Sony Online Entertainment has selected NVIDIA graphics processing units for the development of EverQuest II. Currently in development at SOE studios, the game uses a groundbreaking 3D engine designed to take full advantage of the new NVIDIA GeForce FX GPUs to achieve cinematic-caliber visual effects that bring EverQuest II's 3D world to life.

"With EverQuest II we are pushing the boundaries of next-generation role-playing games, to deliver the first cinematic quality interactive entertainment experience," said Scott McDaniel, vice president of marketing, Sony Online Entertainment. "The investment we've made in NVIDIA, and they in us, embodies our shared dedication of better technologies that open the door to new and exciting gaming experiences."

As part of this joint effort for the development of EverQuest II, NVIDIA is providing SOE with early versions of new hardware, in addition to software driver updates, training support and testing resources. The game is due to ship in North America in Winter 2003.