History of SOE
Explore the historical sagas of Sony Online Entertainment and how it has helped to define the MMO genre.
2008
January
EverQuest® receives an Emmy® Award from the 59th Annual Technology and Engineering Emmy Awards in regards to Development of Massively Multiplayer Online Graphical Role Playing Games. The tech Emmys are awarded to individuals, companies or organizations for outstanding achievement in technical or engineering development.
EverQuest® receives an Emmy® Award from the 59th Annual Technology and Engineering Emmy Awards in regards to Development of Massively Multiplayer Online Graphical Role Playing Games. The tech Emmys are awarded to individuals, companies or organizations for outstanding achievement in technical or engineering development.
January
Pirates of the Burning Sea™, developed by Flying Lab Software, is released, introducing players to tactical ship and swashbuckling combat and an immersive, player-driven economy.
Pirates of the Burning Sea™, developed by Flying Lab Software, is released, introducing players to tactical ship and swashbuckling combat and an immersive, player-driven economy.
March
Legends of Norrath™ Inquisitor, the third set, is released.
Legends of Norrath™ Inquisitor, the third set, is released.
March
Pirates of the Revolution, an expansion for the Pirates Constructible Strategy Game™ Online, is released.
Pirates of the Revolution, an expansion for the Pirates Constructible Strategy Game™ Online, is released.
June
Legends of Norrath™ Oathbreaker, the forth set, is released.
Legends of Norrath™ Oathbreaker, the forth set, is released.
2007
January
SOE and Sigil Games Online releases Vanguard: Saga of Heroes™.
SOE and Sigil Games Online releases Vanguard: Saga of Heroes™.
February
EverQuest® The Buried Sea, the thirteenth expansion, is released introducing players to 60 new raids and group missions that include raids upon pirate vessels.
EverQuest® The Buried Sea, the thirteenth expansion, is released introducing players to 60 new raids and group missions that include raids upon pirate vessels.
February
"The Masters of Fantasy Art – A Tribute to Keith Parkinson" launches.
"The Masters of Fantasy Art – A Tribute to Keith Parkinson" launches.
February
Star Chamber, the award-winning, turn-based strategy card game, is released simultaneously on Station.com with the sixth set, Maelstrom.
Star Chamber, the award-winning, turn-based strategy card game, is released simultaneously on Station.com with the sixth set, Maelstrom.
February
Q*bert is released on the PLAYSTATION®Network as a downloadable title.
Q*bert is released on the PLAYSTATION®Network as a downloadable title.
February
The Pirates Constructible Strategy Game™ Online releases Pirates of the Spanish Main set.
The Pirates Constructible Strategy Game™ Online releases Pirates of the Spanish Main set.
April
Mortal Kombat II™ is released on the PLAYSTATION®Network as a downloadable title.
Mortal Kombat II™ is released on the PLAYSTATION®Network as a downloadable title.
April
SOE announce a joint venture with Virgin Comics to create an MMO based on the graphic novel, Deepak Chopra & Shekhar Kapur's Ramayan 3392 A.D.
SOE announce a joint venture with Virgin Comics to create an MMO based on the graphic novel, Deepak Chopra & Shekhar Kapur's Ramayan 3392 A.D.
April
Pirates Constructible Strategy Game™ Online releases Pirates of the Mysterious Islands set.
Pirates Constructible Strategy Game™ Online releases Pirates of the Mysterious Islands set.
April
Stargate™ Online Trading Card Game, designed by SOE Denver and based on the popular television series by MGM, is simultaneously released as a digital online game and as a physical game distributed by Comic Images.
Stargate™ Online Trading Card Game, designed by SOE Denver and based on the popular television series by MGM, is simultaneously released as a digital online game and as a physical game distributed by Comic Images.
May
Gauntlet II™ is released on the PLAYSTATION®Network as a downloadable title.
Gauntlet II™ is released on the PLAYSTATION®Network as a downloadable title.
May
SOE acquires the rights to Vanguard: Saga of Heroes™.
SOE acquires the rights to Vanguard: Saga of Heroes™.
May
Rampart™ is released on the PLAYSTATION®Network as a downloadable title.
Rampart™ is released on the PLAYSTATION®Network as a downloadable title.
May
Rampage™ World Tour is released on the PLAYSTATION®Network as a downloadable title.
Rampage™ World Tour is released on the PLAYSTATION®Network as a downloadable title.
May
Joust® is released on the PLAYSTATION®Network as a downloadable title.
Joust® is released on the PLAYSTATION®Network as a downloadable title.
May
ChampionShip Sprint™ is released on the PLAYSTATION®Network as a downloadable title.
ChampionShip Sprint™ is released on the PLAYSTATION®Network as a downloadable title.
June
SOE signs deal with Flying Lab Software to co-publish Pirates of the Burning Sea™.
SOE signs deal with Flying Lab Software to co-publish Pirates of the Burning Sea™.
June
Pirates Constructible Strategy Game™ Online releases Pirates of the South China Sea set.
Pirates Constructible Strategy Game™ Online releases Pirates of the South China Sea set.
June
Tanarus, Cosmic and Infantry are switched to a play-for-free model.
Tanarus, Cosmic and Infantry are switched to a play-for-free model.
July
SOE announces The Agency for the PC and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.
SOE announces The Agency for the PC and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.
August
"With this click, I thee wed" - A real world couple meet in EverQuest® II and get married in Las Vegas at SOE's Fan Faire.
"With this click, I thee wed" - A real world couple meet in EverQuest® II and get married in Las Vegas at SOE's Fan Faire.
August
The System Lords set for Stargate™ Online Trading Card Game is released.
The System Lords set for Stargate™ Online Trading Card Game is released.
September
Legends of Norrath™, the online strategy card game based on EverQuest® and EverQuest® II, is released.
Legends of Norrath™, the online strategy card game based on EverQuest® and EverQuest® II, is released.
September
High Stakes on the Vegas Strip™ (Poker Edition) launches on the PLAYSTATION®Network.
High Stakes on the Vegas Strip™ (Poker Edition) launches on the PLAYSTATION®Network.
October
Black Ops is introduced in PlanetSide® as a separate empire.
Black Ops is introduced in PlanetSide® as a separate empire.
October
Pirates Constructible Strategy Game™ Online releases Pirates of the Crimson Coast set.
Pirates Constructible Strategy Game™ Online releases Pirates of the Crimson Coast set.
November
EverQuest® Secrets of Faydwer, the fourteenth expansion, is released, introducing players to a new level cap of 80, new zones and interactive objects, expanded alternate advancement abilities and opening up the unexplored lands of the Steamfont Mountains.
EverQuest® Secrets of Faydwer, the fourteenth expansion, is released, introducing players to a new level cap of 80, new zones and interactive objects, expanded alternate advancement abilities and opening up the unexplored lands of the Steamfont Mountains.
November
EverQuest® II Rise of Kunark, the fourth expansion, is released, introducing the new continent, Kunark; a new player race, the Sarnak; and increases the adventurer level cap to 80.
EverQuest® II Rise of Kunark, the fourth expansion, is released, introducing the new continent, Kunark; a new player race, the Sarnak; and increases the adventurer level cap to 80.
November
Pirates Constructible Strategy Game™ Online releases Pirates at Ocean's Edge set.
Pirates Constructible Strategy Game™ Online releases Pirates at Ocean's Edge set.
December
Legends of Norrath™ Forsworn, the second set, is released simultaneously with localized French and German clients.
Legends of Norrath™ Forsworn, the second set, is released simultaneously with localized French and German clients.
2006
February
EverQuest® II Kingdom of Sky, the second expansion, is released, introducing a new character level cap of 70 and a guild level cap of 50. Also included are the vast new zones of the Overrealm, accessible via timed teleports throughout the game. A new achievement system is also added at level 10, where players start earning for achievement experience.
EverQuest® II Kingdom of Sky, the second expansion, is released, introducing a new character level cap of 70 and a guild level cap of 50. Also included are the vast new zones of the Overrealm, accessible via timed teleports throughout the game. A new achievement system is also added at level 10, where players start earning for achievement experience.
February
EverQuest® Prophecy of Ro, the eleventh expansion, is released, introducing players to several new zones, monsters, items and new creatures. This expansion also offers the ability to set traps, spheres of Influence, buff filters, additional bank slots and direct interaction with the game world.
EverQuest® Prophecy of Ro, the eleventh expansion, is released, introducing players to several new zones, monsters, items and new creatures. This expansion also offers the ability to set traps, spheres of Influence, buff filters, additional bank slots and direct interaction with the game world.
March
Untold Legends The Warrior's Code, the sequel to Untold Legends Brotherhood of the Blade, is released for the
PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system.
Untold Legends The Warrior's Code, the sequel to Untold Legends Brotherhood of the Blade, is released for thePSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system.
May
SOE announces that it will co-publish Vanguard: Saga of Heroes™, an upcoming MMO developed by Sigil Games Online.
SOE announces that it will co-publish Vanguard: Saga of Heroes™, an upcoming MMO developed by Sigil Games Online.
May
Field Commander™, a turn-based strategy game for the
PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, is released, featuring 30 single-player battles, designer level functions and multiplayer head-to-head play.
Field Commander™, a turn-based strategy game for thePSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, is released, featuring 30 single-player battles, designer level functions and multiplayer head-to-head play.
June
EverQuest® II The Fallen Dynasty, the third adventure pack, is released.
EverQuest® II The Fallen Dynasty, the third adventure pack, is released.
August
SOE announces the acquisition Worlds Apart Productions, a leader in the online trading card games, and renames the studio SOE Denver.
SOE announces the acquisition Worlds Apart Productions, a leader in the online trading card games, and renames the studio SOE Denver.
September
EverQuest® The Serpent's Spine, the twelfth expansion, is released, introducing players to a new playable race, the Drakkin, and a new level cap of 75. This expansion enables a more friendly "solo" play style and introduces a "rest" feature that allows characters to regenerate health and mana at a quicker rate.
EverQuest® The Serpent's Spine, the twelfth expansion, is released, introducing players to a new playable race, the Drakkin, and a new level cap of 75. This expansion enables a more friendly "solo" play style and introduces a "rest" feature that allows characters to regenerate health and mana at a quicker rate.
November
EverQuest® II Echoes of Faydwer, the third expansion, is released, introducing players to a new playable race, the Fae, and the new starting city, Telethon. This expansion also allows players to equip visible cloaks and raid the achievement point cap to 100 and guild level cap to 60.
EverQuest® II Echoes of Faydwer, the third expansion, is released, introducing players to a new playable race, the Fae, and the new starting city, Telethon. This expansion also allows players to equip visible cloaks and raid the achievement point cap to 100 and guild level cap to 60.
November
Untold Legends Dark Kingdom, a premier launch title for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, is released.
Untold Legends Dark Kingdom, a premier launch title for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, is released.
November
Cash Guns Chaos is released on the PLAYSTATION®Network as a downloadable title.
Cash Guns Chaos is released on the PLAYSTATION®Network as a downloadable title.
December
Pirates Constructible Strategy Game™ Online, developed by WizKids and SOE Denver, is released.
Pirates Constructible Strategy Game™ Online, developed by WizKids and SOE Denver, is released.
2005
January
SOE creates Platform Publishing, a new label for distribution of titles created by third-party developers.
SOE creates Platform Publishing, a new label for distribution of titles created by third-party developers.
February
EverQuest® II introduces the in-game, "/pizza" command. This innovative promotion with Pizza Hut allows players to order a pizza online without having to log out of EverQuest® II.
EverQuest® II introduces the in-game, "/pizza" command. This innovative promotion with Pizza Hut allows players to order a pizza online without having to log out of EverQuest® II.
February
Champions Return to Arms™, a sequel to Champions of Norrath, is released for PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.
Champions Return to Arms™, a sequel to Champions of Norrath, is released for PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.
February
EverQuest® Dragons of Norrath, the ninth expansion, is released, introducing players to NPC-driven missions geared toward groups competing in instanced zones. The content for this expansion revolves around dragons and similar types of monsters, and is suitable for levels 45 and above.
EverQuest® Dragons of Norrath, the ninth expansion, is released, introducing players to NPC-driven missions geared toward groups competing in instanced zones. The content for this expansion revolves around dragons and similar types of monsters, and is suitable for levels 45 and above.
March
EverQuest® II The Bloodline Chronicles, the first adventure pack, is released.
EverQuest® II The Bloodline Chronicles, the first adventure pack, is released.
March
Untold Legends Brotherhood of the Blade is released for the
PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. This game is also a best-selling launch title for this new PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system.
Untold Legends Brotherhood of the Blade is released for thePSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. This game is also a best-selling launch title for this new PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system.
May
Star Wars Galaxies™ : Rage of the Wookies, the second expansion, is released.
Star Wars Galaxies™ : Rage of the Wookies, the second expansion, is released.
June
EverQuest® II The Splitpaw Saga, the second adventure pack, is released.
EverQuest® II The Splitpaw Saga, the second adventure pack, is released.
June
Station Exchange, the official secure marketplace for EverQuest® II players, is released. This groundbreaking service within the MMO industry provides a secure way on specific dedicated servers for EverQuest II players to conduct real-money transactions (RMT) to buy and sell in-game items, money and characters.
Station Exchange, the official secure marketplace for EverQuest® II players, is released. This groundbreaking service within the MMO industry provides a secure way on specific dedicated servers for EverQuest II players to conduct real-money transactions (RMT) to buy and sell in-game items, money and characters.
July
SOE acquires The Matrix Online and also secures licensing to develop a gamed based on the DC Comics universe.
SOE acquires The Matrix Online and also secures licensing to develop a gamed based on the DC Comics universe.
September
EverQuest® II Desert of Flames, the first expansion, is released, introducing players to an increased level cap of 60, PvP arenas, the ability to climb in certain locations, and many new items and monsters.
EverQuest® II Desert of Flames, the first expansion, is released, introducing players to an increased level cap of 60, PvP arenas, the ability to climb in certain locations, and many new items and monsters.
September
EverQuest® Depths of Darkhallow, the tenth expansion, is released, introducing players to monster missions, which allow players to role play as the monster. This expansion also introduced spirit shrouds, evolving items and many new missions.
EverQuest® Depths of Darkhallow, the tenth expansion, is released, introducing players to monster missions, which allow players to role play as the monster. This expansion also introduced spirit shrouds, evolving items and many new missions.
November
Star Wars Galaxies™ : Trial of Obi-Wan, the third expansion, is released.
Star Wars Galaxies™ : Trial of Obi-Wan, the third expansion, is released.
2004
February
EverQuest® Gates of Discord, the seventh expansion, is released, introducing players to various new zones and 20 new NPC models. The expansion also introduces the Berserker, a new playable character class. Other enhancements include leaderships alternate abilities and a tribute system.
EverQuest® Gates of Discord, the seventh expansion, is released, introducing players to various new zones and 20 new NPC models. The expansion also introduces the Berserker, a new playable character class. Other enhancements include leaderships alternate abilities and a tribute system.
February
Champions of Norrath®, a hack-n-slash game for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, is released.
Champions of Norrath®, a hack-n-slash game for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, is released.
September
EverQuest® Omens of War, the eighth expansion, is released, introducing players to a level cap of 70, Epic Weapons 2.0, a guild tribute system, customer PC titles, voice macros and a slew of all new content.
EverQuest® Omens of War, the eighth expansion, is released, introducing players to a level cap of 70, Epic Weapons 2.0, a guild tribute system, customer PC titles, voice macros and a slew of all new content.
October
Star Wars Galaxies™ : Jump to Lightspeed, the first expansion, is released, introducing players to space combat and two new playable species, the hammer-headed Ithorians and the jowly Sullustans.
Star Wars Galaxies™ : Jump to Lightspeed, the first expansion, is released, introducing players to space combat and two new playable species, the hammer-headed Ithorians and the jowly Sullustans.
October
SOE Seattle Studio is created.
SOE Seattle Studio is created.
November
Station Players, an unique new service, is released, providing leader boards, character profiles, guild pages and item databases for EverQuest® II.
Station Players, an unique new service, is released, providing leader boards, character profiles, guild pages and item databases for EverQuest® II.
November
EverQuest® II is released.
EverQuest® II is released.
2003
February
EverQuest® The Legacy of Ykesha, the fifth expansion, is released as a digital download only. This expansion introduces the Froglok playable character race and many new zones to support the Froglok storyline. Other enhancements include a new guild management system, armor dyes, increased bank slots and the introduction of charms.
EverQuest® The Legacy of Ykesha, the fifth expansion, is released as a digital download only. This expansion introduces the Froglok playable character race and many new zones to support the Froglok storyline. Other enhancements include a new guild management system, armor dyes, increased bank slots and the introduction of charms.
February
EverQuest® Online Adventures™ is released, playable on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.
EverQuest® Online Adventures™ is released, playable on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.
May
EverQuest® Heroes Call is released, playable on PDAs and cell phones.
EverQuest® Heroes Call is released, playable on PDAs and cell phones.
May
PlanetSide® is released, a multiplayer first-person shooter, the first of its kind.
PlanetSide® is released, a multiplayer first-person shooter, the first of its kind.
June
Star Wars Galaxies™ : An Empire Divided is released.
Star Wars Galaxies™ : An Empire Divided is released.
September
EverQuest® Lost Dungeons of Norrath, the sixth expansion, is released, introducing players to broadband instanced dungeons revolving around tales of the wayfarers, an NPC adventuring guild. This expansion also introduces "augments," which enhance the existing items.
EverQuest® Lost Dungeons of Norrath, the sixth expansion, is released, introducing players to broadband instanced dungeons revolving around tales of the wayfarers, an NPC adventuring guild. This expansion also introduces "augments," which enhance the existing items.
October
PlanetSide®: Core Combat, the first expansion, is released, introducing players to the underground world of Auraxis, where scattered caverns, containing powerful alien artifacts, could be found.
PlanetSide®: Core Combat, the first expansion, is released, introducing players to the underground world of Auraxis, where scattered caverns, containing powerful alien artifacts, could be found.
November
EverQuest® Online Adventures Frontiers™ is released for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.
EverQuest® Online Adventures Frontiers™ is released for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.
2002
May
Cosmic Rift™ is released.
Cosmic Rift™ is released.
October
EverQuest® The Planes of Power, the fourth expansion, is released, introducing players to many new zones, including the Nexus, which provides a network of portals that allows for quicker travel to various regions of the game. This expansion also introduces players "flagged" event quests, which have to be achieved in order to move forward in the quests chains. The maximum character level was also raised to 65.
EverQuest® The Planes of Power, the fourth expansion, is released, introducing players to many new zones, including the Nexus, which provides a network of portals that allows for quicker travel to various regions of the game. This expansion also introduces players "flagged" event quests, which have to be achieved in order to move forward in the quests chains. The maximum character level was also raised to 65.
2001
December
EverQuest® The Shadows of Luclin, third expansion, is released, introducing players to the moon of Luclin, which contains many playable zones. This expansion also introduces a new playable character race, the feline Vah Shir. The launch features a major upgrade to the game engine and allows players to create customizable user interfaces.
EverQuest® The Shadows of Luclin, third expansion, is released, introducing players to the moon of Luclin, which contains many playable zones. This expansion also introduces a new playable character race, the feline Vah Shir. The launch features a major upgrade to the game engine and allows players to create customizable user interfaces.
2000
March
EverQuest® The Ruins of Kunark, the first expansion, is released, introducing a new playable race, Iksar, and the new adventure zone, Kunark.
EverQuest® The Ruins of Kunark, the first expansion, is released, introducing a new playable race, Iksar, and the new adventure zone, Kunark.
April
Verant Interactive forms a new studio in Austin, Texas, to develop Star Wars Galaxies™ for LucasArts™.
Verant Interactive forms a new studio in Austin, Texas, to develop Star Wars Galaxies™ for LucasArts™.
June
SOE acquires Verant Interactive.
SOE acquires Verant Interactive.
December
EverQuest® The Scars of Velious, the second expansion, is released, focusing on high-level content for levels 35 and above. This expansion also introduces new zones geared toward large groups and more powerful opponents for these groups to face.
EverQuest® The Scars of Velious, the second expansion, is released, focusing on high-level content for levels 35 and above. This expansion also introduces new zones geared toward large groups and more powerful opponents for these groups to face.
1999
March
EverQuest® is launched.
EverQuest® is launched.
September
EverQuest® achieves 30,000 users playing simultaneously.
EverQuest® achieves 30,000 users playing simultaneously.
October
Infantry is launched, introducing gamers to an adrenaline-pumping, top-down combat game.
Infantry is launched, introducing gamers to an adrenaline-pumping, top-down combat game.
1997
November
Tanarus® is released, introducing a 3D multiplayer online tank first-person shooter.
Tanarus® is released, introducing a 3D multiplayer online tank first-person shooter.
1996
March
EverQuest® Development begins at 989 Studios
EverQuest® Development begins at 989 Studios
