EverQuest 3 on the Horizon? Daybreak Studio’s Plans for the Future

How is Daybreak Game Company planning to handle developing EverQuest 3?

Daybreak Game Company, formerly Sony Online Entertainment, is approaching the development of a potential EverQuest 3 with a strategic, structured approach. They have reorganized their studios into three distinct entities, each with its own focus, allowing for more efficient resource allocation and targeted development. This division ensures that core projects like EverQuest and EverQuest II receive continued support, while other projects are pursued. This framework aims to prevent the past pitfalls experienced with EverQuest Next.

Dimensional Ink Games

Dimensional Ink Games is responsible for ongoing support of DC Universe Online. Led by Jack Emmert, who has a proven track record in MMO development, this team focuses on maintaining and enhancing the existing game rather than venturing into new territories. This allocation of resources allows for the optimization and maintenance of the existing game, ensuring a strong foundation before taking on new projects.

Darkpaw Games

Darkpaw Games, conversely, has been tasked with the critical role of continuing the EverQuest legacy. They will focus on refining and expanding the current EverQuest and EverQuest II games. Critically, Darkpaw Games will be the primary developer of EverQuest 3, signifying a clear commitment to this new direction. This strategy leverages existing expertise and avoids the risks of a completely new team tackling the demanding task.

Rogue Planet Games

Rogue Planet Games is dedicated to the ongoing support of the PlanetSide series of FPS games. This division is also assigned to a new, unannounced project that appears to have the potential for significant impact in the gaming industry. This strategic division of labor between teams mitigates risk by allowing dedicated groups to focus on their assigned platforms and genres, ensuring quality control and targeted development efforts.

What actually happened to EverQuest Next?

EverQuest Next, initially conceived as a direct competitor to World of Warcraft, was envisioned with a fresh approach, focusing on an open world, eliminating loading screens, and modernizing gameplay mechanics. However, the project encountered significant obstacles and ultimately shifted direction. Early concepts focused on a streamlined interface, destigmatizing the importance of levels, integrating skills with weapons, introducing flexible multi-classing, and introducing a multitude of races and character customization options. These elements, though ambitious, ultimately proved challenging to implement within the envisioned framework.

Over time, the project evolved significantly, resulting in a departure from the initial design principles. This evolution, while potentially beneficial, likely contributed to the project’s challenges. The frequent pivots likely had an impact on the staff’s motivation and morale, ultimately leading to the cancellation of the project in 2016.

Has there been any news on EverQuest 3?

While no official announcements have been made regarding EverQuest 3, there are suggestive hints from within Daybreak Games, implying that a successor is in the works. There’s also leaked information, including comments from former staff and analysis of internal documentation, providing evidence of active development efforts. This suggests the company is cautiously navigating the development process to avoid the mistakes of EverQuest Next. This cautious approach is understandable considering the high expectations and the risk involved in potentially restarting a legacy franchise.

The company remains committed to transparency and has highlighted the need for a clear development strategy. The departure of key personnel, particularly Holly Longdale, does not seem to indicate any immediate concern about the potential continuation of the EverQuest franchise, as evidenced by the reassurance offered by her successor, Jennifer Chan. Given the silence and lack of concrete information, the timeline for the potential release is unknown. The long wait reflects a measured and strategic development approach.