EverQuest II Interview

Games Dynamite has conducted an interview with Steve Danuser, in which the EverQuest II community manager addresses several lengthy questions about the MMORPG sequel. Here’s a bit to get you started:

Q: SWG has introduced the world to the so called hardware graveyards. Players throw away old computers and go buy new ones because the game can’t properly be enjoyed with less than 2-3 GHz, 1 Gig memory and a top-of-the-notch DX9 graphics card. Since EQ2 seems to use the same engine as SWG in at least some aspects, the hardware requirements won’t probably be less demanding. Straight question: Are there contracts between hardware manufacturers and SOE in regard of the fact that games like SWG and EQ2 definitely support sales of highend computers and upgrades?

A: There is no conspiracy to force consumers to buy new machines. Like many other game companies, we want to take advantage of the latest hardware advances in order to make the most visually stunning games possible. This is especially true of EverQuest II, which we’ve designed with cutting-edge hardware in mind. But we fully intend to support the average gamer’s machine as well. Our game adapts quite well to whatever level of hardware you have, though a more robust machine will allow you to run at a higher level of detail.