Today marks the 10-year anniversary of pioneering massively multiplayer online rpg, EverQuest. As such, TGR took the opportunity to speak with a Sony Online Entertainment spokesperson about the company, its very special way of celebrating the occasion, and plans for upcoming events in both the real and virtual worlds.
The City of San Diego is naming a day in honor of SOE. That’s quite an honor, and not something you hear about very often.
Yes, March 16th will be officially known as “Sony Online Entertainment Day” in the City of San Diego! We are extremely proud that the city and our district Councilmember, Carl DeMaio, chose to recognize SOE on the 10th anniversary of the launch of our flagship franchise game, EverQuest.
How did this come about? I’m sure people are curious as to why exactly a city might name a day in a company’s honor.
Founded in 1998, San Diego will always be home for SOE and as such, SOE has always made it a priority to support the local community, whether it be through charitable work, donation or volunteer hours. In turn, the City has recognized not only our contribution to the local community and economy, but also our pioneering contribution to the interactive entertainment industry as a whole.
That’s really great. Are there any favorite charities you deal with, or do you sort of spread the love as best you can?
Sony Online Entertainment and its employees donate thousands of dollars and volunteer considerable man-hours annually to support the San Diego community in efforts such as the Red Cross Blood Drive, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Toys for Tots, U.S. Wounded Soldiers Foundation and numerous holiday food and toy drives.
And on top of that, the company has shown stability in doing business, providing jobs to area residents, and generally stimulating the economy.
SOE currently employs over 600 San Diegans, and with additional development studios and employees in Austin, TX, Seattle, WA, Denver, CO, Tucson, AZ and Taiwan, SOE has an array of cutting-edge games in development.
SOE’s been headquartered here in San Diego for how long now?
Originally, SOE was a part of Sony’s 989 Studios, which is where development of EverQuest began in 1996. SOE was formed in April of 1998.
When SOE orignially took shape, was it primarily around the new beast that was EverQuest? Were there other projects at the time?
Tanarus and Infantry were in development along with EQ, Tanarus launched in 1997 and Infantry came out in October 1999. During EQ’s initial development at 989 Studios, they were also publishing other console games as well.
EverQuest just sort of overshadowed them, I guess, which brings us back to its 10th anniversary and SOE Day. So what exactly does it entail? Is the company planning some sort of celebration? Is the city doing anything special? What will make SOE Day SOE Day, aside from the declaration?
San Diego City Council gave the proclamation that officiates and celebrates March 16th as “Sony Online Entertainment Day” throughout the City of San Diego. This is the first official day in the City of San Diego named for a local video game company and one that also celebrates a huge milestone for SOE -- the 10-year anniversary of the launch of our blockbuster franchise online video game, EverQuest, which has been played by millions of people worldwide. Sony President John Smedley accepted the proclamation and gave a short address to attendees on behalf of the company. SOE employees, fans, and community were in attendance at the City Council meeting to show their support for SOE and EverQuest.
"Sony Online Entertainment" Day
Presented by Councilmember Carl DeMaio
WHEREAS, SONY ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT, founded in April 1998, and with a current employment of over 600 San Diegans; and
WHEREAS, SONY ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT is a recognized industry leader dedicated to creating, developing and providing compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets; and
WHEREAS, SONY ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT continues to strive for excellence in its products by using cutting-edge technology, innovation and delivery while continuing to redefine the business of online gaming and the creation of active player communities; and
WHEREAS, SONY ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT has served more than twelve million customer accounts and published more than 60 titles, including its groundbreaking franchise game, EverQuest®, which on March 16, 2009, is celebrating its 10th anniversary; and
WHEREAS, SONY ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT has made it a priority to perform charitable work in the local San Diego community. Sony Online Entertainment and its employees donate thousands of dollars and volunteer considerable man hours annually to support the San Diego community in efforts such as the Red Cross Blood Drive, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Toys for Tots, U.S. Wounded Soldiers Foundation and numerous holiday food and toy drives; and
WHEREAS, SONY ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT provides amazing entertainment to video game players around the world while staying committed to a vibrant, prosperous San Diego for its employees and their families.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO that this council, for and on behalf of the citizens of San Diego, does hereby recognize Sony Online Entertainment for its commitment to economic growth and community service.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that March 16, 2009, is hereby proclaimed to be "Sony Online Entertainment" Day in the City of San Diego.
The proclamation.
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