New server?

[revblack]

So a new shard, managed by Jolt as well, same language, same CSR, located in UK, with no specific differences, what for, other than "hoping to attract more new players with the thought of starting afresh"?

I admit, there doesn't seem like much of a point to it, does there?

But the "starting afresh" part can't be underestimated. Crafters will have a much easier time selling their wares, as they will be in high demand. They won't have to compete with already established crafters, who may or may not have a load of mats just lying about. Groups will most likely be easier to find, as most people will be around the same level. That will change with time, of course.

I think not having the "safety net" of the established players could be a good thing for the newbies. No getting the best gear given to them, free cats, easy treks to other cities, powerlevelling, etc. I think the new players might actually enjoy the game more if they have to work for the stuff they have. Get that whole "sense of accomplishment" when they do something for the first time.

I dunno, maybe it's just me. *shrug*

[iphdrunk]

But the "starting afresh" part can't be underestimated. Crafters will have a much easier time selling their wares, as they will be in high demand.

It's not the new players on the new server I worry about, those were the best times ever (other than trade issues) but more about the old players in the old server .

If this shard is open to reduce load on existing one, foreseeing a new wave of players, then apply some load balancing or round robin scheme so new players can join one or another (allowing friends to join the same one) and don't announce it as a "oh shiny new shard", "shape your destiny"?

[rothimar]

Aside from the issue with cross-server smuggling, the rest is pure speculation. We have limited information at this particular moment, and before we start building up drama, let's just wait and see what's in the announcement tomorrow.

[mrshad]

If it were simply load balancing, couldn't the hardware be used to support the existing server? I admit, I am not familiar with the NeL engine, and maybe it doesn't work that way. But it would seem that increasing horsepower should be as easy as adding more computers to the cluster.

[revblack]

It's not the new players on the new server I worry about, those were the best times ever (other than trade issues) but more about the old players in the old server .

I can understand this completely. Fresh blood is needed otherwise, eventually, an older server will start to die.

If this shard is open to reduce load on existing one, foreseeing a new wave of players, then apply some load balancing or round robin scheme so new players can join one or another (allowing friends to join the same one) and don't announce it as a "oh shiny new shard", "shape your destiny"?

I don't think it's load that's the reason for the new server. I think it's likely the exact reason you said. If you look at a game like WoW, a lot of players will flock to new servers because it's new. Playing on a server from it's launch is a very fun thing, like you said. I've managed to do this in a couple of the MMOs I've played. Nevrax is probably hoping that people looking to try out Ryzom will see a new server and want to play.

I don't see a round robin scheme working. I believe this was the way FFX was at first, and I doubt people would like being arbitrarily assigned to one or the other. Letting people choose is fine, but like you said, they don't have to put up a sign saying "NEW SERVER!!!!1!!" or anything like that.

[revblack]

Aside from the issue with cross-server smuggling, the rest is pure speculation. We have limited information at this particular moment, and before we start building up drama, let's just wait and see what's in the announcement tomorrow.

I agree, and so I will stop posting my rambling speculations for now. That, and I have to go to bed anyway.

Keeping my fingers crossed though.

[iphdrunk]

Aside from the issue with cross-server smuggling, the rest is pure speculation. We have limited information at this particular moment, and before we start building up drama, let's just wait and see what's in the announcement tomorrow.

that would be the wise thing to do, but... stop posting and reading other people posts in these otherwise pretty calmed forums?

Of course it is speculation.. to some extent. I don't think that mentioning the fact that a new fresh shard may have an impact on the existing shard *is* speculation tho. And behind all these speculating posts there is the question "could you elaborate on the reasoning ?", you know, it is easy to end the speculation. They need to think the answer though, a rushed reply may do more harm than good.

[rothimar]

"Goodnight. Sleep well. I'll most likely kill you in the morning." -- the Dread Pirate Roberts

I agree, and so I will stop posting my rambling speculations for now. That, and I have to go to bed anyway.

Keeping my fingers crossed though.

[rothimar]

that would be the wise thing to do, but... stop posting and reading other people posts in these otherwise pretty calmed forums?

I wouldn't think if asking such a thing! *gasp*

I don't mind the speculation... I do enough of it to cover you all... lol ...it's the drama that I would be saddened to see pop up.

Of course it is speculation.. to some extent. I don't think that mentioning the fact that a new fresh shard may have an impact on the existing shard *is* speculation tho. And behind all these speculating posts there is the question "could you elaborate on the reasoning ?", you know, it is easy to end the speculation. They need to think the answer though, a rushed reply may do more harm than good.

I agree with you here 100%. I'm personally not ready to discuss my feelings on the whole thing yet due to just having read the article on the Ryzom mainpage, and I am curious to see what sort of announcement is coming tomorrow.

I haven't heard anything about a new server until today... and am very surprised at the ninja-like pounce of the announcement.

[ajsuk]

Yeah, you'd of thought they'd of learnt by now its best to tell us about these things so we can play guinea pig and pick holes in their ideas, tell them where they're all going wrong and how to fix it, etc...

What were they thinking!