Aventurine has no credibility at all. For the whole time when Darkfall was being made, they kept repeating that this game is not going to be for everyone, that this is gonna be a niche game, for “hard-core gamers”, mmo-veterans etc. And you know what? This is actually true...
But now they launch a program that supposed to bring them totally random players? All ppl interested in this kind of mmo-gamplay that DF has to offer ware following the game for years, the target audience of this game is very well aware of its existence, so what is this campaign for? To inform some bored WoW players about this game? To interest “the care bears” in Darkfall?
Laughable.
How about a trial? To present what the game has to offer before they charge for it?
Interesting how money (or a lack of it as the case may be) can change a company's focus, isn't it?
I'm just wondering how many people are left to promote it to that the existing rabid fans haven't already turned away over the past couple years through their hyping it on other MMOs forums, telling people their MMOs suck and are carebear and that DF would destroy them and so on. Aside from what damage its rabid fans have done on the "word-of-mouth" level, all of the bad press DF, AV and especially, Tasos has received isn't going to be helpful.
I do see it as a sign of desperation. If it was truly a "small niche community" AV were after (which, according to some of the fans around here, it was), I'd think they'd be doing just fine with their 18k players or however many it is. I guess, as usual, what sounds good on paper doesn't necessarily work out that way in practice. You really *do* need a healthy population (relative to your overhead) to support and maintain a MMO. Unwavering dedication from your players and clever spin and hype just won't cut it.
And I agree with the trial thing. If the game were all they hype it to be, then a trial is all that they should need. The game would sell itself and people would sign up. Perhaps AV isn't confident enough in their product to take that route.
In a more successful MMO that already has a healthy population, I can see the "refer a friend" approach working. But really, what more can be said to attract people to the game that hasn't already been said? And, personally, if someone's going to recommend a game to me, I'm going to expect it to be because they enjoy the game and believe I would as well. If I found they were doing so because there was $$$ in it for them - especially if they wouldn't have otherwise - it would immediately throw a big red flag up.
"If you just step away for a sec you will clearly see all the pot holes in the road, and the cash shop selling asphalt..." - Mimzel on F2P/Cash Shops
Everyone else noticed egotrip is complaining about every thread about darkfall? lol it is like someone bashing a toothpaste brand because he works for a different toothpaste brand, yet he does not get paid. lol
Anyways this advertisement scheme is a good start for population.
But I feel that the reason why egotrip trolls and hates darkfall, is because he sucks at it. Now I do not mean this in a bad way( not for him at least) but darkfall in its current state is a strictly pvp game for the most part. And with the less content it has the less players it will attract and it is a dangerous slope downhill when it comes to population.
Darkfall needs more pvp balance, but most of all it needs Carebear activities, RPG activies, Lore Activites, More options in crafting, a better economy, Specialized crafters of all sorts that can make their own name brand items the way they want. Also better PVE, more dev events, continued big expansions, local banking, more melee depth, virtual address space( it is not that bad just got to relog once every 3-5 hours), continue the fight on hackers/exploiters/buggers( they getting better, only heard about lol 1 on NA and seen none since launch on EU). Casinos gladiator gambling, they are starting to add more options in game, WHICH IS GREAT IMO.
I told the DEVS of MO that a pvp only based game will be a horrible game, Unless it does not have a grind and has a timer on matches... oh wait Counter strike is like that.
I like seeing the devs putting the RPG back into the mmorpg of darkfall kudos.
Hmm, and you figured this out from a picture of a lolcat i posted?
EDIT: Also plsplsplsplspls point me out the "hating" part................if not for anything else just to satisfy my curiosity
Hmm, and you figured this out from a picture of a lolcat i posted?
Or maybe he checked out your post history which consists of constant negativity towards DF.
You spend too much time in forum you seem to rip apart far too often.
"Mr. Rothstein, your people never will understand... the way it works out here. You're all just our guests. But you act like you're at home. Let me tell you something, partner. You ain't home. But that's where we're gonna send you if it harelips the governor." - Pat Webb
nice to see the rabid DF haters are still stuck in the same rut of obsessively posting in DF forums almost a year later. hahahahahahahahahahah. DF must be doing alot right to piss off people to such an insane degree. someday you haters will be able to break free of this addiction and stop letting Darkfall rule your spare time. lol somebody needs to develop a 12 step program for these.........individuals. 8)
Oh I see what you did there... If I disagree with you, then I'm a nitwit. Right? Right?
You're so clever!!! It's a passive ad-lib about a single statement... it's no more off-topic than you calling him out on it.
Do you honestly need to have what "changing the subject" means explained to you?
Go and reread the subject. From there go back and see where it was claimed the subject was being changed. Voila, it should be clear from there.
Your welcome in advance.
"Mr. Rothstein, your people never will understand... the way it works out here. You're all just our guests. But you act like you're at home. Let me tell you something, partner. You ain't home. But that's where we're gonna send you if it harelips the governor." - Pat Webb
nice to see the rabid DF haters are still stuck in the same rut of obsessively posting in DF forums almost a year later. hahahahahahahahahahah. DF must be doing alot right to piss off people to such an insane degree. someday you haters will be able to break free of this addiction and stop letting Darkfall rule your spare time. lol somebody needs to develop a 12 step program for these.........individuals. 8)
I think they just need to have sex...although that could be a hard thing to do for some.
nice to see the rabid DF haters are still stuck in the same rut of obsessively posting in DF forums almost a year later. hahahahahahahahahahah. DF must be doing alot right to piss off people to such an insane degree. someday you haters will be able to break free of this addiction and stop letting Darkfall rule your spare time. lol somebody needs to develop a 12 step program for these.........individuals. 8)
I think they just need to have sex...although that could be a hard thing to do for some.
nice to see the rabid DF haters are still stuck in the same rut of obsessively posting in DF forums almost a year later. hahahahahahahahahahah. DF must be doing alot right to piss off people to such an insane degree. someday you haters will be able to break free of this addiction and stop letting Darkfall rule your spare time. lol somebody needs to develop a 12 step program for these.........individuals. 8)
I think they just need to have sex...although that could be a hard thing to do for some.
Hmm, and you figured this out from a picture of a lolcat i posted?
Or maybe he checked out your post history which consists of constant negativity towards DF.
You spend too much time in forum you seem to rip apart far too often.
Oh yeah sorry i forgot that if one has 300 or 3000 posts mindlessly praising a game without bothering to question the {why} and the {who} it's "ok" that just makes one a fan ,,even a passionate one for that matter. But if someone goes the other way is simply "a hater", "a troll","not hardcore enough", "an unworthy one" [put your ad hominem here]..............Thanks for perpetuating this concept and please feel free to add further labels to people in these forums but don't expect people just to stop posting on a public forum just because you or anyone other just don't like their opinions ;if you want a place where people only post the opinions you agree on create your own blog.
Or maybe he checked out your post history which consists of constant negativity towards DF. You spend too much time in forum you seem to rip apart far too often.
Oh yeah sorry i forgot that if one has 300 or 3000 posts mindlessly praising a game without bothering to question the {why} and the {who} it's "ok" that just makes one a fan ,,even a passionate one for that matter. But if someone goes the other way is simply "a hater", "a troll","not hardcore enough", "an unworthy one" [put your ad hominem here]..............Thanks for perpetuating this concept and please feel free to add further labels to people in these forums but don't expect people just to stop posting on a public forum just because you or anyone other just don't like their opinions ;if you want a place where people only post the opinions you agree on create your own blog.
You should never mindlessly praise or accept anything, believe me I understand that.
You sound like you have some self-esteem issues regarding the belief that the people around you are more "hardcore" or whateva the hell you think. It's just a game dude take a breath and recognize that.
I have criticized things about the game I don't like or don't agree with, and will continue to play as long as I'm enjoying myself. I don't think you understand that some people here are not interpreting your posts as constructive or reasonable.
I know you've got it in you, but your darker side seems to consume your fingers as they type.
"Mr. Rothstein, your people never will understand... the way it works out here. You're all just our guests. But you act like you're at home. Let me tell you something, partner. You ain't home. But that's where we're gonna send you if it harelips the governor." - Pat Webb
This marketing strategy isn't anything revolutionary, although it is one of the first times I have seen it used in the mmo industry offering REAL cash back.
Most companies are happy to offer you game time in return, since you have to be a registered player to be able to advertise and make profit from this.
Either way, companies need money to further develop their game, otherwise they go the way of the dodo (or insert random dead mmo)
Hey haters. Think about it this way. Just because you know about the game doesn't mean the rest of the world knows!
Don't misunderstand them, they are not haters. Games like Darkfall bring some sense in their shallow lives. Take a look at Egotrip, he has created a forum account ( a year ago ? ) exclusively to troll DF and he is still having fun.
Fantastic idea IMO. Giving players money for spreading the word about the game as opposed to game time is an awesome way of 'word of mouth' advertising.
This is a brilliant move by Aventurine, get their player base to advertise for them. This way, they get to keep all of the subscription money but the players themselves also get 20% of the client cost per reference. I'm beginning to think the expansion is about to launch, because this PR move is absolutely genius.
==================== Imagine earning a publishing-size cut every time someone follows your link to buy Darkfall. That’s what the Darkfall Community Publishing Program is all about. We started this new and exciting program to reward our player-base for doing such a great job at promoting our game. After all, who knows Darkfall better than its players? We also wanted to offer a great fund-raising medium to Darkfall oriented clans, Darkfall fan sites and other relevant blogs and websites. Since Darkfall launched we have received hundreds of requests and inquires about offering an affiliate program. The Darkfall Community Publishing Program however is much more than an affiliate program. It’s not open to everyone, only Darkfall players with an active subscription can participate. There is a substantial payout on all Darkfall client sales. The best Community Publishers will earn more than the standard share and be invited to cooperate with the Aventurine Publishing Team. Some may even be offered further opportunities in the gaming industry. The Darkfall Community Publishing Program in a nutshell: * Available exclusively to Darkfall Players with an active subscription.
* Make 20% on all Darkfall client products.
* You don’t need a website to participate. You will get a unique link that you can share.
* There’s an assortment of community publisher banners you can use on your website or blog.
* Top community publishers will be offered higher commission structures for subsequent sales.
* Each community publisher has an administration panel which details their current and total referrals and earnings.
* Payouts are handled through PayPal.
How to participate in the Darkfall Community Publishing Program: * Log into the account management system: EU Servers | NA Servers
* Go to the Community Publishing Tab.
* Agree with the Community Publishing Agreement after you’ve read it carefully.
* Payouts will be handled exclusively through PayPal, make sure you have a valid email address associated with your Darkfall account.
* Get your Community Publisher link, and/or select your banners and you’re ready to go!
For full details on the Darkfall Community Publishing Program please see the Community Publisher Agreement available in account management. There will also be many followups on this topic in the near future. The Darkfall Team.
I agree.
Its a pretty great incentive. And from AVs side its free advertising. Now if some big gaming websites will advertise the game as well it could bring in a ton of players. Their are so many people that have never even heard of this game.
its definately going make people a bit less partial. I mean if even just one person buys from my signature I will be happy. imagine how much sites like this could rake in from this deal with a huge advert since they can even get more than 20%.
Aventurine has no credibility at all. For the whole time when Darkfall was being made, they kept repeating that this game is not going to be for everyone, that this is gonna be a niche game, for “hard-core gamers”, mmo-veterans etc. And you know what? This is actually true...
But now they launch a program that supposes to bring them totally random players? All ppl interested in this kind of mmo-gamplay that DF has to offer ware following the game for years, the target audience of this game is very well aware of its existence, so what is this campaign for? To inform some bored WoW players about this game? To interest “the care bears” in Darkfall?
Laughable.
How about a trial? To present what the game has to offer before they charge for it?
I was recently at a bar about 2 weekends ago with some buddies of mine and met up with a few of their friends. Of the 15 or so people that I was with (all of whom play or played MMOs, mostly UO, DaoC, and WoW), only 3 of the 15 heard of Darkfall, two of which didn't even know it had launched.
Now, after going over the game mechanics (full loot FFA PvP, sieging, naval combat, etc) and what the upcoming expansion is bringing (I won't go into details), do you know how many of those 15 people seemed to become excited about it? 12 of the 15, with the only people who didn't seem interested being the 3 who still are into WoW (who would have guessed?)
Do you know how many of those 12 now play Darkfall? 7 people. Do you get my point yet? There are a LOT of people who don't know about Darkfall or have heard misinformation about it, which means that there is the potential for a lot of new people to join the game.
Point is, people are getting sick of all the themepark bullshit out there. I can't tell you how many people went off to try Aion thinking it was going to be the next best thing since sliced bread, only to quit before the first month was even over. People are looking for a game like a Darkfall, whether they know it or not, and that's the point.
You do have a point, but it can go both ways.
First, people didn't hear misinformation about the game. They heard real, tangible problems that did happen, and simply decided to bail on DFO. Or some (like me) played the game and saw that it was not the product that was advertised (hyped?) for years, and decided to bail on it.
Frankly, I have a hard time remembering any post that maligned the game beyond reasonable limits and lied outright about it. People had high hopes for this game, and they were disappointed. They had the right to vent out their frustration. If you ignore the obvious lulz posts, most criticism I've read had something going for them.
The game is changing, but DFO lost its sweet spot in the collective gamer's mind. In such a dynamic and competitive market, there's little wriggling room for mistakes (check AoC and Vanguard, for instance). You must get it right, and fast.
I play with a large community of gamers (some 75 strong), some going back to UO times. All of them know about DFO. Some 5-7 bought it and played it, as scouts. None of them remain today. Even if you show them the advances that happened lately, they would rather work as crash test dummies than played DFO again. I don't know if I agree with that, but I certainly can understand their reaction.
Gamers know about DFO. PVP gamers, in special, know about it. They simply reject what they consider a bad product.
Originally posted by StrixMaxima First, people didn't hear misinformation about the game. They heard real, tangible problems that did happen, and simply decided to bail on DFO. Or some (like me) played the game and saw that it was not the product that was advertised (hyped?) for years, and decided to bail on it.
You really can't sit there and say a lot of what was said at this game's launch, before it's launch, and even in the few months right after its launch, that all the negative criticism was warranted.
Sure, their launch pissed a lot of people off due to queues and due to lack of availability. Sure, there were glaring problems at launch that I have admitted were there and called Aventurine out on.
But the point is people were screaming all sorts of lies about the game for a very, very long time. Remember the vaporware trolls that filled all Darkfall oriented forums? Remember people saying the graphics were garbage and no better than EQ? I can go on and on but the point is that a lot of people have a bad impression of the game due to misinformation. Sure, a lot of people played it and didn't like it, but just look at the Darkfall player only forums now. They're much, much, much cleaner than public because you don't have the incessant trolls hanging around putting down a game they don't even like.
I'll agree with you that a lot of people DO know about Darkfall, but again my point is that there are many more that don't even know it exists.
Comments
Interesting how money (or a lack of it as the case may be) can change a company's focus, isn't it?
I'm just wondering how many people are left to promote it to that the existing rabid fans haven't already turned away over the past couple years through their hyping it on other MMOs forums, telling people their MMOs suck and are carebear and that DF would destroy them and so on. Aside from what damage its rabid fans have done on the "word-of-mouth" level, all of the bad press DF, AV and especially, Tasos has received isn't going to be helpful.
I do see it as a sign of desperation. If it was truly a "small niche community" AV were after (which, according to some of the fans around here, it was), I'd think they'd be doing just fine with their 18k players or however many it is. I guess, as usual, what sounds good on paper doesn't necessarily work out that way in practice. You really *do* need a healthy population (relative to your overhead) to support and maintain a MMO. Unwavering dedication from your players and clever spin and hype just won't cut it.
And I agree with the trial thing. If the game were all they hype it to be, then a trial is all that they should need. The game would sell itself and people would sign up. Perhaps AV isn't confident enough in their product to take that route.
In a more successful MMO that already has a healthy population, I can see the "refer a friend" approach working. But really, what more can be said to attract people to the game that hasn't already been said? And, personally, if someone's going to recommend a game to me, I'm going to expect it to be because they enjoy the game and believe I would as well. If I found they were doing so because there was $$$ in it for them - especially if they wouldn't have otherwise - it would immediately throw a big red flag up.
and the cash shop selling asphalt..." - Mimzel on F2P/Cash Shops
Hmm, and you figured this out from a picture of a lolcat i posted?
EDIT: Also plsplsplsplspls point me out the "hating" part................if not for anything else just to satisfy my curiosity
Iiii-iiiiiit's.... me!!! *Hooray*
OR just proves that you don't need to spend a bunch of money to advertise the game.
Besides if they were not making enough money I'm sure the doors would be closing instead of putting out an expansion.
You mean putting out features that were suppose to be active on launch.
You know you are losing the argument when you change the subject, so give it up bro
Or maybe he checked out your post history which consists of constant negativity towards DF.
You spend too much time in forum you seem to rip apart far too often.
"Mr. Rothstein, your people never will understand... the way it works out here. You're all just our guests. But you act like you're at home. Let me tell you something, partner. You ain't home. But that's where we're gonna send you if it harelips the governor." - Pat Webb
OR just proves that you don't need to spend a bunch of money to advertise the game.
Besides if they were not making enough money I'm sure the doors would be closing instead of putting out an expansion.
You mean putting out features that were suppose to be active on launch.
You know you are losing the argument when you change the subject, so give it up bro
I don't think they were changing the topic. I believe they were correcting the bit in blue
and the cash shop selling asphalt..." - Mimzel on F2P/Cash Shops
OR just proves that you don't need to spend a bunch of money to advertise the game.
Besides if they were not making enough money I'm sure the doors would be closing instead of putting out an expansion.
You mean putting out features that were suppose to be active on launch.
You know you are losing the argument when you change the subject, so give it up bro
I don't think they were changing the topic. I believe they were correcting the bit in blue
Any nitwit would realize he's changing the topic
OR just proves that you don't need to spend a bunch of money to advertise the game.
Besides if they were not making enough money I'm sure the doors would be closing instead of putting out an expansion.
You mean putting out features that were suppose to be active on launch.
You know you are losing the argument when you change the subject, so give it up bro
I don't think they were changing the topic. I believe they were correcting the bit in blue
Any nitwit would realize he's changing the topic
Oh I see what you did there...
If I disagree with you, then I'm a nitwit. Right? Right?
You're so clever!!!
It's a passive ad-lib about a single statement... it's no more off-topic than you calling him out on it.
and the cash shop selling asphalt..." - Mimzel on F2P/Cash Shops
OR just proves that you don't need to spend a bunch of money to advertise the game.
Besides if they were not making enough money I'm sure the doors would be closing instead of putting out an expansion.
You mean putting out features that were suppose to be active on launch.
You know you are losing the argument when you change the subject, so give it up bro
I don't think they were changing the topic. I believe they were correcting the bit in blue
Any nitwit would realize he's changing the topic
Not every nitwit I guess, lol.
P.S. Show me somewhere where it said slot machines put in player owned houses as a feature prior to release?!
rofl
nice to see the rabid DF haters are still stuck in the same rut of obsessively posting in DF forums almost a year later. hahahahahahahahahahah. DF must be doing alot right to piss off people to such an insane degree. someday you haters will be able to break free of this addiction and stop letting Darkfall rule your spare time. lol somebody needs to develop a 12 step program for these.........individuals. 8)
---------------------------
Corpus Callosum
---------------------------
Do you honestly need to have what "changing the subject" means explained to you?
Go and reread the subject. From there go back and see where it was claimed the subject was being changed. Voila, it should be clear from there.
Your welcome in advance.
"Mr. Rothstein, your people never will understand... the way it works out here. You're all just our guests. But you act like you're at home. Let me tell you something, partner. You ain't home. But that's where we're gonna send you if it harelips the governor." - Pat Webb
I think they just need to have sex...although that could be a hard thing to do for some.
I think they just need to have sex...although that could be a hard thing to do for some.
Ain't that the truth ruyn
I think they just need to have sex...although that could be a hard thing to do for some.
Ain't that the truth ruyn
Horribly scarred from frostbite perhaps?
Or maybe he checked out your post history which consists of constant negativity towards DF.
You spend too much time in forum you seem to rip apart far too often.
Oh yeah sorry i forgot that if one has 300 or 3000 posts mindlessly praising a game without bothering to question the {why} and the {who} it's "ok" that just makes one a fan ,,even a passionate one for that matter. But if someone goes the other way is simply "a hater", "a troll","not hardcore enough", "an unworthy one" [put your ad hominem here]..............Thanks for perpetuating this concept and please feel free to add further labels to people in these forums but don't expect people just to stop posting on a public forum just because you or anyone other just don't like their opinions ;if you want a place where people only post the opinions you agree on create your own blog.
Iiii-iiiiiit's.... me!!! *Hooray*
Oh yeah sorry i forgot that if one has 300 or 3000 posts mindlessly praising a game without bothering to question the {why} and the {who} it's "ok" that just makes one a fan ,,even a passionate one for that matter. But if someone goes the other way is simply "a hater", "a troll","not hardcore enough", "an unworthy one" [put your ad hominem here]..............Thanks for perpetuating this concept and please feel free to add further labels to people in these forums but don't expect people just to stop posting on a public forum just because you or anyone other just don't like their opinions ;if you want a place where people only post the opinions you agree on create your own blog.
You should never mindlessly praise or accept anything, believe me I understand that.
You sound like you have some self-esteem issues regarding the belief that the people around you are more "hardcore" or whateva the hell you think. It's just a game dude take a breath and recognize that.
I have criticized things about the game I don't like or don't agree with, and will continue to play as long as I'm enjoying myself. I don't think you understand that some people here are not interpreting your posts as constructive or reasonable.
I know you've got it in you, but your darker side seems to consume your fingers as they type.
"Mr. Rothstein, your people never will understand... the way it works out here. You're all just our guests. But you act like you're at home. Let me tell you something, partner. You ain't home. But that's where we're gonna send you if it harelips the governor." - Pat Webb
I play darkfall, I like it.
Enough said about that.
This marketing strategy isn't anything revolutionary, although it is one of the first times I have seen it used in the mmo industry offering REAL cash back.
Most companies are happy to offer you game time in return, since you have to be a registered player to be able to advertise and make profit from this.
Either way, companies need money to further develop their game, otherwise they go the way of the dodo (or insert random dead mmo)
Hey haters. Think about it this way. Just because you know about the game doesn't mean the rest of the world knows!
Don't misunderstand them, they are not haters. Games like Darkfall bring some sense in their shallow lives. Take a look at Egotrip, he has created a forum account ( a year ago ? ) exclusively to troll DF and he is still having fun.
OR just proves that you don't need to spend a bunch of money to advertise the game.
Besides if they were not making enough money I'm sure the doors would be closing instead of putting out an expansion.
You mean putting out features that were suppose to be active on launch.
i dont think all in this exspansion where suppose to be there
Aftter reading through the thread it seems like people just want to complain.
Its a very nice affiliate program. It increases revinue for the game, brings more people in, gets the community involved.
Doesnt sound like a sign of despiration to me, just a really good marketing plan.
My sig is just as logical as your posts are
Fantastic idea IMO. Giving players money for spreading the word about the game as opposed to game time is an awesome way of 'word of mouth' advertising.
I agree.
Its a pretty great incentive. And from AVs side its free advertising. Now if some big gaming websites will advertise the game as well it could bring in a ton of players. Their are so many people that have never even heard of this game.
its definately going make people a bit less partial. I mean if even just one person buys from my signature I will be happy. imagine how much sites like this could rake in from this deal with a huge advert since they can even get more than 20%.
My blog:
I was recently at a bar about 2 weekends ago with some buddies of mine and met up with a few of their friends. Of the 15 or so people that I was with (all of whom play or played MMOs, mostly UO, DaoC, and WoW), only 3 of the 15 heard of Darkfall, two of which didn't even know it had launched.
Now, after going over the game mechanics (full loot FFA PvP, sieging, naval combat, etc) and what the upcoming expansion is bringing (I won't go into details), do you know how many of those 15 people seemed to become excited about it? 12 of the 15, with the only people who didn't seem interested being the 3 who still are into WoW (who would have guessed?)
Do you know how many of those 12 now play Darkfall? 7 people. Do you get my point yet? There are a LOT of people who don't know about Darkfall or have heard misinformation about it, which means that there is the potential for a lot of new people to join the game.
Point is, people are getting sick of all the themepark bullshit out there. I can't tell you how many people went off to try Aion thinking it was going to be the next best thing since sliced bread, only to quit before the first month was even over. People are looking for a game like a Darkfall, whether they know it or not, and that's the point.
You do have a point, but it can go both ways.
First, people didn't hear misinformation about the game. They heard real, tangible problems that did happen, and simply decided to bail on DFO. Or some (like me) played the game and saw that it was not the product that was advertised (hyped?) for years, and decided to bail on it.
Frankly, I have a hard time remembering any post that maligned the game beyond reasonable limits and lied outright about it. People had high hopes for this game, and they were disappointed. They had the right to vent out their frustration. If you ignore the obvious lulz posts, most criticism I've read had something going for them.
The game is changing, but DFO lost its sweet spot in the collective gamer's mind. In such a dynamic and competitive market, there's little wriggling room for mistakes (check AoC and Vanguard, for instance). You must get it right, and fast.
I play with a large community of gamers (some 75 strong), some going back to UO times. All of them know about DFO. Some 5-7 bought it and played it, as scouts. None of them remain today. Even if you show them the advances that happened lately, they would rather work as crash test dummies than played DFO again. I don't know if I agree with that, but I certainly can understand their reaction.
Gamers know about DFO. PVP gamers, in special, know about it. They simply reject what they consider a bad product.
You really can't sit there and say a lot of what was said at this game's launch, before it's launch, and even in the few months right after its launch, that all the negative criticism was warranted.
Sure, their launch pissed a lot of people off due to queues and due to lack of availability. Sure, there were glaring problems at launch that I have admitted were there and called Aventurine out on.
But the point is people were screaming all sorts of lies about the game for a very, very long time. Remember the vaporware trolls that filled all Darkfall oriented forums? Remember people saying the graphics were garbage and no better than EQ? I can go on and on but the point is that a lot of people have a bad impression of the game due to misinformation. Sure, a lot of people played it and didn't like it, but just look at the Darkfall player only forums now. They're much, much, much cleaner than public because you don't have the incessant trolls hanging around putting down a game they don't even like.
I'll agree with you that a lot of people DO know about Darkfall, but again my point is that there are many more that don't even know it exists.