Brad McQuaid Leaves Sony
In a rather shocking development, and one that suggests all sorts of behind the scenes intrigue, EverQuest founder Brad McQuaid yesterday announced he is leaving Verant and Sony. McQuaid was one of the creators of EQ and a driving force behind the game’s ongoing design. With rival MO Dark Age of Camelot going live this week - and the DAoE team are mostly ex-EQ staff - the announcement does not bode particularly well for Verant who have been denying rumours of conflict within the EQ camp (for those who play EQ, my choice of word there should be rather droll). The fan forums are naturally filled with conjecture and varying responses to the departure of McQuaid, who has alternately enthused and incensed the EQ fan base with his treatment of game design and balance issues.
McQuaid hinted he was not leaving the MO industry entirely, but intended to “explore other opportunities in the creative development of massively multiplayer games.” Perhaps McQuaid is following in the footsteps of UO founder Richard Garriott and will spawn a game to rival the one he originally created?
Caster’s Realm
posted by monty · at 1:43 am · filed under News