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What is your Optimal Season Format?

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Iccotak
Iccotak
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NOTE: I edited the original post, which was a proposal for a new season model, to discuss something different but still related to the original topic

Original Post if you want to read for a little context
While I understand that the forums do not represent the majority of the player base I have noticed a pattern of posts & comments saying Greymoor, in fact previous chapters, offers too little for what they are priced at.

I have felt like this sometimes but I highly enjoyed the content regardless. in my opinion I think Zenimax has a good system for content released within the year, keeping the narrative enclosed in one year keeps a strong & consistent theme.

However, I really enjoyed the Daedric War arc that was hinted all the way back to Orisinium and finished in Summerset. There was build-up, intrigue, and a satisfying conclusion for a 2 year long journey.

I still think that the Elsweyr “Season of the Dragon” story arc was rushed. So how could we find the best of both worlds?

Let’s give an example of a 2 year period (8 quarters) click box to show
Note:
Prologue = Quest line that sets up next installment
Activity = Arena, Dungeon, etc

Year 1
Q1: Dungeons + Prologue
Q2: Chapter + Raid
Q3: Dungeons + Prologue
Q4: Story Zone + Activity

Year 2
Q5: Dungeons + Prologue
Q6: Story Zone + Raid
Q7: Dungeons + Prologue
Q8: Story Zone + Activity

It still much like what we have now but more story installments through 2 years instead of one.
This could allow stories more time to develop rather than rushed plot arcs.
Also Chapters would have more development time and by release have more to offer than what they do now.

my comment on the original post
What I would change?
For now keep it to 1 Year but release more content in the Q1 & Q3 updates
Q1: Prologue + Dungeons x3
Q2: Chapter + Trial
Q3: Prologue + Dungeons x3
Q4: Story Zone + Activity

3 dungeons more closely connected to the plot, it would not be necessary to do as to understand what is going on but they will be referenced and it will acknowledge if you did do that content, as well as possibly unlock a side quest.
A hopeful medium to satisfy both new & vet players.
"Activity" could be any solo or group activity to play; a Trial, a hard story boss mode, a solo or group arena, a horde mode, etc.

Revised Post
I think Zenimax has a good system for content released within the year, keeping the narrative enclosed in one year keeps a strong & consistent theme. I think a story told over 4 quarters has really strong potential, sounds good in theory.
They made it sound promising back in 2019 as "An Epic Saga"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLRCVt2CSXY&list=PL544E3ECCF3FB4203&index=23

However, in my opinion, even after playing the dungeons as well as the Chapter & Q4 Zone I felt the story was lacking in comparison to previous stories. You didn't need to play the dungeons to understand what was going on even more so for the Q3 DLC as they made no attempt (I think) to tie those stories in to the plot of Q4, but it was nice that they continue stories from past dungeons in vanilla.
The overall story arc, while enjoyable, felt rushed - like there should have been more quests in the Zones as well as in-between for Q1 & Q3.
I felt that they could have really done more with the year long story but instead took what could have been one chapter and stretched it across a year.

I have not played Greymoor yet so I have no opinion on it yet. But given your experience with the Chapters as well as the new Season format how would you change it, if you wanted to.
Let's say money wasn't a problem, that resources were available - what would your yearly content release plan look like?
Edited by Iccotak on June 2, 2020 7:18AM
  • Gythral
    Gythral
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    & it'll take 4 years to fix most of the bugs...
    “Be as a tower, that, firmly set,
    Shakes not its top for any blast that blows!”
    Dante Alighieri, The Divine Comedy
  • Iccotak
    Iccotak
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    Gythral wrote: »
    & it'll take 4 years to fix most of the bugs...

    I get that there’s bug frustrations right now but there’s always going to be bugs so let’s keep on topic please
  • Daemons_Bane
    Daemons_Bane
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    WoW releases on a 2 year period.. It's *** horrible.. A big no to that
  • eKsDee
    eKsDee
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    The chapters need more content and better value if they're to remain this expensive, so if this is the only way for Zenimax to achieve that, so be it.
  • gepe87
    gepe87
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    Yes. Or at least stop to release DLC dungeons...
    Gepe, Dunmer MagSorc Pact Grand Overlord | Gaepe, Bosmer MagSorc Dominion General

    If you see edits on my replies: typos. English isn't my main language
  • mikejezz
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    I think it's a little weak but I bought it for the pre order mount. You get the chapter for free if you wait a year so it is optional to get.
  • eKsDee
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    mikejezz wrote: »
    I think it's a little weak but I bought it for the pre order mount. You get the chapter for free if you wait a year so it is optional to get.

    It still doesn't excuse the fact that you're paying nearly the price of a triple-A game for an "expansion" that only offers maybe a day or two worth of content, with next to no game changing features.
  • JD2013
    JD2013
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    https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/529539/an-elephant-in-the-room/p1

    I'm quite flattered that my thread inspired a copy thread.
    Sweetrolls for all!

    Christophe Mottierre - Breton Templar with his own whole darn estate! Templar Houses are so 2015. EU DC

    PC Beta Tester January 2014

    Elder of The Black
    Order of Sithis
    The Runners

    @TamrielTraverse - For Tamriel related Twitter shenanigans!
    https://tamrieltraveller.wordpress.com/

    Crafting bag OP! ZOS nerf pls!
  • Destai
    Destai
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    I think what most people are getting at is that Greymoor specifically should have been delayed because of the performance issues and struggles surrounding Covid-related on their delivery. I'm perfectly with yearly releases under normal circumstances.

    But the splicing up of the year long content is WAY overpriced. Those two dungeons should be a part of the Chapter like they are for most other MMOs. It's just greedy.
  • dinokstrunz
    dinokstrunz
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    I've suggested in the past removing dungeon DLCs then include the dungeons that were part of those removed updates with the Chapter and the Q4 Story update. ZoS can push our smaller updates for bugs, balancing and performance tweaks in between if needed. These would increase the value of chapters and DLCs as they're becoming less and less valuable.
  • Mettaricana
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    Havent had a good dlc since orsinium they've all massively dropped in value content and story but gone up in price
  • AWinterWolf
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    Personally, I think they should fix all the bugs before releasing new content, otherwise it sort of feels like a distraction.

    'We have all these bugs, but here's a chapter/DLC to keep you entertained.'
    @AWinterWolf, PC EU.

    Main character: Healer, CP 1300+,
    Completed:
    vSS (Ice & Fire HM)
    vMoL Trifecta
    TTT
    vKA HMs
    vBRP
    All Dungeon Trifectas.

    Favourite quote:

    History is a story written by the victors, who often paint themselves the best of lights.
  • LuxLunae
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    They need people to be in the PTS and comment about the bugs, broken builds, etc in the bug reporting tab inside the PTS game...NOT the pts forums as the forums are dead. I was not able to participate in the greymoor pts because I was somewhere getting software engineering training. However, they ended the contract due to covid 19. Interestingly enough I was put into full stack and software testing. I was having so much fun building the back end, front end and making the tests for it. At first when I was cut, I thought it was a bad thing. Then I realized I would actually be on the automation testing side and not the software building side. I could apply for another job and get more than the contract offered.

    Now why is that important? What I learned was, one makes test to put against the system. It will either pass them or fail them. However, the test are MADE by US. If we don't think of a test to make, how can we test it? That's where the pts comes in and the various comments.

    DO NOT PUT IT ON THE FORUMS. Forums are the last place the devs will look.

    Also some people on the PTS go on to find a broken build/ exploit and log off. They hope that it will go live so they can use the hell out if it knowing zos won't do anything about it for at least 3 months.
  • Kalik_Gold
    Kalik_Gold
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    I wouldn't mind once a year and skip the Spring and Fall dungeon releases... combine it all into one release.
    Main: (PvP & PvE)
    Ras Kalik a Redguard Templar, the Vestige

    PvP:
    Aurik Siet'ka a Redguard Necromancer
    Cacique the Sage of Ius a Redguard Warden
    Jux Blackheart a Redguard Nightblade
    Goliath of Hammerfell a Redguard Dragonknight
    Kaotik Von Dae'mon a Redguard* Sorcerer

    PvP: (Specialty)
    Tyrus Septim an Imperial Lycan Sorcerer
    Tsar af-Bomba a Redguard Vampiric Nightblade
    Movárth Piquine a Nord Vampiric Necromancer
    Uri Ice-Heart the Twin a Nord Vampiric Warden

    PvE:
    Cinan Tharn an Imperial Dragonknight
    Bates Vesuius of Dawnstar an Imperial Dragonknight
    Herzog Zwei the Genesis an Akavari* Templar
    Tav'i at-Shinji a Redguard** Warden
    Lucky Hunch the Gambler - a Redguard Nightblade

    Leveling...
    Zenovia at-Tura a Redguard** Sorcerer
    Yesi af-Kalik a Redguard Templar
    Voa a Priest of Sep a Redguard* Necromancer
    ======
    Passives of another race used. (RP)
    *Breton
    **Imperial




    __________________________Backstories:_________________________

    Ras Kalik the Vestige, a renown Redguard warrior; He has been blessed to save Tamriel from Molag Bal’s destructive Planemeld while reuniting the Five Companions. His further accomplishments after defeating Molag Bal, has been to stop the destruction of Morrowind, the Clockwork City, return order to the isle of Summerset and create a new king in Wrothgar and a queen in Elsywer. These events have made him a living legend and continue to lead him into new adventures throughout Tamriel, as well as into the hearts of many ladies including the Elf Queen, Aryenn. Over many years of adventurous travels, Ras Kalik had become a loner, until he re-visited his homeland of Alik'r.

    Alik'r and it's cities were overrun by the undead Ra-Netu and therefore he made an allegiance with Alik'r's own Ash'abah tribe. These Ash'abah with his help, cleansed the city of Sentinel in Alik'r desert and it's surrounding areas of the undead brought to life by the Withered Hand. After rescuing Sentinel from the undead zombies, King Fahara’jad’s personal bodyguard the Goliath of Hammerfell, who was given this name by Imperials in the region; was asked to assist the tribe after learning of the defeat of the Withered Hand to the Ash'abah. Kalik promised Goliath he would task him with fighting living enemies on the battlefield if he so desired. Goliath being a Yokudan warrior wields a massive sword in respect to the Ansei, a gift given by the Imperial, Cinan Tharn. Not many soldiers are able to wield double two handed weapons, but Goliath loves to get up and personal in a fight, so he also carries a giant maul, both weapons laced with magical flames.

    Jux Blackheart is a master thief that masquerades as a Bard at the Sisters of the Sands inn, with his younger sidekick Lucky Hunch for pilfering and gambling during this time. Jux was known to infiltrate any towns bank vault he came across and even delved into Ayelid ruins without detection. Kalik can vividly recall the night he met the famed thief. Jux found himself rummaging thru a slightly inebriated Kalik’s pocket for too long, on a full-mooned night and because of his greed and the glimmer of his golden armor in the moonlight. He lost his left pinky fingertip as a lesson! But in return, he gained a new friend, as it was his first time since a child being caught red-handed...

    Upon arrival back in the Alik'r after many moons of adventuring, Ras Kalik ventures to Bergama. Visiting The Winking Jackal, he runs into Jux Blackheart, who introduces him to the coin game Crowns vs Forebearers (Heads vs Tails) and Golden Dwemer (RBG).... Jux constantly takes gold from the unfortunate thru theft or gambling, his biggest gambling victim is actually his partner in crime known as Lucky Hunch the Gambler. Lucky doesn't mind losing any gold coins to Jux... as Jux saved him from Altmer slavers in Summerset, by stealing a key and sending him on a boat to the mainland years prior. Lucky spent years in slavery with Khajiits in Summerset and picked up the art of subterfuge, using illusion magic disguises and stealing there.

    Kaotik Von’Daemon an outcast, and a half-caste between a Breton mother and a Redguard father. Kaotik become a pariah due to his conjuration of Daedra pets. He was taught healing magic during his childhood years by his Breton mother. His father due to Redguard customs exiled him from the desert, sending him by wagon caravan to be a soldier in the war in Cyrodiil. He happened to meet Kalik while traveling from Alik'r, during this long caravan ride the caravan he was in was ambushed in Bangkorai by a group of bandits. Kalik by chance was also traveling thru this area on his Auridon Warhorse (which was bestowed to him by his friend, Darien Gautier). During this ambush, Kalik was able to rescue five hostages from the bandits. Kaotik was the first rescued, and Ras Kalik also recruited him to be in the Ash'abah tribe. These core Ash'abah tribesmen may never be seen together in travel as they partake in their own adventures but they always know what each other is doing; as they frequent a hideout in northern Bankorai. Their hideout an old Orc castle ruin, is kept watch by Nuzhimeh and she passes messages written between them, and frequently they also enjoy her company and her bed.

    The other men rescued were a Dunmer banker, an Imperial mercenary and two other soldiers, an Imperial and a Breton Knight, stating proudly he was an Akavir descendent. One of the Imperials, Cinan, claimed to be related to Abnur Tharn the Battlemage of the Imperial Elder Council (One of Ras Kalik's mentors in the Five Companions). Cinan Tharn was really Abnur's drunkard treasure hunting illegitimate son. He was caught smuggling artifacts out of the Ayleid ruins in Cyrodiil and the elder of the two Imperials was Tyrus Septim a retired Imperial navy battle-mage (now a Lycan mercenary living in the city of Rimmen) and guard to the Tharn family. As much as Abnur Tharn hated his half-sister Euraxia, he dislikes his bas†ard son Cinan more. Tyrus now a ruffian and privateer had been paid by Abnur Tharn to watch over Cinan as much as possible. Cinan Tharn a drunkard, loves to drink at least a quarter barrel of Nord mead before he raids various delves and dungeons for relics to sell on the black market. Cinan also plans to one day, run an illegal gambling ring... which he thinks will net him more gold for his wares.

    The Dunmer captive shackled to the Imperials looked familiar to Kalik from his time in Morrowind.... and he recognized him as Tythis Andromo a House Telvanni slave-owner and banker from Vvardenfell. During a rough interrogation to Tythis, Ras Kalik learnt why the bandits accosted him. The racist Dunmer was providing slaves as soldiers for the Three Banner War. The bandits were trying to negotiate a lucrative ransom for Andromo and the Imperials.... Kalik did not need any of this gold and he could never set Tythis free as he did with the two Imperial soldiers. His past involvement with slavery and war crimes, made Kalik's blood boil. He chose not to execute Tythis, as he figured the worse punishment for this former rich and opulent slave owner, is to now be an imprisoned servant for Ras Kalik and the tribe.

    Herzog Zwei the Genesis a reknown Imperial/Akavirri battle-mage. His roots going back to Akavir through his mother’s bloodline. (His mother is descended from the Akaviri, through Versidue-Shae, and his Imperial father met her in Hakoshae, while traveling) Herzog earned the nickname "the Genesis" from his father as a child, as he was his mother's first born child, and last, as she tragically died in child-birth.

    Herzog was seeking to purchase an artifact from Cinan Tharn, before their capture and was meeting Tyrus while in Rimmen, who introduced him to Cinan. This artifact being the Ayelid artifact; the sword Sinweaver. After their rescue and the exchange of gold to Cinan for the sword he decided to slip away before Ras Kalik could question who he was, and why the Akavir descendant really wanted that sword. Herzog was headed to Nagastani — An Ayleid ruin in eastern Cyrodiil. He had read in scrolls that the Sword would give him magical powers to meet his mothers spirit, if he performed an Ayleid ritual at an old shrine hidden there. Equipped with the artifact sword, he was off to start his own adventure but Ras Kalik, did indeed notice the sword however and instead sent a letter to Jux Blackheart (whom also was interested in Ayleid treasures), to attempt to find Herzog and acquire the sword. (*Azani Blackheart in Elder Scroll's Oblivion is Jux's descendant some 747 years later)

    And so the Redguard, Imperial and Akaviri men parted ways ... While Ras Kalik went off to Elsweyr to encounter the latest threat to Tamriel, with Abnur Tharn and Sai Sahan - - DRAGONS!! Little did Ras Kalik know a few people were awaiting him in Senchal besides Sai. A necromancer survived his attack on the Withered Hand, while in Alik'r. The necromancer known as Auriek Siet'ka is also following him to the land of the Khajiits and Cacique the Sage of Ius a Shaman mystic who has become attuned spiritually with Tu'whacca (a Redguard God) and Ius (the Animal God), after being burned severely by the escaped dragons in Elsywer, is awaiting his arrival also. Aurik is a soldier of the Daggerfall Covenant that was introduced to necromancy while in the military, even though this magicka art is not spoken of openly by most of the Military leaders. He came to Alik'r and worked with the Withered Hand before Ras Kalik intervened on their plans. After the defeat of the Withered Hand, he aligned with the Worm Cult, and is constantly adapting and perfecting his necromantic arts.

    After his journey to Rimmen, Kalik heads south to Senchal, in the southern regions of Elyswer. This new adventure will also put him on a path to meet a strange Redguard man. The stranger which was infected with an untreated Peyrite disease and also was the exiled from the Order of the New Moon cult, due to his sickness. He originally joined the cult to worship Laatvulon, the green dragon, mistakenly thinking it was the Daedric prince Peyrite. This confused and suffering cultist is known as Tsar al-Bomba and he is on a path to spread the disease. He was originally infected in Orccrest while recruiting members there. Can Ras Kalik and the shaman Cacique cure this poor soul, only time will tell. Little does Tsar al-Bomba know, that his infection is tied to Vampirism, and eventually the desire for blood will take over his mind. Senchal also offers Kalik his latest love interest... Aeliah. Whom he fondly led thru battles with the Dragonguard.

    After the trek thru the heat, tropical and desert climate of Northern and Southern Elyswer, Ras Kalik heads north to the cold mountain range of Skyrim. His companion friend Lyris beckons for him with a letter sent by crow...

    Movárth Piquine - a former vampire hunter (now infected), within the Fighter's Guild (and a secretive necromancer) was in Skyrim working with the Morthaal Guard. On a patrol mission he was caught in Frewien's ice curse outside of Morthaal with the frozen undead. Movárth's vampiric infection kept him from becoming an undead minion to the curse. He was able to use necromantic ice-magic to encase himself safely until he was freed with Freiwen, when the Vestige Ras Kalik broke the curse.

    Uri Ice-Heart - brother of Urfon Ice-Heart. The twin sons of Atli and Oljourn Ice-Heart. The Ice-Heart family are originally from Markarth but now reside on the Jerall Mountain range near Cyrodiil, with their younger sister Araki. The twins had joined the Winterborn Reachmen while living in Markarth. Urfon pushed west to Orsinium with the Winterborn Clan, leaving his family behind. Uri stayed behind with his parents and sister to live in the family cabin for safety, avoiding the Vampire plague infiltrating the Reach. After news reaches him and he hears of Urfon's death... Uri leaves and heads home and is seeking vengeance. Meanwhile, his sister has also moved on to Windhelm to join the Fighter's guild. He will visit his sister, once before going to seek vengeance and she will craft him armor mixed with ice, called Stalhrim armor. Uri fearing death, after his brother's passing, falls victim to the convincing talk of Movárth at a Nordic tavern, and will also becomes a vampire.

    {time moves forward through the hour-glass}
    PS5/NA - Ras Kalik a Redguard Templar - Daggerfall Covenant • 1550+ Champion

  • Lord_Eomer
    Lord_Eomer
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    No 1 year is fine, they need financials to run and will not listen to stupid ideas.

    This game is not pay 2 win like other MMORPG also WOW requires subscription but ESO not.
  • Reverb
    Reverb
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    Pretty sure their accountants would say “no” to that.
    Battle not with monsters, lest ye become a monster, and if you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you. ~Friedrich Nietzsche
  • Iccotak
    Iccotak
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    Updated post with new discussion
  • Noxavian
    Noxavian
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    Destai wrote: »
    I think what most people are getting at is that Greymoor specifically should have been delayed because of the performance issues and struggles surrounding Covid-related on their delivery. I'm perfectly with yearly releases under normal circumstances.

    But the splicing up of the year long content is WAY overpriced. Those two dungeons should be a part of the Chapter like they are for most other MMOs. It's just greedy.

    not to mention the absolute tragedy that is the vampire rework.

    It needed a LOT more time in the oven, so to speak.
  • Noxavian
    Noxavian
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    Lord_Eomer wrote: »
    No 1 year is fine, they need financials to run and will not listen to stupid ideas.

    This game is not pay 2 win like other MMORPG also WOW requires subscription but ESO not.

    The top three MMOs aren't pay 2 win. This game isn't special in that regard.

    And I think you'd find more people would be willing to give more money to the game if they had just a bit more time to make chapters.... Lol.
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