Fan Faire Fixes are coming [Archive] - EQ2 Forum Archive @ EQ2Wire

SmokeJumper

08-27-2010, 03:56 PM

Hey, folks,Just wanted to let you know that we recorded all the sessions at Fan Faire, transcribed all the questions, and the team leads have spent the last couple of days pouring over the lists and prioritizing them for action.We'll be spending several weeks making fixes and changes based on the feedback we got there and then update the game with those fixes in mid-October.We'll post the list of what's changing much closer to when we launch so that we don't accidentally overcommit, but we think you'll be pleased with a lot of the fixes.Thought you'd be interested to know this is happening. More later!

jjlo69

08-27-2010, 04:37 PM

so this encludes the long overdue flurry and ae auto attack changes and guardian changes id assumeUncle

CoLD MeTaL

08-27-2010, 04:41 PM

Please fix the new things you broke 'since' fanfaire first. Thanks!

Serpicos

08-27-2010, 05:21 PM

Don't forget to look at how group wards work!

Yimway

08-27-2010, 05:52 PM

Looking forward to seeing 'the list' since most of us were not at fanfaire to see what was discussed.

Ge'Sar

08-27-2010, 07:56 PM

Fanfair feedback fixes always makes me wonder if they don't listen to feedback the rest of the year....

Avirodar

08-28-2010, 02:15 AM

This is how I hope the priority list looks.#1 : Upgrade server hardware.#2 : Upgrade server hardware.#3 : Upgrade server hardware. #4 : Upgrade server hardware. #5 : Upgrade server hardware. #6 : What ever random questions/statements were made at Fan Faire. (after 1-5 is completed) SOE has ignored/denied server side issues for years. Now that SOE has finally admitted the problem, it's time to actually fix the problem, not drag the ball in clay before hitting a wall of red tape.

LardLord

08-28-2010, 02:50 AM

<cite>Avirodar@Oasis wrote:</cite><blockquote>#1 : Upgrade server hardware.#2 : Upgrade server hardware.#3 : Upgrade server hardware.#4 : Upgrade server hardware.#5 : Upgrade server hardware.#6 : What ever random questions/statements were made at Fan Faire. (after 1-5 is completed)</blockquote>I feel bad for the laggy servers. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" />Every time we raid I'm reminded how amazing it is not to have lag and how it's hard to imagine the game ever being that bad as long as the lag stays away.Lag issues really are 100x more important than any new content or mechanics fixes (at least for raiders)...thanks again for the AB upgrades!

juggalo0385

08-29-2010, 01:26 AM

SOE will never fix the servers they will just produce fail/boring expansions

MurFalad

08-29-2010, 07:11 AM

I'm wondering regarding the mentoring fix request, one of the guys there did request at the fanfaire to have mentoring so that we were not god mode and could have challenging low level content. But it did meet booing from some of the audience.I wasn't one though booing, personally I've had trouble with mentoring when playing the game with a couple of friends who decided to try the game and decided to subscribe. They didn't find the content much fun say for a level 35 zone with a level 90 mentored down tank since as one of them said there wasn't anything for them to do. But they did enjoy when we went on from there to a level 45 ish zone (still mentored to 35) and got someway into it, since it was fairly intense action (almost dying several times, before we did wipe!).So, while its late I'd like to second some sort of option in the game for a hardmode mentoring option, at least to allow me to group in a meaningful way with low levels.

illaria

08-29-2010, 10:31 PM

If you want hard mode when playing with new folks the answer is to create a new toon and level it up with them or replace all your T9 gear with low level gear, weapons, and make a hotbar with your old spells.

SmokeJumper

08-31-2010, 04:16 PM

<cite>Avirodar@Oasis wrote:</cite><blockquote>This is how I hope the priority list looks.#1 : Upgrade server hardware.#2 : Upgrade server hardware.#3 : Upgrade server hardware.#4 : Upgrade server hardware.#5 : Upgrade server hardware.#6 : What ever random questions/statements were made at Fan Faire. (after 1-5 is completed)SOE has ignored/denied server side issues for years. Now that SOE has finally admitted the problem, it's time to actually fix the problem, not drag the ball in clay before hitting a wall of red tape.</blockquote>#1-5 will be done. We had some proofs that had to be completed on the Nagafen/AB servers before we could move forward again, but those proofs are completed now, so the ball will start rolling again now.

Gungo

08-31-2010, 05:26 PM

Just an FYI Nagafen and Antonia bayle STILL have LAG in the underfoot depths raid zone.You may need to have someone inspect that zone to find the cause.

Barx

08-31-2010, 05:27 PM

<cite>Gungo wrote:</cite><blockquote>Just an FYI Nagafen and Antonia bayle STILL have LAG in the underfoot depths raid zone.You may need to have someone inspect that zone to find the cause.</blockquote>The only lag I see in UD on AB is graphical, not server.

erk48188

08-31-2010, 05:31 PM

<cite>Gungo wrote:</cite><blockquote>Just an FYI Nagafen and Antonia bayle STILL have LAG in the underfoot depths raid zone.You may need to have someone inspect that zone to find the cause.</blockquote>nagafen zoning has been really bad for about a week, too.

TheGeneral

08-31-2010, 05:39 PM

SmokeJumper,When able, is it possible we could maybe see a preview of some of those fixes going in from FF? I was there for most of the panels, but my state of mind was not always.... clear?... I must have been drinking.

Neskonlith

08-31-2010, 05:50 PM

<cite>erk48188 wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Gungo wrote:</cite><blockquote>Just an FYI Nagafen and Antonia bayle STILL have LAG in the underfoot depths raid zone.You may need to have someone inspect that zone to find the cause.</blockquote>nagafen zoning has been really bad for about a week, too.</blockquote>This past weekend on Nagafen I have been kicked to character select 6 times when trying to zone from GH to housing, and even when flying from Fens-Rime to Jarsath-Rime.

Yimway

08-31-2010, 06:11 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>#1-5 will be done. We had some proofs that had to be completed on the Nagafen/AB servers before we could move forward again, but those proofs are completed now, so the ball will start rolling again now.</blockquote>Yes, please hurry, since Gu57/eq2x unrest is a ghost town. Finding a pug takes literally hours at primetime, as well, no one is around playing the game outside of raid schedules.We need server mergers asap to support the recent population decline / apathy incline.

Zaviur

08-31-2010, 08:26 PM

I'll never understand why it's easier for them to release eq2x than fix issues with eq2 live. It just goes to show how undervalued we are as clients.

SmokeJumper

08-31-2010, 08:51 PM

<cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>#1-5 will be done. We had some proofs that had to be completed on the Nagafen/AB servers before we could move forward again, but those proofs are completed now, so the ball will start rolling again now.</blockquote>Yes, please hurry, since Gu57/eq2x unrest is a ghost town. Finding a pug takes literally hours at primetime, as well, no one is around playing the game outside of raid schedules.We need server mergers asap to support the recent population decline / apathy incline.</blockquote>While I'm sure you're correct that you're having troubles finding a group (and we're discussing mergers to help fix that), the population of Unrest has *not* declined since the launch of EQ2X. So those two things have nothing to do with each other. (The population was light on that server before the launch and wasn't impacted by EQ2X.) We've been watching this stuff like a hawk, and so far, we're not seeing population declines on any of the Live servers.But we're not done watching either. It'll be a month or so before we're sure whether we're seeing trends or not. It's still too early to tell for sure.

Vinyard

08-31-2010, 08:58 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>#1-5 will be done. We had some proofs that had to be completed on the Nagafen/AB servers before we could move forward again, but those proofs are completed now, so the ball will start rolling again now.</blockquote>Yes, please hurry, since Gu57/eq2x unrest is a ghost town. Finding a pug takes literally hours at primetime, as well, no one is around playing the game outside of raid schedules.We need server mergers asap to support the recent population decline / apathy incline.</blockquote>While I'm sure you're correct that you're having troubles finding a group (and we're discussing mergers to help fix that), the population of Unrest has *not* declined since the launch of EQ2X. So those two things have nothing to do with each other. (The population was light on that server before the launch and wasn't impacted by EQ2X.) We've been watching this stuff like a hawk, and so far, we're not seeing population declines on any of the Live servers.But we're not done watching either. It'll be a month or so before we're sure whether we're seeing trends or not. It's still too early to tell for sure.</blockquote>Playing on AB, I don't know what it's like for the other servers, but when a majority of servers are in the "light" category, shouldn't that be a sign for mergers anyway?

SmokeJumper

08-31-2010, 09:02 PM

<cite>Vinyard@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>#1-5 will be done. We had some proofs that had to be completed on the Nagafen/AB servers before we could move forward again, but those proofs are completed now, so the ball will start rolling again now.</blockquote>Yes, please hurry, since Gu57/eq2x unrest is a ghost town. Finding a pug takes literally hours at primetime, as well, no one is around playing the game outside of raid schedules.We need server mergers asap to support the recent population decline / apathy incline.</blockquote>While I'm sure you're correct that you're having troubles finding a group (and we're discussing mergers to help fix that), the population of Unrest has *not* declined since the launch of EQ2X. So those two things have nothing to do with each other. (The population was light on that server before the launch and wasn't impacted by EQ2X.) We've been watching this stuff like a hawk, and so far, we're not seeing population declines on any of the Live servers.But we're not done watching either. It'll be a month or so before we're sure whether we're seeing trends or not. It's still too early to tell for sure.</blockquote>Playing on AB, I don't know what it's like for the other servers, but when a majority of servers are in the "light" category, shouldn't that be a sign for mergers anyway?</blockquote>Yes, we agree...and we're discussing how and when now.

Notsovilepriest

08-31-2010, 09:42 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Vinyard@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>#1-5 will be done. We had some proofs that had to be completed on the Nagafen/AB servers before we could move forward again, but those proofs are completed now, so the ball will start rolling again now.</blockquote>Yes, please hurry, since Gu57/eq2x unrest is a ghost town. Finding a pug takes literally hours at primetime, as well, no one is around playing the game outside of raid schedules.We need server mergers asap to support the recent population decline / apathy incline.</blockquote>While I'm sure you're correct that you're having troubles finding a group (and we're discussing mergers to help fix that), the population of Unrest has *not* declined since the launch of EQ2X. So those two things have nothing to do with each other. (The population was light on that server before the launch and wasn't impacted by EQ2X.) We've been watching this stuff like a hawk, and so far, we're not seeing population declines on any of the Live servers.But we're not done watching either. It'll be a month or so before we're sure whether we're seeing trends or not. It's still too early to tell for sure.</blockquote>Playing on AB, I don't know what it's like for the other servers, but when a majority of servers are in the "light" category, shouldn't that be a sign for mergers anyway?</blockquote>Yes, we agree...and we're discussing how and when now.</blockquote>Just makes sure Unrest and Oasis get put on the same server, It would make for total epicness IMO!

Gungo

08-31-2010, 09:43 PM

I am confused how would you know populations declined IF 1)There were no transfers but only copies so the same amount of toons are there.2)Eq2x was released less then a month ago so most people havent canceled thier accounts yet OR those that had the chance probably paid at least another month to see how eq2x pans out. I know I personally switched form a year sub to a monthly sub.I think a better but not full judgement of how many players are leaving eq2live to eq2x by looking at how many copied a toon to eq2x and this number wouldnt include those that simply created new toons there.

circusgirl

08-31-2010, 10:00 PM

<cite>Barx@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Gungo wrote:</cite><blockquote>Just an FYI Nagafen and Antonia bayle STILL have LAG in the underfoot depths raid zone.You may need to have someone inspect that zone to find the cause.</blockquote>The only lag I see in UD on AB is graphical, not server.</blockquote>This is correct, but everyone reports graphical lag din UFD, even people with fantastic machines. To me, that says that something about the zone is not designed properly.

Zechirian2003

08-31-2010, 10:13 PM

By Fan Faire fixes you mean the "If your taking Paladin heal crits away, when are you going to take healer heal crits away?" That was a /facepalm statement at Fan Faire.I for one look forward to what changes you guys make. There were a LOT of great suggestions in the panels. One I hope that makes it is the ability to pack up items for delivery from crafter to purchaser. Think Armor crates but for house items, armor, weapons, potions... That would be awesome!?!?!?!?!Can't wait to see em!Pirotol

ArivenGemini

08-31-2010, 10:13 PM

<cite>Gungo wrote:</cite><blockquote>I am confused how would you know populations declined IF 1)There were no transfers but only copies so the same amount of toons are there.2)Eq2x was released less then a month ago so most people havent canceled thier accounts yet OR those that had the chance probably paid at least another month to see how eq2x pans out. I know I personally switched form a year sub to a monthly sub.I think a better but not full judgement of how many players are leaving eq2live to eq2x by looking at how many copied a toon to eq2x and this number wouldnt include those that simply created new toons there.</blockquote>all they should have to do is do a database query based on unique logins each day, and compare that to historical (the previous days of the month prior, same month last year, etc) data. They track everything, this is part of the lag problem I believe.. the sheer amount of data that is recorded over every event.. where you go, when you log in/out, what you say, etc etc etc.With all that data, its trivial to count how many people are logged on a given server on a given day. Logic also says they should be looking at that information anyway, just to keep abrest of trends of usage, to guage how things trend and try to anticipate surges or drops in usage.

Rijacki

08-31-2010, 10:37 PM

<cite>Gungo wrote:</cite><blockquote>I am confused how would you know populations declined IF 1)There were no transfers but only copies so the same amount of toons are there.2)Eq2x was released less then a month ago so most people havent canceled thier accounts yet OR those that had the chance probably paid at least another month to see how eq2x pans out. I know I personally switched form a year sub to a monthly sub.I think a better but not full judgement of how many players are leaving eq2live to eq2x by looking at how many copied a toon to eq2x and this number wouldnt include those that simply created new toons there.</blockquote>My guess is that they're checking the logins to the server during various times, not how many characters created are on a server.

Neskonlith

08-31-2010, 10:49 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Vinyard@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite><blockquote>Playing on AB, I don't know what it's like for the other servers, but when a majority of servers are in the "light" category, shouldn't that be a sign for mergers anyway?</blockquote>Yes, we agree...and we're discussing how and when now.</blockquote>Please consider feeding Guk to Nagafen, I'd love to get my 2005 characters reunited onto one server!<img src="/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" />

TheSpin

09-01-2010, 03:39 AM

The last time there was a major server merger where multiple pve servers were done away with, everyone gamewide got a week's worth of free transfers, so people could all have a little freedom to explore and decide where they would fit.If multiple servers are merged once again, I definately think this would be the customer friendly way to implement it.*note* when this happened, players on EU servers were free to move their characters to US servers, even if they already had 7 characters on the US servers. They were told they would retain the ability to access all their characters. (This is one reason I'm especially upset about the /camp change)

Dott

09-01-2010, 03:58 AM

<cite>Neskonlith wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Vinyard@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite><blockquote>Playing on AB, I don't know what it's like for the other servers, but when a majority of servers are in the "light" category, shouldn't that be a sign for mergers anyway?</blockquote>Yes, we agree...and we're discussing how and when now.</blockquote>Please consider feeding Guk to Nagafen, I'd love to get my 2005 characters reunited onto one server!<img src="/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>If Guk is going anywheres I sure the heck hope it's with Najena. I wanna play with more Australians for my play hours are best suited with them ^.~But with that being said I'm more than certain our say in the matter is meaningless. SOE will balance things out however they deem necessary.

thog_zork

09-01-2010, 05:52 AM

what is with the swarm pet fix ?what is with the summoner offensive stance fix ?could you please consider merging innovation & valor cause right now booth are rather empty ?

CoLD MeTaL

09-01-2010, 10:53 AM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Playing on AB, I don't know what it's like for the other servers, but when a majority of servers are in the "light" category, shouldn't that be a sign for mergers anyway?</blockquote></blockquote>Yes, we agree...and we're discussing how and when now.</blockquote>Please discuss faster.

MurFalad

09-01-2010, 11:09 AM

<cite>illaria wrote:</cite><blockquote>If you want hard mode when playing with new folks the answer is to create a new toon and level it up with them or replace all your T9 gear with low level gear, weapons, and make a hotbar with your old spells.</blockquote>The first option sort of kills mentoring but was the one I picked, the second option is possible for the gear but fiddly and for the spells just wouldn't work I think (I assume it would mentor down the low level spells even further!). The other problem I have with this sort of changing things around is progression, as soon as we need to equip out of date gear to enjoy the content its not possible anymore to progress characterwise, that's a big problem at the level cap and an annoying one at the low levels (I should just be a legendary/fabled geared level 25 say, not godlike).

PlaneCrazy

09-01-2010, 11:40 AM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>#1-5 will be done. We had some proofs that had to be completed on the Nagafen/AB servers before we could move forward again, but those proofs are completed now, so the ball will start rolling again now.</blockquote>Yes, please hurry, since Gu57/eq2x unrest is a ghost town. Finding a pug takes literally hours at primetime, as well, no one is around playing the game outside of raid schedules.We need server mergers asap to support the recent population decline / apathy incline.</blockquote>While I'm sure you're correct that you're having troubles finding a group (and we're discussing mergers to help fix that), the population of Unrest has *not* declined since the launch of EQ2X. So those two things have nothing to do with each other. (The population was light on that server before the launch and wasn't impacted by EQ2X.) We've been watching this stuff like a hawk, and so far, we're not seeing population declines on any of the Live servers.But we're not done watching either. It'll be a month or so before we're sure whether we're seeing trends or not. It's still too early to tell for sure.</blockquote>I'd wager that many of the people who are absent from Unrest at the moment are trying out the EQ2x servers for free, while still keeping their Live accounts active. Like you say, it's still too early to see the trends. I bet that by the three month mark, you will see who has renewed and who has left.FWIW, I haven't really seen a decline in the population on Unrest. In fact, it's been pretty busy lately and I have been getting a lot of tells for groups. But I don't raid, so it might be more noticeable there. Mid level instances and even low level areas are pretty active, from what I can see. I have been doing massive HQ's on alts recently to level my guild so I see a lot of the 20-60'ish content.

Rheem

09-01-2010, 11:53 AM

<cite>MurFalad wrote:</cite><blockquote>(I should just be a legendary/fabled geared level 25 say, not godlike).</blockquote>One of the things I heard said in response at FF (And thanks for not booing me btw) was that mentoring was supposed to feel overpowered. Which I couldn't disagree with more. If you want to walk through a bunch of low level mobs and destroy them, what's the point of mentoring? The INTENDED use of it was to allow higher level players to go back at replay content at the difficulty it was meant to be played at origionally, not as a way to grind aa after you hit max level while soloing a heroic zone thats even con to you.Also, I remember someone bringing up guild levels, and I agree they need to be looked at. If you're in a small guild of people, it takes MONTHS just to hit level 30. And that's if your grinding writs, which isn't something anyone really wants to do on a regular basis. Adjust the guild levels to be more in line with the guilds that are supposed to have them. Retune 1-30 for smaller guilds, and 31-50 for medium sized guilds.

Nakash

09-01-2010, 11:54 AM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Avirodar@Oasis wrote:</cite><blockquote>This is how I hope the priority list looks.#1 : Upgrade server hardware.#2 : Upgrade server hardware.#3 : Upgrade server hardware.#4 : Upgrade server hardware.#5 : Upgrade server hardware.#6 : What ever random questions/statements were made at Fan Faire. (after 1-5 is completed)SOE has ignored/denied server side issues for years. Now that SOE has finally admitted the problem, it's time to actually fix the problem, not drag the ball in clay before hitting a wall of red tape.</blockquote>#1-5 will be done. We had some proofs that had to be completed on the Nagafen/AB servers before we could move forward again, but those proofs are completed now, so the ball will start rolling again now.</blockquote>Does this include the European Servers that are located in Amsterdam ? eg: Valor ?

TheSpin

09-01-2010, 11:56 AM

In response to Rheem's guild comments.... I think they have to be cautious if they make it easier to level guilds. There are too many 1 man type guilds as it is... people who just want their own hall to decorate, or want the extra amenities or whatever. Making it too easy to level a guild would mean everyone would get their own guildhall.

MurFalad

09-01-2010, 12:16 PM

<cite>Rheem@Blackburrow wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>MurFalad wrote:</cite><blockquote>(I should just be a legendary/fabled geared level 25 say, not godlike).</blockquote>One of the things I heard said in response at FF (And thanks for not booing me btw) was that mentoring was supposed to feel overpowered. Which I couldn't disagree with more. If you want to walk through a bunch of low level mobs and destroy them, what's the point of mentoring? The INTENDED use of it was to allow higher level players to go back at replay content at the difficulty it was meant to be played at origionally, not as a way to grind aa after you hit max level while soloing a heroic zone thats even con to you.Also, I remember someone bringing up guild levels, and I agree they need to be looked at. If you're in a small guild of people, it takes MONTHS just to hit level 30. And that's if your grinding writs, which isn't something anyone really wants to do on a regular basis. Adjust the guild levels to be more in line with the guilds that are supposed to have them. Retune 1-30 for smaller guilds, and 31-50 for medium sized guilds.</blockquote>Well a big thanks from me for voicing it at Fanfaire (it was on my list of questions to ask if you hadn't, honest <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> ). And there's no way I'd be booing someone actually asking for the game to be better (as opposed to buffs for their class to make it quicker and easier to earn rewards!).And I totally agree too about the response as I see little difference between mentoring and grey content right now, making mentoring non-god mode though is a secondary request, what I really want to see though is a "hardmode" option for mentoring that would allow me to take any character and have a meaningful game with low level players. I'd suggest as a reward for taking the hardmode option and being much less powerful we could earn more AA or XP perhaps, but the gameplay being fun for me would be reward enough.

Laenai

09-01-2010, 12:19 PM

Lag on Naggy still sucks =/ Zoning times there are ridiculous.In comparison to AB, which is where my other toons are, y'all need to do more work on Naggy's hardware. The stuff fixed on AB with the hardware switch is NOT fixed on Nagafen with the hardware switch.

Neskonlith

09-01-2010, 01:02 PM

<cite>Karimonster wrote:</cite><blockquote>Lag on Naggy still sucks =/ Zoning times there are ridiculous.In comparison to AB, which is where my other toons are, y'all need to do more work on Naggy's hardware. The stuff fixed on AB with the hardware switch is NOT fixed on Nagafen with the hardware switch.</blockquote>Maybe the load balancing system on Nagafen is pushing the heavy end of burdened, I do recall Rothgar posting something to the effect that SOE would be tinkering with the balances to see how much they could load up the hardware before it impacts gameplay too noticeably.Maybe SOE needs to dial it back a little... To avoid further confusion over a quip that is meant to contribute a lighter perspective to a passionate topic, I will add tags to clearly delineate the humorous portion:<joke> perhaps even deleting the Ranger class might be enough!</joke><drumroll></drumroll rimshot><img src="/eq2/images/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" />

Yimway

09-01-2010, 01:15 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>#1-5 will be done. We had some proofs that had to be completed on the Nagafen/AB servers before we could move forward again, but those proofs are completed now, so the ball will start rolling again now.</blockquote>Yes, please hurry, since Gu57/eq2x unrest is a ghost town. Finding a pug takes literally hours at primetime, as well, no one is around playing the game outside of raid schedules.We need server mergers asap to support the recent population decline / apathy incline.</blockquote>While I'm sure you're correct that you're having troubles finding a group (and we're discussing mergers to help fix that), the population of Unrest has *not* declined since the launch of EQ2X. So those two things have nothing to do with each other. (The population was light on that server before the launch and wasn't impacted by EQ2X.) We've been watching this stuff like a hawk, and so far, we're not seeing population declines on any of the Live servers.But we're not done watching either. It'll be a month or so before we're sure whether we're seeing trends or not. It's still too early to tell for sure.</blockquote>Are you looking at people subbed, or actually logged in?Pugs have been dead for 2-3 weeks, were previously it never took over 20 mins to get one going.

Boli32

09-01-2010, 01:21 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Avirodar@Oasis wrote:</cite><blockquote>This is how I hope the priority list looks.#1 : Upgrade server hardware.#2 : Upgrade server hardware.#3 : Upgrade server hardware.#4 : Upgrade server hardware.#5 : Upgrade server hardware.#6 : What ever random questions/statements were made at Fan Faire. (after 1-5 is completed)SOE has ignored/denied server side issues for years. Now that SOE has finally admitted the problem, it's time to actually fix the problem, not drag the ball in clay before hitting a wall of red tape.</blockquote>#1-5 will be done. We had some proofs that had to be completed on the Nagafen/AB servers before we could move forward again, but those proofs are completed now, so the ball will start rolling again now.</blockquote>What about looking into actually having Runnyeye hardware actually on the correct side of the Atlantic?It sucks knowing that your ping starts at 200 and will never EVER be lower and in raids at peak time 300-400 ping is 'normal' for the majority of your players.My reaction time 0.23s on average; I'm guessing late at night in a raid this time will increase as well (<a href="http://getyourwebsitehere.com/jswb/rttest01.html" target="_blank">test yours</a>). Now imagine a raid force with 300-400 ping, late at night attempting to cure maalus curse.0.00s Curse lands0.40s Curse Appears on Screen0.63s Human Reaction time starts to cast cure curse1.03s server registers cure curse has been pressed2.03s Curse CuredThat is OPTIMAL circumstances; but even then half of that time (of only a 4s window) is dedicated to lag; this is not server hardware but because the "UK prefered server" is in the US.

MurFalad

09-01-2010, 01:23 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Vinyard@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite><blockquote>Playing on AB, I don't know what it's like for the other servers, but when a majority of servers are in the "light" category, shouldn't that be a sign for mergers anyway?</blockquote>Yes, we agree...and we're discussing how and when now.</blockquote>How about just merging us all onto one shard server, but bypassing all the grief with renaming by keeping our server as a virtual server (so I'd become Murfalad@Runnyeye), and then program the shard server to zone us around attempting to group certain virtual servers together so we see a consistent community (e.g. SplitPaw and Runnyeye would be natural candidates to zone together, and could easily be expanded).It would kill dead all these requests for server merges, make cross server anything redundant, and even allow for people to find other players for open dungeons.

Dreadpatch

09-01-2010, 01:32 PM

Seriously Smokejumper, thanks for chiming in and giving us some info. We really like seeing your posts here in the live forums even tho we can be difficult at times. At the end of the day, we all really love this game and are very passionate about it. I won't lie and say we don't feel somewhat threatened by the changes, as many of us enjoy this as our hobby. Continue the posting, I for one like to see it.

Avirodar

09-01-2010, 02:34 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Avirodar@Oasis wrote:</cite><blockquote>This is how I hope the priority list looks.#1 : Upgrade server hardware.#2 : Upgrade server hardware.#3 : Upgrade server hardware.#4 : Upgrade server hardware.#5 : Upgrade server hardware.#6 : What ever random questions/statements were made at Fan Faire. (after 1-5 is completed)SOE has ignored/denied server side issues for years. Now that SOE has finally admitted the problem, it's time to actually fix the problem, not drag the ball in clay before hitting a wall of red tape.</blockquote>#1-5 will be done. We had some proofs that had to be completed on the Nagafen/AB servers before we could move forward again, but those proofs are completed now, so the ball will start rolling again now.</blockquote>Is there anything that can be done to make the ball get rolling at a similar velocity to that of a punted gnome?I really hope this will not be some 3 to 6+ month project? That would just be tragic.

Anastasie

09-01-2010, 02:45 PM

The Fury AA "Pure Serenity" that adds stifle immunity to Serenity was asked about at Fan Faire and we were told you were aware of the bug that you cannot break a stifle with 8 points into the ability. Is this fix going to go in with the Fan Faire fixes?

SmokeJumper

09-01-2010, 03:17 PM

<cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>#1-5 will be done. We had some proofs that had to be completed on the Nagafen/AB servers before we could move forward again, but those proofs are completed now, so the ball will start rolling again now.</blockquote>Yes, please hurry, since Gu57/eq2x unrest is a ghost town. Finding a pug takes literally hours at primetime, as well, no one is around playing the game outside of raid schedules.We need server mergers asap to support the recent population decline / apathy incline.</blockquote>While I'm sure you're correct that you're having troubles finding a group (and we're discussing mergers to help fix that), the population of Unrest has *not* declined since the launch of EQ2X. So those two things have nothing to do with each other. (The population was light on that server before the launch and wasn't impacted by EQ2X.) We've been watching this stuff like a hawk, and so far, we're not seeing population declines on any of the Live servers.But we're not done watching either. It'll be a month or so before we're sure whether we're seeing trends or not. It's still too early to tell for sure.</blockquote>Are you looking at people subbed, or actually logged in?Pugs have been dead for 2-3 weeks, were previously it never took over 20 mins to get one going.</blockquote>What we call "concurrent" or "number of people logged in at once". We graph that and the Live servers have been pretty much the same since the launch of EQ2X as it was before the launch. Like I said, we're still watching it carefully however. It's too early still to see trends.

Jesdyr

09-01-2010, 03:56 PM

Maybe the same number of people are logged in .. but Atan is right.. the perceived population based on PUGs is lower than it use to be.It seems like people log on to raid and then sit there bored for a few minutes and log out.

Seffrid

09-01-2010, 04:26 PM

<cite>Jesdyr@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote>Maybe the same number of people are logged in .. but Atan is right.. the perceived population based on PUGs is lower than it use to be.It seems like people log on to raid and then sit there bored for a few minutes and log out.</blockquote>The world doesn't just revolve around raiders, you know. Perhaps the reason the population seems lower to raiders is because most people aren't raiding.I haven't noticed any falling off in the population on Splitpaw, and the broker seems as active as usual which I always consider to be a good indicator of population trends.

Crismorn

09-01-2010, 04:29 PM

<cite>Notsovilepriest@Nagafen wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Vinyard@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>#1-5 will be done. We had some proofs that had to be completed on the Nagafen/AB servers before we could move forward again, but those proofs are completed now, so the ball will start rolling again now.</blockquote>Yes, please hurry, since Gu57/eq2x unrest is a ghost town. Finding a pug takes literally hours at primetime, as well, no one is around playing the game outside of raid schedules.We need server mergers asap to support the recent population decline / apathy incline.</blockquote>While I'm sure you're correct that you're having troubles finding a group (and we're discussing mergers to help fix that), the population of Unrest has *not* declined since the launch of EQ2X. So those two things have nothing to do with each other. (The population was light on that server before the launch and wasn't impacted by EQ2X.) We've been watching this stuff like a hawk, and so far, we're not seeing population declines on any of the Live servers.But we're not done watching either. It'll be a month or so before we're sure whether we're seeing trends or not. It's still too early to tell for sure.</blockquote>Playing on AB, I don't know what it's like for the other servers, but when a majority of servers are in the "light" category, shouldn't that be a sign for mergers anyway?</blockquote>Yes, we agree...and we're discussing how and when now.</blockquote>Just makes sure Unrest and Oasis get put on the same server, It would make for total epicness IMO!</blockquote>That would be epic.

CoLD MeTaL

09-01-2010, 04:31 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>What we call "concurrent" or "number of people logged in at once". We graph that and the Live servers have been pretty much the same since the launch of EQ2X as it was before the launch. Like I said, we're still watching it carefully however. It's too early still to see trends.</blockquote>So the fact that I went from 1 account to 4 due to wanting to dual box with RaF means you lost 3 other customers. Are you tracking that?

EQPrime

09-01-2010, 04:35 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>What we call "concurrent" or "number of people logged in at once". We graph that and the Live servers have been pretty much the same since the launch of EQ2X as it was before the launch. Like I said, we're still watching it carefully however. It's too early still to see trends.</blockquote>Yep, most of the cancelled accounts are still active for a little while so some of those people are still logging in.I have noticed fewer people online on Mistmoore as well these days, but then again I really haven't been motivated to log in as much myself so maybe that's just my perception.

Stormflint

09-01-2010, 04:51 PM

<cite>Uguv@Mistmoore wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>What we call "concurrent" or "number of people logged in at once". We graph that and the Live servers have been pretty much the same since the launch of EQ2X as it was before the launch. Like I said, we're still watching it carefully however. It's too early still to see trends.</blockquote>Yep, most of the cancelled accounts are still active for a little while so some of those people are still logging in.I have noticed fewer people online on Mistmoore as well these days, but then again I really haven't been motivated to log in as much myself so maybe that's just my perception.</blockquote>Mistmoore does seem a bit down. The broker is almost stagnant. But I have noticed a few friends have come back.

Jesdyr

09-01-2010, 04:54 PM

<cite>Seffrid wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Jesdyr@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote>Maybe the same number of people are logged in .. but Atan is right.. the perceived population based on PUGs is lower than it use to be.It seems like people log on to raid and then sit there bored for a few minutes and log out.</blockquote>The world doesn't just revolve around raiders, you know. Perhaps the reason the population seems lower to raiders is because most people aren't raiding.I haven't noticed any falling off in the population on Splitpaw, and the broker seems as active as usual which I always consider to be a good indicator of population trends.</blockquote>Read that again - "the perceived population based on PUGs is lower than it use to be." PUG is not Raiding .. The overall public chatter is low which tends to be a good sign of the health of the community.

Xalmat

09-01-2010, 05:28 PM

Tsh, if you want epic, merge Mistmoore with Permafrost.

Yimway

09-01-2010, 06:15 PM

<cite>Jesdyr@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote>Maybe the same number of people are logged in .. but Atan is right.. the perceived population based on PUGs is lower than it use to be.It seems like people log on to raid and then sit there bored for a few minutes and log out.</blockquote>Yeah, thats pretty much what I'm seeing. I know within my own guild everyone is playing other games and only logging on to eq2 for scheduled raids. I'm one of a handful from guild still attempting to pug, and it is dead very dead.I've started logging on a box to LFG with while I run BG's waiting for a group to actually form. It's taking markably longer to find 6 viable people willing to do something at level cap.

Seffrid

09-01-2010, 06:23 PM

<cite>Jesdyr@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Seffrid wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Jesdyr@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote>Maybe the same number of people are logged in .. but Atan is right.. the perceived population based on PUGs is lower than it use to be.It seems like people log on to raid and then sit there bored for a few minutes and log out.</blockquote>The world doesn't just revolve around raiders, you know. Perhaps the reason the population seems lower to raiders is because most people aren't raiding.I haven't noticed any falling off in the population on Splitpaw, and the broker seems as active as usual which I always consider to be a good indicator of population trends.</blockquote>Read that again - "the perceived population based on PUGs is lower than it use to be." PUG is not Raiding .. The overall public chatter is low which tends to be a good sign of the health of the community.</blockquote>Read the second half of your original post again. You were judging the level of the grouping population purely on the basis that people log on to raid and then don't stick around. Fact is, most people don't raid and you can't therefore draw any clear conclusion about the overall grouping population just by what the raiders are doing. Moreover, the way EQ2 is today you can't judge the game's overall population by PUG's anyway.

Wilin

09-01-2010, 07:03 PM

I always try to maintain the lowest prices by a margin on the broker for everything that I sell. I deal in volume and aren't interested in making a fortune off everything. But my sales have definitely slowed down on Guk in the same time period discussed here. I thought it might just be me or people undercutting me. But, my stuff that usually sells quickly is not moving even though I have the lowest prices on the broker.

SmokeJumper

09-01-2010, 07:51 PM

<cite>Uguv@Mistmoore wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>What we call "concurrent" or "number of people logged in at once". We graph that and the Live servers have been pretty much the same since the launch of EQ2X as it was before the launch. Like I said, we're still watching it carefully however. It's too early still to see trends.</blockquote>Yep, most of the cancelled accounts are still active for a little while so some of those people are still logging in.I have noticed fewer people online on Mistmoore as well these days, but then again I really haven't been motivated to log in as much myself so maybe that's just my perception.</blockquote>It's probably just your perception. We're not just tracking concurrency. We're also tracking subscriptions. They've been very stable. In other words, we're gaining about the same number of people as are leaving. This is the usual case with EQII and continues to be the case so far.

Vinyard

09-01-2010, 08:00 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Uguv@Mistmoore wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>What we call "concurrent" or "number of people logged in at once". We graph that and the Live servers have been pretty much the same since the launch of EQ2X as it was before the launch. Like I said, we're still watching it carefully however. It's too early still to see trends.</blockquote>Yep, most of the cancelled accounts are still active for a little while so some of those people are still logging in.I have noticed fewer people online on Mistmoore as well these days, but then again I really haven't been motivated to log in as much myself so maybe that's just my perception.</blockquote>It's probably just your perception. We're not just tracking concurrency. We're also tracking subscriptions. They've been very stable. In other words, we're gaining about the same number of people as are leaving. This is the usual case with EQII and continues to be the case so far.</blockquote>And that's why you guys are going to make Velious the best expansion this game has ever had, right? <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> Bring in those new/returning people with an expansion packed with so much awesomeness, that it will be overflowing!

Alvane

09-02-2010, 02:10 AM

<cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>#1-5 will be done. We had some proofs that had to be completed on the Nagafen/AB servers before we could move forward again, but those proofs are completed now, so the ball will start rolling again now.</blockquote>Yes, please hurry, since Gu57/eq2x unrest is a ghost town. Finding a pug takes literally hours at primetime, as well, no one is around playing the game outside of raid schedules.We need server mergers asap to support the recent population decline / apathy incline.</blockquote>huh? I know I'm on the same server as you.... and I'm grouping or duoing or soloing. Today in DLW, I saw quite a few peeps working quests and they were not 90s. Then I worked a couple Nek Forest quests with a friend and ran into a number of peeps, but no it wasn't overwhelming. This evening, I was in a group.And that's been very typical ever since GU 57.Raiding guilds tend to be difficult to have enough guildies around to group since they have a very narrow focus. It's not unusual for raid guild members to only log on for a raid or for when they need to pwr level up or run instances for tokens, shards, marks, w/e. That's what raid peeps want to do. So, they rely on PuGs. Private guilds also rely on PuGs. Guilds that are very stable and have been around for a while and are open to all sorts of game play usually have plenty of peeps around for grouping. Some also casual raid, some work instances or combinations, craft, etc. In these type guilds, most peeps help one another. The difference is to some folks, EQ2 is more than one facet such as raiding. To others it's only about raiding.

EQPrime

09-02-2010, 10:49 AM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>It's probably just your perception. We're not just tracking concurrency. We're also tracking subscriptions. They've been very stable. In other words, we're gaining about the same number of people as are leaving. This is the usual case with EQII and continues to be the case so far.</blockquote>OK I'll give you the benefit of the doubt on that. I suppose it could just be my guild members and the people on my friends list that are logging in less frequently. As far as cancelled accounts, I personally am sure of at least 7 accounts being cancelled, but 3 of those are reconsidering resubbing, and I do have one guildie who is planning on coming back after taking a year+ long break. Maybe things are closer to breaking even than I thought.

Alvane

09-02-2010, 11:22 AM

<cite>Uguv@Mistmoore wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>It's probably just your perception. We're not just tracking concurrency. We're also tracking subscriptions. They've been very stable. In other words, we're gaining about the same number of people as are leaving. This is the usual case with EQII and continues to be the case so far.</blockquote>OK I'll give you the benefit of the doubt on that. I suppose it could just be my guild members and the people on my friends list that are logging in less frequently. As far as cancelled accounts, I personally am sure of at least 7 accounts being cancelled, but 3 of those are reconsidering resubbing, and I do have one guildie who is planning on coming back after taking a year+ long break. Maybe things are closer to breaking even than I thought.</blockquote>Even in our populated guild, we see peeps come an go. Right now, there are 3 peeps who are not playing throughout the fall due to rl priorities. One is taking a break from any MMORPG. On the other side of the coin, we just welcomed 6 new accounts in the past couple weeks. Some came from other guilds and some are new to the game. If anything, our guild has seen an increase of individual members - some with alts, some with no alts.

Yimway

09-02-2010, 11:52 AM

<cite>Alvane@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote>huh? I know I'm on the same server as you.... and I'm grouping or duoing or soloing. Today in DLW, I saw quite a few peeps working quests and they were not 90s. Then I worked a couple Nek Forest quests with a friend and ran into a number of peeps, but no it wasn't overwhelming. This evening, I was in a group.</blockquote>I'm talking about the availability of pugs at end game.It doesn't surprise me there are more random people running around on alts in lower tiers atm, cause its [Removed for Content] hard to get anything done outside of raiding at t9 due to lack of people to form groups with.

Yimway

09-02-2010, 11:57 AM

<cite>Alvane@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote>Even in our populated guild, we see peeps come an go. Right now, there are 3 peeps who are not playing throughout the fall due to rl priorities. One is taking a break from any MMORPG. On the other side of the coin, we just welcomed 6 new accounts in the past couple weeks. Some came from other guilds and some are new to the game. If anything, our guild has seen an increase of individual members - some with alts, some with no alts.</blockquote>We don't really see new people replacing the old ones.In our experience, as people leave, we fill them from other dieing guilds, so our 'new' people are just more vets. The number of actual new people (playing say less than 12 months) is amazingly low. It would be 1:100 based upon my guilds population.

Draylore

09-02-2010, 03:29 PM

People actually playing is down......GU57 had something to do with it im sure but its not the only reason.For me and alot of my friends,etc there simply is nothing to do besides show up for raids.......and to be honest even that is starting to bore me because auctioning brawler loot and gearing up alts is not my idea of fun.Instancing is pointless.......i havent found anything to spend my going on 800 marks on......what reason do I have to actively join or run groups?While I enjoy duel boxing a few of the easier instances mostly for fun even that is starting to dry up and SOE seems hell bent on nerfing being able to do it anyways.So I really don't care what the "numbers" show..........pressing U, or type /who all friends, or even watching public chat shows a significant decline over the past month or so. At least on my server.We need new actual content....we needed long before GU57 and still dont have it.

Alvane

09-02-2010, 06:14 PM

<cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Alvane@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote>Even in our populated guild, we see peeps come an go. Right now, there are 3 peeps who are not playing throughout the fall due to rl priorities. One is taking a break from any MMORPG. On the other side of the coin, we just welcomed 6 new accounts in the past couple weeks. Some came from other guilds and some are new to the game. If anything, our guild has seen an increase of individual members - some with alts, some with no alts.</blockquote>We don't really see new people replacing the old ones.In our experience, as people leave, we fill them from other dieing guilds, so our 'new' people are just more vets. The number of actual new people (playing say less than 12 months) is amazingly low. It would be 1:100 based upon my guilds population.</blockquote>Well, guess that's a difference betwen a guild focused on raiding and a guild that isn't even if that guild raids on occasion. Maybe it's time for raiding guilds to expand a bit beyond the raid scene. I don't know. You are more in the position than I. Raiding guilds can never get new accounts since you don't accept anyone at level 1 that's new to EQ2. Because of the way you defined your guild and your total focus, you can only scavenge off other guilds. There is a finite number of raiders and within that group you have those who do nothing but raid and others who are more casual about raiding (they do other things besides focus totally on raids).Glad to see you are still with EQ2... <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

SmokeJumper

09-03-2010, 01:24 PM

<cite>Vinyard@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Uguv@Mistmoore wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>What we call "concurrent" or "number of people logged in at once". We graph that and the Live servers have been pretty much the same since the launch of EQ2X as it was before the launch. Like I said, we're still watching it carefully however. It's too early still to see trends.</blockquote>Yep, most of the cancelled accounts are still active for a little while so some of those people are still logging in.I have noticed fewer people online on Mistmoore as well these days, but then again I really haven't been motivated to log in as much myself so maybe that's just my perception.</blockquote>It's probably just your perception. We're not just tracking concurrency. We're also tracking subscriptions. They've been very stable. In other words, we're gaining about the same number of people as are leaving. This is the usual case with EQII and continues to be the case so far.</blockquote>And that's why you guys are going to make Velious the best expansion this game has ever had, right? <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" /> Bring in those new/returning people with an expansion packed with so much awesomeness, that it will be overflowing!</blockquote>Heck, yeah!

SmokeJumper

09-03-2010, 01:29 PM

<cite>Draylore wrote:</cite><blockquote>People actually playing is down......GU57 had something to do with it im sure but its not the only reason. </blockquote>I understand you have that perception, but it's not factually true. There are just as many people playing now as there was before the publicatin of GU57. What might be happening is that some of the people you were used to playing with aren't playing currently and that makes the world seem emptier, but the server populations are stable.We're watching it very carefully right now.

Undorett

09-03-2010, 01:32 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Draylore wrote:</cite><blockquote>People actually playing is down......GU57 had something to do with it im sure but its not the only reason. </blockquote>I understand you have that perception, but it's not factually true. There are just as many people playing now as there was before the publicatin of GU57. What might be happening is that some of the people you were used to playing with aren't playing currently and that makes the world seem emptier, but the server populations are stable.We're watching it very carefully right now.</blockquote>Perception is reality until you provide evidence to the contrary.

Yimway

09-03-2010, 01:34 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>We're watching it very carefully right now.</blockquote>I'm watching it too, and /who all 90 doesn't seem to jive with what your sellin.

CoLD MeTaL

09-03-2010, 01:41 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Draylore wrote:</cite><blockquote>People actually playing is down......GU57 had something to do with it im sure but its not the only reason. </blockquote>I understand you have that perception, but it's not factually true. There are just as many people playing now as there was before the publicatin of GU57. What might be happening is that some of the people you were used to playing with aren't playing currently and that makes the world seem emptier, but the server populations are stable.We're watching it very carefully right now.</blockquote>What he isn't accounting for is that a lot of people have opened RaF accounts to help the AA grind, and that is 1 real person gone for 1 fake RaF trailer.

SmokeJumper

09-03-2010, 01:47 PM

<cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>We're watching it very carefully right now.</blockquote>I'm watching it too, and /who all 90 doesn't seem to jive with what your sellin.</blockquote>lol. You guys always think I'm trying to pull wool over your eyes. Okay, have it your way. The world is ending! Doom! <runs in circles waving his hands>I'll just keep telling you facts, and you can decide what you want to believe. <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

Alvane

09-03-2010, 01:49 PM

<cite>Undorett wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Draylore wrote:</cite><blockquote>People actually playing is down......GU57 had something to do with it im sure but its not the only reason. </blockquote>I understand you have that perception, but it's not factually true. There are just as many people playing now as there was before the publicatin of GU57. What might be happening is that some of the people you were used to playing with aren't playing currently and that makes the world seem emptier, but the server populations are stable.We're watching it very carefully right now.</blockquote>Perception is reality until you provide evidence to the contrary. </blockquote>and you are willing to change your perception....... <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

Xill

09-03-2010, 01:50 PM

I think the real problem is that populations have been bad since shortly after SF released hence the talk of server merges (yeah yeah its in the works). But instead of doing ANYTHING that would have helped server populations other then mergers... is instead being thrown into EQ2X guarenteeing that we will be seeing less players on the live servers over time . So regardless the trend will eventually be going downhill for the live servers and instead of doing anything to help stop it, they are seperating it and encouraging new players to the new servers.And please dont say you are not encouraging it. Just look at the stupid buttons on the home page, Large yellow PLAY FOR FREE button, with a smaller non colored button with +subscribe on it. Its painfully obvious where you want people to go. Hell its literally HALF the size of the play for free button.

Undorett

09-03-2010, 01:50 PM

Your "facts" have no evidence to back them up (at least none you are willing to post), what do you expect from us? Blind acceptance?

Xill

09-03-2010, 01:54 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>We're watching it very carefully right now.</blockquote>I'm watching it too, and /who all 90 doesn't seem to jive with what your sellin.</blockquote>lol. You guys always think I'm trying to pull wool over your eyes. Okay, have it your way. The world is ending! Doom!I'll just keep telling you facts, and you can decide what you want to believe. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>Hey great, thanks for making fun. You know some of us have invested thousands of $ and hundreds of hours of time into this game... good to see you laughing at our fears that the game is being destroyed to make more $$. At least we know how you feel about our investment. I understand that watching numbers makes it seem like nobody cares about this, but in-game people arent happy and you cant see that from just the numbers.And alvane I would appreciate it if you didnt comment on what I have to say. Obviously I have no way to stop you, but I dont care what you think about my feelings and you honestly irritate me a little bit so I would rather you didnt say anything about my opinions.

Xiotia

09-03-2010, 01:56 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>We're watching it very carefully right now.</blockquote>I'm watching it too, and /who all 90 doesn't seem to jive with what your sellin.</blockquote>lol. You guys always think I'm trying to pull wool over your eyes. Okay, have it your way. The world is ending! Doom!I'll just keep telling you facts, and you can decide what you want to believe. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>This is a good time for me to put in my idea about a SC appearance item: A doom-sayer's wearable outfit. Complete with ragged robes and front and back sign. Front, "REPENT", Back, "THE END IS NIGH!"

Xill

09-03-2010, 02:04 PM

<cite>Xiotia@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>We're watching it very carefully right now.</blockquote>I'm watching it too, and /who all 90 doesn't seem to jive with what your sellin.</blockquote>lol. You guys always think I'm trying to pull wool over your eyes. Okay, have it your way. The world is ending! Doom!I'll just keep telling you facts, and you can decide what you want to believe. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>This is a good time for me to put in my idea about a SC appearance item: A doom-sayer's wearable outfit. Complete with ragged robes and front and back sign. Front, "REPENT", Back, "THE END IS NIGH!" </blockquote>Lol you know what, calling people doom-sayers for being worried about this stuff, is just as bad as the people over-reacting. Yes I understand its a game, but for alot of us its an investment of time and $. Which means we care about it, the game and the world. So to see less people playing, or to join a group and the entire time you are with them they are complaining about whats going on with the game makes you worried that your investment is going south.So yes, some of us take it too far, but we have legitemate concerns with the direction the game is heading and you guys are making jokes about it. So it upsets some of us becuase the only assurance we have is *Everything will be fine because we are watching the numbers, and if its not working, we have backup plans* with no details about anything.

Xiotia

09-03-2010, 02:22 PM

<cite>Xill wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Xiotia@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>We're watching it very carefully right now.</blockquote>I'm watching it too, and /who all 90 doesn't seem to jive with what your sellin.</blockquote>lol. You guys always think I'm trying to pull wool over your eyes. Okay, have it your way. The world is ending! Doom!I'll just keep telling you facts, and you can decide what you want to believe. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>This is a good time for me to put in my idea about a SC appearance item: A doom-sayer's wearable outfit. Complete with ragged robes and front and back sign. Front, "REPENT", Back, "THE END IS NIGH!" </blockquote>Lol you know what, calling people doom-sayers for being worried about this stuff, is just as bad as the people over-reacting. Yes I understand its a game, but for alot of us its an investment of time and $. Which means we care about it, the game and the world. So to see less people playing, or to join a group and the entire time you are with them they are complaining about whats going on with the game makes you worried that your investment is going south.So yes, some of us take it too far, but we have legitemate concerns with the direction the game is heading and you guys are making jokes about it. So it upsets some of us becuase the only assurance we have is *Everything will be fine because we are watching the numbers, and if its not working, we have backup plans* with no details about anything.</blockquote>Actually its an idea I've been kicking around in my head for awhile, just seemed like a good place to insert it where it would get some attention. As far as mergers go, I feel like Lucan is doing just fine and I would hate to see it merge with another server. However, I only play on Lucan so I have no experience with any other server. You would buy it. :p I know I would. 'Specially if it is only 300 sc. Smoke would buy it too. lol

Onorem

09-03-2010, 02:24 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>lol. You guys always think I'm trying to pull wool over your eyes. Okay, have it your way. The world is ending! Doom!I'll just keep telling you facts, and you can decide what you want to believe. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>I understand it can be frustrating to deal with constant complaints on the forums...but isn't part of your job to present a professional face for the product?Time has proven several of your previous statements to not have been fully open and honest. People might not be able to point out explicit lies, but you've certainly skirted issues with carefully worded posts. So sorry if people aren't entirely willing to believe without question what you have to say when they see differently in their own game world.

Xill

09-03-2010, 02:26 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>We're watching it very carefully right now.</blockquote>I'm watching it too, and /who all 90 doesn't seem to jive with what your sellin.</blockquote>lol. You guys always think I'm trying to pull wool over your eyes. Okay, have it your way. The world is ending! Doom!I'll just keep telling you facts, and you can decide what you want to believe. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>Wow you know this really bothered me. I know it a joke but this is slightly ignorant. Im honestly shocked (if it IS indeed the case) that you dont see where we are coming from. Some of us have been in this industry longer then you have, experiencing from the ground floor how the communities interact, what drives players and why.Seeing games fall apart around us and the bad decisions made from up high that lead to it. And now we are seeing signs that point to declining populations, less interested players and general apathy for the game becuase of a huge number of things, but most of them bad decisions by developers/producers or general shoddy work on the game. So yes, this is your community reaching out saying things are not looking good from our end. And all we get is *No no, your wrong. Its fine. Nothing to see here, move along*I mean my god. I'm waiting for my account to expire, and I still care enough to come here in the hopes that it can be salvaged. I love this game, and this world. And I want to see it expand and do well. I have been with EQ since the first Kunark but this is different. Even after I am gone I want EQ to prosper but I just dont see it happening with your model.

Xill

09-03-2010, 02:34 PM

<cite>Xiotia@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite><blockquote>You would buy it. :p I know I would. 'Specially if it is only 300 sc. Smoke would buy it too. lol</blockquote>Hell no. The only reason I spent the free SC I was given, was for a character name change. Never will I play a F2P game, nor will I spend more money then the cost of a monthly sub on an MMO. Sorry but I get advertised at on a regular basis from everywhere else in life. The last thing I want is to sign into my favorite game and be forced to ignore the constant advertisements to spend more money.

Geothe

09-03-2010, 02:49 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>We're watching it very carefully right now.</blockquote>I'm watching it too, and /who all 90 doesn't seem to jive with what your sellin.</blockquote>lol. You guys always think I'm trying to pull wool over your eyes. Okay, have it your way. The world is ending! Doom!I'll just keep telling you facts, and you can decide what you want to believe. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>Wow, Quality Statement there by you Smokejumper. Some real A-Grade jerk.

Dethdlr

09-03-2010, 02:50 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>The world is ending! Doom! <runs in circles waving his hands></blockquote>Thanks! This one should be fun to quote out of context. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/ed515dbff23a0ee3241dcc0a601c9ed6.gif" border="0" />

Dethdlr

09-03-2010, 03:01 PM

In all seriousness though, what the heck do you expect him to say if the numbers are really saying what he says the numbers are saying?Number of people logged in prior to GU57 was between x and y.Number of people logged in after GU57 is between x and y.If that's the case, what do you expect him to say? If people you used to group with prior to GU57 are no longer playing, you're probably having trouble getting a group. If that same amount of people came back to your server, but you don't know them, then the population would be the same. Doesn't change the fact that you're having more trouble finding a group but also doesn't change the fact that the population is the same.I don't recall seeing Smokejumper say that people are lying about having trouble getting groups. He's simply saying that the population is stable and not in decline. If his numbers are correct, what do you expect him to say?

Xiotia

09-03-2010, 03:19 PM

<cite>Xill wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Xiotia@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite><blockquote>You would buy it. :p I know I would. 'Specially if it is only 300 sc. Smoke would buy it too. lol</blockquote>Hell no. The only reason I spent the free SC I was given, was for a character name change. Never will I play a F2P game, nor will I spend more money then the cost of a monthly sub on an MMO. Sorry but I get advertised at on a regular basis from everywhere else in life. The last thing I want is to sign into my favorite game and be forced to ignore the constant advertisements to spend more money.</blockquote>lol, I still have some floating around. :p

Thundy

09-03-2010, 03:38 PM

No one to blame but yourself for that problem, SJ.<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>We're watching it very carefully right now.</blockquote>I'm watching it too, and /who all 90 doesn't seem to jive with what your sellin.</blockquote>You guys always think I'm trying to pull wool over your eyes.</blockquote>

Yimway

09-03-2010, 03:55 PM

<cite>Dethdlr@Kithicor wrote:</cite><blockquote>If that's the case, what do you expect him to say? If people you used to group with prior to GU57 are no longer playing, you're probably having trouble getting a group. If that same amount of people came back to your server, but you don't know them, then the population would be the same. Doesn't change the fact that you're having more trouble finding a group but also doesn't change the fact that the population is the same.</blockquote>Actually, this has nothing to do with the people I grouped with before or after. I'm talking about the availability of players to play the game with at max level. In general, in any given pug, I might atmost recognize 2 of the people in the group, frequently I don't even recognize the name of any of them.What I've said is, there is a distinctly smaller population of people available to pug with in the past month. I didn't draw any conclusions to why that might be, but I'm disturbed by it, in that normally its the time of year after school has started that people are more likely to be on at prime time.There were several times this week a /who all 90 didn't report over 100 players online on unrest. There were several nights this week that 1+ hours went by before a pug was formed durring prime hours. Something that I haven't found to be the case, really almost ever. Given I have one of every class roll at 90, it is extremely alarming to me that I can spend 2 hours unable to find 5 other people capable of filling a basic group for easy content.As such, I posted in this thread urging that server mergers happen sooner than later so that we can, I dunno, play the game. I didn't mean to imply SJ was outright lieing about the numbers on my server, cause I can't know that. He's looking at concurrent logins, I'm looking at people available at level 90 to form a group with. There could be reasons I'm not seeing people and he's seeing the same concurrent users. I personally have trouble believing the statement, but I can't disprove it.What I personally see is people logging on to do task x only, sitting iddle for a bit chatting and logging off without actually doing anything else in game. It is quite possible the reason for the large drop in people available for grouping isn't cause they aren't logging on, it might just be apathy. This doesn't change the fact that a server merger would help address this and needs to happen soon.And Smokejumper, thanks for insulting me btw, its an awesome way to represent your company. I believe it was in jest when I first read it, on reflection I'm less sure.

Kordran

09-03-2010, 04:27 PM

<cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote>As such, I posted in this thread urging that server mergers happen sooner than later so that we can, I dunno, play the game. I didn't mean to imply SJ was outright lieing about the numbers on my server, cause I can't know that. He's looking at concurrent logins, I'm looking at people available at level 90 to form a group with. There could be reasons I'm not seeing people and he's seeing the same concurrent users. I personally have trouble believing the statement, but I can't disprove it.</blockquote>It being about 6 months after the last expansion, I think it's reasonable to suspect that alt-itis is in full bloom for a lot of people. Unless they're raiders, they've already "been there, done that" on what they consider to be their most important toons. So perhaps now you see more folks rolling up new characters or working on lower-level alts. Same general number of players, but more of them are now playing soloquest in the lower tiers. Just speculation on my part, but it would explain what you're seeing there.

Warpax

09-03-2010, 05:22 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>We're watching it very carefully right now.</blockquote>I'm watching it too, and /who all 90 doesn't seem to jive with what your sellin.</blockquote>lol. You guys always think I'm trying to pull wool over your eyes. Okay, have it your way. The world is ending! Doom!I'll just keep telling you facts, and you can decide what you want to believe. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>ok, the population is stagna.. er holding steady. how are the "new player" numbers on the eq2 servers. NOT eq2x.you know what.. just stop beating about the bush and merge already. I know most if not all you dev guys have your heads up the eq2x servers at the moment but the original servers have been bad for months and months BEFORE you split the population. You should ALREADY have plenty of numbers to crunch and if you're honest you come to the same conclussion as most of the rest of us actually trying to play... MEREGE servers.Thanks and Stuff

Dreadpatch

09-03-2010, 05:47 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>We're watching it very carefully right now.</blockquote>I'm watching it too, and /who all 90 doesn't seem to jive with what your sellin.</blockquote>lol. You guys always think I'm trying to pull wool over your eyes. Okay, have it your way. The world is ending! Doom!I'll just keep telling you facts, and you can decide what you want to believe. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>I guess I can't argue with numbers that aren't being posted by you Mr. Smokejumper. I can't say that it is a direct correlation to EQ2X, but I can say the active population on Nektulas server has seemed to decline over the last month. I guess it's just my perception and I'm wrong.I would also say that this comment is pretty condescending and disrespectful. Unfortunately you have been less than truthful at times, so you have damaged your credibility with the live crowd. Before any more doublespeak, I would like to leave a comment.I have a relationship with a girl.... I kiss another girl, and don't tell the girl that I'm with. Does that make me a liar? I suppose it would depend on who's angle your looking at it from : )I genuinely hope that you aren't trying to pull the wool over our eyes, but I don't really see anything to quell that fear. I see a 3600 post EQ2X feedback thread with zero response. I go to eq2.com and see a giant play now button and a tiny link that says subscribe here underneath. Also, actions speak louder than words, were are the actions?

CoLD MeTaL

09-03-2010, 05:50 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>We're watching it very carefully right now.</blockquote>I'm watching it too, and /who all 90 doesn't seem to jive with what your sellin.</blockquote>lol. You guys always think I'm trying to pull wool over your eyes. Okay, have it your way. The world is ending! Doom!I'll just keep telling you facts, and you can decide what you want to believe. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>Wow. Where should I send a copy of "How to make friends and influence people"?Making light of what we are experiencing on the Live servers doesn't buy you credibility. From this post I am convinced that you do not at all care about the Live servers. I hope you prove me wrong. You are doing the same thing you have always done and that is choosing your words very carefully to appear to say one thing while saying something completely different. There are any number of metrics you could use right now to say 'everything is fine', and then there are real meaningful metrics that you will refuse to look at. I wish you luck with EQ2Xtenze.

Rijacki

09-03-2010, 06:18 PM

<cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Dethdlr@Kithicor wrote:</cite><blockquote>If that's the case, what do you expect him to say? If people you used to group with prior to GU57 are no longer playing, you're probably having trouble getting a group. If that same amount of people came back to your server, but you don't know them, then the population would be the same. Doesn't change the fact that you're having more trouble finding a group but also doesn't change the fact that the population is the same.</blockquote>Actually, this has nothing to do with the people I grouped with before or after. I'm talking about the availability of players to play the game with at max level. In general, in any given pug, I might atmost recognize 2 of the people in the group, frequently I don't even recognize the name of any of them.What I've said is, there is a distinctly smaller population of people available to pug with in the past month. I didn't draw any conclusions to why that might be, but I'm disturbed by it, in that normally its the time of year after school has started that people are more likely to be on at prime time.There were several times this week a /who all 90 didn't report over 100 players online on unrest. There were several nights this week that 1+ hours went by before a pug was formed durring prime hours. Something that I haven't found to be the case, really almost ever. Given I have one of every class roll at 90, it is extremely alarming to me that I can spend 2 hours unable to find 5 other people capable of filling a basic group for easy content.As such, I posted in this thread urging that server mergers happen sooner than later so that we can, I dunno, play the game. I didn't mean to imply SJ was outright lieing about the numbers on my server, cause I can't know that. He's looking at concurrent logins, I'm looking at people available at level 90 to form a group with. There could be reasons I'm not seeing people and he's seeing the same concurrent users. I personally have trouble believing the statement, but I can't disprove it.What I personally see is people logging on to do task x only, sitting iddle for a bit chatting and logging off without actually doing anything else in game. It is quite possible the reason for the large drop in people available for grouping isn't cause they aren't logging on, it might just be apathy. This doesn't change the fact that a server merger would help address this and needs to happen soon.And Smokejumper, thanks for insulting me btw, its an awesome way to represent your company. I believe it was in jest when I first read it, on reflection I'm less sure.</blockquote>If /who alll 90 yields a lower number this week than last but /who all 30 to 80 yields a much higher number this week than last week, how is that a confirmation that the population is decreasing?A lot of players play on alts. Not all alts are level 90. Not all players -want- to be level 90 as quickly as possible. No new player joins the game at level 90. Not all new players want to get to level 90 as quickly as possible. heck, there might even be more players who are opting to use /anon or /role.SmokeJumper's statement was that the population (as a whole, across all level ranges, not jsut -at- 90) is stable. That could very well be true at exactly the same time a /who all 90 shows a decline from one week to the next. It also doesn't make statements of "many of my friends have left" & "I can't find people to group with" untrue if other players have started playing (and not just RaF) and/or if other players are playing at times you're not.I'm sorry, though, if that doesn't mean SOE is guarenteeing there will be X number of players at your exact level (with gear and AA you approve of) any time you decide to log on an look to form a group.

SmokeJumper

09-03-2010, 07:48 PM

<cite>CoLD MeTaL wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>We're watching it very carefully right now.</blockquote>I'm watching it too, and /who all 90 doesn't seem to jive with what your sellin.</blockquote>lol. You guys always think I'm trying to pull wool over your eyes. Okay, have it your way. The world is ending! Doom!I'll just keep telling you facts, and you can decide what you want to believe. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>Wow. Where should I send a copy of "How to make friends and influence people"?Making light of what we are experiencing on the Live servers doesn't buy you credibility. From this post I am convinced that you do not at all care about the Live servers. I hope you prove me wrong. You are doing the same thing you have always done and that is choosing your words very carefully to appear to say one thing while saying something completely different. There are any number of metrics you could use right now to say 'everything is fine', and then there are real meaningful metrics that you will refuse to look at. I wish you luck with EQ2Xtenze.</blockquote>You can take it that way if you want to, but you'd be wrong.I responded to concerns multiple times in this thread with open and honest data. The fact that people continuously doubt me after I provide facts repetitively in a thread *is* amusing. There's no other way to react to it other than to become offended instead, and I'm not going to do that.I came here to reassure and let you know what we're seeing, as we have been finding stuff out post launch of GU57. That's all.It's okay that you don't trust me, but I'm going to act like you *do* trust me and my messages are going to continue to be as open and honest as they can be without spilling competitive information. (And yes, I know you're going to dissect that last sentence. No problem. That's business.)But seriously...lol...I'm not your enemy. I'm a HUGE champion of this game both internally and externally to SOE.

upupandaw

09-03-2010, 08:01 PM

So not counting this bonus experience weekend ( lots of people logged in ), you are saying the server populations are fine? So we can not expect the server merges for servers like vox for example?I wish I knew what you were talking about when you say server populations are fine. I just dont see it on vox, when sometimes fp side will have say 30 people and Q side will have 70. Mind you that does include people that just stayed logged in, and people with multiple accounts.Is 100 people total on both faction sides for most of the day considered within limits that are acceptable? If it is that is fine, would just like to know. I think there is a chance with winter coming and the next expansion a server merge might not be needed. Right now though you have a good chunk of people that have left, or are planning on selling within a week. Would be nice to know what is coming.

SmokeJumper

09-03-2010, 08:17 PM

<cite>upupandaway wrote:</cite><blockquote>So not counting this bonus experience weekend ( lots of people logged in ), you are saying the server populations are fine? So we can not expect the server merges for servers like vox for example?</blockquote>Actually, what I was saying had nothing to do with merges. That's a separate subject.Populations are currently stable. That means that the same number of people are playing on any given day as usual, and we're gaining as many players as are leaving for other pastures. This is good news.The fact that some servers are under-populated anyway is a separate subject. We're currently discussing when and how we can go through server merges to solve that situation and I'll share that info as soon as I can.

Dreadpatch

09-03-2010, 08:37 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>upupandaway wrote:</cite><blockquote>So not counting this bonus experience weekend ( lots of people logged in ), you are saying the server populations are fine? So we can not expect the server merges for servers like vox for example?</blockquote>Actually, what I was saying had nothing to do with merges. That's a separate subject.Populations are currently stable. That means that the same number of people are playing on any given day as usual, and we're gaining as many players as are leaving for other pastures. This is good news.The fact that some servers are under-populated anyway is a separate subject. We're currently discussing when and how we can go through server merges to solve that situation and I'll share that info as soon as I can.</blockquote>I can't speak for everyone, but I appreciate the posting. I also saw some subscription rewards for Live servers which is a step in the right direction. I suppose you don't want to post numbers so your competitors don't know what your player base is. I guess I don't see why it would matter.In any case, if you really do care, please continue to make incentives for new players to join our servers. Also, we would like to see some content in the next GU. TBH, there aren't that many SF instances and they are all pretty old and tired at this point. I raid too, so we are still exploring that content, but I would like more to do when there is no raid. Another x2 like Vigilant would be a wonderful addition as well. PS, I really like Vig x2.Thanks for listening, I hope you continue to speak and take actions that change my current opinion of you. I want the game to be successful and believe that SoE cares a little about it's veteran players that have been paying right along.

Dethdlr

09-03-2010, 08:38 PM

This conversation leads into something I've been wondering about for a while now. Right now, if you have characters at level cap, you have two primary options when it comes to lower level alts:1) Play an alt and miss out on any level cap groups that are advertised in channels2) Sit around on your level cap toon twiddling your thumbs waiting on a groupWouldn't it be nice if access to the level channels like 90, 80-89, 70-79, etc. were based on your highest level character instead of the one you are currently playing?That way, you could go play a lower level alt and still keep an eye on 80-89 and 90 channel for people forming groups.(Disclaimer: This has nothing to do with server merges, for or against, and is a completely separate thing)

Nuhus

09-03-2010, 08:56 PM

Considering all the advertising is going to EQ2X, I believe it's on a decline and will continue to be.

upupandaw

09-03-2010, 09:04 PM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>upupandaway wrote:</cite><blockquote>So not counting this bonus experience weekend ( lots of people logged in ), you are saying the server populations are fine? So we can not expect the server merges for servers like vox for example?</blockquote>Actually, what I was saying had nothing to do with merges. That's a separate subject.Populations are currently stable. That means that the same number of people are playing on any given day as usual, and we're gaining as many players as are leaving for other pastures. This is good news.The fact that some servers are under-populated anyway is a separate subject. We're currently discussing when and how we can go through server merges to solve that situation and I'll share that info as soon as I can.</blockquote>Well, that is good news that populations on a game basis are staying even or gaining. Please dont forget the underpopulated servers though. Some people will just leave and it can be avoided. I was thinking to myself playing pvp on vox warfields, can you imagine if we had some population how fun this would be? <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> Then I got sad <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

Murkie

09-03-2010, 09:56 PM

Ah well, I've got about 10 days til my account expires and i guess I really wont be renewing it.I've been hoping that something would change, some discussion with the devs would open up and meaningful steps would be taken towards turning the game back in the direction I want to see it go. It's quite obvious that isn't about to happen.SmokeJumper, you say you've provided open and honest data about the state of the live servers. Where is it? I've just trawled through this thread and all I see is you telling everyone that nothing has changed, players levels are not dropping and everything is fine. Excuse me, but that is not data. You say you're going to be watching for trends for the next month or so. Just what sort of a trend do you expect to see in 1 month? People are telling you loud and clear that something is wrong. We aren't doing it because we love to stamp our feet, we are doing it because we don't want to see the game fall apart.I really don't know what else to say. I've been part of the SOE community for 8 or so years and I have to admit, I never want to pay for one of your produces ever again.

Kasar

09-03-2010, 09:58 PM

<cite>Dethdlr@Kithicor wrote:</cite><blockquote>Wouldn't it be nice if access to the level channels like 90, 80-89, 70-79, etc. were based on your highest level character instead of the one you are currently playing?</blockquote>Each server I've been on has used the 1-9 channel as a sort of global because of alts.

Dethdlr

09-03-2010, 11:00 PM

Ok, this is just dumb. We've got two friends who have come back to EQ2 for a two week trial starting tonight. The plan was to get them in guild, get them in voice, get them hooked, and get them to sub. WRONG!/voice invite Toon"You may not send voice invites to trial players"So I figure, no problem, I'll get them to join the guild, then get them in voice./guild invite Toon"You cannot invite Toon because they are using a trial account."Hmm. How about EQ2X? Unlimited Voice at the Bronze Level!!!Thanks. There's two subs you just missed out on. Who was smoking what when they thought up this restriction?

Dethdlr

09-03-2010, 11:05 PM

<cite>Kasar wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Dethdlr@Kithicor wrote:</cite><blockquote>Wouldn't it be nice if access to the level channels like 90, 80-89, 70-79, etc. were based on your highest level character instead of the one you are currently playing?</blockquote>Each server I've been on has used the 1-9 channel as a sort of global because of alts.</blockquote>Same here. But it's not where level cap groups are usually formed in my experience. YMMV.

Gilasil

09-04-2010, 02:05 AM

<blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Atan@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>We're watching it very carefully right now.</blockquote>I'm watching it too, and /who all 90 doesn't seem to jive with what your sellin.</blockquote>lol. You guys always think I'm trying to pull wool over your eyes. Okay, have it your way. The world is ending! Doom!I'll just keep telling you facts, and you can decide what you want to believe. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>I guess I can't argue with numbers that aren't being posted by you Mr. Smokejumper. I can't say that it is a direct correlation to EQ2X, but I can say the active population on Nektulas server has seemed to decline over the last month. I guess it's just my perception and I'm wrong.I would also say that this comment is pretty condescending and disrespectful. Unfortunately you have been less than truthful at times, so you have damaged your credibility with the live crowd. Before any more doublespeak, I would like to leave a comment.I have a relationship with a girl.... I kiss another girl, and don't tell the girl that I'm with. Does that make me a liar? I suppose it would depend on who's angle your looking at it from : )I genuinely hope that you aren't trying to pull the wool over our eyes, but I don't really see anything to quell that fear. I see a 3600 post EQ2X feedback thread with zero response. I go to eq2.com and see a giant play now button and a tiny link that says subscribe here underneath. Also, actions speak louder than words, were are the actions?</blockquote>Read the rest of your posts. Read the other posts made to Smokejumper. You treat him like that you have no cause for complaint if he seems a bit condescending. I'd have said some things a lot stronger then what he said if it had been me.Fact is, I think the SoE people have been models of restraint. If people treated me like they treat most SoE posters I'd have gone postal long ago. I'm not saying he's right. I'm not saying he's wrong. But don't go complaining about him getting short with you if people just spent the last x pages insulting him and calling him a liar.Devs might post more and be more open if they were treated a bit better. I know I wouldn't have any desire to post on a forum when every time I did I got my head bit off.Just sayin.People can go back to calling the devs liars now.

Hirofortis

09-04-2010, 02:42 AM

I think they would find a lot beter reception if they did not try and hide thigns behind peeps backs.

PlaneCrazy

09-04-2010, 11:12 AM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>upupandaway wrote:</cite><blockquote>So not counting this bonus experience weekend ( lots of people logged in ), you are saying the server populations are fine? So we can not expect the server merges for servers like vox for example?</blockquote>Actually, what I was saying had nothing to do with merges. That's a separate subject.Populations are currently stable. That means that the same number of people are playing on any given day as usual, and we're gaining as many players as are leaving for other pastures. This is good news.The fact that some servers are under-populated anyway is a separate subject. We're currently discussing when and how we can go through server merges to solve that situation and I'll share that info as soon as I can.</blockquote>I just wanted to ask for clarity... The bolded and underlined part above. Are you including free accounts created on the EQ2x servers when you say this? Because that makes a big difference to what is our main argument here on Live servers.

MisterE

09-04-2010, 02:57 PM

It can be hard to find a group, at times it can be really easy as well. In my experience it depends on class choice, guild choice, time of day that i am playing. The one thing that i do enjoy about that "other" game that starts with a W is that they took the LFG and pooled groups from multiple servers i think they call it a battle group. The SOE battle grounds really excited me because of the ability to form groups from all the servers but it can still be problematic when you have 5 healers and 1 tank or no healers and no tanks.. In my opinion soe would be wise to develop a grouping device that folks could join groups by selecting a role they can play and the groups are pulled from that selection. But i am seeing hope in that soe is at least trying to change its methods.obviously server merging would please many of us, but if sony is unwilling to merge servers then perhaps they could offer some other means to satisfy the customer base that is used to what that other game already provides. Face it sony you are competing against an MMO that has beat you to the punch when it comes to providing grouping solutions. Your player base has had time to experience that method as well as experience what eq2 offers and frankly i think you guys are behind the learning curve when it comes to getting groups.If you can do battle grounds for pvp type stuff i am willing to bet that you can do pve instance groups that pull from many servers, the question is whether or not you got the spine to change, or are you going to just hang on to the past and hope for the best. Espeically when some other games are coming out in the near future. the MMO cheese has been moved guys its time to adapt. I dont play eq2 because its betterr i play it because its familiar and i have time invested in this game.

Zepor

09-04-2010, 05:59 PM

Smoke, do you REALLY not understand why people don't trust you? I am not sure if it's sad or funny at this point.Here's a hint, don't lie through your teeth to your customers and maybe they will trust you!

Alvane

09-05-2010, 04:35 PM

<cite>Dethdlr@Kithicor wrote:</cite><blockquote>This conversation leads into something I've been wondering about for a while now. Right now, if you have characters at level cap, you have two primary options when it comes to lower level alts:1) Play an alt and miss out on any level cap groups that are advertised in channels2) Sit around on your level cap toon twiddling your thumbs waiting on a group</blockquote>Actually I do neither on my lower level characters. There are other options. Bunch of us decided to form a static group with certain rules. We meet once a week and play for a couple hours. Our goal is to clear just about every group dungeon in Norrath at level. This one group has been going even since the New Halas GU.There are other static groups formed, too. They meet different times for different purposes. So far, they have all be very successful. When members need to leave for rl, others take their place, so it's revolving.There is a lot more to this game than playing only at cap. And no, we don't tend to "twiddle our thumbs" cause there is a lot of things to do.Perhaps they aren't to your liking. Some peeps do only prefer playing at cap. Some peeps only prefer raids and only play outside of raids to level up or get marks or w/e they might need for their raiding game play.As for having a T-9 character, if I want to check stuff out such as T-9 auctions or PuGs at T-9, I just keep my channels open for my lower level characters, just in case. However, for me, I rarely do since my characters tend to stay quite busy and productive in groups that are static, or less than 6 such as a duo or helping others.

Dethdlr

09-05-2010, 06:54 PM

<cite>Alvane@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Dethdlr@Kithicor wrote:</cite><blockquote>This conversation leads into something I've been wondering about for a while now. Right now, if you have characters at level cap, you have two primary options when it comes to lower level alts:1) Play an alt and miss out on any level cap groups that are advertised in channels2) Sit around on your level cap toon twiddling your thumbs waiting on a group</blockquote>Actually I do neither on my lower level characters. There are other options. Bunch of us decided to form a static group with certain rules. We meet once a week and play for a couple hours. Our goal is to clear just about every group dungeon in Norrath at level. This one group has been going even since the New Halas GU.There are other static groups formed, too. They meet different times for different purposes. So far, they have all be very successful. When members need to leave for rl, others take their place, so it's revolving.There is a lot more to this game than playing only at cap. And no, we don't tend to "twiddle our thumbs" cause there is a lot of things to do.Perhaps they aren't to your liking. Some peeps do only prefer playing at cap. Some peeps only prefer raids and only play outside of raids to level up or get marks or w/e they might need for their raiding game play.As for having a T-9 character, if I want to check stuff out such as T-9 auctions or PuGs at T-9, I just keep my channels open for my lower level characters, just in case. However, for me, I rarely do since my characters tend to stay quite busy and productive in groups that are static, or less than 6 such as a duo or helping others.</blockquote>Actually, I almost never do pugs. Haven't for years. My guild groups on a regular basis. I was more talking about the people complaining in here about sitting in channels for hours waiting on a pug an not being able to get one. You know, those saying we must do server merges today because there's nobody in channels asking for pugs.But regardless, if you're playing a low level alt, you can't see the high level channels. Whether it be for items being sold, groups being formed, raids lfm, etc. It would be nice to be able to see what's up in the high level channels, even if it's just for chatting, while on a lower level alt.

MurFalad

09-06-2010, 07:15 AM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Draylore wrote:</cite><blockquote>People actually playing is down......GU57 had something to do with it im sure but its not the only reason. </blockquote>I understand you have that perception, but it's not factually true. There are just as many people playing now as there was before the publicatin of GU57. What might be happening is that some of the people you were used to playing with aren't playing currently and that makes the world seem emptier, but the server populations are stable.We're watching it very carefully right now.</blockquote>At least on Runnyeye in my guild the BG's have also made the world feel a bit emptier (especially since BG's have much better rewards, although I know Waters said that the mark rewards are being improved for GU58 , some nights I only find out that a guildy was actually online until later on (especially if I'm hopping in and out of BG's too).From memory the reply at Fanfaire to my request for at least guild chat to continue to work in BGs was that it was something the dev team wanted to do, but is this likely to be implemented anytime soon? Having the server level channels also work would be very helpful (or at least implementing a server wide LFG channel that also goes to BG's). One extra suggestion though, it might be worthwhile adding some sort of extra stat debuff for 5-10 minutes to the BG cowardice debuff to encourage players to stick with the BG until the end, even if they do sign up to a dungeon group if/when chat channels are linked to BGs.

Pervis

09-06-2010, 09:36 AM

I have to say, this thread is full of SOE fail.<cite>Smokeblower wrote:</cite><blockquote>Hey, folks,Just wanted to let you know that we recorded all the sessions at Fan Faire, transcribed all the questions, and the team leads have spent the last couple of days pouring over the lists and prioritizing them for action.We'll be spending several weeks making fixes and changes based on the feedback we got there and then update the game with those fixes in mid-October.We'll post the list of what's changing much closer to when we launch so that we don't accidentally overcommit, but we think you'll be pleased with a lot of the fixes.Thought you'd be interested to know this is happening. More later!</blockquote>So what, getting our feedback and bug fixes worked on is now a part of the microtransaction system? We need to pay to go to Fan Faire in order for you to listen to us when we tell you how your product is broken?With only a single exception, everything bought up at Fan Faire had been bought up either on these forums or on Flames. The fact that you are saying that you are looking at Fan Faire specific feedback is nothing short of sickening.<cite>Smokeblower wrote:</cite><blockquote>While I'm sure you're correct that you're having troubles finding a group (and we're discussing mergers to help fix that), the population of Unrest has *not* declined since the launch of EQ2X. So those two things have nothing to do with each other. (The population was light on that server before the launch and wasn't impacted by EQ2X.) We've been watching this stuff like a hawk, and so far, we're not seeing population declines on any of the Live servers. But we're not done watching either. It'll be a month or so before we're sure whether we're seeing trends or not. It's still too early to tell for sure.</blockquote>It may be too early for you guys to tell, but its not too early for us to tell.We feel a drop in subscriptions far before you guys notice it. In fact, we feel it before it even happens.When a player leaves a game, they usually do not do it in an instant. They carry on logging in to the game, maybe for weeks or maybe for a month or two. These players still log in, and still spend the same amount of time logged in as usual. To you guys and the small number of overly basic population checks you do, they appear as nothing more than regular players.While they are logged in though, they do not run instances, they do not join pickups, nor do they level alts. From experience, people that are about to leave the game log in to run raids that they feel they are committed to, and just sit around and chat to friends.If players are having trouble finding pick up groups, but that small number of overly basic population checks you do doesn't give you any signal of a drop in population, you should take it as a sign that players no longer care. Players no longer care about progressing their characters, no longer care about level capped alts, no longer care about the populatino other than their friends.The obvious reason for this is that these people no longer intend on playing the game for a long period of time. For some, they may have an eye on other games (FF, Rift, GW2 etc), but others just simply don't care about this game at all.If you want to do some real checking, look at how many T9 instances have been created each week the expansion has been out. It will not give you solid data on player numbers, but will provide you with an early warning system of sorts that your population is about to drop.Finally, some PR advice from a professional (an actual PR professional, not an interwebs 'pro'):You have absolutly zero credibility here. Not very little, absolutly zero. I've never actually seen a case like this outside of hypothetical situations, but you have somehow managed to get yourself to this situation in only a number of months.In a situation where you have no credibility, you do not want to carry on communicating as if you do. This will do nothing other than alienating those you are communicating with. In the situation you are in, communicate using detailed information from a third party sorce that has some tangible credibility with your target audiance. If there is no third party sorce with the information you are communicating, provide actual details. Handing out a summery, but without providing the actual facts that lead you to that conclusion is no better than telling us you flew to Mars in your bright pink Volkswagon beetle. Your target audiance has no reason to believe either of these, and so would believe none (though some would believe the flying to Mars thing, no doubt).You are trying to tell people something that is in direct conflict with their own experiences. You are telling them this with no actual facts, and nothing to back yourself up with other than "because I said so". In addition, you are doing the above with a target audiance that places no faith in your honesty, has no reason to believe you, and has first hand experiance that you will say things that are not true.If you carry on posting as if people will believe what you say, and do not put in some actual work on your credibility, you will do nothing other than ensure that your tenure as this games Senior Producer is a short lived one.Have a nice day.

Andu

09-06-2010, 08:16 PM

<cite>Pervis wrote:</cite><blockquote>You have absolutly zero credibility here. Not very little, absolutly zero. I've never actually seen a case like this outside of hypothetical situations, but you have somehow managed to get yourself to this situation in only a number of months.</blockquote>Most people who've met Smokejumper face to face have posted he's a nice guy and definitely passionate about EQ2. So I really am puzzled how he's got to the point where virtually noone believes a word he says.However, the quote above is so true - its definitely time to roll out some facts along with all the dialogue.

CoLD MeTaL

09-07-2010, 10:55 AM

<cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>You can take it that way if you want to, but you'd be wrong.I responded to concerns multiple times in this thread with open and honest data. The fact that people continuously doubt me after I provide facts repetitively in a thread *is* amusing. There's no other way to react to it other than to become offended instead, and I'm not going to do that.I came here to reassure and let you know what we're seeing, as we have been finding stuff out post launch of GU57. That's all.It's okay that you don't trust me, but I'm going to act like you *do* trust me and my messages are going to continue to be as open and honest as they can be without spilling competitive information. (And yes, I know you're going to dissect that last sentence. No problem. That's business.)But seriously...lol...I'm not your enemy. I'm a HUGE champion of this game both internally and externally to SOE.</blockquote>You didn't actually give us any 'data', you gave us your word. Which isn't worth much at this stage. I'm sorry to have to have to say that, but your EPIC use of double speak has impacted my game. I am hoping that you are telling the truth this time.

nightwriter

09-09-2010, 06:14 AM

<cite>CoLD MeTaL wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote>You can take it that way if you want to, but you'd be wrong.I responded to concerns multiple times in this thread with open and honest data. The fact that people continuously doubt me after I provide facts repetitively in a thread *is* amusing. There's no other way to react to it other than to become offended instead, and I'm not going to do that.I came here to reassure and let you know what we're seeing, as we have been finding stuff out post launch of GU57. That's all.It's okay that you don't trust me, but I'm going to act like you *do* trust me and my messages are going to continue to be as open and honest as they can be without spilling competitive information. (And yes, I know you're going to dissect that last sentence. No problem. That's business.)But seriously...lol...I'm not your enemy. I'm a HUGE champion of this game both internally and externally to SOE.</blockquote>You didn't actually give us any 'data', you gave us your word. Which isn't worth much at this stage. I'm sorry to have to have to say that, but your EPIC use of double speak has impacted my game. I am hoping that you are telling the truth this time. </blockquote>Due to the part there where he says "and honest as they can be without spilling competitive informtion" I'm thinking that means he can't give any 'data'. I for one would LOVE to see the hard numbers but I certainly know we're not going to see them. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

Yimway

09-09-2010, 11:23 AM

<cite>PlaneCrazy wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>SmokeJumper wrote:</cite><blockquote> we're gaining as many players as are leaving for other pastures. This is good news.</blockquote>I just wanted to ask for clarity... The bolded and underlined part above. Are you including free accounts created on the EQ2x servers when you say this? Because that makes a big difference to what is our main argument here on Live servers.</blockquote>The *real* question is he filtering out self generated RAF's from his numbers.Cause yes, I would agree, as many RAF's are logging in as players we've lost.