Game Development: World 16, with Steam

[Robben_DuMarsch]

Please consider having the capability in place beforehand to set a queue for access to the server, and give verified priority over non-verified, and subbed access over verified. Then, at least, if we hit server cap we know it'll be less likely to be filled with a random array of bots.

Should probably be first resort before spinning up a new server. EA on Steam isn't the same level of publicity of a full launch.

[loftar]

Please consider having the capability in place beforehand to set a queue for access to the server, and give verified priority over non-verified, and subbed access over verified.

We considered that as well, but I'm not sure the incentives are sound. In particular, if the server is up against the limit, and you finally get in, there's a very strong incentive to just never log out. Also, if the player numbers are only so slightly above the limit that it's "not worth it" to have another server, arguably that's a good level to let the lagginess do the load-balancing instead, so to speak.

[Robben_DuMarsch]

Please consider having the capability in place beforehand to set a queue for access to the server, and give verified priority over non-verified, and subbed access over verified.

We considered that as well, but I'm not sure the incentives are sound. In particular, if the server is up against the limit, and you finally get in, there's a very strong incentive to just never log out. Also, if the player numbers are only so slightly above the limit that it's "not worth it" to have another server, arguably that's a good level to let the lagginess do the load-balancing instead, so to speak.

I've seen it done both ways. For other games, like Escape from Tarkov (6 month wipe survival extraction FPS that had eternal issues with gigantic load of players on wipe weeks), where there is no incentive to alt or bot, I think what you just described makes plenty of sense.

That said, for Haven, not all traffic is the same. You will benefit financially from having a subbed > verified > free queue, and I *believe* players would not begrudge you this.

You do raise a completely salient point that the right answer may just be to never log out then. However, as a counterpoint, there is also a lot of reason to log out in the first 2-3 days of the game, when Palisades are not dry, however. You may not have considered this, but if a player remains logged in without a palisade and another player has access to their hearthfire they can be straight up murdered, as a traditional KO protection will afford them no safety. If it is bots refusing to log out, murdering them would send them back to character select, which is when queue should activate.

After that palisades dry, if there is still server capacity issues, perhaps it is less sensible and may be counterproductive. It'd result in good activity numbers though lol.

[GamingRAM]

If I may make a suggestion, please add some early-game way to dry hides without the need of a drying rack.
Such as:
- An equippable cape-slot mini-drying rack.
- Have hides naturally dry in your inventory so long as they are not moved.
- Some kind of add-on to the Leanto that serves as a protected drying rack.


If a new player's hides are stolen, it'd be very discouraging, especially as they need that to eventually lead into a palisade.

[Sperrman]

I m a little confused. At the devstream it was announced that "s1" will launch at Nov 1st, and now w16 is getting a reset at Nov 1st. So there will be two servers to chose from at Nov 1st? If so i hope i dont chose the "wrong" server lol.

[Robben_DuMarsch]

I m a little confused. At the devstream it was announced that "s1" will launch at Nov 1st, and now w16 is getting a reset at Nov 1st. So there will be two servers to chose from at Nov 1st?

Change of plans. Read the OP in this thread for the new plans.

[Goodnight]

As for alchemy, in my opinion the problem with it is that it basically duplicates the existing mechanics of medical treatment. It is enough to add a couple of recipes for some pills for mercury poisoning, pepper burns and alchemy will become much less relevant. I would like to see something completely different as buffs from alchemy, increased crafting speed for a couple of minutes, increased harvesting, perhaps a small increase in quality, an increased chance of cutting, bonuses for studying, for eating. Something like that.
In terms of medical treatment, I like these ointments, poultices and the like more, why break this mechanic with alchemy.

[heros101]

we are so back pog

[animary]

If I may make a suggestion, please add some early-game way to dry hides without the need of a drying rack.
Such as:
- An equippable cape-slot mini-drying rack.
- Have hides naturally dry in your inventory so long as they are not moved.
- Some kind of add-on to the Leanto that serves as a protected drying rack.


If a new player's hides are stolen, it'd be very discouraging, especially as they need that to eventually lead into a palisade.

Good idea. In the current world I must have built a couple of dozen drying frames, scattered out in the woods in hopes of some surviving. Over the first two weeks I built three claim posts, none survived to the next day. Quite discouraging (and I'm not a newbie). Finally left, returned about three weeks later and traveled far from that area to settle down.

[Vraatjuh]

Glad to see you listened to your community. Seems like the better choice for now.

I am curious if the steam release will change your stance on policing? In the past you have always said that players should resolve their own problems ingame, whether that's bullying (hat or die), discrimination or racism. Will you take a more active stance on this now you are going for a broader public? I am afraid this will get a lot more highlighted on Steam with reviews and such.

Maybe you should also reconsider tokens for the first public world, since RMT is not something well-received usually. You could also re-introduce it at a later point again when the game is more settled with your new playerbase.