ArenaNet:In-game talk/20070112

Summary
The Frog: Befuddlement it causes, but happy is The Frog. It is one of his favourite chapeau.

Gaile Gray: Well, you guys have heard about the big weekend we have planned next weekend, right?

Gaile Gray: Part of that weekend is testing changes to Heroes' Ascent.

Gaile Gray: Part of that weekend is testing skill balances changes.

Gaile Gray: And EVERYONE is Invited!

Gaile Gray: Well, yes, even you! :)

Gaile Gray: The thing is, we can get a lot of good feedback from players by having a sort of "open beta."

Gaile Gray: So, as far as I know, that's what they'll be doing starting on Friday next week.

Gaile Gray: I say "As far as I know" because. well, I'm snowed in my house and not at the offic.e

Gaile Gray: What is going on NEXT weekend, not this one, Is a testing of skill balances changes and changes to...

Gaile Gray: ... Heroes' Ascent.

Gaile Gray: 12 C is higher than 17F, I think. :)

Gaile Gray: So, let me explain how I understand it will work:

Gaile Gray: The designers are working on a large list of significant changes to Heroes' Ascent.

Gaile Gray: Those will be rolled out next Friday. In addition, a large list of potential skill balance changes will be Included.

The Frog: The proverbial "one/two" punch?

Gaile Gray: Yes, exactly. Froggie.

Gaile Gray:

The Frog: Golden

The Frog: The Frog stands on golden. If words be not golden, at least their presentation shall be.

Gaile Gray: Bonjour! Guten Morgen. Buenos Dias. And... Buon Giorno, is it?

Gaile Gray: Not to mention a dozen other equally fine languages. :)

Gaile Gray: Oh, do you like the Wintergreen Weapons? That's great!

Gaile Gray: Now. that's another reason I'm here, and I'm glad you brought it up!

Gaile Gray: The Xunlai Tournament Agent is acting a bit stingy in his distributions, for a. few players.

Gaile Gray: For a few. he's not giving what is owed.

Gaile Gray: So our tournament coordinator suggests that you write to tournament@arena.net if you have issues.

The Frog: Some, The Frog understands, were gifted with an extra, item. Could this be true?

Gaile Gray: Nice! Extra is good. :)

Gaile Gray: I should ask again about max Sunspear Rank. I'm sorry that I don't know the details quite yet.

Gaile Gray: Thanks for the reminder! The Heroes' Ascent testing to which you are all invited is not about party size.

Gaile Gray: The designers say they want to test things in batches, and so party size will be determined later.

Gaile Gray: Might even involve testing. First, mechanics of all kinds.

Gaile Gray: I've seen some of them, and I'm liking them a lot! I think it'll shake up gameplay a bit.

Gaile Gray: Oh. I don't? Umm. ok. Whatever. :)

Gaile Gray: I have not heard of changes to storage, in the recent past, beyond the festival hat guy.

Gaile Gray: And no news of Gwen.

The Frog: The Frog's theory has not be disproved!

Gaile Gray: No, I know, Froggie, that you believe that the Preserved Flower is a sign.

Gaile Gray: Nothing to report on appearance changes at this point, no. Nor of alliance lists, sorry.

Gaile Gray: Oh, sorry. I'm the Community Relations Manager for ArenaNet. Nice to meet you. :)

Gaile Gray: Sorry if the lavender text is a bit bright.

Gaile Gray: Well. unfortunately, flames are part of some forum cultures. Meh, I don't take it personally.

Gaile Gray: Sometimes I wonder if there's a direct correlation between number of flames and diminishing IQ. :D

Gaile Gray: Now you know that there has been no new armour that would...umm... call out Tarzan quite yet.

The Frog: The Frog is most well. And a bit warmer than last week.

Gaile Gray: The skill updates and the proposed changes to HA will both be temporary.

Gaile Gray: Upon completion of the test weekend, the designers will analyze and roll out the permanent changes.

Gaile Gray: A permanent change would come. I would imagine, a week, or two later. That's truly a guess on my part.

Gaile Gray: I know the designers have to have time to assess the input.

Gaile Gray: I've heard of that, a faction donation tracker. I can ask about that. sure.

Gaile Gray: I don't know about that storage questions. it's a good one: Taking singles instead of stacks out of storage.

Gaile Gray: Of course, thank you! Shift and drag will get you smaller bundles!

Gaile Gray: That was added later. I forgot. :)

Gaile Gray: Honestly, please don't spam 8v8 for anything else).

Gaile Gray: The fact is. nobody is more aware of the opinions than the designers.

Gaile Gray: It's not a simple decision, hence a testing weekend to try out mechanics first.

Gaile Gray: About the ladder reset: Yes, It was reset without the skill balance.

Gaile Gray: It was scheduled for a reset prior to the release of the skill balances and honestly. I think it was a matter of...

Gaile Gray: ... requirement. I think that we HAD to reset the ladder. the Wintersday Season was over and we wanted to move...

Gaile Gray: ... forward with the automated tournaments, sanctioned play. etc. SO turning the ladder into a...

Gaile Gray: ... historical marker was the plan for some months. That moved forward and the skill balancing took a bit longer.

Gaile Gray: It will be only a few weeks apart, in the end.

Gaile Gray: I think that it is the "broken meta" that we are trying to address, with player input at unparalleled levels.

Gaile Gray: For the first time that I've been aware of, players are getting invited to directly impact the game on a very...

Gaile Gray: .... broad level.

Gaile Gray: Sorry, does it matter what status I'm on? I don't understand.

Gaile Gray: HA makes us very much want to make changes, to enliven it, to mend those areas that need attention.

Gaile Gray: It's a great mode; we very much want it to live up to its potential.

Gaile Gray: To those concerned about it. as we are, I would encourage you to test, next weekend, and post.

Gaile Gray: We read all our fan forums, on a daily basis. Find a good productive thread and join it.

Gaile Gray: Or. start one of your own. Warming: Comments like U SUCK are pointless, there or here. :)

Gaile Gray: No, we don't commente or join threads on all sites, it's true. We DO read just about every forum.

Gaile Gray: Ok. muted. Now. you can thank me. cause others would have just tossed you. :)

Gaile Gray: Oh. wait, you can't thank, me at all. *lol* Gaile Gray: If you're not offensive, you're not muted.

Gaile Gray: If you're borderline. I'm keeping a beady eye on you. bud. :)

Gaile Gray: The best way to implement 1v1 is through Hero Battles.

Gaile Gray: HEY. I don't even have a bone dragon mini, so don't ask for a fullsize pet. silly one. :)

Gaile Gray: Last I heard, the team was looking at the AFK and leeching issues. No outcomes yet.

Gaile Gray: Having a "group vote" for kicking is very, very dangerous.

Gaile Gray: Oh, lookie, that guy we don't know got a green, let's vote to boot him! Not nice. :(

Gaile Gray: Hey, I worked for a week to get a green. What can I say. I wanted it! :)

Gaile Gray: So yes. not all are the best of the best, but I like 'em.

Gaile Gray: Mini pet storage. Tell me ideas on that!

Gaile Gray: Someone asked. I'm intrigued by the Idea.

Gaile Gray: I am here to hear your ideas, sure. Pleased to hear them, in fact.

Gaile Gray: Did Martin say spamming would result in a "ban" or a "block?" Because I imagine he intended to convey...

Gaile Gray: ... that we do block persistent spammers. I don't know that we ban them forever, though.

Gaile Gray: In game messaging and mailing is a cool idea. We'll see.

Gaile Gray: THere is a good article on refreshing gameplay. and trying new things. It's coming Monday.

Gaile Gray: (Sorry, the question was for someone asking for new ideas for playing.)

Gaile Gray: I personally would love to see more content in Pre-searing. however that's two games ago.

Gaile Gray: I have a girl I keep there, just because I love the area so. I don't know that we'd go back to Presearing.

Gaile Gray: Dye storage is such an exceptionally good idea. I nag ... ask about thatoften! :)

Gaile Gray: Presearing is directly connected to Prophecies, you see? That was the first title.

Gaile Gray: THat's what I meant to convey. Sorry If it was confusing.

Gaile Gray: I'd love to tease you guys about additions to HA. but there are people who are really sensitive out there.

Gaile Gray: Were I to say. "Not just a lever, but a bright sparkly lever someone would probably complain. :)

Gaile Gray: How about "The best #(*%% lever you ever saw?"

Gaile Gray: Just talk, I'll try to see your words. It's a madhouse, but we like it. :)

Gaile Gray: I understand. Your confidence is not high. Ok. BUT...!

Gaile Gray: this gloom and doom "You're gonna mess it up again" scenario isn't fair.

Gaile Gray: When YOU have a say in HA. when you get to provide feedback before finalization!

Gaile Gray: Isn't that what you've asked for? More input? More input? More testing before final?

Gaile Gray: ANd a broader test, with more people to really hammer on the mechanics and really give them a workout.

Gaile Gray: Ok. I tell you what: If you don't like the changes, tell us! And if you still don't like them...

Gaile Gray: I will personally refund your monthly fee! :D

Gaile Gray: Oh. nothing on Campaign 4. That would be telling! :) Sorry, honestly, nothing to say just yet.

Gaile Gray: Thanks. Troy.

Gaile Gray: Yes. more storage space would be lovely. *sigh* I so agree with you!

Gaile Gray: According to Froggie... who incidentally seems to have napped again, who slipped him the spiked eggnog?...

Gaile Gray: The Rabbit in presearing would not make a good pet.

Gaile Gray: However, I suggested an idea Involving rabbits to our events designer.

Gaile Gray: He LOVED it. Look for that in... the future. ;)

Gaile Gray: Easter's too easy. This is probably better. :)

Gaile Gray: I can ask about dye remover. You know why it was removed. right?

Gaile Gray: People thought they could use it to change things to undyed (white) form.

Gaile Gray: THere may have been other reasons, as well. Grey return to standard shade, to it's less confusing.

Gaile Gray: Hero storage bags. Nice Idea.

Gaile Gray: I've pretty much decided. if there's a way to get extra storage, you guys will think of it.

Gaile Gray: I heard someone saying Koss should carry a briefcase. :)

Gaile Gray: I think, that the Party Search system has been very well received, and I use it myself.

Gaile Gray: I'm sorry to see it criticized, but you're entitled to your opinion, naturally.

Gaile Gray: We won't add avatar to the Dervish, as far as I know.

Gaile Gray: There are some discussions about DoA. There are changes that may be made, but nothing major.

Gaile Gray: You know that DoA has been surmounted, right?

Gaile Gray: I don't know about Gwen. and Froggie has only a theory about her. It's a mystery.

Gaile Gray: A whole LOT Of skill balances will be rolled out. in trial form, next week..

Gaile Gray: Then (excuse me if this is a repeat for some of you)

Gaile Gray: The designers will assess the feedback and finalize the skiff balances and add them permanently.

Gaile Gray: I don't have a firm timeline, but I anticipate it won't take but a few weeks. Just a guess, though.

Gaile Gray: Guys, nobody is going to remove PvP or cancel PvE. Can't we all get along!? :)

Gaile Gray: I think that territory changes are sort of unneeded. with improvements to technology.

Gaile Gray: Let's talk about that, because it comes up a lot. This "regional preference" sentiment.

Gaile Gray: We had a preorder pack for Prophecies. It had items NEVER in Korea..

Gaile Gray: Korea has the Cokeplay items, not available here.

Gaile Gray: Europe had the Chimeric Prism.

Gaile Gray: Each region at one time or another has had special items. It's done very fairly and very carefully.

Gaile Gray:: I have a guild friend who's traded for the Asian items. So they are not completely unavailable.

Gaile Gray: However, we're going to be making them a bit more available, through community contests, as they were in the original

Gaile Gray: territory. It ought to be very fun!

Gaile Gray: Nobody on our team plays another game at the expense of his/her job. silly!

Gaile Gray: And all on the team are free to play other games. Please don't be mean to my coworker!

Gaile Gray: The "leave items to sell" is much like an auction house, and yes. it is often requested.

Gaile Gray: I like your style, but I don't dare quote you. Let's just say I think you are very wise. too. :)

Gaile Gray: Well, we have never announced a new campaign in a formal sense.

Gaile Gray: However, there seems to be interest in carrying forward with the Guild Wars experience. :D

Gaile Gray: The rubberband issue is a client/server desync issue. Has it increased lately?

Gaile Gray: And if it has. is it possible to report to Tech Support for your area?

Gaile Gray: Because we need to know about that, and track what may be causing it. IF it is on our side.

Gaile Gray: Often, my lag is related to poo Internet service. :(

Gaile Gray: Ok. could you/would you contact TS? Because I would like them to have you do a trace and stuff.

Gaile Gray: Reports from one individual can help us track down widespread bugs.

Gaile Gray: Why would you name a guild to intentionally slam someone? It seems like something from 2nd grade. :(

Gaile Gray: Abusive names would probably be reported, and would be blocked, of course. *shrug*

Gaile Gray: Is it not intended to be abusive? I'd suggest yes. :)

Gaile Gray: I think the issue of holding Halls has to do with some regions playing HA more than otehrs.

Gaile Gray: Sorry, others.

Gaile Gray: Guys, don't spam

Gaile Gray: No, but the GM over there can give them a time out.

Gaile Gray: So it's mute, or. if someone insists on being rude, crude or socially unacceptable...

Gaile Gray: He can serve time in After Preschool Detention with Ms. Jenkins.

Gaile Gray: He won't like Ms. Jenkins. She's a meanie.

Gaile Gray: My brother was a detention teacher. It's a rough job, but done well, quite helpful to students.

Gaile Gray: If you'd like to take a few of these guys off my hands... you're the professional. :D :D

Gaile Gray: The Information that we have available about jobs and getting into the industry is on the www.arena.net site.

Gaile Gray: I DO NOT KNOW IF WE WILL SEE A RETURN OF 8 V 8. STOP ALL GAFFING PLEASE

Gaile Gray: Guild Ranks as a customizable option sounds very good to me, actually.

Gaile Gray: Why must it be so straight? I mean if a guild wants more ranks, or to name them differently, that could be great.

Gaile Gray: However. The Interface has a specific design, and it may not be possible to add ranks or name Them.

Gaile Gray: I think that it's foolish to propose destroying HA rather than working with the players to improve it.

Gaile Gray: Emotions run high, but I think we should focus on positive change.

Gaile Gray: Which could sound simplistic. but a worldwide all-player test is a great idea.

Gaile Gray: I understand that there are games available in Brazil, in fact a very good PvP player hails from Brazil.

Gaile Gray: So I believe that you could find GW somewhere in South America, yes. Or import via an etailer.

Gaile Gray: What I usually say is this: Try the PlayNC site, because it has no borders. :)

Gaile Gray: What country are you?

Gaile Gray: I will ask about a larger list, yes.

Gaile Gray: Hey. I'd love to come to NZ! I'd like it anywhere there are GW fans. :)

Gaile Gray: And that's a lovely country to boot.

Gaile Gray: I write in lavender because the designers kindly gave me that right. I work on the dev team.

Gaile Gray: I have to say. on the subject of favour, that in the early days. Europe asked for daily access.

Gaile Gray: Now, Europe holds Halls a lot. and other nations ask for daily access.

Gaile Gray: What changed? Their drive and ambition and, I guess, their will.

Gaile Gray: My hat is totally off to those who hold Halls. Or, these days, it's more "take halls" really.

Gaile Gray: Cause you don't see the holding you once did.

Gaile Gray: Which is something Td gong to ask about amongst HA players, in fact.

Gaile Gray: At present, the newest armors only accept insignias, I don't know that the old ones will be changed

Gaile Gray: What I've heard is that players don't ask for mods AND insignias. Gaile Gray: Yes, that is true, there is a story based reason for Etonian armor having Insignias.

Gaile Gray: Allsorts of requests for storage have been noted, yes. as well as the hair

Gaile Gray: I wish when I came for a visit I had all answers, but I don't. I'm sorry.

Gaile Gray: The requests are noted, that doesn't mean the Implementation is coming any time soon.

Gaile Gray: The designers track requests, needs, wants, things tied to the next game...

Gaile Gray: And from all that they decide how to more forward with development and upgrades.

Gaile Gray: Yes. I quite agree, the game SHOULD have a two-year celebration of some sort! :)

Gaile Gray: But if we have birthday gifts, and I think we'll have something, that will certainly liven up the day.

Gaile Gray: Second anniversary will be 28 April 2007. :)

Gaile Gray: I don't know if it's a good expenditure of fruited dev time to make new armours for the previous releases.

Gaile Gray: Now, mind you, I do not assign the staff on that. :)

Gaile Gray: But if we spent so much time looking back, could we also be looking forward?

Gaile Gray: The Hero Battles and other means of keeping records of achievement are coming. I think. in a few weeks. I will ask!

Gaile Gray: Meaning of Life: 42. obviously.

Gaile Gray: I just answered, at length, about FOW armors. Please scroll up.

Gaile Gray: The whole "looking back / looking" forward stuff. :D Gaile Gray: Ideas for the game are read in fan forums every day.

Gaile Gray: Would it be helpful to see the character's professions on the Friend List?

Gaile Gray: Ok. well. then. :)

Gaile Gray: I do agree that an energy bar for team members would be useful.

Gaile Gray: So that people stop blaming the Monk. :D

Gaile Gray: There ere a few words about Razah. and how the designers want to check his availability.

Gaile Gray: They are aware that there is a difference in the ease of capping him.

Gaile Gray: I should go rustle up some dinner. But before I do. please remember:

Gaile Gray: We will be testing PvP next weekend.

Gaile Gray: Skills balancing affects everyone, so all thoughts are welcome. but we particularly welcome those...

Gaile Gray: ... who are "students of the game" who can give their feedback via the forums.

Gaile Gray: And too. changes to HA are being put up to see how you like them and how they play out.

Gaile Gray: Feedback on that is very desireable. too.

Gaile Gray: No, actually, you should NOT start "nagging" on the forums. That's the point.

Gaile Gray: Nobody listens to screams, they try to tune them out.

Gaile Gray: So please, opinion. evidence, comments of value — all welcome.

Gaile Gray: Do you. when you should stop nerfing skills, deny that skills need balancing?

Gaile Gray: No. well, then. hush. :)

Gaile Gray: Sure a conga would be great.

Gaile Gray: We HAVE to change skills. We NEED to update skills. You must agree. honestly! :)

Gaile Gray: Ok. conga: Click me, hit space bar to start.

Gaile Gray: Ready?

Gaile Gray: Oh. if some of you are out later, remember that GMs review chat logs. And behave better next time. :)

Gaile Gray: Ok. let's go!

Gaile Gray: Some of us makes me laugh. :)

Gaile Gray: :)

Gaile Gray: Thanks for the visit guys. It was good to see at least, oh. 97.87% of you! :D:D:D~