This game is dying

[Mervyn]

In my opinion, the game population has been slowly decreasing for years. Isn't it time the game was sorted out?
Isn't it time we had 1 client without the need for 3rd party apps?
Isn't it time we had a tutorial for beginners?
Isn't it time we had a game guide and the game-play was massively simplified?

I believe some people should be fired or hired.

 

[Rupert Avery]

its time its was properly Advertised!
i think they need to hold a competition...
which includes players making Adverts for UO

And winner gets theirs used or at least the true one based on theirs!

 

[Tinsil]

1) No. Two clients and people can play what they want.
2) Sure, but new players entering at this point are very likely entering because of a friend or someone, who can help them along too.
3) No. Simplified is not always better.. It's not even really complicated right now anyways... There are two great sites for game guides, Stratics and UOGuide. I'd like to just see the official UO site just link to them instead though.

The game has been slowly decreasing for the last 7 years+. Making these sort of changes don't address the wants of current players such as summer cleaning, new bosses, and storylines. Adding a bit better tutorial isn't going to get us going on a huge increase.. What would really at this point besides massive marketing, which just isn't going to happen.

It's no secret the game is fairly limited on staff, so let's use what resources there is the best.

 

[Spiritless]

UO died years ago. Sad, but true.

Game is only kept running now to milk people of cash for their "boosters," sales of pointless in-game deco for rl cash and by the people who feel so attached to the game they feel they have to keep paying to keep their houses up, in some cases even if they don't even play any more, due to the misguided belief that it somehow means something. EA can always rely on this captive bunch who are unable to move on. That's essentially why you see numerous houses but no-one in-game on many of the shards.

I logged in recently to live shards during the period when people could login for free and, quite frankly, I was shocked at how few actual people seemed to be playing even compared to a few years ago (Europa and Siege anyway) even during prime time. There's numerous housing spots available even for towers and in one case a keep, which would be unprecedented awhile ago and many Rune libraries and community buildings of the past seem to no longer exist. It's even hard to find vendors anywhere outside of Luna these days selling anything meaningful on Europa, and even the Luna vendors don't have the number of items they used to have on them. Seems these days UO's population is concentrated entirely on 1-2 American servers.

Ho-hum.

 

[Tina Small]

I'm trying very hard to take it as a positive sign that EA used some amount of resources to move the UO accounts over to a new accounting system instead of just shutting down the game.

Because we're still getting patches and publishes with some frequency (including a PvP-focused publish that I know I wasn't expecting at all), I don't think anyone at the top levels of EA has quite put a fork in UO and decided it's as "done" as it's gonna get. No, I think there are still some good plans for UO but they're being slowed/stalled by the general mess that the economy is in as a whole plus a lot of behind the scenes stuff going on at EA.

For anyone that still wants to play, I'd urge you to stick around a bit longer if you can and keep providing constructive feedback. (Note I didn't say "positive" feedback. But if the feedback has to be negative, at least try to make it constructive by suggesting alternatives for the stuff that's making you crazy.) I don't think UO's finished yet; your continued subscription fees can help to fund additional development and enhancements; and you never know where good, solid feedback might lead.

 

[enderz]

I dunno. Keeps pulling me back in.

I just came back during the welcome back to brit this last week after being gone for 3 years.

I am just waitin to upgrade so I can try out SA & high seas content.

No other game keeps me comin back like UO.

 

[Myphsar]

They need to do something, Anything!
I came back not so long ago, Ive completed mostly all i wanted to.
The game for me has gone stale, promises of 'Spring cleaning' that never come, Pointless farming, etc
And like going to Doom, Yay another Ornament, think ill put that with the others i dont use.
I have soooo much stuff i dont need already.
Dont get me wrong, i love this game and have done for years.
I log in each day. and get bored within a few minutes.
Ive done mostly all there is to do and tbh it WAS fun.
I dont PvP in UO anymore, havent done in years, that is the only thing left to do, but it seem to be filled with bad mouth people and cheaters so i stay away.
Oh i could go IDOC'ing, but that just sucks.

Edit :-
And when/If spring cleaning ever gets turned on, i dont think i can be bothered anymore, lol

 

[Landicine]

1. The client issue:

-The lack of a "unified" client isn't the reason this game is struggling.

-3rd party apps aren't the reason the game is struggling, except for those that break the rules. Those that are legal to use are bandaids to problematic game play.

-There are a variety of reasons people use the old client from technical limitations (old computers) to dislike of certain aspects of EC. Personally, my current machine can easily run that client, but most of the time, I don't even have that client patched.

-I would love to see a crisp quality new client, but as things stand, if left with a choice of only the EC or nothing, I would choose to go out to the movies an extra time each month instead.


2. Tutorials:

-Lovely idea, as long as as development doesn't take away from all the other things that need to be worked on.

-A lot of companies sometimes focus on imaginary "new players" rather than keeping the people who already feel like giving them money.


3. The Simplicity Issue:

-This is a personal choice. Some really like crunchy complex game systems, and some want to pick up a weapon and bash some monsters or just do stuff.

-Some parts of this game gain from complexity: PvP, crafting, etc.

-Not all complexity is good. Complexity that is counter-intuitive is part of the problem.

 

[temu]

Merge non-housing facets and dungeons with groups of other shards!

 

[Myphsar]

Merge non-housing facets and dungeons with groups of other shards!

I remeber when WoW did that (realms instead of shards tho)
It was a good thing because even dps characters didnt have to wait long for a group, etc.
But i cant see it happening for UO tbh because where WoW had many instances of the same dungeons for many groups, UO only has one (group) at a time instances (or could that change?)

 

[icm420]

It's summer, that means less people are playing right now, that's just how it is. Wait for colder weather and you will see more people running about. Overall tho I agree that UO seems to have less and less people, but that is in my opinion due to poor advertising. I don't see new people coming into UO, the old players are around and slowly leaving while no one new ones come in fill their void.

UO also has the best pvp of any game ever made and that will keep people playing in my opinion. The rampant cheating that goes on does impact the fun factor a bit, but it's so open ended so completely unscripted it's just like nothing else. Myphsar I hope you do try the pvp part of UO out, there are a lot of cheaters, there are a lot of "smack talkers" but that doesn't matter. Go out and give it a shot, you may find it's not your thing which is fine. But please at least give it a shot before you say no. Just because you cheat doesn't mean you're invincible. And not everyone you think is cheating is a cheater.. there are still guys running around who have played since beta and they have learned some tricks over the years. The "smack-talk" gets old fast, so leave the general chat for an hour while you fight. I often considered trammies to be the greedy drama filled scourge of UO. That however was just due to a bad experience I had with some people like that. Are all trammies this way, no not all of them. So not every pvper is a cheating hacking griefer either. Just something to think about.

I do strongly believe that if they cracked down on cheating we would get more people to come back to UO, but at this point I think we just have ot be happy with what UO is and what UO gives us. I for one would rather deal with what we have then have no UO at all. As for getting more people into UO, start talking to your friends because that's really the only way this game is advertised.

 

[Kylie Kinslayer]

Yeah, sadly the game seems to be dying. I guess some of the blame can go to the higher ups for no advertising etc. I guess some can go to the Dev's, bugs. according to SOME folks dull content.

BUT.....

There is one other area that shares some of the blame imho.. US, the players ourselves. I have been around 84 months {yeah, still a noobie to some of you long timers} but during that time I have seen the "community" shrink into almost nothing. Yes, there are those that still try to keep it on the upswing. But the majority of folks could care less these days it seems.

*note the word you in the following is no person in paticular - just used to make folks think*

When was the last time you took a noob hunting and just healed them? When was the last time you took a new person and gave them a decent suit {not an uber one, just decent}, gave them 100k for some insurance gold? When was the last time you held a "grounding party" in New Haven of stuff you consider useless but beginners think is great? Won't more folks in Fel? Well when was the last time you took a PvM'er under your wing and educated them in the PvP world? Most folks want to sit back, gripe and complain and expect someone else to improve the in game situation. While there are lots of things the players can't control, however, there are aspect of the game we can make flourish or die.

I could be wrong and it would not be the first time.

 

[Neutron Bomb]

I think a True 3D update would be the only thing that could bring the game back to the minds of most MMO players. Not a new game, but an actual 3D client.

I say this being a Classic Client ONLY user. Nostalgia is a powerful tool on me. However, I enjoy a real Three Dimensional game as much as the next guy, and I really would finally transition over if that was the case.

Even with the "Enhanced" Client, the game looks ancient in comparison to everything else. It will require a 3D update if it is to make it for very long.

 

[Dakkon Blackblade]

I personally do not think advertising is the answer to the games problems, I mean really what are they going to advertise? the game is simply dated in terms of client to be a serious contender in a very saturated market.

I'm not saying UO doesn't have good things in it as a game, in fact compared to the endless parade of theme park MMO games UO does have a certain charm about it, and it is still up to the players to find their own "content".

Also the skill gain system has always been something I have enjoyed about UO, I think if they would just bring the game into the future or perhaps start developing a UO 2 then there would be a reason to advertise it.

 

[CovenantX]

This game is dying slowly.

1) There's Very little to no advertising
2) The graphics are worn, compared to other leading MMOs these days
3) CC game window is too small on new computers do too resolution
But these are things that can be fixed.



But, with the account migration, and gametime cards possibly making a comeback, hopefully things will be looking up here soon, UO had some great times.

Pvp in UO is so much better than any other MMO I've ever played, there just isn't enough of it!

Character development is better than any other MMO I've ever played as well.

There's alot in UO that other games just can't compete with, and this is why so many people keep playing or coming back.

 

[Ruppy2]

Having previously worked within a successfully profitable fortune 500 company, which is not required for this commentary, these following holes need repairs"

1. Communication

There is no unified voice of clarity for this gaming experience. The budget restraints, revolving holder of the megaphone (five on Friday), broadcasted Town Hall type meetings that are not 'on message,' lack of focus, lack of execution, etc, need I say more?

2. Free alternatives that show creativity of today's technology, can compete, and capture attention *nuff said*

3. claims of 'rampant cheating'

The product cannot be reintroduced to store shelves until real fixes, updates, and improvements are made.

Until then, there will be a strong base that wants to invest more in time and money, but will slowly erode until these things are done.

One has to believe with the presentation of the online migration page at EA that they know they have a group of people that want to stick with them, not be lost, but how they convert us to a different client or game is something not yet communicated....I would think they have a long run plan, but it goes back to communication.

 

[Vrog Groggor]

Yeah, sadly the game seems to be dying. I guess some of the blame can go to the higher ups for no advertising etc. I guess some can go to the Dev's, bugs. according to SOME folks dull content.

BUT.....

There is one other area that shares some of the blame imho.. US, the players ourselves. I have been around 84 months {yeah, still a noobie to some of you long timers} but during that time I have seen the "community" shrink into almost nothing. Yes, there are those that still try to keep it on the upswing. But the majority of folks could care less these days it seems.

*note the word you in the following is no person in paticular - just used to make folks think*

When was the last time you took a noob hunting and just healed them? When was the last time you took a new person and gave them a decent suit {not an uber one, just decent}, gave them 100k for some insurance gold? When was the last time you held a "grounding party" in New Haven of stuff you consider useless but beginners think is great? Won't more folks in Fel? Well when was the last time you took a PvM'er under your wing and educated them in the PvP world? Most folks want to sit back, gripe and complain and expect someone else to improve the in game situation. While there are lots of things the players can't control, however, there are aspect of the game we can make flourish or die.

I could be wrong and it would not be the first time.

Your post has inspired me to tell this story. I agree with you and know that my experience is the exception, rather than the rule, but it needs to be told

I started UO in 1999/2000. I only played a few months. I came back for the 8th age or 9th anniversary, one of those, and I played for a few weeks then too.

So when I returned a couple of weeks ago, I was/am as newbish as newbish gets. I am green. I am 100% starting from scratch, remembering almost nothing.

2 days into my return and I am greeted in New Haven by a couple of very friendly players from the Knights of Solamnia guild on Catskills (hi Illyria and Gabriel!) They chatted with me for a while, then offered to show me some cool hunting spots, etc...

They ran me through Despise and spent about 3 hours just healing me. I was in absolute awe of the experience, had an amazing time with an aspect of the game I had never taken part in before. They taught me how to raise corpses and use those to fight with, how to heal, how to move around to stay alive during heated battles, etc. They loaded me up with comps and rez'd me when I needed it.

A couple of hours in and the guild gave me a really nice 100% LRC suit and invited me into their guild, which i happily accepted.

The next night was similar, about 6 or 7 from the guild let me tag along for a really cool hunt (some "Lady something") in Blighted Grove I think it was called. Really scary place and I had lots of fun.

I got big tours of all the castles and houses from the guild, as well as lots of great advice on the game as a whole.

Soon I had saved up about 100k in gold and was running myself through the first couple of levels of Shame, when Illyria contacted me and asked if I had a house yet. I told her I did not, as i was still a bit nervous about the whole system. She met with me, gave me about 350k extra and took me one of her old house spots and let me place an 18x18 3 story plot! I couldn't believe it! i was already completely sold on this game and this guild, but they just keep stepping it up and making the experience even richer!

Shortly after that, another member (Hiya Saki) logged in (one I had not met yet) and took me to their house and pretty much cleaned out a few dozen chests onto me with all kinds of stuff that I can keep for my house! It was so much that my bank was full, my inventory was full and my horde minion was full! I ended up having to store most of it back at Saki's house until I add some walls and stuff for my own house

I am fairly frustrated with EA for not having any info regarding upgrade codes at this point, as I really am excited to use my SA code that I bought, but all of that pales in comparison to the incredible feeling I get in this game, with these people, living this experience.

It really does change the entire experience for a newbie

 

[Kylie Kinslayer]

Your post has inspired me to tell this story. I agree with you and know that my experience is the exception, rather than the rule, but it needs to be told

It really does change the entire experience for a newbie

Great story. I too have someting along those lines only it was a lil ole 8x12 {still thanking ya Lore-LoreLi if you read}. Things like that build the community and allow younger ones to experience more than killing crap in New Haven ... How boring and how soon would folks quit if you were stuck there for two months thinking that was it?

 

[yars]

In my opinion, the game population has been slowly decreasing for years. Isn't it time the game was sorted out?
Isn't it time we had 1 client without the need for 3rd party apps?
Isn't it time we had a tutorial for beginners?
Isn't it time we had a game guide and the game-play was massively simplified?

I believe some people should be fired or hired.

isnt it time we stopped whining and enjoyed what we have?
isnt it time to close the acct if your not happy?
seriously theres a post like this every couple of days.

 

[Fayled Dhreams]

Humph! Spiritless makes a fair point ... the game ain't dead, the Population is nearly so.

Just logged off from a tour on Siege, *whew!*

Not my characters name, but, Diogenes of Sinope was the "character" I portrayed/assumed
Deathrobe and a candle ... is all that I equipped.

My little circle glow of light and I, looked to see what may be seen ...
Normal enough and within expectations at first,
wasn't dreaming of being met by crowds and a parade
I knew I arrived unannounced ... so
Normal enough and within expectations at first.

I wasn't expecting to see a single soul in Luna
Maginicia was recently rumored a "favorite/preferred"
Reasonable enough, from my experience, for merchants to prefer a semblance of "Safety/mōrēs"
Then is when the feeling began to rise from my animal conscience ...
quite ... Too quiet.

I turned the music on, equalized "Stones" to suit ...
turned it off after just a few bars ...
"Whistling past the graveyard Diogenes?"
*cough* why No! no, of course not!
got a match? my candle seems to have blown out ..

Heh! liar, you flinched !
No, you were just so, so ... loud.
Nay sir, as silent as ever, but in this *shows full screen*
In this silence, on this abandoned stage,
even my silent voice may seem to roll like thunder. you flinched !

humph! well, yes, you are of course correct
I would be foolish to deny the honesty of you, my honest conscience
though I would prefer to say I was startled out of a distraction ... and that

No Diogenes, you were not distracted ...
your attention was most intent and focused
and in the direction from which arose
the feeling that you were trying to describe
You are quite near it now ...would you like ...?
For you to reveal it?
well?
no thanks ... I see it quite now clearly now.

This is a possible Future for Ultima Online
Alive and waiting for a Player Character to come and play within
"isn't it a common conclusion that no players means "turned off?" "
Well yes, certainly, but commonly doesn't mean correctly and or absolutely >must<
and this recent realization bares the proof of the >possibility< that this maybe "A future"

Yes Diogenes, there it is, feeling a bit better now?
well ... no ... yes, better that I've found a new thing ... uneasy in the silence here still ...
ready to go?
no, well, yes, Now I'm ready ...
Realized that there was no-one here to write the lottery tickets and dates down?
Yes! quit peeking at my thoughts !!
'tisn't peeking if I live within them ...
yes! yes! yes! it IS "peeking" if they are MY thought's and you see them before I can
Ready?
mouseover selection logoff *click*

*grins* ... SO! do we draw straws or hold elections?

To decide who gets to do the web/leg work for the Ultima Online Players #xx years reunion?

I decline. If nominated I will not run / campaign, If elected / appointed, I will not serve.

I am your: Fayled Dhreams
(not some secretary/clerk pffffft! )
Fiat justia Ruat Caelum!!

PS. no "finger sandwiches, open bar, sitting services" no

 

[Ruppy2]

isnt it time we stopped whining and enjoyed what we have?
isnt it time to close the acct if your not happy?
seriously theres a post like this every couple of days.

Oh, I still remember Cindy Lou and the back seat of the Ford Galaxy 500....remember how things were innocent and fun 'back then'.

Same thing with UO...oh, wait, how early was it when they had to stop ppl from jumping thru gates and bags of flour?

 

[Petra Fyde]

We got enought negative vibes around here right now without this