I don't think the game is in as much trouble as the doom sayers claim and I don't think the game is as complete as the fan boys claim.
While the movies really do no show much, they do show enough to give an indication how the game is progressing. The greatest concern anyone should have about AoC is the lack of beta 12 weeks before release.
With the current indicators I think they will delay the game 3 - 6 months. If they don't and release with a short beta expect problems and lots of them when the game comes out. Hopefully the devs will do the right thing and delay if they have to.
-Atziluth-
- Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity.
Just because they haven't shown it, doesn't mean it's not there.
The only problem was with female models, or so they said. And they admitted clearly, that they did the female models altogether, since they weren't pleased the first time around.
When baking conspiracy and doom theories a lot of research has to be done. Take VG, the flop, as an example. You could tell it was a flop way before it released. You just have to listen to how the developers speak, to what the publisher's relations are to the developer, and minor economics. Also brand is important, and the structure of the company. These can all offer clues. By the same technique of analysis I (among many others -- I was under no circumstance a lone genius) foretold VG would flop, and predict that AoC will be a working title at launch, to draw success. Not as many subs as WAR, between half and 2/3rd the subs of WAR, I predict.
i think the fact that they are only hinting at cool stuff and not showing what they have done is to raise interest in players making them have to buy the game before they can see what it really is like. I often judge a game by what it looks like in beta..I know its not supposed to look good but it still turns me away from a game if i see it in its indecency. The less i see of whats going on the more i wanna find out what its like and so i am urged to buy the game.
Just because they haven't shown it, doesn't mean it's not there. I agree. But it also doesn't mean it is. The only way to know for certain, is for it to be shown. Which is why I think it is important, and why I push for it. The only problem was with female models, or so they said. And they admitted clearly, that they did the female models altogether, since they weren't pleased the first time around. Right, the only problem they openly spoke of. No company, not Blizzard, Mythic, or funcom, ever told the customer every problem they ran into. But that does not mean that was the only problem. When baking conspiracy and doom theories a lot of research has to be done. Take VG, the flop, as an example. You could tell it was a flop way before it released. You just have to listen to how the developers speak, to what the publisher's relations are to the developer, and minor economics. Also brand is important, and the structure of the company. These can all offer clues. By the same technique of analysis I (among many others -- I was under no circumstance a lone genius) foretold VG would flop, and predict that AoC will be a working title at launch, to draw success. Not as many subs as WAR, between half and 2/3rd the subs of WAR, I predict. I'm not sure what you are going for here. I predicted WoW would succeed and EQ2 would do poorly back during their development, which happened. I used the same factors in forming that conclusion as you are using now. Does that mean your prediction will be right now? That my prediction will be right now? I'm using the same 'technique' you are using, paying attention to what the developers say, what they don't say, their company and that companies past behavior. Only I've come to a different conclusion. That the playerbase should have a healthy skepticism about AoC and funcom. NOT a doom and gloom attitude, just a healthy skepticism. A 'believe in only what you can see' kind of attitude. But I think there are a subset of people that find that threatening or offensive for some reason. Not sure why exactly. Since I think we both want the best game we can get.
I really hope Funcom has learned from Vanguard that unfinished games are a nono.
One would think Funcom has learned from its own experience with Anarchy Online that unfinished games are a nono. I find it hard to believe Funcom wouldn't have learned from that launch.
Exactly.
Funcom were raked over the coals, and deservedly so, for Anarchy Online's horrible launch. I think they realize they're in a very lucky position now-- they're getting a second chance, and that's a rare thing. I'm very hopeful that they've learned from their mistakes, and that they've also seen what happened to Vanguard in its own miserable launch.
If it means an expanded beta, or a slight delay to polish the game up some more, I'm all for it. Funcom's got a lot riding on Conan, and I believe they know it, and they're wanting this game to be in the best shape it can be in from the start.
Just because they haven't shown it, doesn't mean it's not there. I agree. But it also doesn't mean it is. The only way to know for certain, is for it to be shown. Which is why I think it is important, and why I push for it. The only problem was with female models, or so they said. And they admitted clearly, that they did the female models altogether, since they weren't pleased the first time around. Right, the only problem they openly spoke of. No company, not Blizzard, Mythic, or funcom, ever told the customer every problem they ran into. But that does not mean that was the only problem. When baking conspiracy and doom theories a lot of research has to be done. Take VG, the flop, as an example. You could tell it was a flop way before it released. You just have to listen to how the developers speak, to what the publisher's relations are to the developer, and minor economics. Also brand is important, and the structure of the company. These can all offer clues. By the same technique of analysis I (among many others -- I was under no circumstance a lone genius) foretold VG would flop, and predict that AoC will be a working title at launch, to draw success. Not as many subs as WAR, between half and 2/3rd the subs of WAR, I predict. I'm not sure what you are going for here. I predicted WoW would succeed and EQ2 would do poorly back during their development, which happened. I used the same factors in forming that conclusion as you are using now. Does that mean your prediction will be right now? That my prediction will be right now? I'm using the same 'technique' you are using, paying attention to what the developers say, what they don't say, their company and that companies past behavior. Only I've come to a different conclusion. That the playerbase should have a healthy skepticism about AoC and funcom. NOT a doom and gloom attitude, just a healthy skepticism. A 'believe in only what you can see' kind of attitude. But I think there are a subset of people that find that threatening or offensive for some reason. Not sure why exactly. Since I think we both want the best game we can get.
I wasn't talking to you, specfically, I was addressing the "doom" sayers, who usually pop up from time to time in any game forum, and spread doom.
I accept the conclusion you arrived at. Time will prove one of us right in this case. I don't like their lack of visibility either. I for one asked for more transparency from them, for reasons my own (enough to say it had to do with their share price falling). But I am patient, and I'm not a typical easy-come easy-go player. I chose to side with Funcom for clear reasons.
You know, there is one clip that I've seen out there of PVP leeked from the beta. Search it up on youtube.
All I'm going to say, is that if the devs need push it back, they can take how much time they would like to make sure the game has a good launch. But I disagree, saying that only 10% of the features have been showcased. They've showed numerous things, such as mounted, ranged, melee combat, how the catapults are fired, high level classes, dungeon's etc. They've also shown alot of areas from the game, such as Khemi and Frost Swamp.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Currently Waiting For: Nothing, found my addiction for awhile
Currently Playing: Warhammer Online - Oblivion, Warrior Priest, Averheim; Team Fortress 2
AmazingAveryAge of Conan AdvocateMemberUncommonPosts: 7,188
Originally posted by oblivionate
You know, there is one clip that I've seen out there of PVP leeked from the beta. Search it up on youtube. All I'm going to say, is that if the devs need push it back, they can take how much time they would like to make sure the game has a good launch. But I disagree, saying that only 10% of the features have been showcased. They've showed numerous things, such as mounted, ranged, melee combat, how the catapults are fired, high level classes, dungeon's etc. They've also shown alot of areas from the game, such as Khemi and Frost Swamp.
Yes but its on a 6 month beta engine build, the combat rose is totally different now.
You know I can't wait till the event in Germany mid August, its said a live PvP event is in the works, played by people there. Wouldn't that be the perfect situation to shut the doom sayers up. Obviously it would have to go with little hassles but its the opportunity to put the game on a public pedestal for viewing. Nevertheless, even it shows flawlessly you will still find people attacking the companies share price or some other form of attack against AoC.
You know, there is one clip that I've seen out there of PVP leeked from the beta. Search it up on youtube. All I'm going to say, is that if the devs need push it back, they can take how much time they would like to make sure the game has a good launch. But I disagree, saying that only 10% of the features have been showcased. They've showed numerous things, such as mounted, ranged, melee combat, how the catapults are fired, high level classes, dungeon's etc. They've also shown alot of areas from the game, such as Khemi and Frost Swamp.
Yes but its on a 6 month beta engine build, the combat rose is totally different now.
You know I can't wait till the event in Germany mid August, its said a live PvP event is in the works, played by people there. Wouldn't that be the perfect situation to shut the doom sayers up. Obviously it would have to go with little hassles but its the opportunity to put the game on a public pedestal for viewing. Nevertheless, even it shows flawlessly you will still find people attacking the companies share price or some other form of attack against AoC.
Nice post, glad to see that they started working on the female models. The devs already mentioned as far as PVP goes, FFA servers so I don't know why people are worrying about freelance PVP.
Now sieging is an entirely different story, however I have seen catapults and the works.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Currently Waiting For: Nothing, found my addiction for awhile
Currently Playing: Warhammer Online - Oblivion, Warrior Priest, Averheim; Team Fortress 2
I want AOC to be succesful MMO as the other guy. But i just can not bite in the media manipulation anymore.
It is very clear to me now. And when you think and really understand marketing and internet today you realise this.
When company has something awsome to show - they show it
If they have awsome female model, they show it, and if they have awsome pvp siege video they show it.
Such excuses like " We want to save the best footage for release" - this maybe works in fairytale land , but in hard dog eat dog world of todays market , companies fight for every possible media coverage.
Heck they even make special levels just for show off, we even had cases of fake game footage in last year ( dont remember the games name)
You can be 100% sure that if something is not shown, it really does not exist or it is not very presentable.
Everyone let belive what they belive. At least the doubtfull can always be plesently soprised
Well I give up. I want AOC to be succesful MMO as the other guy. But i just can not bite in the media manipulation anymore. It is very clear to me now. And when you think and really understand marketing and internet today you realise this. When company has something awsome to show - they show it If they have awsome female model, they show it, and if they have awsome pvp siege video they show it. Such excuses like " We want to save the best footage for release" - this maybe works in fairytale land , but in hard dog eat dog world of todays market , companies fight for every possible media coverage. Heck they even make special levels just for show off, we even had cases of fake game footage in last year ( dont remember the games name) You can be 100% sure that if something is not shown, it really does not exist or it is not very presentable.
Everyone let belive what they belive. At least the doubtfull can always be plesently soprised
Funcom said a couple of weeks ago that it hasnt been implemented yet.
Spoils of War - The quickest way of ending a war is to lose it.
Good point dude, but here is a thing. AOC will have tons of ppl giving it a shot, just like every new release. All they need is a good launch and it will start pulling players from other games. Do they need every single feature to be out in public? Nope, word of mouth is better....having the forums bursting with great reviews is better. I really hope you arent right man, I have really high expectations for AOC, but, i m still playing EQ2 just in case it flops.
E3 as it is now is really just for industry and big media types. The AOC presentation was scaled back to show core elements to those who were unfamiliar with the game at all, not for those who were aquanted with every detail. E3 is a shadow of what it was and there was no reason to spend the time and energy to make a mind blowing presentation when all they had was 15 minutes. Besides the show in Germany is coming up and that is for the real gaming public.
I visited AOC official forums lately and they are full of concerned posts. Supposedly only 3 months from release - AOC being revolutionary in many ways , is showing to less to the public. E3 presentation was incredibly lacking , showing only 10% of game features (or less) ... while even models and animations are said to be in reworking process. Now i may not know much , but the game that was in development for so long - should be 99% finished at this point. Only things that should be done 3 months before release should be bug fixes and tweaks.
Wow! Please, get some more sources of gaming information. Ragnar has written on his blog, that the reasons for the incredible basic E3 presentation, was because of the small amount of time for the presentation (They wanted the "new" press people to understand the basics of the game, so they showed what made "us" say: "Wow! That's an awesome-looking game!" Blame the shitty new-E3 planning, not FunCom) and because of a poor internet service at the location of the presentation.
Wow....just wow. Everyone thinks that they know more information about the gaming industry than everyone else, everyone thinks that they are right and everyone else is wrong. These threads have been going on for a long time and Im really getting sick of it.
First of all I highly doubt any of you have relations to one of the developers, programmers or just staff of Funcom to know what the inside dealings of the company to see the status of the game. Assumptions like these are pointless and only serve to make people more nervous. Dont take me wrong, I am all for having games released polished and complete, but assuming that a game is incomplete just based on not seeing advanced features of a game is ridiculous. I would never pre order a game anyway let alone an MMO anyway, that is just stupid. Let the hardcore fans buy the game and see how it turns out first.
The truth of the matter is, Funcom released videos of the basics of gameplay and quite frankly it looked pretty damn good. They showed basic combat, classes, raid dungeons and some siege combat. The only core part of the game which they havent shown is spellweaving, which they said that they were working on atm (meaning Pre E3) and will show that later on.
And what the hell is with the "if theres no open beta this far before launch then the game is doomed" such bs. If you guys didnt know (but you should since you know so much about game development) closed beta yields much more results than open beta. Open beta is really used for stress tested only. Open betas now should only last a week or two while closed beta, which for this game has been going on for awhile, should last much longer. So I would say Funcom is doing theyre job.
They are planning on showing PvP in the future. I thnk then if we dont see some great footage, meaning a myriad of classes with all working combat/spellweaving and a PvP system to boot, then we should worry. But until then, these threads are just a bunch of hokus pocus.
AmazingAveryAge of Conan AdvocateMemberUncommonPosts: 7,188
Would you rather see something half baked? or something pretty much there? both in terms of time along the development line.
Would you rather see a seige battle, on an unfinished game build, or one on a nearly complete one?
Would you rather see a female character model walk down a beautifully designed path but the animations are all screwed, or would you rather see a female model graciously walk down that same path.
They said they done the female model's but decided they weren't happy enough with the outcome and went back to "polish" and re-do them. Are people sooooo naive that they don't think that the female model will be in game? Don't you think that this is the right way to go? The company / developers identified an issue they didn't like, they went to go fix it! whats the problem?
Oh thats right its 3 months to launch - just because some other types of games have released a little more info or shown a little more at this stage of development, it must ALL be wrong right? Based on what other games have released at different stages of development during beta - Lets go and compare a different game and a different company, with different beta proceduresand different design processesWhat ignorant thinking how backwards!
PvP is a focal point of AoC, don't people realise that Funcom want it to be the best it can be? Otherwise there is not much point to it at all right? With all the negativity and game hate floating around, I would rather release media on this key aspect to be the best it can be. In order to do that they will do it about 2 months before launch. When did this become a crime? When did this line of thinking become the point of so much uncertainty? Oh thats right its because we compared the above bolded points. Just because one different company (Sigil) failed to deliver promised points to the public doesn't mean Funcom will. Its far easier to jump on the hate conspiracy bandwagon isn't it. Especially as alot of gamers have been burned in the past. But personally, I can see the bigger picture here. I think there is aload more info released at this point in beta than in Vanguards. I can see where the company is coming from with their statements. I have the capacity to understand this (including the burning experienced before).
Yes I am anxious for news on these important points that have been not talked about so much. But I do consider all points. VG was buggy and unfinished, they ran outta money and rushed it under pressure. There is not the same financial constraints on Funcom. There is no "big brother" buying the company up. Its financial position is not under threat. Vanguard has released, AoC hasn't. Please refer to bolded points above to see why not to compare. Even if AoC launches buggy and not perfect, Funcom is a proven company capable of fixing issues, AkA AO. Years onwards with better technology, experience etc etc. The respect they are showing the Conan IP is very encouraging!
Now, all of this doom and gloom put forth, I doubt this game will flop. It can, I know it can, but it has enough new features that it shouldn't. It has a different combat system, FPS and action style combat, among a lore that will be 100% new to most people, so it will be immersive, as well as a veritable plethora of other goodies that should make this a great game.
I strongly doubt this game will fail, it may have a rough launch, but hey, what baby doesn't cry at first ? Just wait for it to smile
One of the major reasons why VG flops is because of its stability and also unoptimised engine. Unfinished features aside, players are having trouble simply trying to make the game run smooth and be playable. This is Not Aoc's engine. Funcom know the game engine inside out and have many years of experience with lots of elements of it.
Just because a company wants to showcase something seen as important, to the best of their ability further down the development path, I don't think this a wrong approach. I would rather see a PvP seige media event later down the road than seeing something right now - with kinks and all.
In this day and age bad news gets the reader to look more than the good. Bad headlines everywhere. Everyone wants everything right now.
Because of the mess that Vanguard (imo) found itself in do you really think it is wise to release an unfinished PvP media right now for all the HATERS to scruitinise? Or release something further down the road which will have more impact and appeal?
It is logical to release / show the best you can. - If I paint a picture, I would rather have someone judge my work on a nearly (or as far along as possible to completion) piece that something I started earlier in the process.
When are people going to wake up and realise this is the way to go.
In order to create hype for a game, its based on what is seen and how good the public perceive that media.
Its not like they aren't going to show this stuff off. Do you really think a company like Funcom is scared to show of their piece of art?
Sorry, but I'm going to have to request a heavy dose of realism in regard to this and similar topics. I've said this many times in the past--and, of course, there has only been -more- info released since that time!--but, frankly, we have released, discussed, and shown more detailed info about the workings of the game than pretty much any other game I have ever played.
I have been playing MMOs and games in general for many, many years, and while I can certainly understand the desire for more information, there is a point where information is a luxury rather than an expectation.
We want to give information as often as possible, and those of us who have been posting on the forums for years now have made it quite a part of our posting routine to give a fair bit of detailed information on a regular basis. However, the recent trend of -demanding- information, or acting as if what we've put out there is somehow insufficient or substandard is a bit over the top.
Sorry guys, but it's time to take a step back and realize that a plethora of information is available about the game right now. There really isn't a shortage in the slightest. Frankly, one simply can't expect to know everything--or even most things, for that matter--about a game before one actually experiences it for themselves.
In the era of walkthrough guides being packaged with games at the store, detailed FAQs written weeks before release based on trials, betas, or demo versions of games, and powerleveling aids plastered as ads on fansites constantly, I certainly realize it's tempting to want to know everything instantly. That said, I don't think one can realistically expect us to put everything out in the open to the point where there is very little to learn, experience fresh, or explore about the game when you pick it up for the first time.
I apologize if this is a bit disappointing, but honestly I can say that I personally get a bit wary of the environment of the forums at the moment. Honestly, it's only going to lead to more disappointment for the community to set unrealistic expectations for what will happen between now and the day one is able to get their hands on the game.
The OP, along with most of the people crying doomsday atm on forums, are fucking retards. No i can't be arsed typing out why. First, it would get ignored. Second, you're too stupid to understand it anyway. Third, i really can't be arsed.
They aren't retards, you're just not looking at the whole picture. WoW won the race against EQ2 and for 2+ years the mmo market stagnated. People who wanted to leave WoW either stayed in WoW, went mmo-less, or picked up other mmos that they weren't particularly thrilled with. Vangaurd was a shining star of hope to escape and destroyed that hope upon release of bugfest 08.
Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice...
So you can see why many people are sceptical because they are trying to protect themselves from a let down. Personaly I think there is a lack of information compared to other mmos coming out. The basics is all well and good but important things like gear gaps, guild caps, city vulnerability, faction imbalance etc isn't something I have seen talked about a lot. In dense for the game however, I'm not interested in the game nor am I actively searching for information.
I really hope the game is good just so the frustrated mmo players have somewhere to go and have actual fun.
P.S. Those who are defending the basic e3 sowing. Thats all well and good but they have other outlets for information. Post the advanced stuff on the wepage or newsletter. Do a game/fansite interview. They only have 2 months left to hype the game and with school/vaction/etc their target audience is going to be busy and getting acclimated in real life.
The OP, along with most of the people crying doomsday atm on forums, are fucking retards. No i can't be arsed typing out why. First, it would get ignored. Second, you're too stupid to understand it anyway. Third, i really can't be arsed.
Once again OP has provided the most logical, and wel put together posts I've read here. If you can't read that post, and agree to at very least SOME of this, you've got problems that can't be solved with Forum Trolling.
I really hope youre wrong Ive been waiting for a new game to play and ive not seen any for me in two years. thats right no MMOs in two years. And ive been hoping this will be it. If theres no open beta ill wait till the reviews come in and then decide if i want it. I miss the old UO ..... sigh
If AoC is to launch in 3 months and if this was a 'normal' mmorpg then by now there should have been at least a closed open beta and possibly a beta without an NDA.
In one sense however the game isn't a 'normal' mmorpg; assuming what has been said comes to pass then people will be able to play to level 20 - whatever that means - as many times as they like. Now if this is meaningful play then Funcom could argue that for the purchase price you are getting a normal game not an mmorpg and you will be able to decide whether to pay more after you get to 20.
Hmmmm. One question we don't know is how meaningful getting to 20 will be. If it takes 20 minutes ha! If it takes 20-30 hours then that wouldn't be to bad and at 45 hours replayable content you are getting respectable. Not up to Oblivion standards let alone the Civ style games but still.
If it is a 'normal' game though I would expect plans for a trial - and for Funcom to say so. And even then the post 20 stuff really needs some sort of stress test.
Time is running out if it is to launch this year. And what wonderful publicity such trials can be. The solution for the concerned is, of course, very simple. Wait unti it is out. Read the reviews. Don't buy a pre-order.
We need more Friday updates on spiders !! Next one should be turtles I want to see more information about how turtles will be in the game. My friends are so hyped about spiders being in the game its crazy we definetly preordering the game.
Comments
I don't think the game is in as much trouble as the doom sayers claim and I don't think the game is as complete as the fan boys claim.
While the movies really do no show much, they do show enough to give an indication how the game is progressing. The greatest concern anyone should have about AoC is the lack of beta 12 weeks before release.
With the current indicators I think they will delay the game 3 - 6 months. If they don't and release with a short beta expect problems and lots of them when the game comes out. Hopefully the devs will do the right thing and delay if they have to.
-Atziluth-
- Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity.
was just stating that if you can lie through text, you can also lie through video, i know funcom hasnt lied
Just because they haven't shown it, doesn't mean it's not there.
The only problem was with female models, or so they said. And they admitted clearly, that they did the female models altogether, since they weren't pleased the first time around.
When baking conspiracy and doom theories a lot of research has to be done. Take VG, the flop, as an example. You could tell it was a flop way before it released. You just have to listen to how the developers speak, to what the publisher's relations are to the developer, and minor economics. Also brand is important, and the structure of the company. These can all offer clues. By the same technique of analysis I (among many others -- I was under no circumstance a lone genius) foretold VG would flop, and predict that AoC will be a working title at launch, to draw success. Not as many subs as WAR, between half and 2/3rd the subs of WAR, I predict.
i think the fact that they are only hinting at cool stuff and not showing what they have done is to raise interest in players making them have to buy the game before they can see what it really is like. I often judge a game by what it looks like in beta..I know its not supposed to look good but it still turns me away from a game if i see it in its indecency. The less i see of whats going on the more i wanna find out what its like and so i am urged to buy the game.
might be what they are thinking.. idk.
One would think Funcom has learned from its own experience with Anarchy Online that unfinished games are a nono. I find it hard to believe Funcom wouldn't have learned from that launch.
Exactly.
Funcom were raked over the coals, and deservedly so, for Anarchy Online's horrible launch. I think they realize they're in a very lucky position now-- they're getting a second chance, and that's a rare thing. I'm very hopeful that they've learned from their mistakes, and that they've also seen what happened to Vanguard in its own miserable launch.
If it means an expanded beta, or a slight delay to polish the game up some more, I'm all for it. Funcom's got a lot riding on Conan, and I believe they know it, and they're wanting this game to be in the best shape it can be in from the start.
I wasn't talking to you, specfically, I was addressing the "doom" sayers, who usually pop up from time to time in any game forum, and spread doom.I accept the conclusion you arrived at. Time will prove one of us right in this case. I don't like their lack of visibility either. I for one asked for more transparency from them, for reasons my own (enough to say it had to do with their share price falling). But I am patient, and I'm not a typical easy-come easy-go player. I chose to side with Funcom for clear reasons.
You know, there is one clip that I've seen out there of PVP leeked from the beta. Search it up on youtube.
All I'm going to say, is that if the devs need push it back, they can take how much time they would like to make sure the game has a good launch. But I disagree, saying that only 10% of the features have been showcased. They've showed numerous things, such as mounted, ranged, melee combat, how the catapults are fired, high level classes, dungeon's etc. They've also shown alot of areas from the game, such as Khemi and Frost Swamp.
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Currently Waiting For: Nothing, found my addiction for awhile
Currently Playing: Warhammer Online - Oblivion, Warrior Priest, Averheim; Team Fortress 2
This video is better you get to see a female barbarian in cimmerian banded armor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZSUZexnBxQ
You know I can't wait till the event in Germany mid August, its said a live PvP event is in the works, played by people there. Wouldn't that be the perfect situation to shut the doom sayers up. Obviously it would have to go with little hassles but its the opportunity to put the game on a public pedestal for viewing. Nevertheless, even it shows flawlessly you will still find people attacking the companies share price or some other form of attack against AoC.
This video is better you get to see a female barbarian in cimmerian banded armor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZSUZexnBxQ
You know I can't wait till the event in Germany mid August, its said a live PvP event is in the works, played by people there. Wouldn't that be the perfect situation to shut the doom sayers up. Obviously it would have to go with little hassles but its the opportunity to put the game on a public pedestal for viewing. Nevertheless, even it shows flawlessly you will still find people attacking the companies share price or some other form of attack against AoC.
Nice post, glad to see that they started working on the female models. The devs already mentioned as far as PVP goes, FFA servers so I don't know why people are worrying about freelance PVP.Now sieging is an entirely different story, however I have seen catapults and the works.
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Currently Waiting For: Nothing, found my addiction for awhile
Currently Playing: Warhammer Online - Oblivion, Warrior Priest, Averheim; Team Fortress 2
Well I give up.
I want AOC to be succesful MMO as the other guy. But i just can not bite in the media manipulation anymore.
It is very clear to me now. And when you think and really understand marketing and internet today you realise this.
When company has something awsome to show - they show it
If they have awsome female model, they show it, and if they have awsome pvp siege video they show it.
Such excuses like " We want to save the best footage for release" - this maybe works in fairytale land , but in hard dog eat dog world of todays market , companies fight for every possible media coverage.
Heck they even make special levels just for show off, we even had cases of fake game footage in last year ( dont remember the games name)
You can be 100% sure that if something is not shown, it really does not exist or it is not very presentable.
Everyone let belive what they belive. At least the doubtfull can always be plesently soprised
Spoils of War - The quickest way of ending a war is to lose it.
Good point dude, but here is a thing. AOC will have tons of ppl giving it a shot, just like every new release. All they need is a good launch and it will start pulling players from other games. Do they need every single feature to be out in public? Nope, word of mouth is better....having the forums bursting with great reviews is better. I really hope you arent right man, I have really high expectations for AOC, but, i m still playing EQ2 just in case it flops.
E3 as it is now is really just for industry and big media types. The AOC presentation was scaled back to show core elements to those who were unfamiliar with the game at all, not for those who were aquanted with every detail. E3 is a shadow of what it was and there was no reason to spend the time and energy to make a mind blowing presentation when all they had was 15 minutes. Besides the show in Germany is coming up and that is for the real gaming public.
Wow! Please, get some more sources of gaming information. Ragnar has written on his blog, that the reasons for the incredible basic E3 presentation, was because of the small amount of time for the presentation (They wanted the "new" press people to understand the basics of the game, so they showed what made "us" say: "Wow! That's an awesome-looking game!" Blame the shitty new-E3 planning, not FunCom) and because of a poor internet service at the location of the presentation.
O'rly.
Wow....just wow. Everyone thinks that they know more information about the gaming industry than everyone else, everyone thinks that they are right and everyone else is wrong. These threads have been going on for a long time and Im really getting sick of it.
First of all I highly doubt any of you have relations to one of the developers, programmers or just staff of Funcom to know what the inside dealings of the company to see the status of the game. Assumptions like these are pointless and only serve to make people more nervous. Dont take me wrong, I am all for having games released polished and complete, but assuming that a game is incomplete just based on not seeing advanced features of a game is ridiculous. I would never pre order a game anyway let alone an MMO anyway, that is just stupid. Let the hardcore fans buy the game and see how it turns out first.
The truth of the matter is, Funcom released videos of the basics of gameplay and quite frankly it looked pretty damn good. They showed basic combat, classes, raid dungeons and some siege combat. The only core part of the game which they havent shown is spellweaving, which they said that they were working on atm (meaning Pre E3) and will show that later on.
And what the hell is with the "if theres no open beta this far before launch then the game is doomed" such bs. If you guys didnt know (but you should since you know so much about game development) closed beta yields much more results than open beta. Open beta is really used for stress tested only. Open betas now should only last a week or two while closed beta, which for this game has been going on for awhile, should last much longer. So I would say Funcom is doing theyre job.
They are planning on showing PvP in the future. I thnk then if we dont see some great footage, meaning a myriad of classes with all working combat/spellweaving and a PvP system to boot, then we should worry. But until then, these threads are just a bunch of hokus pocus.
Would you rather see something half baked? or something pretty much there? both in terms of time along the development line.
Would you rather see a seige battle, on an unfinished game build, or one on a nearly complete one?
Would you rather see a female character model walk down a beautifully designed path but the animations are all screwed, or would you rather see a female model graciously walk down that same path.
They said they done the female model's but decided they weren't happy enough with the outcome and went back to "polish" and re-do them. Are people sooooo naive that they don't think that the female model will be in game? Don't you think that this is the right way to go? The company / developers identified an issue they didn't like, they went to go fix it! whats the problem?
Oh thats right its 3 months to launch - just because some other types of games have released a little more info or shown a little more at this stage of development, it must ALL be wrong right? Based on what other games have released at different stages of development during beta - Lets go and compare a different game and a different company, with different beta procedures and different design processes What ignorant thinking how backwards!
PvP is a focal point of AoC, don't people realise that Funcom want it to be the best it can be? Otherwise there is not much point to it at all right? With all the negativity and game hate floating around, I would rather release media on this key aspect to be the best it can be. In order to do that they will do it about 2 months before launch. When did this become a crime? When did this line of thinking become the point of so much uncertainty? Oh thats right its because we compared the above bolded points. Just because one different company (Sigil) failed to deliver promised points to the public doesn't mean Funcom will. Its far easier to jump on the hate conspiracy bandwagon isn't it. Especially as alot of gamers have been burned in the past. But personally, I can see the bigger picture here. I think there is aload more info released at this point in beta than in Vanguards. I can see where the company is coming from with their statements. I have the capacity to understand this (including the burning experienced before).
Yes I am anxious for news on these important points that have been not talked about so much. But I do consider all points. VG was buggy and unfinished, they ran outta money and rushed it under pressure. There is not the same financial constraints on Funcom. There is no "big brother" buying the company up. Its financial position is not under threat. Vanguard has released, AoC hasn't. Please refer to bolded points above to see why not to compare. Even if AoC launches buggy and not perfect, Funcom is a proven company capable of fixing issues, AkA AO. Years onwards with better technology, experience etc etc. The respect they are showing the Conan IP is very encouraging!
Now, all of this doom and gloom put forth, I doubt this game will flop. It can, I know it can, but it has enough new features that it shouldn't. It has a different combat system, FPS and action style combat, among a lore that will be 100% new to most people, so it will be immersive, as well as a veritable plethora of other goodies that should make this a great game.
I strongly doubt this game will fail, it may have a rough launch, but hey, what baby doesn't cry at first ? Just wait for it to smile
One of the major reasons why VG flops is because of its stability and also unoptimised engine. Unfinished features aside, players are having trouble simply trying to make the game run smooth and be playable. This is Not Aoc's engine. Funcom know the game engine inside out and have many years of experience with lots of elements of it.
Just because a company wants to showcase something seen as important, to the best of their ability further down the development path, I don't think this a wrong approach. I would rather see a PvP seige media event later down the road than seeing something right now - with kinks and all.
In this day and age bad news gets the reader to look more than the good. Bad headlines everywhere. Everyone wants everything right now.
Because of the mess that Vanguard (imo) found itself in do you really think it is wise to release an unfinished PvP media right now for all the HATERS to scruitinise? Or release something further down the road which will have more impact and appeal?
It is logical to release / show the best you can. - If I paint a picture, I would rather have someone judge my work on a nearly (or as far along as possible to completion) piece that something I started earlier in the process.
When are people going to wake up and realise this is the way to go.
In order to create hype for a game, its based on what is seen and how good the public perceive that media.
Its not like they aren't going to show this stuff off. Do you really think a company like Funcom is scared to show of their piece of art?
New Quote released: read more here: http://forums.ageofconan.com/showthread.php?p=844924#post844924 and plz use the Devtracker.
I have been playing MMOs and games in general for many, many years, and while I can certainly understand the desire for more information, there is a point where information is a luxury rather than an expectation.
We want to give information as often as possible, and those of us who have been posting on the forums for years now have made it quite a part of our posting routine to give a fair bit of detailed information on a regular basis. However, the recent trend of -demanding- information, or acting as if what we've put out there is somehow insufficient or substandard is a bit over the top.
Sorry guys, but it's time to take a step back and realize that a plethora of information is available about the game right now. There really isn't a shortage in the slightest. Frankly, one simply can't expect to know everything--or even most things, for that matter--about a game before one actually experiences it for themselves.
In the era of walkthrough guides being packaged with games at the store, detailed FAQs written weeks before release based on trials, betas, or demo versions of games, and powerleveling aids plastered as ads on fansites constantly, I certainly realize it's tempting to want to know everything instantly. That said, I don't think one can realistically expect us to put everything out in the open to the point where there is very little to learn, experience fresh, or explore about the game when you pick it up for the first time.
I apologize if this is a bit disappointing, but honestly I can say that I personally get a bit wary of the environment of the forums at the moment. Honestly, it's only going to lead to more disappointment for the community to set unrealistic expectations for what will happen between now and the day one is able to get their hands on the game.
Balance Team Lead
Sorry for the lenght in this post.
They aren't retards, you're just not looking at the whole picture. WoW won the race against EQ2 and for 2+ years the mmo market stagnated. People who wanted to leave WoW either stayed in WoW, went mmo-less, or picked up other mmos that they weren't particularly thrilled with. Vangaurd was a shining star of hope to escape and destroyed that hope upon release of bugfest 08.
Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice...
So you can see why many people are sceptical because they are trying to protect themselves from a let down. Personaly I think there is a lack of information compared to other mmos coming out. The basics is all well and good but important things like gear gaps, guild caps, city vulnerability, faction imbalance etc isn't something I have seen talked about a lot. In dense for the game however, I'm not interested in the game nor am I actively searching for information.
I really hope the game is good just so the frustrated mmo players have somewhere to go and have actual fun.
P.S. Those who are defending the basic e3 sowing. Thats all well and good but they have other outlets for information. Post the advanced stuff on the wepage or newsletter. Do a game/fansite interview. They only have 2 months left to hype the game and with school/vaction/etc their target audience is going to be busy and getting acclimated in real life.
Once again OP has provided the most logical, and wel put together posts I've read here. If you can't read that post, and agree to at very least SOME of this, you've got problems that can't be solved with Forum Trolling.
We can only hope that Vanguard's rapid death will serve to encourage them to delay release if the game isn't ready.
I really hope youre wrong Ive been waiting for a new game to play and ive not seen any for me in two years. thats right no MMOs in two years. And ive been hoping this will be it. If theres no open beta ill wait till the reviews come in and then decide if i want it. I miss the old UO ..... sigh
If AoC is to launch in 3 months and if this was a 'normal' mmorpg then by now there should have been at least a closed open beta and possibly a beta without an NDA.
In one sense however the game isn't a 'normal' mmorpg; assuming what has been said comes to pass then people will be able to play to level 20 - whatever that means - as many times as they like. Now if this is meaningful play then Funcom could argue that for the purchase price you are getting a normal game not an mmorpg and you will be able to decide whether to pay more after you get to 20.
Hmmmm. One question we don't know is how meaningful getting to 20 will be. If it takes 20 minutes ha! If it takes 20-30 hours then that wouldn't be to bad and at 45 hours replayable content you are getting respectable. Not up to Oblivion standards let alone the Civ style games but still.
If it is a 'normal' game though I would expect plans for a trial - and for Funcom to say so. And even then the post 20 stuff really needs some sort of stress test.
Time is running out if it is to launch this year. And what wonderful publicity such trials can be. The solution for the concerned is, of course, very simple. Wait unti it is out. Read the reviews. Don't buy a pre-order.
We need more Friday updates on spiders !! Next one should be turtles I want to see more information about how turtles will be in the game. My friends are so hyped about spiders being in the game its crazy we definetly preordering the game.