Originally posted by MX13 OK, I got an email back (caught my friend at work still, WOOT). I will say it clearly, and honestly: I have not been able to confirm this with a second source. I have no confirmation as of yet, but I've ask another friend who is "close" to SWG if they have heard anything, and will update when I hear something. I believe this, and if you hate me for posting this without clear proof yet, remember, you asked... He recieved an email this morning from a friend of his who works for SOE Austin. This "insider" said SOE has 3 servers built, they are running a "classic" version of SWG on them. They are in the process of "testing" them for "build / hardware & connectivity". He offered no specific information. I've asked my friend to follow up with him tonight for any details he may have. HE DID NOT SAY WHAT "VERSION" OF THE GAME THEY ARE TESTING, ONLY THAT IT IS "UPDATED" & "BASED ON PRE-NGE". I can not confrim this yet with a second source, but I figured I'd share anyway. Take it for what you will. I will report back when I have more details. This looks real to me, and I believe it. /crossFingers /FlameAway
no flames here bro, Remember the guy who visited SOE during the comic con when they were giving tours of the building and said a dev told him about some secret server? One of the devs said to a visitor that a server in the corner was a special server or something but gave no real details as to what that meant. I keep asking if anyone remembers this but no one seems to.
Originally posted by MX13 OK, I got an email back (caught my friend at work still, WOOT). I will say it clearly, and honestly: I have not been able to confirm this with a second source. I have no confirmation as of yet, but I've ask another friend who is "close" to SWG if they have heard anything, and will update when I hear something. I believe this, and if you hate me for posting this without clear proof yet, remember, you asked... He recieved an email this morning from a friend of his who works for SOE Austin. This "insider" said SOE has 3 servers built, they are running a "classic" version of SWG on them. They are in the process of "testing" them for "build / hardware & connectivity". He offered no specific information. I've asked my friend to follow up with him tonight for any details he may have. HE DID NOT SAY WHAT "VERSION" OF THE GAME THEY ARE TESTING, ONLY THAT IT IS "UPDATED" & "BASED ON PRE-NGE". I can not confrim this yet with a second source, but I figured I'd share anyway. Take it for what you will. I will report back when I have more details. This looks real to me, and I believe it. /crossFingers /FlameAway
I hope so. I'd be disappointed though if they took the easy way out and did CU.
Well, according to an email I had waiting for me in my inbox upon my return today, it won't be a rumor for long.
Details?
Soon.... soon... confirming what I can, and verifying...
MX13 - I really hope your right on this.
All the info I've gotten is that this is just a rumor. I have some dogs working on some leads in Austin. They keep telling me that nothing is up, and I keep telling them to keep digging.
If we do hear anything though - We'll break the news on the other board.
Well, according to an email I had waiting for me in my inbox upon my return today, it won't be a rumor for long.
Details?
Soon.... soon... confirming what I can, and verifying...
MX13 - I really hope your right on this.
All the info I've gotten is that this is just a rumor. I have some dogs working on some leads in Austin. They keep telling me that nothing is up, and I keep telling them to keep digging.
If we do hear anything though - We'll break the news on the other board.
Hey, is your registration bug worked out? I couldn't register before...
I'll start my own SWG... with Black Jack... and Hookers!!!
True or false there are several facts that SOE must consider before doubling it's expences for a game that already has limited interest from it's current players.
maintaining 2 versions of SWG it is nightmare for both programmers and support of SWG. SOE has all source of first version of SWG, but it is impossible to hire new programmers to maintain and understand the code behind this hudge project of pre cu SWG. As you all actually know, the nge project it is a hell lot simpler from it's ancestor and since it is easier to maintain NGE, SOE will avoid to call angry pre CU developers to support Pre CU.
They could not even understand how the mini map of pre cu (Zoom in,out ,expanding ) worked so they wrote the whole thing from scratch, so imagine what will happen if they decide to fix a small bug of pre cu.
I think that it is better for all of us to support games like SWG pre CU that actually distinguish the breed of MMORPG from the HIIIHAA Asian crap and maybe hope that in the near future another MMO will come to replace what in my opinion has gone along with pre cu SWG, true massively online role playing gaming.
I tried ryzom too and i must say that it has very good elements like skill customisation but In the end appears more like another attempt to create a copy of an mmo without roleplaying elements since it has uncapped skill trees and and everyone depends on himself in contrast with what Pre SWG Did or tried to do for some people.
They won't be maintaining 2 versions of the game. Soon as classic were to hit NGE is a dead letter. Kaput, done, buried. And only slightly sooner than it would have been on it's own.
NGE is already dead. There aren't enough players left to make 3 decent servers population wise.
3)It was a business decision based upon a declining playerbase. One thing thats lost in this discussion is that with the playerbase leaving we had to do something. Its great to get emails from players where they say SWG before the NGE was the greatest game ever, but the declining playerbase told us something different.
4)I believe the fundamental design of SWG had some bad flaws right from the start. The # of professions was certainly one of the problem areas. It made balancing and making the game interesting extremely difficult.
If you don't take my word for it as iskareot. he can verify it as well. Like it or not subs were sinking and they thought the NGE was the cure.
Item #3 shows that even Smed can recognize the obvious when it smacks him in the face hard enough ...
Item #4 shows that, however, he is incapable of reaching rational conclusions in the face of the obvious. "Uh, gee, we knew we had to do SOMETHING ...", well no shyte Sherlock, but what you needed to do was substantially improve your code quality and the quality of your management, not revamp the whole fracking product.
Unfortunately, improving the quality of management and use of your resources (like making expansions actual content/functionality improvements instead of marketing fluff for somebody's movie release) would require looking in the mirror and assigning blame. So much easier to point the finger at Raph and say he'd designed something it was too "hard" to maintain.
Too hard for YOU, Smed ... we all get that now. But it's a poor workman who blames his tools ... even when there are as many tools to blame as on Smed's team.
Well, if the Jap Server thing is true, which it may be, then I will apologize to the poster who posted about them using them for Pre-CU servers. Based on what I've heard today, and the servers popping up, it's clear I may have spoken too soon. I guess we'll see...
I'll start my own SWG... with Black Jack... and Hookers!!!
Originally posted by KzinKiller Originally posted by BaronJuJu
3)It was a business decision based upon a declining playerbase. One thing thats lost in this discussion is that with the playerbase leaving we had to do something. Its great to get emails from players where they say SWG before the NGE was the greatest game ever, but the declining playerbase told us something different.
4)I believe the fundamental design of SWG had some bad flaws right from the start. The # of professions was certainly one of the problem areas. It made balancing and making the game interesting extremely difficult.
If you don't take my word for it as iskareot. he can verify it as well. Like it or not subs were sinking and they thought the NGE was the cure.
Item #3 shows that even Smed can recognize the obvious when it smacks him in the face hard enough ...
Item #4 shows that, however, he is incapable of reaching rational conclusions in the face of the obvious. "Uh, gee, we knew we had to do SOMETHING ...", well no shyte Sherlock, but what you needed to do was substantially improve your code quality and the quality of your management, not revamp the whole fracking product.
Unfortunately, improving the quality of management and use of your resources (like making expansions actual content/functionality improvements instead of marketing fluff for somebody's movie release) would require looking in the mirror and assigning blame. So much easier to point the finger at Raph and say he'd designed something it was too "hard" to maintain.
Too hard for YOU, Smed ... we all get that now. But it's a poor workman who blames his tools ... even when there are as many tools to blame as on Smed's team. What I wonder about is what they do now. If the sub base was declining pre-NGE, it's crashing now (actually has already crashed).
NGE IS DEAD. It has no future no matter what they do with it. Every dollar, every minute spent on it is a complete waste of time unless it's on something that could be dropped into Pre-Cu.
Their only options are:
1. Classic servers alongside NGE (which sunsets when they empty) 2. Reversion to pre-NGE on current servers (messy) 3. Write a new core (they don't have the time, money, or resources to do this).
Any way you slice it, it's pre-NGE or shutdown. They realistically do NOT have any other way out.
What I wonder about is what they do now. If the sub base was declining pre-NGE, it's crashing now (actually has already crashed).
NGE IS DEAD. It has no future no matter what they do with it. Every dollar, every minute spent on it is a complete waste of time unless it's on something that could be dropped into Pre-Cu.
Their only options are:
1. Classic servers alongside NGE (which sunsets when they empty) 2. Reversion to pre-NGE on current servers (messy) 3. Write a new core (they don't have the time, money, or resources to do this).
Any way you slice it, it's pre-NGE or shutdown. They realistically do NOT have any other way out.
(1) seems like the only possible course. And don't get me wrong, although I'd like to see it, I don't think it saves this project from going under. (a) because they've simply poisoned the well too thoroughly with their customer base, and created a level of distrust that no marketing can ever overcome, and (2) because no matter what code base they run, it's still the same guys running it, and they've yet to come up with a code base that they can run with a semblance of quality or professionalism. Simply put, no code is too simple for them to screw up. And we *know* pre-NGE is complex enough to keep them dazed and confused.
There is another way out of this mess. Do what they did before. Just tell eveyone that in two weeks the servers are being recoded to PreNGE. If you don't like it, by all means, go play something else...
Now this is not advisable and I don't wish any bad to come to those who enjoy the NGE. But with the server #'s low and dropping, SOE could effectively just tell everyone that all servers are shutting down for a couple of weeks, recode 3-5 servers for NGE with a wipe of all that is there and then recode another 3-5 for PreCU with a wipe, give all current subs a 2 week free pass, then relaunch the game with a flahsy new box on store shelves.
Then, if by some miracle people come back and play, they have servers left over to add to whichever version requires it. Sometimes as a business leader you have to take drastic measures,(NGE is proof of that). But just maybe by explaining the situation in an honest and open fashion before doing this, SOE might actually mend fences with those that were and remain disinfranchised.
Kinda like the expanding customer base of the NGE...
its all good...
Having access to a billion $ IP - Billions of dollars.. Having access to a massive fan base of said IP - Even more Billons... Singly handedly alienating them due to stupidity - Priceless.
I just met Anthony Daniels, the actor who plays C3PO and strangely it made me really really really nostalgic for SWG. Oh, what joy classic servers would be. Maybe if i sacrifice my roomate to a pagan god...
Originally posted by OnlineBoyo I just met Anthony Daniels, the actor who plays C3PO and strangely it made me really really really nostalgic for SWG. Oh, what joy classic servers would be. Maybe if i sacrifice my roomate to a pagan god...
Is Yoda a Pagan God?
I'll start my own SWG... with Black Jack... and Hookers!!!
The deal with the one rumor... that makes it somewhat.. something I can believe.
If they took those two Japanese servers and make them classic... Pre-CU or CU ... I mean I got a lot of friends to come back during CU. Unfortunatley two weeks after the large segment came back the NGE hit.
Anyway... If they offered you a transfer at $50 per character... giving you spec points based on level or Elder status. Regardless of any arguements "we" may have on how that would work.
If people did come back... every transfer would be $50 for SOE... that is the one thing in the whole deal that had SOE(tm) written all over it.
Even if only say 10,000 people came back AND transferred that would be a good cash flow for a month.
They (soe) did poison the well.. however, at the moment if you liked SWG.. there is nothing out there to replace it (imho).
intresting points... My thing is in order for classic to work, SOE should be completely removed from the picture.. Turn it over to Bioware or some other company. Dont let SOe any where near it..
I personally would not go back, as much as I loved Pre Cu and CU... I dont want to take the chance of getting back into the game, enjoying it, being with old friends, jsut to have it yanked out from under me yet again... Why fund the incompetance of the devs?
Xcathdra
Having access to a billion $ IP - Billions of dollars.. Having access to a massive fan base of said IP - Even more Billons... Singly handedly alienating them due to stupidity - Priceless.
"intresting points... My thing is in order for classic to work, SOE should be completely removed from the picture.. Turn it over to Bioware or some other company. Dont let SOe any where near it..
I personally would not go back, as much as I loved Pre Cu and CU... I dont want to take the chance of getting back into the game, enjoying it, being with old friends, jsut to have it yanked out from under me yet again... Why fund the incompetance of the devs?"
I figure a lot of people wouldn't come back regardless of company.
Altho the one thing I agree with is.. I don't like most of the Devs working on SWG at the moment. The few I do like and actually seem to be able to do their job.. are not the ones with any decision making ability.
The issue I would have with another company.. Is it would have to be one experienced in hosting an MMO or working with a company that was. I don't see the point of a "better" dev house if they can't handle the issues with hosting an MMO.
So unless BioWare was working as that one rumor went with SOE co-publishing.. or like NCSoft I'm just not sure who would have the capability to do it and the experience.
Originally posted by KzinKiller Originally posted by Wildcat84
What I wonder about is what they do now. If the sub base was declining pre-NGE, it's crashing now (actually has already crashed).
NGE IS DEAD. It has no future no matter what they do with it. Every dollar, every minute spent on it is a complete waste of time unless it's on something that could be dropped into Pre-Cu.
Their only options are:
1. Classic servers alongside NGE (which sunsets when they empty) 2. Reversion to pre-NGE on current servers (messy) 3. Write a new core (they don't have the time, money, or resources to do this).
Any way you slice it, it's pre-NGE or shutdown. They realistically do NOT have any other way out.
(1) seems like the only possible course. And don't get me wrong, although I'd like to see it, I don't think it saves this project from going under. (a) because they've simply poisoned the well too thoroughly with their customer base, and created a level of distrust that no marketing can ever overcome, and (2) because no matter what code base they run, it's still the same guys running it, and they've yet to come up with a code base that they can run with a semblance of quality or professionalism. Simply put, no code is too simple for them to screw up. And we *know* pre-NGE is complex enough to keep them dazed and confused.
I completely agree. They have spent the last year actively antagonizing their former customers (and current ones who don't like the NGE). They have spent the last few months actively insulting their current customers (the "tinfoil hat" comments, Chris Cao's 'Screw You if you don't like what we're doing' post, and many other examples).
At this point, the best think SOE could do, both creatively and PR-wise, would be to close down their Austin studio and dismiss everyone who works there. Sadly, they have decided to let the morons in Austin (many of the former SWG devs who designed and developed the NGE) design and develop the DC Comic game. Nothing says "good business decision" like letting the same folks who screwed up SWG, screw up another IP licensed game from the begining.
Originally posted by Antarious "intresting points... My thing is in order for classic to work, SOE should be completely removed from the picture.. Turn it over to Bioware or some other company. Dont let SOe any where near it.. I personally would not go back, as much as I loved Pre Cu and CU... I dont want to take the chance of getting back into the game, enjoying it, being with old friends, jsut to have it yanked out from under me yet again... Why fund the incompetance of the devs?" I figure a lot of people wouldn't come back regardless of company. Altho the one thing I agree with is.. I don't like most of the Devs working on SWG at the moment. The few I do like and actually seem to be able to do their job.. are not the ones with any decision making ability. The issue I would have with another company.. Is it would have to be one experienced in hosting an MMO or working with a company that was. I don't see the point of a "better" dev house if they can't handle the issues with hosting an MMO. So unless BioWare was working as that one rumor went with SOE co-publishing.. or like NCSoft I'm just not sure who would have the capability to do it and the experience.
Many more would return for classic servers that were not being maintained by SOE than would for ones that were. I don't think I'd go back to either as long as SOE would be earning even a single penny from my subscription. I'm at the point where I hope SWG dies in a spectacular manner and takes SOE with it. SOE would have to have a major restructuring for me to ever consider doing business with them again.
Members of the Jedi Community and all SWG players.
I know this post may get flamed, but it is only expected. There have been many rumors around the forums, but my source is a bit more than a rumor. I have been a member of the Jedi Community for a long while, and a member of SWG since the beginning. What I am about to disclose to you is top secret SOE stuff so to speak.
I have a friend whose uncle is a SOE employee. (I would give his name here, but I was advised not to because I do not wish to jepordize that individuals job. Anyways, I told my friend to ask his Uncle "What is going on with jedi recently, and why all the nerfing and changes?" He did, indeed ask him, and the response was shocking. I cancelled my account immediately after hearing this. I am not advising you to do this, but since the SWG Community Relations, and Devs will not answer all of these issues, I felt obligated to inform the community of my disturbing findings. Here we go........
1.- Jedi are being phased into a regular profession, that will be selectable from the beginning of the game. This is the reason so many nerfs appear to be hitting jedi recently. They are attempting to slowly transition jedi into a normal class. They have not and will not inform the community about this, because it will enrage the vets. But they are hoping to keep everyone quiet while they work on this. They are also counting on the fact that more and more players will be influenced to buy the game, if jedi are immediately selectable. The bottom line is their numbers show that more players have quit the game because they were lazy and didnt want to work for jedi, as opposed to players who complain about jedi, but will not quit. They are hoping that subscription rates will soar if Jedi are immediately selectable, because jedi is the reason most players buy this game. This is also the reason why pearls/ FRS have been removed, so that vets will slowly become accustomed to being converted, and hopefully stay with the game.
2.- All melee classes are being removed. The bottom line is that SOE feels that melee professions do not appear in the movies, and they will remove them from the game. The current status of Ranged professions being dominate is all in their grand scheme of things. They are hoping that most melee players will switch their templates to Ranged now, so that when they eliminate all melee, there wont be enough of them left to cause an uproar. Therfore everyone in game will be A.- A jedi B.- Ranged C.- Crafter, Entertainer, or other. All remaining melee players will be given a respec period.
3.- All grinding is going to be removed. All leveling will soon be quest based and not grinding. Example: You will need to run to a trainer, get missions from him, he will teach you a skill box, back to step one. They are hoping that this will keep the playerbase more nethralled with the game, and get the quest based system they have always wanted.
Now the reason this may all seem far fetched to you, is because so many people on these forums cry wolf, and start rumors. but I assure you, this is the reason we dont get the responses we are looking for. Alot of people complained about the CU, but once they played it, they became adjusted and despite their complaints they still stayed subscribed. If they announced all this now, it would cause mass mahem and anger, so they will keep it quiet until it goes live, and then we are stuck with a "Like it or leave it" option. And the bottom line is (it has been proven) we will still play it. Also, cancelled jedi accounts are a given in this, but look at it from the outside, ALOT of new players will also spawn out of this mess, because jedi will be made readily available to them.
I did not get any info on the Jedi vs. BH situation, or other important issues, but they did make it clear that there will be no more alpha classes in this game. Also do not shoot the OP, or myself. He is a messenger for me (since my account was banned) and I am a messenger from another, and I simply feel obligated to inform you all.
So if you flame me, that is fine. I am not a troll nor a rumor starter, and it is your choice alone on what you want to believe. I am simply warning you all that this will come to pass.
Members of the Jedi Community and all SWG players.I know this post may get flamed, but it is only expected. There have been many rumors around the forums, but my source is a bit more than a rumor. I have been a member of the Jedi Community for a long while, and a member of SWG since the beginning. What I am about to disclose to you is top secret SOE stuff so to speak. I have a friend whose uncle is a SOE employee. (I would give his name here, but I was advised not to because I do not wish to jepordize that individuals job. Anyways, I told my friend to ask his Uncle "What is going on with jedi recently, and why all the nerfing and changes?" He did, indeed ask him, and the response was shocking. I cancelled my account immediately after hearing this. I am not advising you to do this, but since the SWG Community Relations, and Devs will not answer all of these issues, I felt obligated to inform the community of my disturbing findings. Here we go........1.- Jedi are being phased into a regular profession, that will be selectable from the beginning of the game. This is the reason so many nerfs appear to be hitting jedi recently. They are attempting to slowly transition jedi into a normal class. They have not and will not inform the community about this, because it will enrage the vets. But they are hoping to keep everyone quiet while they work on this. They are also counting on the fact that more and more players will be influenced to buy the game, if jedi are immediately selectable. The bottom line is their numbers show that more players have quit the game because they were lazy and didnt want to work for jedi, as opposed to players who complain about jedi, but will not quit. They are hoping that subscription rates will soar if Jedi are immediately selectable, because jedi is the reason most players buy this game. This is also the reason why pearls/ FRS have been removed, so that vets will slowly become accustomed to being converted, and hopefully stay with the game.2.- All melee classes are being removed. The bottom line is that SOE feels that melee professions do not appear in the movies, and they will remove them from the game. The current status of Ranged professions being dominate is all in their grand scheme of things. They are hoping that most melee players will switch their templates to Ranged now, so that when they eliminate all melee, there wont be enough of them left to cause an uproar. Therfore everyone in game will be A.- A jedi B.- Ranged C.- Crafter, Entertainer, or other. All remaining melee players will be given a respec period.3.- All grinding is going to be removed. All leveling will soon be quest based and not grinding. Example: You will need to run to a trainer, get missions from him, he will teach you a skill box, back to step one. They are hoping that this will keep the playerbase more nethralled with the game, and get the quest based system they have always wanted. Now the reason this may all seem far fetched to you, is because so many people on these forums cry wolf, and start rumors. but I assure you, this is the reason we dont get the responses we are looking for. Alot of people complained about the CU, but once they played it, they became adjusted and despite their complaints they still stayed subscribed. If they announced all this now, it would cause mass mahem and anger, so they will keep it quiet until it goes live, and then we are stuck with a "Like it or leave it" option. And the bottom line is (it has been proven) we will still play it. Also, cancelled jedi accounts are a given in this, but look at it from the outside, ALOT of new players will also spawn out of this mess, because jedi will be made readily available to them.I did not get any info on the Jedi vs. BH situation, or other important issues, but they did make it clear that there will be no more alpha classes in this game. Also do not shoot the OP, or myself. He is a messenger for me (since my account was banned) and I am a messenger from another, and I simply feel obligated to inform you all.So if you flame me, that is fine. I am not a troll nor a rumor starter, and it is your choice alone on what you want to believe. I am simply warning you all that this will come to pass.
Ahhh memories
I don't buy it. That guy is making that up. No company would ever do something so stupid. Oh wait...
Comments
Still, any version of SWG is better than NGE.
Details?
Soon.... soon... confirming what I can, and verifying...
MX13 - I really hope your right on this.
All the info I've gotten is that this is just a rumor. I have some dogs working on some leads in Austin. They keep telling me that nothing is up, and I keep telling them to keep digging.
If we do hear anything though - We'll break the news on the other board.
Details?
Soon.... soon... confirming what I can, and verifying...
MX13 - I really hope your right on this.
All the info I've gotten is that this is just a rumor. I have some dogs working on some leads in Austin. They keep telling me that nothing is up, and I keep telling them to keep digging.
If we do hear anything though - We'll break the news on the other board.
Hey, is your registration bug worked out? I couldn't register before...
I'll start my own SWG... with Black Jack... and Hookers!!!
In fact, forget the SWG!!!!
True or false there are several facts that SOE must consider before doubling it's expences for a game that already has limited interest from it's current players.
maintaining 2 versions of SWG it is nightmare for both programmers and support of SWG. SOE has all source of first version of SWG, but it is impossible to hire new programmers to maintain and understand the code behind this hudge project of pre cu SWG. As you all actually know, the nge project it is a hell lot simpler from it's ancestor and since it is easier to maintain NGE, SOE will avoid to call angry pre CU developers to support Pre CU.
They could not even understand how the mini map of pre cu (Zoom in,out ,expanding ) worked so they wrote the whole thing from scratch, so imagine what will happen if they decide to fix a small bug of pre cu.
I think that it is better for all of us to support games like SWG pre CU that actually distinguish the breed of MMORPG from the HIIIHAA Asian crap and maybe hope that in the near future another MMO will come to replace what in my opinion has gone along with pre cu SWG, true massively online role playing gaming.
I tried ryzom too and i must say that it has very good elements like skill customisation but In the end appears more like another attempt to create a copy of an mmo without roleplaying elements since it has uncapped skill trees and and everyone depends on himself in contrast with what Pre SWG Did or tried to do for some people.
They won't be maintaining 2 versions of the game. Soon as classic were to hit NGE is a dead letter. Kaput, done, buried. And only slightly sooner than it would have been on it's own.
NGE is already dead. There aren't enough players left to make 3 decent servers population wise.
SOE would not be maintaining 2 versions.
BioWare and all the Pre-CU developers they hired would be contracted to handle the Pre-Cu version.
*ponders on other ways to skin this cat
Item #4 shows that, however, he is incapable of reaching rational conclusions in the face of the obvious. "Uh, gee, we knew we had to do SOMETHING ...", well no shyte Sherlock, but what you needed to do was substantially improve your code quality and the quality of your management, not revamp the whole fracking product.
Unfortunately, improving the quality of management and use of your resources (like making expansions actual content/functionality improvements instead of marketing fluff for somebody's movie release) would require looking in the mirror and assigning blame. So much easier to point the finger at Raph and say he'd designed something it was too "hard" to maintain.
"But it's harrrrd ... it's really harrrrd." /lewisblack
Too hard for YOU, Smed ... we all get that now. But it's a poor workman who blames his tools ... even when there are as many tools to blame as on Smed's team.
I'll start my own SWG... with Black Jack... and Hookers!!!
In fact, forget the SWG!!!!
3) It was a business decision based upon a declining playerbase. One thing thats lost in this discussion is that with the playerbase leaving we had to do something. Its great to get emails from players where they say SWG before the NGE was the greatest game ever, but the declining playerbase told us something different.
4) I believe the fundamental design of SWG had some bad flaws right from the start. The # of professions was certainly one of the problem areas. It made balancing and making the game interesting extremely difficult.
If you don't take my word for it as iskareot. he can verify it as well. Like it or not subs were sinking and they thought the NGE was the cure.
Item #3 shows that even Smed can recognize the obvious when it smacks him in the face hard enough ...
Item #4 shows that, however, he is incapable of reaching rational conclusions in the face of the obvious. "Uh, gee, we knew we had to do SOMETHING ...", well no shyte Sherlock, but what you needed to do was substantially improve your code quality and the quality of your management, not revamp the whole fracking product.
Unfortunately, improving the quality of management and use of your resources (like making expansions actual content/functionality improvements instead of marketing fluff for somebody's movie release) would require looking in the mirror and assigning blame. So much easier to point the finger at Raph and say he'd designed something it was too "hard" to maintain.
"But it's harrrrd ... it's really harrrrd." /lewisblack
Too hard for YOU, Smed ... we all get that now. But it's a poor workman who blames his tools ... even when there are as many tools to blame as on Smed's team.
What I wonder about is what they do now. If the sub base was declining pre-NGE, it's crashing now (actually has already crashed).
NGE IS DEAD. It has no future no matter what they do with it. Every dollar, every minute spent on it is a complete waste of time unless it's on something that could be dropped into Pre-Cu.
Their only options are:
1. Classic servers alongside NGE (which sunsets when they empty)
2. Reversion to pre-NGE on current servers (messy)
3. Write a new core (they don't have the time, money, or resources to do this).
Any way you slice it, it's pre-NGE or shutdown. They realistically do NOT have any other way out.
NGE IS DEAD. It has no future no matter what they do with it. Every dollar, every minute spent on it is a complete waste of time unless it's on something that could be dropped into Pre-Cu.
Their only options are:
1. Classic servers alongside NGE (which sunsets when they empty)
2. Reversion to pre-NGE on current servers (messy)
3. Write a new core (they don't have the time, money, or resources to do this).
Any way you slice it, it's pre-NGE or shutdown. They realistically do NOT have any other way out.
(1) seems like the only possible course. And don't get me wrong, although I'd like to see it, I don't think it saves this project from going under. (a) because they've simply poisoned the well too thoroughly with their customer base, and created a level of distrust that no marketing can ever overcome, and (2) because no matter what code base they run, it's still the same guys running it, and they've yet to come up with a code base that they can run with a semblance of quality or professionalism. Simply put, no code is too simple for them to screw up. And we *know* pre-NGE is complex enough to keep them dazed and confused.
There is another way out of this mess. Do what they did before. Just tell eveyone that in two weeks the servers are being recoded to PreNGE. If you don't like it, by all means, go play something else...
Now this is not advisable and I don't wish any bad to come to those who enjoy the NGE. But with the server #'s low and dropping, SOE could effectively just tell everyone that all servers are shutting down for a couple of weeks, recode 3-5 servers for NGE with a wipe of all that is there and then recode another 3-5 for PreCU with a wipe, give all current subs a 2 week free pass, then relaunch the game with a flahsy new box on store shelves.
Then, if by some miracle people come back and play, they have servers left over to add to whichever version requires it. Sometimes as a business leader you have to take drastic measures,(NGE is proof of that). But just maybe by explaining the situation in an honest and open fashion before doing this, SOE might actually mend fences with those that were and remain disinfranchised.
Kinda like the expanding customer base of the NGE...
its all good...
Having access to a billion $ IP - Billions of dollars..
Having access to a massive fan base of said IP - Even more Billons...
Singly handedly alienating them due to stupidity - Priceless.
I'll start my own SWG... with Black Jack... and Hookers!!!
In fact, forget the SWG!!!!
The deal with the one rumor... that makes it somewhat.. something I can believe.
If they took those two Japanese servers and make them classic... Pre-CU or CU ... I mean I got a lot of friends to come back during CU. Unfortunatley two weeks after the large segment came back the NGE hit.
Anyway... If they offered you a transfer at $50 per character... giving you spec points based on level or Elder status. Regardless of any arguements "we" may have on how that would work.
If people did come back... every transfer would be $50 for SOE... that is the one thing in the whole deal that had SOE(tm) written all over it.
Even if only say 10,000 people came back AND transferred that would be a good cash flow for a month.
They (soe) did poison the well.. however, at the moment if you liked SWG.. there is nothing out there to replace it (imho).
intresting points... My thing is in order for classic to work, SOE should be completely removed from the picture.. Turn it over to Bioware or some other company. Dont let SOe any where near it..
I personally would not go back, as much as I loved Pre Cu and CU... I dont want to take the chance of getting back into the game, enjoying it, being with old friends, jsut to have it yanked out from under me yet again... Why fund the incompetance of the devs?
Xcathdra
Having access to a billion $ IP - Billions of dollars..
Having access to a massive fan base of said IP - Even more Billons...
Singly handedly alienating them due to stupidity - Priceless.
I personally would not go back, as much as I loved Pre Cu and CU... I dont want to take the chance of getting back into the game, enjoying it, being with old friends, jsut to have it yanked out from under me yet again... Why fund the incompetance of the devs?"
I figure a lot of people wouldn't come back regardless of company.
Altho the one thing I agree with is.. I don't like most of the Devs working on SWG at the moment. The few I do like and actually seem to be able to do their job.. are not the ones with any decision making ability.
The issue I would have with another company.. Is it would have to be one experienced in hosting an MMO or working with a company that was. I don't see the point of a "better" dev house if they can't handle the issues with hosting an MMO.
So unless BioWare was working as that one rumor went with SOE co-publishing.. or like NCSoft I'm just not sure who would have the capability to do it and the experience.
I wonder about is what they do now. If the sub base was declining
pre-NGE, it's crashing now (actually has already crashed).
NGE
IS DEAD. It has no future no matter what they do with it.
Every dollar, every minute spent on it is a complete waste of time
unless it's on something that could be dropped into Pre-Cu.
Their only options are:
1. Classic servers alongside NGE (which sunsets when they empty)
2. Reversion to pre-NGE on current servers (messy)
3. Write a new core (they don't have the time, money, or resources to do this).
Any way you slice it, it's pre-NGE or shutdown. They realistically do NOT have any other way out.
(1) seems like the only possible course. And don't get me wrong,
although I'd like to see it, I don't think it saves this project from
going under. (a) because they've simply poisoned the well too
thoroughly with their customer base, and created a level of distrust
that no marketing can ever overcome, and (2) because no matter what
code base they run, it's still the same guys running it, and they've
yet to come up with a code base that they can run with a semblance of
quality or professionalism. Simply put, no code is too simple for
them to screw up. And we *know* pre-NGE is complex enough to keep
them dazed and confused.
I completely agree. They have spent the last year actively
antagonizing their former customers (and current ones who don't like
the NGE). They have spent the last few months actively insulting
their current customers (the "tinfoil hat" comments, Chris Cao's 'Screw
You if you don't like what we're doing' post, and many other examples).
At this point, the best think SOE could do, both creatively and
PR-wise, would be to close down their Austin studio and dismiss
everyone who works there. Sadly, they have decided to let the
morons in Austin (many of the former SWG devs who designed and
developed the NGE) design and develop the DC Comic game. Nothing
says "good business decision" like letting the same folks who screwed
up SWG, screw up another IP licensed game from the begining.
==========
SWG - 1st Gen MBH (Closed)
EVE (Closed)
WoW (61 Orc Hunter - Blackwing Lair)
GuildWars (Boring...)
maintained by SOE than would for ones that were. I don't think
I'd go back to either as long as SOE would be earning even a single
penny from my subscription. I'm at the point where I hope SWG
dies in a spectacular manner and takes SOE with it. SOE would
have to have a major restructuring for me to ever consider doing
business with them again.
Then it happened exactly as he stated.