The project manager of EverQuest: The Serpent Spine answers our questions about the launch of EverQuest's most recent expansion pack.
;) MMORPG.com: Would you say that with all the improvements that the barrier to entry to EQ has been lowered over the years? i.e. It's easier for newcomers to the game to learn how to play it / less of a time-sink?
Jose Araiza: I personally think there's no better time to enter the world of Norrath. I think in the past, the enormous amount of content the game has was a little intimidating to people. That can be scary, especially if you come from more linear games where you don't have multiple choices or what to do next, or where to go hunt. I think that scares me, not necessarily all the options, but to think you may pick the wrong one... But, now, with The Serpent's Spine, a new player has a very focused progression path that provides new and exciting content. You can in fact go from level 1 to level 75 without ever leaving The Serpents spine Mountains. Now, mind you, the rest of the world is still there, so you don't have to JUST stay in The Serpents spine Mountains, but for those new to the game, I think this focused progression path takes away some of the entry barrier stress. And of course, there are the changes to the death system and overall playing downtime. Between this and The Serpent's Spine I really think new and returning players find EQ is the most fun it's been in a while. |
The whole interview is here.
