All Posts by airborne519

Originally posted by Douhk

Very nice article... I do think it was smart that you posted it in AoC general OP because the article is basically concerning the launch of AoC.

I liked his way of thinking when it comes to AoC's release, what he stated is pretty much exactly my way of thinking when it comes to launching this game in it's current situation. Basically, there are many great MMO releases coming out in late 2008/early 2009 (I myself am anxiously awaiting Champions Online, being a hardcore CoX fan. I'm hoping the game will be exactly my tastes when it comes to MMORPGs). If you had the option to release ahead of Aion, TCoSB, WAR, and WoW's expansion, would you take it?

Of course, as we've all seen, AoC chose the decision to get some spotlight ahead of everyone else. The other side to this situation is that the game, in all honesty, is not finished. I used to be two-sided before I read this article; should FC have held back their release to finish the game next to WARs launch and create some spark for both games in a "vs." sort of state, or was it best to gain some foothold despite not having enough content? Now I can see that FCs decision was most likely the smartest decision, for the reason I should have realized; despite how good a game is, there will always be haters and nay-sayers.

The game wouldn't be in that much of a different situation as it is now if it was actually complete. I can imagine the frequent trollers on these forums would still find something to complain about and to make a fuss over... whether it be because they dislike the game's core mechanics, don't want their game to fail in popularity (I'm talking about you LOTRO fans), jealous of the game, simply want to make a ruckous, are awaiting another game to come out (I'm talking about you WAR and WoW fanbois) and/or any other nonsensical reason to either you or me.

The same thing is going to happen to WAR. There will be at least one flaw in it's launch. Unless it makes history and is the first ever MMO to launch without a single flaw (yes, LOTRO was close, but Turbine had it's flaws too), then people are going to make a ruckous out of that game too. FC will then have the higher grounds. Seeing as how they are masters of marketting manipulation, they will turn their flaws into AoC's favor. And the rabid AoC fanbois will help in their situation as well.

Interesting points, it's true that everyone has a horse in the race, and will try and sabotage the competition. I too am anxiously awaiting Champions.  The article sure raises some concerns about releasing a product that isn't quite done for an edge in the market.  I understand why, not sure if it's the right thing to do, but I'm not in that industry.

These codes are new for **7-5-08**

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Originally posted by Reklaw

Definitly interesting artical, but it's a shame that i feel not everyone will understand it. I already just saw the first reply.

I probably should have posted it in 'general" not to single out AoC , but all mmo's in general.  It's kinda a rhetorical question also, that we pay for something that is not complete.. but that's the nature of the beast when it involves comuter programs.

Originally posted by altairzq

He is so right... lets have movies that are too expensive released with a bad audio track, or missing scenes because.. well they ran out of money. Or cars with some gears not working or three wheels. We have to understand the problems the companies have. And pay and make them rich

Yeah, it sure brings up and interesting debate. How is it, this one of the few industries that can get away with making a profit on an incomplete product. What's even more interesting, why do some hand over their hard earned money for a product that is half-assed?   I'm guilty!  however, it can't be avoided when dealing with computer software.

Not sure who this gentleman is, other than he used to be a game developer. He brings up some interesting issues and facts about the strategy of releasing unpolished mmo's. Not just AoC, but most mmo's that fall victim to this trap. http://www.massively.com/2008/07/03/ask-massively-be-careful-what-you-ask-for/  SWG was a big violator of releasing too early..  Anyway, thought some might like to read it.

These codes are new for **7-3-08**

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Originally posted by julez79

1 million subscriptions for AoC seems like an inflated figure... but no one releases user statistics for games anyway, so a lot of this is guess work.

AoC is something of a new approach in the MMORPG field and as such I for one will try it -  months from now, when the major issues with the game have been addressed!

And what's with the LotRO hatred? If AoC is a new approach, LotRO is IMO the very best traditional MMORPG out there. It's a less flashy, somewhat more involved game than maybe what you are used to, and it's OK if you don't like it - but  that doesn't make it bad.

What both these games have in common is that they are based on amazingly good literature. To me that is the biggest appeal.

 

Agreed, the literature for both are top notch, AoC needs a lot of work.  It reminds me of my beta testing days of SWG, and the pre-mature release of that game.  AoC has an opportunity as do most mmo's to have a successful product, IF.. they take the time to fix the issues, and improve customer service.  It needs to be Charlie tested... or is that what it is now?
 

Account has to be expired for at least 90 days

These codes are new for **7-5-08**

3NFA-V6QN-ZAAK-2BYY-PRWT

3NBE-V8NN-YBAK-JHKG-6JL9

XN35-V4M6-WCJJ-KRVR-XLTP

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These codes are new for **7-3-08**

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XN35-V4M6-WCJJ-KRVR-XLTP

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I personally find the graphics better than Warcraft, which is appropriate since WoW spawned from WAR. I like the character customizations also.

Originally posted by Thillian

Customer Support in VG is A+++ This is one of the few games where you feel the GM's will help you with any problem you might encounter in a very short time. Not only problems actually, they might help you even changing your name which is a payed service in a lots of other games.

That IS good to hear.  The customer service in City of Heroes is top notch always. I have contacted help for in game issues, and within minutes a customer service rep is in the game with my group fixing the issue.  I shouldn't be surprised, because that's what we pay them for..

Originally posted by Torak

Originally posted by airborne519

It's truly sad when a customer needs a solution for a problem, and receive some friendly customer service; which happens to be their job since you are paying for a service and or goods. The service happens to be friendly and helpful, and people see this as extraodinary... It has been too common in the gaming industry, that customers are accepting of bad service for which they pay for with their hard earned money.   For a statement such as this, leads me to wonder what the hell have they been doing to their customer base.. truly sad, and a deplorable way of conducting business.

 

Never had any issues with CS in VG. Its proably the only SOE game that has it worth a damn.

The game launched in such bad state they decided NOT to compound it by giving crap service on top of it. Pretty strange for an SOE game, I know.

 

lol! Truly is amazing for $OE.  Now, I almost played Vangaurd, it actually looks like a decent game, but SOE scared me away.

maybe not with Vangaurd, but what's sad, is that customers are accepting this slip shod customer service, and are still forking over their hard earned money.  Unfortunately I have to bash Funcom on this, they must have taken notes from the SWG customer service.. The best way to teach these companies that this isn't acceptable, is to cancel subs and fill out a questionnaire.  If you still want to play the game, re-sub later, but at least they will get the message.

It's truly sad when a customer needs a solution for a problem, and receive some friendly customer service; which happens to be their job since you are paying for a service and or goods. The service happens to be friendly and helpful, and people see this as extraodinary... It has been too common in the gaming industry, that customers are accepting of bad service for which they pay for with their hard earned money.   For a statement such as this, leads me to wonder what the hell have they been doing to their customer base.. truly sad, and a deplorable way of conducting business.

I truly miss Earth and Beyond, I hope one comes out similar to that. I wont hold my breath.

How long do they give anniversary gifts? I forgot the time frame to claim.

These codes are new for **7-1-08**

3N9C-V3RN-XAAJ-2V29-CXHE

3NBE-V8NN-YBAK-JHKG-6JL9

XN35-V4M6-WCJJ-KRVR-XLTP

XMXY-8JZU-WTS9-9GG7-8HW5

I noticed you mentioned pvp, but you are in a pve server. I have most of my toons in Zug, is that where the guild is located?

Thanks!

I can't think of any mmo that this doesn't fit into... they are all cookie cutter games, just pick your flavor..