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Warden

Alpha Team Vanguard
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  1. Like
    Warden reacted to DarkHorizon in The Subscription System   
    Please do, I'm sure you'd get plenty of readers and more point of discussion on the topic for future reference is always a good thing!
    People were paid, but that's not the point, you don't just drop 10k on someone's head and expect them to work with you for a few months. Sure they have investors, but they're building a game with, as my mom likes to put it, "newfangled technology I can't understand".
     
    Game development is one thing, but actually maintaining the game and plucking the bugs as the popup is completely different.
     
    As far as the server costs, please cite your source on that. Keep in mind that those servers must be able to accept a lot of bandwidth, crunch numbers really really good, be able to store a lot of data, be supplied with power, have proper heating, cooling, and airflow, insurance in case everything goes kaputz, physical storage for those very servers because we all know that isn't free...
     
    Workspace for the employees, their equipment, heating, cooling and airflow for a productive work environment,  sprinkler systems and water in case their building catches on fire, building rent (again because it's so egregious...), decent parking space for employees to park their personal transportation, sewage, and garbage disposal costs, amenities so the employees are actually happy and a bunch bunch of other stuff...
     
    Oh, on top of all this, everything has to be kept secure. The building they work in to keep the bad guys out in addition to DDoS and other internet related protection. 
     
    My point is, there's a lot more to the expenses than just renting out a server for, by your estimate, 14.95. That's just the start too, someone else could easily cover the expenditures I forgot.
     
    As much as I would love for this game to be a free-to-play game, the cost of a weekend Starbucks keeps a lot of... bad stuff out of the community. This particularly has been hashed and rehashed so I won't go over it.
    No.
  2. Like
    Warden reacted to Vyz Ejstu in Heimera Trade Xchange   
    "A poster for the Heimera Trade Xchange.
    You have desires, Novean?
     
     
    Spirits, Lavender or Onyx? 
     
    Take that Step.
    "
  3. Like
    Warden got a reaction from STEALTH7 in What makes this game stand out?   
    There is no set end goal; most (end) goals are subjective either way. In short, it is what people make out of it. I think the big hype is just that: People being in control of their (and others) destinies. You struggle and get to a point, then try to hold it and work from there. Or you lose things and rinse and repeat.
     
    Just like in life there is no real "end goal". You just do things (or try to) until you perish. The big key difference here to some or many other games is that you are not limited in your approaches or in scale. That's the general "benefit" of sandbox games on average: You can build anything you can imagine while interacting with others with the same powers. Other games end eventually in their respective plots or things you can do. This, of course, also has subjective cons. The sheer size or possibilities are "too much" for certain people, and there are no "scripted" events or very scripted plots with lots of action and storytelling, like in a movie.
     
    I would say that average "life" in DU would be more drawn out, with lots of politics or business and a slower pace - until notable wars happen.
     
    I also doubt people will later passively sit around all the time, there will be enough power struggles between groups due to ideology, indifferences, simple mistakes that turned into rivalries, influence, more power (in terms of claimed areas and / or resources) and a lot more.
     
    Will it be "grindy"? Depending on what people classify grindy as, sure. But that's the thing: It's like life again. You go through chores and hard work or tough events and circumstances, or sometimes plain repetitive, boring, monotone ones, and on the other hand there are usually special moments in life, accomplishments, victories, achievements, progress, meeting new people, having a good times. You may obtain certain skills, positions, reputations - or lose them.
     
    It can really be a like a second life or a very interactive, unscripted game in an online environment where the players are the driving factor. Some like it, some dislike it. Some find it very exciting or special, others just shrug.
     
    No matter what your stance is:
     
     
    There will be a lot to DU.
     
    Other than that, time will tell if people can motivate themselves in larger projects or long-term strategy over the span of years. I suppose this works in EvE, so I think we will see similar things happen in DU.
  4. Like
    Warden reacted to Spyborg in 「Vulture Corporation」 [Security - Science - Service | International ☑ - Immersion ☑]   
    To anyone on the fence about Vulture Corp, I can genuinely recommend that you have an open conversation with Warden about his organization.  After reading this page for the first time, I feel like I couldn't leave the page without writing a comment.  Even though i'm not a member, this organization has a big stamp of admiration from me.  Seriously, get to know more about this organization if you're still looking for one.  Passing up this sort of opportunity without at least getting some more information would be a bad idea.
  5. Like
    Warden reacted to MookMcMook in What makes this game stand out?   
    With respect to the networking problem:-
     
    1. Large Population Total
    2. Population Density Problem
     
    It seems DU is designed (design intention) to be around EVE. I can't think of any other MMOs that invested into networking technology to the same degree (with 3d graphics). Bear in mind the reason for multiple shards is primarily number 2 and even then many mmos deliberately partition Total population via levelling zones, instances, game modes, quest hub bread crumbs and so on. Bear in mind large crowds in mmo combat are often a zergy mess and poor quality gameplay irrespective of performance meltdown too. The main problem is MMO as a genre has a USP arounding CONNECTING PLAYERS in high quality social interaction ways: Think of liking or following on facebook or twitter for example for social network. Trade is a primary means of this "There's No Catholic Or Protestant When Trade Is Being Conducted" is an old saying from days of yore for example.
     
    So that is exceptional category and the virtual economy is what will result if the game has:-
     
    1. Enough social groups
    2. Enough complexity in the sink-faucet of valuable resources
    3. Distance/Scarcity dimensions
    4. Politics and Territory above this.
     
    A lot of "mmorpgs" don't really make any sense. If you have economic pressures and incentives this fuels a lot of gameplay behaviour by individuals and groups. And that needs a lot of SCALING UP. Eg EVE. I think this simulation is a key component of virtual worlds: They must have designs that make more simulacra in gameplay behaviours emerging as they might in say historic epochs of human history at a high level. Obviously DU is a "what if...?" with humanity in the future beyond Earth and our own solar system and in other solar systems within the galaxy. Interesting if the simulation follows some of what we currently know and assume about large scale drivers of human group motivations and patterns.
    , then add voxels to that networking scale. I'm surprised how BLIND people appear to be
    And the other thing: I don't see a lot of voxel games but when you do see them and you see how creative they are, then that's a huge dimension for mmorpgs. Not just that but look at the above COMBINED with voxels by comparing game world sizes:-
     
    Ultima Online - 55.9 km²
    World of Warcraft - 80mi2
    Asheron's Call - 500mi2
    Guild Wars: Nightfall - 15,000mi2
    The Lord of the Rings Online - 30,000mi2
    (NOT AN MMO) Elder Scrolls Online - 62,000mi2
    WWIIOL online uses a ½ scale map of Western Europe with 52,000 km2 (20,077 sq mi) of accurate terrain (800 m resolution satellite data).
    Life Is Feudal - 441km2
     
    Now look at DU:-
     
    Dual Universe - ALIOTH ONLY: 45,238.93 km2
     

     
    Now add to this... (still only Alioth...): Volume of physical planet Total = 1,150,346 km3
     
    Bear in mind the volume of the Atmospheric Belt surrounding this physical volume (some of which will never be used oc) and then the amount of volume above this in Space radiating out used too. Does anyone have some info on the atmospheric radius of Alioth? You can see a thin layer clearly in the latest backer portal video.
     
    This is where the VOXELS really shake things up as you can see purely using the simple crude comparison of world size AREA vs Volume.
     
    In most mmorpgs there's tiny amount of volume for starters: Limited free-form flight and interaction in this dimension or else gradient rise and fall. I think some mmorpgs have swimming deep in seas/lakes. But overall the ground is texture and hence area interaction mostly.
     
    Not only can players go up and down in locomotion the actual physical layer is useful for resources and building structures too with voxels.
     
    Then add the space around the other planets and the total solar system, then add more solar systems... And I barely mentoned what sort of huge data on the voxel manipulation changes to the world as well as the number and diversity of constructs multiplying changing the landscape or spacescape too.
     
    You can see that in theory, DU is really something else. Again EVE compares, but it's "empty space" (I really liked the theory behind their dust game linking but sadly it did not work in practice).
     
    Let's come back to the advantages of SCALING PLAYER NUMBERS (if it's possible):-
     
    With so much space, there needs to be lot of players for that space to make a tiny impact on it. That is to say, most mmorpgs, they are not complex interaction systems at all: Neither socially nor in game world interactions either.
     
    It will be interesting to see if DU achieves high physical interaction that itself drives further social interaction and that drives  more of each and so on...
     
    It's still early days so that may explain why many don't seem to twig: Another NMS etc! But then... go back above look at those numbers, even add your own... did I already say people appear to be blind?
  6. Like
    Warden got a reaction from Gerald_Deemer in The Subscription System   
    In addition to what others said, there's never really an "end". Maybe an "end" is set, but there can always be more unique content and objects, furniture, interaction possibilities, etc. And if someone has to work on it, payment has to be guaranteed each month.
     
    We also do not know additional investments NQ might make later on, or if they branch out and want to create other games in the long run.
     
    It might sound "ignorant" but I think NQ did some math at least (and constantly does it) and roughly knows with what model they can survive or keep operating in the long run, and I trust that (since I can also pay or obtain the game time by paying hard cash or utilizing DAC) calculation over the needs of users who'd prefer free access.
     
    Of course, from an egoistic consumer POV, I also would not mind being able to play for free endlessly as the 10 to 15 bucks can always be utilized elsewhere. But that may not guarantee a long run of the game.
  7. Like
    Warden reacted to Hotwingz in The Subscription System   
    Servers cost money. 
    Developing new content costs money. 
    Paying people a decent wage to maintain and operate a mmorpg costs money. 
    Saving a character state is just a small part of the overall picture. 
     
    NQ has said on multiple occasions that the expansions will be free. So I don't get why you seem to think player generated content means that after the initial development NQ's job is done. Even if no new content is developed operating and maintaining servers cost money. 
     
    I could write an endless post about why p2p is a more honest business model, why it's cheaper for the player who is invested and why "f2p" was invented and packaged as being "for the player" but I'm not sure if that would advance the discussion. 
     
    I do think I answered your question. 
  8. Like
    Warden reacted to Mod-Merwyn in The Subscription System   
    Don't forget employees to pay, like community managers, support team, etc. who are still required.
     
    ~ Merwyn
  9. Like
    Warden reacted to Hotwingz in The Subscription System   
    Excuse me? 
     
    So the tools, models, music, art etc just come out of thin air? 
     
    The systems count as content. 
    Expansions are content. 
     

     
    Edit: Expansions will introduce new elements and new ways to interact with the world. It needs to be created, it counts as content. 
  10. Like
    Warden reacted to Mod-Merwyn in Hello - And why do buyers need moderator approval?   
    Well, I'd rather devs to work on the game and validate first messages myself, if you don't mind :).
     
    ~ Merwyn
  11. Like
    Warden reacted to Lethys in Should automated static defences be added to duel universe?   
    Automated defenses on STATIC CONSTRUCTS are already planned. Those will be weaker than a Player controlled turret for obvious reasons but it's possible
     
     
  12. Like
    Warden got a reaction from Stoat in Hello - And why do buyers need moderator approval?   
    In that case I would not mind a spam message if it means the game was financially supported
  13. Like
    Warden reacted to Megaddd in Image Capture, Video Record Software Suggestions?   
    If you have a newer Nvidia GPU, I would suggest you use Shadowplay, so you can press a button to save the past 5-20 minutes of action at any time, with pretty decent video quality for the most part (if you set the maximum bit-rate allowed in the settings).
     
    However if you don't have access to Shadowplay, I suggest recording with OBS. You can configure it to function similar to shadowplay, easy to figure out with google for the most part.
     
    Once you have your recorded footage you will want to use 'Handbrake' to encode it into a smaller file-size without noticeable loss in video quality. You need to do this if you are recording with Shadowplay as the files are, while compressed with your onboard H264 chip, still massive. However if you're using OBS, you can configure the encoder to already compress the footage to a reasonable size for editing/uploading.
     
    If you want crystal-clear 1080p footage, use OBS. If you want general gameplay video that's good enough for YouTube and doesn't have a very noticeable impact on your system performance and game-play experience, use ShadowPlay.
  14. Like
    Warden got a reaction from Ginger in The new Ginger has arrived! :)   
    Oh my, 4.5 languages and somewhat having been all over. 
     
    I also like to advance my language skills, with "just" German and English so far. I still have the life expectancy of a few more decades so who knows where the journey ends. 
     
    Viel Erfolg. 
  15. Like
    Warden got a reaction from AzureSkye in What exactly is the point of the MSAs   
    I see little issues with this. In fact, I like the idea of STUs. An okay-ish or good compromise catering to different audiences while those using them will still not be completely untouchable. 
     
    Why or how has been mentioned prior by various people. 
     
    In turn let's say there will be some war. Enemy might have backup materials or valuables stored in STUs area. You might not be able to target it directly but it can essentially turn into a material war. If the other side gets blockaded or if they run out of resources, use up the things in the STU and can't throw more at you, then that's also damage to them or victory for you. 
     
    I again think the general idea is good and while it might prolong some wars, it also gives builders or creators (or businessmen) a place to live or act in relative peace. 
     
    A compromise of sorts, bridging various types of players. 
  16. Like
    Warden reacted to Ginger in The new Ginger has arrived! :)   
    Hello, today I'm introducing myself, first of all my name is Ginger.
    I discovered Dual Universe last year, but now here I am!
    I'm a cosmopolitan, I was born in France, have a german passport, but I live in Luxembourg, I speak 4 languages and learning a fifth one.
    If you're curious I speak English which is quite obvious, then there German, French and Luxembourgish, and let's not forget the fifth one: Russian (but I'm still a beginner).
    Btw I have project with friends that is called: THE FEDERATION ALPHA, more about it in future Posts.
     
    I'm glad to be here! 
    Have a nice day, night, morning, evening or whatever! 
  17. Like
    Warden reacted to Comrademoco in Official Dual Universe Discord   
    Bought a Supporting Pack today or recently?

    Come join the rest of the fans and noveans to talk all about DU on the Community Discord. Information about joining is found on the first post.

    Patron Supporters - we have adjusted our automated aiding systems to also accommodate your access to Pre-Alpha, so you'll be to chat a long side more pre-alpha testers in our NDA friendly channels...

    See you in the discord, and see you in Dual Universe!

    Cheers,
    Comrademoco
  18. Like
    Warden reacted to Astrophil in Ark Central: The Latest in Dual Universe News   
    Love is in the air as Dual Universe seemingly calms down with drama and continues to mature. Also, supporter packs are coming back. Here's your February briefing from Ark Central.
     
     
  19. Like
    Warden reacted to MrShaw in BOO - Band of Outlaws Recruitment   
    They are here to watch... stuff and... things...
     

  20. Like
    Warden got a reaction from Kytheum in In-game voice.   
    I also doubt you can get physical control (stun, move, etc) over others in claimed areas. 
     
    I'm all for it to some extend but I think so far you can be happy if you ban players from entering or using services in some area. That might also be it? 
     
    I'm generally for power over (other) players in faction controlled space unless or until there is an active war going in where the measures would be suspended between the enemies.
     
    But that's something for one of the other fitting threads that revolve around the topic. 
     
    Some interesting (community) news in regards to this topic here ? , on another note. 
  21. Like
    Warden got a reaction from Lethys in 「Vulture Corporation」 [Security - Science - Service | International ☑ - Immersion ☑]   
    We intend to recruit, and you could boost our team!
     
     
     
    Within the next days, a few changes will take place to promotional content and the application system. We'll refine it further and make it relatively self explanatory, giving those interested a guide of sorts and a clear overview of what we actually want and what we expect - without fluff, from player to player. For that, next week we will add a page on our promotional website (www.vulturecorp.space) and clarify.
     
    Recruitment should be clear and efficient and your time is precious - let's not waste it. With that said, we also want to provide honest and realistic recruitment beyond "fluff". No use "baiting" applicants with false expectations; the best foundation is one of clear words and providing you with how things are. In turn, we expect integrity and motivated applicants who don't mind starting in a growing group that is yet small.
     
    For our yet very small and partially inactive (some await more progress in DU) team to grow, we need external applicants. Maybe you are the next member?
     
    -----------------------------------------------
     
     
    But what do we expect, what do we want, what should you mind?
     
    First, maybe I should also mention what we don't want.
     
    Unlike some others, we have no (unrealistic) illusions of grandeur and world (or verse) domination. Experience has shown that while aspirations are good, trying to eat more than you can chew is unhealthy. We want to stay level-headed, grounded, realistic.
     
    Our goal is to take part in the economy and to establish a solid foundation while initiating certain building and community projects. We want a slice of the pie - but not the whole pie. So far, we are on a good track. We will pick goals realistically and work on them in a functional order in a team that will likely stay relatively small and cohesive.
     
    This means we do not want to become a giant organization and instead want to focus on a cohesive team and quality. For starters, we intend to reach a hand full to a dozen additional members and then assess the situation from there. Given that we intend to grow slowly and organically, that numbers are so far low and since DU is a work in progress, those interested in joining should bring a mature, somewhat independent-minded attitude and patience. You don't expect to have your hand held all the time, but instead use your hands to create something that lasts and maybe will tell stories for years to come.
     
    Given that we do not want numbers for the sake of numbers or manpower, but quality, we will also work on appropriate measures to ensure this.
     
     
    -----------------------------------------------
     
    How about a call to action?
     
    If you read this and look for an organization, I suggest you take a look at the first post and promotional links. While things are always adapted, I personally think they currently suffice to give you a rough understanding.
     
    Why bother joining, you may ask?
     
    - We do not come out of nowhere and have a history in another sandbox game, and thus, a bit of experience
    ↳ In turn, past-members who will likely join us in DU again later on have different experiences from EvE-Online and other sandbox games
    - We utilize multimedia to enhance member and community immersion and generally receive positive feedback about it
    - We try to think things through and create lasting projects or designs
    - Different branches catering to broad interests - name something and we can likely provide you work in that area
    - International environment, with historic roots in the European and German-speaking domain
     
    Do note: We currently especially look for "creators" who may take a leading role eventually and help run operations in DU. This is partially due to other commitments in other realms (SC, etc.). If you are deemed fit to join and want responsibility, you can get it. We do not look for small-time dictators but inspiring personalities who can bring the team forward with cooperative leadership and self-control during stressful or daring times.
     
    -----------------------------------------------
     
     
    What to do if you are interested
     
    If you like what you see and if you can imagine working with us, send me a PM on the community board located at: https://community.dualthegame.com/
     
    I assume you will have no problem locating my profile on that platform to send me a PM over there, or discovering the right approach, as all you need is laid out in front of you
     
    Why is this used? Since the Inbox on this forum section is limited, using the community hub where all organizations are located allows me to reach messages continuously even when I reach the limit here, but you can also post in here if this does not work for some technical reason.
     
    What should the PM contain?
    We'll keep it simple for now. Express your wish to join and why you have selected us, while briefly describing why you think you are a good addition. From there, things will proceed in due time.
     
    ---
     
    And that's it for now. I thank you for your attention. If you have any questions, you know what to do.
     
     



     
     
     
  22. Like
    Warden got a reaction from Vyz Ejstu in 「Vulture Corporation」 [Security - Science - Service | International ☑ - Immersion ☑]   
    We intend to recruit, and you could boost our team!
     
     
     
    Within the next days, a few changes will take place to promotional content and the application system. We'll refine it further and make it relatively self explanatory, giving those interested a guide of sorts and a clear overview of what we actually want and what we expect - without fluff, from player to player. For that, next week we will add a page on our promotional website (www.vulturecorp.space) and clarify.
     
    Recruitment should be clear and efficient and your time is precious - let's not waste it. With that said, we also want to provide honest and realistic recruitment beyond "fluff". No use "baiting" applicants with false expectations; the best foundation is one of clear words and providing you with how things are. In turn, we expect integrity and motivated applicants who don't mind starting in a growing group that is yet small.
     
    For our yet very small and partially inactive (some await more progress in DU) team to grow, we need external applicants. Maybe you are the next member?
     
    -----------------------------------------------
     
     
    But what do we expect, what do we want, what should you mind?
     
    First, maybe I should also mention what we don't want.
     
    Unlike some others, we have no (unrealistic) illusions of grandeur and world (or verse) domination. Experience has shown that while aspirations are good, trying to eat more than you can chew is unhealthy. We want to stay level-headed, grounded, realistic.
     
    Our goal is to take part in the economy and to establish a solid foundation while initiating certain building and community projects. We want a slice of the pie - but not the whole pie. So far, we are on a good track. We will pick goals realistically and work on them in a functional order in a team that will likely stay relatively small and cohesive.
     
    This means we do not want to become a giant organization and instead want to focus on a cohesive team and quality. For starters, we intend to reach a hand full to a dozen additional members and then assess the situation from there. Given that we intend to grow slowly and organically, that numbers are so far low and since DU is a work in progress, those interested in joining should bring a mature, somewhat independent-minded attitude and patience. You don't expect to have your hand held all the time, but instead use your hands to create something that lasts and maybe will tell stories for years to come.
     
    Given that we do not want numbers for the sake of numbers or manpower, but quality, we will also work on appropriate measures to ensure this.
     
     
    -----------------------------------------------
     
    How about a call to action?
     
    If you read this and look for an organization, I suggest you take a look at the first post and promotional links. While things are always adapted, I personally think they currently suffice to give you a rough understanding.
     
    Why bother joining, you may ask?
     
    - We do not come out of nowhere and have a history in another sandbox game, and thus, a bit of experience
    ↳ In turn, past-members who will likely join us in DU again later on have different experiences from EvE-Online and other sandbox games
    - We utilize multimedia to enhance member and community immersion and generally receive positive feedback about it
    - We try to think things through and create lasting projects or designs
    - Different branches catering to broad interests - name something and we can likely provide you work in that area
    - International environment, with historic roots in the European and German-speaking domain
     
    Do note: We currently especially look for "creators" who may take a leading role eventually and help run operations in DU. This is partially due to other commitments in other realms (SC, etc.). If you are deemed fit to join and want responsibility, you can get it. We do not look for small-time dictators but inspiring personalities who can bring the team forward with cooperative leadership and self-control during stressful or daring times.
     
    -----------------------------------------------
     
     
    What to do if you are interested
     
    If you like what you see and if you can imagine working with us, send me a PM on the community board located at: https://community.dualthegame.com/
     
    I assume you will have no problem locating my profile on that platform to send me a PM over there, or discovering the right approach, as all you need is laid out in front of you
     
    Why is this used? Since the Inbox on this forum section is limited, using the community hub where all organizations are located allows me to reach messages continuously even when I reach the limit here, but you can also post in here if this does not work for some technical reason.
     
    What should the PM contain?
    We'll keep it simple for now. Express your wish to join and why you have selected us, while briefly describing why you think you are a good addition. From there, things will proceed in due time.
     
    ---
     
    And that's it for now. I thank you for your attention. If you have any questions, you know what to do.
     
     



     
     
     
  23. Like
    Warden reacted to Kytheum in In-game voice.   
    I still don't think so, doesn't allow the information to move throughout the universe well enough, as well as align with points made by Warden. 
     
    I just updated the original post with some of the common criticisms and solutions to them. 
  24. Like
    Warden reacted to Razorwire in Sleep/Rest Mechanics   
    Then just stick a label on it, as in your two examples there.
    If I want to play 20 hours straight on a Saturday because I can't get on in the week due to work, why should I be punished? I shouldn't, is the answer.
     
    A warning on the initial load screen is enough. If an informed adult hurts themselves, that's on them; don't restrict my service because they might ignore the warning.
  25. Like
    Warden got a reaction from Lethys in Enterprise/Industry/Interplanetary free market system laws between nations?   
    1) Yes, it's possible - why wouldn't it, by default or on paper? However...
     
    2) (I made the relevant part in the quote bold) ... there can be no guarantee that your services and products will find clients, customers, etc. You get the picture. And that's fine in a player run economy. Another one's loss is another man's profit, or something like that.
     
    There should be no guarantee, at least not any "coded in" form of some guarantee. It should solely depend on how you market something and who (and how) you approach. And then timing maybe.
     
    Certain risks should simply be there. If another was there earlier and got the relevant contacts, especially in some niche market, then you might have a bad time. Adapt or change course completely. There will be enough competition later on, surely with hundreds (if not many more) of player orgs, but in some areas, there might just be a few. Who really can tell at this time? But at the end of the day, one thing is certain: If you found an organization and want to offer certain services or products, there's always some economic risk. Someone could be faster, better, bigger than you or there may simply not be enough demand in whatever you intend to offer. That's (market) life.
     
    But if it motivates you: We might find a use for certain ships later and do not intend to produce everything ourselves or at least not design everything ourselves. If you want to throw out offers or are interested in hearing a bit, send me a PM. If my inbox is miraculously full (again) by the time (if) you send one, mention it here and I'll make some space.
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