No, and no plans.

Maybe they forgot to read this 180+ page thread

The EQ engine was originally based off of the Pyrotechnics engine (same engine used for Tanarus and the first Raymon Feist single player RPG (the name eludes me)). What Steve & I started working with the day we started on EQ when it was just the two of us (way back on 3/4/96) was the Tanarus engine, which was a modified version of the Pyrotechnics engine, plus the Tanarus network and server code, plus a 3d dungeon editor originally created for the Spawn PS/1 game but later heavily modified by us for EQ until it was finally replaced around the time of Luclin).

I might add that I am still a huge believer in starting an MMOG with an existing engine and then modifying it as necessary. We did it with EQ 1 and we are doing it with Vanguard. It gives the developers a huge head start and allows us to focus more on making a game not an engine, gets designers and artists working sooner (they don't have to wait for custom tools and such from an engine made from scratch). I've done it the other way too (for example, the EQ 2 engine was created in-house) and I definitely prefer the former way than the latter.

Without re-engaging in this long debate, I did want to give you guys an update: We have been working with SOE for a while now. It's been great. We are about to go into Beta 3 which will be on their servers, using their front-end and patcher, etc.

Working with them has been a pleasure and getting their code working very easy (that some of our programmers had worked on earlier versions of the code when they worked at SOE of course helped).

They have *never* *never* pushed us or even brought up an idea on how to change the game. *NEVER*.

The marketing is really starting to come together. The huge blitz is beginning and SOE's plan is fantastic and at the level that meets and even exceeds what most AAA games get. Not only that, we are totally involved in the ads, etc. creatively. We have oversight, approval, etc. We are truly working on this stuff as a team.

You should see the first round of 'teaser' ads in next months magazines. This is just the beginning. We are finishing up the next set up ads that will run in magazines as well as online right now and they're looking great.

If anyone has the most recent issue of PC Gamer (just came out -- subscribers are getting it now, but I don't think it's on the shelves yet) we have a pretty cool cover mention and a great two story preview. And like I said, this is just the beginning. We already had our first cover on CGM, and more are coming, plus a lot of other coverage, again online, in gaming magazines, and even in some not-so-gaming publications.

So:

1. Even though they have no desire anyway, as I posted when this all went down, I can categorically assure you that to-date now, many weeks later, they've made no effort to influence or change the game.

2. Integrating their software to get us to Beta 3 is progressing very well and they are supporting us and get an A+.

3. Their marketing commitment is absolutely incredible and, like I just said, just beginning to ramp up (we've been working on it for some time, but of course, it takes time for, say, a magazine ad in the major gaming pubs, to make it into an issue and get to the shelves).

4. Regular PR/Marketing in terms of previews and coverage (e.g. stuff we don't pay for) is ramping up as well, thanks both to the PR departments here and at SOE -- again, see the most recent issue of PC Gamer to get a feel of what's to come.

5. SOE recently did a ‘block party’ where they invited people to their offices (well, it was held outside in the parking lot) and we showed Vanguard and got just as much attention as any of their games from SOE and a LOT of people showed up to see Vanguard and from the looks on their faces, they were impressed. We saw both old faces (people who have been long time fans, come to Fanguards, etc.) as well as many new faces (likely people who had only recently heard about Vanguard or were there to look at SOE’s other games).

I realize this won't convince everyone -- some people will hold their ground, some people will remain skeptical, etc. I understand and respect that. But I did want to come in and post now that some time has past and give you and update and also affirm that these fears of SOE interference continue to be unfounded.

I should have been more clear. SCEA owns part of SOE, but SPD, which is under Sony Pictures, I believe owns the majority and I know for sure runs the company (e.g. Smed reports to SPD). Also, the SCEA partial ownership is fairly new and good for SOE because it allows them to make, potentially, MMOGs for the PS/3. There's nothing bad here, folks.

I also know that SOE is profitable. So I still say the rumors are crap.

This rumor makes no sense to me. SOE is owned by Sony Pictures and not by the Playstation group. I've heard nothing to substantiate this and find it extremely unlikely and illogical.

I'm sorry you won't be joining us. Hopefully you'll see a friend enjoying the game and change your mind later, but either way, I respect your right to make these decisions and to hold on to your principles.

I too had to hold on to mine. I made a commitment to all of you and to my employees that I would do everything in my power to ensure that Vanguard be given enough time, support, marketing, etc. such that nothing outside of the game could interfere with the game itself. What a travesty it would be were issues outside of our control to hurt the game or impede it from being the great game we believe it will be. If we screw up and the game doesn't deliver, than that's our fault, and we'll deal with it. But to make a great game and have other factors you can't control end up hurting your game's chance or level of success -- that's just something that cannot occur. And with MMOGs, given how they are so dependent upon marketing, server infrastructure, etc., they are more vulnerable than typical games to having their success diminished by external forces.

So we made the choice not only to go with SOE as a co-publisher, but to buy the publishing rights back and gain even more (arguably unprecedented) control over our company and game. This was not a decision made lightly -- it was a hard call -- but I know it was the right one.

And they are doing tech support -- we are doing customer service. Nothing has changed since the inception of the deal.

Pies are great, but they should stay in Off Topic :P

Spending 50 of the first 72 hours after the press release on the boards didn't say that to you? If that didn't illustrate dedication to the Vision - I'm not sure what would ...

No, our contract is very detailed and clearly defines the delineation of responsibilities.