What makes Everquest a success?
This is a very interesting thread.
Most of the discussion has taken place around the technology and game play attributes of EQ.
I agree with one statement -
"There will never be another Everquest"
The reasons are not technological - in my opinion.
Everquest has a compelling social aspect to it that is being missed in these discussions. There has been a lot of crap and hype on TV about people killing themselves over EQ. Don't think for a minute I blame Sony for this - any more than I blame a car company for the actions of a drunk driver. But do you think frame rates, and game perspective and all that causes people to off themselves???
NO!!!
The game is a society in itself. The people strive for achievement to "keep up with the Jones's" - some of you no doubt do it in real-life too. Those of you who have one!!
The social dynamics will keep Everquest moving - and there are many - who may tire of it an leave - and I bet most of them will be very reluctant to ever invest time in a "new game" - once they wean themselves of EQ.
Now back to technology - sorry for this disparate view.