More bad news from around the MMO industry, unfortunately it appears that Everquest Online Adventures will be getting its proverbial plug pulled. This news comes fresh on top of the layoffs we saw at Blizzard and other struggling studios. According to the company, EQOA will be sunsetted on March 29th.
Although no specific reason was stated for the move, No specific reason was given for the move a farewell letter posted on the site attempted to soften the blow: “This is not an easy decision, but there comes a time when it’s best for our developers to move on to the next adventure, and that day has come.” However, SOE did promise a celebration at the end of the game’s run. EQOA has always been the smallest member of the EverQuest franchise since its release in 2003 on the PlayStation 2.
To appease its remaining EQOA customers, SOE is offering three months of gold membership in bothEverQuest and EverQuest II for current subscribers. This consolation prize will become effective on March 16th. Sony Online Entertainment will also not be charging current players during March.
Update:
Apparently three other, lesser known, SOE games are getting shut down as well. Cosmic Rift, Infantry, and Star Chamber: The Harbinger Saga are all slated to be discontinued on March 29th.