View Full Version : News: John Smedley on PlanetSide 2
Hamma
2011-07-12, 05:36 PM
http://www.planetside-universe.com/news-john-smedley-on-planetside-2-2504.htm
Smed was very insistent on the selling power question, it will not happen.
Lunarchild
2011-07-12, 05:39 PM
Where do we click? :)
MgFalcon
2011-07-12, 05:40 PM
The "here" is broken :(
Zulthus
2011-07-12, 05:41 PM
While I'm not really for the idea of any form of a cash shop, I guess I wouldn't mind as long as there isn't a button for it on my HUD. It acts as another stream of revenue, so they'll be getting more money = more content.
Hope it stays that way. I also hope the customizations fit the theme of the game. I don't want to see people running around with pink hats and bunny suits.
Hamma
2011-07-12, 05:44 PM
haha sorry guys, fixed it up feel free to refresh.
IceyCold
2011-07-12, 05:44 PM
Hope it stays that way. I also hope the customizations fit the theme of the game. I don't want to see people running around with pink hats and bunny suits.
Same here, I don't mind cash shop items as long as they are purely cosmetic. I'm also curious if they are looking toward a B2P model instead of a P2P?
Also, the link to the expanded interview is broken.
Hamma
2011-07-12, 05:45 PM
Good to go now.
Hmm, the biggest lesson he learned was to increase the pace? Other than that, good answers.
Hope they keep up their constant communication promise... Higby has been doing good over the last three days.
IceyCold
2011-07-12, 05:46 PM
Good to go now.
Thanks Hamma.
MgFalcon
2011-07-12, 05:49 PM
I need more videos :( Interviews just dont cut it for me anymore... Or pictures, or weapon info.... Will I have my Lasher still?!?!
I need more videos :( Interviews just dont cut it for me anymore... Or pictures, or weapon info.... Will I have my Lasher still?!?!
Higby keeps mentioning heavy assault so hopefully.
Malorn
2011-07-12, 05:56 PM
Good questions, and great answers.
Only thing I still don't get is how Sanctuaries slowed the game down. The only time I spent a significant amount of time in sanc was when I was AFK (and wouldn't have been playing anyway). The other times I went to sanc was to rally and get new vehicles for hitting a new continent with my squad.
We even had the classic "Liberty Rapid Recall" (everyone stands on a boomer) to get back to sanc faster so we could pull vehicles faster. Going back to sanc to pull vehicles was in many cases the fastest way to travel and get to a different fight.
I think Sancs were great for rally points for switching offensives...I really don't see how they slowed the game at all.
Yeah, I've never heard anyone but smedley complain about the pace of the game.
Malorn
2011-07-12, 06:02 PM
Right - you were not forced to go to sanc for any reason. You could spawn at a base and fly/drive to the next fight.
If anything hindered the pace of the game it was spawn points, spawn rate, distance between spawn points and battles, and how quickly one could get to and use the vehicle pad. Tweak those if you want to increaes the pace of the game (and you need to tweak those if you want to increase lethality).
Sanctuaries only helped the game. I don't get the sanc-hate.
Raymac
2011-07-12, 06:04 PM
The sanctuaries weren't the biggest negative on my list, but I can play devil's advocate here.
Am I the only one that remembers waiting 15 mins for the HART, only to wait even longer for the continent queue? Also why do we need a whole seperate continent just to go to yet another continent. Hopefully this means the "Footholds" will have anything that the Sanc had (i.e. warp to other continents, pull vehicles, room to organize a raid, etc) except they are actually on the battlefield instead of having to zone again.
Death2All
2011-07-12, 06:05 PM
Hope it stays that way. I also hope the customizations fit the theme of the game. I don't want to see people running around with pink hats and bunny suits.
This please. This might be one of the most important things to me.
I tried playing GA when it was announced with those F2P games on Steam awhile back and I was really thrown off at all the stupid shit they allowed players to buy. Silly dinosaur hats, bright pink armor, etc. It really turned me off seeing that because it leaves the impression that they didn't take the game too seriously.
I'm really hoping that all the customization is merely cosmetic and still fits within the theme of the day.
In contrast, I DO want to see Santa Hats around the Holidays. I miss them.
And maybe some pink bunnies for Easter like they were talking about at the Q&A panel.
This please. This might be one of the most important things to me.
I tried playing GA when it was announced with those F2P games on Steam awhile back and I was really thrown off at all the stupid shit they allowed players to buy. Silly dinosaur hats, bright pink armor, etc. It really turned me off seeing that because it leaves the impression that they didn't take the game too seriously.
I'm really hoping that all the customization is merely cosmetic and still fits within the theme of the day.
In contrast, I DO want to see Santa Hats around the Holidays. I miss them.
And maybe some pink bunnies for Easter like they were talking about at the Q&A panel.
Oh yeah I'm fine with holiday items, but no stupid shit.
Let people buy serious hats, shades, ear pieces, new logos for their tanks, spikes for their tanks, whatever.
Just no bright colored pastel stuff that is a joke.
tattonarf2
2011-07-12, 06:10 PM
Yea, Sanctuaries are at least comparable to COD/Halo/Battlefield matchmaking. You spend 5-10 minutes just staring at a blank screen in those games in PS you could at least grab a tank, change certs, get a good load out, choose a fight while you wait. I can honestly say, I've never heard anyone complain about Sanctuaries, or the HART. In fact, I remember right after the expansion launched and the HART timer was something like 1 minute, the community actually complained and had to go longer. I have no idea where Smed is getting the idea we didn't like the Sanctuaries or that they really hindered game play.
p0intman
2011-07-12, 06:14 PM
smed marketing bullshit ITT.
i dont believe a word he says.
Q. If you could play one Sony game for the rest of your life what would it be?
A. PlanetSide for sure.
Bullshit. You've favored everquest for years.
Q. Can you elaborate a little bit on the free aspect that has been mentioned?
A. There will be a cash shop for the game however the goal is not to sell power. For example we would sell things like customization because we would like there to be a massive amount of ways to customize your characters. So people could recognize you or your outfit out of a group. We will not sell a more powerful gun or vehicle.
Bullshit. You sold out with the NGE. Won't forgive you for that BTW.
Q. How important is PlanetSide 2 for SOE?
A. It's important to us and it's one of our big tent poles. We feel strongly about PlanetSide 2 and have dedicated a lot of resources to it.
Bullshit. You went ahed with BFRs and single handedly wrecked PS1.
Q. What are your plans to keep players involved for the long term. How do skills and training play into that? What are your plans for "End Game" for hard core players.
A. We plan on announcing a 3 year post launch vision for the game to go into detail on this. We will take fan feedback and alter the plan and really listen to the community feedback.
Bullshit. Just like you listened to the community with the NGE, amirite?
Basically, fuck anything Smed says til he follows through with it. Toss that entire goddamn interview in the trash, because its worth more there.
Rbstr
2011-07-12, 06:26 PM
s
Bullshit. You went ahed with BFRs and single handedly wrecked PS1.
Yes, they intended BFR's to wreck planetside.
They didn't think one of the most requested features would be so poorly received.
You make it sound like they wanted it to fail. Grow up.
Sifer2
2011-07-12, 06:27 PM
Like others I don't understand why he seems to believe Sanctuaries were the biggest problem with Planetside. If anything they probably increased the pace by providing a nice central hub to organize an launch from to different areas. Footholds may do this as well so it may be ok in the end. But its really stupid to have parts of the continent you can't take. What slowed the pace of Planetside was probably other things. HART times, long travel to get vehicles, hack times an other stuff.
As for the cash shop I do definitely hate that. I can't help but take the we wont sell power thing with a grain of salt. Since they will eventually sale whatever they can get away with. Like Blizzard with the 20 dollars mounts. I'm with others that I hope we don't get stupid TF2 style customization either. Gold guns, or Ninja outfits or whatever other silly crap they might come up with that doesn't fit the games theme. Keep that **** out.
2coolforu
2011-07-12, 06:34 PM
Smedley sounds like a great guy, I agree with a lot of things he said - especially the point about jumping games. When Planetside first came out I played nothing but Planetside for all my free gaming time, I'd' literally have one solid block of Planetside then go to sleep, or even not sleep on a few rare 'I need to get CR5' moments. Since then I've never had such a long multiple year spree of solid one-game gaming.
Currently I can jump between 4-5 games a night with ease, although I've played other games for moderately long periods nothing has appealed to me as much as Planetside. My main criteria for a true brilliant game is that I should be able to do a 24 hour stint without getting bored to hell and falling asleep and very few have passed the test :P
You've favored everquest for years.
.
Do realize that even though he's CEO, he can't favor planetside if it's not financially viable. I used to think "how can you say you care about ps when we don't get any support?" but then it hit me -- he won't stay CEO too long if he drives the company into the ground to support a dying game.
Hamma
2011-07-12, 06:36 PM
pointman,
I was wondering why you got banned on other forums now I know why.
Now that we have that out of the way let me say this.
As the actual person who sat down with Smed and asked these questions, as well as spent time with him for a pretty fair amount of time (something he does NOT have to do for a community fan site, I know of no other company CEO that would do this) I can tell you that I believe he is in fact telling the truth.
He wants this game to be a success and is 100% behind it. Proof of that is in the pudding already, all of the support we have received as a fan site including the developer posting. AND things I haven't even spoken about yet.
Now if you want to be constructive, feel free to post again.
Malorn
2011-07-12, 06:46 PM
I have been a little confused in the past few months by the way he has released information about PS2 (was it real? is this a scam? why drop pics on twitter? what's going on!?), but this unveiling and information and seeing Smed talk about Planetside has convinced me he's genuinely passionate about it and its success.
Form a business perspective it makes sense. A successful next-gen MMOFPS is a game-changer and gives SOE a unique and untapped niche in the MMO market. I think he knows the mistakes with PS1 and so far I see many indications that they recognize them and are working to correct them. The 3-year plan is something I particularly like to see. He also seems like a genuine FPS fan and that's exactly what we need from a CEO of PS2.
He's also come here to explain the delays in PS2 and given this community a lot more information. He didn't have to do any of that and I for one am grateful that he has.
2coolforu
2011-07-12, 06:50 PM
smed marketing ITT.
i dont believe a word he says.
You've favored everquest for years.
You sold out with the NGE. Won't forgive you for that BTW.
You went ahed with BFRs and single handedly wrecked PS1.
Just like you listened to the community with the NGE, amirite?
Basically, anything Smed says til he follows through with it. Toss that entire goddamn interview in the trash, because its worth more there.
Show some respect, the CEO of a huge company just took a large portion of his precious time to give you unique and special treatment. Can you seriously imagine Gabe Newell coming here to give us Episode 3 info if this was 'halflife-Universe', we aren't exactly IGN or PCGamer. It's a pretty huge message to how much this guy cares if he even acknowledges our very existence.
I think you owe Smed a small apology at least.
DeathToll
2011-07-12, 06:58 PM
ive been looking so forward to PS2, ever sense i got a questionnaire in my email asking what i would like to see in the sequel. I was a junkie for ps1 and some of the battles i had back when i played ps1 i still remember like they were yesterday.
however i cant tell you how bummed i am to hear ps2 will be free. with my experience free games have hackers galore and never seem to feel quite like a p2p game. i would not be apposed to having an additional shop for pure cosmetic items on top of a monthly payment for those who want it but ONLY cosmetic items should be purchased. there should never be any kind of experience bump or the ability to buy access to certain certifications faster. also cosmetic items should not be over board. it would be pretty dumb if people were running around in rainbow vanguards or pink bunny max-suits. if they allowed players to buy something like an emblem for their vehicles or possibly different armor styles that still went with the theme of planetside i would be fine with that.
it would just kill me to see another MMOFPS fall down the drain. im really afraid that if the game is free 2 play it will only encourage hackers, spammers, farmers, and bots. i know there probably isn't much to farm/bot for in ps1 but with the new resource system in ps2 there may be a reason to do it. if a game is free (even if its just a one time payment for the CD KEY) it allows people to not care as much about being banned so they aren't afraid to hack/cheat. i know your going to do everything you can to stop it but without a monthly fee its hard to believe you will be able to have the staff to monitor everyone in the game effectively.
i know you guys said you were going to listen to the community so please DONT SCREW PLANETSIDE 2 UP BY MAKING IT FREE!!! PLEASE!!!!!!! use the monthly fee for better servers and better community management. a $5 monthly fee would be perfect. and this is coming from a broke college student.
Malorn
2011-07-12, 07:00 PM
Back to the sanctuaries topic a bit -
Allow me to brainstorm a bit and propose a new concept that might make sanctuary unnecessary with the conjunction of uncap bases.
I was thinking just now that Smed might have started thinking about the slow HART and the inefficiency of instant action and the slow travel times from getting a vehicle from sanctuary to the destination. All of that does actually slow things down. Now sanctuary was fast for veteran PS users, but what if Smed is thinking of something even faster?
What if Smed's thinking of taking the HART idea and combining it with Instant-action - Instant-teleport from any spawn tube your empire owns to any other spawn tube in the world. Crazy thought right? But it would do wonders for pacing. Think of it as a targeted instant-action button. You dont like the fight you're in? Press butan, pick the nearest spawn to the fight you want to be in, and voila.
If you want to stage, pick an uncap base instead and stage there with your outfit & allies.
Want to roll tanks on some distant continent? Insta-port to the nearest facility and pull a tank. It's a lot faster than pulling a tank from Sanctuary and driving it in. Want to respond to an attacked territory on some distant continent? No need to hop in a mosquito - just instant-port to the nearest base and pull whatever vehicle you want from there.
If they do something like this then I can see why sanctuary is unnecessary, and if they have uncap bases I suppose you could rally at those instead.
Faster travel = faster getting to fights. What travel is faster than instant-travel? It does remove the need for sanctuary....entirely.
Malorn
2011-07-12, 07:04 PM
ive been looking so forward to PS2, ever sense i got a questionnaire in my email asking what i would like to see in the sequel. I was a junkie for ps1 and some of the battles i had back when i played ps1 i still remember like they were yesterday.
however i cant tell you how bummed i am to hear ps2 will be free. with my experience free games have hackers galore and never seem to feel quite like a p2p game. i would not be apposed to having an additional shop for pure cosmetic items on top of a monthly payment for those who want it but ONLY cosmetic items should be purchased. there should never be any kind of experience bump or the ability to buy access to certain certifications faster. also cosmetic items should not be over board. it would be pretty dumb if people were running around in rainbow vanguards or pink bunny max-suits. if they allowed players to buy something like an emblem for their vehicles or possibly different armor styles that still went with the theme of planetside i would be fine with that.
it would just kill me to see another MMOFPS fall down the drain. im really afraid that if the game is free 2 play it will only encourage hackers, spammers, farmers, and bots. i know there probably isn't much to farm/bot for in ps1 but with the new resource system in ps2 there may be a reason to do it. if a game is free (even if its just a one time payment for the CD KEY) it allows people to not care as much about being banned so they aren't afraid to hack/cheat. i know your going to do everything you can to stop it but without a monthly fee its hard to believe you will be able to have the staff to monitor everyone in the game effectively.
i know you guys said you were going to listen to the community so please DONT SCREW PLANETSIDE 2 UP BY MAKING IT FREE!!! PLEASE!!!!!!! use the monthly fee for better servers and better community management. a $5 monthly fee would be perfect. and this is coming from a broke college student.
Please join in on the discussion of the business model in this thread:
http://www.planetside-universe.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36477
I think I propose a way for them to address your concerns and have a good model. Maybe it eases you, or maybe not. Either way its a good discussion to have.
Also, Smed never said it would be free. He said it would have free elements, but entirely free? I don't think SOE is making PS2 for charity...
stuff
Yep, sounds about right. Question is how 'limited' it's going to be.
'Foothold', friendly bases, AMS, tower etc. I'd put my vote on footholds and friendly bases. Being able to spawn 300 man army on an AMS is a bit disturbing ;-)
It's been speculated the first screen of the trailer is actually the new HART.
MgFalcon
2011-07-12, 07:06 PM
If I don't have my Sanctuary anymore, where can I go now to pray to the Almighty Vanu Gods?!?
Hamma
2011-07-12, 07:07 PM
I think it's important to note nothing has been finalized. Smed said during one of the panels it will have a "free" component. What that means remains to be seen, it appears they want to add some things into a store but that doesn't mean it will be totally free.
The final business model remains to be seen.
Honestly, for a game like PS2 a F2P model is excellent. While I'm not a fan of cash shops, a game that relies on hundreds/thousands of players to give one player the base experience, almost demands a much lower monthly cost or be F2P.
It's also worth noting (judging from the game having a form of F2P and the hint during the panel QnA) that having a subscription based game which is cross-console (PS3, 360, and PC) probably would not fare as well as one without. It's safe too assume that PS2 will more than likely be at least on the PS3 and PC. More players is a great thing.
Raymac
2011-07-12, 07:13 PM
Back to the sanctuaries topic a bit -
Allow me to brainstorm a bit and propose a new concept that might make sanctuary unnecessary with the conjunction of uncap bases.
<snip>
If they do something like this then I can see why sanctuary is unnecessary, and if they have uncap bases I suppose you could rally at those instead.
Faster travel = faster getting to fights. What travel is faster than instant-travel? It does remove the need for sanctuary....entirely.
Oh great, yet another person that says what I was going to say, but in a far more eloquent way. Well said, Malorn. Why the hell havn't you posted here more?
I guess the only thing I could add is that people here seem to be leaning towards "what we lose by losing Sancs" as opposed to "what we gain by losing Sancs". I think if the uncap bases can do EVERYTHING the Sancs can do now, then why create a whole continent just for Sancs?
MgFalcon
2011-07-12, 07:13 PM
It's safe too assume that PS2 will more than likely be at least on the PS3 and PC. More players is a great thing.
It's also safe to assume that every PC user will be wiping the floor with all the PS3 users.
razor851
2011-07-12, 07:16 PM
The micro-transactions start as cosmetics only...
Hamma
2011-07-12, 07:18 PM
Did you read the Q&A? :lol:
Look what happened to CCP when word leaked they may sell power.. you think SOE wants to repeat that?
I have been a little confused in the past few months by the way he has released information about PS2 (was it real? is this a scam? why drop pics on twitter? what's going on!?), but this unveiling and information and seeing Smed talk about Planetside has convinced me he's genuinely passionate about it and its success.
In regards to your wondering about the information released earlier this year. I do not know if you saw this, Malorn, but SOE was originally going to just update the graphics of the original PS and re-release the game. That was said by, Matt, in a video interview. There were Chinese publishing company saying the same exact plan, but it got junked. Instead PS was moved to the new forgelight engine as mentioned by, Smed, in order to create entirely new game.
Malorn
2011-07-12, 07:20 PM
The micro-transactions start as cosmetics only...
Blizzard has managed to stick to cosmetic & services only.
Also CCP tried to add powerful ammo into their new store and they got a visceral reaction from their playerbase and had a massive drop in subscriptions due to it (and other things).
It's also safe to assume that every PC user will be wiping the floor with all the PS3 users.
:D
WarChimp130
2011-07-12, 07:32 PM
Honestly I'm very for the cash shops in moderation. Like he said, cosmetic stuff. I think people just have to accept that it's just the way MMO's are trending. As long as they aren't selling power and it's just fun stuff then I'm all for it. And like was previously said, within the context of the game. TF2 can get away with selling goofy shit because it's a goofy game, Planetside is not.
As for the pacing of the game it is a bit slow, and combat is a bit clunky also. I didn't think so when I was playing it steadily for 5 years straight but once I left and came back I really noticed it.
Though I think they should have some sort of area's with no combat for when you need to do some of the other stuff besides fighting. You know, certing or setting your queue's, putting together load outs or if you are just looking to talk with somebody in game about something.
Honestly I'm very for the cash shops in moderation. Like he said, cosmetic stuff. I think people just have to accept that it's just the way MMO's are trending. As long as they aren't selling power and it's just fun stuff then I'm all for it. And like was previously said, within the context of the game. TF2 can get away with selling goofy shit because it's a goofy game, Planetside is not.
As for the pacing of the game it is a bit slow, and combat is a bit clunky also. I didn't think so when I was playing it steadily for 5 years straight but once I left and came back I really noticed it.
Though I think they should have some sort of area's with no combat for when you need to do some of the other stuff besides fighting. You know, certing or setting your queue's, putting together load outs or if you are just looking to talk with somebody in game about something.
Perhaps these foothold bases on each cont will have something similar to the capitol domes, i.e. some forcefield or non-combat area. Just a thought as I agree it would be nice to have a place to just putz around or practice.
Perhaps these foothold bases on each cont will have something similar to the capitol domes, i.e. some forcefield or non-combat area. Just a thought as I agree it would be nice to have a place to just putz around or practice.
I thought it was kind of obvious this was going to be the case.
In regards to your wondering about the information released earlier this year. I do not know if you saw this, Malorn, but SOE was originally going to just update the graphics of the original PS and re-release the game. That was said by, Matt, in a video interview. There were Chinese publishing company saying the same exact plan, but it got junked. Instead PS was moved to the new forgelight engine as mentioned by, Smed, in order to create entirely new game.
Decision probably caused by The Agency turning into vaporware, DCUO into a flop and expiring contract on SWG. SOE realised they are being pushed out of MMO market.
Something had to be done - PlanetSide's been tried and it's fairly easy to develop comparing to a normal MMO.
p0intman
2011-07-12, 07:38 PM
pointman,
I was wondering why you got banned on other forums now I know why.
Now that we have that out of the way let me say this.
As the actual person who sat down with Smed and asked these questions, as well as spent time with him for a pretty fair amount of time (something he does NOT have to do for a community fan site, I know of no other company CEO that would do this) I can tell you that I believe he is in fact telling the truth.
He wants this game to be a success and is 100% behind it. Proof of that is in the pudding already, all of the support we have received as a fan site including the developer posting. AND things I haven't even spoken about yet.
Now if you want to be constructive, feel free to post again.
I think its bullshit. Nothing he says can be trusted. Again, my opinion but there you go.
Jennyboo
2011-07-12, 07:40 PM
I think its bullshit. Nothing he says can be trusted. Again, my opinion but there you go.
This is coming from someone who has never met the man :rolleyes: I think you should think before you post.
Hamma
2011-07-12, 07:42 PM
Well it's always cool to be negative for the sake of being negative. Some forum personalities love that persona.
I thought it was kind of obvious this was going to be the case.
If I remember right from the video, they said "non-captureable?" I'm not 100% on that. So it's not known for sure I guess; but yeah it's the general assumption.
I still have no seen anything on this yet. Will the skills you train be permanent on your character?
If I remember right from the video, they said "non-captureable?" I'm not 100% on that. So it's not known for sure I guess; but yeah it's the general assumption.
When they said "noncapturable footholds" first thing that came to mind was a base inside of a warp gate, tbh.
I still have no seen anything on this yet. Will the skills you train be permanent on your character?
Yes. No respecs as you will get to choose which 'skills' to equip.
Raymac
2011-07-12, 07:50 PM
I still have no seen anything on this yet. Will the skills you train be permanent on your character?
I think it came up in regards to recerting. During the panel, or hell maybe it was in reddit, they mentioned there is no recerting because you don't need to recert. You just get more skill points to use in other skill trees, but the skills are permanent.
I could be wrong, though.
Clyras
2011-07-12, 08:05 PM
Apologies if this has been brought up, but I haven't noticed anyone talk about the 3 year plan. While this is good news, I can't help but wonder what this means exactly. Or more to the point, what will happen after these 3 years are up? Will support decrease considerably like in Planetside? Or is this simply the 3 years they will tell us about what they propose to do, and then they will plan further?
I'd love to know more too.
Malorn
2011-07-12, 08:11 PM
Mostly the 3-year plan is stuff they have mentioned revolves around building on the sandbox nature of Planetside.
They seem to want to make PS2 a combination of EVE online free form epic sandboxing with the action of the Battlefield Series. I think BF2142 probalby comes closest to capturing the combat syle (sans the mechs of course).
Things they have mentioned involves doing a lot more with resources and focusing the game around resource acquisition (much like EVE was about resource acquisition in 0.0).
They specifically mentioned:
* outfit-constructed facilities/towers
* an eve-like market system
* lots of customizations based around resources
* expanding the number of continents (and planets)
They want people to fight fiercely over resources and reward them for acquiring them and allow us to do a lot of cool stuff with them like building our own turf and laying claim to various parts of territories.
Probalby more I left out.
WarChimp130
2011-07-12, 08:17 PM
I wonder if like EVE there will also be character skills that tie into how fast certain skills train. Like Intel, Perception that sort of thing.
Hamma
2011-07-12, 08:17 PM
Well said.
I think the 3 year plan is to show players how much they have planned. I am sure when PlanetSide 2 is a smash hit (we hope!:) ) there will be another three year plan.
Because if they can capture the feeling EVE has for it's die hard players this game will be around for a long time.
Malorn
2011-07-12, 08:19 PM
Oh and I think boats/naval combat & vehicles are in the 3 year plan.
Yes. No respecs as you will get to choose which 'skills' to equip.
Does that mean there is unlimited skill points then? I just rather not get stuck with a configuration (more afraid of a badly planned character) and be unable to redo it.
BlazingSun
2011-07-12, 08:22 PM
This is coming from someone who has never met the man :rolleyes: I think you should think before you post.
When it comes to SOE, I'm in the 'slightly-pessimistic' group as well, just because of my experiance with the first game. There were some promises in the past, that were never fullfilled. I'm not saying that they lied, but in the end the promises were broken, and that's what I remember after all those years.
And about Smedly himself. Yes it's nice that he's taking his time to talk to the community and he really seems to be behind this project. I'm also aware that SOE runs a business and no charity, but when he says he always loved Planetside etc. then I wonder, why SOE pretty much stopped all support for the game after 2005, when it still had some potential. And no ... 1 patch every half year is no 'support', considering how much subscription you had to pay.
Example of a broken promise (the way it felt to me):
http://korndemon.lima-city.de/SOE.gif
I don't wish to attack SOE, but they haven't done that much in the past to gain my trust. Anyway .. that's the past and I'd really like to look forward and not backward. I'll try to stop with these kind of posts.
When it comes to SOE, I'm in the 'slightly-pessimistic' group as well, just because of my experiance with the first game. There were some promises in the past, that were never fullfilled. I'm not saying that they lied, but in the end the promises were broken, and that's what I remember after all those years.
And about Smedly himself. Yes it's nice that he's taking his time to talk to the community and he really seems to be behind this project. I'm also aware that SOE runs a business and no charity, but when he says he always loved Planetside etc. then I wonder, why SOE pretty much stopped all support for the game after 2005, when it still had some potential. And no ... 1 patch every half year is no 'support', considering how much subscription you had to pay.
Example of a broken promise (the way it felt to me):
http://korndemon.lima-city.de/SOE.gif
I don't wish to attack SOE, but they haven't done that much in the past to gain my trust. Anyway .. that's the past and I'd really like to look forward and not backward. I'll try to stop with these kind of posts.
It doesn't matter if he loves it or not. If it's not financially viable (or if it's not SEEN as financially viable) to support PS he shouldn't do it as a CEO. Won't have your job for long if you drive the company into the ground.
He can love it while it gets no love.
BlazingSun
2011-07-12, 08:28 PM
It doesn't matter if he loves it or not. If it's not financially viable (or if it's not SEEN as financially viable) to support PS he shouldn't do it as a CEO.
I'm aware of that and have noted that in my post. However it always felt to me as if Planetside was the red haired step child of SOE.
p0intman
2011-07-12, 08:33 PM
This is coming from someone who has never met the man :rolleyes: I think you should think before you post.
Well it's always cool to be negative for the sake of being negative. Some forum personalities love that persona.
No dice. Jenny has a PM, its assumed yall will both read it at some point anyway. Tell me if you want me to pull out the archives. I'll be all to happy to give examples of how Smed has screwed things up.
I'm aware of that and have noted that in my post. However it always felt to me as if Planetside was the red haired step child of SOE.
While there is a lot of broken hearts/bones that need to be mended from PS1; it seems the PS2 team is taking the right steps to make sure those mistakes don't repeat themselves. 9 years ago in terms of technology and capability is a long time.
The things they wanted to do, they couldn't. The things they could do, they couldn't do properly. This unfortunate systematic failure in development wasn't any one persons fault in my eyes.
BicOfMarkov
2011-07-12, 08:51 PM
Sanctuaries only helped the game. I don't get the sanc-hate.
I never understood the complaints about the pace of the game. Sure, the initial Hart 20 minutes sucked until folks got wise to moving folks in Gals and such and until most everyone had a vehicle or four. But they dropped the rate.
I may be the only one who will be actively annoyed by the lack of some kind of non-embargoable haven.
I like the pace of the game. Even the occasional 20 minute foot-schlep to another base. If I wanted something faster I'd play something else. And then something else... And .... You get the idea,
BlazingSun
2011-07-12, 08:52 PM
The things they wanted to do, they couldn't. The things they could do, they couldn't do properly. This unfortunate systematic failure in development wasn't any one persons fault in my eyes.
I'm currently thinking about the battledomes (that no one asked for) and the max factory (that no one asked for) and the last development resources the game had that were blown out on those two. Both were never finished and the things that the community actually asked for and that would have been easier to implement (like the weapon variants) never made it into the game. Bottom line is, their dev "teams" (2 persons?) after 2005 weren't exactly efficient.
And now I did it again even though I wanted to stop. Stupid forum ... I'm off to bed. :huh:
Sifer2
2011-07-12, 08:53 PM
I'm pessimistic about it being an SOE game as well. Since its hard to forget screw ups like Star Wars Galaxies and BFR's.
Fortunately this talk of them planning to release their three year plan is easing the fear somewhat. SOE is notorious for making a good game an then screwing it up. By letting the fans tell them what stupid mistakes they are making ahead of time maybe they can avoid it. I always thought developers should do this. I wonder who the genius is that finally proposed it over there. Of course for it to be effective they will need to actually listen.
*cough* I remember monthly updates promised for PS1. Along with a couple of features that were supposed to be implemented shortly after release and never made it through. Then we got milked with CC instead.
Also, DCUO content updates were supposed to be there every month and so far it's been much slower ... and the content itself is hardly worth 1/4 of the sub fee they charge.
Won't even go into how they consult their decision with players - as seen by ruining PS (with CC and BFRs) and SWG (NGE).
While I'm not trying to flame SOE, they have long streak of not delivering promises and mismanaging their portfolio.
Hopefully they've learned their lesson but I would not necessarily bet on it.
Forsaken One
2011-07-12, 09:07 PM
Someone needs to ask if whatever they are selling is free to people who sub. also can they give any guesswork on how a sub will differ then a free player other then customizing.
In regards to DCUO. I never played the game, but I reached the max cap in Champions Online that is another super hero MMO. That game really had next nothing for content and I got the cap in about 2 months of casual playing. Only feature that kept me going with the very nice customization system the game had for creating your char, that was indeed A+. Is it something with content that Super Hero MMOs in general is just on the low side?
In terms of being pessimistic about the game there is nothing wrong with that. If the game meets those peoples' expectations then all will be good. I am often on this side of the isle too.
Hyncharas
2011-07-12, 09:47 PM
I know this may sound rather rediculous to some people, but I'd really like to see if PlanetSide 2 has given rise to a societal angle on Auraxis; places away from the battlegrounds who support each of the factions or remain neutral, and these allow player characters to customise their appearances in a way that support their empire, but have almost a Wild West-style of civilisation tucked away across the planet's surface.
I know this may sound rather rediculous to some people, but I'd really like to see if PlanetSide 2 has given rise to a societal angle on Auraxis; places away from the battlegrounds who support each of the factions or remain neutral, and these allow player characters to customise their appearances in a way that support their empire, but have almost a Wild West-style of civilisation tucked away across the planet's surface.
Given the nature of the game, neutral areas are something I doubt would be considered. But with the emphasis on future sandbox elements, who knows. Sandbox is often equated with social features and venues.
opticalshadow
2011-07-12, 10:06 PM
cash shop tells me its leaning twords a f2p game, which are normally terrible in one way or the other, very few do it right.
and if i have the option to pay a sub fee, i dont want to deal with cash shop bs.
Hamma
2011-07-12, 10:46 PM
No dice. Jenny has a PM, its assumed yall will both read it at some point anyway. Tell me if you want me to pull out the archives. I'll be all to happy to give examples of how Smed has screwed things up.
Nobody cares, I for one especially.
This is a different game in a different time. Nobody is denying that PS was botched (especially me) with Core Combat, BFRs then failed support. And it's pretty easy to put all your blame on one dude who may or may not be responsible for all decisions made in a game. But the excitement I saw from the ENTIRE company and journalists at Fan Faire is very hard to deny and unfortunately, hard to prove to someone so set in their ways, and especially someone who wasn't there. It seems to be something to do with a game if you aren't happy with the way it turned out, demonize one developer or leader as if it is their fault only.
The excitement was even greater than the first time I went out to SOE for a preview event for PS1. This is not my first time around the block.
People change, mistakes happen and people and companies learn. Get over it.
If I'm wrong so be it, but I have a feeling this time is going to be the badass game we have all been waiting for.
And that is it on this topic, let's keep the discussion to the Q&A and not non issues that have no bearing on this article.
Zulthus
2011-07-12, 10:52 PM
Personally I hope the game remains P2P. It should cut down on the 8 year olds playing and hopefully ensure content updates for years to come. If the game was F2P, their only revenue from the game would be the cash shop, which they'd inevitably begin selling items that increase your power in-game. (Like most other "MMOFPS")
Skorne
2011-07-13, 01:25 AM
I worry about SOE track record too. Notice in comments everywhere people are excited by the prospect of PS2, but are also like 'You better not mess this one up Sony'.
I was also disheartened to hear the mention of cash shop, cosmetic stuff sure but it's usually just to pave the way for pay to win elements when the marketing goons feel they can push their luck. It starts with cosmetic then it'll be % skill training speed booster and by the end we'll have rent-a-gun. The first sign of any type of advantage giving items in game shop and I'll drop PS2 like a stone even if it's the best game ever made.
Other than that I'm trying to remain optimistic though, the team (including Smed) seemed pretty sincere about making an awesome game in that QA session.
Indecisive
2011-07-13, 01:26 AM
Watched the hour long video on g4's website. Heard you in the background Hamma. Lol.
I'll withhold judgement until I see first hand the game, but given the market, in order to succeed, truly, planetside 2 is going to have to do amazing things. World of warcraft, despite me no longer being a player succeeds due to a focused vision, and a game style that lends itself to slower paced action, creating a sense of community. On the other hand, FPS's are always faster moving. The goal for planetside 2 seems to be, make it move faster (which seems strange, considering the level of micromanaging they seem to be introducing, appears counterproductive to me) which leads to a differentiation issue I feel. More on this later.
In regards to a player base, sure, you have your FPS clans, and you have your hard core ps1 players that played, and still play, and you have people like myself who browse these forums or post from time to time, but in order to get broad market appeal, and truly succeed to the level where there is enough cash flow and interest to have a consistent level of quality and player base down the line that includes frequent updates and generally, just to keep the game fun; you have to reel in more than just the core planetside players. You also have to simultaneously keep what people like about FPS's, while combining it with a reason, people LONG TERM would find value in subscribing to PS2, the way they do with WoW.
From what i've seen, they've been taking a very non traditional approach through the promotion of this game, possibly due to the long standing close relationship with planetside universe, all the way from Planetside Universe Mobilization Alpha (still have that hand drawing of the phantom like a year before it was put in, lol) even all the way back into beta. While thats great for this community, I feel that smed and the team might be relying a little bit TOO much here on ole' PSU.
A reoccurring theme in the video was, "were making this game for the people who played PS1, the game we want to play." Thats all fine and dandy, but will it lead to the long term success of the game? I have my doubts.
But time will tell.
The point i'm trying to get to here, is that this game has to be READY. When this game launches, if they are going to charge 15 bucks for it, there needs to be a REASON for those people who play FPS's for free to switch. Your COD players aren't really looking for persistence, at least that they are aware of, they are looking to jump in and frag some bitches. There is a market to be created I feel, but if the execution isn't FLAWLESS, PS2, will, ultimately fail in their eyes. I think that's going to be a deciding factor in the game, as it will need to not only carry people over, but attract MANY new users as well.
To the same effect, if those people who play your world of warcrafts and what not, don't see a level of quality that they get from their other games, they will say, "well, i'm paying 15 dollars a month for WoW, and PS2, but I feel like the value i'm getting out of WoW subscription dollars feature wise, is considerable versus say, gauntlet legends or some shit; whereas Planetside 2 vs Battlefield 3.....eh, not so much"
So, you end up with no MMORPG players, and no FPS players. All you have left are the niche players and a half baked game.
When PS1 first launched, we had what, 4, maybe 6 servers? That's nothing in the grand scheme of things. Now we have 1 for all the English speaking countries in the world right? Of course the game went downhill, especially after BFRS, but it needs to find, and keep new subscriptions, of people who have never heard of Planetside (of which there are a lot of people who play both FPS's and World of Warcraft who fall into this category) in order to truly succeed.
Slight tangent; we can bitch and moan about the company looking out for their bottom lines vs players best interest, but theres a fine line to be had. If they don't care about players, there won't be money for the game. If there isn't money for the game, its going to suck, and then there won't be players for the game.
Just another point why this game has to be flawless upon launch. My best wishes that it is indeed flawless, but from whats been revealed so far, it feels....I don't know... awkward at best? Maybe they just need a new PR person or something. Promotional material for planetside has always sucked, and never really captured the feeling of an epic oldschool, no crappy battleislands/bfr/caverns battle.
Like I said, we'll see what we end up with. I hope its good.
I worry about SOE track record too. Notice in comments everywhere people are excited by the prospect of PS2, but are also like 'You better not mess this one up Sony'.
I was also disheartened to hear the mention of cash shop, cosmetic stuff sure but it's usually just to pave the way for pay to win elements when the marketing goons feel they can push their luck. It starts with cosmetic then it'll be % skill training speed booster and by the end we'll have rent-a-gun. The first sign of any type of advantage giving items in game shop and I'll drop PS2 like a stone even if it's the best game ever made.
Other than that I'm trying to remain optimistic though, the team (including Smed) seemed pretty sincere about making an awesome game in that QA session.
I don't know of any decent games with a cash shop that started with cosmetic then switched to selling power.
Vancha
2011-07-13, 01:49 AM
I don't know of any decent games with a cash shop that started with cosmetic then switched to selling power.
Can't you buy weapons in TF2?
Can't you buy weapons in TF2?
The weapons are side grades and they can be found, crafted or bought, so not really.
opticalshadow
2011-07-13, 02:29 AM
The weapons are side grades and they can be found, crafted or bought, so not really.
well the thign is yes you can buy weapons. and even if you can attain the same thing in game, it allows cash to buy power.
in ps terms why shoudl someone be allowed to drop 30 extra bucks and get all the perks that would take someone to actually play the game for three months, thats buyign power, it might not be exclucive but it will be there. and it rarely stops so short, they will inflate the cash shop with mino minor things. it might start as a special varient weapon that adds looks you can only get cashshop, and it may have a small reload faster click or something. or you may be able to eventually buy certs outright.
this is the problem with cash shops.
im also not a fan of it being p2p with cash shop options. if im paying 50 bucks for a box, andthen 15 a month, why should i pay an extra 10 bucks to incorperate my own logo for my team?
well the thign is yes you can buy weapons. and even if you can attain the same thing in game, it allows cash to buy power.
in ps terms why shoudl someone be allowed to drop 30 extra bucks and get all the perks that would take someone to actually play the game for three months, thats buyign power, it might not be exclucive but it will be there. and it rarely stops so short, they will inflate the cash shop with mino minor things. it might start as a special varient weapon that adds looks you can only get cashshop, and it may have a small reload faster click or something. or you may be able to eventually buy certs outright.
this is the problem with cash shops.
im also not a fan of it being p2p with cash shop options. if im paying 50 bucks for a box, andthen 15 a month, why should i pay an extra 10 bucks to incorperate my own logo for my team?
It doesn't take three months to find a weapon in TF2. And it's not buying power... it's buying a side grade.
Gandhi
2011-07-13, 02:37 AM
Personally I'd rather have a subscription based game. My experience with F2P cash shop games hasn't been particularly good, I can't quite put my finger on it but I think mostly it's been the communities it tends to create. Maybe I've just had bad luck in that regard, I dunno.
But since they're going for a cash shop I guess there's no use complaining about it. I just hope they can find a way to do it right, because I don't think it's an easy thing to do.
It's actually really easy to do. IT's the one thing RIOT has gotten right with League of Legends. They just sell skins and champions that you can unlock with ingame currency.
Good questions, and great answers.
Only thing I still don't get is how Sanctuaries slowed the game down. The only time I spent a significant amount of time in sanc was when I was AFK (and wouldn't have been playing anyway). The other times I went to sanc was to rally and get new vehicles for hitting a new continent with my squad.
[...]
I think Sancs were great for rally points for switching offensives...I really don't see how they slowed the game at all.
I agree, I'm positive to everything they have said so far and i'm looking forward to the game, but one thing is buggering me. Why is Smedley constntly taking up the subject of removing the sancs? all the time is he talking about just that, I would have bought it the first time but now when he is talking about it like it's something that they need to sell to the audience I'm starting to get worried that somethings not right.
I agree, I'm positive to everything they have said so far and i'm looking forward to the game, but one thing is buggering me. Why is Smedley constntly taking up the subject of removing the sancs? all the time is he talking about just that, I would have bought it the first time but now when he is talking about it like it's something that they need to sell to the audience I'm starting to get worried that somethings not right.
They probably had a test group to see which feature of PlanetSide is the most daunting to new players, which turned out to be Sanc.
Not surprisingly really, you log in, have to spend 2 minutes running to HART (even longer for new player to figure out WTF is going on) then if you're unlucky have to spend another 15 minutes waiting. Then the 1 min or so long animation ... then you select where you want to drop. Wait 2 minutes for animations ... and often by the time you land, noone's there already.
So we are looking at a considerable time spent in game, doing nothing.
Also the fact it was empty most of the time, unless staging an assault contributed to its removal.
Also, we havn't seen the footholds yet, which might turn out to be something incredible sexy, that would not work as a separate map.
Dreamcast
2011-07-13, 05:57 AM
League of Legends does good doing the F2P...They make money of skins and xp....I never feel underpowered in the game....Sure they could level faster but once they reach their max and I do....We are equal, nothing really OP about it IMO.
Planetside could sell the game for $50 and do the same........thing is can it be enough to support the servers because if it isn't then I could see SOE selling things to make people OP.
I wouldn't mind P2P....But apperantly people have a problem with it.
basti
2011-07-13, 06:12 AM
F2p has one big issue: you have to rely on people to buy stuff. Sooner or later you have to sell them something new, and at some point that new thing may slightly improve a player. Once you got to that point you lost, you end up in a cycle of new and better improvements, resulting in new playerrs being food for vets until they spend cash to get the same improvements.
That being said: keep the cash shop light. Dont pull a valve and spam hats and other crap.
I have no idea what he is talking about. Sanctuaries weren't a problem at all. However, what they are doing now I can see working, plus it's way to late to add sanctuaries back in. They have probably already developed the game to work with the unconquerable footholds and redesigning the game for sanctuaries now would require a huge step backward.
Gandhi
2011-07-13, 07:04 AM
That being said: keep the cash shop light. Dont pull a valve and spam hats and other crap.
Well that's the problem, if you rely on a cash shop for revenue then you have to keep putting new stuff in the store to encourage people to spend money there. More stuff means more employee hours spent on things that aren't really going to improve the gameplay, and more hardware resources devoted to all the textures, models and whatnot that these items need.
SurgeonX
2011-07-13, 07:12 AM
I don't see the Sanctuaries themselves as being the problem, in fact they were one of the coolest things I remember seeing when logging in for the first time. Granted, this was at the height the population spikes, but witnessing hundreds of vehicles and infantry organising for a push really enforced the epic nature of PS that makes it so unique.
IMO, the problem was simply the awkwardness and the length of time it took to get everybody organised at the Sanc.
Sitting in a Galazy for 10 minutes because some players were selfishly chasing those last kills wasn't exactly fun.
If there was simply a platoon based instant recall, coupled with instant spawning and manning of vehicles, then you'd be ready to go in a minute.
Hopefully they've considered not just the location for these new staging areas, but the problems around organising everyone too.
MockZero2
2011-07-13, 09:34 AM
Saying that there is no sanctuaries is him giving us the best example of how closer the game play is going to be to BF2 or CoD. I'm all for it! It should make the getting organized much quicker knowing there is potential for getting an OS dropped on you if you don't. Or something like an OS I guess. Not to mention Smed was also talking about outfit bases eventually. That is going to be your staging area for your outfit. I am very excited about the sandbox ideas they could be coming up with too. Having your own outfit base and planning a big raid on another huge outfit base like DT for example sounds like a blast.
I'm not a big fan of the cash shop though. I never liked that. I would be much happier with a P2P. Still I would have to look at in a way that I would be paying so much per month anyway so why not throw a little $$ at the cash shop to get some cool stuff. I guess I will have to wait and see what is to come with that before I pass judgement. I want the game to be very profitable just because I want it to stay around with all kinds of new content for as long as it can. Maybe I am just a needy like that though.
GalacticaActual
2011-07-13, 09:37 AM
I'm also of the opinion that Sancturaries aren't the problem. The HART is the problem.
If the HART could be traded for something like an instant teleportation system then the only waiting in the Sanc would be for when a raid is forming and while that sometimes can drag on it's nowhere near as tedious as waiting for the HART can be.
One thing that I don't think has been pointed out so far is the disadvantage of the "Foothold" idea. If they work as they have potentially been described, a shielded base area that enemy empires can't enter, then they could make things incredibly difficult for any empires planning a raid.
Imagine a scenario where the TR have just finshed capping Ishundar. The VS decide to mass a counter attack from their Ishundar Foothold targeting the Baal area first. But the TR have set sentries up at the other Empires Footholds and can see what type of forces the VS are massing. If the VS are planning an Air heavy attack, the TR sentry can report back to load up on AA (turret upgrades, skyguards etc etc) and the VS soon find themselves flying into a slaughter.
This wouldn't happen if the VS could mass their forces on a Sanctuary before raining down death from above on the villainous TR (think I maybe have just given away my empire alliegence ;) ).
Hamma
2011-07-13, 10:02 AM
Instead of a sanctuary some kind of a staging area, even if it was totally separate from the game world so you could group up your outfit to head out and attack then drop as a massive group (with restrictions of course) and begin your attack.
I tend to agree, I don't think the Sanctuary slowed things down I think it was more the HART that made things slower. Keep in some kind of staging area but eliminate the HART.
I never took advantage of the HART unless I wanted to Nuke an enemy base as it was the best way to get in undetected.
But yes I want somekind of main staging area even if it does not have an HART. Best solution I think is to have a orbital station empires can go to. Just have a warp gate within the station so players can get to their target. I see mass drops with vehicles being OP (dropping anywhere on a cont like the HART) if they were going that route. Easy enough to make a spawn in area with equipment terms and a massive bay. We're not talking about making a whole other cont after all.
MockZero2
2011-07-13, 11:09 AM
What about a little beacon the squad leader could throw down allowing people to drop pod in on or or spawn to from the outfit base. This would be only available for you squad or platoon though. It would keep you platoon together giving everyone a nice spawn point, you would still have to keep it far enough back though so people could easily spawn without getting killed or without having the beacon killed. You would also be able to gear up before you spawn in on the beacon from terminals at the base. You would however not be able to re arm or change load outs in the field with it making something like an AMS still very worthwhile to have. This would be a nice fast way to get into the fight keeping your squad close together and something to build on in the skill tree for SL's. Maybe make it to where it cant go in an SOI without training for that, ect ect. If there are SOI's even I don't know. I believe a similar idea is in BF 2142 if i remember right.
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