There were player cities and a player run economy that actually worked, everyone was dependant on another for EVERYTHING, we had shops and decor for our homes, cantinas and dancing events...in summary it was a social game where interaction was the ONLY way to survive and prosper.
But the wise folk who created this paradise decided the subscriptions were not sufficient to continue as it was, so they embarked on an ambitious plan to appeal to the wider audience....a sensible and logical progression.
The question they asked themselves "where are these hordes of players we want to attract"....and they concluded, "Hey, every Kid wants to be a Jedi!!"
In that moment of inspiration they threw aside the lore of Galaxies, and Jedi became the new fashion. And they came....in their....erm....dozens....
The subscriptions rose to new heights (mainly because the dedicated players were locked into pre-paid accounts) and the decision makers had found their holy grail. To thank the new players (who all chose Jedi) they were awarded prime time and full attention in the feedback forums. Of course the 'minority' of veteran players locked into their accounts could wait..(they were not going anywhere soon *chuckle*) .
So the jedi love had started, and they reported that folk ingame were "not being 'nice' to them", "were forced to pay for services and items", "were expected to socialise !!!"....
Of course this dire situation had to rectified before the Jedi left (with their Mommy's credit card details), so the jedi were granted.....self heal, innate armour, craft own weapon, and the grandaddy of all (in case anything was overlooked) Loot drop is far superior to anything that could be crafted.
The Jedi were a happy crowd now they were truly independant....during this time a lot of the veteran accounts had expired and they were 'free' to spend their money where they choose. Leaving behind a galaxy that had pulled apart years of community building and character creation.
And the Jedi were as happy as little kittens in a basket, the sounds of sabres flashing late into ....well whatever time kids go to bed....echoed around the vast empty cities and planets of galaxies. Those evicted from Galaxies arrived in Ryzom....and it is ironic we have the Title "refugee" as we enter this land.
The memories of 'those dark days' have faded into nothing and new skills and friends are made, the community is as welcoming (maybe more so) as the original galaxy forums. Everything is fine...the usual play balance issues to address is discussed...and everyone has the same vision.
Then I see over the last few months, the sabres are falling silent....and Ryzom looks for 'the holy grail of customers'..and I get very nervous when I put 2 & 2 together.
I have put my faith in one company and was rewarded with
"STFU NOOB, YOU READ THE EULA THAT GAME MAY CHANGE"
(and that is sony policy
)I know Nevrax is aware of all I have stated above. Please include them as prominent points in your decision when the Jedi ask if they can come and play in Ryzom.
and yes many old players have alts on Cho, but most have said that they will come back if needed for something.