Not long ago, before "World of Warcraft" became the 100-pound gorilla of online games, there was "EverQuest."
It wasn't the first massively multiplayer online role-player game. But in 1999, when Sony Online Entertainment released the "EverQuest," it was the first to break through in a big way to the U.S. market.
Players went crazy for the fantasy-themed game set in the fictional world of Norrath. "EverQuest" won many awards, legions of fans and nicknames such as "NeverRest" and "EverCrack." It spawned a sequel, "EverQuest II" and many imitators, including, some say, "World of Warcraft."
But Sony Online has seen its online gaming market leader position erode in recent years. "WoW," which launched in late 2004, now commands the lion's share of the MMORPG market.
John Smedley, one of the original creators of "EverQuest" and the president of Sony Online since 2000, has watched the rapid changes in the space his company once owned, and he believes it's time for a change.
More after jump.
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