EverQuest and Vanguard server merges are coming, with both games choosing to operate fewer independent servers as their playerbases shrink. While both EverQuest and Vanguard announced some time ago that they would be conducting server merges, it is only recently that players are finding out the specifics of how these will be carried out – with one of the biggest sticking points being duplication of names. If you play either of these games you can find out how you and your names will be affected on the official forums for EQ or Vanguard.
It is interesting to note that while these server merges indicate that both of these MMOs appear to be in the latter stages of their lives, there is a vast difference in their ages. While Vanguard has been around for just three years, and already seems to be trailing off, EverQuest has managed to survive for well over a decade now – it is more than eleven years old. EQ is commonly credited with popularising the graphical MMORPG genre, and the fact that it is still a presence, albeit a dwindling one, is an extraordinary testament to how successful it has been at capturing the imaginations of players worldwide. I don’t think I will be alone in showing due respect and gratitude towards EQ once the lights do finally go out… but from what we know of its fantastic resilience so far, that may be a while yet.
Goddess help me, I sometimes still think about going back and playing some EQ for old time’s sake.
“It ain’t over, till it’s over” – Yogi Berra