Jump to content

Road Map For March, April And May


151 replies to this topic

#1 InnerSphereNews

    Member

  • Developer
  • Developer
  • 2,770 posts

Posted 16 February 2018 - 06:52 PM



"Greetings MechWarriors!
Welcome to the latest Edition of the MWO Roadmap! First I would like to say Alex Garden is no longer doing the Roadmaps!
‘But WHY?!’
Well Alex (my protege (wink)) has superseded me and become a producer on MW5: Mercenaries, where he will be able to focus on all the "little details" that go into making that product. Congrats Alex! You will notice a change in tone and content of the roadmap as I, Matt Newman, and Tina Benoit work to get you all the new information you want! We hope you enjoy the new format and feel free to leave your constructive feedback in the thread! With that said, let's get going as it's shaping up to be a big year for MWO and we are really excited to share our plans!
P.S. I will also be taking over the patch notes and you can read those here!"

Regards,
Matt



Patch Date: March 20th

Mech Release
Sun Spider
The second original 'Mech design by Piranha Games! You can Preorder the Sun Spider here.
The Sun Spider will be a fun and versatile Heavy Clan Mech with a striking symmetrical design by Alex "Flying Debris" Iglesias.

Fun Facts about our original 'Mech designs; As we planned out the MechCon event in 2016, we wanted to have merchandise to sell for our guests at MechCon so they could bring back souvenirs, however the MechWarrior license prevented us from having any MechWarrior brand marks or content on physical goods. Therefore, the only way we could provide merchandise was to simply have the "Mech_Con" logo on them but we knew that our 'Mech fans would look forward to merchandise with 'Mechs on them more than anything, so as a result we decided to have an original Piranha Games 'Mech as a Pre-Order release. Turns out this idea had been around in the studio for a while and the desires to create a 'Mech that was unique to Piranha Games for MechWarrior Online was something everyone in the company was very excited about.

Holiday Bonus Heroes
A special Holiday Bonus event occurred on December 27th, 2017 where all players who played 1 match that day would receive 2 brand new Hero 'Mechs by the March patch update!
See your Eligibility while logged in here!
These Hero Mechs are from PGI's new 'Mech original designs; the Roughneck and the Sun Spider!
Check out the Mechs Loadouts here!
See screenshots below of the 2 Hero Mech's new special pattern.

Roughneck


Sun Spider







Faction Play Changes
Faction Play as a whole is currently in the early stages of a thorough review, while Solaris 7 is nearing its release in April. It was important for us that Faction Play run smoothly during this time frame, therefore we have made a list of changes that will help remove the points of friction to the player experience:
  • Players will no longer be penalized for breaking Loyalty pledges or Mercenary Contracts.
  • Contracts will now remain active until manually cancelled, and the cancellation of a Mercenary Contract will not incur a penalty.
  • As a result, Unit Leaders and members with sufficient permissions can take new Faction Contracts or Loyalist pledges for the Unit at any time.
  • There are no Desertion phases after breaking Contracts or Loyalty. However, the Loyalist Probationary period starting from the initial pledge remains in place.
  • Freelancers will now be able to respond to standard Call To Arms. They are no longer restricted to the last-minute Emergency Call To Arms.

The Balance Discussion
Lead Designer Paul Inouye has spoken on an NGNGtv Podcast about the recent discussions and status of MWO's Balance.

Removal of the Respec Cost in Skill Tree
As of the March 20th patch, we are removing the 400 XP cost associated with re-acquiring a previously unlocked Skill! The removal of this cost is not retroactive, and will not result in any refunds of XP/GXP previously used to reacquire an unlocked Node. This is simply a change to the respec system moving forward.


Patch Date: April 17th
Mech Release
Fafnir (Store)

Solaris Feature Set Release
Overview and Update
Solaris is a 1v1 or 2v2 gladiatorial style game expansion for MechWarrior Online.
Divisions
Every ‘Mech variant in the game will be placed into 1 of 7 divisions based on their maxed out combat capabilities, so for example it will be possible to see a ‘Mech chassis have a variant in one division and another variant in another division.
Seasons
Solaris will be played out in seasons. (Currently planned to be 3 months long). At the end of the season, rewards are giving out for top performing MechWarriors in each division with additional attention to those at the top of the global leaderboards.
Matchmaker
There are no registered teams in Solaris. People can create a 2 player group and enter Solaris but they will not have a team based Elo score.
Match making will be performed on pure Elo calculations of players participating in Solaris. Groups will be matched using the player with the highest Elo value. Elo adjustments to the player with lower Elo scores will be calculated on the numbers generated by the higher Elo players on each team. This minimizes the capabilities of carrying low Elo players into match making levels where they aren’t naturally placed.
Prior to entering a match, players or groups will be banning maps in a turn based elimination method. Once 4 out of the 5 available maps have been banned, the remaining map will be the map the match is played on.
Server selection will be based on players opting in to the regional servers they are willing to play on. There is a server balancing algorithm that will bias server selection to the player who has not played on their own server previously. This is the same functionality as Comp Play.
Economy
Players will align themselves with a Patron who will be providing them with base reward payouts of C-Bills, XP and Accolades (ACC). Accolades are points used to rank up with the patrons and can be considered ‘fame’ for performing well in Solaris. The various ranks in Patrons will reward players with bolt-on cosmetics and other rewards. Each Patron has a booster associated to them that will give one extra boost in one of the 3 reward types (CB/XP/ACC). Patrons contract the players so players will be able to switch Patrons, if they wish, when the contract expires.
Along with Patrons, Sponsors will play a part in rewarding players who perform well. Sponsors will provide a straight up C-Bill boost per win while the Sponsor is active. Unlike Patrons however, Sponsors can be lost due to poor performance. Sponsors are gained and lost based on a 24-hour window of observation of Elo changes.
Leaderboards
There are leaderboards for each of the 7 ‘Mech Divisions. It is possible for players who play in multiple divisions to be on multiple leaderboards. A global leaderboard will average player rankings across all 7 ‘Mech Divisions to show who the big dogs are in Solaris. Leaderboards for solo play vs group play are separated. There is a grand total of 16 leaderboards in Solaris.
Spectate
Solaris also includes the ability to spectate Solaris matches. The number of spectators is increasing dramatically from the current 3 spectators for private matches. The Solaris main screen will also display high competition/exciting matches that can be selected to see who the participants are and what their ranking difference is. After selecting these matches, the player can spectate that match if they so wish. All tools available from the current spectator line-up will be available to all spectators of the Solaris match.
MechBay
The MechBay is receiving an update that allows players to rotate the camera laterally around their ‘Mech instead of the ‘Mech spinning on the spot. Visual customization screens will still retain the ability to spin the ‘Mech to allow for easier placement of decals. The ability to enter first person view has also been added and allows players to walk around and freelook around the MechBay.
Comsumables
Solaris is about the synergy found between MechWarriors and their BattleMechs. It is the ultimate display of their capabilities as a pilot and being in sync with their BattleMechs capabilities. It is because of this and nature of 1v1/2v2 arena combat, consumables will not be allowed in Solaris.
Solaris is scheduled to launch in April 2018. Internal development is coming along quite quickly and this timeframe has a very high probability of being on target unless something catastrophic happens.

Solaris Maps
In addition, many maps have been in a the works for the Solaris games. Here are the maps that will release in the April Update with the new Solaris feature:

1v1a: Steiner Colosseum (Steiner)


2v2a: Boreal Reach (Davion)


1v1c: The Jungle (Liao)


1v1d: Ishiyama Caves (Kurita)


1v1b: Mech Factory (Marik)
- Still in production!

Solaris Hero Pack
Check out all you need to know about the Supporter Pack on this announcement here!

Removal of 32-bit support
As of the April 17th patch, MechWarrior Online will no longer support 32-bit systems.

The MechWarrior Online client and its features have for some time now been hitting the limits of performance and stability under 32-bit systems when it comes to memory. Last year, we updated the Minimum System Requirements listed on the client download page and on Steam to reflect a suggested minimum of 4GB of RAM.

With the release of the new Bolt-On system in our April/Solaris 7 patch and the addition of three new Decal slots (increasing the number of Decal slots from 6 to 9), coupled with decreasing or altogether absent levels support for 32-bit systems by the Windows OS and the various hardware manufacturers, we have opted to end 32-bit support with the release of the April patch.

Removal of current Supply Cache system
The existing Supply Caches and Supply Cache Keys system will be undergoing a ground-up redesign with the release of the April/Solaris 7 patch, bringing in a more streamlined and player-friendly Cache system. As a result, all existing Supply Caches and Supply Cache Keys present in player inventories at the time of the April 17th patch will be removed. If you wish to unlock any Supply Caches in your inventory, be sure to do so before April 17th at 10:00 AM PST!

That said, any unopened Supply Caches or unused Supply Cache Keys in your inventory at the time of the patch will be refunded to you in the following manner:
1 Supply Cache Key = 25 MC (the existing purchase value)
1 Supply Cache = 50,000 C-Bills (the existing sellback value)

For every Supply Cache Key still in your inventory as of the April 17th patch, you will receive 25 MC.
For every Supply Cache still in your inventory as of the April 17th patch, you will receive 50,000 C-Bills.

Every Cache and Key remaining in your inventory will be accounted for!

Details regarding the brand new Supply Cache system will be revealed in future posts leading up to the release of Solaris 7 in our April 17th patch!




Patch Date: May 15th
Mech Release
Blood Asp (Store)

New Quick Play Map
Solaris City Map (MechCon teaser)

MechWarrior Online World Championships 2018
This year's Competitive Play season in MWO will be opening again soon, There is currently no concrete date as to when it will re-open yet, however it is excepted to possibly be between the March/April timeframe. MechCon 2018 will have a new format when relating to the finals and information will be released shortly on the new plan.

Weapon Retrofits
3060 Civil War Weapon geometries are gradually being retrofitted to previous 'Mechs.Below are the following 'Mechs that will be Weapon Retrofitted in May's update:
  • Shadowhawk
  • Battlemaster
  • JagerMech
  • Spider
  • Raven
  • Locust
  • Catapult
  • Hunchback



#2 White Bear 84

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • Ace Of Spades
  • Ace Of Spades
  • 3,857 posts

Posted 16 February 2018 - 07:15 PM

So much hype!! Solaris looking like it is coming along nicely really excited for this to happen. Just curious if we will be able to test out the solaris maps before launching into the matches though, very important to know the arena before battling it out..

#3 - World Eater -

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • Rage
  • Rage
  • 940 posts

Posted 16 February 2018 - 07:16 PM

I really like the paintjob on both of those new heroes. Good job guys :)

#4 Valyknir

    Member

  • PipPipPip
  • Littlest Helper
  • Littlest Helper
  • 70 posts
  • LocationAt the mech store, making poor life choices.

Posted 16 February 2018 - 07:18 PM

I'm liking the looks of this roadmap! Clear progress being laid out, even while MW5 is in development. Nice to see what I get to look forward to!

Congrats on the promotion, Matt! I was hoping the higher-ups would give you more opportunity to interact with us! Posted Image

#5 Kyle Kowalski

    Member

  • PipPip
  • The Raider
  • The Raider
  • 33 posts

Posted 16 February 2018 - 07:41 PM

finally. about time. *cuddles the FASA solaris 7 boxed set*

#6 Skippynibble

    Member

  • PipPip
  • The Named
  • The Named
  • 43 posts

Posted 16 February 2018 - 07:42 PM

Good post Matt...PGI please nerf Matt....

#7 arcana75

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • Shredder
  • Shredder
  • 1,161 posts

Posted 16 February 2018 - 07:43 PM

Thanks for the free Roughneck and Sun Spider!

#8 Alcom Isst

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • The Professional
  • The Professional
  • 935 posts
  • LocationElo Heaven

Posted 16 February 2018 - 07:49 PM

View PostInnerSphereNews, on 16 February 2018 - 06:52 PM, said:

consumables will not be allowed in Solaris.


<3

#9 Sleepyboy14

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • Big Brother
  • Big Brother
  • 120 posts
  • LocationChicago, Terra

Posted 16 February 2018 - 07:54 PM

View PostSkippynibbles, on 16 February 2018 - 07:42 PM, said:

Good post Matt...PGI please nerf Matt....

Make it Buff instead.

#10 Sigmar Sich

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • Veteran Founder
  • Veteran Founder
  • 1,059 posts
  • LocationUkraine, Kyiv

Posted 16 February 2018 - 08:01 PM

I was hoping new roadmap will reveal plans about MWO's future, after Solaris, if there are any. Even if brief "MWO is not dead, active development will continue after Solaris".
Well, thanks anyway.

#11 Eternal Claymore

    Member

  • PipPip
  • The Death Wish
  • The Death Wish
  • 44 posts

Posted 16 February 2018 - 08:02 PM

Do the hero mechs come with mechbays?

#12 latinisator

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • Ace Of Spades
  • Ace Of Spades
  • 561 posts
  • LocationGermany

Posted 16 February 2018 - 08:15 PM

View PostEternal Claymore, on 16 February 2018 - 08:02 PM, said:

Do the hero mechs come with mechbays?

The Solaris 7 Hero Pack Includes:
  • 7 Solaris Hero 'Mechs with Unique hardpoints and 30% C-Bill Boost
  • 7 'Mech Bays
  • 3 Warhorns featuring Taunts, Folly FX, and Crowd Reactions
  • 1 Boosted Standing Item that gives you 5% Accolades Boost (Premium Time will also grant a 5% Accolades boost)
  • 6 Solaris based “Sponsor Decals”
Says so.

#13 ArcRoyale

    Member

  • PipPipPip
  • Mercenary Rank 1
  • Mercenary Rank 1
  • 70 posts

Posted 16 February 2018 - 08:24 PM

All you guys talkin' bout the Solaris stuff, and I'm thinking "Finally we're getting more retrofits and I can try out the missile Urbie!"

#14 IllCaesar

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 980 posts

Posted 16 February 2018 - 08:24 PM

Humchback and Catapult geometry retrofits, nnnnnnnngh. Want now.

Also, where the eff is the Urbie Derby mode for Solaris?

Edited by IllCaesar, 16 February 2018 - 08:25 PM.


#15 dario03

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • Galaxy Commander
  • 3,620 posts

Posted 16 February 2018 - 08:25 PM

I like the sound of the FP changes. Being able to change sides easily will hopefully help get matches when one side is over crowded. Also help with groups when a few can't play FP due to different factions but if they have contract control can just change.

#16 Kuaron

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • Senior Captain
  • Senior Captain
  • 1,105 posts

Posted 16 February 2018 - 08:30 PM

View PostInnerSphereNews, on 16 February 2018 - 06:52 PM, said:

Faction Play Changes
Faction Play as a whole is currently in the early stages of a thorough review, while Solaris 7 is nearing its release in April. It was important for us that Faction Play run smoothly during this time frame, therefore we have made a list of changes that will help remove the points of friction to the player experience:

  • Players will no longer be penalized for breaking Loyalty pledges or Mercenary Contracts.
  • Contracts will now remain active until manually cancelled, and the cancellation of a Mercenary Contract will not incur a penalty.
  • As a result, Unit Leaders and members with sufficient permissions can take new Faction Contracts or Loyalist pledges for the Unit at any time.
  • There are no Desertion phases after breaking Contracts or Loyalty. However, the Loyalist Probationary period starting from the initial pledge remains in place.
  • Freelancers will now be able to respond to standard Call To Arms. They are no longer restricted to the last-minute Emergency Call To Arms.
I’m afraid, over all the Solaris hype, you are missing the point of honouring loyalists somehow.
You know, like, rewarding them. Which is the opposite of making being a loyalist irrelevant…

#17 Koniving

    Welcoming Committee

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • The Guide
  • The Guide
  • 23,384 posts

Posted 16 February 2018 - 08:58 PM

View PostEternal Claymore, on 16 February 2018 - 08:02 PM, said:

Do the hero mechs come with mechbays?

If they come from the website, always.
If you buy them with MC, no.

View PostKuaron, on 16 February 2018 - 08:30 PM, said:

[/b][/b][/b][/b][/b][/b]
[/list]I’m afraid, over all the Solaris hype, you are missing the point of honouring loyalists somehow.
You know, like, rewarding them. Which is the opposite of making being a loyalist irrelevant…

While I agree it makes Loyalty kinda irrelevant...
You have a Loyalist tree of rewards per faction, plus a mercenary tree. Now there's only one mercenary tree, but there's now 7 IS loyalty trees and 6 Clan loyalty trees, each rewarding free mechbays and other trinkets.

#18 ZortPointNarf

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPip
  • Ace Of Spades
  • Ace Of Spades
  • 261 posts
  • LocationIsle of Man

Posted 16 February 2018 - 10:30 PM

Congrats on the promotion Matt, very well deserved.
Admiral Ackbar would have something to say about that urbie in the pack, you tricky hobbitses, now I will have to buy it.
I am quite pleased with the FW changes, I might now actually give it another try, the lockdown nonsense was my biggest bug bear with it.

#19 Blunt_Object

    Member

  • PipPip
  • The Bludgeon
  • The Bludgeon
  • 45 posts
  • LocationAustralia

Posted 16 February 2018 - 10:42 PM

A design question for PGI/devs regarding Solaris 7 to ponder. Allowing spectators to view a match, great idea should be thoroughly interesting. BUT how are you going to implement such a system and not have it abused? ie having a friend spectating the match and assisting with positioning and calling out their movements?
It was asked (many moons ago) about death cam in MWO with the answer being that it was technically not possible I believe due to server issues and the saving of files or something. Has this been considered prior to it being implemented? Yes MOST players will not abuse such a system and merely give their mate **** after a loss. BUT someone is and will abuse this ability what measures are you going to put in place to avoid it?

#20 Levi Porphyrogenitus

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • Mercenary
  • Mercenary
  • 4,763 posts
  • LocationAurora, Indiana, USA, North America, Earth, Sol, Milky Way

Posted 16 February 2018 - 10:44 PM

Best news yet: no consumables in Solaris VII. No more leaning on the Cool Shot crutch.

The Solaris Heroes seem rather disappointing, sadly.





1 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 1 guests, 0 anonymous users