOE is headquartered, has also recognized March 16, 2009 as the official “Sony Online Entertainment Day” due to its enormous contribution to both the city and the gaming industry.

“This year marks a major milestone for SOE and the entire interactive entertainment industry,” said John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment. “While it was hard work and a dedicated vision that brought EQ to fruition, without our loyal fans, EQ would not be the game that it is today. This year’s Fan Faire will definitely celebrate our players and their integral contribution to the EQ legacy!”

To further commemorate the 10th anniversary of the EverQuest franchise, a number of events, both in-game and “IRL” (in real life), are scheduled throughout the year:

Fan Faire Returns to Las Vegas, June 25 – 28, 2009!

If you have never been to an SOE Fan Faire before, this is the year to make the trek to Bally’s Hotel in Las Vegas! SOE is planning a big birthday bash for the EverQuest 10th anniversary, and players of all SOE games are invited to join the party! Fan Faire is a great place for SOE gamers to mix and mingle with each other, and meet some of the faces behind their favorite SOE games. Here’s just a taste of some of the great activities we’re planning:

• Special announcements and sneak peaks of upcoming SOE titles at the Third Annual Community Address from SOE President John Smedley
• Autograph signings with members of the original EQ development team and other key contributors
• Lots of in-game tournaments; and live, game-themed competitions and quests
• Developer forums and roundtables
• Cool giveaways and other fun items!

And, that’s just the beginning! Visit the Fan Faire website for more details at www.soefanfaire.com. Tickets are expected to go on sale in April.

EQ In-Game Events

Party all the time! In celebration of the anniversary, we are proud to bring you fresh EQ content for the next few months! Solo, group or raid, there’s content for everyone to enjoy! Earn great quest rewards, and show off your raiding skills on the Anniversary leaderboards. Log in now to receive your piece of cake and see what other fun events are planned. For more information on specific events, visit www.EQ10th.com.

Legends of Norrath In-Game Events

Starting Monday, March 16, log in to Legends of Norrath (LoN) to check out their Anniversary Celebration Event! On each day of the Anniversary week, one of two loot cards (one for EverQuest players and one for EverQuest II players, depending upon your preference) from that day’s release will be given out free to all EQ and EQII players who log in to LoN. There will also be five daily events that honor the first five LoN releases:

• Monday, March 16 is Oathbound Day.
• Tuesday, March 17 is Forsworn Day.
• Wednesday, March 18 is Inquisitor Day.
• Thursday, March 19 is Oathbreaker Day.
• Friday, March 20 is Ethernauts Day.

For more information on specific events, visit www.legendsofnorrath.com.

EverQuest: The 10th Anniversary Collector’s Edition Book

EverQuest: The 10th Anniversary Collector’s Edition celebrates EverQuest’s legacy by taking a look at the past, present and future of the EverQuest brand. The book, written by veteran video game book author Rusel DeMaria, includes essays by the developers, and illustrations and artwork that has graced the world of Norrath throughout the entire franchise’s history. Rich in vivid detail, each page tells the story of the evolution and its place in our culture.

Be sure to check out the new EverQuest 10th Anniversary site to read up on the history of EverQuest, find out about 10th anniversary events, see where you stand on the Anniversary Raid leaderboards, and find out when to register for Fan Faire! For more information, visit www.EQ10th.com.

About Sony Online Entertainment

Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers around the globe. SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchises and hit titles including EverQuest(R), EverQuest(R) II, Champions of Norrath(R), Untold Legends, and PlanetSide(R), as well as for developing Star Wars Galaxies(TM), SOE continues to redefine the business of online gaming and the creation of active player communities while introducing new genres on various entertainment platforms. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, with additional development studios in Austin, TX; Seattle, WA; Denver, CO; Tucson, AZ and Taiwan, SOE has an array of cutting-edge games in development.

SOE, the SOE logo, EverQuest and PlanetSide are registered trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. Untold Legends and Legends of Norrath are trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

SOURCE Sony Online Entertainment LLC