[UO Herald] UOSA Press Release

[Black Sun]

They're already in closed beta, I don't think we'll see an open one at this point.

?

Closed betas precede the open ones

Thanks for clearing that up. I always thought the internal beta's were considered 'closed' because nobody from outside the company was able to participate, and an 'open' beta was open to testing from people outside the company.

That's what I get for using logic I suppose.

 

[Ni-]

Bacon? They finally found out about scrumptious, sumptuous, delicious bacon?

Makes sence... I heard bacon goes really well with fire!

 

[D'Amavir]

Thanks for clearing that up. I always thought the internal beta's were considered 'closed' because nobody from outside the company was able to participate, and an 'open' beta was open to testing from people outside the company.

That's what I get for using logic I suppose.

Actually, closed beta usually refers to a select group doing beta testing. Usually by invitation only. Open beta usually refers to opening up the beta process to 'anyone' prior to releasing something live. Internal testing (which isn't really a part of EA's development cycle as we have seen) is when the testing is done by members of the development group, usually a QA team (which, again, in this case doesn't apply).

But, I agree with you. Trying to use logic when it come to this dev team is a pointless exercise.

 

[JC the Builder]

Are you EA? You definitely sound like it with comments like that. They obviously agree with you which is why they make zero effort attract new players. I mean, its there game and they have a right to run it how they want. And if they want no new players that is completely up to them.

If existing players say the game is good, it will entice entirely new players into the game. In order for UO to really attract new players it would require a multi-million dollars and multi-year investment. Electronic Arts is all over the place with their MMO strategy at the moment and are probably feeling burned by the mediocre success of Warhammer Online.

So which do you prefer, an almost guaranteed failure at gathering new players and continuing to bore veteran players (who are the driving force for getting new people into the game). Or do something actually obtainable and bringing back people who have played UO in the past and might come back if it becomes fun again and won't judge the game purely on graphics.

I vote option 2.

And you are right, game advertising is mostly done through word of mouth. The biggest mmorpg out there uses Ozzy's mouth to give the word. They have 8.5 million and we have 150k. So, ya, advertising has no importance at all.

They also make well over 1 billion in annual sales. Do you know how much it cost for that advertising campaign? Probably as much as it costs to run UO for 1 year. Blizzard has stated it costs about 50 million dollars per year to maintain World of Warcraft. That leaves 950+ million left over to spend on whatever they want.

Also World of Warcraft is up to 11 million subscribers and I heard it is close to breaking 12. It is also a much more casual game compared to UO, which is why it appeals to a much wider audience. So a television marketing campaign actually has a chance to work in their case.

 

[D'Amavir]

If existing players say the game is good, it will entice entirely new players into the game. In order for UO to really attract new players it would require a multi-million dollars and multi-year investment. Electronic Arts is all over the place with their MMO strategy at the moment and are probably feeling burned by the mediocre success of Warhammer Online.

We have had many years of the 'world of mouth only' method. How is that working for us? Yep, still at about 150k. What's wrong with trying something new once in a while?

So which do you prefer, an almost guaranteed failure at gathering new players and continuing to bore veteran players (who are the driving force for getting new people into the game). Or do something actually obtainable and bringing back people who have played UO in the past and might come back if it becomes fun again and won't judge the game purely on graphics.

I vote option 2.

Madden is one of the, if not THE, most popular sports game in the world when it comes to video games. Each new version gets both word of mouth reviews AND advertising. As a result, they get more and more people buying the game and playing the game. That's not a bad thing. Why do we have to pick between the two? Can't we have GOOD development changes AND a little advertising? Its not an either or thing. You seemed to think that there are multi millions of players sitting around with nothing to play hoping that UO will just get a little better so they can come back to it. That's just not true. Most of the former players of UO are now playing other games. Guess what games. Yep, the ones that attract new players.

They also make well over 1 billion in annual sales. Do you know how much it cost for that advertising campaign? Probably as much as it costs to run UO for 1 year. Blizzard has stated it costs about 50 million dollars per year to maintain World of Warcraft. That leaves 950+ million left over to spend on whatever they want.

Also World of Warcraft is up to 11 million subscribers and I heard it is close to breaking 12. It is also a much more casual game compared to UO, which is why it appeals to a much wider audience. So a television marketing campaign actually has a chance to work in their case.

So a commercial on tv has zero chance of attracting any new players? Really? I find that hard to believe but ok.

The reason why Blizzard has so much to spend on advertising is because they have a larger subscriber base. The fact that UO has a much much much smaller base should say something about EA's 'marketing' strategy.

 

[Old Man of UO]

At this time we are not in a beta but conducting a focus test. We will conduct a beta in the near future. Information regarding this will be posted on the Herald.

Chrissay

ME! ME! ME!

Okay... I'll offer to help out with the beta if you are looking for volunteers...

ME! ME! ME!

 

[JC the Builder]

Madden is one of the, if not THE, most popular sports game in the world when it comes to video games.

Okay, this is getting pretty far off the track now. Madden shouldn't have even been brought in as a comparison because:

1) It is not even the same genre, it is a sports game.
2) EA has an exclusive NFL license, giving them a monopoly.
3) EA Sports is a huge part of the company. I don't have the numbers in front of me, but I think they make up 30-40% of EA's revenue. Of course Madden will be a focus on their marketing.

 

[D'Amavir]

Okay, this is getting pretty far off the track now. Madden shouldn't have even been brought in as a comparison because:

1) It is not even the same genre, it is a sports game.
2) EA has an exclusive NFL license, giving them a monopoly.
3) EA Sports is a huge part of the company. I don't have the numbers in front of me, but I think they make up 30-40% of EA's revenue. Of course Madden will be a focus on their marketing.

Ok, replace Madden with WoW. They have a lot of advertising. They have a huge playerbase. UO has zero advertising. UO has a much much smaller playerbase.

If WoW doesn't get new players they will eventually close up shop. If UO doesn't get new players they will eventually close up shop. The only difference is that WoW has a lot longer to fall in order to reach UO's low numbers.

You said it yourself. EA is probably burned because of WHO not being as huge as they wanted. Why not pump a little of the advertising dollars they spend on these new games into their long time game that still sticks around without any 'new releases'?

We can only benefit from advertising. I seriously doubt that players will quit UO if they see a UO commercial on tv. And I am pretty sure that some new players looking for an online game will be more likely to try UO if they see one.

I honestly don't see or understand the reason for all the advertising hate.

 

[ColterDC]

Also World of Warcraft is up to 11 million subscribers and I heard it is close to breaking 12.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but WoW's numbers are extremely exaggerated and not an accurate count of their current active subscriptions.

According to what I've heard they count all accounts that were ever opened, meaning they are still counting me as a WoW player because I played for 3 months when it first came out which was like 4-5 years ago.

 

[Flora Green]

I don't understand why people are putting down digital distribution, that is where the PC market is going. A box on the shelves was rather important 4-5 years ago, but now it isn't really a factor. Within the next 2 years all PC games will likely be available through online. Gamestop has even admitted that their business is going to be dead likely within 10 years.

You're right that digital distribution is the future, but this is UO, not WoW. There are plenty of dialup users in UO. They should at least offer a physical copy for those who don't want to spend weeks downloading. KR was a nightmare to try and dl via 56k. And UO needs more than just keeping the current base and bringing back a few old players. However, the fact EA and the team all but ignored the past two anniversaries and STILL won't make the tilesets from the 9th box available says a lot.

 

[Storm]

ME! ME! ME!

Okay... I'll offer to help out with the beta if you are looking for volunteers...

ME! ME! ME!

Ditto

 

[Yalp]

What a terrible missed opportunity EA! Put it in friggin boxes and get it on the shelves! Geez.. What kind of bean counters do you have working for you? You guys need remedial marketing 101.

On the other hand, that would mean they would have to have a hard and fast release date.... one they would have to commit to and be fully prepared to meet.. so come to think of it.. I have little faith EA is capable of such delivery.... anyone get the 11th anniversary GIFTS yet?

 

[JC the Builder]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but WoW's numbers are extremely exaggerated and not an accurate count of their current active subscriptions.

According to what I've heard they count all accounts that were ever opened, meaning they are still counting me as a WoW player because I played for 3 months when it first came out which was like 4-5 years ago.

No, that is active subscriptions plus all the people in Asia who pay to play (however they count that). Blizzard can't like about this stuff because not only would it make them look bad, they are a publicly traded company. It would be against the law.

 

[ColterDC]

I don't understand why people are putting down digital distribution, that is where the PC market is going. A box on the shelves was rather important 4-5 years ago, but now it isn't really a factor.

Is that why there are always 10-20 guys wandering up and down the aisles at Best Buy every time I go there? I know that's how I got into UO, by wandering the PC aisle at MediaPlay years ago and stumbling across this interesting game called UO.

When it comes to attracting more players to your game, it's pretty hard to go through the trouble of downloading a game you've never heard of, isn't it?

Sorry, it's just human nature to want to hold something in your hands and visually inspect it before you plop down the $30 for it.

 

[JC the Builder]

There are plenty of dialup users in UO.

In 2000, yes. A couple years ago a developer said the number of UO players on dialup was less than 10%, maybe 5%? I don't remember. But it should be even lower today.

They should at least offer a physical copy for those who don't want to spend weeks downloading.

Of course there should be an option to purchase a physical disk and have it shipped to you. Mondain's Legacy had this option through a 3rd party store.

 

[Alezi]

I
They also make well over 1 billion in annual sales. Do you know how much it cost for that advertising campaign? Probably as much as it costs to run UO for 1 year. Blizzard has stated it costs about 50 million dollars per year to maintain World of Warcraft. That leaves 950+ million left over to spend on whatever they want.

Also World of Warcraft is up to 11 million subscribers and I heard it is close to breaking 12. It is also a much more casual game compared to UO, which is why it appeals to a much wider audience. So a television marketing campaign actually has a chance to work in their case.

Blizz actually made something like $3.5 billion profit :|

 

[Alezi]

You're right that digital distribution is the future, but this is UO, not WoW. There are plenty of dialup users in UO. They should at least offer a physical copy for those who don't want to spend weeks downloading. KR was a nightmare to try and dl via 56k. And UO needs more than just keeping the current base and bringing back a few old players. However, the fact EA and the team all but ignored the past two anniversaries and STILL won't make the tilesets from the 9th box available says a lot.

Do ISP's actually sell 56k still? Only in Russia?

 

[Flora Green]

I had forgotten about ML.

 

[Haddy G]

There is no point in advertising UO as long as the 2d client is around, even with the SA client I don't think it would really help. This game has become more niche then wargames.

 

[Tazar]

I'd bet the SA content download will be through normal patches as they did with ML-2D. It's the SA client that will probably be the separate download.

 

[Zooithion]

Woot! good to see.

 

[Dragothien]

I am extremely upset about this digital distribution only.

Firstly, I'll address the issue that is already being discussed. I also agree that digital distribution is the future of PC gaming - entities like Steam are just kicking ass. However, the decision to not put a game on shelves at all seems extremely foolish to me.

I've attended several UO townhalls and been told first hand that getting shelf space is extremely difficult, but I truly have a hard time buying that. When was the last time anyone looked at the pc shelves fat Target, wal mart, or even Game stop? I do on a regular basis, and some of the ancient crap that still gets a spot there isn't nearly as worthwhile as Ultima online. What it comes down to is that it seems to me EA doesn't care about the game, and they want to put as little money into it as possible - which means not spending money on cardboard or plastic when they can just throw it on a few servers.

I agree with a previous poster - you will ALWAYS get new players who are just at the local store browsing for something interesting. There's no denying that, the uo player base proves such itself. It just seems the mentality is that they'll keep it going as long as it makes money, without putting more money into it.

Now...

My second problem, in regards to digital distribution only, is the concept.

This is Ultima online, this is ultima, this is gaming history. Take a look at the time line and just THINK about all the would be competitors that have reared their ugly heads after UO's release:
Ever Quest 1 and 2, Acheron's Call 1 and 2, Dark Age of Camelot, Lineage II, Shadow Bane, Wow, D&D online, War Hammer(technically EA I know) ...but that's just a few.. Of all the games I've listed here, only one has really posed any real threat to UO, and that's Wow.

There is a reason uo has lasted so long against so many, and that's because it is unique and special in a way that no clone ever could be. All of these games tried doing this or that differently, but for the most part none of them get it right. For over then years there have been features in uo that still no other game has incorporated, and if they have, they didn't do so well.

Even Darkfall, IF they are successful in time, isn't very unique at all if you ask me. They took better technology and expanded upon UO's concepts and ideas.

To get to the point - Some of those little features that separated the ultima games from all the rest were things like the books, the cloth maps, the coins - things that involved a player before they even had the game installed. This type of item inclusion has suffered and only gotten worse and worse of the years..

But to abandon it entirely? To not even give your devout players..your would be devout players..the privilege of owning a CD or DVD that says 'Ultima Online' ?

To me, that's a slap in the face.

 

[GalenKnighthawke]

your 100% absolutly right!, UO doesnt need help with any type of advertisment!, its doing perfect as it is!, i see uo advertisments all over the place, posters and things on the store shelves who peak our old players curiosity and grab the attn of some of those who have left UO lol...k sorry, ....regardless of this coming out to keep the player base it has here...without new people and old returning people..it really does get a tad boring!..thats just my 2 cents..i'll be playing regardless of the shelf life!, but it would be nice to see some type of advert in the stores

I never said that new players weren't a good thing, just that it wasn't SA's job to get new players in. SA is I think for us. If they mean SA to be for new players they're going about it VERY badly.

Hopefully you read the posts you moderate more closely than the posts you reply to.

-Galen's player

 

[Jade of Sonoma]

What a terrible missed opportunity EA! Put it in friggin boxes and get it on the shelves! Geez.. What kind of bean counters do you have working for you? You guys need remedial marketing 101.

On the other hand, that would mean they would have to have a hard and fast release date.... one they would have to commit to and be fully prepared to meet.. so come to think of it.. I have little faith EA is capable of such delivery.... anyone get the 11th anniversary GIFTS yet?

Agreed! The original boxed UO game expansions on the store shelves, PLEASE!

 

[GalenKnighthawke]

Bacon? They finally found out about scrumptious, sumptuous, delicious bacon?

Any idea on the next phase of Warriors of Destiny? I'm genuinely concerned that the event cycle won't be given proper attention and will end in an abrupt and unsatisfying manner to make way for the scenario you've already alluded to, that will lead into SA.

If the point was less to run a scenario but to make the tone of UO considerably darker on a longer-term basis, then you really shouldn't have referred to it as a scenario and given it a title....Actions which imply a beginning, a middle, and an end. Right now it seems like we're near the end but not every shard has even had Clainin's Funeral yet!

-Galen's player

 

[Black Sun]

There is no point in advertising UO as long as the 2d client is around,

That is ridiculous. No matter what client(s) are available advertising is necessary to bring in new blood.

 

[Teeshy]

Oh PLEASE give us a disc! I download 10 megs an hour - how many hours will I have to be downloading before I can play? I can't download 24 hours a day either, there's other peopel in the house to consider - so about 100 megs every other day...

I KNOW that ordering a disc from the US and getting it sent to Oz is going to be quicker!

 

[CatLord]

Bacon? They finally found out about scrumptious, sumptuous, delicious bacon?

I think most of the players found out they are under the heel of a minority... and how that minority keeps a steel grasp over Felluca using everything they can... with the purpose of making RL profits or just for an ego trip...
If this was done using skill and teamwork... great. But it isnt... and everyone knows it...
Each day the shards are milked and the items are sold by that minority... again, using every tool they can.

Several players suggested that, like the blood diamonds, we buy only from legit vendors, people we know on a daily basis... that is a small step.
Other players moved to smaller shards, got organized and spawn quietly... fighting anyone that raids them... but not oppressing the weaker players. (but this is a personal choice)

I dont believe the current cheating minority should be rewarded on a daily basis... until that ends... cheating pays.

I'm sorry if this is a dent to UO... I'm sorry for pointing it out.

I share your passion about Ultima...

... just ask my ex-wife and the current one.


Bacon = Grog (RIP)

 

[Nvnter]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but WoW's numbers are extremely exaggerated and not an accurate count of their current active subscriptions.

According to what I've heard they count all accounts that were ever opened, meaning they are still counting me as a WoW player because I played for 3 months when it first came out which was like 4-5 years ago.

I am one to believe the numbers are in the millions. In my workplace alone I have 14 people that play and I have to suffer the taunts about me playing an "antique". I am glad I can brag about the Huge Release of UOSA NNOOTTT!!!!!

We have become slaves to our UO addiction/devotion and EA is treating us as :loser: this release is not a proud moment. Play your games with us Draconi but you have failed us. I looked forward to the opportunity of introducing this virtual world to new players. Sadly, not now.

I look forward to the advertising dollars EA will spend promoting UOSA to the masses......on Stratics

 

[Katlene]

I read it and thought summer 09? gawd thats AGES away!...
Until my brain woke up and reminded me that US summer is our winter and thats not too far away at all!! *excited*
Although, i am extreamly bummed that i dont get to buy a box I like my game boxes!

 

[calibek]

Oh thank god I've been waiting for freaking ever to come back to the game. I wanted to wait and come back a few months before SA to get some skills up and play around with my T-Hunter and get the crappy stuff from chests to unimbue, disimbue, whatever you call it...I'm sick and tired of playing crappy games...I left for WotLK, which is ok but boring after hitting 80. Now I'm happy to be coming back as UO is my first love and Imbuing will go a LONG way to making the lotto chance that is item collection go WAAAAYYYYYY down...

Digital download is nice and I think it has is pros and cons...the cons being people with slow internet have to download and large file download/time commitment. The pros from a company standpoint is none of the costs associated with the whole physical distribution, which is more money improving the game in other places.

Oh did I mention I CAN'T WAIT for imbuing

 

[Maplestone]

I read it and thought summer 09? gawd thats AGES away!...

LOL - good point ... if they miss their deadline, they can always claim that the press release just came out in the wrong hemisphere.

 

[SirZ]

It's a terrable. Where is a box with game, soundtrack and etc.?
****, EA - what are you doing?!

 

[wrekognize]

Don't take this the wrong way Tazar, I'm not saying you're wrong, but I don't have any faith in what she says. Not the best community rep in my opinion.

Why do people say "don't take this the wrong way" what does that really mean?

 

[Hildebrand]

Is 3 months enough to test?
I'm hoping the expansion will be released Sept via digital dist.... and then followed by the SA client/SA expansion in a box for Christmas (with 12th Aniv items).
That way they get another 2 months of client testing between Sept and Nov.

 

[Thangorodrim]

Ultima Online: Stygian Abyss expansion requires the original Ultima Online game to play...

That is an odd choice of language. Have any of the expansions ever required prior binaries to run? I recall them all being available as standalone packages going back to T2A.

Does the failure to mention a new client mean they are not releasing the fixed KR client with SA?

The semantic content of the PR is nearly null.

 

[Fink]

I read it and thought summer 09? gawd thats AGES away!...

LOL - good point ... if they miss their deadline, they can always claim that the press release just came out in the wrong hemisphere.

Shh, they don't know there's another hemisphere.. "you wanna pre-order what to where now?"

Random opinion: I think SA, the expansion, should be aimed at existing players.. while SA, the client, should be aimed at new players. I hope that's the case.

 

[RichDC]

That is an odd choice of language. Have any of the expansions ever required prior binaries to run? I recall them all being available as standalone packages going back to T2A.

Does the failure to mention a new client mean they are not releasing the fixed KR client with SA?

The semantic content of the PR is nearly null.

SA is the new client i was pretty sure. Along with the same new content for the 2D client. KR isnt being fixed...its becomming SA

 

[Kaleb]

I think most of the players found out they are under the heel of a minority... and how that minority keeps a steel grasp over Felluca using everything they can... with the purpose of making RL profits or just for an ego trip...
If this was done using skill and teamwork... great. But it isnt... and everyone knows it...
Each day the shards are milked and the items are sold by that minority... again, using every tool they can.

Several players suggested that, like the blood diamonds, we buy only from legit vendors, people we know on a daily basis... that is a small step.
Other players moved to smaller shards, got organized and spawn quietly... fighting anyone that raids them... but not oppressing the weaker players. (but this is a personal choice)

I dont believe the current cheating minority should be rewarded on a daily basis... until that ends... cheating pays.

I'm sorry if this is a dent to UO... I'm sorry for pointing it out.

I share your passion about Ultima...

... just ask my ex-wife and the current one.


Bacon = Grog (RIP)

Thank you!! I feel the same but I feel all PvM'ers/ trammies are cheaters not that I know any of them but since they play that style they must be cheats!!

 

[Tom_Builder]

Ultima Online: Stygian Abyss expansion requires the original Ultima Online game to play and will be available in the Summer of 2009 via digital distribution only.

Last hope failed.

I still dont understand why they wont put it out in a box. How will we ever get new players if people dont see it at Best Buy, Walmart, ect.... Word of mouth only goes so far.

Tom

 

[Hildebrand]

Like others have suggested.... I agree that they aren't targeting new players.
They are concentrating on the current base.... for now maybe.

 

[Tom_Builder]

Also UO doesn't need new players. QUOTE]


No? Take a walk around 95% of the shards. UO needs new blood badly. I have never heard of any company that doesnt need/want new income. New players = $$$$$. New players = another 10+ years of UO. So even if UO doesnt want/need new players, WE do.

Tom

 

[TheScoundrelRico]

I still dont understand why they wont put it out in a box. How will we ever get new players if people dont see it at Best Buy, Walmart, ect.... Word of mouth only goes so far.

Tom

Cost, and the understanding that UO won't get enough new players from box distribution to make up the difference in what it would cost in marketing/production vs new account charges...la

 

[Hildebrand]

What I don't get is... if an original UO is needed in order for the expansion to work, then how do people get their hands on an old copy? Buy UOML then buy UOSA? Will there be a combo package sold?

I REALLY hope they don't use that joke-of-a-site ... uogamecodes.com!!
It's a digital company with lousy digital finesse.

 

[CatLord]

Thank you!! I feel the same but I feel all PvM'ers/ trammies are cheaters not that I know any of them but since they play that style they must be cheats!!

You better spend some years with them before poiting fingers, brother.

 

[Aboo]

There is no point in advertising UO as long as the 2d client is around . . .

There have been some really ridiculous things said in this thread, but this one takes the cake.

I personally don't have a problem with a digital download, but I do think that there ought to be a box on the shelves of stores so that other people can discover UO.

 

[Aboo]

Thank you!! I feel the same but I feel all PvM'ers/ trammies are cheaters not that I know any of them but since they play that style they must be cheats!!

HAHAHAHA, thanks for the laugh!

 

[WildWobble]

I am unmoved only be able to get via downloading it is sure fire failure. Damn and i had my hopes set for a new box to buy and keep. I swear that they are just trying to kill our game.

Devs STEP Up and make it happen without a box we are as good as dead!
Bust some heads and make it happen that's the only way things will ever get done. Even if its only purchasable online and shipped out would be better then saying we have to dl this new crap your feeding us.

 

[pallas]

They can't market it at stores because the 'graphics upgrade' that was the KR client was a total misfire. The majority of people who play games nowadays want something with a bit of flash and looking modern, both of which UO's clients currently lacks.

Simply put, it just can't compete, looks wise, with current games. And for the uninitiated to UO, picking up a box to see KR's dated graphics is going to be a sure fire way to lose a potential customer.

 

[Black Sun]

Simply put, it just can't compete, looks wise, with current games. And for the uninitiated to UO, picking up a box to see KR's dated graphics is going to be a sure fire way to lose a potential customer.

While that may be true, there's no harm in having a box out there.

Let's pretend:
Universe A: No UO boxes on store shelves, digital distribution only (our universe)
Universe B: UO boxes are in most major stores

Universe A: In a given week 100 people walk into gamestop and look at games. 100 people walk out without buying UO. Amount of new subscribers that week: 0

Universe B: That same week, the same 100 people walk into gamestop. 100 of them pick up a UO box and look at it. 90 see the graphics and put it back down and find another game, but 10 decide to buy it and try it. Amount of new subscribers that week: 10.


My point is that having a box on the shelves may put off some potential customers, But with no shelf presense in stores, we're lose all potential customers.

There really should be some shelf presence for UO in stores. I don't care if it's a poster, a stragety guide, a box with the game in it. Something to grab attention and at least attempt to pull in some new subscribers.