EverquestNext Concept Art

[mixxit]

http://eq2wire.com/2010/08/06/eq-next-first-concept-art/

From the fanfaire

[mixxit]

http://eq2wire.com/2010/08/06/gallery-eq2next-panel-photos-low-res/#more-5193

[Overcast]

Interesting, but if it's a console game, I'll have to pass.. (that was just speculation on a post (http://gamefocus.ca/?nav=new&nid=6529) I read about it)

[Toony]

Liking what I'm seeing so far.

[Qaedain]

Looks nice. Too bad it's Sony, and too bad it'll probably look like the terribly fake engine the cocked up for EQ1 and 2.

[Thulghor]

What is it even about anyway? Are they going to continue on with the "story" from the end of EQ2 timeline (not that EQ2 has an ending) or are they trying something completely different?

Here's hoping it's not yet another WoW clone.

[Qaedain]

There is significant evidence to believe that future content offered for EQ1 and EQ2 will bridge the timeline discrepancies created by the actions of Druzzil Ro in the Plane of Time.

[mixxit]

there is also some speculation it may take place on one of the other planets mentioned in eq1 and eq2 lore

[mixxit]

http://eq2wire.com/2010/08/07/gallery-eqnext-screen-shots-and-concept-art-day-2/#more-5261

More screenshots and it has been confirmed as Freeport

[Tunarian]

http://eq2wire.com/2010/08/07/gallery-eqnext-screen-shots-and-concept-art-day-2/#more-5261

More screenshots and it has been confirmed as Freeport

...and I jizzed, in my pants.

[Hasbinbad]

can hardly believe those are actually screenshots..

[guineapig]

I'm calling BS on the "screenshots".

I'm guessing that's a missquote because you can blow up the pictures fairly large and those are not three dimentional images.

[Calbiyum]

definitely not screenshots
either way I like how freeport looks

[Vonyor]

I have to agree. The fact its going to be a console/pc mmo = epic fail.

[Qaedain]

The first two pictures on Mixxit's second link are absolutely images captured from a 3D engine. I CAN TELL BY THE PIXELS.

But seriously, you can tell because:
A) It does not match the rough style of the sketches.
B) The water clearly looks computer-generated.
C) The shadowing is too precise to be done by hand, both in color and edge definition.
D) Concept artists gloss over definition in foliage (you can see this in the smudgy palm tree), but every little plant and leaf is detailed in the screenshots. Again, CGI.

Basically, unless SOE's concept artist is a hyper realist, we have two actual screenshots.

[Taluvill]

We need to make a guild there, and storm it day one of release.

We'll call it "The Transcending Dark Basterds of Divine Project99 Remedy."

We'll roll in there and "wafflecrush" errything. = P

PS: Apologies if your guild was not named in the list. those are just the oldest/biggest guilds around.

[mixxit]

'We have been linked by Massively, Joystiq, and other sites for our breaking news coverage of EQNext including in-game screen shots. My notes during these panels have been quick, and as a result, there was some confusion about whether these were in-game screen shots and whether this would be both a PC and PS3 game. I can tell you there were 2 in-game screen shots shown each day, and this will be both a PC and PS3 game built on a new engine that scales depending on the power of your computer.'

[Toony]

'I can tell you there were 2 in-game screen shots shown each day, and this will be both a PC and PS3 game built on a new engine that scales depending on the power of your computer.'

Well that's unfortunate, if they try and deliver the same graphic quality for both platforms it'll hamstring the PC version.

[mixxit]

This was addressed. They are concerned that people will not be able to enjoy the game if they are running on say a laptop and another person is running on a high end rig. Similar to EQ2 the game will scale depending on platform and performance. (Smed uses his own pc as an example)

Watch the full video of the EQNext Panel here:

http://www.facebook.com/SOEFanFaire?ref=ts

[Toony]

This was addressed. They are concerned that people will not be able to enjoy the game if they are running on say a laptop and another person is running on a high end rig. Similar to EQ2 the game will scale depending on platform and performance. (Smed uses his own pc as an example)

Watch the full video of the EQNext Panel here:

http://www.facebook.com/SOEFanFaire?ref=ts

Saw all that, watched all three videos, it wasn't really addressed though. If the PS3 is in the loop that will forever be the weakest link in the chain. That is unless they are willing to let the graphics lag behind on the PS3.

[Malrubius]

http://eq2wire.com/2010/08/06/eq-next-first-concept-art/

From the fanfaire

Where are the things that you click on to get an insta-rez?

[Lanvaren]

I'd imagine that with graphics that good, they're planning on compensating for something. :rolleyes:

[mixxit]

I'm pretty happy to see EQ1 reimaged :-) It's what we all wanted let's face it!

[cured]

It's SoE so they'll introduce some revolutionary new dynamic into the game that everyone will hate.

Maybe they'll try to make a WoW/EQ hybrid but I'm not a fan of having a game be for console, as well, unless they plan on putting those people on seperate servers.

[Qaedain]

The days of truly difficult MMOs are dead. They don't make money, because they turn away the largest demographic willing to pay money for an MMO: casuals.

This demographic is why WoW is so successful, and why the difficulty curve is constantly slipping further in favor of the reward side of the risk:reward balance. It's simple, really. An easier game entices more players.

This success is also why so many MMOs have failed in WoW's wake. They, too, attempt to drum up a mass appeal through easy progression and/or content, but they fail because they are trying to replicate a model that has already been perfected through five years of polish and an enormous amount of content. The barrier to entry is simply too high.

WoW's success was also timely, as it was initially challenging enough to attract a much-needed nucleus of disillusioned EverQuest players. These fervent players, fans of the MMO genre itself, told their friends, who told their friends and so on, and the devs responded by scaling the difficulty curve back as little sisters and mommies signed onto the game in droves.

WoW is a masterstroke because it was timed correctly, offered shelter to a massive population of players no longer satisfied with the management of the incumbent MMO and has evolved to appeal to a larger demographic than EverQuest ever could with its difficult nature.

Despite this, you'll notice that EVE Online continues to have a very loyal fanbase with a very large server, an active and responsive dev team and continuous (not to mention excellent) expansions. It achieves these goals precisely because it does not attempt to appeal to everyone.

EVE has never been watered down. It has a very steep learning curve and, like EverQuest was in its heyday, intimidates new players with complicated politicking, social interaction, gameplay and mechanics.

By deliberately refusing to pander to the lowest common denominator, EVE has continued to slowly increase its subscribers, boast low turnover and a high satisfaction rate.

You will, however, note that I said that the days of truly difficult MMOs are dead. How, then, can a difficult MMO like EVE survive?

After doing some research, you begin to notice that many MMOs close shop noting that "the number of subscribers were less than anticipated." Tabula Rasa is a notable entry in this regard.

To put it simply, these bland and generic MMOs are hoping to execute on WoW's design better than Blizzard. As a result, they invest a correspondingly high amount of money with the belief that they will recoup the cost with a large number of subscribers. They don't, and they fail.

EVE survives because the cost of development was based on reasonable population estimates, and that plan has born fruit. They did not shoot for the moon in the way NCSoft, Sony and other developers do.

In short, we can only hope that SoE carves EQ3's niche in such a way that it can thrive on a loyal fanbase of satisfied users, but after the increasingly bland debacle that has become of both EverQuest and EverQuest II, I have very dim hopes.

[guineapig]

The first two pictures on Mixxit's second link are absolutely images captured from a 3D engine. I CAN TELL BY THE PIXELS.

But seriously, you can tell because:
A) It does not match the rough style of the sketches.
B) The water clearly looks computer-generated.
C) The shadowing is too precise to be done by hand, both in color and edge definition.
D) Concept artists gloss over definition in foliage (you can see this in the smudgy palm tree), but every little plant and leaf is detailed in the screenshots. Again, CGI.

Basically, unless SOE's concept artist is a hyper realist, we have two actual screenshots.

Most of this type of game art is done on computers, not by hand. But I highly doubt they have zones up and running in the game engine already or they would have shown you video of it instead of a single frame.

Shadows and light sources would not look like that in this stage of development. They were drawn there. The images themselves are completely flat.

[Dantes]

Looks cartoony.

[mixxit]

Most of this type of game art is done on computers, not by hand. But I highly doubt they have zones up and running in the game engine already or they would have shown you video of it instead of a single frame.

Shadows and light sources would not look like that in this stage of development. They were drawn there. The images themselves are completely flat.

Actually if you look at the rock at the bottom of the freeport shot it's clear that it's in game. Infact it reminds me of nothing better than the type of graphics you get in Anno 1404.

[guineapig]

Actually if you look at the rock at the bottom of the freeport shot it's clear that it's in game. Infact it reminds me of nothing better than the type of graphics you get in Anno 1404.

Maybe I am looking at a different Freeport picture then? The one I'm looking at has 2 little guys painted on there which would indicate that this is an artist rendering.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/theMadMagyar/EQemu/eq2next02.jpg

Also note the backgrounds and the fading used by the artist to simulate light.

Whether this was done by computer or by hand, this is a painting.

[Cogwell]

The days of truly difficult MMOs are dead. They don't make money, because they turn away the largest demographic willing to pay money for an MMO: casuals.


Simply because a game is difficult does not mean it is casual unfriendly. If it requires 4-5 hours to accomplish anything, then it's casual unfriendly. Those two are not mutually exclusive.

[Toony]

Maybe I am looking at a different Freeport picture then? The one I'm looking at has 2 little guys painted on there which would indicate that this is an artist rendering.

http://eq2wire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/eq2next02.jpg

Yeah that says concept art, not in-game ss to me as well.

[mixxit]

Maybe I am looking at a different Freeport picture then? The one I'm looking at has 2 little guys painted on there which would indicate that this is an artist rendering.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/theMadMagyar/EQemu/eq2next02.jpg

Also note the backgrounds and the fading used by the artist to simulate light.

Here's the in game one of that :-)

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_yMIgg369-do/TF2lJxFN9vI/AAAAAAAAHIQ/Wv2fUbwcIlA/s720/IMG_0057.JPG

Click zoom

on this page: http://picasaweb.google.com/TroyCrossEmail/EQNextPanelPhotos#5502735906929243890

for a for a better idea :-)

[guineapig]

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_yMIgg369-do/TF2lJxFN9vI/AAAAAAAAHIQ/Wv2fUbwcIlA/s720/IMG_0057.JPG

I've seen this image somewhere before... weeks, possibly even months ago.
Sorry, I did not see this image anywhere in the article. :o

[mixxit]

..go on?

[guineapig]

Trying to find where I saw it now...

Meh I can't find it anywhere but I'm also not seeing this screenshot that you linked in any of the articles about eqnext.

That being said, these parts of that screenshot are also suspect to me:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/theMadMagyar/EQemu/IMG_0057.jpg

Look at the area beyond the gate. Also look at the artistic fading in the background to simulate light/haze.
Also, just my opinion but that doesn't look like a 3d skybox to me.

You are absolutely right about the rock looking digital, but as I've stated before this image was probably done or at least edited digitally. Most images are nowadays. I'm also curious as to why I can't find this image in any of the articles.

Another thing which I didn't point at, the windows. What's with the yellow? IS that supposed to be the reflection of the sun or are we to assume that there are lights on in there? Seems like a painting technique to me.

Like I said, I don't have any solid evidence to back it up, these are just my opinions based on observation.

[Cogwell]

I think the only shot they said was a screenshot was the one of Innothule with the glowy ballz.

http://picasaweb.google.com/TroyCrossEmail/EQNextPanelPhotos#5502746097418977842

[guineapig]

I'm starting to think the word "screenshot" was a misquote or misinterpretation.

In the other articles both images are labeled as concept art.

[Cogwell]

I'm starting to think the word "screenshot" was a misquote or misinterpretation.

In the other articles both images are labeled as concept art.

One of the panel members said the innothule pic was an actual screenshot. If you look at the water it looks very cgi.

[guineapig]

One of the panel members said the innothule pic was an actual screenshot. If you look at the water it looks very cgi.

I agree that the water looks very CG-like. But the "glowy things" look completely painted. So does the light coming through the trees. Everything else in the image looks like an artist rendering which is why I can't buy it based on the water alone. Digital art looks very much like this:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/theMadMagyar/EQemu/eq2next01-300x169222.jpg

Also again, noticed the fade effect being used on the right in the background. That's a fairly close object too, seemingly reachable by the player

(Just my opinion)

[Cogwell]

I understand, I'm simply saying that in the panel video, one of the panelists specifically stated that picture was a screenshot. The way she said it makes it hard to say she misspoke, but then again she could very well have been misinformed herself or simply full of it.

Frankly, I'm all for gameplay over graphics. I doubt I'm in the minority on these boards, considering what we're all playing.

[guineapig]

Frankly, I'm all for gameplay over graphics. I doubt I'm in the minority on these boards, considering what we're all playing.

I completely agree with you. I actually enjoy games with 8-bit sprites.

[Sorn]

Frankly, I'm all for gameplay over graphics. I doubt I'm in the minority on these boards, considering what we're all playing.

As an artist, I would like both!

The so-called screenshots do look a great deal like polished concept art, at least where the buildings are concerned. It's possible they have the basic rendering done and had someone come spruce it up to show off what they're hoping the final version looks like. If their 3-D tech is advanced enough, they should be able to mimic the effects seen in the pictures fairly closely, including the atmospheric and light effects being pointed out in this thread.

So while I don't think these are 100% game screenshots, I think the visual effect they portray is 1) being planned on and 2) possible. We'll see when they start posting teaser gameplay videos.

[cured]

You know what? A lot of games have amazing looking environments now. Look at any MMO that's come out in the past 3 or 4 years. Lots of environmental detail, high quality textures but a shit game bogged down with poorly thought out mechanics, bland class variety, and unchallenging content.

The positive I draw from this EQNext news is they are bringing back some of the OGs who helped create the initial EQ. My fear is, SoE being what it is, a spruced up version of EQ1 won't be enough for project managers who want to tell their boss they improved on the initial product by implementing _____ new feature.

[Cyrano]

You guys act like EQ was the perfect MMO. Until I get an MMO with the environment interaction of Assassin's Creed 2 I won't be completely satisfied.

[cured]

EQ wasn't and isn't perfect but it is the standard bearer.