[UO Herald] Announcing the 2010 UO Town Hall!

[UO News]

For some time we have mentioned that we would have a major announcement this Summer about the future of Ultima Online. While we have been busy with hardware updates and publishes, we have also been working on our first community event in almost two years.

With that … on August 28th, Mythic Entertainment will host a community event at our building in Fairfax. You may contact the UO Team at ([email protected]) and will receive a response with a confirmation of your attendance.

Seating is limited, so we need all interested to send your interest in attending by August 16th.

During the event we will discuss the course of Live Events and share information about several major game updates we plan for the year. Finally, we will have an exclusive announcement about an upcoming release targeted for the end of this summer.

We will be raffling off cloth maps, Ultima Online gear: Ankh’s made specifically for the Stygian Abyss Expansion, and one T-Shirt signed by Todd McFarland and various other goodies.

After you receive the confirmation email with the personalized ticket … Have the email printed out and available when you arrive at Mythic on the date of the event!

Hope to see you there!



More...

 

[Demonous]

damn i wish i was going now just for the cloth map :/

 

[Mapper]

Can't wait to read the outcome of this meeting! *excited*

 

[Evlar]

Finally, we will have an exclusive announcement about an upcoming release targeted for the end of this summer.

"Finally" and "upcoming release" caught my particular attention, with "end of this summer" a bonus, if in relation to what I'm hoping for.

*has fingers crossed in anticipation*

 

[Cear Dallben Dragon]

HAHAHHAHAHAH!
YEAH!

 

[Evlar]

Well, I suppose "upcoming release" could mean a number of things, but hey, where there's hope...

...what could it mean though?

Classic shards "release"?

Another expansion "release"?

"Release" of more pixel crack to buy from the game store?

They officially "release" me from my straight-jacket?

Let the speculation commence!

 

[Angel Dust]

Dumb Question here folks. is that Fairfax VA? or Fairfax CA? Because if its VA im so going, only 4 hr drive!!!

 

[Crysta]

....but why would they hold it the same day as another major event in nearby Washington?

 

[Arcus]

Dumb Question here folks. is that Fairfax VA? or Fairfax CA? Because if its VA im so going, only 4 hr drive!!!

It's VA

 

[Arcus]

....but why would they hold it the same day as another major event in nearby Washington?

The Glen Beck rally? What , he doesn't have enough money from ripping people off by getting them to buy gold?

Ill be sure to hang some well worded signs in my truck window showing my opinion of Beck.

 

[Crysta]

The Glen Beck rally? What , he doesn't have enough money from ripping people off by getting them to buy gold?

Ill be sure to hang some well worded signs in my truck window showing my opinion of Beck.

I didn't name it because this forum is no place for political discussion.. politics just leads to people getting pissed off at leach other for no good reason in places like this.

 

[Taylor]

Only an hour away, but a day before part of my thesis is due . . . *bites nails*

 

[Nok]

Tucked in between GamesCom the week before and PAX the week after, and only a few weeks notice... the timing is curious.

Hope everyone has a good time, and look forward to hearing the news.

 

[Arcus]

For some time we have mentioned that we would have a major announcement this Summer about the future of Ultima Online. While we have been busy with hardware updates and publishes, we have also been working on our first community event in almost two years.

With that … on August 28th, Mythic Entertainment will host a community event at our building in Fairfax. You may contact the UO Team at ([email protected]) and will receive a response with a confirmation of your attendance.

Seating is limited, so we need all interested to send your interest in attending by August 16th.

During the event we will discuss the course of Live Events and share information about several major game updates we plan for the year. Finally, we will have an exclusive announcement about an upcoming release targeted for the end of this summer.

We will be raffling off cloth maps, Ultima Online gear: Ankh’s made specifically for the Stygian Abyss Expansion, and one T-Shirt signed by Todd McFarland and various other goodies.

After you receive the confirmation email with the personalized ticket … Have the email printed out and available when you arrive at Mythic on the date of the event!

Hope to see you there!



More...

Well , I got a confirmation email but no "personalized ticket" to print. I emailed back for clarification.

 

[Arcus]

I didn't name it because this forum is no place for political discussion.. politics just leads to people getting pissed off at leach other for no good reason in places like this.

You had to know someone would look for what you were talking about right? I mean come on now.....

 

[Arcus]

For some time we have mentioned that we would have a major announcement this Summer about the future of Ultima Online. While we have been busy with hardware updates and publishes, we have also been working on our first community event in almost two years.

With that … on August 28th, Mythic Entertainment will host a community event at our building in Fairfax. You may contact the UO Team at ([email protected]) and will receive a response with a confirmation of your attendance.

Seating is limited, so we need all interested to send your interest in attending by August 16th.

During the event we will discuss the course of Live Events and share information about several major game updates we plan for the year. Finally, we will have an exclusive announcement about an upcoming release targeted for the end of this summer.

We will be raffling off cloth maps, Ultima Online gear: Ankh’s made specifically for the Stygian Abyss Expansion, and one T-Shirt signed by Todd McFarland and various other goodies.

After you receive the confirmation email with the personalized ticket … Have the email printed out and available when you arrive at Mythic on the date of the event!

Hope to see you there!



More...

Well , I got a confirmation email but no "personalized ticket" to print. I emailed back for clarification.

Received an answer quick. Personalized tickets will be sent next week.

 

[Evlar]

Does the invitation include travel expenses from Granada, Spain?

Whaddya mean no!!

 

[Cal_Mythic]

UPDATE:

Just got a PM regarding streaming the Event.
Yes, we are planning on it and will provide information as the date gets closer.

 

[kelmo]

*sighs* Not enough notice for me. I have done crazier things though.

 

[kelmo]

UPDATE:

Just got a PM regarding streaming the Event.
Yes, we are planning on it and will provide information as the date gets closer.

Now that is interesting... I could get that day off.

 

[Evlar]

UPDATE:

Just got a PM regarding streaming the Event.
Yes, we are planning on it and will provide information as the date gets closer.

 

[Mapper]

UPDATE:

Just got a PM regarding streaming the Event.
Yes, we are planning on it and will provide information as the date gets closer.

Excited even more now.

 

[kelmo]

Cal, are you planning doing the streaming thing in house? Some years ago when meetings were "streamed" by second parties, it did not go so well.

 

[Taylor]

Someone record it. ^ ^

 

[JC the Builder]

I was thinking of going but drive time would be 9 hours. Thought Fairfax was closer than that.

Hopefully the stream will happen.

 

[deadite]

Damn, wish I could go. But I'll definitely watch the streaming version! Sounds like they're pulling out all the stops. I hope the news is HUGE!

- Classic Shard?
- Going F2P?
- Water Expansion?

I am hoping for the first option. If I could play a Classic Shard with the Enhanced Client, I'd be happy as a pig in mud!

 

[Shamus Turlough]

UStream.tv does great high quality streaming. I use it for real-time training sessions quite frequently.

 

[HD2300]

I think it is going to be F2P.

They need to respond to Everquest II and LOTRO F2P offerings.

 

[Trevelyan]

Possibilities that would not surprise (but would excite me)

- Classic shard opening
- Pirate expansion (arr)
- F2P


Other things that I would look forward to:
- A greater new player experience
- Volunteer program
- Shelf release of UO (possibly with a classic shard offering, pirate expansion and F2P )

 

[deadite]

Actually, the more I think about "A Call To Arms", the more I think that it will be a F2P announcement.

And I can't even begin to imagine the stink that will be raised in Uhall if UO is announced to go cash shop.

I guess another possibility could be shard merges?

 

[Lorax_Pacific]

Only an hour away, but a day before part of my thesis is due . . . *bites nails*

If your thesis isn't done on the day before its due then you have a problem.

Go to the event...hehe.

-Lorax

 

[Evlar]

Me too. "Major anouncement" would suggest something along the F2P lines, because that would be such a major change of direction for the game. One that could arguably make it or break it.

 

[Mapper]

Me too. "Major anouncement" would suggest something along the F2P lines, because that would be such a major change of direction for the game. One that could arguably make it or break it.

If they limit free accounts to say 2 characters, no housing, 500 skill cap, 150 stat cap. Then pay for all these to be extended to what we have now, I can't see how UO can 'break'. I think it may even make more.

 

[HD2300]

Actually, the more I think about "A Call To Arms", the more I think that it will be a F2P announcement.

And I can't even begin to imagine the stink that will be raised in Uhall if UO is announced to go cash shop.

I guess another possibility could be shard merges?

It has to been F2P, because there is no way UO will get any new players if Everquest II and LOTRO (both real 3D and PvE focused) are F2P.

I'd imagine something like Everquest II F2P where there will be separate shards to the paying subscriber shards. Then you dont get Vets and RMTers kicking up a stink. And btw make the TOS for the F2P shards explicitly state no RMT, even though it is illegal now as all items belong to EA (i.e. you cant sell the statue of liberty because you dont own it).

Would be good if the F2P was tram only, so you dont lose any new players from griefing. Then you could charge for transfers to and from other shards, charge for 105, 110, 115, 120 skill cap etc. Will be quite interesting to see what they come up with.

 

[deadite]

Pretty exciting to think about, huh? Makes me hopeful.

 

[BajaElladan]

....but why would they hold it the same day as another major event in nearby Washington?

THAT !!!

 

[Shelleybean]

Ooh I can't wait to find out the big announcement!

 

[canary]

Well its to happen by the end of summer, so whatever the news is, the result is to happen VERY soon afterwards.

Throw my lot in for a move somehow towards f2p, especially as (as others mentioned) EQ2 and LotR are moving in that direction.

 

[Cal_Mythic]

THAT !!!

We don't make decisions for our community based on the activities of Washington D.C. ... personally, I find our event more appealing.

Well that and the fact we had to sacrifice our intern to get it approved.

(We faked the sacrifice ... he's doing fine.)

 

[Sargon]

F2P does nothing for me and I sure hope that isn't the "big announcement." Now if they say there is going to be a F2P classic shard, then I would be interested!

 

[Amber Moon]

F2P does nothing for me and I sure hope that isn't the "big announcement." Now if they say there is going to be a F2P classic shard, then I would be interested!

Well, now that we know where the center of the UO universe lies, they'll be sure to make all future changes to suit just your playstyle. rolleyes:

But I disagree. More players will benefit nearly every player now playing. And F2P would bring more players. I am seriously hoping that this IS the big announcement.

 

[Argoas]

Well, now that we know where the center of the UO universe lies, they'll be sure to make all future changes to suit just your playstyle. rolleyes:

But I disagree. More players will benefit nearly every player now playing. And F2P would bring more players. I am seriously hoping that this IS the big announcement.

Certainly, a f2p classic shard would bring more players than a current f2p shard. Even a classic shard would bring more. After 10 years (more or less), there are much people that wanted to at least try the old school style, or revive that feeling (im not saying old school style is better, or worse).

Anyway, a current f2p shard also would attract more players than a trial.

 

[Evlar]

See, this is where I have to go all logical you see.

F2P on the current shards. That would work. Item-centric game is suited to the F2P model.

F2P on "classic" shards? Why? Classic shards wouldn't be item-centric, that's the whole point. Everyone who hopes for classic shards at least agree that they would play anything without AoS item-centric gameplay. So where would the revenue stream come from?

If anything, the current shards should be F2P, whilst a classic shard should be subscription based. Either that, or there's seperate F2P shards created, from which players can transfer to the current shards after a given time (and for a price) if they wish to.

 

[canary]

F2P on "classic" shards? Why? Classic shards wouldn't be item-centric, that's the whole point. Everyone who hopes for classic shards at least agree that they would play anything without AoS item-centric gameplay. So where would the revenue stream come from?

Housing? Character slots? Pretty deco? New colors?

 

[Evlar]

F2P on "classic" shards? Why? Classic shards wouldn't be item-centric, that's the whole point. Everyone who hopes for classic shards at least agree that they would play anything without AoS item-centric gameplay. So where would the revenue stream come from?

Housing? Character slots? Pretty deco? New colors?

Sure, they are options. But would that be sufficient for them to generate enough revenue? I don't think so.

Housing and character slots might be the most saleable things, but buying deco and new colours? That would fly in the face of what most people would want and expect. Would likely turn people away than attract them.

Most viable and in keeping with what people would likely expect from any classic shards, would be subscription based, with the option of perhaps buying additional character slots and storage space. If you introduce anything else, it's a slippery slope.

I firmly believe that were classic shards subscription based and true enough to their "theme" as possible, they would attract enough subscribers to make them worth the effort implementing.

For anything F2P to work and make an income, there has to be a regular release of desirable items. To my mind, "classic" doesn't really fit that model.

 

[canary]

Sure, they are options. But would that be sufficient for them to generate enough revenue? I don't think so.

Housing and character slots might be the most saleable things, but buying deco and new colours? That would fly in the face of what most people would want and expect. Would likely turn people away than attract them.

Most viable and in keeping with what people would likely expect from any classic shards, would be subscription based, with the option of perhaps buying additional character slots and storage space. If you introduce anything else, it's a slippery slope.

I firmly believe that were classic shards subscription based and true enough to their "theme" as possible, they would attract enough subscribers to make them worth the effort implementing.

For anything F2P to work and make an income, there has to be a regular release of desirable items. To my mind, "classic" doesn't really fit that model.

Well food for thought, then. If it does indeed go f2p then we may very well not get a 'classic' shard...

 

[Evlar]

Well food for thought, then. If it does indeed go f2p then we may very well not get a 'classic' shard...

That's also another possibility

 

[Obsidian]

For once, I am finally living in the right place at the right time! Even the weekend I-95 HOV lane schedule works in my favor both to and from Fairfax. I'm really looking forward to this event! It will be nice to meet some of the fellow UO enthusiasts from Stratics.

As for any concern there is another event in DC... DC is huge. You won't even realize it nor will it affect your travel. The highways will be packed as normal on any weekend during the summer, but that's pretty easy to mitigate by giving yourself enough time in your travel plans.

-OBSIDIAN-

 

[Zodia]

The Glen Beck rally? What , he doesn't have enough money from ripping people off by getting them to buy gold?

Ill be sure to hang some well worded signs in my truck window showing my opinion of Beck.

Or you could just drive your truck all the way to the White House in a last ditch attempt to save your unpopular socialist messiah from the hordes of voters carrying pitchforks and torches. With a 38% (and falling) approval rating, he needs all the blind supporters he can get.

 

[Evlar]

We don't need no steenkin politicos in dis thread.