Video Update

[Cal_Mythic]

Yes, it's done. So why isn't it out? The answer to a "Why" question at the Academy is "No Excuse." So let's just go with that.

The intent was to frame several subjects about what we are doing for the remainder of the year in a few short minutes. Between editing and all the things that have happened between January 3rd and now, the answers have not changed, but the method in which we broadcast has many times.

Anyway, you are only waiting for one answer so here I am with flame-retardant mutant suit to field questions and avoid pitchforks.


The answer is: not right now.

In constant review of the threads and other fansites that cater to Ultima Online, we realized that the classic shard comes down to a checklist. It becomes about if you have X rules then this is what a classic shard is. The problem with this is, when working inside this constraint it’s impossible to please everyone.

Also, we DID look into the possibilities of different rulesets and took a look at what had been done in the past, and there was no viable answer that works for everyone.

Finally, it’s about opportunity cost. The more resources and time we spend on developing a classic shard… that is ONE single shard, that means other things get neglected. It would be many months of work at the expense of the wider game.


We are planning a Video House of Commons for next Tuesday, March 1st to field any questions about the coming months, Magincia as a player-driven town, Spring Cleaning, faster/simpler story arcs, arenas, UOgamecode store, shard hardware, and other topics of note.

The reason I did not want to put this in writing is because it doesn't allow you to "see" how we feel about the game, and this answer is only part of what we want to do with Ultima Online.

Well, there you go. Have at it.

 

[Storm]

Thank you!! And I think a very good decision !

There where just to many people saying it needs to be xx way or i dont want it!

 

[Viper09]

Thanks! I understand the classic shard issues.

However, February 30? Next Tuesday is March 1st,

 

[Vlaude]

Good luck.

 

[Storm]

lol good catch

 

[Manny]

Well some of us were looking forward to an update about the enhanced client. I feel badly for the classic shard crusaders but it doesn't interest me personally.

Is the video still coming?

 

[Lady Michelle]

Thank you, but there is no 30th this month

 

[Vlaude]

Thanks! I understand the classic shard issues.

However, February 30? Next Tuesday is March 1st,

There is also no such day as Feb 30th.

 

[Cal_Mythic]

Thanks! I understand the classic shard issues.

However, February 30? Next Tuesday is March 1st,

HAHAHA ... wow!
Thank you .. make that March 1st!!

 

[Storm]

Well some of us were looking forward to an update about the enhanced client.

Yes i was wondering this also But i can Wait

 

[covert]

Understandable choice on the "classic" shard. Ultimately I want UO, hopefully as an IP, to move forward and not backwards, but it does stink for those who wanted that old experience. Hopefully they too can understand why it isn't as easy as flipping a switch and it being there.

 

[Amber Moon]

The answer is: not right now.

I'm SHOCKED! SHOCKED I tell you

Ok, not so much.. well, not really at all. Exactly what I was expecting.

I calmly await the 'death of UO' comments...

 

[Cal_Mythic]

Well some of us were looking forward to an update about the enhanced client. I feel badly for the classic shard crusaders but it doesn't interest me personally.

Is the video still coming?

Yup.

 

[Beer_Cayse]

Understand the dilemma on classic shard ... take a look at what was asked for in that scenario. Where does 80% or better of the arguments/options/rules agree? Implement those.

I'm willing to bet it was virtually all pre-AOS as one rule. Start there. However, some response is much better than graveyard silence.

I thank you for popping in and letting us get this much info.

Safe journeys and good hunting.

 

[Viper09]

Thanks! I understand the classic shard issues.

However, February 30? Next Tuesday is March 1st,

There is also no such day as Feb 30th.

Indeed there isn't. Nor is there a 29th. Well, at least not this year. But I didn't feel like saying more than is needed.

 

[Cal_Mythic]

Yes i was wondering this also But i can Wait

This is Supreem's area and he will discuss it.

 

[Manny]

Yes i was wondering this also But i can Wait

I can wait as well. I was just referring to Cal saying:



"Anyway, you are only waiting for one answer"


Thanks for the update Cal.

 

[Storm]

This is Supreem's area and he will discuss it.

Not a problem like I said I can wait ! Being the mod for the EC forum you can understand my curiosity

 

[canary]

Well, most of us were aware of the smoke and mirror trick Cal was doing for a while, but I can only say...

I'm glad that you've given an answer on this so Morgana finally can be done with UO and find a game that caters to her particular playstyle.

Farewell, Morgana. You will be greatly missed here.

 

[Orgional Farimir]

Thank you. At first I was really hoping for a classic shard, but then as I thought about it I like doing champ spawns and I like peerlesses, which wouldn't be in a classic shard. If everyone who wanted a classic shard wanted "just 2 things" that isn't considered classic then well it wouldn't be classic.

I will be the first, and most definatly not the last, to say I am very dissapointed in the lack of communication over everything, and the fact that it seems impossible for deadlines to be hit when it comes to UO, but I would like to say THANK YOU for at least communicating why the video hasn't been posted and communication on the classic shard. Although there will be a LOT of dissapointed people I hope that if they sit back and think about the reasons why they will at least understand.

 

[Woodsman]

The intent was to frame several subjects about what we are doing for the remainder of the year in a few short minutes. Between editing and all the things that have happened between January 3rd and now, the answers have not changed, but the method in which we broadcast has many times.

Is that a good thing or a bad thing in regards to the future of UO? Or were you all simply pulled into another project temporarily and are now back to working full-time on UO.

Magincia as a player-driven town,

If Magincia becomes Luna II, then just leave it as it is, please. A player-driven town to me at this point is the major Luna vendors trying to get the best spots so they can throw up horrid-looking housing that exists solely for vendors.

Besides, there was a good reason in Ultima lore why Magincia was destroyed and rebuilt, and if it's rebuilt with player housing within it, it will become what it was originally destroyed for.

 

[Cal_Mythic]

Thank you. At first I was really hoping for a classic shard, but then as I thought about it I like doing champ spawns and I like peerlesses, which wouldn't be in a classic shard. If everyone who wanted a classic shard wanted "just 2 things" that isn't considered classic then well it wouldn't be classic.

I will be the first, and most definatly not the last, to say I am very dissapointed in the lack of communication over everything, and the fact that it seems impossible for deadlines to be hit when it comes to UO, but I would like to say THANK YOU for at least communicating why the video hasn't been posted and communication on the classic shard. Although there will be a LOT of dissapointed people I hope that if they sit back and think about the reasons why they will at least understand.

Indeed. I personally wanted to tell the single answer sooner BUT in scope with an answer to ... "Well if you are NOT going to do that ... what ARE you going to do?"

And yes, I do feel the frustration too of not hitting messaging deadlines.

In three years as part of this game and removing barriers to getting things done you would think we'd get better at this, but it remains an "opportunity for improvement" as they say in the Human Resources world.

- C

 

[Dakkon Blackblade]

Thank you Cal for at least coming out and putting the classic shard to rest, now those who have been paying for the game in hopes of such a thing can move on, I won't say to another game, because honestly there isn't another game like UO in it's classic days, or at the most there are poor imitations.

My best advice to my fellow classic shard friends is to hop on a free shard that interests you and make the best of it, but again Cal I appreciate you just coming out and giving the verdict, it was a good thing of you to do.

 

[Cal_Mythic]

Is that a good thing or a bad thing in regards to the future of UO? Or were you all simply pulled into another project temporarily and are now back to working full-time on UO.
If Magincia becomes Luna II, then just leave it as it is, please. A player-driven town to me at this point is the major Luna vendors trying to get the best spots so they can throw up horrid-looking housing that exists solely for vendors.

Besides, there was a good reason in Ultima lore why Magincia was destroyed and rebuilt, and if it's rebuilt with player housing within it, it will become what it was originally destroyed for.

Save questions like this for the Video HoC ... too much to write down on this one.

- C

 

[Cal_Mythic]

Thank you Cal for at least coming out and putting the classic shard to rest, now those who have been paying for the game in hopes of such a thing can move on, I won't say to another game, because honestly there isn't another game like UO in it's classic days, or at the most there are poor imitations.

My best advice to my fellow classic shard friends is to hop on a free shard that interests you and make the best of it, but again Cal I appreciate you just coming out and giving the verdict, it was a good thing of you to do.

Well ... thanks for bringing this up. The stuff that did NOT make it into the video.

We researched a LOT! That is client options, outsourcing, and multiple "What if scenarios." And those *cough* other places to play.

How do we handle folks leaving the live shards to investigate the new one? How do we support it with the rest of the production shards? How will we update it?

Also, at that time UO was a Mature-rated game. There were things that we cannot do in this new age of ESRB (e.g. when was the last time you turned in the severed head of another player for bounty or skinned a cat leaving it on someone's doorstep?)

UO then was a new world that was on the verge of something unlike anyone else has seen since. I can tell you I got a bit of "gospel" being around the devs and folks of GDC who are zealots for this game. I found out how this game has inspired people to even become game developers.

We are going to do our best to bring the spirit of what the community has been asking for back.

 

[Symma]

Finally, it’s about opportunity cost. The more resources and time we spend on developing a classic shard… that is ONE single shard, that means other things get neglected. It would be many months of work at the expense of the wider game.

That doesn't give me much hope for any love for Siege. I'd like to be proved wrong but I won't hold my breathe.

 

[canary]

We are going to do our best to bring the spirit of what the community has been asking for back.

We keep hearing that. And we are still waiting. Heck, you might as well break out your 'key words'... you know 'exciting', 'great things around the corner', 'just wait until you see what we have planned', etc etc.

If nothing, you easily show your p(l)ayers how little you care about them, the game, or your job. We've all heard this song and dance before. Try actually doing something instead of merely talking about it.

While you are at it, and since I brought up talking, you should maybe try to make a better effort at communicating with your player base. You know, the people who ensure you have a paycheck.

I mean, you were only what... nearly three months late in saying this? Or sidestepping every question you could?

 

[MalagAste]

Thank you Cal for the update. While I have zero interest in the "classic" shard I'm glad to hear things are moving forward.

Can't wait to find out what you all have planned.

 

[Deaol]

I think you and the team are making the correct decisions here. Unless EA wants to up your budget and crew, A Classic Shard should be put on the burner and fixing the current shards, clients and what you have mention should be priority.

Plus i think all those who wanted a classic shard found one.

 

[Tjalle]

Anyway, you are only waiting for one answer so here I am with flame-retardant mutant suit to field questions and avoid pitchforks.


The answer is: not right now.

Why isn´t this a Yes or No?

Seems to me nothing has changed with this update post. Just been delayed further?

And yes, thanks for posting this but would be nice if you guys could do the communicating thing a little better...

 

[canary]

By the way Cal, on behalf of all your players I accept your apology for this mess.

Not that you can be bothered with owning your mistakes ever... but I'll accept your apology nonetheless.

 

[Annonymous User]

We keep hearing that. And we are still waiting. Heck, you might as well break out your 'key words'... you know 'exciting', 'great things around the corner', 'just wait until you see what we have planned', etc etc.

If nothing, you easily show your p(l)ayers how little you care about them, the game, or your job. We've all heard this song and dance before. Try actually doing something instead of merely talking about it.

While you are at it, and since I brought up talking, you should maybe try to make a better effort at communicating with your player base. You know, the people who ensure you have a paycheck.

I mean, you were only what... nearly three months late in saying this? Or sidestepping every question you could?

Well, most of us were aware of the smoke and mirror trick Cal was doing for a while, but I can only say...

I'm glad that you've given an answer on this so Morgana finally can be done with UO and find a game that caters to her particular playstyle.

Farewell, Morgana. You will be greatly missed here.

Do you ever get tiered of just trolling everyone ? I hardly ever post and get tiered of reading it... Every thread you post in, you pick some one out as a target and just try to troll them to death. /yawn....



On another note Yay for answers !?!?!

I wish the ec had some nice textures in it. I got a few friends that are interested in uo tell they see the graphics and then they laugh at it and ask why I am still playing Nintendo emulator games


Oh dang I didnt have time to even finish the post before you did it again

By the way Cal, on behalf of all your players I accept your apology for this mess.

Not that you can be bothered with owning your mistakes ever... but I'll accept your apology nonetheless.

 

[Uriah Heep]

I know I'm gonna get dinged on this one, but am I understanding we are gonna have a live video chat to discuss when the video message is gonna be released? Or is the live video chat replacing that video? We can do a live video on this short of a notice, but can't do a recorded video in two months?
Does said video even really exist?
Damn I'm confused *shakes head*

 

[phantus]

March 1st is a good day for a video

 

[Cal_Mythic]

I know I'm gonna get dinged on this one, but am I understanding we are gonna have a live video chat to discuss when the video message is gonna be released? Or is the live video chat replacing that video? We can do a live video on this short of a notice, but can't do a recorded video in two months?
Does said video even really exist?
Damn I'm confused *shakes head*

Hey Uriah!
I won't tell you what I was told about when [the video] is going to post because it may end up just making me a big fibber!

No the Video HoC is not in lieu of the video update. The Video House of Commons is so we can have some real-time interaction with the community about all the stuff we're planning in more detail.

Again, we didn't want to just throw this thing up and not give a method for everyone to express what they think about our decision.

Also, it did take forever to get this out there, so we want to give you a bit more info.

- C

 

[Dakkon Blackblade]

Why isn´t this a Yes or No?

It is a no if you know how to read between the lines, and only a complete fool would hang on for hope after this.

 

[Martyna Zmuir]

The answer is: not right now.

Sooo... Not really a no, but definitely not a yes.... Cal, did you go to school to learn politician speak, or is that a natural gift for prevarication you have?

So, translated, this is what you really meant:

The answer is: no, but I can’t man up enough to say it right now.

And really, a video HC before ‘The Video’ ™ comes out? REALLY?!

Just make sure that Mark isn’t guzzling a beer in this one like last time.

Thank you for some kind of message though. Might want to post something to the Herald saying this though. No reason to keep the fun contained to Stratics…

 

[jaashua]

FWIW, you made the right decision on the classic shard. Just bring back some of the feel of the classic days and you'll satisfy those people.

Step #1. Remove the glut from weapon descriptions. Do we really need to see base weapon speeds and damage and how many hands it takes to use it....every....time.....we hover a mouse over it? Who is this supposed to help? New players? Buahahaha. Seriously, replace it with an in game weapon legend at the blacksmith shop or something.

 

[Martyna Zmuir]

Hey Uriah!
I won't tell you what I was told about when [the video] is going to post because it may end up just making me a big fibber!

Not to burst your bubble, but... No, wait, I'm lying... *coughs* That ship sailed on December 31st, 2010.

It was promptly sunk of the coast of Jhelom by a bugged pirate ship...

 

[Flutter]

Thank you for posting.
Thank you for saying no to a "classic" shard.

Now, get back to work before I make UO Producer jerky out of you!

How about creating a new peerless...a winged succubus with a whip and calling it a Flutter.

 

[Cal_Mythic]

Sooo... Not really a no, but definitely not a yes.... Cal, did you go to school to learn politician speak, or is that a natural gift for prevarication you have?

So, translated, this is what you really meant:




And really, a video HC before ‘The Video’ ™ comes out? REALLY?!

Just make sure that Mark isn’t guzzling a beer in this one like last time.

Thank you for some kind of message though. Might want to post something to the Herald saying this though. No reason to keep the fun contained to Stratics…

Yeah, he got a lot of hate on the beer. That will not happen.

I hear ya on the broader postings too.

And no I am not a politician nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn Express, but I have spent some time in Tokyo, and the manner in which an answer is given is very important.

I like you, Martyna. You remind me of one of my favorite relatives. The one who yells at you for not eating while shoving a plate of food in your face.



- C

 

[Uriah Heep]

Hey Uriah!
I won't tell you what I was told about when [the video] is going to post because it may end up just making me a big fibber!

No the Video HoC is not in lieu of the video update. The Video House of Commons is so we can have some real-time interaction with the community about all the stuff we're planning in more detail.

Again, we didn't want to just throw this thing up and not give a method for everyone to express what they think about our decision.

Also, it did take forever to get this out there, so we want to give you a bit more info.

- C

Sorry guy.
Wasn't trying to bust your chops, really. There's just been so much todo over this video.
Classic shard, while I would have played it, wasn't a make or break for me nor most of my gang, I don't think.

But, I do have a suggestion, albeit an odd one perhaps. I think if you analyze what people have asked for in a classic shard, one thing you would probably find is that the vast majority were in agreement pre-AoS.
Can we meet halfway? Perhaps, instead of a whole new ruleset, start phasing out some of the numbers? I'm not holding much hope for this, since the BR Golems introduced a few new sets of numbers to track, but perhaps you can give it a thought.
In the old days, you could highlight an item and it said:
A surpassingly accurate silver broadsword of vanquishing.

Now, when you highlight anything, the descriptor box takes up the whole screen! (exaggerated to make a point ) So if we are not going to go back, can we go forward in perhaps a simpler manner?

 

[Cal_Mythic]

Sorry guy.
Wasn't trying to bust your chops, really. There's just been so much todo over this video.
Classic shard, while I would have played it, wasn't a make or break for me nor most of my gang, I don't think.

But, I do have a suggestion, albeit an odd one perhaps. I think if you analyze what people have asked for in a classic shard, one thing you would probably find is that the vast majority were in agreement pre-AoS.
Can we meet halfway? Perhaps, instead of a whole new ruleset, start phasing out some of the numbers? I'm not holding much hope for this, since the BR Golems introduced a few new sets of numbers to track, but perhaps you can give it a thought.
In the old days, you could highlight an item and it said:
A surpassingly accurate silver broadsword of vanquishing.

Now, when you highlight anything, the descriptor box takes up the whole screen! (exaggerated to make a point ) So if we are not going to go back, can we go forward in perhaps a simpler manner?

What you suggest is option #27 or something like that ... if we do this it's gotta be done right or not at all so right now it's not at all.

And no worries man, I'm not bulletproof but you guys have definitely toughened my skin over the last few years.

- C

 

[Storm]

personally I think we all should drink more beer! But thats just me;-)

 

[phantus]

What you suggest is option #27 or something like that ... if we do this it's gotta be done right or not at all so right now it's not at all.

And no worries man, I'm not bulletproof but you guys have definitely toughened my skin over the last few years.

- C

In all fairness you have come a long way from your wild west days. Now if you can just pass some of that over to Mark we'll be a happier bunch of loudmouth ingrates.

 

[Demonous]

i dunno how u say no one can agree on what a classic shard is Cal, basically pre aos is fine, doesn't necessarily have to be pre tram, thats all, really shouldn't be much thought involved, and it shouldn't take a team of people to make if free shards are made all the time very quickly and easily with classic rulesets, the most popular freeshard is most likely Hybrid, take a look at this shard and see how many people play and enjoy it, use that as a stepping stone, having 1 developer working on this would be plenty,

im sick of the people against this arguing about it, if you don't want to play it then don't but don't argue about it either, either want to play it or be quiet really, this is a bad decision for business so i'm hoping you change your minds, it wouldn't take you much to create this and you're acting its something very difficult to do

 

[Sargon]

No surprise really and my 2nd account waves goodbye. At this point I'm not even upset. Luckily there are other options for those of us seeking to play a classic ruleset and you just saved me $10/month. I will continue to support UO by keeping my primary account open, but my days of paying for additional accounts are done. That is the best I can do to continue to support the game I have enjoyed for so many years, while also showing my extreme displeasure with the current course of the game. For those of you still looking for a classic experience, I hope you will join me in another world that shall remain nameless.

 

[Adol]

Firstly, I congratulate Cal on having the courage to put his name to a post giving the best answer he can; trying to be the official face behind an answer that will obviously antagonize a good number of people is going to be like trying to open a can of salmon in a piranha pool... there's likely to be blood in the water very soon, and some of it is going to be his I'm afraid.

With regards to the answer itself though; I hope at least some people will try and see sense just once, after all this time, and finally accept the statement as an attempt to tell you straight the unpleasant truth... that no, there simply isn't the market there now for a profitable Classic shard. And there hasn't been for over a decade. That time has gone.

You won't get a "Never ever, ever never ever" answer though because who knows what tomorrow will bring? The ESRB was mentioned as an example only; perhaps in the future people will not need such guidance, or the populace will be liberal enough to vote in politicians who don't pander by passing such laws. And when it does, EA will leap on any new way to make money, or even a rehashed old way. But if wishes were horses of course... You can wish that the supporters were unified, numerous, unselfishly working towards the common goal; They weren't though. Neither on the boards nor on the Shard of Screams that tested the interest. And by the sounds of Cal's answer, the Devs have also wandered onto a few naughty servers themselves, and you can wish that they learned there that there were truly a million people playing such shards, and they all had an easily identifiable approach. It's just not true though.

So ... please, for your own sakes, accept what you're being told. You're not hated here in Ultima Online as it currently is. They're trying to do what they can for you; Arenas are still coming down the pike for instance. Felucca hasn't been shut down, nor has Siege. The PvM player base is quite unconcerned what you do over there, nor are they interested in it being taken away from you. The Dev team do sympathise with your attitudes and memories in general.

But... you can instead call them a liar when they say that they do. Throw around insults and assumptions about what people who still happily play the game think and "fear". Keep insisting the world is other than it is, and stamping your feet that it should be your way, and your way only now... and instead further drive yourself and those around you into impotent disconnected bitterness. So walk away. Not because we want to see you go, but because you're doing no one any good by trying to stay somewhere that cannot be what you want it to be. I'm sorry it's not the answer you wanted to hear; but it was always going to be that answer. It's just a shame you had to wait so long, and needed to have it spelt out to you...

 

[Deaol]

personally I think we all should drink more beer! But thats just me;-)

I second this notion, beer + uo = and has always = good

 

[Kael]

Must admit I am very disappointed in the direction UO has taken on its "Classic Shard" stance...obviously there is a niche for this style shard ( the free shards and their population have proven it) but apparently EA/Mythic isn't interested or able to accomodate at this time