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Saving Darkfall: let's make it happen

LuxuriousLuxurious Member Posts: 32

Edit: My one request is that we not focus on "what's wrong with Darkfall" or "how to fix it", and instead focus on "how we can get another Dev on board to take over the property" or "how we can get AV the resources they need". I'm requesting ideas on that level, not on the level of "change the crafting mechanics, etc. etc."  Now, onto my OP:

I've poured over these Darkfall posts, regarding the fact that it's dying, etc., and one sentiment that I see expressed ad naseum is "I hope another developer takes Darkfall over". The sentiment is feuled by those of us who have played the game and found that, at least on paper, it's about as close to perfect as it can get in the current climate of MMORPG's. In terms of development, customer service, ironing out kinks, and getting over the hump, however, it's a maddening exercize in waning hope. Someone described Darkfall as a ship sailing out over a desolate sea without a captain, and I think that just nails it, in terms of analogous imagery.

Since this is a Darkfall forum nestled (hidden?) within an overarching MMORPG forum, I think it's safe to say I'm preaching to the choire here. You all know the potential for this game. You have experienced the utter (wondeful) brutality and realism the pvp affords, and the capacity to build entire towns, the seiges, and all the other things that would still only add up to "scratching the surface" of how awesome this game is (on paper).  The problem, here, is potential starts to turn into something rotten when it goes unrealized. It starts to stink like a bad fish.

What's my point? It's fairly grand, and it's not really a point, it's an idea that I'd like to propose, here:

I want to save Darkfall. And I want the MMORPG community at large to become aware of Darkfall, especially on the dev level, because someone needs to preserve what is working in Darkfall, going forward. I know you can't please everyone all the time, but anyone with half a brain can see that Darkfall on paper is not a niche market playground; it's a wildly underrealized goldmine that has been REDUCED to a nich market playground by a "dev team" that just doesn't have the resources to take this thing to the next level.

What if we could find a developer who'd be willing to raise the money to buy out this AV property, and begin the real work on extrapolating the potential into a fully realized, major release? It would HAVE to be someone who has played Darkfall, who "gets it".

Honestly, I'm not sure where to go from here, outside of surveying or starting a petition, so that's the core of my reason for posting. I'd love to get a dialog going that focuses on positives rather than trying to cripple this horse right out of the gate. This isn't a time for bubble bursting, and this is no bubble; it's a time to put some heads together and try and salvage the potential energy of this game into something manifested and playable.

Your thoughts and ideas...

Edit: the other thought is raising money for AV, but that seems like a dubious prospect based on the company's reputed dishonesty with the player base...?

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Comments

  • ZylaxxZylaxx Member Posts: 2,574

    Heres how you save Darkfall:

     

    Open up PvE a PvE server with an optional method to turn into a player killer.

     

    Game saved!

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  • VassagoMaelVassagoMael Member Posts: 555

    I will never play another skill based game that does not have a skill cap. Completely ruined Darkfall for me. I had to take a one month break from the game for work and when I came back it wasn't even the same game. Getting into a fight went from a few people having a couple good spells to everyone casting a continous macro stream of every top level spell fully maxed out with all the secondary skills. Truely a disgusting way for a game to be.

    And that is just scratching the surface.

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  • LuxuriousLuxurious Member Posts: 32

    Just to be clear, i'm not interested in ideas on how to change Darkfall mechanics and gameplay, because on paper it's already the best MMORPG in the history of the genre (in my humble opinion). I'm interested in ideas related to getting another Dev on board to take the property over, or getting AV the resources it needs to take it to the next level.

  • VassagoMaelVassagoMael Member Posts: 555
    Originally posted by Luxurious

    Just to be clear, i'm not interested in ideas on how to change Darkfall mechanics and gameplay, because on paper it's already the best MMORPG in the history of the genre (in my humble opinion). I'm interested in ideas related to getting another Dev on board to take the property over, or getting AV the resources it needs to take it to the next level.

    That doesn't make any sense. People were driven away from the game because the awful long term game mechanics.

    Free to play = content updates for the cash shop. Buy to play = content updates for the cash shop.
    Subscription = Actual content updates!

  • LuxuriousLuxurious Member Posts: 32
    Originally posted by VassagoMael
     

    That doesn't make any sense. People were driven away from the game because the awful long term game mechanics.

    Just looking for ideas on getting another DEV on board since AV seems to be out of resources, and looking to preserve the positives. That's my only intention with this post.

  • VassagoMaelVassagoMael Member Posts: 555
    Originally posted by Luxurious
    Originally posted by VassagoMael
     

    That doesn't make any sense. People were driven away from the game because the awful long term game mechanics.

    Just looking for ideas on getting another DEV on board since AV seems to be out of resources, and looking to preserve the positives. That's my only intention with this

    I thought AV was totally focused on DF2?

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    Subscription = Actual content updates!

  • JakdstripperJakdstripper Member RarePosts: 2,410

    as soon as they put a cap on stats/skills and give me a first person view melee combat....i'll be right there saving it with you.

  • JupstoJupsto Member UncommonPosts: 2,075

    I think I lost quite a few brain cells in this thread.

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  • LuxuriousLuxurious Member Posts: 32

    So far three posters have responded with zero ideas.

    I'm asking for people who are interested in the future of Darkfall to have an idea-spawning dialog here regarding moving the property to another DEV or helping AV get the resources they need to take it to the next level.

    Obviously you can post whatever you want, I'm just making a request here. I hope that's okay with those of you who don't share my interest.

  • AnubisanAnubisan Member UncommonPosts: 1,798
    Originally posted by Luxurious

    Just to be clear, i'm not interested in ideas on how to change Darkfall mechanics and gameplay, because on paper it's already the best MMORPG in the history of the genre (in my humble opinion). I'm interested in ideas related to getting another Dev on board to take the property over, or getting AV the resources it needs to take it to the next level.

    People do not want to play the game the way it is because it has too many problems. It was poor design decisions and AV's decision not to listen to their customers which got them to this point. The only way to save Darkfall now is to change it...

  • VassagoMaelVassagoMael Member Posts: 555
    Originally posted by VassagoMael
    Originally posted by Luxurious
    Originally posted by VassagoMael
     

    That doesn't make any sense. People were driven away from the game because the awful long term game mechanics.

    Just looking for ideas on getting another DEV on board since AV seems to be out of resources, and looking to preserve the positives. That's my only intention with this

    I thought AV was totally focused on DF2?

    "Tasos Flambourascame forth today with word that not only is the project still powering forward, but the development team is growing as new hires are brought on to assist in the efforts" That was from Jan. has something major changed? 

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  • GreenishBlueGreenishBlue Member Posts: 263

    can't save a dead one no matter how hard you try

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  • VassagoMaelVassagoMael Member Posts: 555

    http://www.darkfallonline.com/blog/?p=3213

     

    Just got this from their official blog. Did you even look into the game before you assumed they were"out of resources"?

    "

    Short Update June 8

     JUNE 08, 2012    RESFELM    NO COMMENTS

    This week we had a couple of new additions to the team. The first is a marketing specialist that will help us lay down a marketing plan that will lead up to the launch of Darkfall 2.0. The second is a new AI programmer that is tasked with, among other things, bringing some of the new end game monsters, we have already presented, to life. With these and all the other additions we have talked about, the team has grown considerably and our offices are probably the busiest they have been."

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  • ThorbrandThorbrand Member Posts: 1,198

    But...The game has no depth!

  • RednecksithRednecksith Member Posts: 1,238

    Weren't you just the other day extolling the virtues of Allods Online? You even stated that "you couldn't pay me to go back to Darkfall!".

    So then, why the complete 180? Shouldn't you be playing your 'amazing game' of Allods Online?

    How very curious, indeed...

    http://www.mmorpg.com/discussion2.cfm/post/5053474#5053474

  • LuxuriousLuxurious Member Posts: 32

    "Tasos Flambourascame forth today with word that not only is the project still powering forward, but the development team is growing as new hires are brought on to assist in the efforts" That was from Jan. has something major changed? 

    "That was from Jan." It's almost July. They've been releasing "updates" like that for two years. Maybe longer? Nothing is happening. Darkfall 2.0 isn't coming out in 2012, and it probably isn't coming out in 2013, and by 2014, it won't matter. If people knew that Darkfall had no future, the game would just flat out die. Yes, I'm accusing the devs of keeping hope alive to milk subs. All communities need growth to thrive; stagnation yields decay. I'm not willing to rest on the laurels of these dubious updates, I want to take some kind of action to save the MMORPG that has the potential the be the best in the history of the genre. But let's find out. Let's get to the bottom of this. If it needs saving, then let's try and make something happen. I'm merely proposing that interested parties share ideas.

    Interested Parties.

  • RamanadjinnRamanadjinn Member UncommonPosts: 1,365

    i believe what you are looking for is for someone to take everything good about darkfall and rework it in the context of a larger budget AAA title type of scenario?

    if you'll look over this forum that has been the mantra of many a forum goer for a long time.

    dreams of the open world non-linear pvp centered AAA sandbox game is nothing new here.

    and please be aware of something --darkfall isn't a special gem doing things noone has ever dreamed or heard of before.

    We have one fellow, DarkPony is his name i believe.  he wrote an interesting article on this website relating to the subject. while i disagree with much of what Mr Pony says in his posts much of the time, one thing is clear -- he puts thought into his statements, is sincere, and has at least addressed the issue.

    link here : http://www.mmorpg.com/blogs/DarkPony/052012/23073_A-delayed-message-for-AAA-mmorpg-developers

    so yeah, this is a longstanding issue and Darkfall is just yet another one of those low budget MMOs that is and will never be anything more than a niche game.  at this point any developer wanting to buy and use Darkfall would probably be better off repackaging it as though it were a new IP.  ESPECIALLY if they wanted to try to pull a big crowd.

    The name Darkfall doesn't really say "hey, come play me! i'm awesome!"

    edit: i also want to say, Darkfall has no potential to be the best game ever.  a game similar to Darkfall? maybe. but not darfkall.  they have not, and will never have, the resources to make that happen because they have not, and will never have.. the playerbase to make that happen.

  • LuxuriousLuxurious Member Posts: 32
    Originally posted by Rednecksith

    Weren't you just the other day extolling the virtues of Allods Online? You even stated that "you couldn't pay me to go back to Darkfall!".

    So then, why the complete 180? Shouldn't you be playing your 'amazing game' of Allods Online?

    How very curious, indeed...

    http://www.mmorpg.com/discussion2.cfm/post/5053474#5053474

    No, I love Darkfall. I just find the customer service to be so abhorent, and the complete lack of development... this is why I'm posting here. My love of Allods doesn't detract from my hopes for the future of Darkfall. Apples and oranges.

  • BadaboomBadaboom Member UncommonPosts: 2,380

    I love Darkfall, but don't have time for it in my life.  I work, have a wife and kids and like to socialize.  If I was younger, I would still be playing darkfall because it has all the features that I want...except I don't have the time to do them anymore.

    ...it's not Darkfall, it's me.

  • wrekognizewrekognize Member UncommonPosts: 388
    Originally posted by VassagoMael
    Originally posted by Luxurious

    Just to be clear, i'm not interested in ideas on how to change Darkfall mechanics and gameplay, because on paper it's already the best MMORPG in the history of the genre (in my humble opinion). I'm interested in ideas related to getting another Dev on board to take the property over, or getting AV the resources it needs to take it to the next level.

    That doesn't make any sense. People were driven away from the game because the awful long term game mechanics.

     Because they did not take the time to try it. It's a lot like skyrim/oblivion which you would not consider awful, I'm sure.

  • BigHatLoganBigHatLogan Member Posts: 688

    There were a lot of great things in Darkfall, and also some really shitty things.   Please don't flame me too much but I think Darkfall needs to get hit with the casual bat.  I'm not talking casual as in EZmode...EZmode games are a waste of time better served watching the worst possible sitcom imaginable or the Star Wars prequels.  

    Number 1 problem with the game is the grind.  It was just too much.  I want to participate in FFA full loot pvp as much as the next internet badass but with job/kid/dogs the insane grind was a major hurdle.   It also kept me from getting much pvp in.  I remember running up to a guy and nailing him with my newly crafted 2 handed sword.  The result was an almost imperceptible movement on his health bar.  He hits me, I have almost no life left.  I did the wall of pain thing and overnight swimming as well so I made the effort.  It was just too much.  The game would work better with a skill cap at very reachable level.  That way PVP would at least be somewhat more accessible.  I'm not afraid to lose my gear but I don't want to have to grind for months before I can even get in some fun pvp. 

    I'm pretty sure a PVE server would fail.  A sandbox game would be pretty boring without being able to interact with other players. 

    I did really like the mob AI in Darkfall, was much better than mob AI I have seen in any other mmorpgs.  It could be improved since exploiting mobs was pretty easy in Darkfall, but not a big issue since the game is about players, not mobs. 

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  • AnubisanAnubisan Member UncommonPosts: 1,798
    Originally posted by wrekognize

     Because they did not take the time to try it. It's a lot like skyrim/oblivion which you would not consider awful, I'm sure.

    Except Skyrim/Oblivion do not have 6 month grinds...

  • LuxuriousLuxurious Member Posts: 32

    Okay guys, my bad.

  • VassagoMaelVassagoMael Member Posts: 555
    Originally posted by Deleted User

    "Tasos Flambourascame forth today with word that not only is the project still powering forward, but the development team is growing as new hires are brought on to assist in the efforts" That was from Jan. has something major changed? 

    "That was from Jan." It's almost July. They've been releasing "updates" like that for two years. Maybe longer? Nothing is happening. Darkfall 2.0 isn't coming out in 2012, and it probably isn't coming out in 2013, and by 2014, it won't matter. If people knew that Darkfall had no future, the game would just flat out die. Yes, I'm accusing the devs of keeping hope alive to milk subs. All communities need growth to thrive; stagnation yields decay. I'm not willing to rest on the laurels of these dubious updates, I want to take some kind of action to save the MMORPG that has the potential the be the best in the history of the genre. But let's find out. Let's get to the bottom of this. If it needs saving, then let's try and make something happen. I'm merely proposing that interested parties share ideas.

    Interested Parties.

    Ehhh, did the person delete their account?

    Free to play = content updates for the cash shop. Buy to play = content updates for the cash shop.
    Subscription = Actual content updates!

  • KyleranKyleran Member LegendaryPosts: 43,435
    Originally posted by VassagoMael
    Originally posted by Deleted User

    "Tasos Flambourascame forth today with word that not only is the project still powering forward, but the development team is growing as new hires are brought on to assist in the efforts" That was from Jan. has something major changed? 

    "That was from Jan." It's almost July. They've been releasing "updates" like that for two years. Maybe longer? Nothing is happening. Darkfall 2.0 isn't coming out in 2012, and it probably isn't coming out in 2013, and by 2014, it won't matter. If people knew that Darkfall had no future, the game would just flat out die. Yes, I'm accusing the devs of keeping hope alive to milk subs. All communities need growth to thrive; stagnation yields decay. I'm not willing to rest on the laurels of these dubious updates, I want to take some kind of action to save the MMORPG that has the potential the be the best in the history of the genre. But let's find out. Let's get to the bottom of this. If it needs saving, then let's try and make something happen. I'm merely proposing that interested parties share ideas.

    Interested Parties.

    Ehhh, did the person delete their account?

    Yep, he didn't get a single response to his query (to his satisfaction) so he lost faith I guess.

     

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