Ten years ago today, 989 Studios and Verant Interactive flipped the switch on EverQuest, and in so doing, turned the massively multiplayer online role-playing gaming genre on its ear. The seminal MMORPG celebrates its 10th anniversary today, and in addition to San Diego proclaiming the date as Sony Online Entertainment Day, the game's publisher is honoring the occasion with a number of announcements and in-game events.

　　Pertaining to events in the real world, SOE said that the 10th anniversary edition of its annual Fan Faire will descend on Las Vegas from June 25-28. As in previous years, the EQ-player powwow will feature a community address from SOE president John Smedley, developer sessions, and in-game tournaments. Members of the original EQ development team will also be on hand to sign autographs. Tickets are expected to go on sale in April, with more information available on the event's Web site.

　　Norrath's shores will also partake in the festivities, and SOE has a number of in-game events scheduled to roll out in the next few months. According to the publisher, new content will be available for both solo and group adventurers. Players will also be able to compete in large-scale raids for a chance to place on the 10th anniversary leaderboards. SOE's 10th Anniversary Web site has more about the planned events.

　　Named GameSpot's Game of the Year in 1999, EverQuest has gone on to spawn 15 expansion packs, a number of spin-off games, and a full sequel, EverQuest II. According to SOE, in its 10-year history, players have created more than 12 million characters, and more than 1 million non-player characters currently populate the EQ world. The game's most recent expansion, Seeds of Destruction, launched in October.