Comments on: Two Kinds of Developer Relations

By: Mortal gold

Mortal gold — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 06:56:58 +0000

I believe the payment model also greatly influences player reactions. (I have nothing to support this except observation, and my own biased observations of course. =) )

I like this, this is very useful!

By: William Bordonaro

William Bordonaro — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:39:32 +0000

One more thing, if you do want to check HoN’s forums out I have an extra key or two.
(posted on previous entries as doubledutch)

By: William Bordonaro

William Bordonaro — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:14:57 +0000

It’s not an MMO, but Savage 2’s latest development Heroes of Newerth is a prime example of how well a perfectly run option 2 can turn out.

Although it is still in beta testing, HoN is constantly being discussed on the forums and we are getting direct contact from the developers and moderators. Not only are we getting complete patch notes, we are also getting updates on what they are currently working on as well as what to expect in the near future.

If you haven’t checked out the game at least register (w/beta key) and check out their communication to the players. I have participated in many beta’s in the last 10 years or so and this is by far the best setup that I have ever seen.

By: foolsage

foolsage — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:14:14 +0000

Excellent article! I think you’ve very nicely summed up two divergent approaches to community relations and the problems and pitfalls associated with each. It might be possible to further divide the second approach into tiers based on the amount of information being shared (e.g. the difference between “Skill X does less damage now” and “Skill X previously did 123 points of damage per use, and now does 115 points of damage) as well as the details of thought processes being shared (e.g. the difference between “X was changed” and “X was changed because in combination with Y the total damage dealt was higher than it should be”).

By: Issue 13: Slashcry Champions Online Podcast « Slashcry Champions Online Podcast

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:16:56 +0000

[...] B. Open Communication (Champions style) vs Close Communication (Aion, WAR style): http://www.eldergame.com/2009/11/two-kinds-of-developer-relations/ [...]

By: Para além do Avatar » Comunicação entre os dois lados

Para além do Avatar » Comunicação entre os dois lados — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:20:37 +0000

[...] temas realcionados com este tipo de jogo. Ora, no dia 10, este autor produziu uma reflexão sobre estratégias de comunicaçao entre os dois lados dessa linha: produtores e jogadores. O tema só por si é interessante mas o facto de ele utilizar como [...]

By: Interesting article comparing developer relations between Aion and Champions Online - AionSource.com

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:08:18 +0000

[...] article comparing developer relations between Aion and Champions Online Elder Game: MMO game development Two Kinds of Developer Relations Basically compares a game where the devs are silent about everything (Aion) with one where they [...]

By: The Changing Face of WoW Customer Relations « Welcome to Spinksville!

The Changing Face of WoW Customer Relations « Welcome to Spinksville! — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:01:44 +0000

[...] } Eric@Elder Game posts a typically thoughtful look at customer relations in MMOs, and especially on how some teams [...]

By: /AFK – November 15 « Bio Break

/AFK – November 15 « Bio Break — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:49:04 +0000

[...] Elder Game re: Community Relations – “Whatever you do, you have to stick to your guns.” [...]

By: Ferrel

Ferrel — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:36:02 +0000

This was a wonderful read. I’ve always disliked the type one approach myself. Having played as long as I have I just don’t believe anymore that any developer simply, “know better” and “don’t make mistakes.” They’re human beings!

That is why type two always wins me over. You’re absolutely right in the sense of trust. If a developer says, “Well guys, we thought X would be awesome but it really just ended up blowing up a school for blind kittens. As such, we had to take it out” I’d get right behind that. Honesty and open communication really does work for me.