Adventur On the HighSeas - Another Overview

[Llewen]

yes, a trophy for your house wall.

As long as it doesn't sing "Take Me to the River", I'm ok with it...

ROFL!
Or "Don't worry, be happy"

I'm glad someone caught that. I was beginning to think those annoying fish only made it into my part of the world...

#1 - UO (as well as Warhammer and DAOC) are shifting to a Booster-Pack type of deployment rather than full blown expansion packs. A booster pack is smaller than an expansion but there will be 2 of them per year. Each one will add substantial content and fix a number of more major bugs. With the rate of deployment, by the time players grow bored with one Booster, the next one will be on the near term horizon so that model helps "pull" players through to the next piece of content.

This kinda worries me. It basically shows that UO subscriptions are so low, it's no longer possible to keep the ship afloat by the subscription payments alone. And possibly less people bought SA then was anticipated. So , like it or NOT , this game (like all EA MMOs) probably is costing more to keep running then the profit it was supposed to generate.

To me, it seems like this is more of a "money booster" to justify keeping this game (and all other EA MMOs) running. surely even the most die-hard UO fanboys can see that. This is basically one step above server merges and eventually closing the game.

Oh good grief. "THE SKY IS FALLING! THE END IS NIGH! *cluck cluck*"

I actually see this as a smart move. Every time they release a new expansion they get a bump in subscriptions. The problem is it is relatively short lived. It doesn't take too long for the adhd generation to get it's fill and start looking for the next new thing.

This model for releasing new content is probably a pretty smart way of maximizing the boost in subscriptions that is always the result of releasing a new expansion. So in a way, this isn't just a "booster pack" from the player's perspective, this is a boost for the publisher as well.

My guess is that if you were to do a study you would find that the bump in subscriptions resulting from the release of a major expansion isn't that much greater than the bump that will result from the release of a smaller expansion such as the upcoming "booster pack". And when you look at the amount of effort and time required for a larger expansion, the smaller boosters will probably prove much more efficient and profitable.

While I'm not a big fan of soul sucking, money grubbing, greed driven corporate behemoths, I recognize that a certain degree of profitability is good for everyone, including those of us who love this game.

 

[Syndicate]

I agree with you that the smaller boosters are a good thing. For me, the value is that they help "pull" us through the low periods. Regardless of the game, we all get bored with content faster than developers can create it. That boredom means lost players. If significant enough pieces of content can be created every 6 months, we will either be playing something new or have something new just around the corner and that will help reduce boredom and retain more players. Having a stronger player community benefits us all.

 

[northwoodschopper]

yes, a trophy for your house wall.

As long as it doesn't sing "Take Me to the River", I'm ok with it...

ROFL!
Or "Don't worry, be happy"

I'm glad someone caught that. I was beginning to think those annoying fish only made it into my part of the world...

they need to make a rare one that does just that. like those fey ones.

or have it work as a dawn box alternate

 

[Amren]

Putting out 'Boosters' is maximizing the cash you get with a minimum of effort. Does not mean UO has too few customers, just that EA wants more money.

Then you release boosters with expansions.

Think about it. let's assume UO has 100,000 paying (active accounts). And let's assume half the active accounts (50,000) buy a $50 expansion.

50 x 50,000 = $2,500,000

Now let's say the same 50,000 active accounts buy both boosters, valued at $15 a piece.

(15 x 2) x 50,000 = $1,500,000

SO, Let's calculate the loss.

2,500,000 - 1,500,000 = 1,000,000.

EA actually LOSES money replacing full expansions with boosters, when, in theory, it should be a combination of both. The fact that they dropped expansions for boosters shows that the return on SA was poor.

 

[G.v.P]

EA actually LOSES money replacing full expansions with boosters, when, in theory, it should be a combination of both. The fact that they dropped expansions for boosters shows that the return on SA was poor.

Stygian Abyss was the first expansion in four years since Ultima's prior expansion, Mondain's Legacy. It's fair to say UO isn't exactly hurting if they can survive four years without a new release. Also, boosters are aimed at a four-month production cycle at current. If EA wanted to, they could release three boosters a year.

The shortest amount of time between UO expansions has been around 10 months, so boosters, along with UOGameCodes.com, provides several different microtransaction options which are more corporate-friendly in the digital download era. We'll have to see what EA's timetables look like after their first booster, but seems like a solid business plan. Less content, less QA (time spent on quality assurance), and quick revenue.

I think the biggest question for me is how will future boosters be as attractive as 'High Seas,' because the boat movement, arguably the coolest feature of this coming pack, was something the devs had already toyed with in the past. Can EA constantly deliver packs under a shortened deadline? Also, while Cal and the team told us the development of the booster wouldn't hurt live events, what the hell is going on with the Bane? I mean seriously, does anyone even care about the bane anymore, or bane dragons for that matter? They're on one side, the meer on the other. It just doesn't make sense like the Ophidian / Bane "war," where there was actual ... interaction.

 

[Shinobi]

Seriously? Are you serious? Damnit. Years ago i tried my own version of this. I told my friends i was going on a boat and only playing UO on that for 3 months. I had a map of the world, and i planned to go island to island, robbing people in their houses on the shores. After constant troubles with docking, and needless to say low amounts of shore house owners online, i called it quits after a week. Now this?

I planned on quitting UO months ago. I haven't played it in months. Now i see this. This is what i've been wanting UO to get since i started. If this is as great as it sounds like it'll be, i have to stay. For example, the Whale...seriously? A pirate/thief floating headquarters in a secret location? Yes, please.

I'm not sure if this was already discussed, but is it known yet whether or not the Whale will have multiple floors to it, like a house?

So, thanks a lot developers. Hope you're happy, i have to stay now...damnit.

 

[Babble]

Then you release boosters with expansions.

Think about it. let's assume UO has 100,000 paying (active accounts). And let's assume half the active accounts (50,000) buy a $50 expansion.

50 x 50,000 = $2,500,000

Now let's say the same 50,000 active accounts buy both boosters, valued at $15 a piece.

(15 x 2) x 50,000 = $1,500,000

SO, Let's calculate the loss.

2,500,000 - 1,500,000 = 1,000,000.

EA actually LOSES money replacing full expansions with boosters, when, in theory, it should be a combination of both. The fact that they dropped expansions for boosters shows that the return on SA was poor.

They also need a lot less developers for boosters

 

[Petra Fyde]

The logic of your argument is slightly flawed, perhaps you should adjust your figures to show the real price of the last expansion, which was not $50 but $29.99
Confirmation, if required, here:
http://vboards.stratics.com/uhall/153304-what-price-expansion.html#post1363839

Where then the profit/loss comparison between 2 boosters at $14.99 and one expansion at $29.99?

 

[Surgeries]

The logic of your argument is slightly flawed, perhaps you should adjust your figures to show the real price of the last expansion, which was not $50 but $29.99
Confirmation, if required, here:
http://vboards.stratics.com/uhall/153304-what-price-expansion.html#post1363839

Where then the profit/loss comparison between 2 boosters at $14.99 and one expansion at $29.99?

The real math would be something like:

2 Boosters Per Year @ $15 each, or one expansion every two years @ even $40.

Even I can do that math.

100,000 X a 50% hit rate on purchases = 50,000 buying a $40 Expansion once every two years = $2,000000.00 Divided by Two = $1,000,000 per year, Average.

100,000 @ 50% hit rate on purchases = 50,000 buying a $15 Booster twice a year = $1,500,00.00 Per Year...beats the Expansion every two year model by about 50%!

Amren...not sure I want you doing any sort of forecasting or analysis for my company...but thanks for the Doom & Gloom!

 

[Chad Sexington]

There be boat keys?

 

[Babble]

As you cannot steal the boat ...
But they may add some so that people can recall to their boats

 

[RaDian FlGith]

Stygian Abyss was the first expansion in four years since Ultima's prior expansion, Mondain's Legacy. It's fair to say UO isn't exactly hurting if they can survive four years without a new release. Also, boosters are aimed at a four-month production cycle at current. If EA wanted to, they could release three boosters a year.

Actually, it's not really fair to say that UO isn't exactly hurting, because it didn't really "survive" four years without a new release. Whether BioWare Mythic will every admit it or not, we all pretty much know that the subscription numbers trended downward during those four years. Additionally, while the focus was on Kingdom Reborn, that client was a dismal failure, and the EC is only doing marginally better. Stygian Abyss was good for UO, as expansions generally are (as long as they're done right and complete).

The shortest amount of time between UO expansions has been around 10 months, so boosters, along with UOGameCodes.com, provides several different microtransaction options which are more corporate-friendly in the digital download era. We'll have to see what EA's timetables look like after their first booster, but seems like a solid business plan. Less content, less QA (time spent on quality assurance), and quick revenue.

Agreed... if the booster model catches on, this could be very good for UO, but...

I think the biggest question for me is how will future boosters be as attractive as 'High Seas,' because the boat movement, arguably the coolest feature of this coming pack, was something the devs had already toyed with in the past. Can EA constantly deliver packs under a shortened deadline? Also, while Cal and the team told us the development of the booster wouldn't hurt live events, what the hell is going on with the Bane? I mean seriously, does anyone even care about the bane anymore, or bane dragons for that matter? They're on one side, the meer on the other. It just doesn't make sense like the Ophidian / Bane "war," where there was actual ... interaction.

As you point out, this is the biggest area of concern. What will the next booster feature? I heard Cal mention somewhere that art might be the next focus. Honestly, if artwork is ever the focus of a booster expansion, and you need to purchase it in order to experience that artwork, UO will have jumped the proverbial shark. New items that have new art associated with them is acceptable, obviously, but if say the next booster expansion is "Ultima Online: Legacy Client Zoom Modes" that is a high quality upgrade to the 2D client that allows you to zoom out levels ala The Sims (original), while I'm sure the sales might be a success, it'll also tell me we've crossed into a zone of desperation too.

And yeah... on one hand, Cal said they were doing this so that live and bug stuff won't be adversely affected, and a few breaths down the line has already admitted that both are being pushed off while the expansion is finished. Unfortunately, I think UO's team is small enough that it would be impossible for an area to not be adversely affected, they just need to work on balancing all of these things together after this booster's out the door.

His comment in the recent producer's letter that expansions are hard, regardless of team size, is... smoke and mirrors, to be honest. Not exactly faith-inducing smoke and mirrors either. But, on the other hand, probably a necessary public statement so people don't get their hopes up too far. (And as I've said elsewhere, certainly it's true to some extent. It just happens to be more true for UO with a small, non-specifically task devoted team than it would be for say WoW who has a live team and an expansion team [like UO used to have]).

I have high hopes for UO:AHS... I truly believe that if done right, they can deliver, sustain UO, and work to a better future. I just hope that post AHS, they can convince EA to toss them some money and management to get the client(s) situation under control, and provide a modern experience.

 

[Stupid Miner]

The logic of your argument is slightly flawed, perhaps you should adjust your figures to show the real price of the last expansion, which was not $50 but $29.99
Confirmation, if required, here:
http://vboards.stratics.com/uhall/153304-what-price-expansion.html#post1363839

Where then the profit/loss comparison between 2 boosters at $14.99 and one expansion at $29.99?

Shh! he's on a role making up amusing information based on absolutely no discernible correlation with reality other than convenience for his terribly flawed arguments.

 

[Hildebrand]

I think there's plenty of room for new boosters for the next 6 halves (3yrs).

Art Booster - I'd pay for a graphics update. It's either that or stick to 2D. I'd rather go forward with better eye candy and a great client. A better map so I can set my ship's course to coordinates, set better waypoints, set up t-maps, etc. Emotes!.... finally add the emotes (I'm guessing the art is what's holding this up!). This booster would be optional if you want it or not.

Detective Booster - criminals must be brought to justice. Can even call this the Justice Virtue Booster or something. A re-vamp of the prisons with in-game court trials taking place. Have a bounty system in place (dead or alive).... like what the High Seas is doing for pirates, but this would be geared towards the detectives with forensics, tracking, detect hidden, Item ID, detect trap. A whole bunch of these skills can be further enhanced and added to a multitude of existing mechanics. Further discussed in this thread here.

Virtues of the Avatar Booster: finish the virtue system. Finish the titles menu, so I can show peeps that I'm "Virtuous", or other spiffy title that shows my accomplishments. Further discussed in this thread here.

Juka/ Meer War Booster: finish this story line and let us choose a side but with consequences. Show us their lands, culture, and lives. I mean, we don't see their homes, so make some areas. Build villages on existing land. Develop some key NPC's that I want to admire (or hate) that would give quests. How about being able to cast that weird Meer Immortal spell.

Rise of the Orcs Booster: play as an orc (and/or goblin). Many have begged for this for ages. If you're an Orc, the orcs don't attack you (unless they are renegades). There are plenty of orc camps around, let's use these somehow in a new way. If I'm an Orc, I should be able to hang at these Orc camps and craft and such. Humans can come attack my Orc camp, and I'll defend my fellow Orcs. Again... use existing areas. Would be nice to have Orc themed housing and Orc housing tiles for our houses too.

My booster names are subject to change, but you get the idea.

 

[Basara]

Hildebrand - re: Art Booster

Essentially, they could do this as sort of a paid User interface thing that allowed people to use KR art in SA. After all, they've already got most of the monsters already done in SA, and a number of other items.

And, there were a decent number of people at the Town Hall asking for a KR art option for SA.

 

[RaDian FlGith]

Hildebrand - re: Art Booster

Essentially, they could do this as sort of a paid User interface thing that allowed people to use KR art in SA. After all, they've already got most of the monsters already done in SA, and a number of other items.

And, there were a decent number of people at the Town Hall asking for a KR art option for SA.

Well, you know, first they'd have to figure out how to apply flat textures to simple polygons without causing machines to "smoke." I mean, honestly, I know how the EC handled for me when it first went into beta, and I know how it handled for me after they dumbed down the graphics to the point they're at now. It definitely had a positive effect.

Now, in truth, that's sad.

I run a system that in WoW, I may take a moment or two to load the mobs in Dalaran on a busy day, but I never, ever, EVER have any problem with character viewing, particle effects, graphical textures, or that nasty thing called lag.

Ever.

And what UO attempts to do in the EC is nothing even remotely on par with what running WoW with full sliders up attempts to do.


And, frankly, no, I'm not willing to purchase an "art expansion." That's just not providing content, and frankly, unless they hire Banana-Tree Boy and ask him to revamp the entire art of the game, I'm not even convinced they can do it properly.

The artwork should be part and parcel with whatever client they expect us to use, and they really need to hammer some sort of decision home in some manner that finally fixes the divide between clients and provides dual-mode functionality (ie: one client with a limited and an advanced graphical featureset, or, in short, a toggle to function as the 2D client).

What I think is ironic in all of this is that the Enhanced Client -- supposedly built from the ground up -- has a lot of the exact same bugs that the 2D client has, which would be virtually impossible if they weren't sharing a code base. The largest of these in terms of being noticeable is that both clients share the exact same housing memory leak that causes houses to bleed over into facets.

Clearly the two clients are not as different under the surface as perhaps maybe they should be -- which, of course, is probably why there are severe performance issues.

But, in short, artwork should be part of the client, not part of an expansion.