Yeah, that's what I figured. This Dark Beginnings is probably another one of those private server deals. The ULA that Sony puts with the game would tell you that it would be illegal to use Sony software in this particular fashion, but that still doesn't stop people from doing it. It would have to be free because it's the only way it would be legal. If the person or persons who own the server profit from it then theoretically they'd ahve to give Sony a share of the profits for using their software. However, copyright laws are such that if the game is changed significantly by a certain percentage from the original then it's its own entity and not breaking any laws. I suspect that's what these people did with the game you mention. All they'd ahve to do is get permission to use the game engine then they can change whatever they want and run whatever server they want. If the game develops enough they might be able to go commercial with it, but that's usually after years of development.

----- Original Message -----

From: D. Scott Smith

To: 'EverQuest@yahoogroups.com'

Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2008 3:42 PM

Subject: RE: [EverQuest] (unknown)

I searched for that dark beginnings game nothing thats odd. I know there are several private servers trying to build games around the original EQ game engine. I really like this one. http://www.shardsof dalaya.com/ It uses old school EQ but some of the improvements are there too. It isnt the same as The Game as the devs call EQ, it uses pretty much the same zones but many are re-imagined with different mobs, drops etc still, enough is the same that it brings back that OLD school EQ feel. Heres the best part its FREE! I wish SOE would put out a free version of EQ to attract players but I dont see that happening. Maybe a server that you can only level up to 25 or something, and then pay to relocate if you want to subscribe oh well This game has its own wiki and apparently has found legal sanctuary from SOE. Some reports suggest that Sony has even helped them out a time or two. There was a lawsuit early on, but they changed it enough for it to be its own game.

Here is the wiki site http://www.angrygam er.net/sodwiki/ index.php? title=Main_ Page

Hey, I still play live server EQ and although its vastly different now than it was in the old days, its still my favorite game. However; to get that old nostalgia going, this Shards version of EQ is a blast.

Oh, one more thing check out Youtube for vids of the game in action, there are several.

Enjoy

From: EverQuest@yahoogrou ps.com [mailto:EverQuest@ yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Shawn Quick
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 8:27 AM
To: EverQuest@yahoogrou ps.com
Subject: [EverQuest] (unknown)

anyone heard about the new EQ coming out base on ealry EQ1 before pok it is call dark beginning

Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.

__________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 2975 (20080326) __________

The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.

http://www.eset. com

__________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 2979 (20080327) __________

The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.

http://www.eset. com