No Prisoners, No Mercy Host: Julie Whitefeather & Frances Kosac There comes a time, friends, when your favorite MMO ceases to sparkle, when even new videogames lose their luster, and the computer room becomes a prison; and all that is left are two gamers (who happen to be nuns) with a very large axe to grind. Come join Julie Whitefeather and Frances Kosac as they go to War - and along the way discuss the events of the week in the MMO industry.
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No Prisoners, No Mercy - Show 36Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:53:00 GMT [download/play]
Welcome to show 36!
It is said that you can't please all of the people all of the
time...but we can try.
This 2 hour show features the usual format in the first hour featuring
short shorts (news commentary), a discussion about the new Warhammer
Online content, and Mad as Hell.
The second hour is all about Runes of Magic and is in the interview format.
The show features guests Keen from Keen and Graevs gaming blog and
Saylah from Mystic Worlds. No Flame Proof Undies - sorry. We haven't
been flamed in a long time. We can't decide if we are doing something
wrong or doing something right!
'LoD' by Celestian Submitted on 2009-06-23 16:10:47 CST I really don't think LoD is going to save/help the game much. It might be nice but seriously the game doesn't need more PVE. They need to focus on the careers and fix them and the CC in T4. I still find the advancement god awfully tedious in renown in oRVR as well as the "badge" reward system. When I play I just feel like I'm getting so little "advancement" it's not even worth playing...and I'd played EQ1 back in the day for 4-5 years.
I really want to like WAR, I'd been excited for the release of the game for ages before it came out and for it to be released in such a state really frustrates me.
On a site note, you ladies should check out Aion. It's a game that fits in the WAR style of gameplay for the "most" part. I'd be interested to hear your experience with the game. You can get into the beta thats coming up in early July if you pre-order it.
Keep up the good work!
'This about that...' by Julie Submitted on 2009-06-23 17:45:57 CST @ Celestian:
I have checked out Aion and it looks interesting. Saddly we were not invited to the closed beta. *sigh* Always the bridesmaid but never the bride (at least not where closed beta invites are concerned). Perhaps the new noprisoners, no mercy blog site we are starting up will change that.
As far as Land of the Dead is concerned, I think that it will bring back more players. Even if it just brings back players that are veterans and have active accounts but don't actively play it will be a big success.
As far as pve is concerned, I will say that since I have been playing Warhammer again I have noticed ALOT more pve - and I found it much easer to figutre out where to go to level as well. All of this was a very pleasant surprise. The Tier 4 wall may not be completely down (yet...I have yet to go to land of the dead though I did finish the live event) but it is starting to crumble.
As far as renown level is concerned, I must say, that at least when the live event was going on I never had to wait more than a couple of minutes for a scenario to "pop" and within the scenario I found my renown level just shooting up. I do realize, howeverk, that with the opening of the land of the dead and, I presume, the closing of the Reikland Factory scenario, that this may change.
Personally I feel that Mythic is moving in the right direction.
And lets not forget, a game with 300,000 players is hardly "unsuccessfual" - just the opposite in fact.
(wow can you believe its me saying all this?)
'I agree...' by Seritaph Submitted on 2009-06-23 18:39:53 CST That was an awesome Hagrid imitation!
Aion does look interesting. Looks like a WoW-Hammer in a Lineage 2 art style. Of the few articles I've read from people in the beta, they seem to enjoy it.
'Well, Well...' by Julie Submitted on 2009-06-23 18:57:59 CST Now I want to try out Aion more than ever. This is all just to taunt me and make me miserable isn't it?
Julie
'War Advancement...' by Celestian Submitted on 2009-06-23 20:35:11 CST When I was talking about renown gain being to slow I was speaking about oRVR. Scenarios are indeed the best way to get them ... infact avoid Reikland Factory because it has some "nerf" that makes it even less than the normal ones.
My problem is that oRVR renown gain is so small, specially on a repeat skirmish area as to make it almost completely useless. The renown reduction from repeated kills is way to low and the reduction is WAY to much. The amount you'll get from oRVR for a 1 hour keep battle probably won't be even 1/4th of what you'll get from a single 20 minute scenario.
And both net next to nothing in badges in most cases.
'Generic Post Title' by Julie Submitted on 2009-06-24 10:47:44 CST Well I will ahve to agree with your renown gain from RvR comment - even with a tactic set that increases it. The main problem I saw was that the RvR lakes weren't as active as they were in Tiers 2 and 3. And still, despire heroic efforts from Mythic, the scenarios are still more popular it seems. But that is part of game design isn't it? I liken it to giving a child a toy on christmas day - you can give a child a toy but you have no control over whether or not the child would rather play with the box the toy came in.
'Aion' by Token Submitted on 2009-06-24 14:00:41 CST My guild has been playing the Chinese Aion with English language files for a while now, it's looking quite promising with most people reporting having a great time.
'There you go again...' by Julie Submitted on 2009-06-24 15:02:27 CST @ Token: there someone goes again with Aion...taunting me.
*sigh*
When does the mocking start? Am I the only one in the country NOT playing the beta of Aion? It seems that it is the latest greatest place to be. I remember when the closed beta of Warhammer was the IT place to be.
Julie
'Aion Beta' by Seritaph Submitted on 2009-06-24 15:55:48 CST It seems to me to be fairly restricted, and limited to certain beta event calendar periods. One certain way to participate in the beta is to pre-order in full from participating retailers. GameStop and Amazon are 2 that I know of giving beta keys for pre-orders. The downside is, you're stuck purchasing the game even if you decide in beta you don't care for it.
If you're really curious about Aion, check out these videos that explain the game:
'Interesting' by Julie Submitted on 2009-06-25 14:58:14 CST What I found the most interesting so far is combat on three planes instead of just the normal 2. That and the wings....
Julie "waiting anxiously" Whitefeather
'My bleeding ears...' by blaktalon Submitted on 2009-06-25 15:03:40 CST Please for the love of god ditch that horrible hiphop/pop/r&b crap. Use that as a flame if you want (even though im serious :))
'Interesting' by Julie Submitted on 2009-06-25 15:11:57 CST What I found the most interesting so far is combat on three planes instead of just the normal 2. That and the wings....
Julie "waiting anxiously" Whitefeather
'A flame at last...' by Julie Submitted on 2009-06-25 15:12:56 CST A flame at last...
The music, however, stays.
'In fact it took some time' by Julie Submitted on 2009-06-25 15:14:53 CST In fact that particular mashup took quite a few editing passes to make it all fit together so well - not only are there several tracks combined into one. But even within themselves the tracks are "mashed" together from parts of the original.
And...I like it.
'And so...' by Julie Submitted on 2009-06-25 15:18:58 CST You'll just have to wait until I get tired of it.
'Flames' by Token Submitted on 2009-06-25 15:26:39 CST Old format is awesome. Keen was awesome. Take from this what you will.
'Old format stays' by Julie Submitted on 2009-06-25 15:30:27 CST @Token:
I think (I may be wrong) what is at issue is not the structure of the show. We are indeed sticking with short-shorts, mad as hell, main topic and flame proof undies. Providing of course, there are any flames (too late for this weeks recording sessions...the show is recorded), Mad as hell (too late for what I am ticked off about it wil have to wait until time after next). The interviews we will, however, usually stick in the second have of the show.
I believe what was at issue is the music at the beginning of the show.
Julie
'Crazy Brit' by Seritaph Submitted on 2009-06-25 19:02:21 CST I'm excited to hear what Paul Barnett has to say on your show. Are you going to hit him with tough questions? How about the recent merger with BioWare and Marc Jacobs leaving?
'Generic Post Title' by Julie Submitted on 2009-06-25 20:01:22 CST Paul Barnett has agreed to be on a show and asked us to contact him at his EA email address (we did) to schedule the show - understandably he appears to be busy. As to what he wants to talk about - we assured him that we intend for this time on our show to be entirely non-confrontational (He's got enough on his plate already don't you think?).
In the future Mr. Scott Hartsman has agreed to be on the show as well.
Julie
'Kudos' by Seritaph Submitted on 2009-06-25 20:44:30 CST Well congrats on getting some industry people to be on your show! I understand your position, and I can see where corporate politics may be a touchy subject and in poor taste.
I DO hope you that you discuss the frustrations you've been experiencing with each of the respective games, and you ideas on how to make it better. Even still, what in your opinion makes for a successful and enjoyable MMO.
I always got the impression that you'd love to speak directly to someone in authority about your gripes and groans. Well, here's your chance. Do you think it's possible to do it in a non-confrontational manner?
'Counting chickens' by Julie Submitted on 2009-06-25 21:11:58 CST @ Seritaph: As grandmother used to say, God rest her soul, "don't count your chickens until their hatched." While he did agree on the show he hasn't schedule the recording session yet - and considering what took place yesterday (it was NOT a merger it was a restructuring...there is an enormous difference in business).
Scott Hartsman is not, at least to my knowledge, developing any game that I play. Keep in mind he no longer works at EA. Talk directly to someone in authority? I would say that Fran and I just like to talk about things we enjoy like the gaming community and journalism for said community.
'Tomato Tomahto' by Seritaph Submitted on 2009-06-25 22:02:56 CST Usually restructuring is what happens during a merger. We could argue semantics, but as my friend used to say, bless his soul, "6 and 1/2 dozen of the other."
Your grandmother is right. I will make no assumptions about you being able to interview Paul Barnett. I was just trying to get of feel for what kind of discussion you were planning should it come to fruition, and if you had given it any thought.
In regard for Scott Hartsman, although he great because he's in the industry, I was referring more to Mr. Barnett when mentioning being able to speak directly to someone in authority. I mean you have played WAR. He does have quite a bit of pull as, Creative Director is it? And you have in the past been very vocal about male/female characters and the wall one hits at tier 4.
And I'm not going to go back and listen to past shows to prove a point, but I could have sworn there were times you said or implied that you would love to be able to give either Marc Jacobs or Rob Pardo a piece of your mind. Well neither Mr. Hartsman or Barnett are either Jacobs or Pardo, but they are still huge names in the industry, and people that would probably listen.
Perhaps you've changed your format, perhaps you've moved on, or perhaps I'm just wrong.
'Paul Barnett' by Jmo Submitted on 2009-06-26 05:50:19 CST First off, I want to say I'm totally stoked to hear about the upcoming interviews. Much props to Julie and Fran for becoming such a respected voice in the industry that the insiders are agreeing to be interviewed.
@Seritaph: I see it like this. While I'm sure Sr. Julie would love to have at Paul Barnett about her frustrations with the game, I don't believe the PodCast is the place to do it. I believe they will do an excellent job with the interview, and will probably ask a couple tough questions at least, but in a non-threatening way. If they went right into the frustrations, you can imagine the defensive nature the interview would take from Paul Barnett's side. No one wants to be put on the spot, especially in front of 100s - 1000s of listeners. Now, if he'd agreed to be on a show that he'd be grilled, and not just interviewed, then that would be a different story.
@Julie: Suggestion - Either here or at the Google Group, put up a "Question you'd like to ask Paul Barnett" section and have people post. Again, just a suggestion, but would be cool to ask some listener questions to Paul (again, these would be non-confrontational and relevant questions, nothing offensive). Just my opinion. I can't honestly think of anything off the top of my head I'm dying to know, but I'm sure there are some people out there who have a question burning a hole.
'War' by Token Submitted on 2009-06-26 13:51:41 CST @Julie: The music is okay, I don't get upset by hearing a different genre, it's part of the shows character.
I do have one question for Paul that you might be able to get away with as it is about the trial experience. I recently tried to play the Warhammer trial for the first time with a friend, it was going to be great because we were both in the same room. Unfortunately we were both forced onto different and completely dead servers. There was no way to play together. Very strange experience, what's going on.
'Generic Post Title' by Julie Submitted on 2009-06-26 14:26:52 CST @ JMO and Token:
The stage things are at now, as I mentioned, is Paul Barnett agreed to be on the show and asked as to make arrangements with him at his EA address - so far thats it. I might also point out that this was all before the whole EA/Mythic restructuring announcement. So now? Now who knows - he may or may not still honor what he said. We already did bring up with whole "listener questions" already. We are waiting to hear back again...and as I said, "don't count your chickens before their hatched.". Had we known at the time of recording (there is always a bit of a delay between recording and "live" that the whole restructing with Mythic was in the offing I don't think we would have even brought it up on the show.
'LoD' by Celestian
Submitted on 2009-06-23 16:10:47 CST
I really don't think LoD is going to save/help the game much. It might be nice but seriously the game doesn't need more PVE. They need to focus on the careers and fix them and the CC in T4. I still find the advancement god awfully tedious in renown in oRVR as well as the "badge" reward system. When I play I just feel like I'm getting so little "advancement" it's not even worth playing...and I'd played EQ1 back in the day for 4-5 years.
I really want to like WAR, I'd been excited for the release of the game for ages before it came out and for it to be released in such a state really frustrates me.
On a site note, you ladies should check out Aion. It's a game that fits in the WAR style of gameplay for the "most" part. I'd be interested to hear your experience with the game. You can get into the beta thats coming up in early July if you pre-order it.
Keep up the good work!
'This about that...' by Julie
Submitted on 2009-06-23 17:45:57 CST
@ Celestian:
I have checked out Aion and it looks interesting. Saddly we were not invited to the closed beta. *sigh* Always the bridesmaid but never the bride (at least not where closed beta invites are concerned). Perhaps the new noprisoners, no mercy blog site we are starting up will change that.
As far as Land of the Dead is concerned, I think that it will bring back more players. Even if it just brings back players that are veterans and have active accounts but don't actively play it will be a big success.
As far as pve is concerned, I will say that since I have been playing Warhammer again I have noticed ALOT more pve - and I found it much easer to figutre out where to go to level as well. All of this was a very pleasant surprise. The Tier 4 wall may not be completely down (yet...I have yet to go to land of the dead though I did finish the live event) but it is starting to crumble.
As far as renown level is concerned, I must say, that at least when the live event was going on I never had to wait more than a couple of minutes for a scenario to "pop" and within the scenario I found my renown level just shooting up. I do realize, howeverk, that with the opening of the land of the dead and, I presume, the closing of the Reikland Factory scenario, that this may change.
Personally I feel that Mythic is moving in the right direction.
And lets not forget, a game with 300,000 players is hardly "unsuccessfual" - just the opposite in fact.
(wow can you believe its me saying all this?)
'I agree...' by Seritaph
Submitted on 2009-06-23 18:39:53 CST
That was an awesome Hagrid imitation!
Aion does look interesting. Looks like a WoW-Hammer in a Lineage 2 art style. Of the few articles I've read from people in the beta, they seem to enjoy it.
'Well, Well...' by Julie
Submitted on 2009-06-23 18:57:59 CST
Now I want to try out Aion more than ever. This is all just to taunt me and make me miserable isn't it?
Julie
'War Advancement...' by Celestian
Submitted on 2009-06-23 20:35:11 CST
When I was talking about renown gain being to slow I was speaking about oRVR. Scenarios are indeed the best way to get them ... infact avoid Reikland Factory because it has some "nerf" that makes it even less than the normal ones.
My problem is that oRVR renown gain is so small, specially on a repeat skirmish area as to make it almost completely useless. The renown reduction from repeated kills is way to low and the reduction is WAY to much. The amount you'll get from oRVR for a 1 hour keep battle probably won't be even 1/4th of what you'll get from a single 20 minute scenario.
And both net next to nothing in badges in most cases.
'Generic Post Title' by Julie
Submitted on 2009-06-24 10:47:44 CST
Well I will ahve to agree with your renown gain from RvR comment - even with a tactic set that increases it. The main problem I saw was that the RvR lakes weren't as active as they were in Tiers 2 and 3. And still, despire heroic efforts from Mythic, the scenarios are still more popular it seems. But that is part of game design isn't it? I liken it to giving a child a toy on christmas day - you can give a child a toy but you have no control over whether or not the child would rather play with the box the toy came in.
'Aion' by Token
Submitted on 2009-06-24 14:00:41 CST
My guild has been playing the Chinese Aion with English language files for a while now, it's looking quite promising with most people reporting having a great time.
'There you go again...' by Julie
Submitted on 2009-06-24 15:02:27 CST
@ Token: there someone goes again with Aion...taunting me.
*sigh*
When does the mocking start? Am I the only one in the country NOT playing the beta of Aion? It seems that it is the latest greatest place to be. I remember when the closed beta of Warhammer was the IT place to be.
Julie
'Aion Beta' by Seritaph
Submitted on 2009-06-24 15:55:48 CST
It seems to me to be fairly restricted, and limited to certain beta event calendar periods. One certain way to participate in the beta is to pre-order in full from participating retailers. GameStop and Amazon are 2 that I know of giving beta keys for pre-orders. The downside is, you're stuck purchasing the game even if you decide in beta you don't care for it.
If you're really curious about Aion, check out these videos that explain the game:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dScFMvbjJ9I
http://www.gametrailers.com/video/gdc-09-aion-the/47551
'Interesting' by Julie
Submitted on 2009-06-25 14:58:14 CST
What I found the most interesting so far is combat on three planes instead of just the normal 2. That and the wings....
Julie "waiting anxiously" Whitefeather
'My bleeding ears...' by blaktalon
Submitted on 2009-06-25 15:03:40 CST
Please for the love of god ditch that horrible hiphop/pop/r&b crap. Use that as a flame if you want (even though im serious :))
'Interesting' by Julie
Submitted on 2009-06-25 15:11:57 CST
What I found the most interesting so far is combat on three planes instead of just the normal 2. That and the wings....
Julie "waiting anxiously" Whitefeather
'A flame at last...' by Julie
Submitted on 2009-06-25 15:12:56 CST
A flame at last...
The music, however, stays.
'In fact it took some time' by Julie
Submitted on 2009-06-25 15:14:53 CST
In fact that particular mashup took quite a few editing passes to make it all fit together so well - not only are there several tracks combined into one. But even within themselves the tracks are "mashed" together from parts of the original.
And...I like it.
'And so...' by Julie
Submitted on 2009-06-25 15:18:58 CST
You'll just have to wait until I get tired of it.
'Flames' by Token
Submitted on 2009-06-25 15:26:39 CST
Old format is awesome. Keen was awesome. Take from this what you will.
'Old format stays' by Julie
Submitted on 2009-06-25 15:30:27 CST
@Token:
I think (I may be wrong) what is at issue is not the structure of the show. We are indeed sticking with short-shorts, mad as hell, main topic and flame proof undies. Providing of course, there are any flames (too late for this weeks recording sessions...the show is recorded), Mad as hell (too late for what I am ticked off about it wil have to wait until time after next). The interviews we will, however, usually stick in the second have of the show.
I believe what was at issue is the music at the beginning of the show.
Julie
'Crazy Brit' by Seritaph
Submitted on 2009-06-25 19:02:21 CST
I'm excited to hear what Paul Barnett has to say on your show. Are you going to hit him with tough questions? How about the recent merger with BioWare and Marc Jacobs leaving?
'Generic Post Title' by Julie
Submitted on 2009-06-25 20:01:22 CST
Paul Barnett has agreed to be on a show and asked us to contact him at his EA email address (we did) to schedule the show - understandably he appears to be busy. As to what he wants to talk about - we assured him that we intend for this time on our show to be entirely non-confrontational (He's got enough on his plate already don't you think?).
In the future Mr. Scott Hartsman has agreed to be on the show as well.
Julie
'Kudos' by Seritaph
Submitted on 2009-06-25 20:44:30 CST
Well congrats on getting some industry people to be on your show! I understand your position, and I can see where corporate politics may be a touchy subject and in poor taste.
I DO hope you that you discuss the frustrations you've been experiencing with each of the respective games, and you ideas on how to make it better. Even still, what in your opinion makes for a successful and enjoyable MMO.
I always got the impression that you'd love to speak directly to someone in authority about your gripes and groans. Well, here's your chance. Do you think it's possible to do it in a non-confrontational manner?
'Counting chickens' by Julie
Submitted on 2009-06-25 21:11:58 CST
@ Seritaph: As grandmother used to say, God rest her soul, "don't count your chickens until their hatched." While he did agree on the show he hasn't schedule the recording session yet - and considering what took place yesterday (it was NOT a merger it was a restructuring...there is an enormous difference in business).
Scott Hartsman is not, at least to my knowledge, developing any game that I play. Keep in mind he no longer works at EA. Talk directly to someone in authority? I would say that Fran and I just like to talk about things we enjoy like the gaming community and journalism for said community.
'Tomato Tomahto' by Seritaph
Submitted on 2009-06-25 22:02:56 CST
Usually restructuring is what happens during a merger. We could argue semantics, but as my friend used to say, bless his soul, "6 and 1/2 dozen of the other."
Your grandmother is right. I will make no assumptions about you being able to interview Paul Barnett. I was just trying to get of feel for what kind of discussion you were planning should it come to fruition, and if you had given it any thought.
In regard for Scott Hartsman, although he great because he's in the industry, I was referring more to Mr. Barnett when mentioning being able to speak directly to someone in authority. I mean you have played WAR. He does have quite a bit of pull as, Creative Director is it? And you have in the past been very vocal about male/female characters and the wall one hits at tier 4.
And I'm not going to go back and listen to past shows to prove a point, but I could have sworn there were times you said or implied that you would love to be able to give either Marc Jacobs or Rob Pardo a piece of your mind. Well neither Mr. Hartsman or Barnett are either Jacobs or Pardo, but they are still huge names in the industry, and people that would probably listen.
Perhaps you've changed your format, perhaps you've moved on, or perhaps I'm just wrong.
'Paul Barnett' by Jmo
Submitted on 2009-06-26 05:50:19 CST
First off, I want to say I'm totally stoked to hear about the upcoming interviews. Much props to Julie and Fran for becoming such a respected voice in the industry that the insiders are agreeing to be interviewed.
@Seritaph: I see it like this. While I'm sure Sr. Julie would love to have at Paul Barnett about her frustrations with the game, I don't believe the PodCast is the place to do it. I believe they will do an excellent job with the interview, and will probably ask a couple tough questions at least, but in a non-threatening way. If they went right into the frustrations, you can imagine the defensive nature the interview would take from Paul Barnett's side. No one wants to be put on the spot, especially in front of 100s - 1000s of listeners. Now, if he'd agreed to be on a show that he'd be grilled, and not just interviewed, then that would be a different story.
@Julie: Suggestion - Either here or at the Google Group, put up a "Question you'd like to ask Paul Barnett" section and have people post. Again, just a suggestion, but would be cool to ask some listener questions to Paul (again, these would be non-confrontational and relevant questions, nothing offensive). Just my opinion. I can't honestly think of anything off the top of my head I'm dying to know, but I'm sure there are some people out there who have a question burning a hole.
'War' by Token
Submitted on 2009-06-26 13:51:41 CST
@Julie: The music is okay, I don't get upset by hearing a different genre, it's part of the shows character.
I do have one question for Paul that you might be able to get away with as it is about the trial experience. I recently tried to play the Warhammer trial for the first time with a friend, it was going to be great because we were both in the same room. Unfortunately we were both forced onto different and completely dead servers. There was no way to play together. Very strange experience, what's going on.
'Generic Post Title' by Julie
Submitted on 2009-06-26 14:26:52 CST
@ JMO and Token:
The stage things are at now, as I mentioned, is Paul Barnett agreed to be on the show and asked as to make arrangements with him at his EA address - so far thats it. I might also point out that this was all before the whole EA/Mythic restructuring announcement. So now? Now who knows - he may or may not still honor what he said. We already did bring up with whole "listener questions" already. We are waiting to hear back again...and as I said, "don't count your chickens before their hatched.". Had we known at the time of recording (there is always a bit of a delay between recording and "live" that the whole restructing with Mythic was in the offing I don't think we would have even brought it up on the show.
Julie