First Impressions of the New Deal

[Roll Theme of the Empire]
[Queue a dark-cloaked vision walking through the doors of Sigil (add smoke for effect)]

Anyone else feel like this?

I would have never dreamed something like this could happen in at least 1.2 billion years. Lets face facts here folks: The fallout between Brad and John is well documented and could even have been the under card to a WWE event. The whole transfer from Verant to SOE is still inscribed with pain and agony within my mind. From Luclin on, EQ was never the same from Kunark or Velious.

I don’t plan to rehash all the problems from Luclin on. There is no point to it other than to say, it happened and was painful. Detailing this would just re-open old wounds that have now been scarred over. The point I want to make here is, that there were some serious issues with EQ when Mr. McQuaid left SOE.

That is why many of us camped out of EQ permanently and headed on over to SGO in the first place. I am still a member of the SGO forums, and not just the Vanguard forums. I can remember when Vanguard was “a game” without a name. I was mad and irritated of what EQ morphed into. Frankly, the Empire theme is kicking into high gear right about now.

Never Burn Bridges

If you ever get the chance to enter into the hallowed halls of SGO you will realize something almost immediately: It has Everquest written ALL over it. The EQ artwork is on every wall. It is beautiful and really sets the mood for the entire complex. Why does Brad’s license plate still read “Everquest” or some variant of it? Why do I bring all of this up?

While there were “issues” between SOE and SGO, maybe it was just a “Vision”™ thing for one side and a financial issue on the other side.

I am sure feelings were hurt, perhaps even crushed, at the time; however, from the developments of May 5, 2006 it seems that any animosity that once existed between the two giants who put MMOs on the map has been resolved, dissolved, or otherwise negated.

Either way, both sides are now sailing the same ship that is Vanguard: Saga of Heroes off into the foreseeable future.

I am sitting here laughing when I think about John Smedly sitting in Brad McQuaid’s office. Could you just imagine what was discussed and how it was brought up? What I would give to be a fly on the wall.

Serious Questions Need Serious Answers

I don’t know the answers, nor do I pretend to know the answers, but we need the answers. And Pronto! I have three questions that could put a lot of this on the back burner for at least a day or two.

1. What exactly happened between Microsoft and Sigil that caused this to happen?

2. Despite the numerous posts on numerous boards about SGO having full control, how can we be sure?

3. How far back has the release of Vanguard: Saga of Heroes been pushed and is “The Vision”™ driving all of this?

[Roll Theme: A New Hope]
[Cut to the twins being whisked away to far away worlds, safe and secure]

Better Days Ahead

I could take the negative view of this and write a short series of novels about how I was done wrong by SOE, but I wont. I am trying to look at the developments of May 5th as something positive out of this. According to Brad:

Originally Posted by Brad McQuaid, CEO and Head Honcho of SGO

As the development process is ongoing and constantly shifting, it became clear that MGS and Sigil had varying visions and direction for the title’s development. In the best interest of Vanguard, it was decided that we would buy back the publishing rights from Microsoft.

I am going to keep the faith and pray to God that everything falls together as Brad wants it to. I have seen the game and it really looks good, and that was six months ago. There is no doubt in my mind that MSG had to go if they were really crimping the style and direction of SGO. Now we have to wait and see if SOE will have the power to force deadlines and drive the creativity of SGO.

Only time will tell.

The Side Bar:

Heck of a first day back on the job. LOL I have to say that I missed everyone back here. Not being able to check in and see what was going on was un-nerving to say the least. That being said, while a lot has seemed to change on the surface, the tidal currents seem to be remaining the same. Brad is still at the helm and SGO continues to make progress with Vanguard.

Hopefully soon, we at VS can plan another community trip to SGO to see just how much things have changed. I would like that. I cannot wait to catch up with you all, the community here at VS, as well as the staff.

All the best friends,
Melchizedek - CEJ FTW