News - RedGuides is working to become an emu-first community, and we want you to play emu, too

[Redbot]

The maintainers of MacroQuest: brainiac, Knightly and dannuic, are going to solely maintain emulated server support from this point on. Following their lead, RedGuides is beginning the process to become an emu-first community. That means Live and Test server support will not be as swift or guaranteed as they once were, at least for now.

Will April's patch be one of the few times in nearly a quarter century that Live servers will be without MacroQuest? Maybe, but eqlib is completely open source, and we're actively looking for help to fork and update it. Please DM me or @Sic if you'd like to join the emergency update team, so we can continue to push updates for both Live and Test. Regardless, the center of gravity is moving to emulated servers, places where our playstyle is celebrated rather than shamed.

I know this news hits hard, but for our community to thrive this is the best path, and it's been a long time coming.

The equity group that purchased EverQuest has become increasingly hostile to our community's playstyle. I know there are employees who sympathize with us and use the software, and past leadership encouraged our efforts and even designed servers for us, but we can no longer wait for a return to those days. Current leadership has pushed things to the point where MQ devs spend all their time repairing what Daybreak has intentionally broken, and players face random bans and suspensions for using the same features they've enjoyed for decades.

Compare that with an emulated TLP server that welcomes you and your copy of Very Vanilla MQ with open arms, where you can discuss Lua configs over /ooc, where you can join a 6-box guild that raids together on Wednesdays, and where you're not labeled a cheater because your MQ window appeared in a screenshot.

Here's what we're planning:

• Sic and CWTN are already hard at work on CWTN plugins, gearing them toward mechanics on major emu servers.
• RGMercs, which already runs well on most emu servers, will enjoy increased focus.
• Updated setup guides and scripts to make your EverQuest RoF2 Client run on emu with a click.
• Creating your own TLP server for your family or guild will be nearly as easy as rolling a Minecraft server. Flip the switch to release Velious!
• Giving MacroQuest and EQEmulator room to flourish, as developers will finally be free to create.

Emu server operators:

If you need an influx of players, please DM me! We're happy to support any server that accepts MQ, but we'll pay close attention to those that:

• Accept MacroQuest as a feature
• Limit the number of boxed accounts
• Require users to be at their keyboards while playing

We believe EverQuest is best played as a social game, and that kind of emu experience is the closest match to what our community wants.

Again, I know this news hits hard for some. You've been playing a certain way for years, and this sucks. It sucks big gnome dick. My ask of you is this: don't quit. When we get our scripts in place, please give EQEmulator a real try, and have patience while we build more support and emu matures at the extremely fast pace it has been recently.

You don't even need to wait, as Very Vanilla MQ for emu servers is ready right now, and many of your favorite scripts and plugins on Live will work right out of the box. Some of you are going to be shocked by how far these servers have come, and blown away by the quality and care your fellow players give to the game.

We'll keep you updated on any progress on our updates to Live. Thank you for sticking with us.

 

[Sic]

Hard to stay upbeat and positive about this. It is a very unwelcome surprise Sucks.

Now is the time if you ever wanted to be a major contributor in REing an open-source project that ones/tens/hundreds/thousands? of people use, now is your time.

@captboom is working on his toolkit, @ncellular was working on his as well - if you know any other folks that have the skills to assist in continuing Live/Test for MacroQuest now is the time to keep that alive.

Without someone updating Live/Test - there is no macroquest for live/test.

Edit: Been dedicated to RG/MQ for the past 7 years (right around now is my 7 year anny) - didn't intend this to be my daily, i just needed a place to shoot the shit and recover while i was sick, and the daily turned literally into every day, every holiday, ever hospital visit, every birthday, every morning camping driving for signal to check --- so, assuming this has a precipitous impact on RG/Live if anyone would like my resume for potential job opportunities, please shoot me a DM. Thank you, I love ya'll

Viva Redguides!

 

[Redbot]

This is the announcement from the MQ team,

Announcement from the MacroQuest Team

TLDR: We're no longer going to be updating MacroQuest for the Live and Test clients. We'll continue to maintain the emu branch of MQ.

Knightly Overly Verbose Version(tm): When we took over the maintenance of the MacroQuest project, it was in a very bad state. The source had been closed, building was behind a paywall, and contributing to the project at all was a nightmare of trying to get the stars to align and then supporting whatever untrackable merge was put out at the time it was put out. This was on an aging codebase that was very fickle. I won't even get into the drama surrounding the REST of what was going on in the project, it's all here if you wanted to find it, but it's water under the bridge to us. We set out with the goal of solving those issues, of re-opening the source, making it easy and welcoming to contribute, modernizing and stabilizing the code base, and generally just being good stewards of the project. We believe that we've accomplished these goals while also managing a move to a 64 bit client and navigating an evolving landscape.

However, that also means that recently, more and more time has been spent on patches. And, frankly, that part of things just isn't fun and it's not what we want to constantly be doing. It's leading to a lot of stress and fatigue. We want to be working on fun stuff and having fun with our projects, not just running the patch treadmill over and over again. We've been burnt out for quite a while and it's starting to take its toll. It's to the point that we aren't even playing the game we're spending so much time on. Stepping back from updating Live and Test will allow us to regain that energy and focus it in other areas.

This project isn't going anywhere and will still accept quality contributions as it has since we took over maintenance, but we just won't be doing the patch day grind anymore. Since it's open source, as always, anyone is welcome to fork and carry on where we've left off.

 

[519helvis]

well i kinda felt waves of change coming in the last while especially being a fulltime test player, and while i fully understand why RG is going this way (those builds have to be a major headache now) i only wish emu went past OOW ... id much rather play RoF and up

regardless thanks to all of you for making eq fun for me all these years later!!!!! still the best box community in norrath

 

[Algar]

We have the

E

Request - Thread 'MQ-friendly EMU server list'

Jan 21, 2022

Note: Check the last edited time, do not assume info is dated because of the original post date.

EQ Emulator Server List

• Meets Redbot's guidelines (MQ-friendly, box-limits, afk, social content (intended or designed for more than one person, teaming up is a goal). No active hacks (e.g, warp).
  • Project Lazarus - OoW with heavy custom endgame content. 6-box. Raids tuned for 4-6 groups at release. Active Development.
  • EQ Might - DoN+ with heavy custom content... solo, duo, and group progression paths. 12-box limit, but 1-6 accounts are...

• eqtrader74
• Replies: 58
• Forum: Emulator

• 
• 
• 

It probalby needs some updating. Edit: I did some updating, but it could use more help! I also linked the server list directly.

I strongly recommend Lazarus and EQ Might. That is a personal opinion. There are many great servers.

I'm waiting to see some new ones come from this.

 

[Sic]

well i kinda felt waves of change coming in the last while especially being a fulltime test player, and while i fully understand why RG is going this way (those builds have to be a major headache now) i only wish emu went past OOW ... id much rather play RoF and up

regardless thanks to all of you for making eq fun for me all these years later!!!!! still the best box community in norrath

Well. if there was someone who took up the reigns to fork and maintain live/test updates, much around here would remain the same and then additionally have emu centric updates. The RG change is because of the MQ developer change.

And let's be clear - the updates are no short order, and they take up a lot of time - and time is the only currency we get in this life that means fuck all - once you're out of time that's it.

I for one am very grateful for the time that has been given past, present, and hopefully future for all of us, including RedGuides, to enjoy macroquest.

If live/test disappears, we'll still have a robust thriving and ever evolving EMU community, which is still pretty great.

I personally would like to see Live/Test continue - only time will tell.

Edit: Been dedicated to RG/MQ for the past 7 years (right around now is my 7 year anny) - didn't intend this to be my daily, i just needed a place to shoot the shit and recover while i was sick, and the daily turned literally into every day, every holiday, ever hospital visit, every birthday, every morning camping driving for signal to check --- so, assuming this has a precipitous impact on RG/Live if anyone would like my resume for potential job opportunities, please shoot me a DM. Thank you, I love ya'll

Viva Redguides!

 

[Redbot]

We have the

E

Request - Thread 'MQ-friendly EMU server list'

Jan 21, 2022

Note: Check the last edited time, do not assume info is dated because of the original post date.

EQ Emulator Server List

• Meets Redbot's guidelines (MQ-friendly, box-limits, afk, social content (intended or designed for more than one person, teaming up is a goal). No active hacks (e.g, warp).
  • Project Lazarus - OoW with heavy custom endgame content. 6-box. Raids tuned for 4-6 groups at release. Active Development.
  • EQ Might - DoN+ with heavy custom content... solo, duo, and group progression paths. 12-box limit, but 1-6 accounts are...

• eqtrader74
• Replies: 58
• Forum: Emulator

• 
• 
• 

It probalby needs some updating.

I strongly recommend Lazarus and EQ Might. That is a personal opinion. There are many great servers.

I'm waiting to see some new ones come from this.

Your opinion is extremely valuable, ty. And that post is a wiki so anyone please feel free to edit

 

[Gohast]

I bet this have a measurable effect on Everquest subscriptions. Finally after all these years Daybreak will realize how valuable boxers were

 

[scoops420]

Terrible news

 

[The Ancient One]

Canceling all my subscriptions by tomorrow and good lucky to DB

 

[Hadler]

I can't blame the MQ maintainers at all honestly. Enshitification is widespread. It seems everybody leading a company or institution these days is trying to intentionally drive their product or service into the ground and take great pleasure in throwing the bird at their customers every other week.
Don't get me started on state governments mandating their idiot ideas into operating systems.

Hope somebody will take up the challenge and keep my literal hundreds of characters playable on Live/Test.

On the bright side, it will be nice to maybe have CWTN plugins on my private server and emu of choice.

 

[Jarsath12]

No one likes change but it is inevitable. I’m thankful it’s not just a complete shutdown. I personally moved to emu several years ago and couldn’t be happier. The content has been great and I no longer have to hide in the shadows bc I’m a MQ user.

 

[ArcaneProphet]

Dang.

 

[demark]

well dam.

 

[Tommythekat]

So long and thanks for all the fish

 

[Xhile]

Guess my wife will be pleased..... me not so!
Time to find a new past time, maybe crack!

 

[Phalanx]

Good luck guys. Brought me a lot of good memories. Even if I don't have time to play very much anymore this is hard news.

 

[Redfrog]

The maintainers of MacroQuest: brainiac, Knightly and dannuic, are going to solely maintain emulated server support from this point on. Following their lead, RedGuides is beginning the process to become an emu-first community. That means Live and Test server support will not be as swift or guaranteed as they once were, at least for now.

Will April's patch be one of the few times in nearly a quarter century that Live servers will be without MacroQuest? Maybe, but eqlib is completely open source, and we're actively looking for help to fork and update it. Please DM me or @Sic if you'd like to join the emergency update team, so we can continue to push updates for both Live and Test. Regardless, the center of gravity is moving to emulated servers, places where our playstyle is celebrated rather than shamed.

I know this news hits hard, but for our community to thrive this is the best path, and it's been a long time coming.

The equity group that purchased EverQuest has become increasingly hostile to our community's playstyle. I know there are employees who sympathize with us and use the software, and past leadership encouraged our efforts and even designed servers for us, but we can no longer wait for a return to those days. Current leadership has pushed things to the point where MQ devs spend all their time repairing what Daybreak has intentionally broken, and players face random bans and suspensions for using the same features they've enjoyed for decades.

Compare that with an emulated TLP server that welcomes you and your copy of Very Vanilla MQ with open arms, where you can discuss Lua configs over /ooc, where you can join a 6-box guild that raids together on Wednesdays, and where you're not labeled a cheater because your MQ window appeared in a screenshot.

Here's what we're planning:

• Sic and CWTN are already hard at work on CWTN plugins, gearing them toward mechanics on major emu servers.
• RGMercs, which already runs well on most emu servers, will enjoy increased focus.
• Updated setup guides and scripts to make your EverQuest RoF2 Client run on emu with a click.
• Creating your own TLP server for your family or guild will be nearly as easy as rolling a Minecraft server. Flip the switch to release Velious!
• Giving MacroQuest and EQEmulator room to flourish, as developers will finally be free to create.

Emu server operators:

If you need an influx of players, please DM me! We're happy to support any server that accepts MQ, but we'll pay close attention to those that:

• Accept MacroQuest as a feature
• Limit the number of boxed accounts
• Require users to be at their keyboards while playing

We believe EverQuest is best played as a social game, and that kind of emu experience is the closest match to what our community wants.

Again, I know this news hits hard for some. You've been playing a certain way for years, and this sucks. It sucks big gnome dick. My ask of you is this: don't quit. When we get our scripts in place, please give EQEmulator a real try, and have patience while we build more support and emu matures at the extremely fast pace it has been recently.

You don't even need to wait, as Very Vanilla MQ for emu servers is ready right now, and many of your favorite scripts and plugins on Live will work right out of the box. Some of you are going to be shocked by how far these servers have come, and blown away by the quality and care your fellow players give to the game.

We'll keep you updated on any progress on our updates to Live. Thank you for sticking with us.

This is FANTASTIC news! I am not being ignorant and will miss some Live stuff, but this is far weighs a great joy to really have chance to have and try new things that are yet undreamt of, bonding of the players free from MQ hate. I have hoped we would have a turn for the real future of EQ..that is absolutely EMU. So many things that may happen and no restriction. Not being on a jail server to dream of being allowed MQ. Creating your own world preferences at your home server, or joining a online EMU, even the choice to go back on DBG servers for the one thing they really care about raids (for those of you that do). I look forward to a brighter future and what things will change and enrich our game play. Norrath will FINALLY be you are in YOUR world now. Great thanks to our MQ devs, our RG devs and staff , all your efforts brought so much joy before and will bring even greater ones tomorrow.

 

[The Ancient One]

I bet this have a measurable effect on Everquest subscriptions. Finally after all these years Daybreak will realize how valuable boxers were

Hope they do but not sure they care.

 

[OldGuard]

I did not have this on my “Reasons why my 25 years in EQ will end” bingo card

 

[Yenil]

instead of paying $500-700 a month in subs I may look at paying that to AWS instead. Or look at getting another dedicated internet connection at home and hosting here. Hmm.

 

[Oninja2011]

 

[Hooknose]

My guess is it will have a measureable effect on EQ but will also have an effect on RG pocketbook as well. When will be the best time to cancel all the subscriptions I have purchased? Thanks for the warning...

 

[Augmentor]

Early April Fools joke?

 

[burdsjm]

God, I hope this cripples them. Fudge them and their ban waves.

 

[Trapper]

Bummer news.. I really hate EMU lol, tried many times but it's just so boring. I had always figured the end would be from a Ban wave, but I guess self banning is another way.

 

[Kookies]

 

[SirMSDC]

this is a april fools joke right?

 

[Joakhan]

Whew this is hard news.

 

[Bukktoof]

I have spent most of my time on EMU servers the last few years so Im happy for the increased focus there. It makes sense considering the increasingly hostile atmosphere on live servers. I cant wrap my head around what DBG and their overlords are doing ... the EQ community as a whole is not very big and they are aggressively attacking part it .... doesnt make sense.

 

[ycleptjah]

Can we start a Go Fund Me for more devs for Live/Test support?

 

[rich8n]

 

[SirMSDC]

so EMUs run off of ROF2 clients right... and all the links for said client are gone for the most part... thats gonna be ... fun? lol

 

[Redfrog]

so EMUs run off of ROF2 clients right... and all the links for said client are gone for the most part... thats gonna be ... fun? lol

with the internet, nothing is ever truly gone. With emphasis on EMU...you don't think helping the masses to use the new emphasis will happen? The sky is not falling..enjoy whats left of Live MQ...like what , 15 days possibly to patch day? Something like that.. and soon enough we'll have more news about OUR (all of us MQ/RG people) EMU EQ and of things to come.

 

[Gohast]

so EMUs run off of ROF2 clients right... and all the links for said client are gone for the most part... thats gonna be ... fun? lol

Got mine from the second link on google.

 

[TempusX]

Wow. If true, unfortunate.

But... *checks calendar* Y'all are a day early.

 

[blahblahblah84]

This is very sad news, but I understand where the devs are coming from.

I've enjoyed my 5 years of EQ since I returned to live, but I really have no interest in EMU that only had content up to OOW. I quit the game originally after OOW, and am not interested in playing EQ only in the 'old world'. Time to move on to other games. Thanks for all the support and help in the last five years everyone! Hasta luego!

 

[Captainkrunch]

Once DBG sees a 25%+ drop in EQ revenue, they will simply go after and shut down the EMU servers as they are all illegal also, just like THJ.
Then EQ will die completely.

This is a master class in idiocy.

I guess it's time to find a new game or go outside

 

[Redfrog]

This is very sad news, but I understand where the devs are coming from.

I've enjoyed my 5 years of EQ since I returned to live, but I really have no interest in EMU that only had content up to OOW. I quit the game originally after OOW, and am not interested in playing EQ only in the 'old world'. Time to move on to other games. Thanks for all the support and help in the last five years everyone! Hasta luego!

Not trying to bug ya, just letting you know its DoN, not OOW, as the most up to date (generally speaking). It will not end there..but they need a bit of time to figure out what is what. I saw one EMU had Laurion's Inn zone (not the expansion, just the one zone) and had put some mobs (basically a sandbox of a zone) in there and was interesting to see that there was potential still untapped.

 

[KS1980]

so does this mean no more MQ2 for live servers come april?