I was just reading a post on how SOE is trying to slowly integrate everyone to the F2P Extended servers. Financially for SOE this is windfall. I was thinking that one of EQ2 Emu issues is that of client compatibility. So my idea was why not shift the EQ2 Emu project over to the EQ2X client, and then offer all the "paid for" stuff for free? The client is free, which means SOE can't bitch about "stealing" something they're giving away anyway, and everyone has access to it. As far as I know, it's the exact same content. The only thing I don't know about is how difficult it will be to shift the server core and database stuff. This may be the answer we need to our "EQEmu uses Titanium, what can we use" question. Just a thought

I am under the impression that shifting client compatibility like that isn't as easy, and I can't see whether the effort will really pay off that much.

I honestly think that even if we shifted to a "free client", that if Sony wanted us shut down, they would CREATE a reason. One another thing, with every game there is a End User License Agreement, I'd imagine the one for EQ2X would be incredibly restrictive. At least the same level as a standard client, but I would think more so. Anyone wanna be bored enough to do a comparison?

The EQ2x client is the same client as the EQ2 "Live" client. They are in sync, ie., when I patch one, the other patches, and they are the same version of the client, and same data version to connect to live worlds.

We already support the EQ2x client(s), we just haven't made it public knowledge yet, since not all functionality (for anything passed Sentinel's Fate) has been sorted out yet. So for instance, if you own EQ2 Live Client 7268L, data version 1096 to us, you can connect to our worlds. If you play using EQ2X, same client / data version, you can also connect to us -- providing you took the time to stream/download all necessary content! 12GB or so.

I dare not get into the business of providing players with a full client, even if it's free, until SOE is 100% done making a profit selling their EQ2 Client in any way. Once their client is so longer packaged on DVD or sold in box sets for $$, then I can see your point... and we can address that when the time comes.

PS Arremis, holy crap! Where you been? Welcome back'ish

Thanks John Yes, I have returned after over a year of being cut off the internet. It's a long story (nothing illegal), so I'll save that for another day. Nice to be back after so long.

Hmm, wouldn't switching clients be hell, but it does seem profiting, but what if you made like the runescape servers and made your own clients? It's likely to keep SOE off you a little more, and would be much easier to implement custom scripts and the likes.
But either way, like you said, SOE will shut you down when they want to, but such good things like this don't live long in life, and the internet to be truthful, but its good to enjoy things as long as you can, for they can go just as fast, if not quicker, than they come