Sony Online Entertainment Announces Incentives for EverQuest® Players Interested in Playing EverQuest® II

Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE), a worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online gaming, announced today that it is adding incentives to EverQuest® II, the parallel online universe to the hugely successful gaming phenomenon EverQuest®, to reward current EverQuest players for the time they have invested enjoying the original title. The incentives will include exclusive crossover quest zones in each game that will be accessible only by subscribers of both games, allowing characters in EverQuest and EverQuest II to gain access to hidden treasures, an EverQuest II in-game reward for loyal fans, and additional features to be disclosed over the coming months for ongoing EverQuest and EverQuest II players. EverQuest II is expected to ship to U.S. and Canadian retail stores this winter.

(Logo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20011203/LAM002 )

"EverQuest II is a new and very dynamic online gaming experience that will change the landscape for massively multiplayer online games for years to come," said Michael Lustenberger, director of product marketing, Sony Online Entertainment. "We realize all of the time and effort our loyal fan base has invested in building their characters within the EverQuest universe and we want to reward them for their efforts as they try the next generation of EverQuest."

About EverQuest II

EverQuest II features breathtaking graphics and a vast, beautiful game world to explore. The massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) sets new standards in graphical realism as players are immersed in the game's powerful epic storyline with thousands of players online. Based 500 years after EverQuest, EverQuest II is a new and different game experience in a changed world marred by a fantastic life-changing event. Players enter this world by creating their own unique character from 16 races and 48 classes and using a powerful facial customization system for unprecedented player individuality. Players will encounter hundreds of creatures as they travel across the majestic landscape of rolling hills, barren deserts, dense forests, and bustling cities. Thousands of new items, hundreds of new spells, and unlimited adventure await all who enter the world of EverQuest II. EverQuest II also features:

  *  The massive world of Norrath, which revisits familiar locals as well as
     introduces a number of newly discovered areas

  *  Unparalleled character customization capabilities.  In addition to the
     thousands of armor, weapons and items users will be able to equip,
     players will be able to customize their face, age, skin tone, eye and
     hair color

  *  Player-owned real estate (such as apartments, homes, and guild houses)

  *  Player-controlled ships

  *  Dedicated trade skill player class

  *  State-of-the-art combat, spell and skill systems -- both mechanically
     and visually

  *  Unrivaled quest system

  *  Reduced learning curve for both new and seasoned players

  *  Highly-detailed graphics that bring the world of Norrath to life with
     realistic characters

  About Sony Online Entertainment

Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE), a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Digital Inc., is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games. SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchise, EverQuest®, 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 and St. Louis, MO, SOE has an array of cutting-edge online games in development such as PlanetSide™, Star Wars Galaxies™ and the highly anticipated EverQuest® II.

EverQuest is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. SOE and the SOE logo are registered trademarks and PlanetSide is a trademark of Sony Online Entertainment Inc.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20011203/LAM002
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SOURCE: Sony Online Entertainment Inc.

CONTACT: Sean Kauppinen, +1-858-577-3387, skauppinen@soe.sony.com, or
Chris Kramer, +1-858-577-3481, ckramer@soe.sony.com, both of Sony Online
Entertainment

Web site: http://www.station.com/