Brad McQuaid and Jeff Butler, both key figures in the runaway hit "EverQuest," have formed a development company dedicated to the production of massively multiplayer online role-playing games. The as-of-yet-unnamed company is currently seeking additional funding as they broker the publishing rights to their first independent title.

"Ever since I played my first MUD, my passion has been to create strong massively multiplayer communities," said Brad McQuaid, president of the new company. "With this venture, I can continue the terrific working relationship I have enjoyed with Jeff Butler while we realize our MMORPG ambitions. We believe we have just begun to explore the possibilities of this genre."

McQuaid and Butler are both creators of the massively multiplayer runaway hit "EverQuest," developed by Verant Interactive. The game shattered all multiplayer game records after its release in 1999, exceeding all industry expectations and inspiring three top-selling expansion packs. McQuaid is President and CEO of the new company, and Butler has assumed the role of Vice President.

Brad McQuaid was the co-designer of "EverQuest," managing the development team from the project's inception until its launch. He later became a founder of Verant Interactive and its Vice President. After Verant's acquisition by Sony Online Entertainment, Brad McQuaid served there as Vice President of Premium Games responsible for "EverQuest," "Sovereign," "PlanetSide," "Star Wars: Galaxies," and several currently unannounced projects. In addition, McQuaid was the company's Chief Creative Officer. He resigned amicably from the company in October 2001. McQuaid is one of the most respected online game developers in the industry, featured in with numerous articles in publications such as "The Wall Street Journal" and "Time Magazine." "PC Gamer" named him one of the "Next Game Gods" in their November 2000 issue.

Jeff Butler joined Verant Interactive as Customer Service Manager in early 1999, and was promoted to Producer in 2000. Butler managed the EverQuest Live teams dedicated to ongoing content and development while simultaneously producing the three most recent EverQuest expansions, "EverQuest: The Shadows of Luclin," "EverQuest: The Scars of Velious," and "EverQuest: The Ruins of Kunark." Jeff Butler resigned from SOE amicably in December 2001.

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