Shadow of the Erdtree is upon us, and with it the latest round of discussion about difficulty in video games. But as much as I’m looking forward to traversing the Land of Shadow, I’ve instead spent the last couple weeks exploring the history of another difficult game, EverQuest.
Fippy Fest: A Celebration of Legacy
Last week, developer Daybreak Games flew me out to San Diego to observe Fippy Fest, a celebration of EverQuest’s 25th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of its sequel, EverQuest 2. That both games are still going strong is a testament to the ongoing legacy of a genre-defining game and the tenacity of its players and developers. One of the main reasons design manager Adam Bell thinks EverQuest has such a hold on players’ hearts, a reason I heartily agree with, is that the game is tough as hell.
FromSoftware Games and Grinding Away at EverQuest Levels
Speaking to Bell at Fippy Fest was a reminder of the sheer weight of the history of EverQuest. Overwhelmingly, the responses I got from him and other developers about content or priorities was a desire to continue to honor that history and respect the things that brought the players to their games in the first place.
For me, and I think for a lot of the players who have wandered around these giant worlds, the difficulty gave my time in Norrath extra meaning. I’ll never forget having the Shadowknight epic quest printed off of Allakhazam’s and sitting on my desk, reading and re-reading it, dreaming of one day acquiring that incredible weapon. It didn’t happen until nearly 20 years later, but even then, boy was it sweet.
The legacy of EverQuest is not just in its age but in its challenge. The game's difficulty has always been a core part of its identity, creating a sense of accomplishment that few other games can match. This is something that resonates deeply with its community, fostering a bond that has lasted for decades.
As we look forward to new challenges in games like Shadow of the Erdtree, it's worth remembering the giants on whose shoulders these new titles stand. EverQuest's legacy is one of perseverance, community, and above all, difficulty—an enduring testament to what makes video games truly memorable.
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