EQ2: Going Free2Play.... sort of

from: http://everquest2.com/free_to_play/extended_faq

EQII Extended – FAQ

Membership Matrix
View Membership Matrix (image)

Please Note: All of the information contained in this FAQ is subject to change and for informational purposes only. The Extended service is still being tested, but SOE welcomes customer feedback and will be revising this FAQ, as needed.

Released from deep within the dark and dangerous depths of Norrath, a new free adventure service emerges, EverQuest® II Extended! SOE has liberated portions of the critically acclaimed PC franchise, EverQuest II, including five plus years of impressive, award-winning content to online adventurers, free. EverQuest II Extended joins the highly successful EverQuest II live subscription service, and together, provide EQII players with a choice of either a subscription-based or free-to-play business model — two distinct experiences operating in parallel, a first in the MMO industry!

1. What is EverQuest II Extended?

Extended provides access to premium subscription-quality content through free and optional paid membership levels. Powered by an all-new web-based download application, new and veteran players alike can experience all the excitement and depth of EQII’s content without a daunting installation or a massive download. Players can register within minutes, download the client to join other people in an epic journey, and launch into adventure in a fantastical online 3D world. Extended is the ultimate MMORPG experience. Excitement with every breath and adventure around every turn is now available for free!

2. What will happen to the EverQuest II live subscription service?

Nothing! The game will persist with no expected changes for its subscribers. SOE will continue to support its loyal EQII customers on the live subscription service with new and exciting game updates as well as expansions. EQII Extended will be managed as a separate game and should not impact the live subscription game.

3. I currently pay for a monthly subscription. How will the Extended service impact me?

It won’t. Extended is an optional service that is not associated with your current EQII live game play experience. The EQII live subscription service will continue to provide all the perks it previously had, including content updates, bug fixing, new Station Cash™ items and expansions.

EverQuest II Extended is a completely separate gameplay service from the EverQuest II live subscription service. The server lists are not shared, it has completely separate forums, and if you don’t want to be around the community that plays in the free adventure service, then there is no reason for that to ever occur. However, if you want to go try out Extended, feel free to do so. Active EQII live players can create a new account on EQII Extended for free or copy over a version of an existing EQII live character for $35.

4. How is this new Extended service different than the EverQuest II live subscription service?

Extended is not a replacement to the live subscription service and while the game content is the same, access and restrictions are different between the two. Extended is a gameplay option targeted towards certain players who are willing to play within a limited feature-set service with additional content purchase and upgrade options, rather than pay for the full service via a standard monthly subscription. The live $15 EQII subscription service is unrestricted full access to the game world for those accounts in good standing, a valuable service, just as it has always been. The EverQuest II Extended service has restrictions based on your membership level. Limited access to the EQII Extended world and certain content is free, while other content, access, and items are available only for purchase.

5. Will I receive any sort of loyalty reward for continuing to subscribe to EverQuest II Live?

Of course! SOE will be providing a new subscription rewards package for active users who purchase multi-month subscriptions. The rewards, based on the user’s subscription, may include Station Cash and items such as the new Cloak of the Storm, Nizaran Assassin Armor Crate and Steed of the Blazing Sun. All exclusive to EQ II live! SOEwill unveil the full details of the program when we launch Extended.

6. Is Extended really free?

Basic membership in EQII Extended is free which includes access to a large portion of the game! However, there are also paid memberships that grant access to different content that are available for purchase. Don’t worry, free membership players will still have access to a large amount of content without cost. You’re getting almost six years worth of gameplay and diverse zones released from EQII’s launch through EverQuest II The Shadow Odyssey™. Free members do not have access to the most recent expansion pack, EverQuest II Sentinel’s Fate™. However, Sentinel’s Fate is still available for sale.

Additionally, free adventure access is limited at character level 80. You can play all the way up to level 90, the highest level available in the game if you purchase the Sentinel’s Fate expansion. You have access to eight of the game’s 24 character classes, and four of the most popular races in the game from which to create your character.

7. Why is SOE releasing this new free adventure service?

Extended is an accessible game purposely developed to grow the gaming community through new players. The free adventure service allows new players to experience more quality content and increased participation than the previously offered 14-day trial.

8. How do I create an account and gain access to Alpha?

Extended is run by a new separate launchpad. To access the Alpha version of the game service on the “Test-Copy” server you will need to have an active EverQuest II live account and copy your character over to this server. The new alpha launchpad is available here. Please note the art and content will change by the time the beta service is launched. Once Extended releases to the public in its beta phase, later this August, a new membership information page will be available for both new and existing players to view for more details.

9. Will I need a credit card to play the game?

A credit card is not required to play Extended as a free member. You can log into the game without entering any payment information. If you do decide to purchase a Silver membership or buy items, you will need to fund your SC wallet through one of the available methods of payment (including using a credit card).

10. Should I play in the beta or wait until the commercial release and when will the beta end?

After the alpha version of Extended has been tested, EQII Extended will release its new service in a fully-operational, live, beta state with persistent data will carry over into the commercial release. You can purchase items using Station Cash and play the game without losing items, advancement or any purchases when the beta ends. The beta duration has not yet been identified as we want to test out the Marketplace and gameplay mechanics as much as possible. SOE is targeting a beta release on or around August 17, 2010.

11. Can I just become a regular paying subscriber if I don’t want to play on the Extended servers?

Yes! It depends entirely on what type of gaming experience you’d like to have. Some players prefer the regular EverQuest II subscription service because “stat” items are generally not sold for Station Cash and all players earn everything they have (other than appearance items). Because items are more readily available for purchase in the Extended service, those that desire the occasional shortcut or convenience item may prefer to play there. So, it’s up to you! If you want to play the live subscription EverQuest II, please feel free! Otherwise, jump on into Extended and see how you enjoy it. You can create a paying subscription account for EQII live here – Subscription Sign-Up

12. What is Station Cash and the in-game Marketplace?

Station Cash is Sony Online Entertainment’s virtual currency. It’s simple and easy to use. All of your Station Cash is stored in a digital wallet. Once your wallet has been funded, you can use Station Cash to purchase premium in-game items through the in-game Marketplace. The in-game Marketplace is an integrated store where you can purchase an assortment of items, services, content and features to enhance your gameplay experience. For example, in Extended you can use SC to buy armor, weapons, mounts, additional classes, races and more! For more information on Station Cash you can view the FAQ here.

13. Is it necessary to purchase Station Cash in order to play EverQuest II Extended?

No, purchasing Station Cash is completely optional. However, if you would like to buy additional in-game items (including the Silver Membership Pack) from the Marketplace you will need to use Station Cash. Please note that, except for the Silver Membership, you cannot use Station Cash to purchase a membership.

14. How do I purchase Station Cash and what is my wallet?

You can fund your wallet within the game. Go to the “Main Menu” and click on “Marketplace”. The Marketplace is the destination for in-game item purchases and where you can fund your wallet. Once in the Marketplace, click “Add Funds” and follow the on-screen instructions. There are several denominations from which to choose. The system will automatically verify your credit card on file. If you do not have a credit card on file or the existing card cannot be processed, click here to update your credit card information and then log back into the game.

15. Can I still play and enjoy the game without buying items from the EQII Extended Marketplace, or is that my only option?

The purchase of items in the EQII Extended Marketplace is entirely optional. While many items in the Marketplace are designed to immediately enhance your in-game experience, some of the best items and gear are the rewards of adventuring or tradeskilling and are only gained by playing the game.

16. What sorts of items are available in the EQII Extended Marketplace?

Healing potions, powerful weapons and armor, attack wands, buff runes, self-rez items, basic mounts, and a lot more. None of these items are required for a great gaming experience.

17. What are the differences between Free, Silver, Gold and Platinum memberships?

The features and benefits of Free, Silver, Gold, and Platinum memberships, are detailed on the Extended membership matrix page (view matrix).

18. What is included with the Free membership?

When you begin playing Extended, you default to the Free level of membership. That means you have access to a lot of content in the world of Norrath, you can create characters in any of eight classes, from four different races, and you have many, many months of gameplay at your fingertips. However, there are certain content, feature and service limitations that are only unlocked through a la carte item sales or by upgrading your membership to another tier (view matrix).

19. What is included with the Silver membership?

To become a Silver member there is a one-time item purchase called the “Silver Membership Pack.” That pack grants you an additional character slot, better chat options, extra inventory capacity, raises your quest journal limit, gives you the ability to create guilds, and more.

It also grants you two very cool Advancement potions so you can level more quickly. Once you purchase a Silver Membership Pack, you are permanently raised to that membership level. There is no recurring fee for this pack or membership (view matrix).

20. What is included with the Gold membership?

A Gold membership is a $15 per month recurring membership. This is very similar to that of the traditional subscription-based game, but specifically built for the Extended service (view matrix).

• Access to all 24 classes(as opposed to the eight that Silver and Free members can access)
• Seven character slots (instead of two or three included with the lower membership levels)
• Ability to equip Legendary and Fabled items
• Raises character skills/spells above the Adept tier of power to Expert
• Six bags slots for your inventory (instead of only two or three)
• The character coin limits of other memberships are restricted whereas Platinum and Gold are unlimited
• Access to the huge in-game player-to-player marketplace feature called the “Broker” system so that you can buy and trade with other players in an online bazaar
• Actively hold up to 75 quests in your quest journal

21. What is included with the Platinum membership?

This plan is available for $200 per year (view matrix).

• Full adventure access even through EverQuest II Sentinel’s Fate
• Access to all 24 classes(as opposed to the eight that Silver and Free members can access)
• Shared bank contains 8 slots
• Ten character slots (instead of seven included with the lower Gold membership)
• Ability to equip Legendary and Fabled items
• Raises character skills/spells above the Adept tier of power to Expert
• Six bags slots for your inventory (instead of only two or three)
• The character coin limits of other memberships are restricted whereas Platinum and Gold are unlimited
• Access to the huge in-game player-to-player marketplace feature called the “Broker” system so that you can buy and trade with other players in an online bazaar
• Actively hold up to 75 quests in your quest journal

22. Why should I upgrade my account to a Silver, Gold or Platinum membership?

Quite simply, better features! Buying a Silver membership pack is a one-time purchase that adds an extra character slot, another backpack slot, a larger character coin limit, unlimited chat access, the ability to collect more active quests, and even a couple of nice advancement potions thrown in for good measure.

Upgrading to the monthly Gold membership lets you use some of the game’s most powerful items (such as Legendary and Fabled items), upgrade to the most powerful spells and skills, gives you access to all 24 classes in the game (up from the original eight offered at Free and Silver), seven character slots, access to six backpack slots, no per character coin limit, access to the player-controlled Broker system, in-game mailing privileges, and more!

23. I have a Station Access membership. What does this mean for EverQuest II Extended?

Being a Station Access member you will receive the premium Gold level membership. However, Gold access is only available while you have an active SA subscription.

24. I used to play as an EverQuest II subscriber. What does EverQuest II Extended mean for me?

Like everyone else, you can come play Extended by simply downloading the new Extended client and activating a free Extended membership with your same Station account. The client streams without massive downloads. If you would rather just reactivate your subscription account on the regular EverQuest II subscription service, that is always available to you as well.

25. I currently subscribe to the EverQuest II live subscription service. What happens if I start playing with a new character in EverQuest II Extended and I cancel my regular subscription?

While your EQII live subscription is closed, you’ll be unable to log into the regular EQII live subscription-based service. However, if you ever decide to renew your EQII subscription, you characters will still be there and you can resume playing. When you start playing Extended, you will begin gameplay as a Free member or you can purchase a Silver, Gold, or Platinum membership, if you like.

26. What happens if I currently subscribe to the EverQuest II live subscription service and I want to copy my character over to the Extended? What if I like Extended so much that I cancel my normal subscription account?

Active subscribing EQII players in good standing are able to copy a limited version of the EQII subscription character to EQII Extended for a fee of $35 (except during Alpha). Your character is copied over with all combat, AA and tradeskill experience intact. You also keep your ATTUNED and NO-TRADE items, as well as all your backpacks, but your use of such items will be restricted by your Extended membership tier. However, nothing else is copied over included coin. Please note that this process copies your character, your EQII live character will remain, as is, on its EQII live subscription server. There will be no character copies from Extended servers to the EQII live subscription servers.

27. I don’t play EverQuest II or any other SOE games but I do have a Station account. Can I try EverQuest II Extended using my old name and password?

Absolutely! Come on back.

28. I have previously purchased EverQuest II expansion packs. Will I have access to that content if I start playing EverQuest II Extended?

Yes! Despite the fact that the two services are separate worlds, SOE knows which expansions you’ve activated and we’ll ensure that you have access to those expansions in both of the services, subject to your current Extended membership limitations.

29. Will development efforts be focused mostly on the Extended service now?

Absolutely not. Updates, content, expansion areas, and features will be available to both services. There are very few differences between the basic gameplay experiences of the two services, except that Extended’s SC Marketplace has more items available to purchase.

30. If I decide to downgrade from the Gold to Silver or Free membership, what will happen to the Gold perks I had with that membership?

You don’t lose anything permanently, but Gold membership content will become inaccessible to you until you repurchase a Gold membership. Letting a membership lapse is similar to allowing a subscription on the regular EverQuest II subscription service to lapse, where you become unable to access the features of that service until you renew your subscription.

• Classes: If you had characters from any of the Classes not available to Silver or Free members, then those characters will be unavailable to you until you renew to Gold membership status. You can still play any character class allowed on the Free or Silver memberships.
• Character Coin Limits: The amount of coin you have is unaltered when you lapse your Gold membership. However, you’ll be unable to gain any more coin until you reduce your current coin total below the Silver or Free per character limit.
• Backpack and Bank limits: Any bags or bank slots that are not available in Free or Silver are still present when you downgrade from Gold. However, you can only move items from those slots to other locations. You can’t use items while they are in those disallowed slots, and you can’t add anything to those slots until you upgrade back to Gold.
• Quest Limits: If you already have more quests in your Journal than are allowed at Silver or Free, those quests still exist, but you’ll be unable to add new ones until you reduce your quest count to below those limits.
• Character Slots: When you downgrade from Gold, your maximum character slots are reduced. If you had more characters than are currently allowed, the extra characters become unavailable. (However, they are not deleted. They are still available if you upgrade back to Gold status.)
• Broker: If you had items for sale on the Broker when you downgrade from Gold, those items will stay on the Broker, but you will not have access to the Broker. If the items sell, the coin will stay in the Broker account until you upgrade back to Gold and can open the Broker interface again.
• Items: Any Legendary or Fabled items are automatically removed from your character and placed in your inventory when you downgrade from Gold. You can use them again when you renew your Gold membership.
• Spell/Skill Tiers: Any spells/skills upgraded to above Adept/Expert level are unchanged when you downgrade from Gold. However, you’ll be unable to scribe any further upgrades beyond your Silver or Free limit until you upgrade to Gold again.

31. With a Free or Silver membership there are any character coin limitations. What happens to the coin I earn once I reach the limit?

Any coin earned beyond your current coin limit is lost. You can continue to earn items and experience, but coin will no longer be accumulated. The only way to increase the amount of coin you can collect is to upgrade your membership.

32. As a Free player, how many character slots do I start with and how many can I buy?

You start with two character slots. Currently, you can’t purchase character slots individually, but if you upgrade to Silver, you’ll have three available slots in total, and if you upgrade to Gold, you’ll have seven slots available.

33. What chat, in-game mail and Broker restrictions do Free and Silver players have?

Free members can’t use any of the “broadcast” channels, such as /auction, /level, /shout, or any other chat option that broadcasts to a large amount of other players. Silver and Gold members have access to all chat channels. Free and Silver players can receive in-game email, but can’t send any until they upgrade to Gold. Broker access is restricted to Gold members only.

34. What is happening to the 14-day trial and the Recruit-a-Friend program?

Once Extended launches, the 14-day trial will no longer be available to the general public. New players can try the Extended free adventure service instead. However, 14-day trial passes for the EQII subscription service will still be distributed by active players on the live subscription service via the Recruit-a-Friend program. This way, friends can play together on the same server and still enjoy free time. The RAF program will be updated at a later point in time to include Extended invitations and rewards.

35. Does the Station Cash shared wallet work between EverQuest II live and EverQuest II Extended?

Yes! Whatever SC you have in your wallet now or purchase in the future can be used for either game.

36. Will I be able to sell items that I purchased in the EverQuest II Marketplace?

Marketplace items are typically labeled as “NO-TRADE” and cannot be traded to other players or sold.

37. What if I need customer service help but I only have a Free membership?

The self help knowledge base will be accessible to all players regardless of their Extended membership status. As clearly outlined in the membership benefits matrix, customer service is only provided to players who have made a real money transaction in EQII Extended or at least have a Gold membership.