Holly addresses the state of the games as she steps into the Executive Producer role.

UPDATE - Saturday February 14:

• Daybreak had connection issues overnight; forums are back up, but login may not be completely stable yet. It is being worked on.
• 12:30pm ET: Smed, Holly and Emily (Domino) have all confirmed that there are DDOS attacks going on. They're doing what they can, but expect things to be unstable until it's mitigated.
• 3:30pm ET: Everything should be back online now!
• Holly posted a bit more this morning on the EQ2 forums, and twice on the EQ forums, both of which we've included after the jump.
• If you're unfamiliar with Holly, read this comment.

Holly "Windstalker" Longdale, now the Executive Producer for both EverQuest & EverQuest II, has posted letters on the EverQuest and EverQuest II forums. She introduces herself to EverQuest players, and offers reassurances that both games will continue development.

You can read and comment on both letters (linked above) on the official game forums. The main point seems to be to invite everyone to livestreams. Here's the info:

EverQuest Livestream:

• Wednesday, February 18
• 2pm Pacific Time
• http://twitch.tv/DayBreakGames

EverQuest II Livestream:

• Wednesday, February 18
• 3pm Pacific Time
• http://www.twitch.tv/everquest2

On the EQ2 forums (1):

Hello you lovely Norrathians!

You gents and ladies are making me misty. This is exactly the support we need. I have to tell you the team you have here is so amazing. Lots of you have met people in your lives who talk big game, but this team does actually do it with confidence and no fear knowing they are choosing big challenges, but always taking the best path for the game and you.

We have an expansion taking shape with great ideas. The team explored some options before I even asked. I suppose that's what we do as gamers anyway!

This community of passionate gamers and the team make me beam with pride that we are all blended together in this industry/hobby.

I respect and value each of you.

Holly

On the EQ forums (1) (2):

I'm reading...I'm here! Let me say a few things.

I think I'd be freaked out if there wasn't healthy debate and a mix of cynicism, support, and suggestions. Expansions are a priority. That, and given the massive collective intelligence here and on the team, lots...or most...of the ideas I've seen here are being discussed.

By expansion, I believe we all mean new areas to explore, characters to discover, character growth and progression, monsters, fun, fear, awesome encounters, loot, and new toys.

The team is freeing their minds (and I'm asking you too) to talk about what we want for our beloved characters, community, and the world.

Expansions as you know them are likely, of course. I want us to really explore the possibilities of what is best to do for the game and you.

What I won't do is lie to you. When we have details, we will share them. We can't gain your faith and support by simply calming the waters. You are also too intelligent to buy a "line" so I won't insult the brainpower here or the cynics. I'm a gamer too. I get it.

Brass tacks are that we are on a new amazing journey together that includes you. This is a game of epic proportions, traditions, and passionate players and the first step is to breathe, let the air in, and give this crazy, passionate team a tick to regen and cast some nukes.

I'm here, we are listening. We are in this for Norrath.

I hope you can all bear with me as I grow my whiskers and tail back. It's a kick to see familiar folks from design days. (I remember killing Tharkis.) Wow.

Much respect to all of you. The passion and care here is evident. We share it.

P.S. I can't believe you already called out Holly Longtail and Strat! Lyndro made them when we were guildies. So long ago...when Innoruuk was a boy elf.

Sincerely, as always,

Holly "Windstalker" Longdale
(formerly Vahlar...or maybe Vahlstalker?)

This is great constructive feedback! It also reminds me how huge the game is and the equally vast breadth of variety in how you all choose to play. Thanks for being helpful here.