EverQuest: Server Type Interview

Recently, it was announced that EverQuest would be implementing something called a 50 / 51 server. Can you tell us what that's all about?

The 51/50 server is a server where players start at level 51 with 55 AA points available immediately upon creating their characters. Each character will also start with a level appropriate gear set and all of the spells available for those levels.

How do you propose to keep players from using this server simply to test higher level races or classes?

We don't. We're completely ok with players going to this server to try out a new class type without having to invest quite as much time to get them through the lower levels.

What were the other options available to players who voted for the new server type?

• New progression server--Combine rules.
• New PvP server--Zek rules.
• New standard server--regular blue server.
• New role play server--Firiona Vie rules.
• 51/50 Server--Start at level 51 with 50AA.
• Any of the above.

There seems to be some sentiment that a progression server would have piqued more interest from former players and / or new players. Can you speak to this?

There's definitely a following on the boards about another progression server, and it did come in second on the poll so there's definitely some interest there. I think this is just a solid reminder that the boards are just one segment of our player base and not necessarily representative of everyone. We're definitely aware of the requests for another progression server and we'll keep that in mind the next time we want to stand up a new server.

EverQuest is known for having multiple ruleset servers beyond the more typical PvP / Core server setup in most MMOs. Can you tell us what different ruleset servers are currently available to players?

• Rallos Zek (PvP) - Allows players within 4 levels of each other to PvP
• Firona Vie (Roleplay) - This server only allows 3 characters per account, and allows most equipment which is No Drop on normal servers to be traded.
• Normal - This is a standard server.

Additionally we've had other rulesets in the past:

• Tallon/Vallon Zek - These were team PvP servers based on the characters race and allowed PvP within an 8 level range.
• Sullon Zek - This was a team PvP server based on the deity of your character. It allowed PvP between all level ranges.
• Discord - This was a temporary PvP server that had permanent death for characters. It was set up as a short competition to see who could get to the highest level.
• Combine/Sleeper (Progression) - This was a server that unlocked subsequent expansions by defeating certain bosses a number of times.

What are the difficulties involved in supporting multiple different rulesets for a single game?

Well it's often difficult to keep the code separate from the various server rule sets and often there are ramifications for special rule sets that we didn't anticipate. For example, the no drop differences on Firiona Vie are frequently an issue with certain items. The PvP servers present a whole new list of balance issues that are very difficult to address without upsetting the balance of PvE.

Why do you think that multiple ruleset servers aren't as plentiful in other games as they seem to be in EQ?

I think the added overhead of maintaining special rule sets is a deterring factor for sure. We've come up with lots of ideas for special rule sets that we've decided against because of the required overhead. I think the reason we've done so many is simply that we've been around longer and had more time to try out different ideas.