ZAM Interviews Dave Georgeson [Archive] - EQ2 Forum Archive @ EQ2Wire

Calthine

04-20-2010, 03:08 PM

Curious about the new Senior Producer? Me too! I got to chat with him for about a half hour yesterday, and we had a great talk about the future of EverQuest II, the role of microtransactions in the gaming industry, and his production style. Dave's passion for gaming and game production is fun and infectious. While he readily admits he's got a lot to learn about EverQuest II, his production principles are solidly based on maximizing fun.<a href="http://eq2.zam.com/story.html?story=22148" target="_blank">Read the interview at ZAM!</a>

Lader

04-20-2010, 03:21 PM

some of his replies make me nervous about this guy. i knew he was involved with microtransactions, but i didnt realize he was such a huge fan of them. Not a good trait imo.I sure hope the devs have good reasons for "why do you want to create a raid zone for each update?" seeing as how theres only 3 zones, its a good idea dave <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

Vortexelemental

04-20-2010, 03:57 PM

Honestly, I already like the guy, first interview has a lot of pressure and for switching to a new game 3 days ago he seems very set on his position of what he should be doing and where he should be going and seems rather capable.

Obadiah

04-20-2010, 04:09 PM

Buttering him up doesn't seem inappropriate for someone in Calthine's position. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" />That said, I think what scares me the most after the ongoing issues with SF & it's still-incomplete state 2-months after launch is seeing him say that the scope & plans for the next expansion are "extremely ambitious."

Brook

04-20-2010, 04:10 PM

Microtransactions are not to bad as long as it stays fluff and my biggest problem with them being added was the way it was done.My concerns are what he considers fun. Fun is what exactly? It means different things to each of us. I for one enjoyed shard runs and penalties for failing at meeting an objective (death penalty) and things like that. I enjoy challenging gameplay where when I finish I feel like I accomplished something and was rewarded appropriately for that challenge. Others don't like that kind of gameplay and to them that isn't fun, but that's what hooked me on the game in the first place.I do hope he gets someone to update some of the older loot at least. I don't get much enjoyment from finishing something that I had to run through 10 zones, do countless task, finish with a raid for a piece of FABLED loot that is beaten out by treasured gear of the same tier.Bleh, didnt mean to get wound up. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

Gaige

04-20-2010, 04:19 PM

He sounds like a pro casual, pro micro transactions, anti-raider. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt though.However this game isn't new, this game isn't Gaia. It has a pretty much set playerbase, much like the original EQ. The original EQ is still going and making a profit for SOE because they cater to the players left there, which are primarily raiders.This game needs to focus on adding additional heroic/raid content with each GU, which is what most players still playing focus on.That along with the monthly/quarterly solo festival things is basically what needs to be done along with fixes to combat all the bugs/lag.If he tries to go another direction to lure in new players, he'll fail like the others who tried before him.WoW does WoW better than EQ2 ever can, FR and Gaia do that better than EQ2 ever can. He needs to make EQ2 be the best EQ2 it can, instead of a watered down mess that resembles a lot of games but is worse than all of them.

KerowynnKaotic

04-20-2010, 04:20 PM

Quote: Dave: I have been extremely active in the forums from my previous games. I will probably be at least somewhat active in this one. We do already have Community Managers and stuff, so probably a lot of times I'll work through them.End Quote.As long as you are involved. We've gone through several people who seem to think their contribution to the player community ends at smiling for the camera for their head shot. Nice smile, btw. We don't need someone who spends all their time on the forums as you said we have Community Managers for that but it would be nice if from time to time you actually remind us of who the heck you are. I had inital doubts about Brenlo being our Producer and then 2nd guessed myself thinking he'd at least be more active since he is a bit of showman but turns out I was right on the 1st thought. Not saying Brenlo was a bad producer or anything .. as far as I know he did his behind the scene stuff fine .. just for the most part I forgot he got promoted. Hardly ever stopped by and seldom ever posted his own Producer's Letter .. Hasn't even said goodbye *sigh*Learn the game, Enjoy the game, Communicate with the Players and for crying out loud if you aren't going to stick it out longer than a Year (or less!) .. please leave now. We need someone who is going to help guide the game not someone who wants a blurb on his resume!That said .. Welcome to Everquest II .. You're in OUR world now. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/b2eb59423fbf5fa39342041237025880.gif" border="0" />

Kendricke

04-20-2010, 05:04 PM

<cite>Gaige wrote:</cite><blockquote>WoW does WoW better than EQ2 ever can, FR and Gaia do that better than EQ2 ever can. He needs to make EQ2 be the best EQ2 it can, instead of a watered down mess that resembles a lot of games but is worse than all of them.</blockquote>I think this is a fair assessment. If EQ2 pushes too far toward silly, players who aren't looking for silly (hint, most of the players I interact with) are simply going to either (A) go to the games that do silly better already or (B) jump ship to a more serious product when it launches (i.e. - Telara, Copernicus, Tera, etc.). Personally, I guess I'd work on identifying the frachise strengths of the title and concentrate on those areas that EQ2 does better than other games. For example, the guild system here is one of the best in any game. Yet, for the past couple of expansions, it's essentially languished (there weren't even guild rewards available for level 90 guilds when Sentinal's Fate launched and the rewards which were tacked on after the fact aren't exactly all that exciting - you can basically buy better rewards through Legends of Norrath or Station Store). Guild Halls? I can show a non-player a Tier 3 guildhall and it's one of the best recruiting tools EQ2 has going for it. ...but you won't see new Tier 3 halls with New Halas (at least not at launch).Epic story arcs? Deep and established lore. More realism and less stylism? Tradeskilling? Strong raid progression? Strategic grouping and raiding encounters? The mentoring system? All of these are areas where Everquest II has shown strengths over other games in the past. Those are all areas of opportunity that can be seized on and strengthened for easy wins. I hope someone is advocating for these sorts of things over there at SOE. Ignoring the "sekrit sause" that built up the game in the first place to start experimenting on new ways to reinvent the same wheel that other games are already doing better seems like a more challenging way to gain back subs lost to churn, while potentially alienating some of the long time evangelicals who are still bringing in/back players. I wish Dave luck. He's got a lot of docs to pore through and a lot of brains to pick. I hope he gets his sea legs quickly and doesn't burn the midnight oil too much in the process. Welcome to Norrath, sir. May your stay be long and comfortable.

Jesdyr

04-20-2010, 05:21 PM

I hate agreeing with Gaige ...

Savanja

04-20-2010, 05:59 PM

That was a really good interview Calth.I agree with Gaige though, he sounds like he's making an awful lot of comparisons to other games when EQ2 has it's own unique brand of awesomeness. Taking a older AAA title and trying to put it in the same league as F2P would be a mistake. EQ2 will never have gigantic numbers and it shouldn't really at this point.I hope the new producer takes some time to get to know the game, the community, and the dev talent before diving in!

Terrius

04-20-2010, 06:12 PM

It's nice to see an interview with the new producer, I'm rather dissapointed he hasnt personally introduced himself yet, but understand he must be very busy. I agree with what Gaige said, EQ2 should be the best EQ2 it can be, not the best WoW knock off or the best FR/Gaia knock off. Since GUs are quarterly, I loved the idea of 1 new raid per GU, gives plenty of time for people to mess around in it before the next one and adds to the diversity of raid zones, which tbh right now at 3 raidzones isnt very diverse... If this long term goal gets changed I will be very dissapointed, and I'm sure others will be aswell. It'll definatly be interesting to see how things go.

Armawk

04-20-2010, 06:22 PM

<cite>Lader wrote:</cite><blockquote>I sure hope the devs have good reasons for "why do you want to create a raid zone for each update?" seeing as how theres only 3 zones, its a good idea dave <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>Heh well he did only use that as an example of working processes in response to a question about it so I wouldnt worry.Some of his talk on microtransactions I dont like mind you.

ke'la

04-20-2010, 08:24 PM

<cite>shaunfletcher wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Lader wrote:</cite><blockquote>I sure hope the devs have good reasons for "why do you want to create a raid zone for each update?" seeing as how theres only 3 zones, its a good idea dave <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>Heh well he did only use that as an example of working processes in response to a question about it so I wouldnt worry.Some of his talk on microtransactions I dont like mind you.</blockquote>Plus if you read the whole quote it is:ZAM: I think the longest term plans we've heard is of course the next expansion. And they committed to at least one raid per Game Update for the next fiscal year. Dave: Well long term plans, like I said, what I'm going to be doing is asking people a lot of questions about why. That's probably the most annoying question I ask on a regular basis to a dev team. “Okay, that's great, you want to do a raid every quarter. Why? Tell me the reasons. What does that do, who does that feed, how many people is it?” You know, that kind of questions. And if those are all good answers? Absolutely we'll keep doing thatHe was giving insite into his design proccess, and just wants to make sure that there is accually a good reason for doing something. You know questions that may have stopped the Figher revamp befor it started, or the Skelli revamp, to name a few mistakes that might have been avoided if they where questioned more thourghly.As far as his talk about Microtransactions goes, first, he even stated in a differant way, that anything added would face a similar questioning process. He also was clear that this is very differant then a F2P game in reguards to microtransactions. Secondly, he accually seems less gong ho on RMT, in EQ2 atleast, then Smed does, and really if you think about it he does have a point about the whole if you don't like it you don't have to pay for it thing.

SmokeJumper

04-20-2010, 08:55 PM

A few quick responses:- EQ2 is EQ2. It's *not* any other game. I have no intention of trying to "make EQ2 like any other game". My presence here will not radically change the flavor of this powerhouse of a game. However, that being said, despite its uniqueness and its depth and the fact that it's already immensely fun, it's not perfect. There are ways that it can be made more successful (as in "more fun" and "more popular") and it's my job to help the team identify and find those solutions.- I *do* like microtransactions, even from a player's pespective, because they put the responsibility for quality directly on the developer's shoulders, requiring the developer to watch behavior patterns and listen to feedback closely. But EQ2 is not a "free to play" game, so microtransactions are unlikely to ever have the "front seat" role that they have in F2P games.- Don't worry...the silliness of "zOMG!" will not bleed over into EQ2. For two reasons: a) EQ2 is high fantasy and that zaniness is not as appropriate (except in rare doses), and b) I don't have the same role here as on "zOMG!". I am in more of an overview perspective on this project and not in the trenches actually creating content. The team here will keep doing what they've been doing and the flavor of the game will remain unchanged.- Talking about "raids" in the interview was probably a bad choice on my part. I actually like Raids. But I do intend to question (aka "ask why") about most, if not all, of the features we're actively supporting. Not to necessarily stop those efforts, but definitely to ensure that the things we're doing are the *best* things that we *can* do. This is my time to be the "outside guy looking in" and it's a good time to do that sort of thing. If we can imagine better things, then we should be doing them. That's all I meant by my interview comments.- Sorry for not introducing myself yet. You're absolutely correct that I'm busy. 10 years of lore and 6 years of established Live gameplay. You could say that there are a *few* things for me to learn. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

Terrius

04-20-2010, 09:08 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>- Talking about "raids" in the interview was probably a bad choice on my part. I actually like Raids. But I do intend to question (aka "ask why") about most, if not all, of the features we're actively supporting. Not to necessarily stop those efforts, but definitely to ensure that the things we're doing are the *best* things that we *can* do. This is my time to be the "outside guy looking in" and it's a good time to do that sort of thing. If we can imagine better things, then we should be doing them. That's all I meant by my interview comments.- Sorry for not introducing myself yet. You're absolutely correct that I'm busy. 10 years of lore and 6 years of established Live gameplay. You could say that there are a *few* things for me to learn. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>Glad you posted now I know what forum handle to stalk! *shifty eyes* bah! only 10 years of lore and 6 years of gamplay? pft light reading! <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" />Also glad you clarified on the whole raid thing, sets my mind at ease a bit. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" />Hope you enjoy your time here and have alot of fun! Will be looking forward to reading your posts!P.S. Gnomes>all

Maroger

04-20-2010, 09:18 PM

I hope you will take a hard look at Kunark - and the work of Scott Hartsmann. Kunark and Scott's work was one of the best for EQ2. The last two producers have nearly ruined the game.Scott was great in adding quests for all play styles to the game and make sure the rewards were worht the time. I hope that you will be more in the tradition of Scott and not another producer who thinks raiding is the be all and end all of the game.I hope that your work in so many action games will not color your choices in EQ2. I would hate to see action-style game play and mechanics introduced into the game. I am not a fan of jumping and other arcade features of twitch-style action game which I think WoW had too much of.Also I hope you can pull this game back from the undue emphasis on PvP which has crept into the game with BG's and make sure that what is done and gained in BG stays in BG and does not creep into the PVE game which seems to be currently happening.I hope that for the next expansion we can go back to wide-open geographical areas like Kunark and less of these cramped outdoor mazes such as SF and TSO had.I like the idea of micro-transactions and hope more useful ones can be added to the game. In any case welcome aboard and good luck.

SmokeJumper

04-20-2010, 09:20 PM

And in case anyone cares, I'm currently in the Butcherblock Mountains geeking out over all the EQ1 ruins that are present (the chessboard, Kaladim, the vaguely familiar geography of the zone...even the emerald drakes). Ah, the memories.

Malacha

04-20-2010, 09:57 PM

I sincerely hope you (SmokeJumper/Dave/Mr. Georgeson) will look at (if not post at) other forums for ideas of what the community wants. EQ2flames may not be as PC as these forums, but in general the people there know what they're talking about. The class forums, for example, are chalk full of information about classes by the people that play them to the nth degree. I don't expect you to try to make best friends with the EQ2Flames posters, but it would be advantageous to you to at least read what they have to say.

Barx

04-20-2010, 10:00 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>And in case anyone cares, I'm currently in the Butcherblock Mountains geeking out over all the EQ1 ruins that are present (the chessboard, Kaladim, the vaguely familiar geography of the zone...even the emerald drakes). Ah, the memories.</blockquote>Ah, you're in store for quite a few moments like that <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" />. In any case, welcome to the wonder that is EQ2. Just think of how many folks will envy you for getting to be captain of that ship <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />((Oh, and you might want to put your name in your signature -- took me a min to figure out who SmokeJumper was <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /> ))

Tenchisama

04-20-2010, 10:09 PM

points already for being clear about where things will start from and where you stand as you get up to speed. Honest, concise, and reserved (not always popular).a plea from a playerAs you peruse the project handed to you - Please take a close look at1) Infrastructure - the database, validation, and performance in loading is a serious issue at the moment - please consider this a priority of the utmost importance - it may be unpopular to roll back a bit - but in the long run it will save frustration and hopefully give a better view at moving forward once again. That BG has been a drain on already taxed resources seems obvious at this point - every time its on throttled or not we have issues. Please consider parking it briefly and focusing on what it is doing.2) Balance - sure the raiding is a heavy part of this - no doubt - but a clear statement on vision for crafting would be dearly appreciated. There are many ways this can be tweaked without hurting raiding - I wish you luck finding the best path.3) Enhancing QA - or at least being honest and telling us we are the guinnea pigs =P all levity aside the sheer quantity of issues feels much higher than normal for any kind of release. Examples of "growth experiences" The recent change in drop for Ykeshan Warbeads, the recent issues with BG, the historic LU13 experience. There are test servers - wouldnt it be great if changes got actual stress tests before implementation? I have some hope invested in someone who talks clearly about understanding the larger picture in the development process and being a veteran of SSI is already also points in my book (loved many old SSI products - Wizards Crown, Roadwar 2000, Pool of Radiance, Azure Bonds, Sword of Aragon - one of my all time favs) I hope that you find a way to get this realm back on course to continue longevity and viability.

Morghus

04-20-2010, 10:11 PM

Server issues, dealing with zoning, and performance based lag while raiding need to be looked at. Client performance improvement must also be a priority.

Jhanos

04-20-2010, 10:12 PM

SmokeJumper

04-20-2010, 10:20 PM

We're currently working on the performance issues. We'll kill 'em.

Corydonn

04-20-2010, 10:25 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>We're currently working on the performance issues. We'll kill 'em.</blockquote>I think I love you.

Cyliena

04-20-2010, 10:29 PM

<cite>Corydonn wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>We're currently working on the performance issues. We'll kill 'em.</blockquote>I think I love you.</blockquote>Hey now, don't scare him away! <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

Azzad

04-20-2010, 10:50 PM

Here is my problem with RMT:I always get the impression that this is how a meeting will go:1) artist creates 20 new armor sets for the expansion.2) "Guy in Charge" says "these 5 are the best so they go on Station Marketplace and these other 15 can go out for free"Can you tell me that doesn't happen?

Armawk

04-20-2010, 10:50 PM

"EQ2 is high fantasy and that zaniness is not as appropriate (except in rare doses)"If you really do mean that then you will have a couple of major fans in New Zealand.

Quicksilver74

04-20-2010, 10:59 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>We're currently working on the performance issues. We'll kill 'em.</blockquote>Awesome. Oh, and when I read your title, it says Senior Staff. Am I the only one who is reminded of the old Nickelodeon show, HEY DUDE!" when reading that?

iceriven2

04-20-2010, 11:03 PM

Besides what most ppl stated alrdy, performance issues and continued class balance tweaks, I would like to see more focus, especially for the xpac team to design something new. SF was a gorgious xpac, with some cool fights but it brought more of the same. Lvls, AA's and imrpoved items.Not much of an idea bin, but maybe more focus on dieties, like actual use of there temples or diety AA's. Maybe more accessable herioc like sig quests. take fun spells, was a nice touch at launch, why not more enviromentally interactive fun spells that create a more lively experiance for a player and there grp. Even recent released animations for races dancing a different way, even though they were tests, it brought a lot of interest. Welcome onboard and good luck... cuase you will need it!!!PS. I so cant wait for spell effects revamp !!

Fatuus

04-20-2010, 11:50 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>We're currently working on the performance issues. We'll kill 'em.</blockquote>I am so glad that we have several people locked from the game and unable to even log on because you have fixed the performance issues. This is ridiculous. Its taking insane amounts of time to zone, buy stuff, or even attack stuff anymore.Frankly the issues that you are fixing sir have only broken the game more.

maddawg138

04-21-2010, 12:13 AM

Tehom

04-21-2010, 12:35 AM

He seems like a nice guy who's pretty sharp. I hope he can understand that many people are nervous about identifying areas where they may be devoting too much effort on niche features and shifting them; EQ2 is a game of players that fall into a huge variety of different niches, and suddenly deciding that any of us don't deserve development time could basically mean we don't have a game anymore. It's his call to make, and I imagine he more meant 'less' rather than 'zero' time on anything that targets a specific subset group of players ("How many people really enjoy crafting? Not enough, no more crafting! Raids? That's a tiny portion of players, no more raids!"), but still, players who spend almost their entire playtime on a single aspect of the game might feel a little trepidation.

CorpseGoddess

04-21-2010, 01:50 AM

<cite>Fatuus wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>We're currently working on the performance issues. We'll kill 'em.</blockquote>I am so glad that we have several people locked from the game and unable to even log on because you have fixed the performance issues. This is ridiculous. Its taking insane amounts of time to zone, buy stuff, or even attack stuff anymore.Frankly the issues that you are fixing sir have only broken the game more.</blockquote>...aaaaaaand welcome to the forums!Seriously, give the gentleman some time. He just got here. And he's not "fixing" issues himself---I doubt they handed him a wrench and had him get under the game and start tinkering around. Show a little patience and restraint; I know you're frustrated, but immediately taking this out on the new Head of State isn't the most productive route.Thanks for posting, SmokeJumper, and it's great to see you here. I also came to the game from EQ1 and exactly experienced what you are right now---the "Oh! Oh! It's that!" moments are wonderful when you find them. Please stick your toe in here as often as you are able---I know that it goes a long way towards easing the community's concerns when the mucketymucks are about and vocal. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" />

Runelaron

04-21-2010, 04:04 AM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>And in case anyone cares, I'm currently in the Butcherblock Mountains geeking out over all the EQ1 ruins that are present (the chessboard, Kaladim, the vaguely familiar geography of the zone...even the emerald drakes). Ah, the memories.</blockquote>Well your attitude about the game seems positive, and I like that you update what your doing and not just what plans are happening.I could imagine if you keep up good composure on the forums the community will like that. I also noticed your the first Director to actually have a Persona and not just your Name and Director as your title.My only general concern and I think it go's long standing with this community is,I would not like to see plans that simplify the game just to draw a wider audience that really doesn't grasp the complexity it.IE. Making the starting area more simplified without gradually expanding on the specificts of game play effects.causing a level 80+ character to not understand what Potency does.Oh yeah, Welcome. and Nice to meet you.

BleemTeam

04-21-2010, 06:01 AM

Crabbok, you mean Ted McGriff ? That guy who played him was on Blosson and Sabrina too...

ke'la

04-21-2010, 06:43 AM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>And in case anyone cares, I'm currently in the Butcherblock Mountains geeking out over all the EQ1 ruins that are present (the chessboard, Kaladim, the vaguely familiar geography of the zone...even the emerald drakes). Ah, the memories.</blockquote>There is a reason in most polls EoF ranks very high when talking about favorate expainsions. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> Though Kunark also rates very high.Wellcome to EQ2, as for your questioning of everything befor moving forward, that may have been something that was lacking in this game, atleast IMO, as alot of things seemed to be added without thought of secondary effects, until us players pointed it out.Lastly, you should ask Kiara how to change your forum title to something more fitting. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

ke'la

04-21-2010, 06:50 AM

<cite>Sangfugol@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite><blockquote>Here is my problem with RMT:I always get the impression that this is how a meeting will go:1) artist creates 20 new armor sets for the expansion.2) "Guy in Charge" says "these 5 are the best so they go on Station Marketplace and these other 15 can go out for free"Can you tell me that doesn't happen?</blockquote>Well consitering it would take about 5 years for the Artists to create that many new armorsets I can more or less guarantee that doesn't happen in this game. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />Seriously though if you accually look at the stuff on SC, really you can't say the "best stuff" is placed in SC, there is some nice stuff sure, but there is just as many nice an cool looking items in game.

Daine

04-21-2010, 07:44 AM

I can't count how many times I see people ask in channels 'what's ability mod? does 10 ability mod mean all my abilities are 10% stronger?' or 'what's potency?' If you're going to focus on bringing new players you need to take the existing content we have, and create a better tutorial system to teach them to deal with it. Microtransactions make me nervous, especially when recovering from a recession, but as long as it's fluff stuff I'll just ignore it instead of speaking out.That being said I've been through most playstyles myself, from crafter (woot Domino!) and casual player to grouper, to raider. I hope none of them get shafted here, as all were very enjoyable. I also hope you don't take on too much for the next expansion, we prefer polished content! Oh, and fix class balance please. Good luck making such a varied player base happy, lol.

Leko

04-21-2010, 07:54 AM

During the interview Dave does not mention PvP at all. Dave,How do you feel about PvP and what PvP games have you played in the past? Will you roll a toon on the PvP server so you can experience EQ2 PvP?

ke'la

04-21-2010, 08:52 AM

<cite>Leko@Nagafen wrote:</cite><blockquote>During the interview Dave does not mention PvP at all. Dave,How do you feel about PvP and what PvP games have you played in the past? Will you roll a toon on the PvP server so you can experience EQ2 PvP?</blockquote>Consitering it is an intro interview, and the interviewer didn't bring up PvP, I can understand why he didn't say anything about it. That said personally I would like to know is position on all the major game componants once he has had a chance to review them all and form an opinon on them.The major componants I am talking about(though possably not all inclusive):<ul><li>Crafting - overall vision and how it balances against Looted content, and how to make it relevent without being OP.</li><li>PvP - Both Open World and BGs, overall vision for where to head in both types of PvP</li><li>Raiding - Number of Zones per expainsion, difficulty, progression, etc.</li><li>Grouping - should people have greater encoragement to group, ways to do it without forced grouping at lower levels.</li><li>Soloing - vision of where this fits in overall, more solo-quest leveling, over all feelings in reguards to soloing.</li><li>Misc - Things like expainding world events, overall direction of the game, specifics of his view of RMT in EQ2, Housing, charactor slots, etc.</li></ul>Again not all inclusive but I think major points of the "front of the house" stuff, obviously there is alot of "Back of the House" issues we all care about too, The bigest being lag/load times, both client side and server side.

Nisala

04-21-2010, 01:16 PM

<cite>foozlesprite wrote:</cite><blockquote>I can't count how many times I see people ask in channels 'what's ability mod? does 10 ability mod mean all my abilities are 10% stronger?' or 'what's potency?' If you're going to focus on bringing new players you need to take the existing content we have, and create a better tutorial system to teach them to deal with it.</blockquote>As someone who has played EQ2 off and on since launch (and have yet to get a character to max level), I can't emphasize the above quote enough. EQ2 is a massive game with, seemingly, a lot of stuff to understand, process, and learn. Yes, there are third party websites that do help (Wiki, eqtraders, ZAM, etc), but it can be hard to track down *current* info/guides, and I stress current very strongly. There is a ton of info out there, but a lot of it is outdated.Because of this, in my opinion and first hand experience, it seems hard to keep that new player. I've tried to get several friends to switch to EQ2, and whereas they think the game is great and fun, they always drift away without getting very high level. I can't help but think it's because there seems to be such a high learning curve to the game. Now before folks jump on me about that, I don't think it should be "dumbed down", but I would hope for some clear, concise info about the mechanics of the game and how things relate. Heroic opps for example. To this day, I've yet to get a very clear understanding of how they work in groups. Solo, I understand them just fine. Perhaps that onus should be on my shoulders to suss out and understand (by going to these third party websites), but how many others are willing to do that? Maybe there is a very clear explanation of Heroic Opps in the game and I just haven't come across it? Heroic opps are just one example. The quote above covers another.So once you consider all of the things a new player needs to learn is it no wonder they give up? Especially when they're looking at a playerbase that is matured to the point they (the playerbase) already know the ins and outs of the game. It's a little intimidating.I'm not sure what a solution to keeping that new player is. To some extent, understanding the game should fall on the player's shoulders, afterall EQ2 is a very social game, but should we make them dig deep for that information? Perhaps easy to understand guides on the EQ2 site (ie, not the forums)? Even looking at the links posted under the Community tab at EQ2Players, some of those are outdated/no longer exist. And if you'd rather rely on getting info out there via the forums, then go through the forums and clean up all the outdated info in the stickied posts. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />Basically, in conclusion, getting reliable and current info about the game and mechanics of the game has been the biggest stumbling block, in my opinion.

Andok

04-21-2010, 03:47 PM

Well, count me as very optimistic about the future direction of EQ2 under Smokejumper’s lead <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/e8a506dc4ad763aca51bec4ca7dc8560.gif" border="0" />

Blu

04-21-2010, 06:23 PM

<div>SmokeJumper, I'm optimistic about the impact you will have on the game. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" />However, I don't care for micro-transactions. I can live with fluff / appearance items on Station Cash, but that's the extent.Even then if feels like it's a part of the game that I'm cut out of because I have no in-game way to earn it, and that's the only road to get in-game stuff that seems worthwhile to me. For example, the Cloak of Flames or Hero of Maj'Dul title. You better believe it meant something to me to wear those after all that work. When I see someone with those things, I also respect their work.The first time I saw a Legend of Norrath title, I thought it was cool until I asked how they got it. Then the title meant less than nothing to me, neither to have nor to observe. That's not to say that I view all items from SC / LoN as useless or undesirable... some of them are funny or go particularly well with some outfits (some of the LoN ones are unfortunately functionally useful too)... but they certainly don't carry the same gravity as in-game obtainable items. They are just trifles because of how you must get them (opening your RL wallet) when they could be so much more.My view, anyway.</div>

SmokeJumper

04-21-2010, 06:55 PM

Responding about my PvP experience:<ul><li>I was working at Activision when we did MechNet (one of the very first PvP computer experiences) and worked on the Mech II series, as well as Heavy Gear 2.</li><li>I Produced/Directed "Tribes 2"</li><li>I Produced/Directed "PlanetSide"</li><li>I was an avid player of RvR in DAoC</li><li>I've played countless years of tabletop minature strategy games (and even ran a company that did that for a living).</li></ul>In essence, I'm a fan. But that doesn't mean that EQ2 is suddenly going to wallow in the stuff.But you can be assured that I understand it, I like it, and if it's appropriate to this game, there will be more of it. But that's an "if" right now until I get to do a lot more digging.

EQPrime

04-21-2010, 07:15 PM

More zoning fixes, less pvp nonsense tbh.

SmokeJumper

04-21-2010, 07:47 PM

Uguv...do you get the feeling that I'm a programmer? That my responses here are taking time away from fixing those performance issues?That's not the case. The programming team is working on those issues right now. My job consisted of helping them to focus on the necessary tasks and breaking down the issue for the rest of the company to understand and support those efforts. I do lots and lots of things for the project, but code is not one of them.However, the fixes are in process now and we'll get them done as soon as possible. I do want you to know that they're not simple issues and it might be a few days. But, we *are* working on them. Really.

Carpediem

04-21-2010, 08:13 PM

If you could read some of the problems in ranger forums and give a nudge to devs to work on it so we can raid again you will be worshiped!

EQPrime

04-21-2010, 08:17 PM

Exactly, I'm just hoping they're focusing on fixing the perfomance issues ahead of other stuff. I believe your staff is working on them; I just wanted to make sure they're high up on the priority list.Thanks for the reply and I hope you have a smooth transition to the team. It's nice to see that you've been playing the game a bit. Your interacting here on the forums is certainly a positive.Edit: I just wanted to note that I actually enjoy battlegrounds, but not if they're impacting normal gameplay. Though I have to admit that they're down right now and we're still having zoning issues.

Oakum

04-21-2010, 08:42 PM

Welcome to EQ2. The first computer game I played was the gold box SSI D&D games in 88 and that hooked my on computer gaming and even fantasy novels (Forgotten Realms books) and that expanded from there. Prior to that I was more into SCI FI.I am glad you did not mean it about the raids. They, just liking grouping and soloing are part of the overall fun of the game. If you are bored with one facet of the game, you can go to another for a while.I am glad about the raid zones too. The one thing I wish had put in though was a WoE style X2 that was as stepping stone into x4 raiding instead of a KT x2 with the second mob being a show stopper unless you have people arleady geared up by x4 raids.WoE style X2's help people appreciate raids as well as get them ready for more intense X$ ones therefore making people more likely to do them, even as a pickup. The more people you get playing all facets of the game, the longer they will pay their subscriptions.Oh, yeah, cant wait for more healer weapons and really hope that we get some druid swords one and two handed even thoiugh druids, unlike shaman, were not generaly allowed to use two handed flavor weapons and were stuck sharing the generic priest hammer (which I think should be for clerics only) and staffs that all priest can use. .

SmokeJumper

04-21-2010, 09:14 PM

My first design job was as part of the original "Pools of Darkness" team, Oakum. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

Hellswrath

04-21-2010, 09:33 PM

Welcome to EQ2, Smokejumper.I'll admit that this interview caused myself and several others a bit of concern over the microtransactions bit. However, as long as the station store/LoN are not the only way to get good looking gear/house items and offer no gear with actual useful stats, I think we will survive. Just look at the thread on the infamous LoN loot zone if you want a sampling of player base feedback on selling gear with stats, though.As for the rest, I applaud your intention to not try to steer the ship too heavily until you learn the game. This is a huge game with many facets and a great deal of complexity. I wish you the best of luck in this, and maybe your fresh view on how new players see the game will give incentive to make certain aspects more clear, such as combat mechanics (which Timetraveling is doing a wonderful job of compiling mechanics details that have been less than clear for a long time in his general gameplay thread).I'm looking forward to seeing what influence you have on this game.Oh, and big cheer on the level of communication so far. I speak for several of my guildies when I say that we love seeing communication about what's going on and not being left in the dark unnecessarily.

Araxes

04-21-2010, 09:58 PM

<a href="http://ratwarlock.wordpress.com/2010/04/21/hey-dave/" target="_blank">Welcome to the jungle, Dave.</a> <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />Great interview, Calthine. Thanks for sharing; I'm envious!Ara

ke'la

04-22-2010, 12:54 AM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>Uguv...do you get the feeling that I'm a programmer? That my responses here are taking time away from fixing those performance issues?That's not the case. The programming team is working on those issues right now. My job consisted of helping them to focus on the necessary tasks and breaking down the issue for the rest of the company to understand and support those efforts. I do lots and lots of things for the project, but code is not one of them.However, the fixes are in process now and we'll get them done as soon as possible. I do want you to know that they're not simple issues and it might be a few days. But, we *are* working on them. Really.</blockquote>So would you say your duties would best be discribed as Cathurder/interperator then? <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

brammator

04-22-2010, 02:20 AM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>My first design job was as part of the original "Pools of Darkness" team, Oakum. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>Please describe it! From wiki, your part is titled as "encounter author". What's this?

Leko

04-22-2010, 07:42 AM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>Responding about my PvP experience:<ul><li>I was working at Activision when we did MechNet (one of the very first PvP computer experiences) and worked on the Mech II series, as well as Heavy Gear 2.</li><li>I Produced/Directed "Tribes 2"</li><li>I Produced/Directed "PlanetSide"</li><li>I was an avid player of RvR in DAoC</li><li>I've played countless years of tabletop minature strategy games (and even ran a company that did that for a living).</li></ul>In essence, I'm a fan. But that doesn't mean that EQ2 is suddenly going to wallow in the stuff.But you can be assured that I understand it, I like it, and if it's appropriate to this game, there will be more of it. But that's an "if" right now until I get to do a lot more digging.</blockquote>Thanks for the update on your PvP experience.

Jhanos

04-22-2010, 06:39 PM

Heavy Gear was a series i felt Activision dropped the ball in not pursuing further, was a lot of fun (You learned very quickly not to use your rocket assistance and rollerskates at the same time while jumping over hills though. Sure you might get a beautiful shot from above, but then your legs fall off on landing). As far as Pools of Darkness goes, if I find you are responsible for the heavy Drow combined use or hold and blade barrier, we will have words sir. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

Captain Apple Darkberry

04-22-2010, 11:00 PM

Greetings and welcome...I hope that you come to enjoy your experience with EQ2.There seems to be much weighing of your past experiences and how they mesh in theory with EQ2. I for one think that what happens, is what happens. I look forward to seeing if possibly you become the first SP to have a true interest in this game since Scott Hartman left. Maybe by some odd chance you will bring the game back to the enjoyablity that it was at that time and hasn't been since. Good luck......and I hate to even bring such up in a "Welcome!!!!!" thread, but...Maybe you could consider looking at such long standing graphical bugs that have been ignored since launch such as hats stealing hair from nearly any race that wears them, and the most horrific graphical bug of all...<img src="http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss5/Quad_Latte/EQ2_000110.jpg" width="396" height="797" />3 of the races, Halflings, Dwarves, and Gnomes, are ridiculed openly any time that they put on a formal dress and step outside. Ghastly panty lines mar what would (and is on all of the other races) a wonderful bit of developer craftsmanship. It may seem trivial, but you will soon find as you become familiar with the game that there are only 2, as in two, graphic bases for dresses; this one and the non-formal one. Those three races are pretty much excluded from wearing one of those basic types. Leaving them one choice.There are many other things like this. things that have been ignored since the launch of the game. It would go a long way towards making a statement to the community of EQ2 if you looked for and fixed such long standing bugs. /salute/welcome

Paddyo

04-22-2010, 11:27 PM

You call it a graphics bug...I call it HAWT!Thanks for the pic!**runs off to find his jumjum rejuvenating lotion and a moist towelette**

BleemTeam

04-23-2010, 03:38 AM

<cite>Paddyo wrote:</cite><blockquote>You call it a graphics bug...I call it HAWT!Thanks for the pic!**runs off to find his jumjum rejuvenating lotion and a moist towelette**</blockquote>I just threw up a little in my mouth...

ke'la

04-23-2010, 04:31 AM

<cite>Cricket@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite><blockquote>Greetings and welcome...I hope that you come to enjoy your experience with EQ2.There seems to be much weighing of your past experiences and how they mesh in theory with EQ2. I for one think that what happens, is what happens. I look forward to seeing if possibly you become the first SP to have a true interest in this game since Scott Hartman left. Maybe by some odd chance you will bring the game back to the enjoyablity that it was at that time and hasn't been since. Good luck......and I hate to even bring such up in a "Welcome!!!!!" thread, but...Maybe you could consider looking at such long standing graphical bugs that have been ignored since launch such as hats stealing hair from nearly any race that wears them, and the most horrific graphical bug of all...<img src="http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss5/Quad_Latte/EQ2_000110.jpg" width="396" height="797" />3 of the races, Halflings, Dwarves, and Gnomes, are ridiculed openly any time that they put on a formal dress and step outside. Ghastly panty lines mar what would (and is on all of the other races) a wonderful bit of developer craftsmanship. It may seem trivial, but you will soon find as you become familiar with the game that there are only 2, as in two, graphic bases for dresses; this one and the non-formal one. Those three races are pretty much excluded from wearing one of those basic types. Leaving them one choice.There are many other things like this. things that have been ignored since the launch of the game. It would go a long way towards making a statement to the community of EQ2 if you looked for and fixed such long standing bugs. /salute/welcome</blockquote>While the dress thing you talked about is knowen and recognized by the devs as a bug. The disapearing hair thing is not. It is a short-cut used to make building hats much quicker. Without having to worry about tucking hair into the hat they can just make any type of hat they wish. That is why the "Brigand" Zorro/Hamburaler hat has a "bandana" under it, and why most hats are so big they cover most of the head.Also don't start with the Druid Hats, and other circlets as those are not Hat Models but parical effects wich are completly differant then a graphical model, and that is why you can keep your hair while wearing them(though if you notice your hair clips though them as well, it is just not as big a deal).