Sony Online Entertainment’s long-running MMORPG EverQuest II has begun the beta program for their new, free-to-play (F2P) version of the game, called EverQuest II Extended. Starting yesterday (August 19, 2010), players can visit the EverQuest II website and register to participate in the beta.

Soon, you won’t have to pay to play EverQuest II. Well, you can if you want to. But if you don’t, you’ll be able to play EverQuest II Extended, a free-to-play version of Sony Online Entertainment’s iconic MMORPG. And by soon, I mean hopefully by August 17, 2010…

Sony wants to help Child’s Play earn some money, so they’re organizing a special fundrasing drive that only only raises money so hospitalized children will have toys, games and other niceties while they’re receiving treatment, but also helps get the word out about Station Cash in EverQuest and EverQuest II. If you purchase a special Child’s Play item through either the EverQuest or EverQuest II online marketplace with Station Cash, then Sony will donate $10 to Child’s Play.

The fundraiser begins January 20, 2009 and lasts for one month after that. At the moment, both Station.com and the official Child’s Play site don’t have much information on the affair…