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

[Efrye]

If it's going to take them 2 months to transfer over the character data, then they should commence the savepoint 2 months before release. Don't do it before you've even started Alpha, SE.

Now that's a great idea!
They should transfer the character data right before the release so they have no time to test it and no time to fix any problems. I can totally see that working out perfectly for everyone!

Game development is so simple anyway, what's taking them so long?!

[Bowen]

That's actually the correct word.

[Reika]

Hah

/10 laughs

[Antanias]

Creepysauce.

[KaiserDrill]

I can see it now. Ill log in after my save progress wont be saved and my sound of suffering double meld will finally work.

[moriandrio]

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.

Only first alpha phase is JP only, at least that has been latest info. And there is only one way to keep interest up for ppl not playing aftger final save (what actually makes no sense) and that is the beta.

[Karbine]

So many questions about ARR and all he gives us is information about the version everyone wants to go away.

I've played this game atleast every other day since beta, if not more. I can no longer find any reasons to log in I'm so bored and tired of preparing. I have no zeal left to get ready for the new version. All I have left is my patience and its giving way.

Especially knowing this game is another half year away. If they do it right. Lets be honest here.

[indira]

I'm having a bit difficult time understanding why can't we have more play time actually progressing in the game as the release is months and months away. If they're keeping the servers open, why not let us play for a month or two longer and then save the progress?

they gotta convert everyones character to the new system. it either on a new format database or even code, who know but they rather just do your character once then it will be ready when ARR comes out.

[Andrien]

Some NCsoft games stretch to a year long beta phase. Example: Aion, and Blade & Soul.

Perhaps SE doing something similar.

[indira]

they need to go back to in house testing, but people to cheap to hire interns/testers anymore, cheaper for others to do it for free. always had better results when they did it in house.