New expansion can be played with the 2D client

[Draconi]

Heh, seriously, I love you all, but I keep seeing posts by (honestly) confused people thinking they'll have to shell out money for the new Enhanced Client in order to enjoy the new expansion content.

Not so, friends!

We are not selling a game client with this expansion. You can either download the latest 2D client (now called "Classic"), or the new Enhanced client (still in development) - both for free.

"But wait, Draconi! I thought you guys were making this expansion 'KR-only, or new client only?'"

Nope!

A year ago we began redoing the entire landscaping to make it all work in 2D. That entire idea about trying to make a new expansion that only works in one client and forcing you all to use said new client? That was madness!

This team has gone down a different road, a road with way more freedom.

Our entire worldbuilding premise with this team has been to "make it look good in 2D, and it'll look great in the Enhanced client." Followed by "make it look great in 2D, and it'll look frickin awesome in the Enhanced client."

I just wanted to say this as clearly as I could.

---

Of course, I encourage everyone with an active account to log into the Retribution server and start testing the expansion content while you can. We've got a lot of polish to do, and we'd love to get your feedback as soon as possible.

I just came in and found a new batch of bugs in my bug-bin thanks to your submissions already, so keep it up!

 

[kelmo]

Be sure to watch your six, Drac... It is wild out here today.

 

[Draconi]

Be sure to watch your six, Drac... It is wild out here today.

I can see that! And yet the IRC channel is dead calm? Weird.

 

[Cogniac]

I can see that! And yet the IRC channel is dead calm? Weird.

You can't type* in two places at once.



* type -verb (used with object) - to spew vitriol and hyperbole at and about any and all things that do not fit in perfectly with one's own, limited worldview.

 

[Cerwin Vega]

We are not selling a game client with this expansion. You can either download the latest 2D client (now called "Classic"), or the new Enhanced client (still in development) - both for free.

So the only reason to spend the money is to get the garg tokens?

 

[kelmo]

So the only reason to spend the money is to get the garg tokens?

And all of the new content. The client and the content are seperate things...

 

[^Wolfie^]

I don't think alot of people are understanding what "client and "content" mean exactly. And I'm feeling too lazy to try and explain it right now but if someone else wants to take a shot at it... good luck! I also think the word "enhanced" is being severely misunderstood by most.

 

[Gandie]

Make it sticky Draconi!

 

[popps]

Heh, seriously, I love you all, but I keep seeing posts by (honestly) confused people thinking they'll have to shell out money for the new Enhanced Client in order to enjoy the new expansion content.

Not so, friends!

We are not selling a game client with this expansion. You can either download the latest 2D client (now called "Classic"), or the new Enhanced client (still in development) - both for free.

"But wait, Draconi! I thought you guys were making this expansion 'KR-only, or new client only?'"

Nope!

A year ago we began redoing the entire landscaping to make it all work in 2D. That entire idea about trying to make a new expansion that only works in one client and forcing you all to use said new client? That was madness!

This team has gone down a different road, a road with way more freedom.

Our entire worldbuilding premise with this team has been to "make it look good in 2D, and it'll look great in the Enhanced client." Followed by "make it look great in 2D, and it'll look frickin awesome in the Enhanced client."

I just wanted to say this as clearly as I could.

---

Of course, I encourage everyone with an active account to log into the Retribution server and start testing the expansion content while you can. We've got a lot of polish to do, and we'd love to get your feedback as soon as possible.

I just came in and found a new batch of bugs in my bug-bin thanks to your submissions already, so keep it up!

At this point a question comes up consequentially given your clarification.

You state that the new expansion can be played with the 2D client.

But it was my understanding that the new client contained methods to finally deal with the rampant cheating, scripting, hacking in the game.

Now, if players will be allowed to use the old 2D client rather than the new one won't all the efforts done to finally stop (and it would be about time....) all cheats, hacks and scripting go the way of the Dodo ?

Can you please say something about this issue which got a whole lot of players quit and many refrain from coming back until they see that hacking, cheating and scriptings have been dealt with for good in the game ?

Thank you very much, appreciated.

 

[Draconi]

But it was my understanding that the new client contained methods to finally deal with the rampant cheating, scripting, hacking in the game.

Yes, there's a misunderstanding here.

One of the original goals for the KR client was, yes, to have it be hack/cheat proof. This was not possible in the scope of the project.

We never set such a goal for the Enhanced client. It was a rework of what we had originally wanted to achieve with the KR client with the UI, Graphics, Macros, and overall Usability. I think we did a pretty solid job in comparison with KR.

By nature, SA is a little more insulated from cheats just because of the way it's built. However, it is not intended to be the end-all solution to client-hacks.

I hope this clarifies your questions. I look forward to the day when SA is out the door and our engineering team's attention can be turned towards those who would harm our game

---

Meanwhile, reminder, this thread is about the 2D and Enhanced clients being free, and that the Expansion content works with both Let's stay on topic.

 

[Chrissay_]

I don't think alot of people are understanding what "client and "content" mean exactly. And I'm feeling too lazy to try and explain it right now but if someone else wants to take a shot at it... good luck! I also think the word "enhanced" is being severely misunderstood by most.

Client: What you use to get into the game

This includes the User interface, macros, game settings, chat, paperdoll, ect...

Content: Everything in the game.

This includes Quests, champspawns, facets, cities, NPCs, Housing, Crafting, PvM, PvP, ect..


This is the difference between the client and the content

 

[Miri of Sonoma]

I understand the difference between the client and the content but I dont understand the difference between 2d (the one I currently use) and the Classic client if there is one.

Right now I have 3 clients on my desktop. 2d which has all the production shards. SA Classic which only has Retribution and SA which has the production shards AND retribution.

When SA goes live I will be playing in 2d so does that mean I will have to download a new 2d client (ie the one now called Classic) or are they the same thing??

 

[Trebr Drab]

I understand the difference between the client and the content but I dont understand the difference between 2d (the one I currently use) and the Classic client if there is one.

Right now I have 3 clients on my desktop. 2d which has all the production shards. SA Classic which only has Retribution and SA which has the production shards AND retribution.

When SA goes live I will be playing in 2d so does that mean I will have to download a new 2d client (ie the one now called Classic) or are they the same thing??

What you'd be downloading is the enhanced 2D client, with a few features from the new client. I think there's a new trade skills gump or something, not sure what else.

 

[MorganaLeFey]

Client: What you use to get into the game

This includes the User interface, macros, game settings, chat, paperdoll, ect...

Content: Everything in the game.

This includes (the Stygian Abyss Expansion) Quests, champspawns, facets, cities, NPCs, Housing, Crafting, PvM, PvP, ect.. in addition to what's available to you currently.


This is the difference between the client and the content

Chrissay, please correct me if I'm wrong but the above is more in tune with my understanding. Thanks.

 

[Trebr Drab]

I confused, I think. Draconi said we'd get the new content too, meaning access to the new lands? I don't think he meant to say that, but it's confusing.

 

[Chrissay_]

I understand the difference between the client and the content but I dont understand the difference between 2d (the one I currently use) and the Classic client if there is one.

Right now I have 3 clients on my desktop. 2d which has all the production shards. SA Classic which only has Retribution and SA which has the production shards AND retribution.

When SA goes live I will be playing in 2d so does that mean I will have to download a new 2d client (ie the one now called Classic) or are they the same thing??

Ok there is only the Classic client (formerly called 2D) Enhanced Client (formerly called SA client) and there is Kingdom Reborn.

Currently to participate with the Open Beta we provided a special version of the Classic Client that will allow players to gain access to the Retribution shard. This special version of the Classic Client is only temporary due to the Open Beta.

Once the expansion is available for purchase you should only have to patch up your current version of the Classic Client.

 

[Gandie]

Thanks alot for that answer! *cancel DL*

 

[Kojak]

there's the stygian abyss 3d client and the new version of the 2d client that they put a link for on the five on friday and that's it

there's not 50 different clients for going to retribution, there's only 2 choices people

I thought uhallers were a little more informed than the general public and slightly smarter ... hehe

 

[Miri of Sonoma]

*laughs* Clear as mud! Just kidding

I think I understand now..thanks everyone! It probably wouldnt be so confusing if everyone used the same names

 

[MorganaLeFey]

there's the stygian abyss 3d client and the new version of the 2d client that they put a link for on the five on friday and that's it

there's not 50 different clients for going to retribution, there's only 2 choices people

I thought uhallers were a little more informed than the general public and slightly smarter ... hehe

Maybe for those that were in closed Beta from the beginning. However, for those that joined closed Beta just before it switched to Open Beta, and for those just catching up, its not so clear.

Further, there is sufficient "naming" conventions posted by the developers, as well as others (such as enhanced, special SA 2D, Classic, etc.) to cause the confusion. So, please don't be so much in a rush to judge.

But, I've digressed. Back to the subject of this topic I go.

 

[Chrissay_]

What's confusing players is that some individuals are calling it:

• Enhanced 2d client
• Enhanced 3d client
• 2d enhanced 3d client

This is what's confusing everyone. If you are referring to a specific client please try to use the following terminology:

• Classic Client (formerly 2D)
• Enhanced Client (formerly SA client)
• Kingdom Reborn

This way no one will get confused

 

[Miri of Sonoma]

Thank you Morgana



That works for me Chrissay..thanks!

 

[Cogniac]

Dear Chrissay and Devs,

Are we to assume that once the Enhanced Client is gold and fully functional that the Kingdom Reborn client will eventually be removed entirely?

[ ] Yes
[ ] No

Please check one.

Sincerely,
UHall

 

[Maplestone]

Once the expansion is available for purchase you should only have to patch up your current version of the Classic Client.

So, moral of the story: just keep logging in, devs will take care of you?

 

[Petra Fyde]

I have repeatedly said that the only difference between our normal client and the classic client downloaded for the open beta is that the download is patched with the new content. It is exactly the same client.

 

[Taylor]

Chrissay, Draconi, et. al.,

Thank you, thank you for supporting the Classic Client. The Enhanced Client is awesome...but I'm a little old school. The fact that you guys took the time to update the 2d client with animations/graphics for the expanded content makes me very happy.

 

[MorganaLeFey]

What's confusing players is that some individuals are calling it:

• Enhanced 2d client
• Enhanced 3d client
• 2d enhanced 3d client

This is what's confusing everyone. If you are referring to a specific client please try to use the following terminology:

• Classic Client (formerly 2D)
• Enhanced Client (formerly SA client)
• Kingdom Reborn

This way no one will get confused

Thank you dear! Very much appreciated.

I am printing this post to tape it to my monitor. LOL

 

[MorganaLeFey]

I have repeatedly said that the only difference between our normal client and the classic client downloaded for the open beta is that the download is patched with the new content. It is exactly the same client.

Sorry dear but I only scan UHall, even when in a thread of interest to me. I must have missed or forgotten about a lot of those posts. LOL (I blame it on old age creeping in on me and just plain old crabbiness. ;P)