2010-10-01: Producer's Update

Producer's Update - New High Seas Test Publish & More

Posted Oct 1, 2010 17:48:50 by Calvin Crowner on the UO Herald.

From the desktop:

High Seas Test Server Published

I will apologize now for using the term “beta” in regard to the booster pack we are releasing. The better term would have been “Open Test.” The server is called “High Seas test.” During the time of test we’ve released updates during maintenance cycles, and at the time you are reading this we have a planned publish that addresses:

• Boat movement and graphics glitches
• Ship access and ship hold sizes
• Fishing Quests
• Ship parking
• Ship combat balance and other features

You can read about the update and also see the publish notes here

A few of you understand this is an elongated cycle on a Test Center before going live October 12th for Publish 68. We will continue to take player feedback and update you on the High Seas forums.

Also, a sample of the High Seas key art can be seen [here].

3rd party program detection

Several weeks ago we started taking action on those who have been repeat offenders using non-sanctioned 3rd party applications. As Customer Support (CS) began to take action, the violation clause referenced in the termination email may have been misleading to some players who may not have understood the action taken fully. While CS was directed from the data gathered over the last several months, the proof for terminating the accounts was based on using illegal 3rd party programs, some used for unattended macroing. That is why the “ticket” or actual action clause may have stated unattended macroing, as at the time of the action those specific players may have been caught for the “unattended macroing” offense. Unattended macroing is a serious offense of the ToS to begin with. Under normal circumstances, this offense is punishable with a warning, suspension, and up to an account termination depending on the severity of the offense. Coupled with the proof of repeated offenses via the 3rd party program detection, those accounts were terminated.

I’ve spoken with CS and in the future those accounts will receive consistent messaging in the termination email being sent to the offenders. However, the fact remains there exists valid evidence that the players removed did violate the terms and conditions of the agreement upon entering the game and did so willfully. Some players used 3rd party programs for unattended macroing, while some players used it for various other reasons.

Also, in terms of “warning:” When a player clicks through the Terms of Service (ToS) and license agreement you are effectively entering contract with both EA and fellow players that you will “play by the rules.”

Some players are asking: “Why when we are losing players are you terminating accounts?”

The players of the Ultima Online community have every right to play and create in an environment free of those abusing the system or gaining advantage. There’s never a bad time to do the right thing.

Publish 68:

In addition to High Seas Development we have live fixes slated for release along with the booster pack. As we get closer to booster launch we will release the combined publish notes for High Seas (along with gameguide) and updates to the game.

Return to Britannia

Return to Britannia (RTB) is now open. You can go [here] to download the client of your choice and enter the game.

No other action is needed. If you have questions about your password or login please contact EA customer support [1].

Yes, RTB is targeted for the release of High Seas but purchasing the booster is not a requirement. We wanted former players to come take a look on the Test Shard and also have a taste of smooth boat movement and mouse control in a live environment. Also, from many players who have returned they are astonished at how much the game has changed. As day-to-day players it’s sometimes difficult to realize how the game has grown and changed. We’d like to open the new experiences to former players, and get new eyes on an old and familiar playground.

While the release stated RTB will close on the day of launch, we have control over that date as well, so stay tuned.

Anniversary items

Yes, they are planned and we are doing our best to get them to you in the next publish. If we miss the target we will run a smaller publish in the following week or two to get the items to you. The follow-up publish will also target features and fixes for High Seas, as well as content updates for the Live Event toward rebuilding Magincia.

And speaking of Anniversary …

I will be at the GDC Online conference in Austin next week along with Rich Vogel (EP for Star Wars: The Old Republic and the first Producer of Ultima Online) and each producer in Ultima Online’s history (along with Raph Koster) to accept the Hall of Fame Award. There will also be an opening address (via video recording) from Richard Garriott.

The EMs will be running a few interim events this weekend before we move on to the next story arc event. Take note of the fiction from earlier this week … and welcome to the heavy clouds and cooler days of Autumn.

See you on the boards.