Return to Turbine

Gharu'ndim

Sho

Ispar History

Auberean History

Texts

Rumors

Warcry Chat with Jessica - December 18, 2003

<Ophelea_ACDM> Ok, we'll get started! I'll start off....
<Ophelea_ACDM> The basics: Will subscription fees change?
 

<JessicaM> OK, tough question....
<JessicaM> All I can say is right now, is that we're looking at the issue...
<JessicaM> right now, we're the only major MMP still at $10 a month....
<JessicaM> if it makes sense, we'll stay there.
<JessicaM> If it makes sense to raise the price, we'll consider doing that.
<JessicaM> Either way, we'll give you plenty of head's up warning.
<JessicaM> Fair enugh?
<JessicaM> done

<Ophelea_ACDM> Folks, please don't send Ramen and I questions, wailt until what we have is done and send them to mystery.
<Ophelea_ACDM> Ok, Ramen, you're up!

<Ramen_AC2> alright, next issue!
<Ramen_AC2> Micajah asks, "What caused the purchase [of the AC franchise] to come about?"

<JessicaM> Interesting question....
<JessicaM> About a year ago, our CEO, Jeff Anderson, broached the subject with Microsoft...
<JessicaM> and the talks went on and eventually, here we are. We did it
because of several reasons:
<JessicaM> 1) We love the franchise.
<JessicaM> And by franchise, we mean the game and the players who amke it come alive.
<JessicaM> 2) We tho9ught it made sense for us to bring it home.
<JessicaM> It isn't that MS wanted to let it go...
<JessicaM> It is just that, after much discussion, they agreed...
<JessicaM> that we cared as much as they did and it made sense have it with the creators.
<JessicaM> done

<Ramen_AC2> thank you
<Ophelea_ACDM> Yes, thank you.
<Ophelea_ACDM> Ok, next
<Ophelea_ACDM> Auberon Asks: Will I see any changes/deletions to my
characters with the database move? Will there be a character wipe?

<JessicaM> No, there won't be a character wipe and there won't be any
changes/deletions.
<JessicaM> done

<Ophelea_ACDM> *cheers*
<Ramen_AC2> Kelyn asks, "Will server farm transitions require downtime to
move servers, or will they just involve changing names on the contract with
a 3rd party?

<JessicaM> No, wew'll actually be physically moving the servers to a new
datacenter...

<Ophelea_ACDM> Wow

<JessicaM> right now, for the US, that is tentatively scheduled for the
first week of January...
<JessicaM> and will result in about 1 day of downtime for AC1 and another
day of downtime for AC2
<JessicaM> The Euro datacenter is scheduled to be moved, tentatively, the
3rd week of January and will have between 12 and 24 hours downtime.
<JessicaM> Remember, those are tentative dates and subject to change.
<JessicaM> done

<Ophelea_ACDM> Impressive move time. :)
<Ophelea_ACDM> Will ACDM update to one of the newer Turbine Engines?

<JessicaM> Ah, the infamous graphics upgrade question!
<JessicaM> This is going to be soemthing of a long answer, but bear with
me...
<JessicaM> The biggest difference between AC1 and the engine used for AC2 is this:
<JessicaM> The graohics are MUCH prettier...
<JessicaM> and they take four times as long to create, on average.
<JessicaM> For example, Scenario can create a full suite of armor for AC1 in about 1 day, give or take...
<JessicaM> and it takes 5 days, minimum, to make that same suite in AC2.

<Ophelea_ACDM> Ouch.

<JessicaM> So, the eye candy is better, but you end up having less to put in the game on a monthly basis...
<JessicaM> and by the way, I meant to use suite instead of suit for armor,
:D
<JessicaM> So, the question becomes, what do you want more, AC2-like
graphics and 1/5 the monthly content, or...
<JessicaM> somewhat better graohics with about the same amount of content you get now?
<JessicaM> We can roughly double the resolution in the AC1 engine much
faster than we can insert...
<JessicaM> a whole new engine, get better graohics and not lose the ability
to add content at the rate we can now.
<JessicaM> I think that is a better solution.
<JessicaM> and my spelling is atrocious tonight, apologies.
<JessicaM> Anyway, that's what I intend to do with the graphic upgrade.
<JessicaM> done

<Ramen_AC2> Next up, Platinumstorm would like to know if Turbine will now
also be in charge of advertising for the AC franchise.

<JessicaM> Oh, sorry, one more thing...
<JessicaM> one reason for not going with an AC2-style upgrade is that many of the players are still using what, today, could be called lower-end
machines...
<JessicaM> and if we upgrade too far, many loyal players just plain couldn't
run the game.
<JessicaM> Sorry, ok, yes, we will be in charge of advertising after the
transition is complete.
<JessicaM> I assume the next question is, will we? and grow the player base.

<Ophelea_ACDM> Well, if ya bought it....
<Ramen_AC2> ok, since you asked

<JessicaM> I don't have any details for you yet...
<JessicaM> when we do, we'll let you know about it.
<JessicaM> done

<Ophelea_ACDM> Ok, following on the heels of the graphics question...
<Ophelea_ACDM> Then this mean’s there WILL there be an expansion for AC1? Did the AC player survey affect the decision for an expansion?

<JessicaM> You bet it did. Proved to us that there was a real need and
desire for one, so thank you!

<Ramen_AC2> power to the people!
* Lewt watches Ophelea Grin like the cheshire cat
<Ophelea_ACDM> Power to the Players!

<JessicaM> In the coming weeks, we'll be talking with y'all about some of
our plans and tentaitve dates...

<Ophelea_ACDM> *grins*

<JessicaM> for development and ship. But it is too early for that now.
<JessicaM> done

<Ramen_AC2> Kesrick asks, "I'm wondering what affect this [transition] will
have on inactive accounts?"

<JessicaM> In what way?

<Ramen_AC2> will they remain "reactivatable"?
<Ophelea_ACDM> We all know that deleted accounts haven't necessarily been deleted every 6 months
<Ophelea_ACDM> will you be clearing that all out?

<JessicaM> AH, OK, thanks
<JessicaM> No, we don't intend to clear out inactives, at least for the
mid-term (the next 5-6 months)...
<JessicaM> it is going to take us some time to transition the billing
service, so certainly nothing would happen before then...
<JessicaM> There are still some unanswered questions about w=how to move inactive accounts from MS billing to our billing...
<JessicaM> once we have those answers, I'll bring 'em to you.
<JessicaM> In the mid-term, though, don;t expect any change.
<JessicaM> done

<Ophelea_ACDM> Logan asks:: Will Passport or the Zone still be required?

<JessicaM> For a while, until we have our own billing in place...
<JessicaM> we're going to be very careful about that transition. Everyone,
pretty much, has screwed the billing the first time they have to implement
it...
<JessicaM> and we'd like to avoid that.
<JessicaM> So, for a number of months, yes, we'll all have to use the Zone
and/or Passport. We'll make the transition just as fast as we reasonably
<JessicaM> can, though.
<JessicaM> done.

<Ramen_AC2> Elphin would like to know what will become of the ACCMTY boards, being that they are owned by MS?

<JessicaM> We will phase over to the new Turbine sites pretty quickly.
<JessicaM> We have to get the AC2 site built, first.
<JessicaM> However, I want to emphasize...
<JessicaM> we'll continue to support the fan sites, and increase that
support where we can.
<JessicaM> done.

<Ophelea_ACDM> Ok, the question you are all PMing me with:
<Ophelea_ACDM> Darth Mord asks: Will ACDM go back on the shelves or at least be available for download?

<JessicaM> One or both.
<JessicaM> I have no details for you yet. When I do, I'll get them out to
you as fast as I can.
<JessicaM> And let me reiterate that I am in=gnoring private sends to
concentrate on the chat. Sorry.
<JessicaM> next question?

<Ramen_AC2> hext (and inquiring minds) would like to know if the transition
makes possible any options for alternate billing methods.
<Ophelea_ACDM> let me add to that?
<Ramen_AC2> you may :)
<Ophelea_ACDM> Danicia asks: Will other means of payment (making the game available to the under 18's who don't have credit cards) become available?
<Ophelea_ACDM> following the same line....
<Ophelea_ACDM> sorry, done with the question, Jess.

<JessicaM> OK.
<JessicaM> I'd like to do that, but I haven't even started looking at it
yet. It certainly can't happen before we make the billing change-over...
<JessicaM> so that gives me time to do the research and figure if and how to do it. More on that as and if it happens.
<JessicaM> Sorry I couldn't be more definitive; it is just too early in the
process.
<JessicaM> done

<Ramen_AC2> Ghent - Now that Turbine will have greater freedom, what do you WANT to do to the franchise?

<JessicaM> Ah, you wish to kow my plan for World domination(tm)?

<Ramen_AC2> yes, in its nebulous form
<Ophelea_ACDM> At least of Dereth and surrounding continents....

<JessicaM> I am going to do the incredibly smart thing...
<JessicaM> and continue to let the team decide the creative aspects...
<JessicaM> .... whike I fly air cover and bask in their reflected glory.
<JessicaM> In other words, I'll set policy and the overall strategic
direction...
<JessicaM> ("OK, the policy is to make fun content and, strategically, I
want to do that forever.")...
<JessicaM> and then I'll let the team decide what that content is and how to
make it.
<JessicaM> Was that celar enough?
<JessicaM> er, clear enough? or was I too fuzzy?

<Ramen_AC2> your word is law, Jess.
<Ramen_AC2> good enough :)
<Ophelea_ACDM> yes, for world domination (tm) it is

<JessicaM> Yeah, that's the theory, :D
<JessicaM> dine, then

<Ophelea_ACDM> Who will provide game support? and Will the volume of admins increase?

<JessicaM> We'll provide that, tho9ugh there will be a transition period
while MS continues to handle it...
<JessicaM> while we hire at the speed of mad weasels on meth...

<Ophelea_ACDM> Nice metaphor!

<JessicaM> which, by the way, means you should check the Turbine web site for jobs and apply. We need good people.
<JessicaM> done

<Ramen_AC2> OgII wants to know what we the players/fans of AC can do to help make the game a success?

<JessicaM> http://www.careerexchange.com/cejobs/templateTurbine.asp

* Ophelea_ACDM leaves chat to go fill it out...

<JessicaM> OK, let me be a business weasel for a minute here...
<JessicaM> the number one thing you can do is continue to play.

<Ramen_AC2> oh, heavy burden

<JessicaM> Number 2, tell all your friends who no longer play that it is
time to dust off those CDs and come back.
<JessicaM> Number three, don't stop giving us your opinion. We need that...

<Ophelea_ACDM> I'm thinking #3 won't be a problem...

<JessicaM> we don't gaurantee to agree with you, but we WILL listen.
<JessicaM> We do this all for two reasons...
<JessicaM> because we love the game and because you do, too
<JessicaM> that isn't just corny marketing fluff talk; why else would we all
be here?

<Ophelea_ACDM> The mansion on the hill?

<JessicaM> I certainly didn;t get into this for the money (there ain't none,
:D).
<JessicaM> So, if you want to help us make the game a success, keep playing, keep talking and help us grow the player base. Simple as that.
<JessicaM> done

<Ophelea_ACDM> Ahrok aks: Will the Advocate program be brought back?

<JessicaM> Sorry, but no...
<JessicaM> At least, not until there has been a judgment handed down by the courts on the whole volunteer issue.
<JessicaM> Until then, it is just not possible.
<JessicaM> done.

<Ophelea_ACDM> Kelyn aks: Will this affect the live team size? Quantity of
events?

<JessicaM> Initially, it won't effect either. The team will stay the same
size while we hire up customer service, QA, tch support, billing support,
netops, etc....
<JessicaM> after that, and after we've absorbed all the pieces and we're
running the whole shebang...
<JessicaM> then we'll look at how and when and if to kncrease the size of
the teams.
<JessicaM> done.

<Ophelea_ACDM> <OG_Loki> Will the policies on macroing and the use of 3rd party apps change with the move?

<JessicaM> Tough question...
<JessicaM> on macroing... the policy on unattended combat macroing will not change, although we'll have some more resources to help enforce that
policy...
<JessicaM> on 3rd party apps...
<JessicaM> OK, I'll just let it all hang out here...
<JessicaM> Since there isn't really a way to tell the difference between a
packet coming from a Decal or other plug-in, there really isn't a way...
<JessicaM> to enforce any kind of ban, other than to have people in the game looking for it.
<JessicaM> with UCMs, this is possible...
<JessicaM> and for benign plug-ins, who care?
<JessicaM> But just laying out a policy of "No 3rd party plug-ins!" would be
stupid.

<trujkin> Pleasee spell out UCMs for the commonperson please jess?

<JessicaM> It would be mostly uninforceable, people intensive for those
parts that you can enforce...
<JessicaM> and a sure to set up your admins to fail and pretty much piss
EVERYONE off.

<trujkin> ty. There's a lot of text scrolling past to keep up for some :)

<JessicaM> So, we'll just try to find a happy medium...
<JessicaM> maybe that is a 3rd party plug-in program, maybe it is something else...

****9:58pm EST dialup went out...continued at 9:59pm EST****

***Missed the question to this***

<JessicaM> I've actually asked the team to start coming up with ideas in
that respect.
<JessicaM> So, probably, but I can't give you a definite yes.

* Ophelea_ACDM wants butt-wiggling pack dolls!

<JessicaM> done

<Ramen_AC2> Can we expect to see any new servers [i.e., new server names] springing up, given that this might attract new players?

<JessicaM> That's a chicken and egg problem, isn't it?
<JessicaM> If we start to see a marked rise in subscriptiins, sure, we'd
want to put in a new server.
<JessicaM> But those suckers are expensive...
<JessicaM> minimum of $100,000 just for the hardware, software, net gear
set-up, an that dosn't count the monthly maintain costs and bandwidth
costs...
<JessicaM> and right now, we're spending a lot of money to put the service
together, buy the game back from MS, etc...
<JessicaM> so, if you want to see a new server, you're going to have to
convince me that subs are on the rise.
<JessicaM> like, invite your friends back.
<JessicaM> OK, that was my marketing weasel moment.
<JessicaM> done

<Ophelea_ACDM> <Lasivian> Question: What is the Turbine stance on Account Transfers between players and Ebay sales of items
* trujkin feels that was nicely done ;)

<JessicaM> OK, just shoot me right now, OK?
<JessicaM> The stance is this: We haven't formulated a policy on it yet.
-trujkin:#chatwarcry- JessicaM has been shot.
<JessicaM> We don't want to make a policy in haste and regret it at
leisure,.
<JessicaM> So, you know what? I'm going to just say: I don;t know.
<JessicaM> When I do know, we'll talk again.
<JessicaM> done

<Ophelea_ACDM> QA: What is Turbine's stance on emulation, now that it is their own decision, and not Microsoft's.
<Ophelea_ACDM> sorry....shooting you again

<JessicaM> Defiine emulatiin more closely, please.
<JessicaM> I want to be sure we are on the same page.

<mystery> Reminder: Ask questions in chatwarcry-lobby please.

<JessicaM> and sorry for the typos, getting tired, :D

<Ophelea_ACDM> Zyrca, can you define it better, please?

<Zyrca> Sure
<Zyrca> Currently the emulators are clients that will run without a server,
so it will display what the client knows.

<JessicaM> OK...

<Ramen_AC2> done, jess?
<Ophelea_ACDM> LOL

<Zyrca> I appologize, I'm getting barraged with corrections

<JessicaM> Legally, I don't know what our position is, so I'm ging to have
to defer on that one.
<JessicaM> However, I'll get with our new general counsel and get an answer for you.
<JessicaM> After the first of the year.
<JessicaM> done.

<Ophelea_ACDM> That works. Its a nebulous aread for most of us.
<Ramen_AC2> Yee Wan Sum asks, "What does this purchase enable you to do that you could not do before?"

<JessicaM> OK, 5 minute break

<Ophelea_ACDM> ok

<JessicaM> We'll answer than one when I come back.

<Ramen_AC2> alright, that one can wait until we reassemble
<Ophelea_ACDM> ok, folks, please send your questions to Nevir or Mystery

<JessicaM> I'm an old lady and can't keep up with you young'uns.

<cherylp3> - The chat will resume in 5 minutes -
<trujkin> IN THE LOBBY ;)
<Ophelea_ACDM> Ramen and I can only handle so many PMs and see when a questions ends.
<mystery> NO DO NOT PM ME or NEVIR
* Ophelea_ACDM uses the 5 minutes
<mystery> Please go to chatwarcry-lobby and ask
<Ophelea_ACDM> (sorry)
<cherylp3> Please note the the channel is Muted only people with Ops and a + in front of their name can spearl
<cherylp3> speak.
<mystery> Or, spear, actually.
<trujkin> We broke 400 for a spell there folks. Nice work. Your fervent use
of the lobby is exciting. Thank you for your attendance and interest!
<cherylp3> - The Q and A is currently on break and will resume in a few
minutes -

* Ibn whistles and twiddles his thumbs

<Ophelea_ACDM> Nevir, I'm refreshing periodically just so you know

<JessicaM> OK, I'm back

<Ophelea_ACDM> Ok, from MANY sources: Will Gear Detection be better
enforced?

<JessicaM> Oops, didn't we have one before that?

<Ophelea_ACDM> I think they mean Gear specifically as opposed to all 3rd
parties.

<Zyrca> Just a quick note, I've been corrected on what the emulators are,
the current emulator's attempt to emulate the retail server while allowing
people with AC clients to connect to them.

<cherylp3> yes there was a pending question Ophelea
<Ophelea_ACDM> I apologize

<JessicaM> Yee Wan Sum asks, "What does this purchase enable you to do that you could not do before?"
<JessicaM> The answer is that in subtle ways, some things...
<JessicaM> a large corproation, like MS, has to do things according to known procedures and always keeping mind the various parts of the corporation...
<JessicaM> that is not generally bad thing, for a large corporation...
<JessicaM> as a smaller company, we have the advantage of being a bit more nimble in that respect...
<JessicaM> meaning we can do some things faster or get answers faster than a large corporation sometimes can.
<JessicaM> Mainly, it allow us to react quicker at times.
<JessicaM> That can be a very nice thing.
<JessicaM> Did that answer the question?

<Ophelea_ACDM> Yes, quite nicely. :)

<JessicaM> OK, on the Gear question...
<JessicaM> We're refining that now and, when the work of the transition
allows, we'll have better Gear detection.
<JessicaM> So be expecting it.
<JessicaM> done

<Ramen_AC2> Will you continue on a monthly event update schedule?

<JessicaM> Yes.
<JessicaM> done

<Ophelea_ACDM> I believe this refers to both ACs: 01<Tanis> QA Will
Vanguard be used in 01testing the Transistions and implementations to the
01new mainfraims and such befor retail moves?

<JessicaM> Since we are physically moving the servers themselves, that won't be possible.
<JessicaM> And if by JessicaisaMAN, he meant I have a pair of brass ones, he is corect.
<JessicaM> done

<Ramen_AC2> OgII asks, How long was the purchase from Microsoft in the
works?

<JessicaM> although it was finally signed this week.
<JessicaM> dine
<JessicaM> er, done
<JessicaM> or dine, if you haven't eten.
<JessicaM> or eaten, even

<Ophelea_ACDM> Will there become a Vanguard-equivalent for ACDM?

<JessicaM> We are discussing that right now. I think yes, but I don't want
to give you a definite answer until the team can bandy it about a bit more.
<JessicaM> done

<trujkin> Ophelea, please explain Vanguard to the general population.
<Ophelea_ACDM> Vanguard is the team used to test AC2 patches before they are placed on live servers.
<Ramen_AC2> They are a secret society and they meet in dark underground halls
<trujkin> Many here thank you for that.
<Ophelea_ACDM> OK, folks, we're starting to get questions about game
changes....so let's get 4 more about the ownership change and wrap it up.
<Ramen_AC2> Will we see any old dev's back on the team with these new
changes?

<JessicaM> No offense to the 'old devs,' but I would trade the current team,
for both games, for rubies or diamonds.
<JessicaM> done
<JessicaM> wouldn't
<JessicaM> erk

<mystery> wouldn't
<mystery> heh

<JessicaM> OK, maybe for diamonds.
<JessicaM> or a Neiman Marcus credit card.
<JessicaM> But I draw the line there!

<Ophelea_ACDM> Will we see Asisan servers come to market?
<Ophelea_ACDM> heh
<Ophelea_ACDM> umm, Asian

<JessicaM> I hipe so. Let's just get the transition underway first, then we
can worry about that.
<JessicaM> done

<Ophelea_ACDM> Ok, folks, checking with the lobby.....
<Ophelea_ACDM> Ok, no more questions related to the transfer of the
Franchise are pending.
<Ophelea_ACDM> Jessica and attending developers, thakn you so much for this time.
<Ophelea_ACDM> We appreciate you listening to us and taking our concerns seriously.
<Ramen_AC2> *offers to trade 9 camels for a choice dev member or two*
<Ophelea_ACDM> We wish you VERY WELL on the move.

<JessicaM> Thanks. We'll do this again.

<Ramen_AC2> and congratulations to all at Turbine!
<Ophelea_ACDM> I hope so :)

***Chat ended at 10:34pm EST***