It looks like Five on Friday has been laid off. Shucks. Does that mean her boss gets to take up the slack and write the news?
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No More FoF
- Thread starter Mark Trail
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- Watchers 2
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I'm sad 
H
Harb
Guest
Someone posted somewhere something about no more FoF? I missed it. Oh Flutter, sure Cal can do it! If they are going to can it, OK, just chat it up here and provide some specifics, something actually Sakkarah has already begun doing. Another way might be to conference reps from board sites monthly and do a larger Q&A. Dialogue shouldn't, and hopefully won't suffer. And if they do plan to keep FoF, this would be a very bad week to skip 
I think Robert Mull was Chrissay's (and prior to her, Jeremy's) boss. He posted the publish/patch notes earlier this week. If the FoF posts continue, I would imagine he will be the person posting them, at least for the near future.
C
canary
Guest
Hey, they said we should expect the same level of customer support... so shouldn't that include the FoF in a way? I think they already dropped the ball, lol.
M
MadMageMagnus
Guest
Calvin Crowner - UO Producer's Letter
Calvin Crowner
12 Nov 2009 20:14:08
“This is your captain speaking … we’ll be climbing to an altitude of 36,000 feet. Expect some turbulence on ascent. Once we reach cruising altitude, I’ll turn off the seat belt sign, and you’ll be permitted to move about the cabin … Due to FAA regulations smoking is not permitted … unless you’re sharing the good stuff with the rest of the crew. Thank you for flying Britannia Airlines”
Twelve years and a Guinness Book record mention later, we are still here!
Calvin Crowner
12 Nov 2009 20:14:08
“This is your captain speaking … we’ll be climbing to an altitude of 36,000 feet. Expect some turbulence on ascent. Once we reach cruising altitude, I’ll turn off the seat belt sign, and you’ll be permitted to move about the cabin … Due to FAA regulations smoking is not permitted … unless you’re sharing the good stuff with the rest of the crew. Thank you for flying Britannia Airlines”
Twelve years and a Guinness Book record mention later, we are still here!
H
Harb
Guest
Thank you.I wouldn't say no more FoF, but definitely none this week. Sorry for the late heads up
No, it merely means we're in a period of transition, and that it's very painful for us too.
As for your question, it is not my place to discuss who is or isn't with us. There are lots of speculations out there. But those who have left will no doubt post their farewell when they are ready. And it's only showing them proper respect to grant them that time.
That's one! Only four more to go ;-)
(I can understand the team needing time ... reality is a moving target at a point like this)
C
canary
Guest
Well if they pink slipped Draconi imo they've effectively ripped the heart out of UO.
V
Vaen Swiftar
Guest
None of us truly know who the heart of UO is. We don't know who works on what, who gets what done, and all of that. Claims of UO's heart having been ripped out have been around since it left beta. For all we know, there could be a silent dev out there named Chuck who programs everything in his sleep. Chuck would also be a hamster.
Thanks. I'm a little bitter about all of this right now. It's petty in comparison to what you (and them) are going through I'm sure. I've enjoyed this game before we (had) this incredible team @the SA launch. But when you folks got settled in, you all really took it to a higher level. Now I'm not so sure I can enjoy playing so much anymore.
EA is mindless it seems. I can look through history at all the great opportunities UO had.... and see EA tripping it up at the finish line.
I do apologize. I am guessing I won't be a bother very much longer as it is.
H
Heartseeker
Guest
I agree with your whole post.
Something has bothered me for a while about this situation.
I know why now.
It's things like this, and the greed out there in life that makes some decisions easier.
S
StifledArgument
Guest
I actually know how you feel. I love this game, and I love the expansion, I loved the devs and the people who made the game what it was over the years.
What I don't love is how much I worried and thought for sure they were going to close it down, and worried about the devs and what would happen to them and the game in turn.
Even if Draconi is/was the heart of the game and they let him go or he is still there, I feel like part of my heart has been ripped out.
BTW, I am not saying literally, I am not going emo pizza and am going to cut myself, it is this subtle twinge of,"What now?" I find it very sad though, all of this and thanks to those who have attempted to keep us informed.
Dangit...I never did get my answer to if gargoyle flying speed was equal to mounted speed either.......
C
canary
Guest
OK let me rephrase that.
IN MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM, Draconi's removal is, TO ME, like ripping out the heart of UO.
Better?
Sak if one thing is certain it is that we are really glad that you are here with us, and that you bothered to come in here and open yourself to us at this time when there is so much confusion, frustration etc.
We just weren't counting on the postpartum fits kicking us in the butt quite so, effectively.
You've played for a while yourself, I read your blog and you talk with depth of passion about the meaning of community in UO. This is the not so grand side of that, but it is necessary for healing to be possible. Really wish someone had jumped in here to help staunch the wound before the weekend. Now it'll just be that much more difficult.
Blessings to you.
V
Vaen Swiftar
Guest
I'd be personally hurt if Chuck got fired or eaten by the office cat. So I know what you mean.
W
wrekognize
Guest
Draconi has completely turned around UO starting with the magincia event. He was the leader behind the entire SA expansion. He took the little things like turning checks into 1,000,000 instead of 1000000. He oversaw the revamp to factions because he knew what things like this meant to us. He has changed the focus of how events are ran today. I'd say he's the heart of UO.
V
Vaen Swiftar
Guest
Ah, and you know he did all of this how? Were you over his shoulder while he was coding all of this? Was he the ONLY leader in the entire SA expansion? Being "Team Lead" doesn't mean you did everything, nor does it necessarily mean that you lead the team to victory. And as far as factions goes, that hat goes to Sakkarah.
Heart of UO? I'd say the heart of UO would be its players. We have a powerful developing team, despite any layoffs that might happen. Sakkarah is posting, so she is obviously still with the team. I trust in her dedication to this game completely.
D
Deb
Guest
Draconi might have been the heart, but that heart needed valves to
help it keep pumping. I hope he is just on vacation and not gone. My
heart goes out to all that were laid off, I know how they must feel as it
happened in my family also not too long ago.
help it keep pumping. I hope he is just on vacation and not gone. My
heart goes out to all that were laid off, I know how they must feel as it
happened in my family also not too long ago.
V
Vaen Swiftar
Guest
Draconi will always be known as one of the best devs UO has ever had, whether he stays or leaves. I don't want to seem like I'm hating on him. He'll always be my Maverick
B
Beastmaster
Guest
May as well post my sentiments, which I'm sure will not be welcome by some.
Leurocian gone, that made me very sad.
Sakkarah still here, very happy!
Draconi gone?
We all have our favorites. Here's hoping the last friend of PvP has gone on.
Leurocian gone, that made me very sad.
Sakkarah still here, very happy!
Draconi gone?
We all have our favorites. Here's hoping the last friend of PvP has gone on.
kelmo
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*blinks*May as well post my sentiments, which I'm sure will not be welcome by some.
Leurocian gone, that made me very sad.
Sakkarah still here, very happy!
Draconi gone?
We all have our favorites. Here's hoping the last friend of PvP has gone on.
Seriously, Cal is the best thing to hit UO since Draconi. Anyone against him must perish.
And as others have noted, if Draconi is gone, although I don't think he is, I be mad sad.
L
Lady Kiara
Guest
Wow and just after the speach on How they Want to make us Happy and they love there Paying errrrrrr Players....I wouldn't say no more FoF, but definitely none this week. Sorry for the late heads up
Leave it up to EA, Make them move to VA...Fill them with False Hope....Make them come out with a big expantion....NOW GET OUT>>>>
MY STAPLER....
F
five oclock
Guest
Folks wait wait wait...
seriously now...plz step away from the computer and take a deap breath..Ok..
do it again..
Now count to 10...
1
2
10...
Hey Im a speed counter No pun inttended...
Seriously tho... If the devs speak let em speak. IF and I stress IF they were laid off.. Then they were laid off with good intentions that when things pick back up they will probally be back on the line...
They might say something..they might not say anything. They might be at home right now laughing how everyone is jumping on the band wagon on if they still work for EA or not..
A friend once told me this. The only thing that travels faster than the speed of light is rumors....
We DON'T know if anyone is gone from the team. yes they laid off people..BUT EA games has ALOT of games out there...
I say this..while we are waiting for hours for this new patch Lets all take a quick break..and collect out thoughts..and wait it thru....
Thanks.
seriously now...plz step away from the computer and take a deap breath..Ok..
do it again..
Now count to 10...
1
2
10...
Hey Im a speed counter
No pun inttended... Seriously tho... If the devs speak let em speak. IF and I stress IF they were laid off.. Then they were laid off with good intentions that when things pick back up they will probally be back on the line...
They might say something..they might not say anything. They might be at home right now laughing how everyone is jumping on the band wagon on if they still work for EA or not..
A friend once told me this. The only thing that travels faster than the speed of light is rumors....
We DON'T know if anyone is gone from the team. yes they laid off people..BUT EA games has ALOT of games out there...
I say this..while we are waiting for hours for this new patch
Lets all take a quick break..and collect out thoughts..and wait it thru....Thanks.
F
five oclock
Guest
besides..if ya ever worked for a retail chain..and you were laid off...NOT fired..Just laid off.. It sucks BIG time..but then again you thank the heavens that you don't have to hear the customers complaining about stuff anymore thats out of your hands....
Just my two cents is all
Just my two cents is all
kelmo
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I thought that was what FoF was for... complaining. Now it's off track and guess what. Complaints. *shakes head*besides..if ya ever worked for a retail chain..and you were laid off...NOT fired..Just laid off.. It sucks BIG time..but then again you thank the heavens that you don't have to hear the customers complaining about stuff anymore thats out of your hands....
Just my two cents is all
F
five oclock
Guest
F
five oclock
Guest
you got it..I like the crown....Double round the Crown I say.
Then you may as well try to make me perish...
I'm sorry but he lost me as a fan the moment he called me a "Carebear". He went straight to my **** list... And there is where he will stay.
Not to impressed with a lead who insults 80% of the playerbase. Very unwise move on his part if you ask me.
As for the rest... I agree with Canary... It will be a VERY sad day for me if Draconi was given "Das Boot"... I'd be most unhappy.
Though I am very glad that Sakkarah is still aboard... *breaths a small sigh of relief there*
kelmo
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It's a jungle out there
Disorder and confusion everywhere
No one seems to care. Well I do.
Hey, who's in charge here?
It's a jungle out there
Poison in the very air we breathe
Do you know what's in the water that you drink?
Well I do, and it's amazing
People think I'm crazy, 'cause I worry all the time
If you paid attention, you'd be worried too
You better pay attention
Or this world we love so much might just kill you
I could be wrong now, but I don't think so. It's a jungle out there
Disorder and confusion everywhere
No one seems to care. Well I do.
Hey, who's in charge here?
It's a jungle out there
Poison in the very air we breathe
Do you know what's in the water that you drink?
Well I do, and it's amazing
People think I'm crazy, 'cause I worry all the time
If you paid attention, you'd be worried too
You better pay attention
Or this world we love so much might just kill you
I could be wrong now, but I don't think so. It's a jungle out there
Thanks for the posts Sakkarah. I am really glad you are still here and have what it takes to post in this mess.
Evidently many posters here have never had this happen to them. It's really hard for the people that got let go as well as those that lost their co-workers.
It's hard for us that love this game too.
We move forward and hope for the best and wish the best to all those that are or have been at Mythic.
Life is tricky. Life is hard. Life is good. I started UO in 99 and I can only hope that I can play for another 10+ years.
Be well!
Now that sounds like a single malt from the highlands, but you said bitter, and thats usually more of an Islay.
Basara
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Leurocian got a really nice transfer within EA, provided Bioware wasn't neutered by the layoffs.May as well post my sentiments, which I'm sure will not be welcome by some.
Leurocian gone, that made me very sad.
Systems Designer for Star Wars: The Old Republic.
I'd have liked him to stick around, but you really don't pass up opportunities like that...
I wonder (and I mentioned this in another thread)
Were some of the cuts at Mythic actually just not filling Leurocian's old position (which presumably would have been open for 4 months, and no one ever mentioned being hired for it - heck, it took 3 to find out about it), and eliminating staff positions that were directly tied to that positions (layoffs or non-rehires), moving the job responsibilities to remaining staffers?
After all, that's a long-used method to cut jobs in all lines of business.
Haha Cal is all about PvP, that's just his playstyle. And PvP needs a lot of cleaning up, so Cal talking about cracking down on field cheats is a big plus for the PvP community because when he says it, I believe it, because I know he cares about PvP. From his interviews to his written word.
Yeah, maybe it was wrong for him to take sides regarding the facets, I can see that, but he's the guy who helped implement skills like throwing, I'm pretty sure, and so Cal had a hand in making SA what it is. And that's good for trammies/carebears too because it adds some variety to gameplay on any level when the PvP/weapon systems take more tactics.
Basically, as much as trammies/carebears feel the need to defend their position as lead consumer, the majority just don't seem to even want to try and embrace fel in any way, and one problem that I've seen, consistently, as a guild GM and outside with some objectivity, is a gamer raised in trammel often loses a lot of game smarts, reaction time, and game know-how you'd learn or pick-up naturally if you began play in fel.
Debatable, yeah, everything is, but a lot of people don't understand how learning how to PvP actually can make PvM easier and more rewarding. Too many people in this game buy gold or sit on piles and are comfortable dying 20 times to high end monsters.
And that's not to say PvPers are superior either, people who only PvP and then try to PvM look like complete noobs when they try to use their PvP tactics in a PvM setting. It's just amusing to me because both elements, that PvE, that's the full admission cost to this game for me. Only PvP or only PvM would make me go crazy, not sure how anyone can be so one-sided.
The people I don't understand the most are people who only craft though, lol. Of course, it'll be interesting to see how many of those people are left if the cheats are ever checked and accounted for haha.
Anyway, when/where did Cal talk about carebears? I forget. It wasn't in his last Herald post.
I
Ivorythorn
Guest
OKAY, I'm sorry, but whatever you feel about about anyone who was on staff with UO,Mythic, EA etc..., then it is SAD that, THEY MAY BE GONE! They cared about the game, in one way or another... PVP, PVM, or whatever... sheesh they are PEOPLE, with families, hopes, dreams, etc... like ALL OF US. I hope they move on and do well. MY PRAYERS are with them. It's just a game after all...
Please keep this in mind...
Please keep this in mind...
I
Ivorythorn
Guest
Kelmo, are you reading my mind? LOL, okay I'm crawling back into my BIOsafe bunker now... checking my ammo stores.... cleaning weapons.... ah now I have time to play UO....
V
Vyal
Guest
Lets not forget that 90% of the devs including draconi and sak have completly screw'd the game.
Honestly what mindless programmers would ever do what has been done to UO, like when I started playing it was one game then it has become something totally different.
Example would be something like I go buy Left 4 Dead Online, two years later it ends up being me running around with a rubber mallet hitting moles..
UO has done the same it has went from being purely pvp based cutting bodies up doing bounties to doing puzzles to get flour sifters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope that EA can bring some good programmers in.
I can give links to many engines that are better then any version of UO and all the links to engines would be done by kids younger then 17 years old.
Hey, Draconi could really write some stories tho......
But I don't think him or anyone could program at all they are just script kiddies getting paid big bucks, when the economy is the way it is I don't think any programming company can afford to pay them what they think they deserve....
Honestly what mindless programmers would ever do what has been done to UO, like when I started playing it was one game then it has become something totally different.
Example would be something like I go buy Left 4 Dead Online, two years later it ends up being me running around with a rubber mallet hitting moles..
UO has done the same it has went from being purely pvp based cutting bodies up doing bounties to doing puzzles to get flour sifters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope that EA can bring some good programmers in.
I can give links to many engines that are better then any version of UO and all the links to engines would be done by kids younger then 17 years old.
Hey, Draconi could really write some stories tho......
But I don't think him or anyone could program at all they are just script kiddies getting paid big bucks, when the economy is the way it is I don't think any programming company can afford to pay them what they think they deserve....
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