March 18, 2016 PCPowerPlay interview with Rich Lambert

tinythinker

In case you missed it: http://www.pcpowerplay.com.au/feature/interview-rich-lambert-creative-director-at-zenimax-online-studios,417158

It featured the importance of communication and player feedback.

Player feedback is absolutely something we take into account though when determining future fixes or new systems. One really important bit of feedback that we took to heart was that immersion and story are super important, but not at the expense of being able to easily play with a friend or significant other. We’ve spent a lot of time fixing player separation issues since launch and all of the new content we’ve built since then takes this feedback into account.

Every developer wants their games to do well, so at some level I’m sure everyone takes notice of player feedback. The key for us though has been to try and engage with the player base as much as possible. It’s not easy, and you can’t react or comment on every piece of feedback, but just letting them know that you are there, listening, is huge.

And for those debating how the game is doing in terms of numbers of players, there was this remark about going B2P:

Our player base has really taken to the new model and our overall player base has gone up significantly since the change.

SeptimusDova

I so miss the lol button. Tiny you have won the internet this day

Miwerton

At this point we can easily just say, that the devs are living in a seperate dimension where ESO actually worked. Or them just being delusional and puffing them self up like a pufferfish to inflate theyre egos.

Lysette

This interview could as well not be given at all, because it has no content whatsoever - it is an empty shell, he could be a politician, many words, no content - or pointless content where all can agree on, because it is common sense.

Edit: and his remarks in regards to player feedback reminds me of "husband-mode" - "Guess, you are right, darling" - "oh, indeed" - "do you really think so, why?" - as replies to anything his wife might say to him, without that he even listens - but he is "there" - that is what Mr. Lambert is pointing out here as well - they are "there" and might sometimes use feedback, if it is convenient - but it is not to expect, that any meaningful two-way communication will ever take place. They let us talk, just like a husband lets his wife do the whole talking.

SeptimusDova

Anytime I want Wife Aggro I tell her to take off her shoes and Go make me a Sammich. I now have her undivided attention. And not in a good way. Lysette you are right!

Jhunn

Lysette wrote: »

Edit: and his remarks in regards to player feedback reminds me of "husband-mode" - "Guess, you are right, darling" - "oh, indeed" - "do you really think so, why?" - as replies to anything his wife might say to him, without that he even listens - but he is "there" - that is what Mr. Lambert is pointing out here as well - they are "there" and might sometimes use feedback, if it is convenient - but it is not to expect, that any meaningful two-way communication will ever take place. They let us talk, just like a husband lets his wife do the whole talking.

This is quite good. +1 @Lysette.

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO

You guys wonder why they dont post a lot of the forums? This is why. Anytime they say anything you guys attack them. Not just a light constructive attack either but personal insults. So when you wonder why they dont post on these forums much go look in the mirror and say to that person "stop it!".

Kova

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO wrote: »

You guys wonder why they dont post a lot of the forums? This is why. Anytime they say anything you guys attack them. Not just a light constructive attack either but personal insults. So when you wonder why they dont post on these forums much go look in the mirror and say to that person "stop it!".

They should try putting us on "Ignore" then.


No, I get what you mean, but the community has had valid concerns for something that has become a large part of their lives and the administration as been silent on every major issue because they didn't want to lose sales. Then they come out with interviews like this that completely misappropriate their player base in order to attract more box sales.

Also, NOTHING in this thread is overly hostile, and I have seen some salty attacks before.I understand playing the devil's advocate, but when you want transparency from a thick hide, you must poke some holes.

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO

Kova wrote: »

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO wrote: »

You guys wonder why they dont post a lot of the forums? This is why. Anytime they say anything you guys attack them. Not just a light constructive attack either but personal insults. So when you wonder why they dont post on these forums much go look in the mirror and say to that person "stop it!".

They should try putting us on "Ignore" then.


No, I get what you mean, but the community has had valid concerns for something that has become a large part of their lives and the administration as been silent on every major issue because they didn't want to lose sales. Then they come out with interviews like this that completely misappropriate their player base in order to attract more box sales.

Also, NOTHING in this thread is overly hostile, and I have seen some salty attacks before.I understand playing the devil's advocate, but when you want transparency from a thick hide, you must poke some holes.

What have they been silent on again? As far as being "overly" hostile that isnt the point. Being hostile at ALL deters them from taking time out of their busy day to post here.

Miwerton

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO wrote: »

You guys wonder why they dont post a lot of the forums? This is why. Anytime they say anything you guys attack them. Not just a light constructive attack either but personal insults. So when you wonder why they dont post on these forums much go look in the mirror and say to that person "stop it!".

There are always going to be trolls in comment sections, if the devs are so easily distraugth by trolls that they are afraid of entering the forums, then something is really wrong with them. Then they say that they listen to people playing the game and theyre feedback, which we know is utter BS. Which in turns is only going to further the anger towards them. They have the power to fix up the multidute of errors that is ESO, but instead its like seeing someone trying to fix a fast growing toxic leak with duct tape, while theyre entire surrondings turns into some horrendus green stuff.

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO

Miwerton wrote: »

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO wrote: »

You guys wonder why they dont post a lot of the forums? This is why. Anytime they say anything you guys attack them. Not just a light constructive attack either but personal insults. So when you wonder why they dont post on these forums much go look in the mirror and say to that person "stop it!".

There are always going to be trolls in comment sections, if the devs are so easily distraugth by trolls that they are afraid of entering the forums, then something is really wrong with them. Then they say that they listen to people playing the game and theyre feedback, which we know is utter BS. Which in turns is only going to further the anger towards them. They have the power to fix up the multidute of errors that is ESO, but instead its like seeing someone trying to fix a fast growing toxic leak with duct tape, while theyre entire surrondings turns into some horrendus green stuff.

Its not they are afraid lol. Its that they arent going to communicate when all you guys can do is ridicule and attack them. I wouldnt talk to you either if all you do is whine and arent constructive.

Acrolas

Interviews are just carefully worded lip service. Especially email interviews, which are obvious by how long the sentences are and if there's ever a semicolon.

A semicolon means a lot of work has gone into yanking your chain.

Bars

Nearly two years on since launch, ESO is now looking like a very different game, and a lot of that comes down to player feedback

lmao next they will be saying they play their own game

Miwerton

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO wrote: »

Miwerton wrote: »

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO wrote: »

You guys wonder why they dont post a lot of the forums? This is why. Anytime they say anything you guys attack them. Not just a light constructive attack either but personal insults. So when you wonder why they dont post on these forums much go look in the mirror and say to that person "stop it!".

There are always going to be trolls in comment sections, if the devs are so easily distraugth by trolls that they are afraid of entering the forums, then something is really wrong with them. Then they say that they listen to people playing the game and theyre feedback, which we know is utter BS. Which in turns is only going to further the anger towards them. They have the power to fix up the multidute of errors that is ESO, but instead its like seeing someone trying to fix a fast growing toxic leak with duct tape, while theyre entire surrondings turns into some horrendus green stuff.

Its not they are afraid lol. Its that they arent going to communicate when all you guys can do is ridicule and attack them. I wouldnt talk to you either if all you do is whine and arent constructive.

Well of course people will riducule them, someone makes something horrible out of a franchise you like, of course most will hate them for it (case george lucas, for extreme ones). And a good portion of what they consider trolling, and or hostility is pretty close to laughable, its rarely single targeting out specific devs, but mainly as an all over aim at them as a whole, which in most cases is the result of theyre poor work perfomance, thus creating even more negavite critissism, if you cant handle something which is inevitable in any type off work, you really shouldnt be doing that, but rather find something else.

RDMyers65b14_ESO

Miwerton wrote: »

At this point we can easily just say, that the devs are living in a seperate dimension where ESO actually worked. Or them just being delusional and puffing them self up like a pufferfish to inflate theyre egos.

Have you ever considered that you are living in your own little bubble of your own making and don't have the data that is in ZOS ' hands. Just because you don't see everything doesn't mean it is not real.

Troneon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOCD_Jzre3c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o33iczl2PxE

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO

Miwerton wrote: »

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO wrote: »

Miwerton wrote: »

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO wrote: »

You guys wonder why they dont post a lot of the forums? This is why. Anytime they say anything you guys attack them. Not just a light constructive attack either but personal insults. So when you wonder why they dont post on these forums much go look in the mirror and say to that person "stop it!".

There are always going to be trolls in comment sections, if the devs are so easily distraugth by trolls that they are afraid of entering the forums, then something is really wrong with them. Then they say that they listen to people playing the game and theyre feedback, which we know is utter BS. Which in turns is only going to further the anger towards them. They have the power to fix up the multidute of errors that is ESO, but instead its like seeing someone trying to fix a fast growing toxic leak with duct tape, while theyre entire surrondings turns into some horrendus green stuff.

Its not they are afraid lol. Its that they arent going to communicate when all you guys can do is ridicule and attack them. I wouldnt talk to you either if all you do is whine and arent constructive.

Well of course people will riducule them, someone makes something horrible out of a franchise you like, of course most will hate them for it (case george lucas, for extreme ones). And a good portion of what they consider trolling, and or hostility is pretty close to laughable, its rarely single targeting out specific devs, but mainly as an all over aim at them as a whole, which in most cases is the result of theyre poor work perfomance, thus creating even more negavite critissism, if you cant handle something which is inevitable in any type off work, you really shouldnt be doing that, but rather find something else.

This is all simply opinion. You state it as fact. Yet this game just last month alone sold over 100,000 copies.

Also you could follow your own advice. Dont like the game noone is forcing you to play it.

Miwerton

RDMyers65b14_ESO wrote: »

Miwerton wrote: »

At this point we can easily just say, that the devs are living in a seperate dimension where ESO actually worked. Or them just being delusional and puffing them self up like a pufferfish to inflate theyre egos.

Have you ever considered that you are living in your own little bubble of your own making and don't have the data that is in ZOS ' hands. Just because you don't see everything doesn't mean it is not real.

If any work on zos part is of any indication what data they use, its of highly questionable quality. And finnaly zos is not some superior being of consciuesness. The way some act, you would think zos was some form of a god, incapeble of errors, well its wery much human, and as humans cappable of errors and mistakes.

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO

Miwerton wrote: »

RDMyers65b14_ESO wrote: »

Miwerton wrote: »

At this point we can easily just say, that the devs are living in a seperate dimension where ESO actually worked. Or them just being delusional and puffing them self up like a pufferfish to inflate theyre egos.

Have you ever considered that you are living in your own little bubble of your own making and don't have the data that is in ZOS ' hands. Just because you don't see everything doesn't mean it is not real.

If any work on zos part is of any indication what data they use, its of highly questionable quality. And finnaly zos is not some superior being of consciuesness. The way some act, you would think zos was some form of a god, incapeble of errors, well its wery much human, and as humans cappable of errors and mistakes.

Also as humans worthy of respect and not disdain.

Miwerton

yo

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO wrote: »

Miwerton wrote: »

RDMyers65b14_ESO wrote: »

Miwerton wrote: »

At this point we can easily just say, that the devs are living in a seperate dimension where ESO actually worked. Or them just being delusional and puffing them self up like a pufferfish to inflate theyre egos.

Have you ever considered that you are living in your own little bubble of your own making and don't have the data that is in ZOS ' hands. Just because you don't see everything doesn't mean it is not real.

If any work on zos part is of any indication what data they use, its of highly questionable quality. And finnaly zos is not some superior being of consciuesness. The way some act, you would think zos was some form of a god, incapeble of errors, well its wery much human, and as humans cappable of errors and mistakes.

Also as humans worthy of respect and not disdain.

That all depends unto a certain point, ignore the people for to long and not doing anything will cause them to lose respect and not treat them with any human kindness for none has been given to them. And as why anyone complain, is because they were hoping for a good game, but has just wasted away hours and money on something that heavily broken. *Gone untill ZOS combat team becomes at least adequete or replaced by better group*. Just want my moneys worth, like most.

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO

Miwerton wrote: »

yo

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO wrote: »

Miwerton wrote: »

RDMyers65b14_ESO wrote: »

Miwerton wrote: »

At this point we can easily just say, that the devs are living in a seperate dimension where ESO actually worked. Or them just being delusional and puffing them self up like a pufferfish to inflate theyre egos.

Have you ever considered that you are living in your own little bubble of your own making and don't have the data that is in ZOS ' hands. Just because you don't see everything doesn't mean it is not real.

If any work on zos part is of any indication what data they use, its of highly questionable quality. And finnaly zos is not some superior being of consciuesness. The way some act, you would think zos was some form of a god, incapeble of errors, well its wery much human, and as humans cappable of errors and mistakes.

Also as humans worthy of respect and not disdain.

That all depends unto a certain point, ignore the people for to long and not doing anything will cause them to lose respect and not treat them with any human kindness for none has been given to them. And as why anyone complain, is because they were hoping for a good game, but has just wasted away hours and money on something that heavily broken. *Gone untill ZOS combat team becomes at least adequete or replaced by better group*. Just want my moneys worth, like most.

No it doesnt depend up to a certain point. What you said sounds like something a child would mutter. Adults even if we dont agree can always agree to be civil towards one another. This is a game after all. Its not the end of the world. If it bothers you so much that you cannot keep control maybe the issue is with yourself and not the developers.

Kova

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO wrote: »

No it doesnt depend up to a certain point. What you said sounds like something a child would mutter. Adults even if we dont agree can always agree to be civil towards one another. This is a game after all. Its not the end of the world. If it bothers you so much that you cannot keep control maybe the issue is with yourself and not the developers.

When saying that one shouldn't personally attack someone and respect them, it's best not to personally attack them and disrespect them.

sadownik

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO wrote: »

Miwerton wrote: »

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO wrote: »

Miwerton wrote: »

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO wrote: »

You guys wonder why they dont post a lot of the forums? This is why. Anytime they say anything you guys attack them. Not just a light constructive attack either but personal insults. So when you wonder why they dont post on these forums much go look in the mirror and say to that person "stop it!".

There are always going to be trolls in comment sections, if the devs are so easily distraugth by trolls that they are afraid of entering the forums, then something is really wrong with them. Then they say that they listen to people playing the game and theyre feedback, which we know is utter BS. Which in turns is only going to further the anger towards them. They have the power to fix up the multidute of errors that is ESO, but instead its like seeing someone trying to fix a fast growing toxic leak with duct tape, while theyre entire surrondings turns into some horrendus green stuff.

Its not they are afraid lol. Its that they arent going to communicate when all you guys can do is ridicule and attack them. I wouldnt talk to you either if all you do is whine and arent constructive.

Well of course people will riducule them, someone makes something horrible out of a franchise you like, of course most will hate them for it (case george lucas, for extreme ones). And a good portion of what they consider trolling, and or hostility is pretty close to laughable, its rarely single targeting out specific devs, but mainly as an all over aim at them as a whole, which in most cases is the result of theyre poor work perfomance, thus creating even more negavite critissism, if you cant handle something which is inevitable in any type off work, you really shouldnt be doing that, but rather find something else.

This is all simply opinion. You state it as fact. Yet this game just last month alone sold over 100,000 copies.

Also you could follow your own advice. Dont like the game noone is forcing you to play it.

Heh yeah, most of it from steam during sale. If you count in steam pay off i doubt they earned much on it. But good for them, perhaps another 1 trillion reasons to play PR stun is on the way.

Miwerton

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO wrote: »

Miwerton wrote: »

yo

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO wrote: »

Miwerton wrote: »

RDMyers65b14_ESO wrote: »

Miwerton wrote: »

At this point we can easily just say, that the devs are living in a seperate dimension where ESO actually worked. Or them just being delusional and puffing them self up like a pufferfish to inflate theyre egos.

Have you ever considered that you are living in your own little bubble of your own making and don't have the data that is in ZOS ' hands. Just because you don't see everything doesn't mean it is not real.

If any work on zos part is of any indication what data they use, its of highly questionable quality. And finnaly zos is not some superior being of consciuesness. The way some act, you would think zos was some form of a god, incapeble of errors, well its wery much human, and as humans cappable of errors and mistakes.

Also as humans worthy of respect and not disdain.

That all depends unto a certain point, ignore the people for to long and not doing anything will cause them to lose respect and not treat them with any human kindness for none has been given to them. And as why anyone complain, is because they were hoping for a good game, but has just wasted away hours and money on something that heavily broken. *Gone untill ZOS combat team becomes at least adequete or replaced by better group*. Just want my moneys worth, like most.

No it doesnt depend up to a certain point. What you said sounds like something a child would mutter. Adults even if we dont agree can always agree to be civil towards one another. This is a game after all. Its not the end of the world. If it bothers you so much that you cannot keep control maybe the issue is with yourself and not the developers.

What you take out of context is that the devs have the power to change things, this is not 2 people on the same station disagreeing, this is where managment does poor choices and people below suffer the consequences of said descions.

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO

sadownik wrote: »

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO wrote: »

Miwerton wrote: »

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO wrote: »

Miwerton wrote: »

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO wrote: »

You guys wonder why they dont post a lot of the forums? This is why. Anytime they say anything you guys attack them. Not just a light constructive attack either but personal insults. So when you wonder why they dont post on these forums much go look in the mirror and say to that person "stop it!".

There are always going to be trolls in comment sections, if the devs are so easily distraugth by trolls that they are afraid of entering the forums, then something is really wrong with them. Then they say that they listen to people playing the game and theyre feedback, which we know is utter BS. Which in turns is only going to further the anger towards them. They have the power to fix up the multidute of errors that is ESO, but instead its like seeing someone trying to fix a fast growing toxic leak with duct tape, while theyre entire surrondings turns into some horrendus green stuff.

Its not they are afraid lol. Its that they arent going to communicate when all you guys can do is ridicule and attack them. I wouldnt talk to you either if all you do is whine and arent constructive.

Well of course people will riducule them, someone makes something horrible out of a franchise you like, of course most will hate them for it (case george lucas, for extreme ones). And a good portion of what they consider trolling, and or hostility is pretty close to laughable, its rarely single targeting out specific devs, but mainly as an all over aim at them as a whole, which in most cases is the result of theyre poor work perfomance, thus creating even more negavite critissism, if you cant handle something which is inevitable in any type off work, you really shouldnt be doing that, but rather find something else.

This is all simply opinion. You state it as fact. Yet this game just last month alone sold over 100,000 copies.

Also you could follow your own advice. Dont like the game noone is forcing you to play it.

Heh yeah, most of it from steam during sale. If you count in steam pay off i doubt they earned much on it. But good for them, perhaps another 1 trillion reasons to play PR stun is on the way.

Wow I didnt know they had Steam on the xbox and ps4.

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO

Miwerton wrote: »

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO wrote: »

Miwerton wrote: »

yo

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO wrote: »

Miwerton wrote: »

RDMyers65b14_ESO wrote: »

Miwerton wrote: »

At this point we can easily just say, that the devs are living in a seperate dimension where ESO actually worked. Or them just being delusional and puffing them self up like a pufferfish to inflate theyre egos.

Have you ever considered that you are living in your own little bubble of your own making and don't have the data that is in ZOS ' hands. Just because you don't see everything doesn't mean it is not real.

If any work on zos part is of any indication what data they use, its of highly questionable quality. And finnaly zos is not some superior being of consciuesness. The way some act, you would think zos was some form of a god, incapeble of errors, well its wery much human, and as humans cappable of errors and mistakes.

Also as humans worthy of respect and not disdain.

That all depends unto a certain point, ignore the people for to long and not doing anything will cause them to lose respect and not treat them with any human kindness for none has been given to them. And as why anyone complain, is because they were hoping for a good game, but has just wasted away hours and money on something that heavily broken. *Gone untill ZOS combat team becomes at least adequete or replaced by better group*. Just want my moneys worth, like most.

No it doesnt depend up to a certain point. What you said sounds like something a child would mutter. Adults even if we dont agree can always agree to be civil towards one another. This is a game after all. Its not the end of the world. If it bothers you so much that you cannot keep control maybe the issue is with yourself and not the developers.

What you take out of context is that the devs have the power to change things, this is not 2 people on the same station disagreeing, this is where managment does poor choices and people below suffer the consequences of said descions.

You do know this is a game right? Noone is suffering. The devs have a plan and a focus for the game. You can either come along for the ride or jump off. Your choice.

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO

Remember too 100,000 copies at around $50 each is $5 mil. They pay out the million at $50,000 a year which they make off the interest from those sales alone never mind if some of the 100,000 actually sub or buy a $20 horse. So really its a brilliant strategy that didnt really cost them a dime in the long run.

FloppyFrank

I don't even get why this @jamesharv2005ub17_ESO guy is still trying to defend ZOS.

jamesharv2005ub17_ESO

FloppyFrank wrote: »

I don't even get why this @jamesharv2005ub17_ESO guy is still trying to defend ZOS.

ZOS doesnt need me to defend them. I enjoy the game like many many other people. I like the direction they are going. I loved orsinium. Love thieves guild. Like I said before the game sales speak for itself.

Lysette

I mean a simple look at the Developer Discussion Forum tells you that they are in husband-mode - they might monitor what we have to say - but all we get is just "yes, indeed, we are looking into it" - "we definitely want to do this, but no ETA" - this is husband-mode - it fits to everything, they do not even have to look at what is said - it is just showing that they are "there" in the same sense as a husband is "there" - his body is, but not his mind.

And just like wifes get angry when they get aware of that he has switched to husband-mode and he gives a damn about what she has to say - in the same sense the player base gets angry at ZOS, if they feel that they are in husband-mode and give a damn about what we have to say - just stating to be "there", like Mr. Lambert suggest, is not enough, because it is just that - husband-mode - keep the community comfortable, while not listening and any comment is just an empty template like "but no ETA yet" - it is like if a wife asks her husband to take the trash out and he would say "of course, darling, I definitely want to do that, but no ETA yet" - this will be massive wife aggro incoming. And so is the community's reaction to these "no ETA" things.

Waffennacht

See imo the game is great and the salty posts prove it. Why?

Because for the most part it's all about the inner mechanics and not the game itself.

For example arguing about the OPness of stam vs magicka instead of, "my crosshairs never line up!"

Example: ill never play another dark souls game, the control mechanics made the game superficially difficult, aiming was horrid, movement was a pain etc... nothing about content, the game itself suxed imo. Not true (in lik 99%) of this game.

Or like the Dragon Age games, every single one of them as a way to male an immortal, (seriously) beast. I set that game on highest difficulty, went solo, and still undamageable (also tried allies with friendly fire on, still invincible)

So imo, outside of what I consider normal hiccups, the game is pretty strong.