Craig Morrison, the new Game Director for Age of Conan has posted a lengthy outline of upcoming changes and updates for the game, including details on server merges, Ymir's Pass and the PvP update.

Today I wanted to take the opportunity to go over some of the updates, changes and developments you will see in the game over the coming weeks and months. Hopefully this will give you a little insight into what order things are being addressed in and what sequence you will see the new content arrive in.

There are two things on the immediate horizon that will very soon be on the test server for public testing in the shape of Ymir’s Pass and the second stage of the PVP update. There are a couple of things I want to address on these.

Firstly Ymir’s Pass is a large zone and has quite a bit of content to test. This may mean that it stays on the test server through several updates on live. We have the ability not to include a given playfield when we build new versions for live, which means that this testing won’t hold up the release of the other new content and Ymir’s Pass will still get the time on the test server that it needs. We want the experience to be as good as possible for its release and feel the public testing phase is important in that. We hope to be bringing the playfield to the test server shortly, and we all hope you will enjoy the many varied encounters it brings.

Then there is the second stage of the PVP update that brings with it the consequence system. This new system allows for players PVP actions to have real consequences in the world, and it will greatly enhance the entire PvP experience in Conan. As you know the system is meant to bring repercussions for repeated evil behaviour (i.e. killing players outside of your level range), so should you chose to “gank” other players, a whole new gameplay area opens up! For one, it will result in you no longer being welcome in many parts of the game-world, but in its place you will have to rely on a newly arrived network of camps and areas that function with a little more moral ambiguity. This is very true to the essence of the Conan lore, and a change I think many players will find intriguing.

Another aspect which has popped up in the forums recently is whether we are going to do a server merge or not, and I can today confirm that we are actively working on an approach to merge servers, both in Europe and North America. It’s important for us to ensure the best gameplay experience for you all, and more healthy populations on each and every server will make sure we maintain healthy communities for the game in the future. Still, there are many complexities involved in this, and we want to ensure that everything happens as fair and streamlined as possible. That work has now started, and we are naturally making sure that guilds and players can get to new servers in the best possible way. We will come back with more info on this, but I hope that this will serve as a positive injection to the social scene in the game.

Read more here.

What a breath of fresh air Craig Morrison brings to Age of Conan!

If you read the responses to Craig's post on the official forum, it's quite obvious that his efforts as well as his ability to focus on the specifics of what the player community want most is much appreciated by all.

The one nagging thing that bothers me is something he can't really do much about and that is how much time it will take to actually get Age of Conan to release quality.  Even DX-10 looks like a long way off.

Oh well, it's positive encouragement from the man in charge -- a true gamer, a guy who cares, a person who comes off as seriously caring about and listening to us who will do whatever it takes to help us make Age of Conan the MMO we know it can become.

Yep, too bad it is probably too late.  With all of AoC's regional servers I don't know how they will appropriately merge the servers.

Age of Conan needs 8 servers total not a merge into 24 from 49.

Chickens are Roosting. Game Over

Too little, too late.

Well, this is coming from someone who has become vehement in his hatred against Age of Conan, but this is some fresh air to me.

Ever since the game came out, the stuff I saw gradually got worse and worse, hell I remember reading about the Murderer system, which seemed completely out of place in Conan's lore. Yet now, it makes sense to me. I remember reading that it was just any player in general would get you points unless they were a criminal, and that when you become a murderer you are screwed unless your grind/wait. Now you are just forced outside of society. I dont know if that was planned before Gaute left, but oh well, I'm actually considering trying this game now lol

Edit: I do agree though, sadly this change was a little too late, four-five months seems too long to finally get the game on track. I may hate Funcom, but at least this guy seems smart though.

Originally posted by Cursedsei

Well, this is coming from someone who has become vehement in his hatred against Age of Conan, but this is some fresh air to me.

Ever since the game came out, the stuff I saw gradually got worse and worse, hell I remember reading about the Murderer system, which seemed completely out of place in Conan's lore. Yet now, it makes sense to me. I remember reading that it was just any player in general would get you points unless they were a criminal, and that when you become a murderer you are screwed unless your grind/wait. Now you are just forced outside of society. I dont know if that was planned before Gaute left, but oh well, I'm actually considering trying this game now lol

 

Edit: I do agree though, sadly this change was a little too late, four-five months seems too long to finally get the game on track. I may hate Funcom, but at least this guy seems smart though.

AoC could offer free money to people for signing back up -- it just isn't going to happen.  AoC is dead.

The new director is finaly turning AoC around and pointing it in the right direction.

Unfortunately, this should have happened 3 months ago, Funcom has spent 4 months constantly ignoring its customers, and concentrating their efforts into wide spread nerfing, instead of addressing the glaring issues in basic gameplay.

The steadily declining population has finaly forced them to take action, but as others have said, "too little, too late". They will fix the game, and it will probably be very enjoyable, but some folks already have a bad taste in their mouth concerning Funcom, it will take a massive effort on the developers part just to maintain the population they have now. Funcom will have to offer some mighty money losing promotions to get ex-players to even think about re-subbing. I know it would take at least a free month to get me to think about resubbing, I may even hold out until they offer some nice in-game goodies to sweeten the pot.

Bottom line: MMO developers pay attention; unloading a steaming pile on your customers, and then ignoring their suggestions and input is a sure fire way to lose your investment, just because past MMOs have been released buggy and incomplete, doesn't mean that the maturing gamers will except that type of crap now days. The genre has matured, and the players have matured, it is now time for MMO developers to mature as well.

Originally posted by corpsman77

Originally posted by Cursedsei

Well, this is coming from someone who has become vehement in his hatred against Age of Conan, but this is some fresh air to me.

Ever since the game came out, the stuff I saw gradually got worse and worse, hell I remember reading about the Murderer system, which seemed completely out of place in Conan's lore. Yet now, it makes sense to me. I remember reading that it was just any player in general would get you points unless they were a criminal, and that when you become a murderer you are screwed unless your grind/wait. Now you are just forced outside of society. I dont know if that was planned before Gaute left, but oh well, I'm actually considering trying this game now lol

 

Edit: I do agree though, sadly this change was a little too late, four-five months seems too long to finally get the game on track. I may hate Funcom, but at least this guy seems smart though.

 

AoC could offer free money to people for signing back up -- it just isn't going to happen.  AoC is dead.

 

 

Quite frankly, it's getting really *OLD* to hear people serving endless gallons of *WHINE* with their cheese singing the blues about how they got screwed when they bought the FunCom hype for Age of Conan. 

Too many of you, sadly, bought the FunCom sizzle (what Age of Conan can and will be) and got pissed off with the actual delivery -- the steak (what FunCom released as Age of Conan on 20 May 2008).

Okay, it's sad too many of you folks got sucked in to a game that, more than 5 months after release, is still a closed beta product.

But what's even more sad is the fact that many of you, in your ire, demonstrate the conviction to cut off your nose to spite your face -- not being able to see the potential about how great the Age of Conan MMO will be.

I say "will be" because, as bad as FunCom's track record has been, Craig Morrison's track record is solid, professional and successful.  Anyone who's followed his career (you just have to reflect on his achievements with Anarchy On Line) knows -- and has no doubt -- that Age of Conan will be a solid and successful MMO that will deliver on all it's promises and more.

I quit after closed beta ended and the "TestLive" server went up (about a month after release).  I'll come back to Age of Conan, in a New York Minute, after FunCom offers me a release quality product.

If you can't see the vision, sucks to be you.

Damage is done, too late.  When will FC ever learn ?  They did the same with AO which turned to be a great game (i played it for 2 years) but it seems FC always think they know better than the player base when they launch a new game, which cause them to go and never come back.

My eyes and ears are open but still a wait and see.

Originally posted by Aguitha

Damage is done, too late.  When will FC ever learn ?  They did the same with AO which turned to be a great game (i played it for 2 years) but it seems FC always think they know better than the player base when they launch a new game, which cause them to go and never come back.

Well it looks like they are learning now and dealing the best way for the customer or interested party.

Delivering information that is neccessary for its paying playerbase to know, and anyone else interested - meaning that anyone reading it is essentially interested too.

Roadmap is layed out and presented in good fashion now, we all know where we stand and can easily base decisions of interest with regards to the game in a more constructive manner.

I for one appreciate the direction the game is taking under new management, and looking to the future, there is always a pause not only for relfection but to deal with the tasks at hand. With change you get this, Funcom aren't pissing and moaning about the past they are doing the best they can right now with what they have under different refreshing circumstances.

Sticking to their roadmap and not promising things under they are near completion will help alleviate issues for all too.

This is an excellent start, the only way is forward and I'm looking forward to what the future entails.

AmazingAvery unless the Norwegian goverment comes to the rescue the stock holders are going to can the whole thing. I really do not see the goverment saving a game company, they have an end of the year report coming soon and they will not be able to spin out of that.

I wish him luck.  Certainly is going to need it. 

Originally posted by Elsabolts

AmazingAvery unless the Norwegian goverment comes to the rescue the stock holders are going to can the whole thing. I really do not see the goverment saving a game company, they have an end of the year report coming soon and they will not be able to spin out of that.

You know companies can be very stable and profitable without being listed as publicly traded. How long has FC being listed? how many game companies out there are not listed and have profitable games, cough, Turbine, Mythic Pre EA, CCP (EvE) etc etc. How long has AO being going without the company being listed? If FC go de-listed its is definately not the end and some of you wish for, it might be a bit tough for them but definately not the end of the world.  Sorry to break it to you.

So many people are so completely unappreciative of the game they have in AoC it seriously disgusts me.  No it's not perfect, and although I HATE it when I see someone say 'go back to WoW' it seems to be all I can think of when I see so many lil babies whining so damn much and doomsaying left and right.  Working towards a great game and perfecting it, tweaking it, takes time and passion.  If you think FunCom is just out to screw you, than you've got your head so far up your own ass you must be too used to the smell of your own bs.

Game developers are in it for the passion.  It's not easy work, they aren't rock stars, the money is either just OK or great depending.  Either way, they're trying to find what works and obviously not trying to be a clone but something all on their own - which I think they've don't quite well with and can keep working on.

AoC deserves better than it's beging treated in my opinion... but people will always find something to bitch about and mob mentality rolls over like nothing else on the internet.  This is one of the best MMORPG's out right now by far - yet people would rather flock to the clones.  What's that say? Guess we players don't deserve attempts at progress and diversity in the MMORPG genre.  Bring on the clones...

BTW - Agree with Todeswulf.

Avery it may not be the end of the world but Funcom gonna say the world is flat. Or try to spin it that way and there spin is slowing down to a stop.

Originally posted by Elsabolts

Avery it may not be the end of the world but Funcom gonna say the world is flat. Or try to spin it that way and there spin is slowing down to a stop.

I think the figures speak for themselves. When you have companies like Merrill Lynch who are one of the world's leading wealth management, capital markets and advisory companies, and total client assets of approximately $1.6 trillion, buying Funcom Stock  up what does that tell you? I would also suggest reading the Oslo bors site to find more info about delisting and what it entails and the periods of time that can go buy before it occurs.

There is anything but slowing down right now, as far as the paying subscriber is concerned on the whole its full steam ahead. The interest is about the game itself, not the stocks or hearsay. Otherwise I would be sat around thinking whats the point as the world is going to end according to Nostradamus predictions in 2012 or Elsabolts thinks FC is going tits up.

Excuse me whilst I continue to pay for the game I enjoy with a decent population on the server of my choice with like minded people.

1 US$ = 5.73 Norwegian kroner, FC at 4.90 NOK = $28, When it gets to (1NOK if it ever does) then you will be looking at $6 a share.

You have a good time Avery playing the game you love but alot of others don't feel that way and last i looked Funcom stock was around $6 a share and looks like there may be a world wide stockmarket crash like today.

Craig probably can fix AoC, but he sure can't fix the human factor.  Funcom screwed people over hardcore and there's no turning back.  I've since shelved my AoC copy (can't get my money back), my son bought Warhammer but we are going to share the account because I don't really wanna buy it and i've already pre-ordered WotLK so I guess WotLK will hold me over til Star Trek Online comes out.

again, a little late Funcom.. or better yet, you failed.  Doesn't matter what Craig does to fix the problems, Craig cant go back in time to correct the active accounts.

And even if Funcom offers free months, i'm not going to partake in it.  AoC has wasted enough of my time.

Originally posted by AmazingAvery

Originally posted by Elsabolts

Avery it may not be the end of the world but Funcom gonna say the world is flat. Or try to spin it that way and there spin is slowing down to a stop.

 

I think the figures speak for themselves. When you have companies like Merrill Lynch who are one of the world's leading wealth management, capital markets and advisory companies, and total client assets of approximately $1.6 trillion, buying Funcom Stock  up what does that tell you? I would also suggest reading the Oslo bors site to find more info about delisting and what it entails and the periods of time that can go buy before it occurs.

There is anything but slowing down right now, as far as the paying subscriber is concerned on the whole its full steam ahead. The interest is about the game itself, not the stocks or hearsay. Otherwise I would be sat around thinking whats the point as the world is going to end according to Nostradamus predictions in 2012 or Elsabolts thinks FC is going tits up.

Excuse me whilst I continue to pay for the game I enjoy with a decent population on the server of my choice with like minded people.

 

1 US$ = 5.73 Norwegian kroner, FC at 4.90 NOK = $28, When it gets to (1NOK if it ever does) then you will be looking at $6 a share.

It tells you they're taking a calculated risk on a stock that can't really go anywhere but up without totally bombing.

I'm surprised no fanbois are here claiming "It's all a big mistake. Funcom is vastly successful and will never need to merge servers!!"

Face facts, Avery. Craig will do what he can to stem the tide, but AoC is now the same as AO. A very niche game with a few thousand loyal to try and keep it afloat.

Well Amazing amazes me again.  It's a love/hate relationship but alas, this time he's right on and so is DeaconX.

Call us fanbois or whatever.

The fact of the matter is Age of Conan is a great game with a ton of potential.  Potential we will see to fruition, trust me on that.

The rest of you whiners can wail about "FailCom" 24/7, I don't really care. 

The fact of life is Age of Conan *WILL* find its way to release quality in a few months and if you're there with me to enjoy it, great.  If not, as I said before --

Sux 2BU.

I hope Craigh can save AoC and FunCom, I really do. As a lifetime ReH fan and as a person who followed the development of this game for 3.5 years I felt so betrayed when the you got past lvl 40 and discovered that not only were the world a tiny tiny place but it was also empty and pointless.

There were no adventure or heroics, there were no world to explore, there were nothing to try and gain and nothing had any point in the long run.

And the game was and is seriously broken. The basic game system were build over ideas that dont work in the long run. Like progression cannot be seen. Crafting does not do anything. Cities dont do anything except giving access to crafting . . . .that dont do anything. Armor defense might work from time to time but dont work in PvP but increased combat dps do . . . .  just broken.

So its good to see that Craigh goes straigth to the core problems in the game and try to fix them. Content, goals and game system. If he can turn it around then there might be a chance for us ReH fans to have a game to play again.

Originally posted by Soupgoblin

Bottom line: MMO developers pay attention; unloading a steaming pile on your customers, and then ignoring their suggestions and input is a sure fire way to lose your investment, just because past MMOs have been released buggy and incomplete, doesn't mean that the maturing gamers will except that type of crap now days. The genre has matured, and the players have matured, it is now time for MMO developers to mature as well.

 

Very well said! Sums up everything i wanted to say.

I dont plan on returning to AoC in the near future, but all this changes looks very good.