wizardy online was awesome and soe lost a few players by closing it and by the reaction I doubt they care if you didn't try it you missed a really epic game pvp was a real rush and pve was challengeing and exciteing I never had to take notes to progress a dungeon before so to me it was intense and a definite change of pace even being a tab target game . I have no faith in soe anymore been burned to many times and I seriously hope some 1 buys the right to run wizardry online in the usa or makes something very similar very soon . troll me all you want I could care less thought highly of the game
Unfortunate but understandable business decisions. Let's hope SOE's remaining titles won't follow anytime soon (same goes for any half decent game from any developer).
Free Realms / Clone Wars: These were entry level games aimed at getting children hooked on on-line gaming and to create a space were parents would feel ok to let their kids play. This market is now dominated by mobile games and facebook. There is no need for these kind of games any more.
Vanguard: It would seem to me that this game have been one of those "trying to fill a bottomless bucket" kind of deals, and yes i was there in the beta... have stuck my head in from time to time along the way. Never really felt like a finished product (as much as you can talk about that with a MMO) and in tougher times the games that does not earn need to be put out.
Wizardry: No clue, never played it but from the sounds of it, it was not making enough money.
I think the positive thing to take away from this is that people got to keep their jobs and that SOE continue to work on the EQ:N games and keep development on the other games, especially as i like both PS2 and DCUO .
Surprised about Wizardry, but half expected it'd happen anyway.
The game gave me vibes of Dark Souls, had a great atmosphere. Other than that.. it was a really average game, as if it came from the PS1 era. Couple that with the fact that the game was centered around its microtransactions and well, it wasn't a very good game to begin with.
I suppose I can be glad that my alias was taken at launch (when I had it through CB and OB) and caused me not to play the release version..
Its fairly amusing for people to think that shutting down 4 of 10 online games they run, with 3 on deck, means that SOE is bleeding out.
I would imagine (thats how I phrase my conjecture, rather than pretending I know what SOE is thinking) they are re allocating the dev resources to the games that are doing well/new projects.
EQN and EQ Landmark are massively anticipated and from whats out on them, they should be outstanding additions. Its a shame Vanguard bit the dust, but thats McQuaid's fault, not SOEs.
I agree, the four mmo's weren't making money, thus you should sunset them. Problem is, I do believe many of us were somewhat led to believe that SoE was a place for the obscure less populated games. It was a place that gave these less popular mmo's a home and the few gamers the opportunity to play them.
In truth though it IS a business and that is what John Smedley and Dave Georgeson have stated on the record more than once. For me though, I still feel it wasn't done correctly. Yeah, I am not working there and I don't "pay the bills", so to speak like Smed, however, timing is everything and this was all too strange to take in.
We first get some mixed messages with the upcoming pay model changes, then Smed changes his mind and puts forth a more favorable plan, or so it seems. Then we hear about Brad McQuaid's new "visionary mmo", Pantheon. Last Friday, January 24th, 2014 four older less popular games were axed, fine. This is part of business. But step back and take a look at how much of this we have attempted to digest this month alone. Why all of sudden all this news from SoE? This just doesn't feel right. Landmark is about to open it's controversial alpha test in the next several weeks and after all this negative news. It will be interesting to actually see what transpires from February through March with Landmark.
Keep a weather eye out, this might get nasty...but I hope not...
Alyn
All I want is the truth Just gimme some truth John Lennon
As one of the original beta tester for Free Realms and still a current player, we waited 3+ years for a new update and when it finally can out it wasn't very good. I'm sad to see the game being closed down as it was a good game with a lot of fun things to do, but since SOE never really supported it that well (the creative directors changed faster than a Kardashian in a clothing store). As for Star Wars Clone Wars, they never did squat in the way of updates to the game. Sadly both games mostly got cash store things that the players didn't want, they wanted expansions to add to the game.
I agree, the four mmo's weren't making money, thus you should sunset them.
I agree with the decision to shut down the games, but we should all be able to agree that the "sunset" terminology is obnoxious. Terminating a game that any number of people enjoy is always going to be an unpleasant thing, however necessary or desirable it might be in the big picture. Let's not try to sugarcoat it with flowery terminology that doesn't fit the situation.
Peace is a lie, there is only passion. Through passion, I gain strength. Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken. The Force shall free me.
I guess Im not quite sure why they bought it...Had another company bought it and revamped it, Vanguard could have become a great game, but with SOE it was always barely maintained and obviously not alot of money was put into it.....I mean EQ1 has like 20 expanions and EQ2 has at least 10...I dont even know if Vanguard had one....I know they added one raid and some other stuff but that seemed more of add on than expansion.
Its fairly amusing for people to think that shutting down 4 of 10 online games they run, with 3 on deck, means that SOE is bleeding out.
I would imagine (thats how I phrase my conjecture, rather than pretending I know what SOE is thinking) they are re allocating the dev resources to the games that are doing well/new projects.
EQN and EQ Landmark are massively anticipated and from whats out on them, they should be outstanding additions. Its a shame Vanguard bit the dust, but thats McQuaid's fault, not SOEs.
I agree, the four mmo's weren't making money, thus you should sunset them. Problem is, I do believe many of us were somewhat led to believe that SoE was a place for the obscure less populated games. It was a place that gave these less popular mmo's a home and the few gamers the opportunity to play them.
In truth though it IS a business and that is what John Smedley and Dave Georgeson have stated on the record more than once. For me though, I still feel it wasn't done correctly. Yeah, I am not working there and I don't "pay the bills", so to speak like Smed, however, timing is everything and this was all too strange to take in.
We first get some mixed messages with the upcoming pay model changes, then Smed changes his mind and puts forth a more favorable plan, or so it seems. Then we hear about Brad McQuaid's new "visionary mmo", Pantheon. Last Friday, January 24th, 2014 four older less popular games were axed, fine. This is part of business. But step back and take a look at how much of this we have attempted to digest this month alone. Why all of sudden all this news from SoE? This just doesn't feel right. Landmark is about to open it's controversial alpha test in the next several weeks and after all this negative news. It will be interesting to actually see what transpires from February through March with Landmark.
Keep a weather eye out, this might get nasty...but I hope not...
Alyn
And this is why it is hard to get too excited about EQNL and EQN...SOE changes about as often as most of us change our underwear...If they actually do have something good (and I doubt it) they can ruin it in a heartbeat.
And this is why it is hard to get too excited about EQNL and EQN...SOE changes about as often as most of us change our underwear...If they actually do have something good (and I doubt it) they can ruin it in a heartbeat.
That's not really fair. They have never treated EQ or EQ2 poorly, by any definition, so it wouldn't make sense to assume they will do so to Landmark or EQN.
Peace is a lie, there is only passion. Through passion, I gain strength. Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken. The Force shall free me.
Originally posted by bliss14 Rest in peace Vanguard. Great promise, never realized fully.
Yes i think the main problem was not money but the fact the same type tech was used in the EQ franchise and also showed us tons of buggy game play.SOE needs to lose that aged way of delivering code and game design and start making QUALITY products,not buggy ones.
SOE is imo a "quitter"if they don't see big numbers they simply quit on the game and the players.If Sqaure Enix followed that philosophy then FFXIV would probably be dead instead of having over 1 million subscribers.
Also i saw the "excuse"players moving on.Well in FFXI the population has decreased a LOT ,like less than half before FFXIV reborn was relaunched and it still goes strong with great updates in content.
Bottom line is SOE is a lazy developer that is not willing to put in the dedication and effort unless it carries Smedley's beloved "Everquest"name in it's title.Even so all i have seen from SOE inside of EQ2 has been streamlining content,finding ways to deliver content easier and with less effort.
I would like to see Smedley fired and get some new direction in there a modern philosophy and face.I would also like to see the Naughty Dog team play a role in SOE RPG's,they are imo more skilled,talented and creative than any of the current SOE team.There is a good reason SOE hired naughty Dog to work for them,they see a much better talent than what they have.
I think people need to think deeply when considering supporting SOE as the developer will turn it's back on you very quickly.I loved and heavily supported MTGT i was constantly reporting tons of bugs but SOE simply did not care,all they wanted was the millions from spenders buying cards,the effort on THEIR side was very shallow.SOE closed it down without attempting any other recourse,they simply QUIT on the players and supporters who invested a lot of money.
Never forget 3 mile Island and never trust a government official or company spokesman.
I think people need to think deeply when considering supporting SOE as the developer will turn it's back on you very quickly.I loved and heavily supported MTGT i was constantly reporting tons of bugs but SOE simply did not care,all they wanted was the millions from spenders buying cards,the effort on THEIR side was very shallow.SOE closed it down without attempting any other recourse,they simply QUIT on the players and supporters who invested a lot of money.
When have they ever turned their backs on a game with a large population where the customers were spending substantial amounts of money? The lesson here isn't "don't support SOE," it's don't get emotionally attached to fundamentally unpopular products.
Peace is a lie, there is only passion. Through passion, I gain strength. Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken. The Force shall free me.
Originally posted by Greatsword "Sunset"... such positive marketing lingo.
Yeah, closing the games is likely the smart move, but the terminology is insulting.
Peace is a lie, there is only passion. Through passion, I gain strength. Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken. The Force shall free me.
Comments
Brad: lol can I has your stuffs?
Smed: No
I wonder what price it would take to buy it. Rather wasteful to hold on to something you never use.
This makes a lot of sense
Free Realms / Clone Wars: These were entry level games aimed at getting children hooked on on-line gaming and to create a space were parents would feel ok to let their kids play. This market is now dominated by mobile games and facebook. There is no need for these kind of games any more.
Vanguard: It would seem to me that this game have been one of those "trying to fill a bottomless bucket" kind of deals, and yes i was there in the beta... have stuck my head in from time to time along the way. Never really felt like a finished product (as much as you can talk about that with a MMO) and in tougher times the games that does not earn need to be put out.
Wizardry: No clue, never played it but from the sounds of it, it was not making enough money.
I think the positive thing to take away from this is that people got to keep their jobs and that SOE continue to work on the EQ:N games and keep development on the other games, especially as i like both PS2 and DCUO .
This have been a good conversation
This isn't a signature, you just think it is.
Allegedly, some years ago Raph Koster (the chief SWG designer) tried to buy Vanguard as well, and Smed said no then, too.
Surprised about Wizardry, but half expected it'd happen anyway.
The game gave me vibes of Dark Souls, had a great atmosphere. Other than that.. it was a really average game, as if it came from the PS1 era. Couple that with the fact that the game was centered around its microtransactions and well, it wasn't a very good game to begin with.
I suppose I can be glad that my alias was taken at launch (when I had it through CB and OB) and caused me not to play the release version..
I agree, the four mmo's weren't making money, thus you should sunset them. Problem is, I do believe many of us were somewhat led to believe that SoE was a place for the obscure less populated games. It was a place that gave these less popular mmo's a home and the few gamers the opportunity to play them.
In truth though it IS a business and that is what John Smedley and Dave Georgeson have stated on the record more than once. For me though, I still feel it wasn't done correctly. Yeah, I am not working there and I don't "pay the bills", so to speak like Smed, however, timing is everything and this was all too strange to take in.
We first get some mixed messages with the upcoming pay model changes, then Smed changes his mind and puts forth a more favorable plan, or so it seems. Then we hear about Brad McQuaid's new "visionary mmo", Pantheon. Last Friday, January 24th, 2014 four older less popular games were axed, fine. This is part of business. But step back and take a look at how much of this we have attempted to digest this month alone. Why all of sudden all this news from SoE? This just doesn't feel right. Landmark is about to open it's controversial alpha test in the next several weeks and after all this negative news. It will be interesting to actually see what transpires from February through March with Landmark.
Keep a weather eye out, this might get nasty...but I hope not...
Alyn
All I want is the truth
Just gimme some truth
John Lennon
I agree with the decision to shut down the games, but we should all be able to agree that the "sunset" terminology is obnoxious. Terminating a game that any number of people enjoy is always going to be an unpleasant thing, however necessary or desirable it might be in the big picture. Let's not try to sugarcoat it with flowery terminology that doesn't fit the situation.
Peace is a lie, there is only passion.
Through passion, I gain strength.
Through strength, I gain power.
Through power, I gain victory.
Through victory, my chains are broken.
The Force shall free me.
SO why exactly did SOE buy Vanguard?
1) As a favor to Brad?
2) To keep it from taking away subs from EQ2?
3) TO develop it and make it a AAA MMO?
I guess Im not quite sure why they bought it...Had another company bought it and revamped it, Vanguard could have become a great game, but with SOE it was always barely maintained and obviously not alot of money was put into it.....I mean EQ1 has like 20 expanions and EQ2 has at least 10...I dont even know if Vanguard had one....I know they added one raid and some other stuff but that seemed more of add on than expansion.
And this is why it is hard to get too excited about EQNL and EQN...SOE changes about as often as most of us change our underwear...If they actually do have something good (and I doubt it) they can ruin it in a heartbeat.
Didn't they announce just 2 days ago new on the All Access Plan which included Vanguard
https://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/index.php?threads/the-new-all-access-plan-information-faq.545157/
That's not really fair. They have never treated EQ or EQ2 poorly, by any definition, so it wouldn't make sense to assume they will do so to Landmark or EQN.
Peace is a lie, there is only passion.
Through passion, I gain strength.
Through strength, I gain power.
Through power, I gain victory.
Through victory, my chains are broken.
The Force shall free me.
Yeah, it doesn't make much sense does it? What a perk to have AMA and get to play a soon to die MMORPG.
Yes i think the main problem was not money but the fact the same type tech was used in the EQ franchise and also showed us tons of buggy game play.SOE needs to lose that aged way of delivering code and game design and start making QUALITY products,not buggy ones.
SOE is imo a "quitter"if they don't see big numbers they simply quit on the game and the players.If Sqaure Enix followed that philosophy then FFXIV would probably be dead instead of having over 1 million subscribers.
Also i saw the "excuse"players moving on.Well in FFXI the population has decreased a LOT ,like less than half before FFXIV reborn was relaunched and it still goes strong with great updates in content.
Bottom line is SOE is a lazy developer that is not willing to put in the dedication and effort unless it carries Smedley's beloved "Everquest"name in it's title.Even so all i have seen from SOE inside of EQ2 has been streamlining content,finding ways to deliver content easier and with less effort.
I would like to see Smedley fired and get some new direction in there a modern philosophy and face.I would also like to see the Naughty Dog team play a role in SOE RPG's,they are imo more skilled,talented and creative than any of the current SOE team.There is a good reason SOE hired naughty Dog to work for them,they see a much better talent than what they have.
I think people need to think deeply when considering supporting SOE as the developer will turn it's back on you very quickly.I loved and heavily supported MTGT i was constantly reporting tons of bugs but SOE simply did not care,all they wanted was the millions from spenders buying cards,the effort on THEIR side was very shallow.SOE closed it down without attempting any other recourse,they simply QUIT on the players and supporters who invested a lot of money.
Never forget 3 mile Island and never trust a government official or company spokesman.
When have they ever turned their backs on a game with a large population where the customers were spending substantial amounts of money? The lesson here isn't "don't support SOE," it's don't get emotionally attached to fundamentally unpopular products.
Peace is a lie, there is only passion.
Through passion, I gain strength.
Through strength, I gain power.
Through power, I gain victory.
Through victory, my chains are broken.
The Force shall free me.
What a strange rumor. I wasn't involved with Vanguard at all. Why would I buy it? Not that I could afford such a thing, either... sheesh.
haha
Yeah, closing the games is likely the smart move, but the terminology is insulting.
Peace is a lie, there is only passion.
Through passion, I gain strength.
Through strength, I gain power.
Through power, I gain victory.
Through victory, my chains are broken.
The Force shall free me.