Quick Note:
I know this doesn't cover all that Rarebit posted about how we're changing our updates--I began writing this quite some time ago and it had to go off for approvals before posting. And since this is the appoved version, I'm posting it as-is instead of updating it. We are reading your feedback to Rarebit's post even if we haven't responded so far.
Cheers,
Walrus
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Greetings Redpills,
Well, it's been a while since Fan Faire, so Virrago's harassment for me to kick out a producer letter is increasing apace. I'm lucky that his office is 2,000 miles away or else he'd likely be ambushing me at the coffee machine by now - an action of which I'm sure many of you would approve.
Seriously, though, it's been quite some time since the last one and The Matrix Online community deserves some relatively undivided attention from me. If only so that those players who didn't make it to Fan Faire will believe the ones who did when they say they saw me there. Yes, really, I do still exist.
Speaking of Fan Faire
Every year when Fan Faire rolls around, there's a part of me that dreads the weekend. Long hours, late nights, little sleep ... it's an exhausting time for everyone, especially the folks doing the set up and tear down. But it never fails that, once I'm there, the energy from the players picks me up and keeps me rolling through the entire event. Come time to head home on Sunday, I realize exactly how wiped out I am but how worth it the trip is each year.
For only our second event, we had quite a turnout. and I'd like to thank everyone who came out this year. Although we don't have the sheer numbers of EQ and EQ2, we make up for it in dedication and enthusiasm. It also makes it easier to sneak into the closing banquet and claim tables for the entire game before anyone else gets in.
We also had an incredible non-U.S. representation at Fan Faire this year. And I'd like to send a special shout out to Kazuki, who arrived from Japan on the second day of the show. Your English is still much better than my Japanese, friend. I'm just glad we had Midori there to show you around.
As the saying goes, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas," so I'm not going into detail on the entire event. I've yet to see any video of me doing karaoke on YouTube, so I'm happy to see others feel the same way.
Thanks again to everyone who made it this year, however far you traveled. I look forward to seeing even more of you next year.
What's New in The Matrix Online
By the time this letter goes out, Update 63 will be long released into the wild. If you haven't been in lately, there have been lots of additions to the game. From the last few updates we've seen:
A batch of level 45 to 50 weapons has been added; filling in the big loot gaps at high levels.
- The new Datamine and Sati's Playground constructs have come online with new gameplay, loot and bosses.
- A new mission involving the stern-and-sexy Valkyrjar.
- Chapter 10 missions became available through the Archive system.
- New moods and emotes added to the game.
- Lots of bug fixes.
Players who pay close attention to the 11.2 critical missions will learn about a dramatic turning point in the storyline.
Looking Forward
The next update to the game will be our annual Halloween Event. By our current schedule, we'll update the game for the event on Thursday, October 23 and run it through Thursday, November 6. The usual jack-o-lantern shenanigans and ultra-dark sky will return with another new set of masks. As you may have noticed, Rarebit has already started dropping hints as to what you'll see this year via Image Retrieval. This year's costumes should be a big hit.
Update 64 will come in and Chapter 11.3 will begin on November 6 - right on the heels of the Halloween event. We will decide what goes into that update in the next few weeks. We're delaying release by a week both to make our logistics simpler - much easier to end the event and patch on the same day - and because we need to revisit how we're providing updates to the game.
That last comment requires some explanation. You see, as far as major updates go, we base our decisions on what is feasible and what time allows. That we've squeezed out two new constructs is above and beyond expectations. Rarebit drives the design and implements most of the functionality, and I'm always impressed with what he achieves.
Rarebit has some plans for better ways to provide content for more people - including possibilities for bringing some form of cinematic back to the game. He and I will both be addressing that with the community on the forums.
That's all for now. Get ready for Halloween fun and a new take on what goes into our regular updates. I'll see everyone on the other side.
Cheers,
Dan "Walrus" Myers
