Producer's Letter: May/June News!

Discussion in 'General Gameplay Discussion' started by Windstalker, May 16, 2014.

  1. Windstalker Executive Producer

    Dearest Norrathians,

    We’re working to bring you a lot more information about what we’re doing, why, and when. To that end, here’s a quick overview on what we've done recently and what’s coming soon!

    As a quick recap of our larger content releases in April and May so far, we launched:
    • High Keep Contested dungeon
    • High Keep Guild Halls
    • Temple of Veeshan raid zone
    • Ethereal/Artifact items (in Tears of Veeshan mission crates for a couple of months)
    Matchmaking Code

    While we are releasing weekly updates, we remain committed to bug fixes, like our matchmaking code.

    The matchmaking code we use in Battlegrounds and Dungeon Finder has undergone a lot of investigation and fixes. We are hoping to have it on Beta soon and will ask for your help to test it. This remains one of our highest priorities until it's fixed. Solo matches seem to be working well, but grouping is having some issues so our engineers are rewriting code.

    The second piece of this is Dungeon Finder 2.0. The design team is currently re-evaluating the original design and we'll move forward on that once the foundation of the matchmaking code is stable and fixed.

    What's On Deck!

    Below is a list of what the team plans to release in the next couple of months. This is the order they will go live starting next week, but they are subject to change on the off-chance we come upon some hurdles in testing/implementation.
    1. DONE: Convert older currencies into transmuting components and other useful goodies.
    2. Matchmaker Improvements, Round 1: This replaces the New Tunaria update for week 4 of May and is our first fix that will make matchmaking more playable. Still bugs we gotta fix though.
    3. Postponed to Mid-June: New Tunaria PvP Warzone available to all servers through Champion's Respite.(Update: In May week 4, we found some bugs/issues that will hold this release for a bit).
    4. Over 100 new Loyalty items for All Access members that will be easy to find and purchase! We are making it much easier to spend your Loyalty tokens by using the Marketplace interface.
    5. NPCs for Decorators that you can place and dress and select animation states, like drinking, dancing, etc. If you wanted to have yourself a Dark Elf Attendants theme, you can do that. Or Dwarf guards. Or Gnomish party guests…it's up to you! We're working on this system now which will function much like mannequins.
    6. Fabled Deathtoll dungeon zone will include a ton of bosses with loot you can throw yourselves at…and it will be great loot! And if you can't use the loot, you can salvage it to create something you can use. All Access will get exclusive access for a period of time.
    7. New Status Items/Status Merchant revamp. The team wants to get back into supporting status with cool stuff for you to spend it on.
    Expansion Pack

    While all this work goes on, the team is continuing their hard work on the expansion pack for this year. The artwork is outstanding and so is the content! We are working on a variety of themes again, one of them we have hinted at with dinosaur-like creatures. But that’s just one of many. Our new Terrain Tool has been incredible for creating really amazing areas which we’ll be showing you before too long!

    Gear Up, Level Up (June promotional program from June 3 to July 8)

    In our livestream in early May, we announced that this year’s expansion will increase the level cap to 100. In light of the announcement, we wanted to do something to help you gear up and level up your characters! The team came up with some bonuses for the month of June (at least). Here's how the "Gear Up, Level Up" bonuses are looking right now:

    All Access members will receive the following bonuses and discounts:
    • Double-Double Etyma in Tears of Veeshan (4x the rewards)!
    • 25% XP Bonus
    • Tears of Veeshan Expansion discount (15%)
    • 25% Off Heroic Characters
    Free players also get some bonuses. They receive:
    • Double Etyma in Tears of Veeshan (2x the rewards)!
    • Also eligible for a Tears of Veeshan expansion discount (15%).
    And finally...

    We are also really looking forward to SOE Live in August. Until then, though, we hope to see you in game! Keep an eye on our Community Manager, Luperza, too, as she's coming up with some new ways to keep you informed and get you involved in this great game of ours!

    To stay in the loop, follow me on Twitter @windstalkereq2, and our official channel @everquestii. Don’t forget to follow us on www.twitch.tv/everquest2 and see our next EverQuest II Insider on June 4.

    Best wishes and happy days!

    Update: New Tunaria is on hold for a couple of weeks. Instead, we are going to release our first matchmaker fixes that will make matches more balanced. Still have bugs to chase, but this is a start!
    Neiloch, Pantaro, Blue and 10 others like this.
  2. Corydonn Well-Known Member

    Speaking of SoE Live. Do you know what classes will be used for the tournament or can you acquire that information? I think it was around this time we had the information to practice with.
  3. Windstalker Executive Producer

    We will be adding all classes this year. :)
  4. Moonpanther Well-Known Member

    Love the NPC idea, would love some new crafting recipes. I'd like to not have to go to the store and buy new items so much. Please can we get some new crafting recipes?
    Juraviel and Blueiris like this.
  5. Vallaria Member

    *bounces up and down with joy*

    As a decorator and a role player, you have no idea how happy this makes me! This is sooooo awesome!

    *happy dancing*
    Blueiris and Windstalker like this.
  6. Endymion Developer

    For the low price of a few cookies, I will come to your in-game house and pretend to be a poseable NPC. All outfits must be approved first, though.
  7. EvilHomer New Member

    French Maid is always approved, no? ;)
  8. Endymion Developer

    You have no idea how many cookies that'd cost. I'm down for a classy butler look, though.
    Geroblue and Kurisutaru like this.
  9. Wanic Active Member

    Raid or group zone? Or both? :p
  10. ttobey Makes the Monsters Move

    He is one of those lame action figures with only 5 points of articulation.
    Geroblue likes this.
  11. Endymion Developer

    You should see how many hand gestures I can do!
    Geroblue, Kurisutaru, Rhodris and 2 others like this.
  12. Moonpanther Well-Known Member

    What about a pool boy?
  13. Katanallama Well-Known Member

    That guy will just take your cookies and run for the hills, 0/10 would not recommend.

    Can we use our own characters for the tournament if all classes? Only way I'd play a swash there :p
  14. Endymion Developer

    Ssh don't spoil my SOE Live plans.
    Liar! I always lay down to take a nap after eating cookies; none of that running nonsense for me.
  15. Gninja Developer

    Endymion: w/ Kung Fu Grip
    Calthine likes this.
  16. oldskool Active Member


    Just curious, will F2P folks be able to see these items in the Marketplace?
  17. Feara Well-Known Member

    Wow! Wow and Wow!

    Totally righteous.

    Thank you!
  18. Aleksis Member

    Will be there finally the majestic pridewing for loyality tokens? Would love to see this :)
    Naramsin and Blueiris like this.
  19. Charlice Well-Known Member

    OH MY GOSH! Thank you for listening!

    And fabled Deathtoll! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! I love that place!
  20. Moonpanther Well-Known Member