Servers on the decline again....

[Skidrowbro]

Now there are 5x more people on each of the 12 servers out of 120 we used to have.

 

.

 

Fixed that for you

Edited July 29, 2012 by Skidrowbro

[cshouston]

So many fanboys and truth deniers in this thread, it's sad. Fine, keep your head in the sand, right up BioWare walks out and shuts the lights off on you. If you think EA won't do it, just look at Warhammer Online. The game will keep running, but there will be no more content.

[Overtone]

I'm sure that having issue like chat not working, unscheduled maintenance, poor CS etc is probably the main reason for the decline. Sure they added content but they implement it so badly it's ridiculous.

[Evensong]

Not sure about other servers but I don't see any decline. Several instances for Belsavis and even Ilum had 2 instances lately. Fleet always has 2 instances. More then 170 people on Coruscant and Dromund Kaas follows close... starting zones packed. Upper planets more then 50 people most of the time.... went to do The Esselles yesterday and there were 31 instances just there... shrug Edited July 29, 2012 by Evensong

[Thoffs]

Theyre on the decline because we have no new content. Argue all you want about how fast or slow BW are at implementing new major patches, the fact is there's very little to do once youre done with Endgame stuff.

 

There's no fun achievements to work towards, there's no rep to grind (shockingly it is a very effective time sink). There's no pazaak gambling etc. Little mini-games other than space, which is well, kinda lame.

 

Yeah, this. It is pretty simple really -- add new content, more people log in. Don't add new content, people bleed away. For whatever reason, Bioware can't add content fast enough to keep people from bleeding away. Even if it was just an event like the Rakghoul event it would help.

[skygon]

Yeah, this. It is pretty simple really -- add new content, more people log in. Don't add new content, people bleed away. For whatever reason, Bioware can't add content fast enough to keep people from bleeding away. Even if it was just an event like the Rakghoul event it would help.

 

After the layoff and all the rumors we really need news and info about the 1.4 updates and the future of the game, i know we saw the E3 video, but after that, nothing.

[Leggomy]

After the layoff and all the rumors we really need news and info about the 1.4 updates and the future of the game, i know we saw the E3 video, but after that, nothing.

 

I agree. I just wonder did they lay off a lot of people and before all this new content are we going to see the 100% f2p switch? A head guy from EA said in the next few weeks we would see a "new way to play". In my opinion the reason content has stopped (I mean 1.2 added a little bit but in reality they havent added any new content except a couple ops since launch) is most likely the same reason we got the silent treatment from Turbine when LOTRO went f2p.

 

Also there were fanboys just like here who said LOTRO would never go f2p. The devs insisted up until 90 days before the launch they had "no plans to go f2p". It took them almost a year to finally launch it in that time we got nothing for new content. No communication either just like here. Its deja-vu for me.

[Daethorz]

The Underlying Problem is having the same Boring endgame as WoW.

 

WoW's Endgame: Sitting in Orgrimmar Waiting for PvE or PvP Que, or you can go off and do your daily's again.

Swtor's Endgame: Sitting in Fleet Waiting for PvE or PvP Que, or you can go off and do your daily's again.

 

Fix: My Suggestion List, found in my Signature, for those who don't want to read it and help tell bioware we don't want world of starwars, Its simple, minigames, give us reasons to go off fleet, add swoop racing on Tatooine, Nar Shadda, add pazzak, dejark & other star wars minigames to casinos so we can gamble credits, space exploration, on and on and on.

[Valkirus]

The Underlying Problem is having the same Boring endgame as WoW.

 

WoW's Endgame: Sitting in Orgrimmar Waiting for PvE or PvP Que, or you can go off and do your daily's again.

Swtor's Endgame: Sitting in Fleet Waiting for PvE or PvP Que, or you can go off and do your daily's again.

 

Fix: My Suggestion List, found in my Signature, for those who don't want to read it and help tell bioware we don't want world of starwars, Its simple, minigames, give us reasons to go off fleet, add swoop racing on Tatooine, Nar Shadda, add pazzak, dejark & other star wars minigames to casinos so we can gamble credits, space exploration, on and on and on.

 

I like your suggestion on space exploration. But none of the other things you mentioned would entice me to come back. And what end game is for any MMO depends on what you want to do and how effective the tools are in that game to accomplish them.

[Comstrike]

After the layoff and all the rumors we really need news and info about the 1.4 updates and the future of the game, i know we saw the E3 video, but after that, nothing.

 

This relates to the point I've been making for a month or more.

 

Something is clogging up the works. It isn't simple bug fixes. It isn't rolling out the content they had on the shelf. Something else, clearly very big, is coming down the road. No marketing hype, no details, not a peep about what is going on. Lots of management level and game design/concept/direction changes. Fewer technical layoffs than world-builders, video editors, and related "creatives."

 

It all points to something mainly technical. Enter a new hire from EA in California, whose programming focus is entirely ecommerce focused, and the continued existence of a bright, younger, Sr. Project Manager in the area of ecommerce. Rumbles and discussions about viability of subscriptions. Etc.

 

To my mind, this means they are reworking the existing game into the F2P/cash store model. It would explain having to grind out reworking so much. It may also be why a NEW hire coming in, has such a focus. I can't see any other reason for that. Likewise, a Sr. PM is expensive and certain to have multiple active teams, none of which I can see having work to do with what little ecommerece was already out there.

 

In fact, even with a level cap, an in-game store would be little used given how dirt easy it is to level and get XP. A larger cap, rebalanced XP curve, makes sense for such a move, and still doesn't account for the slow-down.

 

Just my thoughts.

[Comstrike]

I agree. I just wonder did they lay off a lot of people and before all this new content are we going to see the 100% f2p switch? A head guy from EA said in the next few weeks we would see a "new way to play". In my opinion the reason content has stopped (I mean 1.2 added a little bit but in reality they havent added any new content except a couple ops since launch) is most likely the same reason we got the silent treatment from Turbine when LOTRO went f2p.

 

Also there were fanboys just like here who said LOTRO would never go f2p. The devs insisted up until 90 days before the launch they had "no plans to go f2p". It took them almost a year to finally launch it in that time we got nothing for new content. No communication either just like here. Its deja-vu for me.

 

You must read my other posts! Been saying this for months.

[Sarfux]

You want a revolutionary endgame experience? Take a look at my thread in my signature

[Daethorz]

This relates to the point I've been making for a month or more.

 

Something is clogging up the works. It isn't simple bug fixes. It isn't rolling out the content they had on the shelf. Something else, clearly very big, is coming down the road. No marketing hype, no details, not a peep about what is going on. Lots of management level and game design/concept/direction changes. Fewer technical layoffs than world-builders, video editors, and related "creatives."

 

It all points to something mainly technical. Enter a new hire from EA in California, whose programming focus is entirely ecommerce focused, and the continued existence of a bright, younger, Sr. Project Manager in the area of ecommerce. Rumbles and discussions about viability of subscriptions. Etc.

 

To my mind, this means they are reworking the existing game into the F2P/cash store model. It would explain having to grind out reworking so much. It may also be why a NEW hire coming in, has such a focus. I can't see any other reason for that. Likewise, a Sr. PM is expensive and certain to have multiple active teams, none of which I can see having work to do with what little ecommerece was already out there.

 

In fact, even with a level cap, an in-game store would be little used given how dirt easy it is to level and get XP. A larger cap, rebalanced XP curve, makes sense for such a move, and still doesn't account for the slow-down.

 

Just my thoughts.

 

If they are putting work into a F2P system with a stupid cash shop I hope they enjoy their future completely dead mmo, i would never come back unless the cash shop was useless, and i would never buy out if it regardless.

 

If they just add a new endgame, revolutionary mmo experience, even the guy above, my suggestion list too, srsly.. this game is so bland.

 

Swtor is a Big Double layer cake, with no frosting.

[Leggomy]

You want a revolutionary endgame experience? Take a look at my thread in my signature

 

I want a whole game experience. Not just end game. This game is close if they would just listen to people. Communicate and put out some new content. I like the game but its no good to me if everyone else quits.

[Daethorz]

I want a whole game experience. Not just end game. This game is close if they would just listen to people. Communicate and put out some new content. I like the game but its no good to me if everyone else quits.

 

Endgame is the biggest problem right now, heck i enjoy leveling new classes through the same empire content, simply because of how well made the class storys are.

 

I do agree this game needs non-linear mission content, such as extra cities on tatooine with alternate missions, and so on with other planets.

 

My list of suggestions would really give endgame a breath of life, but even my highly thought out list is not enough.

 

This is a mmo afterall, we pay $15/mo expecting new content, a new operation/flashpoint is not enough for me, and thats why i quit WoW, i wanted new CONTENT, firelands actually added a pretty cool, yet small zone, i wanted every patch to be like that or more.

Edited July 29, 2012 by Daethorz

[Comstrike]

If they are putting work into a F2P system with a stupid cash shop I hope they enjoy their future completely dead mmo, i would never come back unless the cash shop was useless, and i would never buy out if it regardless.

 

If they just add a new endgame, revolutionary mmo experience, even the guy above, my suggestion list too, srsly.. this game is so bland.

 

Swtor is a Big Double layer cake, with no frosting.

 

One is entitled to however you view cash shops.

 

That said, they wouldn't roll out new content, only to have to totally rework it. Well.....unlike PvP on Illum.

 

In truth, many in my LOTRO kinship are waiting for F2P, if, and only IF it is like that in LOTRO. However some feel EA may go another route as with their other games, which would alienate even me.

 

As I said in other thread. My main worry is if they continue to gaff it up, does this game last only three years or so? MMORPGs require a large investment in time and with RP'ers, emotion and effort. Some with well run guilds. Do I believe this game is beyond fail safe? Will it really last? LOTRO is on year five, and shows no sign of ending before ten. Sure, they could let this run in the shadows, little development, for years. SWG did the same.

 

But EA has this evil hate of non-new games. They love slicing games offline that aren't new or "hawt" enough. They could pull some lame "we had a great run, did so many great things, time to move-on," and shut down. Lord knows their PR never reflects reality anyway, you can start to see how they might go and BS their way around failing, and actually declare it victory.

[Tsillah]

oh, I thought this thread was about server population....my bad.

[Leggomy]

Endgame is the biggest problem right now, heck i enjoy leveling new classes through the same empire content, simply because of how well made the class storys are.

 

I do agree this game needs non-linear mission content, such as extra cities on tatooine with alternate missions, and so on with other planets.

 

My list of suggestions would really give endgame a breath of life, but even my highly thought out list is not enough.

 

This is a mmo afterall, we pay $15/mo expecting new content, a new operation/flashpoint is not enough for me, and thats why i quit WoW, i wanted new CONTENT, firelands actually added a pretty cool, yet small zone, i wanted every patch to be like that or more.

 

Not everyone focuses only on end game. They need core features other MMOs have like char transfers etc. New planets, new races, new gear etc is all for everyone not just for end game.

[DarkZeron]

I just dont understand why we are surprised. The population was declining before the server merge, and the main reason for that wasnt the low server population.

 

As nothing changed in the game other then having more guy running around you, the same trend just start to reapply, people are bored of the game and not logging on as frequently or at all.

[Malevul]

29 July, time for sex and swimming ...anyway is it a decline??

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/9ge8cydhdils0hy/sw.jpg

[Comstrike]

I just dont understand why we are surprised. The population was declining before the server merge, and the main reason for that wasnt the low server population.

 

As nothing changed in the game other then having more guy running around you, the same trend just start to reapply, people are bored of the game and not logging on as frequently or at all.

 

Part of the problem is that EA is spinning everything they do, effectively trying to label it something other than what is going on. So what they say, never matches reality. The community is left to fight and kvetch here in the forums, people have to divine what they can from what there is to read, and here we are.

 

*shrug*

 

The game likely is still losing net players, but also we have to realize it is that time of year, other games are in the mix, and not all who remain subscribed are going to be as active.

 

The question is if even more fence sitter bail as they see number continue to decline.

[Leggomy]

Drop some new content in and watch em all come flooding back.

[Comstrike]

Drop some new content in and watch em all come flooding back.

 

Some, yes, will come back. No doubt. But they need to do a bit more, and that is communicate that coming back isn't going to be a waste, or that what they float out there isn't just a tease. The player base is a bit more jaded at this point. And the content needs to be something people look at and really like. More flash points and war zones aren't that. At the very least, there has to be a sense that the content is heading in the right direction.

[WildbloodX]

What exactly are these "fundamental flaws" everyone keeps talking about? I see lots of regurgitation but no actual facts about what people are dissatisfied with.

 

Here are the fundamental problems I noticed with TOR:

 

1. Very little PVP interaction within the worlds at higher levels

2. Poor quality LFG tool that limits peoples ability to form friendships (community) running instances and content.

3. Lack of “personalization”. No cross mission features, very linier story content decreasing re-playability. For both factions

4. Game content is way too easy, and high end gear is a grind fest to get and easy to get. MMO players strive to get that “Bad !!@ gear”, but when it is handed to you then what is there to play for.

5. Leveling is way too fast causing a burnout affect. If I have 2 lvl 50s in 6 months of playing casually and completed most of the content, then something is wrong there. People want something to strive for and the level cap is a big one. This feature needs to go hand in hand with point # 3 and 4.

6. The lack of sandbox elements in the game has a major impact on re-playability, lack of arenas and world pvp, cross story encounters or event random story / mission encounters cripples this game.

 

TOR is a great idea, and the engine as a whole is a good one, combat mechanics are great, and the all voice over missions and encounters are wonderful, but the 6 points above MUST be in place to hold subs or people get bored and quit. People are angry because the hopes for the game was so high, and when it is lacking the elements that make an MMO good you just fail.

[Comstrike]

Here are the fundamental problems I noticed with TOR:

 

1. Very little PVP interaction within the worlds at higher levels

2. Poor quality LFG tool that limits peoples ability to form friendships (community) running instances and content.

3. Lack of “personalization”. No cross mission features, very linier story content decreasing re-playability. For both factions

4. Game content is way too easy, and high end gear is a grind fest to get and easy to get. MMO players strive to get that “Bad !!@ gear”, but when it is handed to you then what is there to play for.

5. Leveling is way too fast causing a burnout affect. If I have 2 lvl 50s in 6 months of playing casually and completed most of the content, then something is wrong there. People want something to strive for and the level cap is a big one. This feature needs to go hand in hand with point # 3 and 4.

6. The lack of sandbox elements in the game has a major impact on re-playability, lack of arenas and world pvp, cross story encounters or event random story / mission encounters cripples this game.

 

TOR is a great idea, and the engine as a whole is a good one, combat mechanics are great, and the all voice over missions and encounters are wonderful, but the 6 points above MUST be in place to hold subs or people get bored and quit. People are angry because the hopes for the game was so high, and when it is lacking the elements that make an MMO good you just fail.

 

You point out some good points from a given point of view. Likewise, the other side of the player base is unhappy at a lack of ability to just go and "explore," have fluff, customize look and feel of characters, etc. So this game is lacking on both sides.