When did EverQuest first release and who developed it?
EverQuest was released on the 16th of March 1999 in North America. It was originally developed by Verant Interactive and 989 Studios for Windows and published by Sony Online Entertainment.
Questions about EverQuest
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What awards did EverQuest win?
EverQuest won the 1999 GameSpot Game of the Year, the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences Online Game of the Year at the 3rd Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, and a 2007 Technology and Engineering Emmy Award. It was also included in Time magazine's Best of 1999 and received a Hall of Fame award at the 2011 Game Developers Choice Online Awards.
Who created the world of Norrath in EverQuest?
Bill Trost created the history, lore, and major characters of Norrath, including the franchise protagonist Firiona Vie. The overall design of EverQuest is credited to Brad McQuaid, Steve Clover, and Bill Trost, with John Smedley originating the concept in 1996.
How many expansions does EverQuest have?
EverQuest has thirty-two expansions. The most recent, Shattering of Ro, was released on the 2nd of December 2025, raising the maximum character level to 130. The first expansion, The Ruins of Kunark, was released after the 1999 launch.
What controversy surrounded EverQuest and player addiction?
In November 2001, Shawn Woolley died by suicide. His mother Liz attributed his death to a rejection by an in-game character and founded Online Gamers Anonymous in response. Some players informally called the game "EverCrack," comparing its hold on players to crack cocaine.
What happened to EverQuest after Sony sold its online division?
In February 2015, Sony Computer Entertainment sold its online entertainment division to investment company Columbus Nova, and Sony Online Entertainment was renamed Daybreak Game Company. After an initial period of layoffs and uncertainty, development stabilized and new expansions continued to be released annually.