New Server Idea, what do you think?

[Rahz]

What about a server that has the exact (but just a lot bigger) layout and mapping as EQ1, but with EQ2 graphics?  This way, you could re-live the old game with out the ugly graphics?   They could even add a quest that lets you bring one character from a normal server to this server.   Like a time travel to the past quest.And, as a test, all they would need is one server for this, and if its a hit, make more servers.     I miss the karanas, hehe.  But not  the graphics, lol.  I really wouldnt care if they charged for it too, like a 39.99 game pack, being that its like building a new game, sort of.   I would still pay it.

[Selfea]

<cite>Rahzek wrote:</cite><blockquote>being that its like building a new game, sort of</blockquote>No "sort of" about that. It would be building a new game. Pretty sure most EQ2 players (and EQ1 for that matter) would like to see the devs focus on fixing bugs and issues rather than building a nostalgic realm.

[Rahz]

I knew the 1st reply would be about bugs and issues, lol.   I think now, at this point with all the MMOGs track records, we can agree that there will always be bugs and issues.   I think we can move past that, because with all the different vid cards, sound cards, Mobos, and so on, and the new ones that keep coming out, there will always be issues.  So, lets know that, and move on.  

[phoenixshard]

Like Selfea said, you're asking for a totally new game. EQ1 and 2 run on totally different systems, they are not interchangeable. Its not a matter of bugs, its a matter of a complete revamp of the system that is in place. I'd much rather see content that's fresh and new, and moves the current storyline along. No thanks on this idea.

[Loolee]

I'd have to agree.  The old EQ was great fun, but life moves on and I am thrilled with the new Norrath, and have no wishes to go back to the old version.  No matter how pretty it looks.

[Jovie]

<p>I miss the mammoth sized world of norrath old. </p><p>The current world is tiny in comparison.</p><p>If they would put the eq2 play engine into eq1 i would go back to that in a heart beat.</p>

[Rahz]

<cite>phoenixshard wrote:</cite><blockquote>Like Selfea said, you're asking for a totally new game. EQ1 and 2 run on totally different systems, they are not interchangeable. Its not a matter of bugs, its a matter of a complete revamp of the system that is in place. I'd much rather see content that's fresh and new, and moves the current storyline along. No thanks on this idea.</blockquote>No no no, I didnt say revamp what you have now, I said add ONE new server , so that people who miss the old world can go back to it, but with EQ2 graphics, that means it will not effect you, if you dont want to play on that server.  And, I have to agree with Shrell, I too miss that huge world feeling EQ1 gave me. 

[Gladiia]

<cite>Rahzek wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>phoenixshard wrote:</cite><blockquote>Like Selfea said, you're asking for a totally new game. EQ1 and 2 run on totally different systems, they are not interchangeable. Its not a matter of bugs, its a matter of a complete revamp of the system that is in place. I'd much rather see content that's fresh and new, and moves the current storyline along. No thanks on this idea.</blockquote>No no no, I didnt say revamp what you have now, I said add ONE new server , so that people who miss the old world can go back to it, but with EQ2 graphics, that means it will not effect you, if you dont want to play on that server.  And, I have to agree with Shrell, I too miss that huge world feeling EQ1 gave me.  </blockquote><p>Right, but even if they did that...they would still have to pretty much do a whole new game, even if just for that one server.</p>

[Eldcen]

Sure, it'd be a neat idea - I'd play it for sure.  But not enough people would play it to justify the cost of building a completely new game from the ground up.  Because that's what you're talking about here.  The only part of the development process that would not have to be done is the generation of content.  ALL of the rest would have to be coded.  And I hate to say it, but SOE would never invest that much money (would top $1 Million, probably, maybe more), on something that there would be such a limited market for.  You say just "one server", well the enormous cost and effort for one server would be the same as if you launched a new game.About the only thing they could reasonably attempt is a graphics engine update for EQ1, and at this stage in its life cycle, I don't see that happening.  Unless it's a <b>whole </b>lot easier than I think it is.

[Vin]

The problem with a specialized server like you want is that not only would it take a lot of new development effort, it would take ongoing support too. Considering the small audience that might pay for it, Sony would never recover their cost on it, so it just won't happen. Not only does Sony have to manage limited developer resources, they have to make enough money to pay for everything and show some profit for the shareholders.You have to remember that this is a business, not some college kids with lots of spare time looking for something interesting to do...

[Gladiia]

<cite>Eldcen wrote:</cite><blockquote>Sure, it'd be a neat idea - I'd play it for sure.  But not enough people would play it to justify the cost of building a completely new game from the ground up.  Because that's what you're talking about here.  The only part of the development process that would not have to be done is the generation of content.  ALL of the rest would have to be coded.  And I hate to say it, but SOE would never invest that much money <b><i><u>(would top $1 Million, probably, maybe more),</u></i></b> on something that there would be such a limited market for.  You say just "one server", well the enormous cost and effort for one server would be the same as if you launched a new game.About the only thing they could reasonably attempt is a graphics engine update for EQ1, and at this stage in its life cycle, I don't see that happening.  Unless it's a <b>whole </b>lot easier than I think it is.</blockquote><p>Probably more like 10-20 million.  Building a top-notch mmo costs around $30 million from what I understand.  They obviously wouldn't have to do every single aspect of creating a new game, but it would be quite a bit towards that.</p>

[Eldcen]

You're probably right.  I just know that SOE wouldn't even spend $1 Million on this, let alone what it would actually cost.

[bleap]

Instead of making a new server to spread out the already low server populations, they should consider merging some of them so we can actually find groups that stay together for more than 30 minutes....

[AramisX]

Surely that would be more appropriate for an EQ1 expansion. If they redid the game with the new graphics and functionality (but not the dozens of skills) I'd go back to EQ1 in a heatbeat.EQ2 is more of an instant gratification game - you can get anywhere in the gameworld in a few minutes. EQ1 was epic, whereas EQ2 is tiny. It's like comparing the LOTR trilogy to The Hobbit.It would be a major undertaking though. Rebuilding a gameworld that big would be a huge and expensive undertaking. Still, as an alternative to letting the game die...If only Vanguard wasn't such a POS.

[Rahz]

<cite>AramisX wrote:</cite><blockquote>Surely that would be more appropriate for an EQ1 expansion. If they redid the game with the new graphics and functionality (but not the dozens of skills) I'd go back to EQ1 in a heatbeat.EQ2 is more of an instant gratification game - you can get anywhere in the gameworld in a few minutes. EQ1 was epic, whereas EQ2 is tiny. It's like comparing the LOTR trilogy to The Hobbit.It would be a major undertaking though. Rebuilding a gameworld that big would be a huge and expensive undertaking. Still, as an alternative to letting the game die...If only Vanguard wasn't such a POS.</blockquote>Thats exactly the way Im thinking here.  I wish there was some way to get the graphics of eq2 with the world of EQ1 together.   EQ2 does feel very small.   I also think they need to make it feel a little bigger by Getting rid of the bells at the docks, and adding in some boats, even in the cities.  The bell thing makes it feel more like a sci fi teleportation thing.   I remember that boat ride from freeport to BB back in the old days of eq1, that was cool.  Also, I highly doubt it would cost 30 mil for one server, you have to remember , most of the hard stuff is already done,  thats the mechanics of the game.  All they need to do is code quests from eq1 to this, and all graphics to an already mapped out world, I would guess it wouldnt even cost 5 mil for that.   The mechanics, as in game play, spells/skills, crafting, combat and so on can just be dragged over.  

[Norrsken]

<cite>Rahzek wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>AramisX wrote:</cite><blockquote>Surely that would be more appropriate for an EQ1 expansion. If they redid the game with the new graphics and functionality (but not the dozens of skills) I'd go back to EQ1 in a heatbeat.EQ2 is more of an instant gratification game - you can get anywhere in the gameworld in a few minutes. EQ1 was epic, whereas EQ2 is tiny. It's like comparing the LOTR trilogy to The Hobbit.It would be a major undertaking though. Rebuilding a gameworld that big would be a huge and expensive undertaking. Still, as an alternative to letting the game die...If only Vanguard wasn't such a POS.</blockquote>Thats exactly the way Im thinking here.  I wish there was some way to get the graphics of eq2 with the world of EQ1 together.   EQ2 does feel very small.   I also think they need to make it feel a little bigger by Getting rid of the bells at the docks, and adding in some boats, even in the cities.  The bell thing makes it feel more like a sci fi teleportation thing.   I remember that boat ride from freeport to BB back in the old days of eq1, that was cool.  Also, I highly doubt it would cost 30 mil for one server, you have to remember , most of the hard stuff is already done,  thats the mechanics of the game.  All they need to do is code quests from eq1 to this, and all graphics to an already mapped out world, I would guess it wouldnt even cost 5 mil for that.   The mechanics, as in game play, spells/skills, crafting, combat and so on can just be dragged over.   </blockquote>There is a way.Just make a new engine for eq1 that fills the spec, but has all the new shitzniz.And then of course, you hav eto go back and retool all the old content so that it will actually change looks on the new engine.Just the engine would take about a year or two.All the content? Well, more. The engine would prolly end up costing a few millions. Hey, a simple FPS engine normally ends up at 2-5 million to make. MMO engines are more complex, and thus, costs more. the content will probably be the beast. Writing enginges is easy compared to remaking 10 years of content.