Suggestion for repopulating the EU servers
By
Dante,
Posted on: 2010-04-01 05:11 in Suggestions and Ideas
It actually makes sense your chatting. if it helps to increase the population then i'm for it tbh
Quote:
So your argument is that EU should get something for free simply because they have fewer servers to choose from, and your counter to the argument that it's not fair is simply saying that it is in fact fair? You're not doing all that good of a job of convincing anyone or anything or the need for it. Just because you say it's fair (and operating under the assumption that any significant portion of the people that no longer play will be operating at max character slot capacity so that they would actually have some use for the extra character slots) doesn't mean that it's even remotely true.|
Originally Posted by Scarlet Shocker
Yeah I know many across the pond would then be up in arms: "The EU are getting free slots, no fair!" Actually very fair - and benefits the game as a whole.
|
Something else you should ask yourself is, if this is going to benefit the EU servers, why not just do the exact same thing to the American servers as well? If you honestly believe that it's going to bring back that many people to the game, why not do it to the larger market as well (which would actually make it fair because both sides are getting the same thing), especially since you can reasonably assume that the proportion of people that sign back up are probably equal on both sides.
Honestly, I don't see much reason. A vast majority of the people I know don't even use up the existing slots on one of their servers. The only people I know of that have filled up the slots on the servers are those that have been playing forever, so they already know what the game is getting. You can't simply assume that those slots will actually be used by someone that stopped playing, especially when you're attempting to draw back players that stopped playing a while ago and likely didn't use up their existing slots when they were playing.
Personally -
Well, I agree with Umbral, somewhat. If it benefits the game by doing so for one group, why not benefit the whole game by doing so for both? Not in the name of "fairness," just - oh, common sense, I suppose. Why not get everyone excited?
Of course, the flip side of this is that I've seen several posts by EU (English server) players that they've already used up all their slots. I can't help but wonder if the French and German servers are in worse shape in that regard - in which case, extra slots won't help. If the population won't support (financially, I don't mean players going "yes, please!") extra servers there - have we gotten official word about why or why not a server *list* merge (no more EU/NA) couldn't be done? I think that'd benefit the EU side more than slots. (Yes, even non-English. French and French-speaking Canadian, for instance, would have a few more people to play with. German... well... )
(I want to say we have, but heck if I can remember it.)
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Umbral
So your argument is that EU should get something for free simply because they have fewer servers to choose from, and your counter to the argument that it's not fair is simply saying that it is in fact fair? You're not doing all that good of a job of convincing anyone or anything or the need for it. Just because you say it's fair (and operating under the assumption that any significant portion of the people that no longer play will be operating at max character slot capacity so that they would actually have some use for the extra character slots) doesn't mean that it's even remotely true.
Something else you should ask yourself is, if this is going to benefit the EU servers, why not just do the exact same thing to the American servers as well? If you honestly believe that it's going to bring back that many people to the game, why not do it to the larger market as well (which would actually make it fair because both sides are getting the same thing), especially since you can reasonably assume that the proportion of people that sign back up are probably equal on both sides. Honestly, I don't see much reason. A vast majority of the people I know don't even use up the existing slots on one of their servers. The only people I know of that have filled up the slots on the servers are those that have been playing forever, so they already know what the game is getting. You can't simply assume that those slots will actually be used by someone that stopped playing, especially when you're attempting to draw back players that stopped playing a while ago and likely didn't use up their existing slots when they were playing. |
There are plenty of EU players who have maxed out.. It was an entirely common phenomenon before we could buy new slots and several people had more than one account as a result - In these straightened times that's far less feasable.
Why not give them across the board? Because the NA servers have plenty more to choose from to begin with. Not necessary - there are mechanisms in place for those playing on the NA servers to boost their numbers - the recent free server transfers benefitted the NA players way more than the EU, simply because they could shuffle much more readily. We didn't have that luxury. Moving from one server to another almost full server or to a place where you don't speak the language?
The North American players can reach servers where there's a healthy population to play with at peak times currently. Sadly that's not generally the case any longer in the EU. The numbers of those logged on are well down on a year ago and have declined steadly in the four years I've been playing. This is one way of addressing that balance in conjunction with the biggest release for the game since I6.
Finally, your post has mostly been attacking my suggestion for suggesting that it's ok to be unfair in one regard, but you've not actually looked at the suggestion in the round. Explain to me how it could harm the game if you believe it's a bad idea. If it doesn't work as well as hoped, very little is lost, but it could be a very positive incentive.
Thelonious Monk
Bill, War Witch alluded to something in the works, but was able to give scant information on it.
Quote:
Now, when she says "merge the servers" is she referring to the oft asked for 'single server environment' or what many of us would like to see 'merging the server lists'? The "in-game" comment seems to lean towards this, and it would negate the need for extra slots on the EU side.
|
Originally Posted by War Witch
Hey everyone,
Now that I have got some more official information from our publishing/marketing teams in Europe, I figured Id give you a quick update. I'll paraphrase as best I can. This isnt just from me (because you guys already know that I love you), but the EU community is very important to both Paragon Studios and NCsoft as a whole, and have always been passionate about making sure you have a great time in the game. Everyone involved is committed to making sure that you feel loved and appreciated, and I hope that starts to come across, especially as we ramp up marketing and PR for Going Rogue. In fact, Ive been told that NCsoft is about to announce a number of distribution partners that will sell and promote Going Rogue in Europe, including offering the prepurchase program that kicked off earlier this month. Youre also about to start seeing a lot more coverage of Going Rogue on your favourite gaming websites, blogs, press outlets, and advertising as the expansion nears its launch date. (Ok, that sounded kind of marketing-ish, but it's pretty much verbatim what they said.) Next up: the box. This is a big issue and I know some of you are pretty cheesed about it. So here is the information I got (which shouldnt come as a surprise, really): because the game is online, and our consumers are predominantly online, it makes business sense to distribute online. Most MMO gamers in the EU are very net savvy and comfortable purchasing/downloading online. So NCsoft sells online because that is how more and more people are buying games, and we do get most of our new players from online distribution. There are boxes on the shelves in the U.S. because, from a distribution perspective, there is more demand herea much lower percentage of people in the US have broadband compared to the EU. (I didn't know that part.) Plus online distribution and production is much less complicated in the US, with only a single language version and a handful of major retailers and distributors, versus three languages and dozens of distributors in Europe. So there are no plans for a box on shelves in EU, but you will see Going Rogue available soon in a variety of digital stores across Europe. Before you scream at me, remember, this isnt something I have any say in. Im just the messenger, so dont shoot me! (If it were up to me, however, Id have a box. Thats just me. No I dont have the pull to get one. No, I dont understand all the financial/technical issues behind it. Yes Im shooting my mouth off. But I did ask, and point out - several times - that it sure would be nice.) As someone who prefers a box, I get your frustration; although now that I think of it, I did just buy software digital-only, so Im kind of a hypocrite. Last topic: servers. Yes, the EU servers feel underpopulated at times, and that makes it harder to group. Last year we merged the forums to bring the EU and US communities together. There are, however, no plans to merge the servers, but we are looking at designing an in-game system that will help solve the problem. One of my big personal goals is bringing people together, and this will help with that agenda. (How's that for vague? What can I tell you, it's "in development.") Anyway, I'm sure they're not all the answers you wanted to hear, but at least you have "an official word" now, which was the goal of the exercise. So that is progress.  War Witch |
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Memphis_Bill
Personally -
Well, I agree with Umbral, somewhat. If it benefits the game by doing so for one group, why not benefit the whole game by doing so for both? Not in the name of "fairness," just - oh, common sense, I suppose. Why not get everyone excited? Of course, the flip side of this is that I've seen several posts by EU (English server) players that they've already used up all their slots. I can't help but wonder if the French and German servers are in worse shape in that regard - in which case, extra slots won't help. If the population won't support (financially, I don't mean players going "yes, please!") extra servers there - have we gotten official word about why or why not a server *list* merge (no more EU/NA) couldn't be done? I think that'd benefit the EU side more than slots. (Yes, even non-English. French and French-speaking Canadian, for instance, would have a few more people to play with. German... well... ) (I want to say we have, but heck if I can remember it.) |
How would extra slots not help? If you've got a max of 12 (maybe more if you've paid for them) and you're maxed out on all of them, how could being given 5 extra slots not benefit you? If nothing else it has the potential to entice someone back to play the game until they've filled all those slots wtih 50s
Thelonious Monk
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Red Valkyrja
Bill, War Witch alluded to something in the works, but was able to give scant information on it.
Now, when she says "merge the servers" is she referring to the oft asked for 'single server environment' or what many of us would like to see 'merging the server lists'? The "in-game" comment seems to lean towards this, and it would negate the need for extra slots on the EU side. |
I'm pretty sure if there'd been a list merge possible, she'd have mentioned it but her emphatic response indicates nothing's changing.
Thelonious Monk
I suggest more bunny costumes for multiplication.
Quote:
and how long will that last? until they fill those slots? which could be anywhere from 1 month-1 yr? more slots are not the answer. sorry to tell you that. and before you go all "you just hate EU", i in fact do not hate the EU and would like to see them do something for them, but more slots is not one of them.
|
Originally Posted by Scarlet Shocker
How would extra slots not help? If you've got a max of 12 (maybe more if you've paid for them) and you're maxed out on all of them, how could being given 5 extra slots not benefit you? If nothing else it has the potential to entice someone back to play the game until they've filled all those slots wtih 50s
|
Quote:
how would it hurt to give it to the us as well? i sorta understand your point, give them something that would entice them back. but why not for both? if it might work for the eu, then it might work for the us as well.
|
Originally Posted by Scarlet Shocker
How would extra slots not help? If you've got a max of 12 (maybe more if you've paid for them) and you're maxed out on all of them, how could being given 5 extra slots not benefit you? If nothing else it has the potential to entice someone back to play the game until they've filled all those slots wtih 50s
|
Quote:
it doesn't matter if you give slots or not. once they are filled, the people who left due to not having more slots will leave again. what is going to keep them? nothing. and i highly doubt that the devs would want to keep giving out free slots to keep people that weren't going to stay anyways.
|
Originally Posted by GlubGlub
how would it hurt to give it to the us as well? i sorta understand your point, give them something that would entice them back. but why not for both? if it might work for the eu, then it might work for the us as well.
|
Quote:
yeah, that's why i sorta understand. it may get them back, but like you said, once they are filled who knows. maybe they will stay because they see that gr is too good to miss, or whatever. i just don't understand why only the eu should get the free slots if ncsoft decides to go with something like this
|
Originally Posted by Sharker_Quint
it doesn't matter if you give slots or not. once they are filled, the people who left due to not having more slots will leave again. what is going to keep them? nothing. and i highly doubt that the devs would want to keep giving out free slots to keep people that weren't going to stay anyways.
|
Quote:
to be honest, the best idea i have heard yet is to merge the EU and NA servers(not into 1 server but into what we have now). this will let the EU's that want more people to play with enjoy themselves. it also does away with having to lose there vet status which alot of them would leave over.
|
Originally Posted by GlubGlub
yeah, that's why i sorta understand. it may get them back, but like you said, once they are filled who knows. maybe they will stay because they see that gr is too good to miss, or whatever. i just don't understand why only the eu should get the free slots if ncsoft decides to go with something like this
|
Quote:
I'm working on it but my daughter's too young to play yet beyond slapping the keyboard and smearing peanut butter down it. |
Originally Posted by The_Coming_Storm
I suggest more bunny costumes for multiplication.
|
As much as I welcome the ideas for boosting numbers on the EU servers, I do think this would create more grief amongst the community than good. I remember the hell that was caused when Union got a DXP weekend but Defiant didn't. I feel this would cause some resentment between NA and EU players.
As an EU player, I don't feel that it's unfair that NA players get more servers, they simply have more people to accommodate. It would be like adding an extra server to the EU, all it would do is spread the people thinner. A lure back to try Going Rogue would be good so perhaps a reactivation weekend some time after GR hits would be nice but at the moment, I am waiting to see what 'solution' War Witch was hinting at.
Still, suggestions for helping our community to grow are always good to debate.
@Dante EU - Union Roleplayer and Altisis Victim
The Militia: Union RP Supergroup - www.themilitia.org.uk
The OP has a good point to raise, and it might help EU bring some life back to their servers. It sounds like something worth considering.
I'm guessing the lives of those living in the US would probably not be considerably shortened, or worsened, by EU players getting a modest increase in the number of character slots made available to them in a computer game.
Unless, of course, the dreaded "Slot flu" catches hold on both sides of the Atlantic because of this epic change in transatlantic commerce. In that case, tragedy would ensue.
I dont think adding more slots would help.
I DO think a Server List merge would help.
Why? Well, for a start there would be no more 'This side or that' feeling. NA vs EU, or whatever. There would also be no more confusion over buying a code/upgrade pack, only to find it only works on the other side.
In the past I was very much against it, possibly due to ingnorance and naivety 
I think there may be a technical reason for it not happening atm...which is a shame. But, as far as I can make out (which admitedly isnt all that great) a server list merger would be the best way to help out, possibly on both sides.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Zwillinger
GG, I would tell you that "I am killing you with my mind", but I couldn't find an emoticon to properly express my sentiment.
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Captain_Photon
NOTE: The Incarnate System is basically farming for IOs on a larger scale, and with more obtrusive lore.
|
Quote:
If you've filled up all 36 slots, how are 5 more going to help you? That's what I mean by maxed out. And yes, I've seen several posts like that since the forum merge, a situation brought about by having so few servers.
|
Originally Posted by Scarlet Shocker
How would extra slots not help? If you've got a max of 12 (maybe more if you've paid for them) and you're maxed out on all of them, how could being given 5 extra slots not benefit you? If nothing else it has the potential to entice someone back to play the game until they've filled all those slots wtih 50s
|
Quote:
A server list merge would also be a great time to update the server selection page. Say, grouping servers by world location. We've got 'east coast' and 'west coast' servers over here, but most people don't know which is which. Hell, I couldn't tell you without looking it up.
|
Originally Posted by Techbot Alpha
I dont think adding more slots would help.
I DO think a Server List merge would help. Why? Well, for a start there would be no more 'This side or that' feeling. NA vs EU, or whatever. There would also be no more confusion over buying a code/upgrade pack, only to find it only works on the other side. In the past I was very much against it, possibly due to ingnorance and naivety I think there may be a technical reason for it not happening atm...which is a shame. But, as far as I can make out (which admitedly isnt all that great) a server list merger would be the best way to help out, possibly on both sides. |
http://www.fimfiction.net/story/36641/My-Little-Exalt
Quote:
Yes but a server list merge isn't on the cards.|
Originally Posted by Techbot Alpha
I dont think adding more slots would help.
I DO think a Server List merge would help. Why? Well, for a start there would be no more 'This side or that' feeling. NA vs EU, or whatever. There would also be no more confusion over buying a code/upgrade pack, only to find it only works on the other side. In the past I was very much against it, possibly due to ingnorance and naivety I think there may be a technical reason for it not happening atm...which is a shame. But, as far as I can make out (which admitedly isnt all that great) a server list merger would be the best way to help out, possibly on both sides. |
Hence I'd like to see something done to improve things in the EU.
Thelonious Monk
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Memphis_Bill
If you've filled up all 36 slots, how are 5 more going to help you? That's what I mean by maxed out. And yes, I've seen several posts like that since the forum merge, a situation brought about by having so few servers.
|
Under my proposal it would be 10, 5 per server.
It gets people back in time for them to experience GR and then (assuming the content's good enough) they will stay and perhaps even buy more slots.
My proposal isn't a universal panacea - it's one suggestion that I believe would help reinvigorate the EU servers.
War Witch has expressly said that there are no plans for a sever merge - and as things currently stand in the highly unlikely scenario that a list merge took place any returning EU players with maxed acounts would be forced to play on a new server to play GR content - or buy more slots.
If a server list merge takes place the EU servers would become more ghostly than Triumph.
Thelonious Monk
Quote:
you still havn't answered the question though. how would it hurt you if the us got the same free slots? why make it just for the eu?|
Originally Posted by Scarlet Shocker
Under my proposal it would be 10, 5 per server.
It gets people back in time for them to experience GR and then (assuming the content's good enough) they will stay and perhaps even buy more slots. My proposal isn't a universal panacea - it's one suggestion that I believe would help reinvigorate the EU servers. War Witch has expressly said that there are no plans for a sever merge - and as things currently stand in the highly unlikely scenario that a list merge took place any returning EU players with maxed acounts would be forced to play on a new server to play GR content - or buy more slots. If a server list merge takes place the EU servers would become more ghostly than Triumph. |
i am not for or against it in any way. i havn't filled all the slots on any of the servers, but some have, and i don't understand the thinking of giving it to eu only.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by GlubGlub
you still havn't answered the question though. how would it hurt you if the us got the same free slots? why make it just for the eu?
i am not for or against it in any way. i havn't filled all the slots on any of the servers, but some have, and i don't understand the thinking of giving it to eu only. |
I've addressed that a few times but essentially the basic need is greater in the EU... and it would also benefit the EU a lot more if they felt some special love from NC. We have traditionally only ever been treated as an afterthought - and NC effectively having zero presence in the EU now - which leaves many players in Europe worried for the fate of the game - it would be a very welcome, positive signal that the EU actually matters to the company.
It's not simply about the additional slots per se. It's also about NC demonstrating they actually do care about the EU.
Thelonious Monk
Quote:
What makes you think a handful of free character slot tokens for EU only is any more "on the cards" than a server list merge?|
Originally Posted by Scarlet Shocker
Yes but a server list merge isn't on the cards.
|
The devs haven't said anything about a list merge, but neither have they ever said anything about preferential treatment to the EU. I don't know of any dev post stating the technical or legal infeasibility of the list merge (though I could be wrong), but that's the only reason that I personally would make such a blanket statement.
http://www.fimfiction.net/story/36641/My-Little-Exalt
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Fleeting Whisper
What makes you think a handful of free character slot tokens for EU only is any more "on the cards" than a server list merge?
The devs haven't said anything about a list merge, but neither have they ever said anything about preferential treatment to the EU. I don't know of any dev post stating the technical or legal infeasibility of the list merge (though I could be wrong), but that's the only reason that I personally would make such a blanket statement. |
War Witch has posted and ruled out any merge.
This is a suggestion
Thelonious Monk
Ok we've had a long discussion about the fate of the EU servers. Many of you across the other side of the pond may will be oblivious to it but there's a good number of EU players who rightly feel a strong sense of inequality between the two markets - a very heavy bias in favour of the North American servers.
I'm not proposing to get into that debate here. We've had it in the thread I am linking to - but I posted a reply in that thread and it struck me that a great way to reinvigorate the EU servers would be simple: Give every EU account 5 slots per server for free. Then tie it in with a Free Activation Week just before GR hits.
That's right. Gratis. Zip. For NOTHING. Simply out of the Goodness of NCSoft's proverbial heart.
So why? What's the benefit?
Simply this: Players, past and present will get notified in time for GR, and will be encouraged to get into the game, check out their shiny new free slots, make some new toons and see everyone else doing the same - as GR lands and there's a natural influx of returning and new players. Those who've not played for a long time can then see the changes to the game, can use their free slots to explore the new zones and get a taster. Of those returning, I bet a good number would reactivate their account - and probably buy GR into the deal.
This would also help to address a fundamental inequality between the EU and the NA servers. In the EU if you only speak one language, you are limited to at best 2 servers. If you only speak French or German (you're probably not reading this) you only get one server. 12 Slots in a native state. In NA, you get 11 servers (I believe may be out a bit there) but with 12 slots per server... doesn't take a genius to work out the difference.
The beauty of this is that it actually costs Paragon Studios almost nothing. Sure, they lose revenue from selling 5 extra slots but they weren't gonna get that revenue anyhow. It means that the EU can encourage players back and each account could potentially hold 41 slots per server. It's not giving away the earth but it does mean a nice goodwill gesture that would have real benefits for the EU revenue stream.
Yeah I know many across the pond would then be up in arms: "The EU are getting free slots, no fair!" Actually very fair - and benefits the game as a whole.
Thelonious Monk