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In a move that wasn't totally unexpected to industry observers, Sony Online Entertainment has announced the upcoming creation of new free-to-play servers for their MMORPG, Everquest II. The free-to-play version will be called Everquest II Extended and it will have all the content that is currently available to EQ II players.
In the new scheme, the major difference between free and paying players, as far as we can see, is that free players will be restricted to lower level spells and equipment.

“As the digital entertainment market evolves, SOE is focused on continued innovation in content delivery that best fit the needs of the growing consumer base,” said Sony Online Entertainment President, John Smedley. “Our goal with Extended is to offer players an alternative to our current subscription program that gives them the option to choose a program that best fits their play style.”
“The very nature of an MMO is change, and the decision to create Extended was fueled by evolution of the industry landscape,” said EverQuest II Producer, David Georgeson. “By offering two services side by side we have given the power to our players to determine the program that best fits their game play style.”

EQII Extended is scheduled for a beta launch on or around August 17, 2010. For more information on EQII Extended, you can read the FAQ on the official website.