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Questions about Conan

I registered with the AOC website and saw their FAQ thread over about 100 pages of posts (probably over 1000 posts). The forums there are pretty inactive and I'm not getting answers. I can't spend the next 4 hours researching, so I hope to get a few answers by posting my questions about the game here:

1) Is it FFA PVP? (can I kill people on my own team if I wanted to?)
2) Is there corpse looting (is it 100% corpse looting, or just one random item?)
3) Are there boats I can own/control?
4) Is there housing (can the house be decorated and I can invite friends inside and kill people running past it, like in UO... in other words: NOT instanced?)
5) Are there instances? If so, what parts of the game are instanced?
6) Can I swim? Or do I just stop walking or die when I hit water?
7) Is there a radar/coords for every character, or is it navigation by landmarks?
8) Are there vendors and player-run economy? (Can I own my own vendor and place him in front of my house/store-front?)
9) Are there character classes or can I learn any skill I put my time into? ie-can I change my mind about how I want to play my character in 6 months and start learning other skills, or do I just have to start all over again?
10) Is it level-based, or skill-based? (Will I be cannon-fodder for all the PVP Griefers for the first 2 months I play?)
11) Is this a follow-the-quest grind-fest where I have to find 20 sewer rats and kill them, then find 20 bats and kill them, then 20 dogs, etc?
12) Do creatures spawn and remain in the same location repeatedly? Or do they roam with any kind of AI?
13) Is this game gear-dependant, or can a new player compete? If it's gear-dependant, do I have to group up with 20 random strangers (who are probably drunk, high, adolescents with poor parenting) for pHat l3Wtz?
14) What will be done to stop the farmers, spammers, and Ebayers trying to get you to buy things online everywhere?


Thanks for any answers!

- Phos

imageAAH! A troll fire! Quick, pour some Kool-Aid on it!!!

«13

Comments

  • MyMainBannedMyMainBanned Member Posts: 112

    I don't know.

  • TerranahTerranah Member UncommonPosts: 3,575

    The game is in beta so probably people who know the answers to some of these questions can not answer or they will get kicked from beta. 

     

    Also, the game is not released yet so some features may not have been added, will be removed, changed, etc.

     

    Unless you are in beta, you are in the same boat as the rest of us. 

  • bluealien1bluealien1 Member Posts: 526

     

    Originally posted by Phos


    I registered with the AOC website and saw their FAQ thread over about 100 pages of posts (probably over 1000 posts). The forums there are pretty inactive and I'm not getting answers. I can't spend the next 4 hours researching, so I hope to get a few answers by posting my questions about the game here:
    1) Is it FFA PVP? (can I kill people on my own team if I wanted to?)

    2) Is there corpse looting (is it 100% corpse looting, or just one random item?)

    3) Are there boats I can own/control?

    4) Is there housing (can the house be decorated and I can invite friends inside and kill people running past it, like in UO... in other words: NOT instanced?)

    5) Are there instances? If so, what parts of the game are instanced?

    6) Can I swim? Or do I just stop walking or die when I hit water?

    7) Is there a radar/coords for every character, or is it navigation by landmarks?

    8) Are there vendors and player-run economy? (Can I own my own vendor and place him in front of my house/store-front?)

    9) Are there character classes or can I learn any skill I put my time into? ie-can I change my mind about how I want to play my character in 6 months and start learning other skills, or do I just have to start all over again?

    10) Is it level-based, or skill-based? (Will I be cannon-fodder for all the PVP Griefers for the first 2 months I play?)

    11) Is this a follow-the-quest grind-fest where I have to find 20 sewer rats and kill them, then find 20 bats and kill them, then 20 dogs, etc?

    12) Do creatures spawn and remain in the same location repeatedly? Or do they roam with any kind of AI?

    13) Is this game gear-dependant, or can a new player compete? If it's gear-dependant, do I have to group up with 20 random strangers (who are probably drunk, high, adolescents with poor parenting) for pHat l3Wtz?

    14) What will be done to stop the farmers, spammers, and Ebayers trying to get you to buy things online everywhere?


    Thanks for any answers!
    - Phos

    I'm going to answer this as best I can, although my knowledge of AoC isn't very extensive. Keep in mind, this game is still in closed beta, the information that the public has is pretty limited.

     

    1) I don't know.

    2) I don't know.

    3) Not yet, said to be released in future expansions.

    4) Not yet, said to be released in future expansions.

    5) Yes, raid instances, some PvP instances(CTF?), and I'm guessing there will be regular small group instances too.

    6) I'm guessing you can, not positive.

    7) I don't know.

    8) I don't think so.

    9) I believe you will start over again.

    10) I don't know =P

    11) From what I understand, leveling up is story driven and you will find little to no "go kill 20 boars" type questing.

    12) The AI is supposed to be fairly good in AoC.

    13) It is supposed to be skill based, and not gear centric, however, gear will make a difference, as it should.

    14) I don't think this has been discussed, hopefully GM's will be able to tag farmers so we can just camp them =]

  • DraccanDraccan Member Posts: 1,050

    Originally posted by Phos


    I registered with the AOC website and saw their FAQ thread over about 100 pages of posts (probably over 1000 posts). The forums there are pretty inactive and I'm not getting answers. I can't spend the next 4 hours researching, so I hope to get a few answers by posting my questions about the game here:
    1) Is it FFA PVP? (can I kill people on my own team if I wanted to?)

    2) Is there corpse looting (is it 100% corpse looting, or just one random item?)

    3) Are there boats I can own/control?

    4) Is there housing (can the house be decorated and I can invite friends inside and kill people running past it, like in UO... in other words: NOT instanced?)

    5) Are there instances? If so, what parts of the game are instanced?

    6) Can I swim? Or do I just stop walking or die when I hit water?

    7) Is there a radar/coords for every character, or is it navigation by landmarks?

    8) Are there vendors and player-run economy? (Can I own my own vendor and place him in front of my house/store-front?)

    9) Are there character classes or can I learn any skill I put my time into? ie-can I change my mind about how I want to play my character in 6 months and start learning other skills, or do I just have to start all over again?

    10) Is it level-based, or skill-based? (Will I be cannon-fodder for all the PVP Griefers for the first 2 months I play?)

    11) Is this a follow-the-quest grind-fest where I have to find 20 sewer rats and kill them, then find 20 bats and kill them, then 20 dogs, etc?

    12) Do creatures spawn and remain in the same location repeatedly? Or do they roam with any kind of AI?

    13) Is this game gear-dependant, or can a new player compete? If it's gear-dependant, do I have to group up with 20 random strangers (who are probably drunk, high, adolescents with poor parenting) for pHat l3Wtz?

    14) What will be done to stop the farmers, spammers, and Ebayers trying to get you to buy things online everywhere?


    Thanks for any answers!
    - Phos

    Thanks. I almost died laughing reading this..

    I don't know if this is sarcasm or genuine questions, but it so touches upon the problem there is with AOC. We have so little information. The devs are putting up smokescreens and their friday updates are hilarious. Text updates rather than videos, screenshots at best.

    Though plenty of videos are out, a lot of gameplay issues are not answered, many basic questions like yours. Questions that seem unresolved in the game (they aren't keeping it back to peek our curiousity).

    Look at the forums, it is stale. I check daily and nothing, NOTHING goes on. No interesting discussions. Why? People simply have NOTHING, NADA to discuss.

    I am 100% sure the game will be delayed. I said so publicly 1-2 weeks before last delay and I shall say it again. Sometime January the delay will be announced. And hopefully it gives FC more time to solve the mess they are in.

    Take the combat system for example. Alledgedly not working very well judging the official forums.

    I think there is a chance that Norway's biggest entertainment project will be a vanguardesque nightmare. Maybe worse. Once the open BETA starts, if ever, I think there might be mass exodus and outcrys from the very fanbois themselves.

    I don't hate AOC, but the more I read up on it, the more closely I follow, the more annoyed I am with FC's handling of it. The PR sucks. They seem to try to sell the game with boobs, lurid things (and I am NO purist and neither easily shocked), stale humour, rather than suspenseful, immersive updates, giving good information about the game. It just doesn't work for me.

    I sincerely fear that Hyboria will be one pretty, bugged little world that after 3-5 months will be very, very empty. And I bet you my old bicycle, that the Xbox version will be cancelled. Just mark my words and wait and see.

    Draccan

    ____________________________
    CASUAL CONFESSIONS - Draccan's blog
    ____________________________

  • AmazingAveryAmazingAvery Age of Conan AdvocateMember UncommonPosts: 7,188

     

    Originally posted by Phos


    I registered with the AOC website and saw their FAQ thread over about 100 pages of posts (probably over 1000 posts). The forums there are pretty inactive and I'm not getting answers. I can't spend the next 4 hours researching, so I hope to get a few answers by posting my questions about the game here:
    1) Is it FFA PVP? (can I kill people on my own team if I wanted to?)
    On a PvP server or RP-PvP server its been said it will be OPEN PvP everywhere except towns/hubs, so there are a few safe spots. Not sure about killing people on your own team yet.


    2) Is there corpse looting (is it 100% corpse looting, or just one random item?)
    Loot still has to be detirmined, one thing is they want it in, the game has been designed that way. It could be One Item it could be items just from backpack or everything, we dont know yet.


    3) Are there boats I can own/control?
    In the lore Conan was often involved in travelling by boat, the starting place, 'Tortage' is actually a harbour/port town. They wont be in at launch but might make an appearance at a later date.


    4) Is there housing (can the house be decorated and I can invite friends inside and kill people running past it, like in UO... in other words: NOT instanced?)
    Same thing with housing, won't be in at launch but there is a really good chance it will come later.


    5) Are there instances? If so, what parts of the game are instanced?
    Dungeon's, Some PvP 'mini' games as far as we know.


    6) Can I swim? Or do I just stop walking or die when I hit water?
    Yes you can swim and climb, this has been confirmed by developers.


    7) Is there a radar/coords for every character, or is it navigation by landmarks?
    Undetirmined, we shall have to wait and see still


    8) Are there vendors and player-run economy? (Can I own my own vendor and place him in front of my house/store-front?)
    There are regular vendors around Hyboria, even in PvP area's. Placement and such like is still unknown at this point in time.


    9) Are there character classes or can I learn any skill I put my time into? ie-can I change my mind about how I want to play my character in 6 months and start learning other skills, or do I just have to start all over again?
    When everyone starts the game they are all the same, at LvL 5 you currently make the decision on whether being a Mage, Priest, Rogue or Soldier (your Archetype's), and then at LvL 20 you choose your class from withn the specified Archetype you chose at LvL 5. The feat system is flexible enough for you to be able to follow different paths. Every character has '3' different feat trees there is One general one for your Archetype and Two for your Class. This allows for some good diversity in this area. You can re-spec though. If you picked say a Priest and 6 months later wanted to be a Soldier you will have to re-roll as they say. Every Class and Archetype has specifics for 'Weapons' for eg. Like Stygians can't be Soldiers, and some priests cant use Polearm Weapons as effectively.


    10) Is it level-based, or skill-based? (Will I be cannon-fodder for all the PVP Griefers for the first 2 months I play?)
    Level Based. During your play time you can aquire, 80 levels in general PvE game, 20 additional Level for PvP, 5 levels come from being a 'Merc'. Because the game lends itself more to a 'twitch' style play and also offfers NO typical 'Auto Attack' you will find yourself directing your attacks. Many believe this to be more skillfull then spam your keys type play often found in 'Regular' Auto Attack type games.


    11) Is this a follow-the-quest grind-fest where I have to find 20 sewer rats and kill them, then find 20 bats and kill them, then 20 dogs, etc?
    You wont fint any rat killing in the game or that type of quest. Everyone has a path, and we are expecting more information to be released about the 'Destiny Quest' system, which culmilates in you meeting King Conan. In quests you can do, the NPC's are prone to your behaviour towards them, so if your nasty, they will remember that next time.


    12) Do creatures spawn and remain in the same location repeatedly? Or do they roam with any kind of AI?
    There is apparently decent A.I for mobs in the game. They are responsive to the surrounding situations and react with mimicing thought and such like we're told. Will have to wait and see, maybe they will do an interview with someone from that area? (Step up Adus!)


    13) Is this game gear-dependant, or can a new player compete? If it's gear-dependant, do I have to group up with 20 random strangers (who are probably drunk, high, adolescents with poor parenting) for pHat l3Wtz?
    PvP specific gear if different from PvE specifc gear. The uber sword you got from a raid drop will probably be awesome in PvE but not so much in PvP. Crafting is not Exp based, so you dont feel like its a full time job. You advance in crafting by doing specific quests to get to the next tier, letting you make the next set of stuff say, for example. Anyone  can do they so it does differ from other games where a lvl 80 crafter can only make certain things. In this game you just have to open up the next part done via quests. So gear can be made for PvP or PvE, Weapons, again, can be fitted with gems (socketed) gained from PvE or cut specific (gemcutter path Craft). So it really depends on what type of gear your after at the end of the day, but it has been said if you don't like raiding, you don't have to do it and be gimped for PvP gear.. say.


    14) What will be done to stop the farmers, spammers, and Ebayers trying to get you to buy things online everywhere?
    If you look at Anarchy Online - Funcoms other mmo, you will notice very little of what you mentioned above, even at the games peak. Also Funcom employ people with knowledge of such activites (botters) who are able to counter attack bad activites - as the company say. Spammers - im sure there will be rules in place there, punishments are unknown yet. Ebayers again will have to wait and see. Overall, the way the company has handled things in their other game should make you at ease in relation to the fact they don't expect it to be a huge problem in this game. They don't deny it wont happen, but they do have good preventative measures in place.


    Thanks for any answers!
    - Phos

     

     

    Hey thought i'd add some more in for you ;) but BlueAlien1 is definately hotter than I am.

    As for the guy above, it just shows you how far out of touch with the community really is. Nice attempt at answering his questions though Draccan. I find plenty of stimulating conversations on the official forums. And to act like beta is the final game is just immature. Its only your own illusion you think that developement is in a mess, gained from what 3 people's outdated murmur's?



  • DameonkDameonk Member UncommonPosts: 1,914



    Awe damnit, Avery beat me to it. :P

    "There is as yet insufficient data for a meaningful answer."

  • PhosPhos Member Posts: 455

    Another Conan question: Does anyone know of any videos of this game? Not the cut & cropped sales videos on the AOC website, with background music, etc. I want to see a real video of actual gameplay. A vidoe that shows the actual game interface, in-game combat, etc.

    The videos on the website are pretty, and I'd be sold if all I wanted to do was ride around on a horse with my interface turned off and enjoy the scenery. But I'd like to see what the real game looks like when it's being PLAYED.

    Thanks guys!

    (btw - still no answers from anyone on the actual Conan website. Are they avoiding tough questions?)

    - Phos

    imageAAH! A troll fire! Quick, pour some Kool-Aid on it!!!

  • AthelanAthelan Designer, Age of ConanMember Posts: 145

    There are some videos from Leipzig and Dragoncon showing CTF PvP Gameplay. But some of the people who were recorded are just random fans walking up to play so are not very skilled. Although, someone may have recorded me for ultimate pwnage :)

     

    I tend to disagree about the lack of information, the biggest issue is peoples laziness or inability to find information. The reason that now discussion seems to be less productive is so many things are rehash.

     

    Dig up my introduction thread on these forums, or read the "Athelan the Oracle of Oslo" thread which is stickied on the official forums and still receiving frequent replies of thanks.

     

    Anyone who thinks we dont share information as much as we can is either so jaded or self centered that they just want their own personal certain tidbits of info or just a scrooge.

    Combat, Control, Class Distinction Designer for Age of Conan

    community.ageofconan.com

  • bluealien1bluealien1 Member Posts: 526
    Originally posted by Phos


    Another Conan question: Does anyone know of any videos of this game? Not the cut & cropped sales videos on the AOC website, with background music, etc. I want to see a real video of actual gameplay. A vidoe that shows the actual game interface, in-game combat, etc.
    The videos on the website are pretty, and I'd be sold if all I wanted to do was ride around on a horse with my interface turned off and enjoy the scenery. But I'd like to see what the real game looks like when it's being PLAYED.
    Thanks guys!
    (btw - still no answers from anyone on the actual Conan website. Are they avoiding tough questions?)
    - Phos
     

    As Athelan said, there's alot of fan taken video's available, some of decent quality are available at www.stage6.com, they take a little while to load, but the quality is alot better then somewhere like Youtube.

  • PhosPhos Member Posts: 455


    Originally posted by Athelan
    There are some videos from Leipzig and Dragoncon showing CTF PvP Gameplay. But some of the people who were recorded are just random fans walking up to play so are not very skilled. Although, someone may have recorded me for ultimate pwnage :)
     
    I tend to disagree about the lack of information, the biggest issue is peoples laziness or inability to find information. The reason that now discussion seems to be less productive is so many things are rehash.
     
    Dig up my introduction thread on these forums, or read the "Athelan the Oracle of Oslo" thread which is stickied on the official forums and still receiving frequent replies of thanks.
     
    Anyone who thinks we dont share information as much as we can is either so jaded or self centered that they just want their own personal certain tidbits of info or just a scrooge.

    Okay, I didn't like being called lazy, unable to find information, self-centered, jaded, or a scrooge.

    So I went to your site and found your thread in the sea of threads on the site. I read through the extremely long thread and tried to find the answers to my questions. Here's what I was able to determine were the answers to my questions:

    1) Is it FFA PVP? No. Friendly fire will not be permitted, even amongst guildmates.
    2) Corpse looting? No, there will be something called "Blood Money" but this concept is not really explained on your thread.
    3) Are there boats? Unknown. The word "boat" is not mentioned once in your entire thread.
    4) Is there housing? Unknown. The word "house" is not mentioned once in your entire thread.
    5) Instances? Unclear. Your thread says "It's quite a mix, most major outdoor areas are not instanced or not instanced in the classical sense of the word."
    6) Swimming in water? Unknown. The words "water" and "swim" are mentioned once in your entire thread.
    7) Navigation by radar or by landmarks? Unknown. This is not specified in your thread.
    8) Economy/Vendors? Unknown, the words "Market" "Vendor" and "Economy" aren't mentioned, except in other contexts.
    9) Classes? Yes there are specific classes, and you must choose a specific class.
    10) Level based or skill based? Level based. In fact, it looks like you have a PVP level system and a PVE level system. You cannot achieve the highest PVP level without first acheiving a high PVE level.
    11) Quest-fest or sandbox? Quest-fest. You mention that levelling in AOC will take about as long as in WoW. At one point you avoid a question about whether xp will be restricted to "killing mobs". You mention quests in your thread but don't give many specifics, in fact you avoid specifics by answerign questions about quests by saying "I can't really as I am primarily working with gameplay mechanics and such and this is a very lore/quest related content question."
    12) Creature AI, do they roam or are they static? Unknown. This is not talked about at all in your thread.
    13) Is the game gear-centric? Unknown. You talk a lot about the ability to use weapons by certain classes, but you don't talk about specific gear or weapons or whether there is 'uber gear' or not. (Other than what crafters can make.)
    14) What will be done about farmers/spammers? Unknown. You don't talk about this at all.


    Okay, so after doing all that research and reading your extremely helpful response to me in this thread, I only have one thing to say: Thanks for helping me make my decision about whether or not to play AOC. You were very instrumental in that process. Good luck.

    - Phos

    imageAAH! A troll fire! Quick, pour some Kool-Aid on it!!!

  • SophistSophist Member Posts: 171

    I have to agree with the OP on this one Athean if your trying to make customers you should at least take on a more professional attitude seeing as he did state he DID NOT have the time to look for whatever reason.

    Also I think the name calling was a little out of line for someone in your position rise above man.

    And NO your info is NOT abundant I have looked many times for info on the AOC site and find nothing but a migrane. Your site in all honesty does suck IMO. ( and i do think my opinion matters seeing as I am a potential consumer and a Web Dev to boot) so find another slander seeing as I must be lazy too. (If you call looking at your site for two hours at work while bored lazy)

    The lack of info on your site and other venus is what has kept me from following this title. Though I look at the WAR site everyday seeing as I know its possible more news could have come out.(hence keeping my interest)

    The sadest part about the whole thing is the biggest buzz you guys got was when you announced titty shots in game.

    "The most important thing is to have the design support the players in setting their own goals in both cooperative and competitive interaction with one another." - Ironore -

  • todeswulftodeswulf Member Posts: 715
    Originally posted by Phos


     

    Originally posted by Athelan

    There are some videos from Leipzig and Dragoncon showing CTF PvP Gameplay. But some of the people who were recorded are just random fans walking up to play so are not very skilled. Although, someone may have recorded me for ultimate pwnage :)

     

    I tend to disagree about the lack of information, the biggest issue is peoples laziness or inability to find information. The reason that now discussion seems to be less productive is so many things are rehash.

     

    Dig up my introduction thread on these forums, or read the "Athelan the Oracle of Oslo" thread which is stickied on the official forums and still receiving frequent replies of thanks.

     

    Anyone who thinks we dont share information as much as we can is either so jaded or self centered that they just want their own personal certain tidbits of info or just a scrooge.

     

    Okay, I didn't like being called lazy, unable to find information, self-centered, jaded, or a scrooge.

    So I went to your site and found your thread in the sea of threads on the site. I read through the extremely long thread and tried to find the answers to my questions. Here's what I was able to determine were the answers to my questions:

    1) Is it FFA PVP? No. Friendly fire will not be permitted, even amongst guildmates.

    2) Corpse looting? No, there will be something called "Blood Money" but this concept is not really explained on your thread.

    3) Are there boats? Unknown. The word "boat" is not mentioned once in your entire thread.

    4) Is there housing? Unknown. The word "house" is not mentioned once in your entire thread.

    5) Instances? Unclear. Your thread says "It's quite a mix, most major outdoor areas are not instanced or not instanced in the classical sense of the word."

    6) Swimming in water? Unknown. The words "water" and "swim" are mentioned once in your entire thread.

    7) Navigation by radar or by landmarks? Unknown. This is not specified in your thread.

    8) Economy/Vendors? Unknown, the words "Market" "Vendor" and "Economy" aren't mentioned, except in other contexts.

    9) Classes? Yes there are specific classes, and you must choose a specific class.

    10) Level based or skill based? Level based. In fact, it looks like you have a PVP level system and a PVE level system. You cannot achieve the highest PVP level without first acheiving a high PVE level.

    11) Quest-fest or sandbox? Quest-fest. You mention that levelling in AOC will take about as long as in WoW. At one point you avoid a question about whether xp will be restricted to "killing mobs". You mention quests in your thread but don't give many specifics, in fact you avoid specifics by answerign questions about quests by saying "I can't really as I am primarily working with gameplay mechanics and such and this is a very lore/quest related content question."

    12) Creature AI, do they roam or are they static? Unknown. This is not talked about at all in your thread.

    13) Is the game gear-centric? Unknown. You talk a lot about the ability to use weapons by certain classes, but you don't talk about specific gear or weapons or whether there is 'uber gear' or not. (Other than what crafters can make.)

    14) What will be done about farmers/spammers? Unknown. You don't talk about this at all.



    Okay, so after doing all that research and reading your extremely helpful response to me in this thread, I only have one thing to say: Thanks for helping me make my decision about whether or not to play AOC. You were very instrumental in that process. Good luck.

    - Phos



    I agree here,  that was perhaps the most unprofessional post I have ever seen from a dev....I hope this guy isn't part of community relations.

  • AthelanAthelan Designer, Age of ConanMember Posts: 145

    I think you are misunderstanding. I said the general problem people have with finding information is a laziness to be willing to look for it. And I tried to point you to some places where you might find the answers to many of your questions instead of having to look them up individually. I then addressed what you said was a common lack of good discussion on the official forums.

    I mean *I* don't even want to go have to dig up all the previous times I have answered all your questions so if I am calling you lazy then I am calling myself lazy too. I am so appreciative when guys like Avery take the time to compile things I have already stated.

    We have been working on ways to make it easier to sort of catalogue the different answers. That are from the commonly asked questions because they far exceed what one would find in a normal FAQ.

    You also state that there are thousands of posts but it isnt active. I am not being combative here or trying to insult you, merely stating that we have tried very hard to provide information and I can guarantee I have probably answered everyone of those questions in some format at some time already and you could find that answer or discussion but it would take a great deal of effort which you said very specifically in your OP you did not want to spend.

    Theres a big difference between us not giving you information, and your not being able to find the information when you want to see it.

    Combat, Control, Class Distinction Designer for Age of Conan

    community.ageofconan.com

  • greymanngreymann Member Posts: 757

    Originally posted by Athelan


    There are some videos from Leipzig and Dragoncon showing CTF PvP Gameplay. But some of the people who were recorded are just random fans walking up to play so are not very skilled. Although, someone may have recorded me for ultimate pwnage :)
     
    I tend to disagree about the lack of information, the biggest issue is peoples laziness or inability to find information. The reason that now discussion seems to be less productive is so many things are rehash.
     
    Dig up my introduction thread on these forums, or read the "Athelan the Oracle of Oslo" thread which is stickied on the official forums and still receiving frequent replies of thanks.
     
    Anyone who thinks we dont share information as much as we can is either so jaded or self centered that they just want their own personal certain tidbits of info or just a scrooge.

    Heh.  Hyboria is going to be a brutal, unforgiving place so I guess he's just playing the part.  Things that will keep the kiddies out:  1) Boobies, 2) dismemberment, 3) Rude employees.

  • ShanniaShannia Member Posts: 2,096

    Originally posted by Athelan
    I tend to disagree about the lack of information, the biggest issue is peoples laziness or inability to find information. The reason that now discussion seems to be less productive is so many things are rehash.
    Anyone who thinks we dont share information as much as we can is either so jaded or self centered that they just want their own personal certain tidbits of info or just a scrooge.

    Ok, Athelan.  Two statements in one of your post above are just two examples of why I love to hate you as a developer.  That is how you treat people and answer people's questions on the forums.  You are good people and I enjoyed meeting you in Atlanta, but please...

    Why do you have to be so insulting to your fans....

    The bottom line is, the Q&A section of Funcom's site totally sucks.  You guys took thousands of questions from the fans and answers to those questions should have been added to the Q&A section.  So please, stop insulting your fan base saying it is OUR fault we don't know how to find information.   We ask and you dodge by saying learn to use the search function. How about your employer post an updated Q&A section based on the thousands of questions asked.  Once Funcom does that, then we'll talk about people being lazy.

    Ya, I'm a scrooge because I've been waiting a god damn year for a CRAFTING update to AoC and still have not seen or heard anything since the video on raising a freak'n building.

    And you wonder why everyone says all you guys do at funcom is throw smoke and mirrors...

    And Avery says I'm so negative... at least I'm not a rude shit to potential customers.

     

    Fear not fanbois, we are not trolls, let's take off your tin foil hat and learn what VAPORWARE is:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaporware

    "Vaporware is a term used to describe a software or hardware product that is announced by a developer well in advance of release, but which then fails to emerge after having well exceeded the period of development time that was initially claimed or would normally be expected for the development cycle of a similar product."

  • AthelanAthelan Designer, Age of ConanMember Posts: 145

    Originally posted by Shannia


     
    Originally posted by Athelan
    I tend to disagree about the lack of information, the biggest issue is peoples laziness or inability to find information. The reason that now discussion seems to be less productive is so many things are rehash.
    Anyone who thinks we dont share information as much as we can is either so jaded or self centered that they just want their own personal certain tidbits of info or just a scrooge.

     

    Ok, Athelan.  Two statements in one of your post above are just two examples of why I love to hate you as a developer.  That is how you treat people and answer people's questions on the forums.  You are good people and I enjoyed meeting you in Atlanta, but please...

    Why do you have to be so insulting to your fans....

    The bottom line is, the Q&A section of Funcom's site totally sucks.  You guys took thousands of questions from the fans and answers to those questions should have been added to the Q&A section.  So please, stop insulting your fan base saying it is OUR fault we don't know how to find information.   We ask and you dodge by saying learn to use the search function. How about your employer post an updated Q&A section based on the thousands of questions asked.  Once Funcom does that, then we'll talk about people being lazy.

    Ya, I'm a scrooge because I've been waiting a god damn year for a CRAFTING update to AoC and still have not seen or heard anything since the video on raising a freak'n building.

    And you wonder why everyone says all you guys do at funcom is throw smoke and mirrors...

    And Avery says I'm so negative... at least I'm not a rude shit to potential customers.

     

    Ever since I prototyped on my blog with the QA script I have been harping on and working with the Community team to find a way to achieve the same goal. The big issue being when I was doing it myself there was no check on the information before I was posting it. At least on the forums I can be moderated should it go beyond what they want said. It was ugly, it had no search function, it was not laid out well but it let me answer lots of questions in a fast turn around, which is what I wanted because I want to be able to communicate with you.

    That being said we tried the current QA Community/Dev FAQ the issue is that these questions have to be gone through by someone on the community team then sent to me to answer, then back to them to be approved by marketing then finally done through an update.

    Yes I want the website updated with a useful FAQ of info that has all the tidbits of information I have said over the years but it's not in my hands and I just keep pushing on it. We are continuing to push on this and find a better way to keep a data repository.

    The good news is we are working on hopefully some stuff to improve that, and its a major goal of ours on the community side right now to improve this.

     

    This is taken from the recent survey we did and from the results.

     


    I feel the level of developer interaction is:

     â€¢ Very good. I'm happy with everything I've seen.

    913

     â€¢ Good. They may not agree with me, but I feel as if I'm heard

    1406

     â€¢ Poor. The developers should quit reading the forums and work on the game.

    126

     â€¢ Very Poor. I feel as if I'm a voice crying out in the wilderness and no one is listening.

    45

    Total:

    2490

     

    This response is almost entirely due to the efforts of myself and Jayde and the amount of time we have put into the forums. Re-read the two comments that you "love to hate" me for.  I disagree with the lack of information because in many cases it is out there. You use an example of crafting which indeed is one of the areas where very little detailed information has been released, but the topics covered in most of the OP questions have been discussed in great detail. And saying that we don't share any information or the information we share is non-existent when the real issue is that certain information you want is not present are not exactly the same thing.

    And the first part of the statement is very true, how many times do people not even bother to search before posting the same question there might be 4 other threads on that might even have one a dev has responded in? The second part of that statement is about the inability to find the information which I have already stated is INDEED a problem we want to improve upon. I had over 2,000 posts answering questions over 6 months ago, so again saying we dont provide information is wrong which is the first part of my statement. the second part is that often people don't search or they simply cant find the information. The latter is of course not their fault and ties into what I said above. And you also have to admit the second part is also true, some people only care about what they want information on and ignore the fact we answered everyone else has best we could.

    I don't sit down and think how can I respond to this post to be insulting or what can I do to be a rude shit today because thats not my intention at all. I've always tried to be a straight hip shooter and give you the raw info as i have it along with my opinions. Re-read what  I said and try to think it through again. I can see how you get the "inflection" or tone you do from what  I said but that was not how it was written.

    I'd love to tell you about crafting but honestly I don't know much about it still and have not gotten to use it on Beta or test it. As far as buildings, I believe they are still constructed at the location, where city layouts have preplanned grids, which allow for choosing which buildings to build where but not freeform placement. The building itself takes time and resources but does not require standing there during the building process I believe but am not certain.

    Combat, Control, Class Distinction Designer for Age of Conan

    community.ageofconan.com

  • DraccanDraccan Member Posts: 1,050

    Originally posted by greymann


     
    Originally posted by Athelan


    There are some videos from Leipzig and Dragoncon showing CTF PvP Gameplay. But some of the people who were recorded are just random fans walking up to play so are not very skilled. Although, someone may have recorded me for ultimate pwnage :)
     
    I tend to disagree about the lack of information, the biggest issue is peoples laziness or inability to find information. The reason that now discussion seems to be less productive is so many things are rehash.
     
    Dig up my introduction thread on these forums, or read the "Athelan the Oracle of Oslo" thread which is stickied on the official forums and still receiving frequent replies of thanks.
     
    Anyone who thinks we dont share information as much as we can is either so jaded or self centered that they just want their own personal certain tidbits of info or just a scrooge.

     

    Heh.  Hyboria is going to be a brutal, unforgiving place so I guess he's just playing the part.  Things that will keep the kiddies out:  1) Boobies, 2) dismemberment, 3) Rude employees.

    No that is what will drag every goofy teenager with no RL across western Europe to the game.. boobs isn't = mature. Not in a game. Mature gameplay would attract mature audience. The crowd going guffaw over boobs are hardly mature..

     

    ____________________________
    CASUAL CONFESSIONS - Draccan's blog
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  • ShanniaShannia Member Posts: 2,096

    And that is why I love you working on AoC.  YOU care about the project you are working on and the fans.  It shouldn't be just you and Jayde working on Q&As.  You guys code.  I'm sure there is someone in PR that can consolidate this stuff for you or better yet, get Funcom to give myself or Avery (who I recommend by the way, he rocks with finding info) permissions and I'm sure we'd be glad to do that for you.

    Sorry if I snapped, I just hate using search tools on forums.

    For the record, I love your work.

     

     

    Fear not fanbois, we are not trolls, let's take off your tin foil hat and learn what VAPORWARE is:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaporware

    "Vaporware is a term used to describe a software or hardware product that is announced by a developer well in advance of release, but which then fails to emerge after having well exceeded the period of development time that was initially claimed or would normally be expected for the development cycle of a similar product."

  • AthelanAthelan Designer, Age of ConanMember Posts: 145

    I tend to agree with you about the boobs thing. Most the mature gamers, like its presence there in addition to everything else but don't look to it as a defining feature. Most people who would, might tend to be younger. But based on our recent survey most people seem to be over 18 anyway and should have ready access to other forms of boobage.

     

    I am ..

     â€¢ Male

    2442

     â€¢ Female

    77

    Total:

    2519

    (View Chart)

     





     

    I am..

     â€¢ Under 18 years of age

    170

     â€¢ 18-25 years of age

    1171

     â€¢ 26-30 years of age

    515

     â€¢ 30-35 years of age

    385

     â€¢ 36-40 years of age

    178

     â€¢ 40 plus

    127

    Total:

    2546

    Combat, Control, Class Distinction Designer for Age of Conan

    community.ageofconan.com

  • ShanniaShannia Member Posts: 2,096

    That is a question from the big survey.  Could you possibly list the results of entire survey as I'm not a member and can't get info from them?

    Thanks

     

    Fear not fanbois, we are not trolls, let's take off your tin foil hat and learn what VAPORWARE is:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaporware

    "Vaporware is a term used to describe a software or hardware product that is announced by a developer well in advance of release, but which then fails to emerge after having well exceeded the period of development time that was initially claimed or would normally be expected for the development cycle of a similar product."

  • AthelanAthelan Designer, Age of ConanMember Posts: 145

     

    Originally posted by Shannia


    And that is why I love you working on AoC.  YOU care about the project you are working on and the fans.  It shouldn't be just you and Jayde working on Q&As.  You guys code.  I'm sure there is someone in PR that can consolidate this stuff for you or better yet, get Funcom to give myself or Avery (who I recommend by the way, he rocks with finding info) permissions and I'm sure we'd be glad to do that for you.
    Sorry if I snapped, I just hate using search tools on forums.
    For the record, I love your work.
     
     

    I've met loads of developers who even tho they might not post, they do hate players. They spend so much time making content and then see it exploited by players they start to feel like the players are their nemesis, or just a bunch of whiny brats. You have seen the occasional meltdown of various community reps over the years working for various games.

     

    Jayde and I might be very blunt, but we do care about the game, and about the fans. We just don't like to play nice and kiss babies for the heck of it. As hardcore gamers ourselves we just don't feel its necessary to sit on our thumbs.

     

    As far as Survey results I dont know if they are public anywhere or where they are posted. So I dont want to paste them all out if I am not supposed too.

    Combat, Control, Class Distinction Designer for Age of Conan

    community.ageofconan.com

  • DraccanDraccan Member Posts: 1,050

     

    Originally posted by AmazingAvery


     
    Originally posted by Phos


    I registered with the AOC website and saw their FAQ thread over about 100 pages of posts (probably over 1000 posts). The forums there are pretty inactive and I'm not getting answers. I can't spend the next 4 hours researching, so I hope to get a few answers by posting my questions about the game here:
    1) Is it FFA PVP? (can I kill people on my own team if I wanted to?)
    On a PvP server or RP-PvP server its been said it will be OPEN PvP everywhere except towns/hubs, so there are a few safe spots. Not sure about killing people on your own team yet.


    2) Is there corpse looting (is it 100% corpse looting, or just one random item?)
    Loot still has to be detirmined, one thing is they want it in, the game has been designed that way. It could be One Item it could be items just from backpack or everything, we dont know yet.


    3) Are there boats I can own/control?
    In the lore Conan was often involved in travelling by boat, the starting place, 'Tortage' is actually a harbour/port town. They wont be in at launch but might make an appearance at a later date.


    4) Is there housing (can the house be decorated and I can invite friends inside and kill people running past it, like in UO... in other words: NOT instanced?)
    Same thing with housing, won't be in at launch but there is a really good chance it will come later.


    5) Are there instances? If so, what parts of the game are instanced?
    Dungeon's, Some PvP 'mini' games as far as we know.


    6) Can I swim? Or do I just stop walking or die when I hit water?
    Yes you can swim and climb, this has been confirmed by developers.


    7) Is there a radar/coords for every character, or is it navigation by landmarks?
    Undetirmined, we shall have to wait and see still


    8) Are there vendors and player-run economy? (Can I own my own vendor and place him in front of my house/store-front?)
    There are regular vendors around Hyboria, even in PvP area's. Placement and such like is still unknown at this point in time.


    9) Are there character classes or can I learn any skill I put my time into? ie-can I change my mind about how I want to play my character in 6 months and start learning other skills, or do I just have to start all over again?
    When everyone starts the game they are all the same, at LvL 5 you currently make the decision on whether being a Mage, Priest, Rogue or Soldier (your Archetype's), and then at LvL 20 you choose your class from withn the specified Archetype you chose at LvL 5. The feat system is flexible enough for you to be able to follow different paths. Every character has '3' different feat trees there is One general one for your Archetype and Two for your Class. This allows for some good diversity in this area. You can re-spec though. If you picked say a Priest and 6 months later wanted to be a Soldier you will have to re-roll as they say. Every Class and Archetype has specifics for 'Weapons' for eg. Like Stygians can't be Soldiers, and some priests cant use Polearm Weapons as effectively.


    10) Is it level-based, or skill-based? (Will I be cannon-fodder for all the PVP Griefers for the first 2 months I play?)
    Level Based. During your play time you can aquire, 80 levels in general PvE game, 20 additional Level for PvP, 5 levels come from being a 'Merc'. Because the game lends itself more to a 'twitch' style play and also offfers NO typical 'Auto Attack' you will find yourself directing your attacks. Many believe this to be more skillfull then spam your keys type play often found in 'Regular' Auto Attack type games.


    11) Is this a follow-the-quest grind-fest where I have to find 20 sewer rats and kill them, then find 20 bats and kill them, then 20 dogs, etc?
    You wont fint any rat killing in the game or that type of quest. Everyone has a path, and we are expecting more information to be released about the 'Destiny Quest' system, which culmilates in you meeting King Conan. In quests you can do, the NPC's are prone to your behaviour towards them, so if your nasty, they will remember that next time.


    12) Do creatures spawn and remain in the same location repeatedly? Or do they roam with any kind of AI?
    There is apparently decent A.I for mobs in the game. They are responsive to the surrounding situations and react with mimicing thought and such like we're told. Will have to wait and see, maybe they will do an interview with someone from that area? (Step up Adus!)


    13) Is this game gear-dependant, or can a new player compete? If it's gear-dependant, do I have to group up with 20 random strangers (who are probably drunk, high, adolescents with poor parenting) for pHat l3Wtz?
    PvP specific gear if different from PvE specifc gear. The uber sword you got from a raid drop will probably be awesome in PvE but not so much in PvP. Crafting is not Exp based, so you dont feel like its a full time job. You advance in crafting by doing specific quests to get to the next tier, letting you make the next set of stuff say, for example. Anyone  can do they so it does differ from other games where a lvl 80 crafter can only make certain things. In this game you just have to open up the next part done via quests. So gear can be made for PvP or PvE, Weapons, again, can be fitted with gems (socketed) gained from PvE or cut specific (gemcutter path Craft). So it really depends on what type of gear your after at the end of the day, but it has been said if you don't like raiding, you don't have to do it and be gimped for PvP gear.. say.


    14) What will be done to stop the farmers, spammers, and Ebayers trying to get you to buy things online everywhere?
    If you look at Anarchy Online - Funcoms other mmo, you will notice very little of what you mentioned above, even at the games peak. Also Funcom employ people with knowledge of such activites (botters) who are able to counter attack bad activites - as the company say. Spammers - im sure there will be rules in place there, punishments are unknown yet. Ebayers again will have to wait and see. Overall, the way the company has handled things in their other game should make you at ease in relation to the fact they don't expect it to be a huge problem in this game. They don't deny it wont happen, but they do have good preventative measures in place.


    Thanks for any answers!
    - Phos

     

     

    Hey thought i'd add some more in for you ;) but BlueAlien1 is definately hotter than I am.

    As for the guy above, it just shows you how far out of touch with the community really is. Nice attempt at answering his questions though Draccan. I find plenty of stimulating conversations on the official forums. And to act like beta is the final game is just immature. Its only your own illusion you think that developement is in a mess, gained from what 3 people's outdated murmur's?

     

    HAHAHAHAHAHA

    "said it will be open pvp"

    "Loot still has to be determined"

    "[Boats] won't be in at launch"

    "[housing] won't be in at launch"

    "minigames as far as we know"

    "yes you can swim"

    "[radar/coords] undetermined"



    "regular vendors" - not replying to the question about player vendors

    "levelbased" --> not replying to the question about being cannon fodder

    "there is apparantly decent AI" -- Contrary to recent rumours as well as pretty much EVERY aoc video. In fact the AI seem to be a disaster or not implemented yet

    "gear" -- the reply is completely off the wall, the dude asked if he could still compete without uber gear as a new player or not. He didn't ask about crafting



    "spammers" --> well it remains to be seen, but pretty much every succesful mmo (and even if it isnt succesful) allows for spammers, simply because they allow free trials and dont want to throw out people and allow it as part of economy.. greed always win over good customer service if companies can get away with it

    SORRY DUDE your replies are not very accurate. Not your fault though. The game (contrary to Athelans strong claims) lacks info!

    'nuff said

    [edited for pagebreak errors]

    ____________________________
    CASUAL CONFESSIONS - Draccan's blog
    ____________________________

  • AthelanAthelan Designer, Age of ConanMember Posts: 145

    Not sure about the coordinates, they exist in game but I am not positive about player access to seeing them. Navigations for me is usually visual.

     

    No player vendors, player towns have their own tradepost/auction houses tho which allows for player economy.

     

    Housing is something we want to do but will be post launch so we can do it well like UO style.

     

    Border Kingdoms is open PvP on every server

    PvP servers are open everywhere except hubs. You cannot attack someone in your guild or while they are grouped with you in open PvP, but you can of course use mini games to duel or skirmish your guild mates.

     

    There are areas with dynamic mob generation, areas with static mob placement, areas with patrolling mobs, areas with ambushes etc. As stated we have very advanced AI systems but its been so advanced its been causing a lot of stupid behavior that we are actually dumbing it down to streamline it.

     

    Spammers wont be a big issue as long as trial accounts are only allowed on Tortage, and they dont have access to global channels.

     

    The game is gear dependant but not in the context of forcing you into 20 man raids or raiding at all in order to get gear a larger part of your budget for stats comes from your own feats and skills.

     

    I don't really quite understand what your goal is Draccan.

    Combat, Control, Class Distinction Designer for Age of Conan

    community.ageofconan.com

  • DraccanDraccan Member Posts: 1,050

    Originally posted by Athelan


    There are some videos from Leipzig and Dragoncon showing CTF PvP Gameplay. But some of the people who were recorded are just random fans walking up to play so are not very skilled. Although, someone may have recorded me for ultimate pwnage :)
     
    I tend to disagree about the lack of information, the biggest issue is peoples laziness or inability to find information. The reason that now discussion seems to be less productive is so many things are rehash.
     
    Dig up my introduction thread on these forums, or read the "Athelan the Oracle of Oslo" thread which is stickied on the official forums and still receiving frequent replies of thanks.
     
    Anyone who thinks we dont share information as much as we can is either so jaded or self centered that they just want their own personal certain tidbits of info or just a scrooge.

    I am sorry to be a voice of dissent here. But I think this is arrogant.

    I have followed the game only since the spring but quite vigorously since then. And I have found the lack of proper info disturbing. And saying that I have to make the disclaimer: No I dont want every little feature revealed or spoiled. Not even by a yardstick.

    What I would love is professional updates. AOC is a MMORPG. Not a fiction book. Not even a comic book. Neither is it photo book. So why on earth give your faithful audience Friday updates like you have been giving since the spring?

    You have been giving textual updates about Tarantulas?!?! The "Crom's balls" cartoon. Text updates of classes, sometimes without any real screenshots. An update about the game delay. One where the main point was to flash that harpy and her boobs (a harpy we already saw in a dev video months before).. The summer vacation, all right I can understand but without announcing the game delay BEFORE your long vacation. 

    I cried foul on that last thing, knowing from sheer logic the game wouldn't meet its deadline.

    Can you even promise now (without REAL unforeseen things happening) that you can meet the next deadline? And can you reply to whether or not you will finish in December (early) and not "really needing" to plan the game for march? Will it release early? Or will it, as I suspect, be postponed again?

    You guys went in the right direction with your dev videos. Those are good. Interesting. But a MMO deserves VIDEOS, not text updates. And I personally feel I wasted the minutes of my life going to the forum every Friday since April, to only watch updates about NOTHING.

    I find your response an insult to your alledgedly mature player base. There is still a lot of basic gameplay questions unanswered. Nothing that would reveal all the fun (all the monsters, dungeons, quests and whatnots) .. no just plain gameplay questions..

    I have seen the Leipzig and other videos... and even there I wasn't impressed. I remember for example a COOL dev video talking about creating UNIQUE sounds for EVERYTHING. Yet I heard so many repetitive sounds... It was horrible..

    I could go on...

    Have a nice evening anyways !

    ____________________________
    CASUAL CONFESSIONS - Draccan's blog
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  • DraccanDraccan Member Posts: 1,050

    Originally posted by Athelan


    Not sure about the coordinates, they exist in game but I am not positive about player access to seeing them. Navigations for me is usually visual.
     
    No player vendors, player towns have their own tradepost/auction houses tho which allows for player economy.
     
    Housing is something we want to do but will be post launch so we can do it well like UO style.
     
    Border Kingdoms is open PvP on every server
    PvP servers are open everywhere except hubs. You cannot attack someone in your guild or while they are grouped with you in open PvP, but you can of course use mini games to duel or skirmish your guild mates.
     
    There are areas with dynamic mob generation, areas with static mob placement, areas with patrolling mobs, areas with ambushes etc. As stated we have very advanced AI systems but its been so advanced its been causing a lot of stupid behavior that we are actually dumbing it down to streamline it.
     
    Spammers wont be a big issue as long as trial accounts are only allowed on Tortage, and they dont have access to global channels.
     
    The game is gear dependant but not in the context of forcing you into 20 man raids or raiding at all in order to get gear a larger part of your budget for stats comes from your own feats and skills.
     
    I don't really quite understand what your goal is Draccan.

    My goal?

    Just to voice my opinion like everyone else.

    I think it would have served FC better to reply to the OPs questions rather than attack people for laziness.

    You guys are in desperate need of PR management.

     

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    CASUAL CONFESSIONS - Draccan's blog
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