Fanboi attacks WoW!

[El Gallo]

I have been favorably impressed with WoW since I have been in the beta.  I just read a couple articles that speak to many of my fears about the game.  http://worldofwar.net/articles/london2004/ and http://wow.gamona.de/index.php?seite=pp&pid=123 So pull up a chair, get comfy and watch as a spurned fanboi attacks!

First off, we have this gem

worldofwar.de: What will you do against ganking and griefing?

Chris Sigaty: The point based PvP system will help on this. If you gank and grief a lot you will get points subtracted and if you have a negative amount you will get a opposite titles to the ones mentioned above. Players of the other faction will be able to attack you no matter where you are, even in save home zones you will always be marked for PvP. So you are known as a bad guy.

Yes, I am sure that offering griefers a chance to have a giant, glowing penis that says I AM TEH KING OF THE GRIEFERS floating over their heads will cut down on griefing.  Excellent knowledge of player psychology there!

followed by:

I asked about high level content; specifically, what will keep players playing. Chris admitted there was a gentler curve in WoW than some of the other MMO’s (you level faster), and that a lot of the top-level activity would be PvP based.

There will be rankings and prestige (for PvP), points systems (for factions), titles such as “Defender of the Realm”, and even extra content for PvP’ers of a sufficiently high standing, such as specific PvP instances, with special NPC vendors selling elite items that only the PvP “elite” will be able to access. There will also be item rewards for certain PvP feats.

DANGER, WILL ROBINSON.  Blizzard is already admitting that they are too slow to put out sufficient PvE content.  The day I say "hey, where's the high level content" and Blizzard tells me, "see that guy, MAZTAHSLAYAH over there?  He's your high level content" is the day I leave.

Unlike professions, talents will be hard to unlearn and you will likely have to do a quest to do it. You will also likely be only able to do it once, and penalized also. Initially they didn’t want players to have the ability to “mess up” their characters, but at this stage (when it comes to talents), the kid gloves come off and you have to live with your choices. Presumably this is also to prevent cookie-cuttering and to produce some variation among characters.

HELLO vintage Asheron's Call.  Where nobody morphs into a cookie cutter, everyone re-rolls into the cookie cutter or quits!  Considering Blizzards complete and utter failure to balance D2 skill trees after, what, 4 years AND the fact that most of the talents haven't been done yet AND the fact that the talents that have been done are balances about as well as D2 skills are AND the fact that the talents that have been done are, for the most part, clearly based on grouping, soloing, or PvP talents (meaning you would need to respec if, a year down the line, your soloist wanted to be a raider or a PvPer or whatever) AND the fact that no-sellback has been a complete and utter failure in other MMOGs that have tried it, this is an extremely boneheaded move.  Why did AC  & AC2 & UO & SWG & AO & CoH decide to allow sell backs?   HINT: it’s not because they are morons and Blizzard isn’t.

Initially servers will be forced. This means that people in the US will have to choose between East and West. Europeans wont be able to play on the US servers and vice versa. The Asian servers will obviously also be cut off from others.

The servers are being forced as the Producer stressed the need for a low latency, but I was told that there will be an option shortly after launch for people to change to any server (against Blizzards recommendation), as they know there are people desperate to play on specific servers regardless.

Forced localization, even for a while, is asinine and will do noting but damage international guilds.  Especially since...

There will not be a worldwide release. US and Asia will be released first, with Euro a couple of months after (this winter for Euro, it was hinted).

All that being said, I will buy the game on release and play the hell out of it for a while.  However, my suspicion that the game will be a temporary one for me has solidified into a prediction.

[HaemishM]

Letting the days go by/let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by/water flowing underground
Into the blue again/after the money's gone
Once in a lifetime/water flowing underground.

Same as it ever was...Same as it ever was...Same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was...Same as it ever was...Same as it ever was...
Same as it ever was...Same as it ever was...

[MrHat]

I still don't know why they haven't implemented the curve buy back system.

You know, I think they started doing it SB before I cut off my right hand.

First talent point buy back is free.  Just in case you miss placed one.

2nd point costs 1s to buy back.  3rd point costs 2s to buy back.  4th point costs 4s to buy back.

n-th point to buy back costs 2^(n-2) silver to buy back.

That guy they talked to basically said that the reason they changed the skill system (which I really liked) was to add money sinks to the system.  This is something I feel like Sigaty is going to get reprimanded for saying when he gets back state-side.

worldofwar.de: Can you explain the new way after no more skill points?

Chris Sigaty: Everything will be money based. So the rich people have an advantage like in your real life ;-) We wanted to create more money sinks.

This was said in the Professions FAQ:

Straight from the Professions designer

-------------------------------------

Is the change intended as a money sink?

Nope, in fact all prices are set at the same levels they were before the change. To learn how to ride a mount it costs 20 Gold for the skill and 80 gold for the mount.

For tradeskills, the additional levels do not cost anything more to learn, you just need to find the trainer to train you and have enough skill (50 skill to learn Journeyman Blacksmithing, etc…).

One thing in those articles that I found interesting was they are still working on thier battlegrounds system, unfortunately the game will ship with a 'simplistic' form of it.  This game is definetly getting rushed the way no Blizzard game would have when the founders were still there.

worldofwar.de: Can you describe what expects us in the Battlegrounds? What can we do there? Where are they located and how do you get there?

Chris Sigaty: Battlegrounds will be recognized by a red portal that brings you to the battlegrounds. There will be environmental stuff where you can destroy things. You can use siege weapons and things like that. We have lots of plans but there will only be a simple version of the battlegrounds when the game ships. The first battlegrounds reach from player level 30-40, the next from 50-60.

I do agree w/ Gallo on the fact that giving griefers ANYTHING from griefing, even it if's a perma-pvp flag saying I'm a Gay-Ass Griefer, will only encourage that behavior.  Wouldn't sending thier char to prison when they log out or go idle for 20 mins be a better threat when you gather a certain number of 'points'.  Then they could implement a negative rest state for logging out in prison.

If they force server localization in the first few months, then they HAVE to have a system like FFXI where if you have a 'sponsor' on the other server that can buy you a spot there then you can move your char to a different server.

[slog]

Wow is just supposed to be EQ dont right.  Of course they are going to make a lot of the same mistakes SOE did.  

It's a MMORPG, and they have never made one before.  Yawn

[schild]

It's a MMORPG, and they have never made one before.

...and they would have made a ton more money off Starcraft II.

[WayAbvPar]

Yes, I am sure that offering griefers a chance to have a giant, glowing penis that says I AM TEH KING OF THE GRIEFERS floating over their heads will cut down on griefing.

PH3AR my 1337 Kok of Pwning, n00bler.

[schild]

If you're wondering why I haven't done a writeup on WoW. It's because this little guy wouldn't respond to my emails about press access. To which I say, most immaturely, why is there a 12 year old working at Blizzard?

Oh and his last name is Wang, hahahahaha! That's slang for penis, ahahahhah! Sigh.

[Catalan]

Well, they can kiss goodbye to my hard earned euros... I can just walk out the door to socialize with my fucking neighbours, thanks.
You'd think people making online games would have got by now into their poxy skulls what this damn intardnet thing is about.

[schild]

Well, they can kiss goodbye to my hard earned euros... I can just walk out the door to socialize with my fucking neighbours, thanks.

Fuck you Blizzard.

It seems that Blizzard won't allow foreign players to choose where to play. They'll enforce the servers by checking the credit cards.

This means that I won't be able to play.

FUCK YOU.

I guess we have to make a few sacrifices for the greater good, eh eh?

[CmdrSlack]

Fuck you Blizzard.

It seems that Blizzard won't allow foreign players to choose where to play. They'll enforce the servers by checking the credit cards.

This means that I won't be able to play.

FUCK YOU.

I guess we have to make a few sacrifices for the greater good, eh eh?

Hell hath no fury like a WoW fanboi scorned.

EDIT -- Cause sleep deprivation != memory for cliche addages.

[Shannow]

Low latency? Or 'we are to cheap to pay for good infrastructure?'

Anyone explain to me what they need low latency for? Does Planetside enforce server locations? I know ww2ol doesnt and thats two games I can think of that really do require low latency.

[El Gallo]

Wow is just supposed to be EQ dont right.  Of course they are going to make a lot of the same mistakes SOE did.  

Except these aren't mistakes EQ made.  EQ lets you play on whatever server you want, doesn't say "go PvP" when people run out of content, and lets you easily un-do the only significant way you can gimp your character even a little big (picking your spell specialization school).

These are new ventures in fucktardery (see also: 24 hour clock).

[penfold]

Well, they can kiss goodbye to my hard earned euros... I can just walk out the door to socialize with my fucking neighbours, thanks.
You'd think people making online games would have got by now into their poxy skulls what this damn intardnet thing is about.

Im sure the devs's know, but the suits who write the small print in on the licences and contracts etc that insist on this type of thing know too, buts its irrelevant to them. The corporate complexities of having a global market prevail.

Im part (albeit a non subscriber) of a 60% euro/world and 40% US, 4 year old EQ guild, thats dying faster than its ever done before, players are really bored of EQ now, alot of talk is of WOW and EQ2, and if EQ2 gives them the opportunity to all play on the same server that will be chosen without hesitation. 60 or so people, each with 1-5 accounts, all of which buy expansions and are hopelessly addicted to mmogs, although the income generated is a tiny percentage, im sure my guild is not unique.

[Sky]

this little guy

He was too busy winning the first Last Comic Standing without being funny.

[Merusk]

One thing in those articles that I found interesting was they are still working on thier battlegrounds system, unfortunately the game will ship with a 'simplistic' form of it. This game is definetly getting rushed the way no Blizzard game would have when the founders were still there.

As has been said before, Bliz isn't some tiny God.  They have corporate masters, and those corporate masters like things like deadlines.  Of course they're being pressured into releasing.

Particularly when VU has shoveled 3 years of money out the door and is working at a loss in games.  They're hearing "OMG I'd p4y 4 thiz as it iz n0w" and thinking, "Well, fuck, everyone else does it.  Let the shits pay for beta." Or discussing the pros & cons and money lost from releasing an 'unfinished' game vs  the cost to finish while golfing or feasting on the souls of babies with Kelly Flock & their other SOE counterparts.

[AOFanboi]

The servers are being forced as the Producer stressed the need for a low latency, but I was told that there will be an option shortly after launch for people to change to any server (against Blizzards recommendation), as they know there are people desperate to play on specific servers regardless.

Hey, a possible income source for Funcom: Teach other MMORPG companies how it's possible to have a world-wide game with all (3) servers in the United States, without having to invent excuses about "latency".

[schild]

this little guy

He was too busy winning the first Last Comic Standing without being funny.

What are you talking about? "HEY GUYS, LOOK I'M ASIAN" is funny every time a new comedian thinks it's a joke. HAHAHA YOU ARE ASIAN. I don't give a shit. Get off my tv.

[Otis]

Hell hath no fury like a WoW fanboi scorned.

Seriously.

WHY DAMN WE ALWAYS FINISH WITH HALF A BRAIN?

[El Gallo]

Hey, a possible income source for Funcom: Teach other MMORPG companies how it's possible to have a world-wide game with all (3) servers in the United States, without having to invent excuses about "latency".

I don't know if "having very few customers" will become a widely-imitated strategy.

OK, that was a low blow.

[MrHat]

You know what I find funny?

The Bliz guy who is quoted is practically new.  He just recently got moved from War3 to WoW.

So, he hasn't gotten the "What I can talk about to press" speech from the blizzard heads.

He's gonna get fired and the dev's are gonna claim that none of this stuff is true.

But unfortunately, I think our italian friend may be dead by then.

[Sky]

this little guy

He was too busy winning the first Last Comic Standing without being funny.

What are you talking about? "HEY GUYS, LOOK I'M ASIAN" is funny every time a new comedian thinks it's a joke. HAHAHA YOU ARE ASIAN. I don't give a shit. Get off my tv.

That Ant fucker was 100x worse, imo. If that dude didn't suck cock, he wouldn't have a career. Don't need scoobie doo to figure out that mystery.

I need to take a drill to my brain now.

[WayAbvPar]

Hell hath no fury like a WoW fanboi scorned.

Seriously.

WHY DAMN WE ALWAYS FINISH WITH HALF A BRAIN?

At least he isn't just torturing us. I really think he has gone around the bend.

[HaemishM]

No, he started around the fucking bend. He's come back again and his English language translation program is collapsing in on itself and creating a vortex in space and time.

[Aenovae]

Hey, a possible income source for Funcom: Teach other MMORPG companies how it's possible to have a world-wide game with all (3) servers in the United States, without having to invent excuses about "latency".

Same goes for Final Fantasy XI.  All their physical servers are located in Japan.  And we get great pings here in the US.

[Numtini]

I very much like localized east/west servers, but for social reasons. I'd rather have the servers crowded when I'm on in east coast time and looking for a group.

FFXI also is very up front that having one set of servers for three markets let's them stretch their server dollar. There's 3 separate peak times.

[MrHat]

WHY DAMN WE ALWAYS FINISH WITH HALF A BRAIN?

lol

Nice.

[Evil Elvis]

The wheels on the bus go 'round and 'round.

[MrHat]

HRose, don't link us directly please.

[Trippy]

Here's the reply from Caydiem, the new WoW Assistant Community Manager, regarding the European press tour "revelations":

http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-general&t=307249&p=1#post307249

There have been some revelations from the current press tour in Europe that have caused a stir in the forums. I’d like to clarify the current situation on those subjects to dispel any misconceptions people might have.

Racial Traits, Not Racial Talents: A recent interview was posted that had some accidentally misleading wording: the word "talents" was accidentally used in a part of the interview discussing racial traits.

Weather: I apologize for the misconception given. Weather will not, unfortunately, be in for launch. However, we plan to add it at some point after launch.

Role-Playing Servers: We're sorry, but there was some miscommunication involved here. We are still discussing the possibility of having a role-playing server at launch, but no decision has been made as of yet.

New Skill System: There will be more than money involved in acquiring skills. For example, quests will introduce certain new skills and tiers.

I apologize for any confusion that was caused.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Caydiem -
Assistant Community Manager, WoW

Notice there's no clarification/correction about the server situation, talent respecing, high-end PvP-only content or the other issues that really matter (who the frick cares about the weather?).

[Resvrgam]

Notice there's no clarification/correction about the server situation, talent respecing, high-end PvP-only content or the other issues that really matter (who the frick cares about the weather?).

These PR people are all about ambiguities and bovine scatology.  Getting a straight answer out of one them is like asking a Politician to tell the truth - NOT GONNA HAPPEN.

[NiX]

If you're wondering why I haven't done a writeup on WoW. It's because this little guy wouldn't respond to my emails about press access. To which I say, most immaturely, why is there a 12 year old working at Blizzard?

He's actually rather tall. Almost 6' I'd say. Anyway, even if he did reply you wouldn't get anything. They've been shutting down press they don't see as positive lately.

Heh, wang.

[Koyasha]

At least in my opinion, the whole 'having everybody on the same servers' failed miserably in FFXI.  Some people probably think it's working out ok, and it does seem to be improving (to my point of view) as more english-speakers start playing, but it's still frustrating.  Especially for people who play odd hours.  If I don't play at US peak times, I have very few grouping options outside of the Japanese people.  Nothing against them, I'm an anime nut, want to learn Japanese and such...but right now, I wanna play this game, and I wanna be able to talk to the people I'm grouped with.

So, as for WoW, I'm not dissapointed that they're separating the servers.  I do find it a bit odd that they're forcing the issue, and it's definitely going to cut into their profits...but it has no significant detrimental effect on me personally.  At least the morons I group with will speak something that resembles english, regardless of how bad it is.

If I play at all.  Well, I'll try it, certainly; I've tried just about every other major MMOG, but at the moment my sticking around is looking sketchy.  Might have less longevity for me than City of Heroes.

[MahrinSkel]

Haemisch, I like the tune, but I think this one fits better:

I’ll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I’ll get on my knees and pray
We don’t get fooled again
Don’t get fooled again
No, no!

Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Meet the new boss
Same as the old boss

It's just another set of MMO developers about to take their trip through the meatgrinder.  We've done this dance before, but they still have to go through the steps.

--Dave ($40M budget means they need 400K sustained subscriptions to make the kind of money VU wants....)

[Arcadian Del Sol]

Wow is just supposed to be EQ dont right.  Of course they are going to make a lot of the same mistakes SOE did.  

It's a MMORPG, and they have never made one before.  Yawn

Wow is EQ re-done right for the 8th time, and its not like this just leaked to the press yesterday. Its been EQ X 8 since the day it was announced, but that didn't stop everybody from going bananas for it.

[jpark]

It's disappointing to see they seem to be working tradeskills in a very similar manner to EQ - which was a failure their given the lack of item decay and that raid drops were vastly superior.

Bah - I am still optimistic about the game.

/fanboi christened.