Brad McQuaid Leaving SOE

Here's the press release. Make of it what you wish: SAN DIEGO, CA - October 12, 2001- Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE), announced today that Brad McQuaid, one of the original creators of EverQuest, will be leaving the company after five years of service. Mr. McQuaid was instrumental in the launch and success of the world’s largest subscription-based online game and was a key spokesman in the online community that nurtured EverQuest’s growth. “After five years of building the EverQuest franchise for Sony Online Entertainment, it’s time for me to explore other opportunities in the creative development of massively multiplayer games,” said Brad McQuaid. “I wish SOE the greatest success with all future releases and I have the greatest confidence in the ability of the development staff that we’ve assembled over the past few years to continue expanding the EverQuest experience.” “Brad’s contribution to gaming philosophy that evolved into EverQuest has been recognized throughout the gaming world as one of the premier accomplishments of the past decade in the business,” states John Smedley, Chief Operating Officer, Sony Online Entertainment. “It’s been a pleasure working with Brad for the past few years as a colleague and a friend and I’m certain that he will continue to contribute innovative and exciting game technology in the future.” “Brad’s passion for excellence in all things EverQuest has made a material impact in the success of this groundbreaking title,” said Kelly Flock, President, Sony Online Entertainment. “I know he will continue to be a force in this emerging market and all of us at Sony Online Entertainment look forward to the possibility of working with him again in the future.” John Smedley, Chief Operating Officer and a partner in the conception and production of EverQuest, will assume Brad McQuaid’s responsibilities. Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE), the online gaming division of Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment, is a worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online gaming. Headquartered in San Diego, California, SOE develops, publishes and distributes entertainment for the PC and online markets. With more than 10 million registered users, SOE’s award-winning website, The Station® (www.station.com) hosts a variety of entertaining games and player communities spanning all genres. In addition to blockbuster hits EverQuest® and Jeopardy! Online, SOE has an array of cutting-edge online games in development such as PlanetSide™, Star WarsÒ Galaxies™ and Sovereign™.

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Better late than never, I guess...
# Oct 18 2001 at 8:24 AM Rating: Decent
Reason I say that is because I read about it on Blue's News on the 10th... *shrug*

It's gonna be a damn shame to see him end up somewhere else, because, to me, he was one of the driving forces behind EQ.
LOL
# Oct 17 2001 at 10:32 AM Rating: Decent
Listen to all the doom and gloom! ROFLMAO

I dunno about you all, but I've never been able to maintain a lot of motivation for any job I've had longer than about five years. The longest I've ever worked for one employer is seven years. I imagine when you're in creative work, you burnout even faster.

Brad is to be congratulated for his work in developing EQ. However as in any endeavor it comes down to the combined work of dozens if not hundreds of people, and the departure of one person never brings anything to a stop.

I hope Brad moves on to some new thing that sparks his creative energies and keeps him rolling for another five years. And I look forward to whatever new vision unfolds and manifests itself in the wonderful game of EQ.
Good, bad
# Oct 16 2001 at 2:37 AM Rating: Default
EQ started shriveling and dying a few months ago. A chain reaction of departures & lay offs would not surprise most people.

When was the last time we heard about a celebrity who plays EQ? Everyone got bored and left.

EQ is a good game for lvl 1 thru 48. But after that, there is no content, save for 6 hour raids where you stare at the screen for the first 5 hours and 55 minutes.

Ho hum, better check out gamespot.com for new releases.
die?
# Oct 16 2001 at 12:44 AM Rating: Decent
yeah well, this is just my opinion, BIG DEAL!!! one guy is ***************************** he started EQ and helped design it. but do you think hes the only person who started it and designed it?? noooooo....little ingreat will probably go to DaoC or start his own company... in the end we never forget where we came from and they always come back. EQ isnt going to die, i doubt we will even notice a difference...OHH NO ASK BRAD IS GONE!!!
Buh Bye
# Oct 15 2001 at 8:32 AM Rating: Default
This is a bad sign for EQ. When the top guy in the "Vision" jumps ship,...
# Oct 13 2001 at 11:07 PM Rating: Default
no more Ask Brad? the horror!
ummmm
# Oct 12 2001 at 8:47 PM Rating: Decent
riiiiiiiight
Defintion
# Oct 12 2001 at 6:01 PM Rating: Decent
here is the definiton of what this means:
Brad leaving mean he got tierd of life a verant going to help another company profit on his knowledge and this is one more reason why eq is going to shrivel and die.
(this is an opinion)
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