ESO Confirms Content Development will slow down in 2015 after Tamriel Unlimited is Launched

Bouvin

BBSooner wrote: »

Id consider vet dungeons as content since they alter the instance creatures (and in some cases the environment) instead of just adding 0's to the base values of the normal values. Whether it's "enough" is up to the player, I'm just saying though.

IMO Vet dungeons should have been part of release.

But I guess sprinkling a few "New and Exciting Vet Dungeon" every couple of updates does a good job of "making it look like" they are adding content.

We might have to agree to disagree about this one.

Bouvin

Ommamar wrote: »

I also do agree that ZoS did a solid job of following a schedule of updates up until 1.6. Think about how difficult it is for an inexperienced team to pull of a launch-able MMO then continue to develop it based on the feedback they receive.

I don't know if I'd call them inexperienced, as most of the devs are coming from companies who released titles like Warhammer Online, Dark Ages of Camelot, Age of Conan... etc.

ArconSeptim

Bouvin wrote: »

Not that they ever hit the 4-6 week mark in 2014, but Matt Frior has confirmed it will slow down even more in 2015 on the reddit AMA.

http://www.reddit.com/r/elderscrollsonline/comments/2tfb48/welcome_to_the_eso_tamriel_unlimited_aua/cnym1sh

We are not going to keep up our 2014 pace of updates in 2015 - and our future update pace will focus more on new adventures and game experiences than system changes. It's time to let the game breathe a little - we've done so many new features so quickly that we want to make sure everyone is on the same page with us. 1.6 alone has a complete rebalancing of most player abilities - we don't want to do that again, for example. Our #1 priority right now is getting Tamriel Unlimited launched on PC, and then focusing on a successful console launch. While we do those things, we have other teams already working on DLC and expect to see that start rolling out at some point after console launch settles down.

..1.6 is going to be the last major update before console launch, for obvious reasons. We will continue to do interim updates as necessary. As Paul said in another thread on this AMA, we're now developing for 4 platforms at once, and it is inherently more complex. We're committed to having content hit all the platforms at roughly the same time, so it will necessarily slow things down a bit.

Well One year is a lot of time ahead and the first quarter will be fulfilled with the 1.6 but for the rest of the year if the content gets overused and starts getting boring, I don't know how many people will be active, 4 updates per year are not enough I don't know how much more they will have till 2016. this is not League of Legends...

Languish4567

BBSooner wrote: »

Id consider vet dungeons as content since they alter the instance creatures (and in some cases the environment) instead of just adding 0's to the base values of the normal values. Whether it's "enough" is up to the player, I'm just saying though.

They are not adding new vet dungeons, delves, or new areas in 1.6 just new systems, aka justice, CP, and crown. None of these things are new content, if you are a maxed character with maxed gear you are getting nothing, with the exception of a need for intense amounts of grinding to get 3600 CP. Which essentially means at least 8 months of subscriptions with nothing new to do except grind.

Bouvin

Languish4567 wrote: »

BBSooner wrote: »

Id consider vet dungeons as content since they alter the instance creatures (and in some cases the environment) instead of just adding 0's to the base values of the normal values. Whether it's "enough" is up to the player, I'm just saying though.

They are not adding new vet dungeons, delves, or new areas in 1.6 just new systems, aka justice, CP, and crown. None of these things are new content, if you are a maxed character with maxed gear you are getting nothing, with the exception of a need for intense amounts of grinding to get 3600 CP. Which essentially means at least 8 months of subscriptions with nothing new to do except grind.

Exactly.

Plus the gap between 1.5 and 1.6 (not even released yet) is HUGE.

And 1.6 is only game mechanics and cash shop.

In my eyes they've really failed to deliver on their promises, and now it's all about a money grab.

Brittany_Joy

Bouvin wrote: »

Ommamar wrote: »

I also do agree that ZoS did a solid job of following a schedule of updates up until 1.6. Think about how difficult it is for an inexperienced team to pull of a launch-able MMO then continue to develop it based on the feedback they receive.

I don't know if I'd call them inexperienced, as most of the devs are coming from companies who released titles like Warhammer Online, Dark Ages of Camelot, Age of Conan... etc.

That is the problem, those games got outshined by WoW. The same minds who created a suboptimal game are on this one. Did they change? Are they less old school and more about innovation, convenience, and fun! As I look at ESO there is some change but not much. The devs need to change their mentality about gaming if they want ESO to succeed instead of going further into the ditch.

THammer

Bouvin wrote: »

Not that they ever hit the 4-6 week mark in 2014, but Matt Frior has confirmed it will slow down even more in 2015 on the reddit AMA.

http://www.reddit.com/r/elderscrollsonline/comments/2tfb48/welcome_to_the_eso_tamriel_unlimited_aua/cnym1sh

We are not going to keep up our 2014 pace of updates in 2015 - and our future update pace will focus more on new adventures and game experiences than system changes. It's time to let the game breathe a little - we've done so many new features so quickly that we want to make sure everyone is on the same page with us. 1.6 alone has a complete rebalancing of most player abilities - we don't want to do that again, for example. Our #1 priority right now is getting Tamriel Unlimited launched on PC, and then focusing on a successful console launch. While we do those things, we have other teams already working on DLC and expect to see that start rolling out at some point after console launch settles down.

..1.6 is going to be the last major update before console launch, for obvious reasons. We will continue to do interim updates as necessary. As Paul said in another thread on this AMA, we're now developing for 4 platforms at once, and it is inherently more complex. We're committed to having content hit all the platforms at roughly the same time, so it will necessarily slow things down a bit.

Their schedule and explanation for the delays sound reasonable.
Some folks complain too much. They added lots of changes in the first year. More content is coming...

Ommamar

Bouvin wrote: »

Ommamar wrote: »

I also do agree that ZoS did a solid job of following a schedule of updates up until 1.6. Think about how difficult it is for an inexperienced team to pull of a launch-able MMO then continue to develop it based on the feedback they receive.

I don't know if I'd call them inexperienced, as most of the devs are coming from companies who released titles like Warhammer Online, Dark Ages of Camelot, Age of Conan... etc.

Well of two of those games listed one failed due to stubbornness and bad decisions. The other had to adjust its revenue stream. So while there where experienced people involved I think that people steering the over all direction of this game where inexperienced and likely not listening to those who did have some experience.

starlizard70ub17_ESO

It's begining to look more and more like those of us who have had subs since the begining, should keep our subs until right after Mar 19th. Get our bonus and time served crowns, then unsub until actual added content is released. When it's released then decide if it's worth subbing (ie renting) for the new content or just buying to own it permenatly. The +10% bonus to xp, gold, etc, means nothing to those of us who already have a crafter and a VR14 charactor.

NOTE, this comes from someone who actually supports ESO, so I'll wait and see how this is going to work. But if new content, (new land, quests, dungeons), is slowed down to once or twice a year, I can't see it worth paying a $180 sub per year for it.

Gyudan

starlizard70ub17_ESO wrote: »

It's begining to look more and more like those of us who have had subs since the begining, should keep our subs until right after Mar 19th. Get our bonus and time served crowns, then unsub until actual added content is released. When it's released then decide if it's worth subbing (ie renting) for the new content or just buying to own it permenatly. The +10% bonus to xp, gold, etc, means nothing to those of us who already have a crafter and a VR14 charactor.

I fully agree with this.

Bouvin

Gyudan wrote: »

starlizard70ub17_ESO wrote: »

It's begining to look more and more like those of us who have had subs since the begining, should keep our subs until right after Mar 19th. Get our bonus and time served crowns, then unsub until actual added content is released. When it's released then decide if it's worth subbing (ie renting) for the new content or just buying to own it permenatly. The +10% bonus to xp, gold, etc, means nothing to those of us who already have a crafter and a VR14 charactor.

I fully agree with this.

This is what I did with LoTRO when they switched. Subbed just long enough to get my loyalty points, then unsubbed and bout any DLC later with the banked points.

Of course, LoTRO treated their long-time subscribers a lot better during the switch and gave them enough points to actually do something with.

100 crowns per sub month is pretty much a slap in the face from ZOS considering that 1 month sub gets 1,500 points.

Ethona

starlizard70ub17_ESO wrote: »

It's begining to look more and more like those of us who have had subs since the begining, should keep our subs until right after Mar 19th. Get our bonus and time served crowns, then unsub until actual added content is released. When it's released then decide if it's worth subbing (ie renting) for the new content or just buying to own it permenatly. The +10% bonus to xp, gold, etc, means nothing to those of us who already have a crafter and a VR14 charactor.

NOTE, this comes from someone who actually supports ESO, so I'll wait and see how this is going to work. But if new content, (new land, quests, dungeons), is slowed down to once or twice a year, I can't see it worth paying a $180 sub per year for it.

I have found the answer to my O/comment and thus have removed my answered statements.

ZOS_Ridout 12 points 2 days ago

XP was not adjusted down to push ESO Plus. Those bonuses are intended to be a 'thank you' for those committed players.

jpatek0501ub17_ESO

Somnariffic:Did the fact that you were going B2P slow down the release of new content? Is that why there has been so little since the summer?

ZOS_Sage
Anything we add to the game does cost dev time, so the answer is "yes." That said, 1.6 has a huge number of changes, and all of those changes, Champion, Balance Changes and Justice had far more to do with it than our Crown Store. This is a big update!

LoL?...

Bouvin

Ommamar wrote: »

Bouvin wrote: »

Ommamar wrote: »

I also do agree that ZoS did a solid job of following a schedule of updates up until 1.6. Think about how difficult it is for an inexperienced team to pull of a launch-able MMO then continue to develop it based on the feedback they receive.

I don't know if I'd call them inexperienced, as most of the devs are coming from companies who released titles like Warhammer Online, Dark Ages of Camelot, Age of Conan... etc.

Well of two of those games listed one failed due to stubbornness and bad decisions. The other had to adjust its revenue stream. So while there where experienced people involved I think that people steering the over all direction of this game where inexperienced and likely not listening to those who did have some experience.

The only one I'd say didn't really fail was DOAC.

It had just been out for so long that interest started to disappear.

Honestly, DOAC was/is one of the best MMOs ever and set the standard for a lot of MMOs today.

You can even still play DAOC and Ultima Online, although they are now run by a company called Broadsword.

nerevarine1138

Bouvin wrote: »

I'd like to reiterate. Updates =/= Content.

Content is when you get new playable areas.

New Game Mechanics =/= Content.

Content is new playable areas.

New Items in the Cash Shop =/= Content

Content = Playable Areas

Wrong. Wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong.

You may not like some of that other content, but all those things are content. Your personal tastes don't affect what is actually considered game content.

Ourorboros

In the year 2525, if man is still alive, we get Thieves Guild and Dark Brotherhood.

Bouvin

nerevarine1138 wrote: »

Bouvin wrote: »

I'd like to reiterate. Updates =/= Content.

Content is when you get new playable areas.

New Game Mechanics =/= Content.

Content is new playable areas.

New Items in the Cash Shop =/= Content

Content = Playable Areas

Wrong. Wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong.

You may not like some of that other content, but all those things are content. Your personal tastes don't affect what is actually considered game content.

Okay. Well you have fun "playing" the cash shop.

Or "playing" the new ultimate generation mechanic.

nerevarine1138

Bouvin wrote: »

nerevarine1138 wrote: »

Bouvin wrote: »

I'd like to reiterate. Updates =/= Content.

Content is when you get new playable areas.

New Game Mechanics =/= Content.

Content is new playable areas.

New Items in the Cash Shop =/= Content

Content = Playable Areas

Wrong. Wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong.

You may not like some of that other content, but all those things are content. Your personal tastes don't affect what is actually considered game content.

Okay. Well you have fun "playing" the cash shop.

Or "playing" the new skill morphs.

I will have oodles of fun playing the new Justice System. I will also have bucketloads of fun playing in the new Champion System. If I get really wild, I may even have fun playing with the new provisioning recipes.

It's insane how much fun you can have if you stop treating the game as your job.

HippieTheGreat

Well saw this coming a mile away, but still disappointed. I'll definitely take my time playing with the stuff in update 6 though

This does solve my problem about the ESO+ thing though. No new content til after June, means I'll save myself the sub fee

Gidorick

starlizard70ub17_ESO wrote: »

It's begining to look more and more like those of us who have had subs since the begining, should keep our subs until right after Mar 19th. Get our bonus and time served crowns, then unsub until actual added content is released. When it's released then decide if it's worth subbing (ie renting) for the new content or just buying to own it permenatly. The +10% bonus to xp, gold, etc, means nothing to those of us who already have a crafter and a VR14 charactor.

NOTE, this comes from someone who actually supports ESO, so I'll wait and see how this is going to work. But if new content, (new land, quests, dungeons), is slowed down to once or twice a year, I can't see it worth paying a $180 sub per year for it.

That's what I'm thinking as well. I don't care about pretty horses or chefs aprons or a meager 10% bonus....

Feidam

starlizard70ub17_ESO wrote: »

It's begining to look more and more like those of us who have had subs since the begining, should keep our subs until right after Mar 19th. Get our bonus and time served crowns, then unsub until actual added content is released. When it's released then decide if it's worth subbing (ie renting) for the new content or just buying to own it permenatly. The +10% bonus to xp, gold, etc, means nothing to those of us who already have a crafter and a VR14 charactor.

NOTE, this comes from someone who actually supports ESO, so I'll wait and see how this is going to work. But if new content, (new land, quests, dungeons), is slowed down to once or twice a year, I can't see it worth paying a $180 sub per year for it.

This is the benefit of the new pay model. You now that option instead of just paying a sub if you feel it's not worth it.

Ommamar

Bouvin wrote: »

Ommamar wrote: »

Bouvin wrote: »

Ommamar wrote: »

I also do agree that ZoS did a solid job of following a schedule of updates up until 1.6. Think about how difficult it is for an inexperienced team to pull of a launch-able MMO then continue to develop it based on the feedback they receive.

I don't know if I'd call them inexperienced, as most of the devs are coming from companies who released titles like Warhammer Online, Dark Ages of Camelot, Age of Conan... etc.

Well of two of those games listed one failed due to stubbornness and bad decisions. The other had to adjust its revenue stream. So while there where experienced people involved I think that people steering the over all direction of this game where inexperienced and likely not listening to those who did have some experience.

The only one I'd say didn't really fail was DOAC.

It had just been out for so long that interest started to disappear.

Honestly, DOAC was/is one of the best MMOs ever and set the standard for a lot of MMOs today.

You can even still play DAOC and Ultima Online, although they are now run by a company called Broadsword.

I agree with that I really enjoyed DAoC. I tried to play it a few years ago but found the community hard to break into so not as fun when I had so many friends to play with.

Iago

this was inevitable. what really concerns me is that they have been on able to take care of the bugs that have been around since beta and Apache is big is 1.6 might fix a few bugs but its going to break a lot of things and introduced a whole bunch of old and new bugs.


they can't even take care of bugs on the computer platform how do you think you're going to have to do when they deal with the PlayStation the Xbox and computers



its going to be a nightmare so they're going to have to add a lot of fluff and give away a bunch of superficial garbage they keep their players playing.

and if this is obvious to me I know damn well zos knows this too.

Khivas_Carrick

I'm ok with this. The reason I'm ok with this is what I read, and read again in between the lines and saw what they meant.

Mostly up until now we have seen nothing but system updates and changes, minor *** to semi major *** to balance things, fix a thing or two with the exception of the two Craglorns and a couple Vet Dungeons.

Now that the game is going to be balanced out finally (read: hopefully) they're going to focus on actual adventure content and ***. Idk you, but I'm down for that

Ahdora

You guys waiting for new content, like..

olemanwinter

nerevarine1138 wrote: »

Wrong. Wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong.

You may not like some of that other content, but all those things are content. Your personal tastes don't affect what is actually considered game content.

Just curious. Do new bugs = content?

Marthenil

Well, by the time consoles launch, it will be, what, 10 months? since actual content release. Let's all keep doing Vet dungeons with that 0.0001% chance to get actual rewards and SO.

Or maybe look for a new MMO.

Marthenil

nerevarine1138 wrote: »

Bouvin wrote: »

nerevarine1138 wrote: »

Bouvin wrote: »

I'd like to reiterate. Updates =/= Content.

Content is when you get new playable areas.

New Game Mechanics =/= Content.

Content is new playable areas.

New Items in the Cash Shop =/= Content

Content = Playable Areas

Wrong. Wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong.

You may not like some of that other content, but all those things are content. Your personal tastes don't affect what is actually considered game content.

Okay. Well you have fun "playing" the cash shop.

Or "playing" the new skill morphs.

I will have oodles of fun playing the new Justice System. I will also have bucketloads of fun playing in the new Champion System. If I get really wild, I may even have fun playing with the new provisioning recipes.

It's insane how much fun you can have if you stop treating the game as your job.

A justice system that might not have actual PvP elements (As per the AmA).
Skillmorphs that you use to do what? Grind? Do the same thing over and over again? Clear SO for the 79506903940th time? Do another dungeon, the very same ones you did for quite some time now?
Well, your concept of fun surely is a strange one.

Mithe

Kevingway wrote: »

As much as I agree with the general consent of anti-B2P, I have to defend his statement here. The pace of updates thusfar, excluding Craglorn and vet dungeons, has been major system overhauls. I believe what he's saying is that the pace of system overhauls will slow as they collect data on where all of these changes end up, as balance has probably been turned upside-down by 1.6. After collecting data, they'll be able to tweak as they go, but they feel comfortable enough with 1.6 that it won't be as broken as the game's initial release.

That being said, I hope DLC is released in a consistent but slower manner; I don't feel like shelling out $20 per month on content that I otherwise would have gotten for $15 per month.

Well if you continue to subscribe you would get access to all DLC by just paying that sub.

So in regard to people wishing to subscribe and get all content (aside from cash shop cosmetics/shortcuts) you will still be able to do so

Mithe

Ommamar wrote: »

Well that term content development is the argument point. Does it mean balancing/fixing things that where in the game? They did this. Does that mean adding more end game content? Craglorn, trials, undaunted pledges and a new leveling system shows they did this. Did they have everything in the game they had projected at release or even at the moment? I don't think any one to include the developers believe that is so.

From what has been said, i assume that updates like Craglorn will be DLC, and updates like the justice system, champion system, provisioning revamp for example will be free updates.

Whether this influences the frequency of charged vs free updates is what im curious to see