Episode #36 of EQ2 Talk podcast - - Smoke Signals

[Dellmon]

<div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Episode #36 - Smoke Signals </strong></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-small;">recorded on Dec 3 </span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p>EQ2 Talk is thrilled to be joined by Dave “SmokeJumper” Georgeson, EverQuest franchise Executive Producer. This episode covers a lot of ground on things players have seen over the past year, from rebalancing content, to gear and stat changes, to EQ2’s free-to-play conversion. We ask him about some of the more controversial topics, such as exploits and the lively “insta-90” thread, and get a behind-the-scenes peek at what we can expect for the world of Norrath in the coming year and beyond. Smokejumper also offers some insight into the thinking behind the Age of Discovery expansion, and talks about his vision for EverQuest II.</p><p>Click <a href="http://eq2talk.com/podcasts/EQ2_Talk_Episode_036.mp3" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffcc00;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">here</span></span></a> to listen to Episode 36</p><p>Listen to all the shows from our website at <a href="http://eq2talk.com/"><span style="color: #ffcc00;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">http://eq2talk.com</span></span></a>Subscribe to us on iTunes <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/eq2-talk/id417159813" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffcc00;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">here</span></span></a>Check us out at our <a href="http://facebook.com/eq2talk" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffcc00;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Facebook</span></span></a> pageFollow us over on <a href="http://twitter.com/eq2talk" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffcc00;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Twitter</span></span></a> too</p></span></span></div>

[EQ2Playa432]

<p>Did they ever fix the matrix?</p>

[Arslan2000]

<p>Nope, they cancelled it.</p><p>*rimshot*</p>

[isest]

<p>Well that was  a good podcast.  A lot being said in that 1.5 hours.   Thanks guys for asking hard questions. </p><p>I found it funny that smokejumper does not like the forums because he considers them full of trolls.   I got the impression he loves eq2.   I liked the idea he was for in-game poles about stuff.</p><p>I still respectfully disagree with the price point of aod,  and I found it interesting that smokejumper says he does not understand why those of who who think its overpriced are still saying that. I could write a 5000 word talking point to that but it would be useless at this point. They are going to stick with 40 bucks for aod pricing i consider that their loss not mine.</p><p>I find it interesting that smokejumper plays other games and wants to bring some of what he saw into our game. It is to bad some of that is not working, couch cough dungeon finder.</p><p>Oh well it was a good listen it is just I heard some things that mind me go what, and im still in a state of disbelief at some of what he said.</p>

[thewarriorpoet]

<p>It doesn't feel optional because of the AA bump and the added class. That is all.</p>

[TheSpin]

<p><cite>isest wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>Well that was  a good podcast.  A lot being said in that 1.5 hours.   Thanks guys for asking hard questions. </p><p>I found it funny that smokejumper does not like the forums because he considers them full of trolls.   I got the impression he loves eq2.   I liked the idea he was for in-game poles about stuff.</p><p>I still respectfully disagree with the price point of aod,  and I found it interesting that smokejumper says he does not understand why those of who who think its overpriced are still saying that. I could write a 5000 word talking point to that but it would be useless at this point. They are going to stick with 40 bucks for aod pricing i consider that their loss not mine.</p><p>I find it interesting that smokejumper plays other games and wants to bring some of what he saw into our game. It is to bad some of that is not working, couch cough dungeon finder.</p><p>Oh well it was a good listen it is just I heard some things that mind me go what, and im still in a state of disbelief at some of what he said.</p></blockquote><p>I am happy to see a trend towards in-game poles.  Here on the forums there are only a minority of paying customers, and people who are unhappy voice their distaste very loudly and it sometimes gives the wrong impression of what the majority of players want.</p>

[Banditman]

<p>For every customer who takes the time to express their displeasure, there are 7 to 9 more who simply can't be bothered to take the time.</p><p>Also, saying that forums are a "minority" is technically correct . . . however it is intellectually dishonest becuase it implies that the forums are simply "wrong".  The forums are a minority, but they are a representative minority.  Players of all walks exist here.  To simply dismiss the forums so off handedly is not the way to build community support.</p>

[Raknid]

<p><cite>Banditman wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>For every customer who takes the time to express their displeasure, there are 7 to 9 more who simply can't be bothered to take the time.</p><p>Also, saying that forums are a "minority" is technically correct . . . however it is intellectually dishonest becuase it implies that the forums are simply "wrong".  The forums are a minority, but they are a representative minority.  Players of all walks exist here.  To simply dismiss the forums so off handedly is not the way to build community support.</p></blockquote><p>Not to mention that those players who tend to talk on the forum are probably also the ones that tend to talk in chat channels. Most of the stuff talked about here is talked about in chat. So for his sake, he better hope the "trolls" don't present valid arguments because there are captive audiences every night in game that are listening t,o and evaluating, the logic expressed...not to say that a lot of chat isn't trash though...but still...there is information and opinions discussed there.</p>

[Iad]

<p>Smokejumper doesn't "get" why people don't want to spend $40 when we only want a few of the features? Really SJ? lol Break up the features, let us purchase what features we want. It's not complicated.</p>

[Dawnstrike]

<p>Great interview.  It was great to hear Smokejumpers genuine enthusiasm for the game.  It was nice to get some explanations on why they are doing things and to hear about their long term plans.  I'm actually excited now for the two xpacs I pre-ordered. </p>

[Mystfit]

<p>I have gotten more and more..fond..not sure what word I want...appreciative of SmokeJumper as our Producer with each interview. No, I'm not a fanboy or whatever, but yeah, he impresses me with his enthusiasm and the thought he places into things. Everyone will not agree and I understand that. Who can please everyone? But, I think you'd be hardpressed to say he doesn't want good things for eq2.</p>

[Dakora]

<p>I agree with you Mystfit.</p><p>That was really great podcast. It was very informative and long enough to get a feel for enthusiasm and excitment that Smokejumper has for the game.</p>

[Anaogi]

<p>I'm all for in-game poles.  Would help a lot with the design of my trollish gentleman's...wait, you meant <em>polls</em>...uh, yeah, that too.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/97ada74b88049a6d50a6ed40898a03d7.gif" border="0" /></p>

[Deveryn]

<p>Great podcast! Very informative and entertaining. Why did you have to bring up minecraft though? I've been fighting the urge to get that, as it will likely kill my free time more than eq2 has :p</p>

[Nrgy]

<p>I have to say to Dellmon and Aliscious, that was one of your best shows.  Good questions no "softballs", and although it was 1.5 hours it seems like there was quite a bit of information.  Too bad there is 10 times as much left to addressed.  Although I knew about everything discussed from various sources this Podcast was entertaining and informative. </p><p>As for SJ, I do think he has breathed some line into EQ2.  I think it was rolling along in a slow state of decline prior and although we/I don't always agree with the direction, moving left or right is far better than moving down as EQ2 has been for quite awhile.  I also think that He is, in part, responsible for the level of Trolling on the forums; as the lack of communiction has cultivated this mentality and the crop has been harvested.</p><p>As always, good job guys ... another job well done....</p>

[millie]

<p><cite>Anaogi@Permafrost wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I'm all for in-game poles.  Would help a lot with the design of my trollish gentleman's...wait, you meant <em>polls</em>...uh, yeah, that too.  <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/97ada74b88049a6d50a6ed40898a03d7.gif" border="0" /></p></blockquote><p>In game polls?  Yes but remember the voting pool just about doubled with the addition of the people from Freeport.  There views may not be your views.  Also some of the self-described "hardcore" are, according to their posts on the way to somewhere else.</p><p>As to AoD,  I said befor the podcast that  'the box' is light.  IF they want more sales they need to top up 'the box',  I understand you cant drop in another feature that has not been developed yet.  But there are things with some game value that could be added to 'the box'.</p><p>I have always believed that some of the decisions that SJ implements and champions are made at a higher level, the price of AoD is one of these I think.  In all I dont see him, and have never seen him, as coming from the 'dark side', he seems to be a highly competent manager who is doing his best to achieve his 'brief', but his 'brief' comes from above.</p>

[thewarriorpoet]

<p><cite>Nrgy wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>I also think that He is, in part, responsible for the level of Trolling on the forums; as the lack of communiction has cultivated this mentality and the crop has been harvested.</p></blockquote><p>I do agree, but I think expecting that communication to be on the forums is unrealistic, mainly because I don't think SOE responding to the player base via the forums is a good idea. Take the idea from the podcast about a known issues list, I think that is a good one. But that is something that the player base can discuss but should not be a thread. The reason I say that is that developement lifecycle is much different then a thread's lifecycle and if you try and marry the two you just end up with unrealistic expectations and that will make people upset. Not to mentions that reality of trolls - even if SOE had stellar player communication trolls would exist, so some isolation is needed.</p><p>Honestly though, on the subject of communication, this was probably left me with the best feeling I've had about EQ2 in a long while. Something about hearing it from SJ in something SOE did not control. Lends more credibility to his statements. That and SJ did sound sincere in his beliefs about the game. If he can get the dev->player communication working for both sides I think EQ2 can become what he hopes it can. That being said, I still feel like this is all a trial for EQNext - which is kind of silly because in business all products are, to an extent, a trial for the next one. I guess it is just that these concepts would work a lot better in a fresh game, where by slamming them into EQ2 is a lot more difficult.</p>

[Indabuff]

<p>I got into beta this weekend and I have to say the expansion is totally worth the money. There is a tonof entertainment in the pack. An honest perspective needs to be looked at here. You can spend more goingout for dinner. The mercs rock and I can see me getting alot of my collections and other quests done now. Thedungeon builder has so much potential and I cant wait to see what some of the amazing creative stuff thatcomes from that. Now I did not play alot with the beastlords as I wanted to save it for when I make mine buthow many hours of fun will be had by those that level, play, and tame there way across Norrath?</p><p>Now I know this is not part of the xpac but I have to say the Freeport revamp is amazing. Its still Freeport, it stillfeels like it always has but revitalized. I guess in alot of ways similar to how this game seems to have sprung to lifesince I started playing. I started playing about 3 years ago now, and the energy in the game was dismal the only reason I kept playing was that the game was really good. You can disagree with alot of the changes being made butthe fact is there is energy in the game once again and any way you cut it thats a good thing.</p><p>As for no traditional content in the xpac....not sure why everyone is intent on complaining about that. Your gettingthat free! Last time I checked free was a good thing.</p>

[screenid]

<p>Great Interview !!</p><p>Smokejumper <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/e8a506dc4ad763aca51bec4ca7dc8560.gif" border="0" />  this is how all your team needs to sound when talking about EQ2.     Nice to hear the Enthusiasm.  </p>

[simianthief]

<p>I have to say after checking out the beta I am impressed with the dungeon building system and mercs.  Not impressed enough to make my wife hate me by buying TWO expansion packs, but impressed nontheless. </p>

[Rijacki]

<p>Thank you EQ2 Talk and SmokeJumper. Really great interview. Very even handed and informative.</p>

[Glenolas]

<p><cite>millie wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>In game polls?  Yes but remember the voting pool just about doubled with the addition of the people from Freeport.  There views may not be your views.</p></blockquote><p>Huh? </p><p>Freeport is just one server of 9, right?  It's not even the biggest one, so how does it double the voting population?</p>

[Iad]

<p><cite>Glenolas wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p><cite>millie wrote:</cite></p><blockquote><p>In game polls?  Yes but remember the voting pool just about doubled with the addition of the people from Freeport.  There views may not be your views.</p></blockquote><p>Huh? </p><p>Freeport is just one server of 9, right?  It's not even the biggest one, so how does it double the voting population?</p></blockquote><p>Freeport is the largest server, according to SJ. I'm assuming that millie's referring to the potential people that come try out F2P and those people that come back that let their subs lapse.</p>

[EQ2Playa432]

<p>Definitely a great interview. Great job guys and thanks for asking the hard questions.</p>

[sparkmeister]

<p>It was entertaining listening to dellmon rail on raiders ....coming from someone who doesnt pay attention on raids</p>

[Brigh]

<p>It's that time of year again, and here is your in-game pole:</p><p><img src="http://blog.craftzine.com/Festivus_pole.jpg" width="315" height="600" /></p>