It took me almost an hour, but I managed to read every single post so far. I found myself nodding along with a lot of what was said. While I would love to avoid repeating what has been said before me, I know it is something I run the risk of doing. Regardless, here is my two copper….
Like several others, I love the idea of Living Story. Yet I absolutely despise its implementation and to risk sounding harsh: It’s a joke. There is nothing “living” about it, save for the “Flame and Frost” event. It gave more depth to established content. It was exciting to learn more about Eir, Rytlock, and see that our foes were active. Not to mention that Braham and Roxx are fun characters that I want to see more of. It was nice, because it FIT. It was not a flash in the pan. It gave me a sense of a stepping stone toward something bigger and permanent. As amusing as some of the Living Story events have been….they are lacking. The Zepyhyr Sanctum was a close second for me, but the others don’t even hold third or fourth. You already have a wealth of lore and resources at your disposal, so stop ignoring them. But perhaps I am overly anal when it comes to stories – I break them down into their core elements out of habit, not choice (thus the handle name). The ideas and concepts have been fun and interesting at times, but it is how you have implemented them that kills it.
My question to you, as another creative individual: What is all of this for? What are you building toward? So far, I see nothing worthwhile. It has been a year. At the launch of each new Living Story, I keep asking, “What is the point?” I challenge your writing team to do better (I know they can). My apologies if I seem overly critical, but story-telling is a passion of mine, and it is insulting to see this from a company I admire so greatly. It feels as though you are sacrificing quality to keep up with a hectic schedule. While it may not be your intention, your actions have told players otherwise. It would be one thing if all of this Living Story content was building toward a permanent addition to the game by the end of the year (or dare I say six months). But it does not feel that way.
Someone mentioned having a feedback survey at the close of the Living Story content. Can I get an “Amen”? Folks could skip it, but it would also give you a sense of what people enjoyed about that one, what they want to see return (both mechanics and story-wise), and so forth.
A two week schedule….? I am curious as to why you chose two weeks, and why the sloppy grind that comes with it. I have already touched on my disinterest in your temporary content. It has reached the point where we ask ourselves if we even want to bother with the Living Story, or just focus on the game’s actual content (please note my choice of words there). Judging from others’ posts, it sounds like a monthly release would be far more feasible for the average player (there are always going to be exceptions of those desiring more, and some less).
And in the name of the Six, the Spirits, the Eternal Alchemy, the Dream, and the Legions…. Enough with Scarlet. I can see what you were trying to attempt with her, but she has graduated from mildly bothersome to perhaps being recorded in the Hall of Foes as the most annoying character you have yet created. Personally, I recommend giving her a tidy end and researching why players liked your previous villains, because it sounds like many of us find her flat, to put it gently.
I apologize if I sounded harsh at any point. I know my personal frustration with the game as of late was very much behind my fingers as I typed. But I also say all this because I do love this game so very much. It has been difficult to watch it “grow” the way it has, despite its promise. I know from the developer’s side, you have a plethora of challenges that the public never sees. These knit-picks aside, you all have done wonderful work. Some fixes and tweaks to the game have been more than welcome, and I know many more are to come. The game is not the polished product I know you all had initially wanted (or so was my impression), but you are getting there. I was glad to see that you all were seeking feedback. I hope this thread and the others have given you all some things to consider going forward. Good luck!
Respectfully yours,
N.
P.S. Okay, so that was more like two silver. Sorry!