I'm quite sad to think that this game will vanish.
The server lag really makes it like watching it struggle to breathe every time you login. It just sends the message and destroys the immersion that there is an escape and that it still has its legs to stand on.
Beyond that, I see a few players concerned about their pre-paid time but I can't imagine there will be money to spare to return to them if all their money was used to keep up production until now.
For potential buyers or those that would keep it and want a success.
This game has some issues that keep it just a sprout and not a flower to me for those that don't play it...yet.
Since this is the second time this has happened I do wonder if things are being discussed about how to fix it. Instead of just wallowing I wanted to offer up some ideas.
Marketing - First and foremost, new players have to find this game, it is obscure. I saw a few players that found out about the game from a demo cd given in a pc magazine. Even Runescape offers regular small changes and make posts about them sharing progress.
There are tons of gaming sites that have resources just waiting to be used by this company as a marketing tool. Invite bloggers to try the game, keep your eyes open to every chance to put it's name in print to increase the chances that folks will find the main site and get the trial. Make a game myspace account, introduce the developers and let them keep blogs etc. There are free avenues available and the net is a perfect tool.
Anyone who doesn't think they need marketing should have a look at Mcdonalds - They still use coupons, tv commercials, and print ads to keep their name in the customer's minds.
Get a good hype-man(woman). This is your competition, they are animated and act interested. Have a look and emulate, imitate, PROFIT.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWvAznIRVLA
Updates - I saw one while I was here that made changes. Take a look at the other games, they release updates regularly to keep thing fresh and to give players something to complain about (hehe). Updates also give the advantage of tooting your own horn and increasing your advertising by mentioning the game changes on all the gaming sites by essentially "bumping" your presence and keeping it in their mind whether they are in your billing database or not yet. If they see something that tickles their interest by your commitment to improvement, you may pull them over to your side.
Where this game shines.
Community - There are players that may not role play but are still interested in making videos, discussing lore, and jaw jacking about factions. They answer questions to the new and aged players. The chat can read like a reference book sometimes explaining the subtle inner workings that the manual didn't describe and you can pick up hints and tips just seeing the expanded answers given.
They are friendly with the CSR's and try to thank them for what they do instead of looking at them as power figures that must be feared. The CSR's do not have to fear playing the game and are not forced into the shadows as the evil overlords that may only speak when dishing out punishment. When they do bring down their hammer and say ok, enough, stop, the players do listen because they don't mind complying with someone that doesn't flaunt themselves like gods who could wipe you out with a wrist flick.
Guilds are able to help lower level players with goods and dapper to get them started. Players also do this without expecting something in return for stray, unguilded players. Finding a guild to join is not difficult, inclusion is a bonus. Some games are so large that noone would notice if you just never returned and couldn't care less that you even came. Pvp battles don't end in longstanding grudges. This all breeds the sense of a positive community.
Gameplay - How many players say that this game is dumb and just don't like it? Not more than 2 that I have seen. Almost everyone that talks on Silan mentions how refreshing the game is, how they can't wait to see more and become a subscriber. In the time subscriptions were down - there were 3 people that were trying and couldn't become paid members.
The game is unique. Not being so quest based or instance based it does let you have more freedom to choose what to do when you login. When I left my last game, I had 6 daily quests to do a day just to keep up with my reputation levels. Noone needs to feel like their game is a second job and they have work waiting for them in an inbox on their toon's "desk".
The characters are able to be molded, the lack of class types let's you be all in one and change your contribution as needed to the teams you join. The characters themselves are different than the 10+ games out there that all use the same mold of classes.
Actions are about the greatest thing that they implemented. To be able to alter the default spells and attacks you learn make this an incredibly customized game which just makes "class" games look even worse in comparison.
The game can be improved but as is it has some loyal players as evidenced by those caring about it surviving so I do hope someone picks it up and gives it what it needs - more press and an interest in its growth.
