EverQuest II Extended Beta Launches, New Media

If you've always wanted to jump into EverQuest II but were turned off by the monthly subscription, you'll be happy to hear that beta testing of SOE's free-to-play "Extended" service is now live. To celebrate the occasion, they've sent us over a press release, four new screenshots, a sweet-looking piece of artwork, and a promotional trailer. Have at it:



And the details to follow:
Sony Online Entertainment Lets Freedom Reign with the Release of EverQuest® II Extendedâ„¢

WHAT: Starting today, players can experience the dark and dangerous depths of Norrath without a subscription with the release of SOE's new free adventure service, EverQuest® II Extended! SOE has liberated portions of the critically acclaimed PC franchise, EverQuest II, including five plus years of impressive, award-winning content, for free. EverQuest II Extended joins the highly successful EverQuest II live subscription service, and together they provide EQII players with a choice of either a subscription-based or free-to-play business model, thus offering two distinct experiences operating in parallel, which is a first in the MMO industry. EverQuest II Extended players can login now and experience the unmatched content and adventure that no other free to play massively multiplayer online game can offer! To sign up, players should visit http://everquest2.com/free_to_play.

ABOUT EXTENDED: Extended also provides players with quick and convenient game access through a new web-based streaming download application that lets players get into the game quicker than ever before. Extended also includes the recently improved EQII user-interface and Golden Path progression system!

Extended offers multiple tiers of membership upgrade options that allow players to customize their gaming experience to fit their needs. Details of these options can be found at http://everquest2.com/_themes/default/images/extended/membershipMatrix.jpg.

WHEN: The scheduled release date for EverQuest II Extended is August 19, 2010. Platinum Membership is scheduled to release on August 31, 2010.

For assets, log on to http://www.soepress.com/release.asp?i=367

About Sony Online Entertainment
Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers around the globe. SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchises and hit titles including EverQuest®, EverQuest® II, Champions of Norrath®, Untold Legendsâ„¢, and PlanetSide®, as well as for developing Star Wars Galaxiesâ„¢, SOE continues to redefine the business of online gaming and the creation of active player communities while introducing new genres on various entertainment platforms. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, with additional development studios in Austin, TX; Seattle, WA; Denver, CO; and Tucson, AZ , SOE has an array of cutting-edge games in development.