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Massively / Joystiq: Interview With Russ Bullock


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#41 Jun Watarase

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Posted 19 December 2013 - 03:55 PM

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Many players complained about having to spend $210.00 to gain access to the infamous Mad Cat, so one possibility is that they could move the 'Mech around to fit into a lower tier so players could pay less and get it for pre-order.


Wrong again, its not just the mad cat, its the fact that you have to buy mechs you dont want to get the one you want. This is not a hard concept to understand PGI. How about the possibility of letting people buy the specific mech they want?

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We asked about purchasing the 'Mechs later, and as with other 'Mechs, a player could simply avoid the pre-order and buy the Mech individually from the shop upon release, although it will lack the special bonuses and other items that come with the pre-orders.


And the fact that it would take several months AFTER the clan mechs become available to pre-orders to buy them with c-bills...

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The timing of the announcement of the new DLC had many players gnashing teeth, but "it's fairly normal in the industry to release one DLC after another," Bullock told us.


I think theres a problem here when the president of a game developer is under the assumption that selling early access to game content with perks is a DLC. It would be like microsoft charging people to get the start menu in windows 8 (with a unique skin!) and calling it a DLC, then releasing it several months later to everyone else as a patch through windows update.

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Bullock closed with stating that the team is aware that even though players have been requesting Clan 'Mechs since the game was first announced, what they really want is community warfare.


Wrong again, what we really want is for the game to not suck and for PGI to listen to player feedback.

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n a recent (and lengthy) forum post, Bullock lit up a half-a-year's worth of timeline to show just how serious the team is about developing the game further.


We have been given timelines before, none of which have -ever- came true. Why are we supposed to believe the latest timeline?

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One of the bottlenecks that held back other projects, the user interface "2.0," is now coming to completion. This will allow the developers to move on to these other projects readily.


Im failing to see how a user interface is a bottleneck to editing some xml files for better game balance, lag compensation, hit detection, matchmaking and many more....

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While Bullock was clear that times can flex and that not everything on the timeline can be completed by the June 17th, 2014 Clan invasion, the team was confident enough to release the possible dates for release of two more pillars from Community warfare: Association, which is more connections in factions and loyalty points, and Planetary Conquest, which is fighting over territories.


Moving the timeline for community warfare for more than 1 year is considered "flex" now? How many companies in the gaming industry allow you to delay projects by more than a year? I wonder how Russ bullock would feel if his HR department delayed his paycheck by a year?

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With such a passionate community at its back, you better believe that the team will get an ear-full if these promises aren't met!


And you can bet PGI will insist on not listening to player feedback or fixing the game, all the while shoving expensive mech packages and hero mechs down our throats.

Edited by Jun Watarase, 19 December 2013 - 04:00 PM.


#42 Wrenchfarm

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Posted 19 December 2013 - 04:02 PM

Awesome news! So when is CW coming out then? Oh wait, this was just a panic grab deal made after they didn't sell any GoldMechs?

Guess I'll stay uninstalled.

#43 RG Notch

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Posted 19 December 2013 - 04:06 PM

View PostWrenchfarm, on 19 December 2013 - 04:02 PM, said:

Awesome news! So when is CW coming out then? Oh wait, this was just a panic grab deal made after they didn't sell any GoldMechs?

Guess I'll stay uninstalled.

Which estimate do you want, the 90 days after OB, the 6 months after Launch Party, or the current 6 months from latest cash grab? Basically take any time PGI is looking to sell you something and add 3 - 6 months.

#44 Sandpit

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Posted 19 December 2013 - 04:28 PM

View PostJun Watarase, on 19 December 2013 - 03:52 PM, said:



Uh no. Most of the complaints are about the pricing,

Might want to reread the complaints. There's just as many that feel pricing is good but aren't buying because of PGI's lack of progression, not because we feel it's "too expensive"

It's amazing how a journalistic article that doesn't slam this game and company gets shredded because "the complaints in the article don't match up exactly with what I'M pissed about"

some people in this community really need to get over themselves. Big difference between inaccurate article and "it's inaccurate because I personally disagree with it and my opinion is different"

Even though it's a bit of an editorial it's still a pretty unbiased and accurate portrayal of the ENTIRE community, not just a select few.....

View PostWrenchfarm, on 19 December 2013 - 04:02 PM, said:

Awesome news! So when is CW coming out then? Oh wait, this was just a panic grab deal made after they didn't sell any GoldMechs?

Guess I'll stay uninstalled.

Just curious about this

Ok so you uninstalled. You're denying yourself the game. What does that prove to PGI since you could just as easily keep the game installed and play completely for free. It's the exact same result to PGI. I jsut don't understand the whole "I uninstalled, that'll teach em a lesson!" mentality. Uninstalling the game has no more effect on on PGI than just playing it as a free player and still not giving them any money

#45 Hexenhammer

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Posted 19 December 2013 - 04:28 PM

My issue with the Clan Package was timing, lack of progress and the unknown.

1. We as players needed a breather from big dollar packages. Announcing the pack during the middle of the Phoenix release felt like a money grab.

2. We as players have been begging for things what we've been promised. UI2 and CW. Releasing UI2 would help restore faith in a game that appears to be comprised solely of sales and empty promises. The irony is that PGI says UI2 will allow them more flexibility in sales! Like including mech bays and not having to take the servers to start or end sales.

3. Linear purchasing tier. Knoving offered up a great pricing scheme which I cant't find the link for. If PGI had done the clan sale like the founders I think there would be less protests because people could have bought their favorite mech and not feel like they're being fleeced.

4. The unknown.
We've don't know how clan tech rules will play out in MWO. Example. Clan mechs have static armor values and that might make them too fragile in the current meta.

Balance: This a touchy subject. How will weapons be balanced. Right now Clan Tech looks like IS Tech v1.5.

Actual play style and Golden Mechs. I have no problems with golden mechs. 100, 250, 500, or 1000 it's buyer beware! You shell out $500 for a mech, get it and realize it doesn't fit your play style then what? Refund? By then it's to late and you are stuck with a gold brick.

So how could this have been handled.
Ui2 released
Clan Sale offered with various packages.
People that buy clan packages get to beta test clan tech!


So there we are; my 2 cents on what could have been done. It would show the players the game is progressing, give players time to breath between big sales, and give players a reason to buy into clan tech.

Edited by Hexenhammer, 19 December 2013 - 04:32 PM.


#46 Ryvucz

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Posted 19 December 2013 - 04:30 PM

View PostRG Notch, on 19 December 2013 - 03:54 PM, said:

Funny thing it shows you got your priorities all screwed up if that's what you're spending money on it might explain why you're poor. As a wise man once said "A fool and his money are lucky enough to come together in the first place".


Income determines your "class", not how you spend or keep money. :(

#47 Sandpit

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Posted 19 December 2013 - 04:32 PM

View PostHexenhammer, on 19 December 2013 - 04:28 PM, said:


People that buy clan packages get to beta test clan tech!


This is one of the best ideas I've seen. Those that purchase the packs could have gotten early "closed beta" type access to test out clan tech on some test servers. Now THAT? That's incentive and how you give perks to customers. Instead of purchasing something you won't have any access to for at LEAST 7 months.

#48 Chip Danger

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Posted 19 December 2013 - 04:34 PM

View PostHeffay, on 19 December 2013 - 01:11 PM, said:

I still want to know what limited means. This means that if they do get UI 2.0 and the Launch module ready, I'll definitely be going ubergold, but only if I know how special I will be. 1 in 100? Deal. 1 in 1000? Eh... I want a counter, dammit!

And everyone is spelling it wrong. It's Masarati package.


As many times as they can hit the enter key to make a new one.

#49 Wrenchfarm

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Posted 19 December 2013 - 04:48 PM

View PostRG Notch, on 19 December 2013 - 04:06 PM, said:

Which estimate do you want, the 90 days after OB, the 6 months after Launch Party, or the current 6 months from latest cash grab? Basically take any time PGI is looking to sell you something and add 3 - 6 months.

The perpetual beta.

View PostSandpit, on 19 December 2013 - 04:28 PM, said:


Just curious about this

Ok so you uninstalled. You're denying yourself the game. What does that prove to PGI since you could just as easily keep the game installed and play completely for free. It's the exact same result to PGI. I jsut don't understand the whole "I uninstalled, that'll teach em a lesson!" mentality. Uninstalling the game has no more effect on on PGI than just playing it as a free player and still not giving them any money

A few reasons.

I don't want to be part of Russ' telemetry. I don't want to be one of the active players he can point to when he claims the game isn't sinking.

It's a symbolic move. I want to show that people are tired of their bull and want results, not more empty promises.

Most of all though, it's just too frustrating to keep playing. I'm tired of torturing myself trying to mine out rare moments of fun from a broken game. I'm tired of seeing the same ubergolds match after match because the playerbase has shrank to the size where you could float it in a teacup. I'm tired of teasing myself with what could have been.

#50 DocBach

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Posted 19 December 2013 - 04:49 PM

I want to see a throwback to the Citytech boxed set, with a package that includes the Uller, Blackhawk, Mad Cat, and Daishi.

#51 Sandpit

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Posted 19 December 2013 - 04:55 PM

View PostWrenchfarm, on 19 December 2013 - 04:48 PM, said:

The perpetual beta.


A few reasons.

I don't want to be part of Russ' telemetry. I don't want to be one of the active players he can point to when he claims the game isn't sinking.

It's a symbolic move. I want to show that people are tired of their bull and want results, not more empty promises.

Most of all though, it's just too frustrating to keep playing. I'm tired of torturing myself trying to mine out rare moments of fun from a broken game. I'm tired of seeing the same ubergolds match after match because the playerbase has shrank to the size where you could float it in a teacup. I'm tired of teasing myself with what could have been.

I guess I can understand where you're coming from. I guess I still have fun playing. Jumping on TS and shooting the breeze with guys in Marik and shooting mechs for a bit.
I won't let Russ or PGI dictate the amount of fun I have with the game although I also won't let their "new dedication to the franchise" fool me into spending any money just yet. I'm disappointed and upset about the way they've handled things thus far but I still enjoy stomping around in my Stalker and pew pew pewing.

#52 Kaeseblock

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Posted 19 December 2013 - 04:56 PM

View PostHexenhammer, on 19 December 2013 - 04:28 PM, said:

So how could this have been handled.
Ui2 released
[...]
People that buy clan packages get to beta test clan tech!


I really like that idea. Didn't buy the clan package (yet) but ^this might get me into buying a clan pack before my own target date for my buying decision in April (wouldn't be the Masakari pack at first but well, there's always the option to upgrade if I like what I see).

Edited by Kaeseblock, 19 December 2013 - 04:58 PM.


#53 Bobdolemite

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Posted 19 December 2013 - 05:19 PM

There have been a few good signs:

increased dev communication including *loose* timetables for key features

Holiday themed gift

New challenge / with added kill dev bonus

and now this re-dress of the Khan package. My first and second thoughts of the Khan package were: OMG you cant be serious, then it was OMG doesnt even come with clanpack wtf *facepalm*

This latest statement is the first step in moving out of the fire, IMO as a further step I would like to see the clan package re-priced to the model of Phoenix making it $140 (Theres no way ill pay $240 and in that extension wont be buying a lesser package either)

Now if they can keep up the level of communication and start to address key balance issues while still pursuing the deadlines for major features then my faith will be restored. Until then I remain dubiously optimistic.

But... good work PGI, and id love to see more.

#54 Thorqemada

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Posted 19 December 2013 - 05:39 PM

Btw. it was stated they sold ~30.000 "Phoenix Packs" having only 200 refunds - they for sure hope to sell more of the "Clan Collection".

Imho its a good move to include the "Collection" when one buys a "Gold".

He still not does understand that the NPE is like this:
"Hey Guys, we have a potentially magnificent game and you are offered to enjoy it after you get beaten into your faces 25 times".
Those who dare then find out that most of the magnificent stuff is still missing...

Edited by Thorqemada, 19 December 2013 - 06:29 PM.


#55 Wrenchfarm

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Posted 19 December 2013 - 05:59 PM

View PostBobdolemite, on 19 December 2013 - 05:19 PM, said:

There have been a few good signs:

increased dev communication including *loose* timetables for key features

Holiday themed gift

New challenge / with added kill dev bonus

and now this re-dress of the Khan package. My first and second thoughts of the Khan package were: OMG you cant be serious, then it was OMG doesnt even come with clanpack wtf *facepalm*

This latest statement is the first step in moving out of the fire, IMO as a further step I would like to see the clan package re-priced to the model of Phoenix making it $140 (Theres no way ill pay $240 and in that extension wont be buying a lesser package either)

Now if they can keep up the level of communication and start to address key balance issues while still pursuing the deadlines for major features then my faith will be restored. Until then I remain dubiously optimistic.

But... good work PGI, and id love to see more.

You're easily swayed.

They've had "good communication" in the past - usually a week after the forums melt down and they realize they're in trouble. They whip together a news post, sing a few love songs, then go silent again for 4-6 months. It will be the same thing this time.

The loose timetables are more of the same too. Remember CW 90 days after Open Beta? Remember UI 2.0 last Febuary? Last Summer? Before launch? A month after launch? Timetables and deadlines mean nothing if they're willing to just perpetually push them back.

It's pablum to soothe you all and re-open your wallets.

Until ACTUAL progress happens, I don't think it's wise to be optimistic, dubiously or not.

#56 Bobdolemite

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Posted 19 December 2013 - 06:40 PM

View PostWrenchfarm, on 19 December 2013 - 05:59 PM, said:

You're easily swayed.

They've had "good communication" in the past - usually a week after the forums melt down and they realize they're in trouble. They whip together a news post, sing a few love songs, then go silent again for 4-6 months. It will be the same thing this time.

The loose timetables are more of the same too. Remember CW 90 days after Open Beta? Remember UI 2.0 last Febuary? Last Summer? Before launch? A month after launch? Timetables and deadlines mean nothing if they're willing to just perpetually push them back.

It's pablum to soothe you all and re-open your wallets.

Until ACTUAL progress happens, I don't think it's wise to be optimistic, dubiously or not.


I agree with you on almost every front, except the fact that I am completely swayed =) My wallet remains closed and will be for a good long time. Id love some acknowledgement about broken systems like Ghost Heat (went from temporary fix to permanent feature, and this needs to be redressed badly) Missile HSR / Balance, Pulse weapons not to mention UI 2.0 like ASAP and other key features like CW or VOIP. At this point im just happy that they are doing something besides telling us that no problem exists.

One thing that scares the {Scrap} out of me though is that fixing of SRM's, LRM's, Pulse weapons etc may not be addressed for 1 year+! This is unacceptable, how can they hope to implement CW or even just clan weapons with so many glaring problems. IMO they need to make game balance a priority, and it should be possible to do this in a timely manner without moving key features back.

I do think it qualifies as a first step, albeit a small one. But still a step in the right direction.

#57 mekabuser

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Posted 19 December 2013 - 08:15 PM

i dont know who is more obtuse. OUr WK or Russ.
It should be alarming that Russ considers the 3pv fiasco the rabble just making alot of noise.

WHat he also doesnt realize is mechwarrior has never been an easy game. Its supposed to be hardcore..
Its also supposed to be cool.. Make the game cool.. make it immersive.. and make it work .. thats how you get new players..

You satisfy your base.. with this IP more than most any other.. and the rest will follow.

ELO brackets ARE the training wheels.. There is no problem trying to get new players in.. Thats what the kiddie pool is for..
The strong and smart fight their way to the higher levels of elo .

#58 MustrumRidcully

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Posted 19 December 2013 - 11:14 PM

View PostApostal, on 19 December 2013 - 02:31 PM, said:

Afterall I saw an interesting quote where the idea sold to founders was that PGI/IGP owned the right's to the IP, only now we find out their leasing the license, and had done so for a very small development window (in other words it seemed more like a touch wood experiment to see if they can milk the BT franchise).

I thought everyone knew that the videogame license for Battletech was at Microsoft.

This founder only bought into the game because ti was a Mechwarrior game, I don't care who holds the license.

I don't think anyone knew how long the license agreement lasted and I am surprised to hear it would have ended so soon. It makes me wonder whether this is genuinely somethnig that makde PGI not invest as much effort or money as they could, because they had to break even next year and heavy investments would make that unlikely. A few extra years might help.

#59 Airborne Thunder

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Posted 19 December 2013 - 11:24 PM

OK, so if these gold mechs are so:

"extremely rare and limited addition"

How come they are still selling them? I can't wait until all the people who shell out $500.00 on a gold mech find out the only gold mechs sold were Mad Cats.

#60 Kaeseblock

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Posted 20 December 2013 - 12:22 AM

Quoting for convenience:

View PostKaeseblock, on 20 December 2013 - 12:15 AM, said:

That's old news...
The Mechwarrior XBox 360 metacritic entry refers to the game "Mechwarrior" planned by PGI which was canceled, not to "Mechwarrior Online"


http://mwomercs.com/...x-360-near-you/
http://mwomercs.com/...8-mwo-auf-xbox/ (german subforum)


This "news" is somehow bound to zombie around from time to time

Edited by Kaeseblock, 20 December 2013 - 12:25 AM.






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