Rumor Mill: EverQuest 2's Senior Producer quits, Scott Hartsman leaving SOE
Filed under: EverQuest II, MMO industry, News items
A surprising rumor regarding EQ2's Senior Producer, Scott Hartsman aka Gallenite, is spreading across various MMOG forums claiming that he has parted ways with SOE. What makes this rumor noteworthy and more than likely veritable is that it originates from the administrator who runs EQ2 Flames, one of the more popular EQ2 fan forums. According to Scott Hartsman's bio on his personal blog he has been with Sony Online Entertainment for over six years and his first SOE credit is EverQuest: Shadows of Luclin. If Scott Hartsman is leaving to pursue other interests we here at Massively wish him the best of luck, but I don't think he needs it! If this rumor turns out to be true it would be a huge blow to the EverQuest 2 development team and the EverQuest 2 community. Scott Hartsman is a class act, and is one of the best in his field at what he does. Whoever steps in to try and fill his shoes will have a hell of a time as Hartsman has not only set the bar high when it comes to running the show, but his superb ability to manage community relationships and wax philosophic with the players. During his tenure as on EverQuest 2's, Senior Producer, Hartsman has established a remarkable reputation not only amongst his peers, but also among the more tight-knit MMOG forum goers, which by any means is no easy feat.
I'm a bit shocked, especially to see this coming so shortly after Rise of Kunark's launch, and various recent interviews conducted with Hartsman about the expansion, including our own with Michael Zenke regarding grouping concerns in Rise of Kunark. What do you guys think about all this? I wonder if Hartsman will go on to work on another MMOG. If the rumor turns out to be true is EverQuest 2 screwed or is this rumor unfounded, and shouldn't have been reported by Massively? Let us know in the comments.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Magister said on 9:09PM 11-24-2007
I don't know if the rumors are true, but the timing seems right. People like him tend to see through major milestones like launches before parting ways with a company. A lot of people like him, some people think he's a little fake, but I don't think anyone has said that he's a bad developer or businessman.
They just launched Kunark, which means he would have seen through his final expansion if he does leave, and someone else can take the helm from square one on the next expansion.
As for all of the recent interviews, I would have expected nothing less than seeing all of them appear with his name on them, because that's what good/smart devs do--their job.
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Mark Crump said on 3:33PM 11-26-2007
Here's my prediction: 38 Studios is looking for a CTO and have not been shy about poaching. Hartsman will be in MA shortly after the new year.
Matt Warner said on 11:08AM 11-29-2007
Mark: I hope not. I really don't. But, I wouldn't be surprised if he jumps ship. They must be throwing wads of money at these SOE devs to flip them.
LFG said on 12:09PM 11-26-2007
I am the administrator of www.eq2flames.com. What I posted is true. For background purposes, I was first on the Internet to post that SOE was buying Vanguard from Sigil, and have been first to post all major EQ2 team transitions during the past year.
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Matt Warner said on 11:05AM 11-29-2007
Thanks for commenting, yea, I felt you had enough credence to post the rumor here. Now, if you could tell me the best server to play on for PST gamers, most crowded, etc... I will link to eq2 flames everyday. ;)
pygar said on 11:01AM 11-27-2007
Good Riddance.
RoK has presented a major change in the EQ2 gaming dynamic that I personally find unpalatable. Call it Everwow, call it soloquest, call it lotroquest, whatever it is, it isn't Everquest.
As far as seeing the project thru, the expansion launched largely unfinished, he's skipping ship 30-90 days before actually 'seeing it thru'.
I couldn't be happier to see him go. But thats just my 2cp.
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ownagejoo said on 11:11AM 11-27-2007
Glad to see him go, all expansions for EQ2 came out either half done, or major problems. EOF was probably the best so far, and content had to be added later.
RoK is the same way, unfinished content, no epics, no grouping and all solo questing, I don't see how people can call this guy a success with the crap that has been produced up to now.
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