Ex_Libris

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  1. City of Heroes & City of Villains Player Meet & Greet for the San Jose, CA. area is coming up on Friday November 30th. To prepare for your safety and arrival we have secured some courtesy blocks at some of the Hotels near Dave & Busters in Milpitas, CA.

    Here is the information for reservations and to lock in the special rates we were able to get just for our players.

    We will be opening registration for the event next week through our PlayNC site, but we wanted to allow those who will be traveling in for the event a shot at early registration for their accommodations.

    Here is the information on the three hotels that are all within 2 miles of the event.

    Listed by distance to the event starting with the closest:

    Courtyard Marriott
    Courtyard Marriott Silicon Valley
    Milpitas, California 95035 USA
    Phone: 1-408-719-1966
    Fax: 1-408-719-1962
    Rate: $79.00 + Tax/night for King Room (you can ask, but no longer available.)
    Rate: $89.00 + Tax/night for Double Beds
    Group Name: NCsoft City of Heroes
    Check In: 11/30/07
    Check Out: 12/1/07
    Location from event: 0.2 miles

    **Special pricing for this hotel must be locked in via phone and you must mention NCsoft City of Heroes to get the rate, also the rate only applies for one day**

    Hilton Garden Inn
    Web Registration
    Hilton Garden Inn Online Registration
    Phone Registration:
    Hilton Garden Inn San Jose/Milpitas
    30 Ranch Drive
    Milpitas, California 95035 USA
    Tel: +1-408-719-1313
    Fax: +1-408-719-0191
    Rate: $89.00 + Tax/night for King Room
    Rate: $89.00 + Tax/night for Double Beds
    Group Name: NCsoft City of Heroes Meet Up
    Group Code: COH
    Make Reservations by 11/28 to lock in rate
    Location from event: 1.7 miles

    Please use the following thread for questions/discussion!

    Regards,

    Ex Libris
  2. yeah that was totally in third person... hmm perhaps Ex wasn't present that day and her evil twin took over.

    She will be more careful about her dualistic tendencies rearing.

    Oh was I doing it again just now?

    Questions, and old threads are relevant to this process. Questions can be moved over to the other forum, which is also marked to not purge.

    Anything we can do to keep the clutter down and the boards sailing smoothly is great with me.

    Ex
  3. [ QUOTE ]
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    I'm not keen on NCSoft having total control, as I think in general their priorities don't match with the priorities we've seen in the game in the past.

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    I'm curious. Where have you seen a conflict between NC Soft and Cryptic in the past?

    [/ QUOTE ]
    They don't have their discussions in public, so naturally I haven't. However, I have noticed how much the community reps have pushed PvP, and I think NCSoft generally - due to its experience mostly being in East Asian grindfests - favours PvP, grind and phat lewt.
    I'm not saying that I think we'll soon be City of Lineage but I do worry about there being a paradigm shift in where development is centered. I'm reserving judgement really though.

    [/ QUOTE ]

    Note highlighted portion.

    The community reps push PVP because that is a collective part of our community. My job specifically is the acquisition and retention of subscribers to COH/COV. If I notice that we have a community bleeder, it is my direct responsibility to put some pressure on that spot to stop the flow.

    I don't love PVP, I actually really suck at it, but I love the aspect and diversity that our various small groups bring to the table and I for one will always be willing to go out and support those niche, micro, and mezzo groups so that the entire game (macro) continues to thrive.

    More than anything you should be watching your bid/buy lines because it is the market and invention system of COH/COV that keeps me most engaged.

    Ex
  4. [ QUOTE ]
    PVP needs love. It's not clear how much love we'll actually get. But I want to hear opinions and wishlists on the best or most crucial changes. Here is mine. Let's hear yours.
    [/LIST]
    [u]5 bug fixes[u]

    <ul type="square">[*]Fix PVP Placate and Fury[*]Fix Arena spawn camping (maybe not fixable, who knows) and/or generally clean up Arena respawn mechanics[*]Fix Arena Badges (yeah ok LOL badges, it would bring people into the live Arena)[*]Fix map holes (Arena and zone)[*]Fix PVP door missions. Whacking players who are zoning into the mission is BS, as is rezzing in a doorless jail cell.[/list]


    [/ QUOTE ]

    I'd like more information please about these bugs so I can make sure they are listed. One of the main things is the holes in maps and geometry.

    You can PM them to me or /bug in game.

    Ex
  5. [ QUOTE ]
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    perhaps Cryptic knows their MUO game is so killer, they knew CoX would not be able to compete and figured it may be a better idea to sell the healthy cow than have it die in their hands.

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    Bingo!!

    [/ QUOTE ]

    I know you've really latched onto the "MUO is DoooOooOooOOOoom" standpoint, but I suspect it is a bit too early to make that call

    I wouldn't be at all surprised if that is Jack's take, but at this time it is in no way a sure bet. Cryptic is definitely taking a much larger risk on this deal than NCSoft is.
  6. [ QUOTE ]
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    So, let me get this straight from a badge earners standpoint.. does this debt wipe apply to the debt recovery badges?

    So say, I have none of the debt badges on a toon. I rack up debt to the 550k cap, then when this wipe is put in place, I login and get the Unwavering (100k recovered) and Unyeilding (400k recovered) badges right away?

    [/ QUOTE ]
    The debt wipe will not count toward debt badges. Why would it?

    [/ QUOTE ]
    ... because those who're working on said badges might be a bit upset about having half their effort undone?

    [/ QUOTE ]

    To be fair, it doesn't take very long at all to re-cap your debt if that is what you set out to do
  7. Lets get some discussion going on in here.

    I am really looking to leverage some community ideas, so lets get some PVP Community focus going and see what as a community will be your prioritized list.

    For me:

    PVE &amp; PVP build that I can toggle.
    Using the kiosks in game for PVP status.
    More built in, in game rewards for PVP content.

    Oh and an automatic "I win" button because I don't foresee that ever happening, remembers back to one of the PVPEC events where the whole team I was grouped with was there just to make sure I didn't die a hundred times.

    Ex
  8. [ QUOTE ]
    I for one am excited by the idea that this merger of sorts will open several doors for the Co* franchise! The bonuses being given to current players is also a major plus and I thank you!

    One question Ex...

    How long should we expect to wait for some of the "sekrit" plans that are going to come from this purchase to get announced?

    I know you said that we would start seeing big effects in around 6 months, but as far as announcing what NCSofts plans are, how long are we going to be waiting to hear any further details?

    Thanks

    [/ QUOTE ]

    We had one sekrit plan we wanted to announce today, but it wasn't ready...

    Ex
  9. I know this hasn't been posted in this thread but here is a link to the newly updated hiring page for NCsoft. For the COH/COV project check out the Mountain View location.

    There are 19 positions that were just announced.

    For those interested in gainful gaming employment, check out the NCsoft North America Jobs Listing. Positions for "Mountain View" would be in our newly formed NCsoft NorCal Studio.

    Ex
  10. [ QUOTE ]
    Ex Libris, is Manticore coming too? (Not sure if he's still even working on CoH, to be honest, since he's shy.) And, if not, who's in charge of CoH's lore nowadays?

    [/ QUOTE ]

    Manticore as in the person behind the sig Sean Fish, left COH and Cryptic after COV launch...ironically he works for NCsoft in Austin on some other project, but I heard rumors that he and Positron have been discussing the COH/COV Bible lately.

    The person in charge of COH's lore is Hero One, and speaking of shy... I'm still trying to get this guy to take a step out and introduce himself.

    If you have been following the story arcs for Ouroboros this is our guy, his name is Joe Morrissey, and speaking of creative efforts, this guy is expecting his first arrival, un-known gender at this time sometime this week.

    We'll get him to pop on the boards and say hello soon.

    Ex
  11. [ QUOTE ]
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    Here's to hoping this announcement is DOUBLE good news for me. Staffing up GOOD!

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    For those interested in gainful gaming employment, check out the NCsoft North America Jobs Listing. Positions for "Mountain View" would be in our newly formed NCsoft NorCal Studio.

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    Given that even you and Ex didn't know who was coming across until today, how many of those Mountain View positions are now taken up by CoH/V people?

    Also, I noticed that nowhere on that list for Mountain View is the position of "Well-Paid Lackey". Since I am expertly qualified for such a position, I suggest you update that list post-haste so I can get to applying for it. ;-)

    [/ QUOTE ]

    I currently hold the lackey position... the job specs list went up after we had our final notice from the current team, so you shouldn't see that list change overnight.

    I'm sure there will be a party held in my honor when I free up the lackey spot, in the meantime, Lighthouse is my mentor and I try not to stray too far from him.

    Course that doesn't mean I always follow orders, hence lackey and not side kick.

    Ex
  12. [ QUOTE ]
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    We are here to field any questions you may have about this wonderful news.

    Ex

    [/ QUOTE ]

    You have probably answered most of these by now but:

    i)Will we have a game to play over the next year or so?

    ii)Does this move signal faster release of issues?

    iii)Will there be a new 'Statesman'?

    iv)Will City of Villains see new content added to it?

    v)Will sub fees increase?

    Thanks!



    [/ QUOTE ]

    i) The game will remain online and constant for the next year with our regular publishing schedule intact. We are in negotiations now about hardware upgrades for the servers, so there may be some down time associated with that, but it should be minor and we will be in communication with the community when that transpires.

    ii) We hope this signifies faster iteration, with more people, more resources, and less communication sticking points all arrows point to yes.

    iii) Statesman as the signature character will be determined, if I had my druthers it would be something the Community Team would acquire rights to, one can dream right?

    iv) City of Heroes and City of Villains will be seeing new content. Both are award winning titles, and both deserve some attention, with additional resources we hope to be bringing the community wish lists to fruition.

    v) Subscription fees will be determined by NCsoft, NCsoft has been researching every possible business model possible and will not make any decision affecting the community without clearly determining the bonus/backlash.

    Ex
  13. [ QUOTE ]
    Oh, oh wait, i'm sorry..... I admit it the REVAMPED rikti zone is an addition. sort of. With more of that new RAID content as a focal point.

    Remember back when they added actual enemy groups that were completely new to the 40+ game? I do. I even remember the 40+ story arcs being added. I'm sure you do also. Next came rebalances, PVP loot, raiding, and zones to support it. Welcome to Dark Age Of CoH? Or not. As stated, I am here until given reason to leave. Even then I go feeling small bit of sadness, not anger.

    [/ QUOTE ]

    Lallendos, the remembering back part is valid, and here is why. Remember back when Cryptic Studios and NCsoft had a 50/50 venture interest in the success of COH/COV.

    What in the last 18 months changed?

    What can/will change with only one group owning 100 percent vested interest?

    If you can answer those questions you will find the root of your complaint as well as the solution that is presented in this acquisition.

    Ex
  14. [ QUOTE ]
    So, no more Statesman seeing as he was the head of Cryptic, right?

    [/ QUOTE ]

    Statesman the character in COH/COV is part of the acquired Intellectual Property that comes with "City Of."

    Statesman as in Jack Emmert posting as and representing the signature character will be changed, as Jack Emmert is part of Cryptic Studios still.

    Ex
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    I thought the announcement states that Cryptic is now NCsoft. So MS now deals with NCSoft on this issue.

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    The announcement states that NCsoft purchase City of Heroes &amp; City of Villains from Cryptic Studios.

    Cryptic Studios is also working on a project with Microsoft which is Marvel Universe Online a competitive product. NCsoft has nothing to gain from this venture.

    And... further clarification, it is SOE that is publishing DCU.

    So three publishers, three different IP's, three different pies. The only difference now is that Cryptic is part of the MUO/MS pie and no longer part of the COH/NCsoft pie.

    I hope that clears everything up.

    Ex
  16. [ QUOTE ]
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    This is interesting news and especially annoying if you paid to buy CoV for the extra slots and access to V within the past couple of days. I wonder what kind of compensation those people will get as a result of this because they bought something that they /really didn't need to buy/? (This isn't me, but someone I know.)

    Yes, CoV is still for sale on the PlayNC Site, I just checked. Very annoying.

    [/ QUOTE ]

    They get nothing. They deserve nothing. They paid for a product and got it.

    Of course CoV is still on sale. Some folks want the Villain splash screen instead of the other one.

    After this, it won't matter what you buy. You get the same game buying either CoV or CoH, and if you buy the GvE edition, you get the extra goodies that come with it.

    All can be found for 20 or less at your local store.

    [/ QUOTE ]

    With one month free!
  17. At this time all discussion regarding COH on consoles is merely speculation.

    Let's keep the discussion to the MMO, and what we do know and can answer with some assurance.

    Ex
  18. A note on the granting access to both versions of the game. The actual number of players who will benefit from this goodwill gift is not as high as most would speculate. We certainly appreciate the support of our subscribers and we hope to be making announcements soon that will benefit all characters in both COH &amp; COV.

    We hope our granting access to both sides isn't an issue of we don't care about you as players. We do care and we have great things that everyone will be able to use coming soon.

    This was more of a celebratory gift to any of our subscribers who had not yet ventured on to both sides of the game.

    In the end...Villains rule though and don't you forget it!

    Ex
  19. [ QUOTE ]
    What about pohsyb? He's a programmer and posted sometimes. Is he coming with us?

    [/ QUOTE ]

    Actually we acquired the whole COH team +1 pohsyb is coming with us!

    Ex
  20. [ QUOTE ]
    Here is a very important question...

    Since Ex_lib and the other community people are actually already NCSoft employees (right?), does that mean that they now have seniority on the Devs, who will in effect become the new guys? In that case, will the Devs have to assume the traditional new guy duties such as being sent out to pick up their dry cleaning or to go feed the parking meter for the community staff or other things of that nature?

    [/ QUOTE ]

    Actually all the employees that were on the Cryptic team have been brought over to NCsoft with their seniority. So other than me being one of the noobies, we have two others on the Cryptic team that started after me.

    Otherwise War Witch PWNZ us all on the seniority scale.

    Ex
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    Considering it's pretty much the same people running the show I don't see there being too many negative changes.

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    My concern is that it'll turn into SWG all over again. Publishers, so far, in my experience are more interested in getting bullet point features onto their marketting promotions and on packaging as possible rather than actually adding features that are of use and are of a high quality. Take a look at SWG and its development history, it has alot of 'features' but their half broken and the publishers didn't care because in the end it looks good from a marketting angle.

    Cryptic have proven themselves to have the attitude that if something is to be done, then it HAS to be done well. That kind of attitude is why I'd give any game they made a decent look because thats how games should be made. However NCSoft is a complete unknown except for Tabula Rasa which I have seen first hand and it smells of the same kind of attitude which dragged SWG into the gutter. Lots of features, not polished and features added which don't actually improve the experience for the player.

    While the development control is with the devs still the choices in where the budget is spent and where deadlines are made is more firmly in the hands of the publisher now, not the dev team.

    [/ QUOTE ]


    Tal,

    Your concerns are valid especially when comparing some other publishers and their decisions. However what you have failed to acknowledge is that NCsoft has been part of the equation of COH long before it was launched.

    COH has had a major impact on NCsoft's success over time. This move now merging the publishing/development teams into one core group is something that will actually make the development cycle smoother and allow for more open communication.

    Removing the barrier of two companies making a decision vs one company making the decision, especially involving a competitive product is really the biggest impact.

    At the end of the day, NCsoft is dedicated to doing what is best for COH/COV in the long run, this acquisition just made that dedication line even stronger.

    Ex
  22. [ QUOTE ]

    And EX: QUESTION ===

    What about the physical servers? Are they maintained by NC and just going to be where they are, or are there going to be days of moving physical hardware involved? (and at that point could you please chase the mice and dust bunnies out from under them, as they seem to chew the connections sometimes?)

    [/ QUOTE ]

    The servers and operations are all still intact and will not be re-localized from their current spots. We are however up for new hardware, so that is full of pure win right there.

    Ex
  23. [ QUOTE ]
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    So for the people that bought CoH and CoV what do we get.

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    Debt wipe and free prestige.

    [/ QUOTE ]

    And for those of us who already have both CoH/CoV, have zero debt, and aren't members of Supergroups?

    Out of curiosity, what do we get?

    -Buxley

    [/ QUOTE ]

    Time...to start working on your debt badges, make some friends, and...it's a sekrit!

    Ex
  24. [ QUOTE ]
    Probably a few stupid questions, but does this aquisition mean anything to us playing on the US servers from Europe? I'm guessing not, since I'm already sending my monthly $15 to the US NCSoft, but it'd still be nice to know.

    Also, since the press release mentioned possible new expansions, will it be possible to get a US update code if you already play the US version of the game? I remember there being some problems with getting US codes from Europe with the GvE add-on pack.

    Other than that I'm looking forward to seeing what NCSoft can do with the license. Sounds like you have interesting plans.

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    McNum, this was a great question, and one of the focuses will be a more robust and user friendly upgrade system. This is mainly for trial accounts being transitioned to retail, but I can also see tech development to cover the example you just mentioned.

    Ex
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    The players should be seeing more resources and development for the title they love and support.

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    When should we start seeing this? Is this something we'll notice right away or is this a soon(tm) kind of deal? Thanks!

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    Considering the whole team signed on, that only helps the sooner than later because we don't have to find replacements for any of the core members.

    We will be in transition while we settle in the new offices, so I'm not sure when we will be seeing the noticeable difference but I imagine within 6 months you will be seeing some great results.

    Ex