Only one year after launching the game in June 2005, Square Enix will stop administrating the Japanese version of EverQuest II. Beginning in July, EverQuest developers Sony Online Entertainment will take care of the MMORPG's user base in Japan. Since all account-related information is already managed by the San Diego, California-based company, Japanese users won't have to re-register and will be able to continue using their existing characters.

After opting out of EverQuest II, Square Enix's MMORPG portfolio still includes Final Fantasy XI, Front Mission Online, Fantasy Earth: Ring of Dominion and Cross Gate.

• GameWatch