Letter from the Producer, XXXVI (10/05/2012)

[Felis]

Don't do it before you've even started Alpha, SE.

Alpha start end of october. it is earlier than 11/1

[bobbygunz]

Alpha start end of october. it is earlier than 11/1

We've heard that one before.

[Sephrick]

Alpha start end of october. it is earlier than 11/1

Technically speaking, 11/1 is around the end of October.

I wouldn't get my hopes up that "get things moving around the end if October" translates to it starting in October. They've yet to hit a target time frame.

[Andrien]

Well, it’s about time for me to head back to my post, but I’ll be back soon in the next letter, on the forums, and in the alpha test.

[Elexia]

Rotfl, you forgot that the jp votes are 2x *coff coff* . So they win :P

Why do you continually say stupid shit like this? He said at least 30% of players, not "Japanese Players."

Guess what?

NA: 33.5%

[SodRansom]

Lol...this made me laugh. Its exactly what I was thinking when I read the letter.

[Elexia]

Lol...this made me laugh. Its exactly what I was thinking when I read the letter.

This lol. I also can't wait to see how many people think alpha starts at the end of october >.>

[Aryden]

If I'm not mistaken, I believe they said alpha would be limited to Japan only.

Also, the player's poll is inaccurate as not every player completed the poll. Only 35.4% of respondents said they wished to continue playing after the final save state. There is another population that exists but isn't computed in totals, so the data isn't completely accurate.

Either way, having the servers open is a win-win for SE. Those that don't want to keep playing aren't hurt, and those that do aren't helped. They can maintain relationships and social connections while they wait for 2.0. The real issue for SE is maintaining the interest of those players not looking to play after the final save date. Some attrition is expected due to the timing of 2.0 release, but it will be tough. Adequate information and advertising will help bolster those numbers as we approach ARR.

[Elexia]

So, about those Benchmarks.

[Chinook]

Bear with us for just a while longer.