Although the official press release won't happen until next Tuesday, RPGFan had a chance to sit down with Sony Online Entertainment today and talk about the new plan for Everquest II content distribution. As an addition to the current expansion system, SOE plans to allow all players to download a new base zone and begin a storyline. This "adventure pack" system allows players to scope out any storylines that they think may be interesting at no cost to them. Once players complete the initial part of the storyline, they can agree to download the rest of the zones and quests for that storyline for a "small fee". This system allows players to experience new zones and story between expansions.

The first pack follows the story of the Dark Elves, the most popular race in Norrath. These stories help to explain the five hundred years that have transpired between the original Everquest and its sequel. If this adventure pack system becomes popular, SOE may abandon the classical expansion completely system in favor of the new system. Pricing and a date of availability have not yet been revealed, but SOE has said that the adventure packs are above the average Everquest II player level (20-25) at this point. Everquest II was released in November and has reached more than 300,000 subscribers. Keep your eyes on RPGFan for future information on Everquest II and more coverage of CES 2005.

• Sony Online Entertainment Official Homepage