Why I (a returning player) will not be renewing my subscription

[Uvtha]

Excellent point. And the exit poll they give you when you cancel an account is not formatted in a satisfying way. But there is a feedback for Broadsword form available from this forum.

The reason I consider "I'm quitting" threads bad form, and I would prohibit them entirely on any game forum I supervised, is that they tend to generate a great deal of heat but little light.

This thread has not, however, followed that trend completely, probably because it was indeed phrased in a manner that isn't typical of such posts

I have to admit, any time someone makes an "I quit" thread I either think they are looking for attention, and/or that they may not even be quitting at all. I suspect that's a result of being a bit jaded about the way behave on the internet, and it's probably unjust.

 

[Smoot]

I wish a few events would last longer than an hour.

And be open ended for completion in that time frame.

I think it'd add to the follow me and let's kill this monster, event.

theres alot that could be done with events. what i dont think is fair is the event that "ends" only to find out over a month later it was a stealing event with little indication that there were items to be stolen.

what i did always think would be a very good idea for the more casual player, or maybe those who cant make it to the time (like europe is horrible time zone for U.S. events) would be to have the main event, the main boss with a say half the drops on the main boss, but then leave the spawn for about 3 days and have the other half of the drops spawn randomly off those mobs, with the basics of the story (why those mobs are there) in a book or on an oracle. if we already killed the "main enemy" an easy rp explanation would be these are just the last straggling forces of the battle or something.

as for time, i think anything more than an hour is too much. with UOs player base much olcher and less spare time than other games, and hour is often pushing the limits of free time as it is.

 

[Goodmann]

theres alot that could be done with events. what i dont think is fair is the event that "ends" only to find out over a month later it was a stealing event with little indication that there were items to be stolen.

what i did always think would be a very good idea for the more casual player, or maybe those who cant make it to the time (like europe is horrible time zone for U.S. events) would be to have the main event, the main boss with a say half the drops on the main boss, but then leave the spawn for about 3 days and have the other half of the drops spawn randomly off those mobs, with the basics of the story (why those mobs are there) in a book or on an oracle. if we already killed the "main enemy" an easy rp explanation would be these are just the last straggling forces of the battle or something.

as for time, i think anything more than an hour is too much. with UOs player base much olcher and less spare time than other games, and hour is often pushing the limits of free time as it is.

Good idea maybe have a week long event, random drops all week from the mobs until number of items are exhausted then event is over. This way iof you can't make those odd event times you still have a chance to participate and actually get a a reward

 

[Ansel]

I have to admit, any time someone makes an "I quit" thread I either think they are looking for attention, and/or that they may not even be quitting at all. I suspect that's a result of being a bit jaded about the way behave on the internet, and it's probably unjust.

One person's, jaded, is another person's, savvy, Uvtha. Quit threads, regardless of tone, are probably the worst way to deliver feedback on a game. Sometimes an exception can prove a rule....though I'm not as sure about this one.

Or perhaps I'm personally incapable of a thoughtful farewell....actually I know I'm not.

When I first saw the new login screen for the enhanced client, that FOAD message delivered in pitiful black and white, I could not contain my white hot rage. Within minutes all my accounts were canceled and my poor guild had to read just how I felt, alas. Let's just say when you're quoting T.S. Eliot's The Hollow Men while denouncing hapless Broadsword as a band of blood suckers feeding off of our memories they hold for monthly ransom.....I'd gone off the rails in a very special way But my guild knows me, those poor souls. I'm relieved I did not deliver such a message on Stratics And, of course, I returned to the game...eventually.

It is because anger is so often associated with quitting an online game, quit threads are best put aside.

 

[BrianFreud]

theres alot that could be done with events. what i dont think is fair is the event that "ends" only to find out over a month later it was a stealing event with little indication that there were items to be stolen.

This isn't the place for that argument. But suffice to say, if you'd stuck around after the boss died, at any of those events, you likely would have found out more. The only "end" you waited for was the end of the fight, not the end of the event.

Mods: feel free to kill or move this post and Smoot's, as off-topic.

 

[OREOGL]

Excellent point. And the exit poll they give you when you cancel an account is not formatted in a satisfying way. But there is a feedback for Broadsword form available from this forum.

The reason I consider "I'm quitting" threads bad form, and I would prohibit them entirely on any game forum I supervised, is that they tend to generate a great deal of heat but little light.

This thread has not, however, followed that trend completely, probably because it was indeed phrased in a manner that isn't typical of such posts

It's true, many are in poor form, usually along the lines of "this sucks I'm quitting".

Let's hope they can use the information given constructively, and not derive it as another dev bashing thread.

 

[Capt. Lucky]

I think your missing the OPs point, its not about the "amount of things" to do to keep them happy, its the system and how its' extremely confusing it can be for most who return to Britannia. It is very hard for a veteran player who has grown with Ultima to see it from the perspective of an old returning or new player. And actually now that I think of it.. maybe that is one of the issues there is far too much going on.

I had been gone awhile when I finally came back. What little I did know I had forgotten. I still walk around going "Casino? Where did this come from!?" and such lol. We can pick flaws with the game all day. I wish I could find a better game but I can't. There was a fair share of "Wah!" in the OPs post too lol. Figure it out or move along. I don't even see a point to even discussing it here really. ----> [email protected]

 

[OREOGL]

I had been gone awhile when I finally came back. What little I did know I had forgotten. I still walk around going "Casino? Where did this come from!?" and such lol. We can pick flaws with the game all day. I wish I could find a better game but I can't. There was a fair share of "Wah!" in the OPs post too lol. Figure it out or move along. I don't even see a point to even discussing it here really. ----> [email protected]

It's all in perspective, I guess.

But the benefit of leaving such posts is being able to dissect it as a community,

Point in case is Lord Nabins suggestion for possible suggestions from the OP.

It seems often we are quick to defend one side or another without considering its potential value.

Though, in some cases, are more than deserving of it.

 

[JC the Builder]

(this is going to be a bit of a rant)

This whole helping out new player business is definitely a failing of the UO team. But it is also an issue that players can step in and solve too Anyone, literally anyone, could write a comprehensive guide to starting out in UO. But no one has. For some reason the official UO wiki is adding content that has been around for years and years (even pointless redundant stuff such as locations in UO). Stratics has done nothing. UOGuide started one a long time ago but it is far from complete. The most relevant guide to my knowledge was based on the Kingdom Reborn client which was 8 years ago now.

A new player guide is a project I really wanted to get off the ground. But there has been no support for it. When I say support I mean contributions, not "yeah, someone should do that." This issue really shows the lack of enthusiasm compared to 15 years ago when players would contribute to sites such as Stratics, UOGuide or even their own personal site. This is nuts and bolts stuff that doesn't get documented anymore. I have been having a tough time finding information on stuff added to UO within the past 4-5 years.

What happens when you search Google for "UO getting started"?

Getting Started – Ultima Online - A very basic guide, no game play advice
New Player Guide - UOGuide, the Ultima Online Encyclopedia - UOGuide's tutorial, has not been updated in years and far from complete
A video for a free shard
Another Free Shard link
Solved: Is there a beginner's guide to Ultima...I have no idea how to get started. - Answer HQ - A link to the EA knowledge base..............that has two dead links it points you to.
Then a bunch more free shard resources.

 

[SugarMMM]

Can I have ur stuff?

We're slipping because it took until post #45 for someone to ask this!

 

[OldUO]

Can I have ur stuff?

Sorry I have nothing of value to give !

Gotta wait 97 days and 15 hours

I dropped my house, I would not want to see someone waste their time camping a empty house (like I did so many times)

 

[OldUO]

This is patently false. I know several people who have used half hour old characters and simply run in and die repeatidly and get a drop at these events. They have done this on multiple shards, multiple EM's, numerous times.

Well, that's great but you missed my point. How is a new player or returning player to know that this is possible without it being posted anywhere by Broadsword. Not everyone comes to stratics. I even went a step further and asked the EM and got nothing. I am glad I know now (/sarcasm), just in time for maybe someone else to learn that is is possible to compete to get an item.

 

[FrejaSP]

I don't get it, there is so much to do in this game. Why is it so importen to get EM items and lots of millions to start playing the game?
Sure, there could be more useful items between the monster loot, way to much is a mess, not useful for a mage and not useful for a crafter but still a new players should have the joy from being young and learn how to do stuff. He do not need a lot stuff.

 

[Lord Nabin]

(this is going to be a bit of a rant)

This whole helping out new player business is definitely a failing of the UO team. But it is also an issue that players can step in and solve too Anyone, literally anyone, could write a comprehensive guide to starting out in UO. But no one has. For some reason the official UO wiki is adding content that has been around for years and years (even pointless redundant stuff such as locations in UO). Stratics has done nothing. UOGuide started one a long time ago but it is far from complete. The most relevant guide to my knowledge was based on the Kingdom Reborn client which was 8 years ago now.

A new player guide is a project I really wanted to get off the ground. But there has been no support for it. When I say support I mean contributions, not "yeah, someone should do that." This issue really shows the lack of enthusiasm compared to 15 years ago when players would contribute to sites such as Stratics, UOGuide or even their own personal site. This is nuts and bolts stuff that doesn't get documented anymore. I have been having a tough time finding information on stuff added to UO within the past 4-5 years.

What happens when you search Google for "UO getting started"?

Getting Started – Ultima Online - A very basic guide, no game play advice
New Player Guide - UOGuide, the Ultima Online Encyclopedia - UOGuide's tutorial, has not been updated in years and far from complete
UO Forever - A video for a free shard
Another Free Shard link
Solved: Is there a beginner's guide to Ultima...I have no idea how to get started. - Answer HQ - A link to the EA knowledge base..............that has two dead links it points you to.
Then a bunch more free shard resources.

It would be great if in the event someone opens a new account or trail, they get a welcome email from Broadsword with links to all the fan sites with new player info in them.

That would not be hard and it would be pro active on Broadswords part.

 

[Lady CaT]

Here's an easy step go HIRE these guys who are making art and maps for the freeshards. The new art from the past few years has been, for the most part, simply terrible. Compare it with things like these:

View attachment 43654
View attachment 43656 View attachment 43657 View attachment 43658
View attachment 43655

View attachment 43659

The difference between creativity and complacency.

 

[OldUO]

I don't get it, there is so much to do in this game. Why is it so importen to get EM items and lots of millions to start playing the game?
Sure, there could be more useful items between the monster loot, way to much is a mess, not useful for a mage and not useful for a crafter but still a new players should have the joy from being young and learn how to do stuff. He do not need a lot stuff.

Again another person not reading or taking in my original post. EM ITEMS are not important, not at all, BUT as I mentioned in my original post, it could have been a way to get GOLD so I could play the game, have a chance soloing bosses with decent gear, and explore the other aspects of what Ultima had to offer now.

I think if I were to do it over knowing what I know now, I would have completed or renewed my crafters, made a character that had imbuing and focused on gathering crafting materials. BUT my play style is not geared towards sitting around crafting so I did not go that route.

 

[Lady CaT]

Disclaimer: This is from my perspective and my play style when returning to Ultima Online after a 10 year break. Please do not take offense and consider this constructive criticism.

I reactivated an old account late last year, added 3 months of game time and upgraded to SA. I entered the new world of Ultima Online with a very open mind and this is why I will not be renewing my subscription.

Note: I have tried to make some suggestions below my concerns in read as requested below;

1. This game for new and returning players is almost unplayable out of the gates due to lack of support and lack of actual players on most shards. Help channels are generally empty. The advisor program seems to operate on EST time making it a hit or miss for most players elsewhere in the world. Ultimately this makes it a daunting task to most to try and complete or build a functional character in the game from scratch not knowing any of the game mechanics (what skills go with what etc etc) Most returning and new players do not know about Stratics or UOGuide (great resources) they should have these sites listed in game somewhere as the help functions in game are useless.

1a. Options for new players/returning players. Players when entering Britannia should be immediately welcomed into the game by a gump that would provide them with CURRENT information, especially on the currency system, and on where to go what to do and whom to talk to. I understand that resources are limited so there can't be someone there to hold everyone's hand, but there should be a gate or pad tat the player can take to a guild hall or player area that would help new people? The guild recruit tables were a bust and should be removed.

1b. Dead shards. Why can we not have an accurate number of active players per shard? Other than low/med/high. I would have never chosen the shard I did if I had more information on what shards were active. this would also help with new players finding shards that actually have players there willing to help.


2. The current economy in UO is out of control. If you do not receive help from other players or find a guild to join you more or less are forced to search for options to obtain gold (killing ettins or orges for 600 gold a time doesn't cut it.. so purchase with $? I don't think so) so you can either buy materials to craft armor pieces (only if you figured out how to raise crafting skills with the limited resources you may be able to obtain being a new player)

2a. I know that the economy is probably one of the hardest things to try and fix at this stage. An option would be for elder players to be able to donate gear at say a "Donation Box" which access would be given to NEW PLAYERS only on demand and at random. I understand that this takes away from the fundamentals of of the start of playing the game but it also would encourage players to venture beyond new haven. The starting amount of gold should be changed from 1000 to 100k per player.

3. The events program and EMs. |From the outside looking in it would appear the current DEV team likes to keep the masses entertained with shiny objects and story lines that are so "un" Ultima its not even funny. The games filed with hues that were never meant to be, but i guess that's evolution. In order to even try and participate you need a fully built character (to try for the items) of course you can partake in the RP but heck why not have a stab at a 150-500m item? SO that brings me back to the points above. As a returning player I lack the needed resources to acquire armors and weapons to compete.

3a. EM program and EM items.. I do not know what to recommend here as I do not have a vast knowledge with the program, but it is daunting to new players to understand why and what is the point of them if the stories are a one shot deal.. EMs should have continuing lore and be able to place the stories in an areas o people can join in at any point by reading what has gone on prior to the events.


4. Housing and IDOC systems. I was then lead on to being a IDOC hunter, an easy way maybe to score some goods! Well what the hell were they thinking with this system? House goes into decay mode.. ok I get that.. but 15 hours possibly for it to fall? WTF Broadsword who in their right minds has that much time to waste waiting for a house to fall? What happened to the good old days, couple hours at most? So you could go on with your day. Very frustrating and most of the times the IDOC cycles are in the middle of the night. I also have noticed that many people only have multiple accounts for one reason, an extra house. Why not make it possible for people to have ONE account but pay a little more monthly to have 2 or more houses? The accounts management system is a joke, might make it easier for some to reconcile this by allowing players the choice to pay more for two houses but have a single account.

4a. As much as people do not want to hear it.. some shards need to be removed. (Sonoma.. Napa.. are two that come to mind, they are nothing but baron wastelands) there should be housing options for players to have more than two per shard per account.

4b. IDOCs need to be changed back to how the systems were in the good ol' days. I understand that PLACEMENT was changed due to scripting, so that's fine but the actual fall of the house needs to be revamped. Unfortunately many people do have lives lol and can not be on the game at all times.


5. And a final point, this game, in its' current configuration, is catering to the older player base, people who have been the die-hards and have kept their accounts active for 18 years. I am not saying that this is wrong or a bad thing but if you want new players and increasing subscriptions, the team is doing it all wrong. Instead of new content and more lands and more crap they need to start improving the current systems, fixing bugs, fixing outdated lore in the game that leads on new players to no where.. so many quests that just die.. so many systems that do not work. It is very apparent that cheating, scripting and 3rd party exploits are rampant and readily available with a quick search. I would think with a "paid sub" game that they would take cheating a little more serious. They need to streamline the platform focus on doing ONE THING at a time. The games old, they don't need updated graphics but to just focus on what they have making things more fluid, making the world blend. Having the two clients really puts a damper on new players as I tried the EC but found it just horrid, I came back for nostalgia and the classic client does that.

5a. I know that expansions are a way for you to get more money and keep the lights on, but you really need to focus on the MAJOR BUGS and horrible content flaws in the game. Hire some folk to run around for a month and do every quest and see how many are dead ends come up and the major content issues that plaque the new questers of the game. Walk around the lands and see all the unnecessary crap laying around. The EMs make messes and forget to clean up.


Maybe the DEV team is just a bandage, just trying to keep that hamster on life support spinning the wheel. It may be a great idea for the team to have a quick look at some of the "freeshards" and how some of the successful ones operate. The one that I will be playing has a large active player base, true to time period lore and focuses on Ultima and the actual timelines.. not fancy EM items with ridiculous names and story lines that are a one time deal that make no sense and have to do with aliens and pieces of the professors delorean.

/rant over. Thanks to everyone who I met along the way and for the support in game.

I hope that the OSI version lives forever... and that maybe someone jumps on board and takes the helm and steers it into the right direction.

Sorry UO didn't meet your expectations. Hope you find another game that you like!

 

[OldUO]

Hope you find another game that you like!

OSI/BS version of UO did not meet my expectations. I can't write it here but I did find a "free" version of UO that is quite exquisite and has more than met my expectations, as someone who played UO from the start and misses that style of play.

 

[Lady CaT]

OSI/BS version of UO did not meet my expectations. I can't write it here but I did find a "free" version of UO that is quite exquisite and has more than met my expectations, as someone who played UO from the start and misses that style of play.

 

[FrejaSP]

I really don't believe bosses are meant to be soloing.
Also unless you play on Siege, you do have several chars and can easy make a crafter too. If you not want to do crafting, you need to find friends, who can craft for you and you can get resources for them

Sorry if I get a little negative, but I don't like, when people want it all given to them and blame Bonnie and her team without knowing how much they do to fix this game.

I know you want the game you left 10 years ago, but that's not the UO we have today.

 

[OldUO]

I really don't believe bosses are meant to be soloing.
Also unless you play on Siege, you do have several chars and can easy make a crafter too. If you not want to do crafting, you need to find friends, who can craft for you and you can get resources for them

Sorry if I get a little negative, but I don't like, when people want it all given to them and blame Bonnie and her team without knowing how much they do to fix this game.

No offense taken, I understand your feelings and my post was never to throw the DEV team or @Mesanna under the bus. I came back and started playing on a very low population shard (as that was where I originally played) so the chances of finding someone else to play with or to see someone else in a dungeon was slim to none.

 

[cazador]

It's not that the Free Shards have better stuff or stole stuff from UO..... It's that they are better at deco and design with the stuff than the DEVs are. Plain and simple. It's not the stuff it's how you use it.

However in the defense of the DEVs a wee bit... Free Shards don't worry about how much lag stuff produces... so they can use and do use 10x the "stuff" that our DEVs do because they don't have 10k people playing their shard. They are lucky to have 100 or 200. BIG difference.

Lol..there isn't 10k people game wide..many of the busy free shards have 1k-2k online. Go look at the difference, full dungeons, nowhere to hide..then re state your opinion. Silly actually that you believe that.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[OREOGL]

No offense taken, I understand your feelings and my post was never to throw the DEV team or @Mesanna under the bus. I came back and started playing on a very low population shard (as that was where I originally played) so the chances of finding someone else to play with or to see someone else in a dungeon was slim to none.

If you change your mind, you know where to find us.

 

[Smoot]

I don't get it, there is so much to do in this game. Why is it so importen to get EM items and lots of millions to start playing the game?
Sure, there could be more useful items between the monster loot, way to much is a mess, not useful for a mage and not useful for a crafter but still a new players should have the joy from being young and learn how to do stuff. He do not need a lot stuff.

because it can take up to 100 hours to get 1 thing you need playing the daily, static game, or you can just do 1 or 2 events totalling around 2 hours, sell the item and buy what you need. what would you rather do if you only had 2 to 5 hours a week to play? mindless farming, or content you havent seen before with a new story and chances at a high ticket item you could sell to buy other things (or in my case, possibly keep to add to a collection)

im not saying this is right, or good game design, but its an efficient, easy way for the devs to provide new rewarding content without having to make static world changes or totally revamping the item system thats been in place since the creation of trammel. plus it fills the addiction to deco thats largly the focus of modern UO now (as opposed to pvp or pvm, because other games have blown UO out of the water for those)

it comes down to seeing all these items (deco, high end armor, etc) at your fingertips on vendors but at 2016 prices. and for a new player, it will take a long time to be able to buy those items. in todays world people want instant gratification, which is to be expected, theres just a problem where one way involves 100s of hours and the other involves little time at all. what people dont realize is its usually taken years for players to get to that point where they can just buy anything, or do EM events every night of the week.

So yes, theres plenty that can be done in the game from daily play. lots of basic, affordable deco options, but seeing "how the other half" live can be very frustrating to those who are just starting out.

These huge disparites in player wealth dont exist to the same extent on say a free shard thats only been up 5 years, compared to our version thats pushing 20.

 

[Yadd of Legends]

There's another aspect to EM events I don't see has been mentioned. As I've said before, I don't do EM events at all because I've tried and can't stand the chaos and am not motivated by the hope of gold enough to put up with them. I prefer less chaotic but still challenging events like the Blackthorn city invasions. That said, think about this. EM events are about the only way I can think of to redistribute wealth in the borked economy. Players with too much gold buy items from players who think they need more gold. For those to whom gold (and items worth gold) are important, I can see the logic behind it all. It's not my thing, by any means, but I can see why it exists. As far as the complaint that new players can't compete at events, that's bogus, although I can understand why a player might not realize it, because who really knows how things work anymore? If you can stand to do events at all, under the present formula, you can compete in a noobie suit and actually get looting rights. At least this was true a couple months ago the last time I checked; who knows what the mechanics are today, so I'm only assuming they haven't changed. The downside of that, of course, is that it only encourages multiboxing, which is why I can't stand events in the first place, but that's another issue. The point is if you lust for gold because you think you need high end gear to solo monsters - which isn't fun in the first place, in my opinion, beating on a monster for an hour while its hit points drop, often while you juggle two clients at the same time - you don't need high-end gear for drops at EM events.

 

[Lady Storm]

Again another person not reading or taking in my original post. EM ITEMS are not important, not at all, BUT as I mentioned in my original post, it could have been a way to get GOLD so I could play the game, have a chance soloing bosses with decent gear, and explore the other aspects of what Ultima had to offer now.

I think if I were to do it over knowing what I know now, I would have completed or renewed my crafters, made a character that had imbuing and focused on gathering crafting materials. BUT my play style is not geared towards sitting around crafting so I did not go that route.

GOLD?????
and you played UO back when 10k was a mint??
I on a new shard with no advanced token or any help but me myself and I to do the hunting and creation of enough gold to drop a castle in under 36 hours of opening of the shard... Sir I placed 2 castles in 48 hours. I used all my old '97 skills knowledge to do it... not a fancy suit... not a top weapon... my wits and brain did it. 2 million gold.
I was not alone!
Clearly being gone 10 years gave you a bit of underdog sprit....

 

[OldUO]

The point is if you lust for gold because you think you need high end gear to solo monsters - which isn't fun in the first place, in my opinion, beating on a monster for an hour while its hit points drop, often while you juggle two clients at the same time - you don't need high-end gear for drops at EM events.

Wow, well after reading that block of text,I will again say, you've missed the point. I am going to only comment on your last statement.

I was soloing "bosses" and other mobs as there was no one else to play with on my shard. I tried using General Chat, or sitting at Britain Bank & Luna and would only see a handful of people, mist whom were to consumed with house decorating no one wanted to actually play the game. I would venture down to a dungeon and try to get as far s I could with the means I had, hence what started me on my quest to acquire more gold so I could buy or build better equipment. No it wasn't fun actually and, no why would I be using two clients? .. reread what I had posted and please comment further if you feel do so.

 

[OldUO]

GOLD?????
and you played UO back when 10k was a mint??
I on a new shard with no advanced token or any help but me myself and I to do the hunting and creation of enough gold to drop a castle in under 36 hours of opening of the shard... Sir I placed 2 castles in 48 hours. I used all my old '97 skills knowledge to do it... not a fancy suit... not a top weapon... my wits and brain did it. 2 million gold.
I was not alone!
Clearly being gone 10 years gave you a bit of underdog sprit....

That's nice. if you would have read my original post I asked people not to get "Offended" sensitive crowd we have here.

 

[GarthGrey]

GOLD?????
and you played UO back when 10k was a mint??
I on a new shard with no advanced token or any help but me myself and I to do the hunting and creation of enough gold to drop a castle in under 36 hours of opening of the shard... Sir I placed 2 castles in 48 hours. I used all my old '97 skills knowledge to do it... not a fancy suit... not a top weapon... my wits and brain did it. 2 million gold.
I was not alone!
Clearly being gone 10 years gave you a bit of underdog sprit....

Everyone made and sold maps back to the npc, not just you.

 

[kelmo]

That's nice. if you would have read my original post I asked people not to get "Offended" sensitive crowd we have here.

Welcome to Uhall.

 

[Capt. Lucky]

We're slipping because it took until post #45 for someone to ask this!

IKR? I couldn't believe I got it in first

 

[Yadd of Legends]

Wow, well after reading that block of text,I will again say, you've missed the point. I am going to only comment on your last statement.

I was soloing "bosses" and other mobs as there was no one else to play with on my shard. I tried using General Chat, or sitting at Britain Bank & Luna and would only see a handful of people, mist whom were to consumed with house decorating no one wanted to actually play the game. I would venture down to a dungeon and try to get as far s I could with the means I had, hence what started me on my quest to acquire more gold so I could buy or build better equipment. No it wasn't fun actually and, no why would I be using two clients? .. reread what I had posted and please comment further if you feel do so.

I did not miss the point. It's not fun soloing bosses - that is the point. As far as a small shard, that's why I left a small shard and started up again on Atlantic and Great Lakes. Don't complain - take action, solve the problm

 

[Varingian]

I tried using General Chat, or sitting at Britain Bank & Luna and would only see a handful of people, mist whom were to consumed with house decorating no one wanted to actually play the game.

House decorating is how some people 'actually play the game'. Maybe just not the way you play the game. That is the appeal of UO to me. So many different paths to follow. Coming back can be tough. I did it some years ago after a long time away. There are plenty of resources and guides to help. A simple google search with a few key words and UO added should suffice. IMHO it just sounds like you either wanted UO to be exactly as you had left it or you just wanted someone to hold your hand. And these discussions about making gold.... It is sooooo easy to make gold. Hell run some trader's quests and sell any guild signs or SOTs you get. You can make millions in an evening. Perhaps running trader's quests isn't 'actually playing the game' either? Whatever. Don't let the door hit ya.

 

[Lady Storm]

Everyone made and sold maps back to the npc, not just you.

Not just maps ... there is a ton of things you can create and make fast gold. but yea you got the point.

OldUO, my dear sir ... I did read your post quite well.
Yes you pointed out a bunch of flaws that have come into the game from its first days till yesterday.... nothing new.
If you would have stayed in UO all the years, I and many others here have you would understand my point.
Kelmo said it best " welcome to uhall."
Change is a slow snail on a fast track....
Everyone and that includes me at times wants things yesterday not tomorrow.
*forgive the slang*
Ain't gunna happen!
To say players play UO because.....*insert your favorite thing here* is like saying I had pasta for dinner...
It didn't say jack about the food.. as that statement about players in UO.
Pasta comes in many forms. Linguini, elbows, fusilli, bows, etc..
Sauce too... White , red, clam, pesto. etc..
Meat or no meat chicken or fish...
Your prime reason to play didn't work out for you... but rather then join in some other activity or try another shard, you quit.
Now to say we only do what you want to do in the game is like me or any other doing the same for pvping, fishing, hunting EM Events, Deco our homes, Garden etc...
Every person here has a favorite thing to do... some of us enjoy it all..
If you feel UO is not for you, I thank you for giving the game second look.
May you find joy elsewhere.

 

[petemage]

I was soloing "bosses" and other mobs as there was no one else to play with on my shard. I tried using General Chat, or sitting at Britain Bank & Luna and would only see a handful of people, mist whom were to consumed with house decorating no one wanted to actually play the game. I would venture down to a dungeon and try to get as far s I could with the means I had, hence what started me on my quest to acquire more gold so I could buy or build better equipment.

And how much time did you gave it? It could understand you if you would still say this after half a year. However I doubt any sane player who is actually playing the game doesnt have a decent gear at that point. Maybe not with those 50+ mil items on it, but well worth doing all kind of stuff with it.

I never sold an EM item of the dozen I own and I rarely visit the events at all. Nevertheless I got a couple hundreds million in the bank. By actually playing the game - not even full 3 years now. For quite some time I ran in an imbued 70s suit which will cost you 50-200k. Than you can slowly replace parts with better items as you go. But I guess you know that but just dont want to invest the time.

Do you really expect the game to be done in like a week? Not that it isnt possible anyway, but do you want to tell BS any new player in the that "1) go to EM event. 2) get filthy rich 3) buy all the stuff" recipe? Personally I think thats nowhere near your "actually play the game".

Plus your perspectiv about events is still spoiled. Why do you assume only the most expensive gear could compete? Apart from that it isnt true, you just had to look at paperdolls of the other players around you to maybe notice most of them run quite sub-par equipment.

 

[Yadd of Legends]

I wish every departing player would take time to memorialize their reasons in a forum post. Thank you, @OldUO.

OK, I've totally quit twice over the years, both times deliberately let my house fall and lost everything, second time even trashed everything my characters were wearing. Why? Because I thought the game was eating up too much of my time. No posts about how bad the game was. Just the opposite - it was too addictive. I didn't post in Stratics because I deliberately wanted to burn bridges. But here am I am again ...

 

[Deep Ellum Dan]

I have also quit a couple times before due to life and such. As I see it, if someone cannot find fun in the literally tons of different things that can be performed in UO, then this game might not be for them. Reminds me of Facebook when people say they are going to delete their account... Lol...OK, no need to tell everyone to cause drama, just do it. Then you see they are still active... SMH . Oh, this was not directed at anyone in particular, just a general observation every time I see similar posts all over the Internet.

 

[Taylor]

I imagine most "rage quit" posts will be brimming with drama. Nevertheless, presuming the developers would like feedback on their product, one of their jobs is to lift the acceptable ideas from angry feedback--to identify the valuable pieces and leave the rest. I think everyone who sells a product or service has to do that.

 

[Eärendil]

Why are we talking about gold all the time? Is that the reason why you play a game? Miserable...

 

[Deep Ellum Dan]

I don't play for gold at all, I barely have any and play for the fun of adventure, friendship, and crafting and resource gathering which takes me on hunts such as under gravewater lake for white pearls, killing monsters for materials, and creating web apps to assist in my various needs for data and calculation. All in all, I love the little time I have to play UO. I care less for rares or EM events. I Heart UO!

 

[Keith of Sonoma]

I think they have relied on EM events as a crutch to keep players interested in the game for whatever the reason they attend.

Personally I've tried events on multiple shards, often to the offense of the natives that you showed up in their shard, and they're all the same rinse and repeat scenario.

I have no dog in the fight really, but i do wonder how effective the events would be with no drop?

Perhaps they'd be better off holding the same event multiple times giving out the exact same item instead?

I think EM events with no drops would be awesome! People would be there for the camaraderie and fun, as opposed the same multiboxers at events just wanting the drop to sell. I suspect the events would be MUCH more fun for all who attend, and I know several, myself included, who don't even currently bother because of all the multiboxing/cross sharders, who are just there for a quick payday.

 

[Keith of Sonoma]

Not just maps ... there is a ton of things you can create and make fast gold. but yea you got the point.

OldUO, my dear sir ... I did read your post quite well.
Yes you pointed out a bunch of flaws that have come into the game from its first days till yesterday.... nothing new.
If you would have stayed in UO all the years, I and many others here have you would understand my point.
Kelmo said it best " welcome to uhall."
Change is a slow snail on a fast track....
Everyone and that includes me at times wants things yesterday not tomorrow.
*forgive the slang*
Ain't gunna happen!
To say players play UO because.....*insert your favorite thing here* is like saying I had pasta for dinner...
It didn't say jack about the food.. as that statement about players in UO.
Pasta comes in many forms. Linguini, elbows, fusilli, bows, etc..
Sauce too... White , red, clam, pesto. etc..
Meat or no meat chicken or fish...
Your prime reason to play didn't work out for you... but rather then join in some other activity or try another shard, you quit.
Now to say we only do what you want to do in the game is like me or any other doing the same for pvping, fishing, hunting EM Events, Deco our homes, Garden etc...
Every person here has a favorite thing to do... some of us enjoy it all..
If you feel UO is not for you, I thank you for giving the game second look.
May you find joy elsewhere.

DANG, after reading your post I am having a craving for Fettuccine Alfredo with clams and mushrooms from Birraporetti's, in Houston, TX. With the garlic bread the DRIPS garlic butter.

THANKS A LOT!

 

[Deaol]

OK, I've totally quit twice over the years, both times deliberately let my house fall and lost everything, second time even trashed everything my characters were wearing. Why? Because I thought the game was eating up too much of my time. No posts about how bad the game was. Just the opposite - it was too addictive. I didn't post in Stratics because I deliberately wanted to burn bridges. But here am I am again ...

I think its great that someone has provided feedback of their experience. To each his or her own. You had your way of departing and they had theirs.

On a global note, I find it humorous that people are taking offense to this persons input? If you cannot respect someones opinions and constructively talk about it why even post. There seems to be a lot of people becoming borderline angry that he has stated there are issues in the game. I do not agree with all his points made, and yes, maybe he did not explore all avenues before calling it quits but at least he has provided some means to his experiences.

Anyways, UO is great.. most people in the game are great and things will keep on truckin'

 

[Lord Frodo]

I think EM events with no drops would be awesome! People would be there for the camaraderie and fun, as opposed the same multiboxers at events just wanting the drop to sell. I suspect the events would be MUCH more fun for all who attend, and I know several, myself included, who don't even currently bother because of all the multiboxing/cross sharders, who are just there for a quick payday.

%100 agree no drops or drops for everyone as a memento of the event, do away with the rare EM Event drop.

 

[Cyrah]

The more I play UO the harder it is to stay. The more I see what the devs do & not do, the harder it is to stay. The more I see threads used not to discuss the OP's topic, but to take a poke at your enemy the harder it is to stay.

It is all personal in the end, isn't it. Wish all of you well, especially the OP.

 

[Yadd of Legends]

There seems to be a lot of people becoming borderline angry that he has stated there are issues in the game.

I'm not seeing many people becoming angry that he listed issues in the game, and I think most people are glad he took the time to post - the post did get more than 30 likes. Of course you're going to see some emotions when it comes to discussing those issues - they've been a pain in the a** for most of us for quite a while.

 

[MalagAste]

%100 agree no drops or drops for everyone as a memento of the event, do away with the rare EM Event drop.

I agree too and make the everyone Memento's SHARD BOUND.

 

[wanderer1origin]

Disclaimer: This is from my perspective and my play style when returning to Ultima Online after a 10 year break. Please do not take offense and consider this constructive criticism.

I reactivated an old account late last year, added 3 months of game time and upgraded to SA. I entered the new world of Ultima Online with a very open mind and this is why I will not be renewing my subscription.

Note: I have tried to make some suggestions below my concerns in read as requested below;

1. This game for new and returning players is almost unplayable out of the gates due to lack of support and lack of actual players on most shards. Help channels are generally empty. The advisor program seems to operate on EST time making it a hit or miss for most players elsewhere in the world. Ultimately this makes it a daunting task to most to try and complete or build a functional character in the game from scratch not knowing any of the game mechanics (what skills go with what etc etc) Most returning and new players do not know about Stratics or UOGuide (great resources) they should have these sites listed in game somewhere as the help functions in game are useless.

1a. Options for new players/returning players. Players when entering Britannia should be immediately welcomed into the game by a gump that would provide them with CURRENT information, especially on the currency system, and on where to go what to do and whom to talk to. I understand that resources are limited so there can't be someone there to hold everyone's hand, but there should be a gate or pad tat the player can take to a guild hall or player area that would help new people? The guild recruit tables were a bust and should be removed.

1b. Dead shards. Why can we not have an accurate number of active players per shard? Other than low/med/high. I would have never chosen the shard I did if I had more information on what shards were active. this would also help with new players finding shards that actually have players there willing to help.


2. The current economy in UO is out of control. If you do not receive help from other players or find a guild to join you more or less are forced to search for options to obtain gold (killing ettins or orges for 600 gold a time doesn't cut it.. so purchase with $? I don't think so) so you can either buy materials to craft armor pieces (only if you figured out how to raise crafting skills with the limited resources you may be able to obtain being a new player)

2a. I know that the economy is probably one of the hardest things to try and fix at this stage. An option would be for elder players to be able to donate gear at say a "Donation Box" which access would be given to NEW PLAYERS only on demand and at random. I understand that this takes away from the fundamentals of of the start of playing the game but it also would encourage players to venture beyond new haven. The starting amount of gold should be changed from 1000 to 100k per player.

3. The events program and EMs. |From the outside looking in it would appear the current DEV team likes to keep the masses entertained with shiny objects and story lines that are so "un" Ultima its not even funny. The games filed with hues that were never meant to be, but i guess that's evolution. In order to even try and participate you need a fully built character (to try for the items) of course you can partake in the RP but heck why not have a stab at a 150-500m item? SO that brings me back to the points above. As a returning player I lack the needed resources to acquire armors and weapons to compete.

3a. EM program and EM items.. I do not know what to recommend here as I do not have a vast knowledge with the program, but it is daunting to new players to understand why and what is the point of them if the stories are a one shot deal.. EMs should have continuing lore and be able to place the stories in an areas o people can join in at any point by reading what has gone on prior to the events.


4. Housing and IDOC systems. I was then lead on to being a IDOC hunter, an easy way maybe to score some goods! Well what the hell were they thinking with this system? House goes into decay mode.. ok I get that.. but 15 hours possibly for it to fall? WTF Broadsword who in their right minds has that much time to waste waiting for a house to fall? What happened to the good old days, couple hours at most? So you could go on with your day. Very frustrating and most of the times the IDOC cycles are in the middle of the night. I also have noticed that many people only have multiple accounts for one reason, an extra house. Why not make it possible for people to have ONE account but pay a little more monthly to have 2 or more houses? The accounts management system is a joke, might make it easier for some to reconcile this by allowing players the choice to pay more for two houses but have a single account.

4a. As much as people do not want to hear it.. some shards need to be removed. (Sonoma.. Napa.. are two that come to mind, they are nothing but baron wastelands) there should be housing options for players to have more than two per shard per account.

4b. IDOCs need to be changed back to how the systems were in the good ol' days. I understand that PLACEMENT was changed due to scripting, so that's fine but the actual fall of the house needs to be revamped. Unfortunately many people do have lives lol and can not be on the game at all times.


5. And a final point, this game, in its' current configuration, is catering to the older player base, people who have been the die-hards and have kept their accounts active for 18 years. I am not saying that this is wrong or a bad thing but if you want new players and increasing subscriptions, the team is doing it all wrong. Instead of new content and more lands and more crap they need to start improving the current systems, fixing bugs, fixing outdated lore in the game that leads on new players to no where.. so many quests that just die.. so many systems that do not work. It is very apparent that cheating, scripting and 3rd party exploits are rampant and readily available with a quick search. I would think with a "paid sub" game that they would take cheating a little more serious. They need to streamline the platform focus on doing ONE THING at a time. The games old, they don't need updated graphics but to just focus on what they have making things more fluid, making the world blend. Having the two clients really puts a damper on new players as I tried the EC but found it just horrid, I came back for nostalgia and the classic client does that.

5a. I know that expansions are a way for you to get more money and keep the lights on, but you really need to focus on the MAJOR BUGS and horrible content flaws in the game. Hire some folk to run around for a month and do every quest and see how many are dead ends come up and the major content issues that plaque the new questers of the game. Walk around the lands and see all the unnecessary crap laying around. The EMs make messes and forget to clean up.


Maybe the DEV team is just a bandage, just trying to keep that hamster on life support spinning the wheel. It may be a great idea for the team to have a quick look at some of the "freeshards" and how some of the successful ones operate. The one that I will be playing has a large active player base, true to time period lore and focuses on Ultima and the actual timelines.. not fancy EM items with ridiculous names and story lines that are a one time deal that make no sense and have to do with aliens and pieces of the professors delorean.

/rant over. Thanks to everyone who I met along the way and for the support in game.

I hope that the OSI version lives forever... and that maybe someone jumps on board and takes the helm and steers it into the right direction.

yah no lol i am old so bear with me, google might not be latest search engine but when i choose to play a game i google info for game!
you are complaining about things most have complained about for a long time! learning curve isnt that bad, it is more the teenish not wishing to deal with non instant gratifacation i think happening here
most new games run a quest line/storey to get players familiar with game this is a sandbox we give you random gates to fel and loot your things

 

[Kirthag]

@Mesanna @Bleak @Kyronix

The OP hits it all spot on.

Only thing to add - get a professional PR/Marketing person on your payroll to help with communication matters.

*fades back into the Void*

 

[Eärendil]

@Mesanna @Bleak @Kyronix

...get a professional PR/Marketing person on your payroll to help with communication matters.

*fades back into the Void*

That! We all know, a good salespersopn and a skilled advertiser can even sell crap to the masses: think of the crap we eat all day ;-)

UO is not that bad, with a little professional communications you can double playerbase within 12 month. I know that. I would do it for Broadsword, if I had more time and less children ;-)