277 réponses à ce sujet

[TEWR]

Filament, you are definitely right about the definitelies, because they are definitely the definite way to make your definite point....


Definitely...


Mahogany...

[Sabriana]

ishmaeltheforsaken wrote...

I understand everything you guise are saying about it, and I'm really grateful that you say anything at all... lack of confirmation is also lack of... un...confirmation? "If we can, we will" is actually nice to hear.

But (and I understand that it's not your call at all), it also puts me in a place of supreme uncertainty, and uncertainty is very uncomfortable. I want to know... are you guise actively looking into a release's feasability? Or is it on your to-do list? What exactly are all the third-party issues to overcome? I want to know all these things!

And I know that you won't tell us, and I understand that completely. BUT I STILL CRY TEARS?

Cry you may, but I do hope it doesn't get in the way of your "Companion Armor" mod. I'm practically over there twice a day, waiting for it to get all the way done. I'm bad at "having to do stuff myself" to make it work.

Okay, okay. I'll stop being selfish now.


@ The Ethereal Writer Redux

You're quite welcome.

Two weeks....???

*is in awe of your patience*

[TEWR]

Filament wrote...

The Ethereal Writer Redux wrote...

Filament, you are definitely right about the definitelies, because they are definitely the definite way to make your definite point....


Definitely...


Mahogany...

DBZ Abridged reference? Or maybe that itself was a reference...

yup DBZ Abridged reference.

@Sabriana

It was painful, believe me. Having to do various insundry things on my computer just so it would install properly was not fun. Music helped keep me sane (well, not keep me sane. I'm already insane, but it helped keep me under control)

[Addai]

YohkoOhno wrote...
I think the only way for an RPG mod community to get as big as it was with NWN and other RPGs is a more simplistic game.  You might be able to find that type of community with the lower tier RPGs, and there are graphic adventure construction kits and text adventure construction kits.  NWN was probably one of the last RPG games that could fit as a "construction kit".  But I doubt we can have something as sophisticated as the DA, Skyrim, or Witcher 2 engines and still have as much user generated content that fits within that engine as we did with the older games.

And I think if Bioware is not releasing a DA2 toolkit, I think in part it will be that the mod community is just not as big as it once was, for the reasons stated above.

Must disagree as far as Origins goes.  I didn't play any of the dungeon mods, but mods added half a dozen playthroughs to Origins' lifecycle on our comp.

And if it's too sophisticated, why is Bethesda announcing way ahead of release that they are going to provide mod support for Skyrim?  Maybe it's because they already have the console market locked, but that's just good PR as far as I can see.

Modifié par Addai67, 28 avril 2011 - 05:44 .

[Cutlass Jack]

Addai67 wrote...

And if it's too sophisticated, why is Bethesda announcing way ahead of release that they are going to provide mod support for Skyrim?  Maybe it's because they already have the console market locked, but that's just good PR as far as I can see.

Well toolsets are always part of their products. Its to be expected. I'd be more impressed if they announced way ahead of release that we'd get compelling companion characters and romances.

(not sarcasm, btw. I'd really be happy to hear it!)

Modifié par Cutlass Jack, 28 avril 2011 - 05:56 .

[neppakyo]

Rockpopple wrote...

Hello World!?!

*has flashbacks*

*collapses*

*flashbacks too, head explodes*

10 PRINT "HELP ME, I'M STUCK IN BASIC!"
20 GOTO 10

[Addai]

Cutlass Jack wrote...

Addai67 wrote...

And if it's too sophisticated, why is Bethesda announcing way ahead of release that they are going to provide mod support for Skyrim?  Maybe it's because they already have the console market locked, but that's just good PR as far as I can see.

Well toolsets are always part of their products. Its to be expected. I'd be more impressed if they announced way ahead of release that we'd get compelling companion characters and romances.

(not sarcasm, btw. I'd really be happy to hear it!)

Eh... I'm convinced David Gaider is the only one who can make video game romances palatable.  I'm not sure that Bethesda should even try.  Anyway, whenever someone suggests that on Bethsoft forums, the masses rage and guffaw.

People expected a toolset for DA2, too, since Origins got one.

[Lusitanum]

astrallite wrote...

They need to release more item DLC so they can fund story DLC.

Oh dear Lord...

Bioware needs to charge us for cosmetic crap to fund meaningful DLC? Are you serious? Should I count the number of ways that's stupid:

• They already made enough money from delivering a sub-par game at full price;
• DLC pays for itself: you make it and if it's good (or your fanbase is just particularly fanatic enough that they'll buy any crap you throw at them) then it will turn a porfit. Just like full games. At least I didn't see Bioware asking for donations in order to make DA2;
• Every single other company I've seen so far doesn't need to sell you Horse Armor in order to give you meaningful DLC. And let's not even go into examples like VALVe that just keep giving enormous chunks of content to their games over the years for free! Why? Because more content (and the promise that even more will come in the future) means that more people will buy the game. But that would be asking too much out of these guys at this point.

astrallite wrote...

Then they can use the funding from story DLC to work on the toolset DLC because at this point it would be too unpolished!

*bangs head on wall*

astrallite wrote...Then they will drop the toolset DLC because it won't adhere to Bioware's high standards.

The word's "Bioware" and "high standards" are no longer allowed to be put in the same sentence after Dragon Age 2. I believe it's some sort of new law or something...

[Thane64]

quickly going off topic, does anyone know how to get a personalized photo as my profile picture

[Fruit of the Doom]

Thane64 wrote...

quickly going off topic, does anyone know how to get a personalized photo as my profile picture

Blood magic.

[Thane64]

Fruit of the Doom wrote...

Thane64 wrote...

quickly going off topic, does anyone know how to get a personalized photo as my profile picture

Blood magic.

no, seriously:(

[Fruit of the Doom]

Thane64 wrote...

Fruit of the Doom wrote...

Thane64 wrote...

quickly going off topic, does anyone know how to get a personalized photo as my profile picture

Blood magic.

no, seriously:(

Replace the profile picture for one of your characters in your "My Documents" folder.

[Thane64]

Fruit of the Doom wrote...

Thane64 wrote...

Fruit of the Doom wrote...

Thane64 wrote...

quickly going off topic, does anyone know how to get a personalized photo as my profile picture

can you walk me through it please:crying:

Blood magic.

no, seriously:(

Replace the profile picture for one of your characters in your "My Documents" folder.

[Thane64]

[/quote]

Replace the profile picture for one of your characters in your "My Documents" folder.

[/quote]
[/quote]

can you walk me through it:crying:

[Fruit of the Doom]

Documents --> Bioware --> Dragon Age --> Characters

There is a picture labeled (character's name)_portrait

Replace it with a picture you want (use the same filename). Start the game up and login. Load that character, save, and quit.

It should appear on the site within an hour.

Modifié par Fruit of the Doom, 28 avril 2011 - 07:14 .

[88mphSlayer]

the DLC doesn't include companion armor changes/appearance changes

just 2 sets of armor for each player class, a bunch of weapons for each class, and a unique ring/amulet for each companion

they should still release the toolset tho, some people will buy the DLC but probably not enough that having a toolset will make a dent in sales

[John Epler]

88mphSlayer wrote...

the DLC doesn't include companion armor changes/appearance changes

just 2 sets of armor for each player class, a bunch of weapons for each class, and a unique ring/amulet for each companion

they should still release the toolset tho, some people will buy the DLC but probably not enough that having a toolset will make a dent in sales

I posted this elsewhere, but it seems relevant here as well:

The caveat here, unfortunately, is that DLC, patches and toolset release for the public all require rather different resource allocation. DLC is almost entirely content creation - there's very little programming
necessary. Maybe a few workflow changes to the tools to make life easier for those of us using them, or to address concerns that were raised  when working on DA2, but it's almost entirely content side - Design,  Art, Audio and QA. It should be noted, of course, that QA is the one resource that appears in all three with similar representation. Though when it comes to item packs and the like, the distribution is mostly Art, with some QA and minimal Design representation, mostly to stat out the items and make sure they don't break anything elsewhere in the game.

Patches involve both groups, though there isn't really much for Art to do in a patch. Nor, for that matter, for the majority of Design - there isn't really much for Cinematic Design or Writing to do in a patch, for example, though Tech Design is likely going to hop in and fix a few bugs. So all of those groups tend to be allocated to DLC. Programming also enters the picture here, as there are certainly bugs that can only be fixed by them - so while you wouldn't have much in the way of programming resources for DLC, you'll have them for patch work. And, of course, QA once again needs to test the patch to ensure that it A) fixes what it's supposed to fix and doesn't break anything else.

And finally, there's any work involved in releasing the toolset. Here, it's almost entirely Programming. Design, Art, Audio - there's nothing much for us to do, aside from maybe provide occasional feedback along the lines of 'if you release it to the public you need to make sure that X and Y work properly or else there's no point in letting them do Z'. QA is necessary to test the tools, so you have to get them involved, but aside from that it's all Programming.

So DLC doesn't really preclude the toolset, which doesn't really preclude patching. Though there's some resource sharing, each of the three has its own unique allocation that shouldn't interfere with the others. That's not always the case, but as a general rule it's pretty accurate.

Modifié par JohnEpler, 28 avril 2011 - 10:59 .

[Saintthanksgiving]

I don't think Mr. Epler was responding to anything that I wrote here, but I would like to clarify something for everyone else.  I never claimed that Bioware was using resources that should have been allocated to Patching or updates on the release of DLC for additional profits.  There are probably only so many people that can work on a patch at any one time anyway. 

However, The release of a $5 DLC while many people are still clamoring for a patch to fix game related problems is just something that the folks in marketing probably should have reconsidered .  Then again, maybe they did run the numbers and decided it was worth pissing off a few fans in light of the expected profits.  Wouldnt be the first time.

As for my original post about the toolset,

I think it has been made fairly clear so far that no one is currently working on the toolset update for DA2.  I suggested that this is not merely a byproduct of limited resources, but part of a marketing strategy (that included the removal of NPC customization) aimed to maximize profits.

In short,  I accused Bioware of profiteering.  Mr. Gaider denied the claim, and many of you said I was an ungrateful malcontent, and you may be right.  I only offered my opinion after noticing a pattern of events. 

still, even if Bioware is every bit the "evil" corporation I suggested, they want the fix-patches out just as fast as the customers do.  People can argue all night and day about whether or not the content and gameplay decisions were right or wrong. If something is actually broken however, that is not the type of criticism a Developer wants running around.


(and before everyone jumps all over the "profiteering" comment;  Bioware's behaviour is unethical in MY opinion, not a court of law, not YOUR opinion, and certainly not by the rules of any established religion ... so save the Spicollis)

Modifié par Saintthanksgiving, 29 avril 2011 - 03:11 .

[MingWolf]

Saintthanksgiving wrote...

I don't think Mr. Epler was responding to anything that I wrote here, but I would like to clarify something for everyone else.  I never claimed that Bioware was using resources that should have been allocated to Patching or updates on the release of DLC for additional profits.  There are probably only so many people that can work on a patch at any one time anyway. 

However, The release of a $5 DLC while many people are still clamoring for a patch to fix game related problems is just something that the folks in marketing probably should have reconsidered .  Then again, maybe they did run the numbers and decided it was worth pissing off a few fans in light of the expected profits.  Wouldnt be the first time.

As for my original post about the toolset,

I think it has been made fairly clear so far that no one is currently working on the toolset update for DA2.  I suggested that this is not merely a byproduct of limited resources, but part of a marketing strategy (that included the removal of NPC customization) aimed to maximize profits.

In short,  I accused Bioware of profiteering.  Mr. Gaider denied the claim, and many of you said I was an ungrateful malcontent, and you may be right.  I only offered my opinion after noticing a pattern of events. 

still, even if Bioware is every bit the "evil" corporation I suggested, they want the fix-patches out just as fast as the customers do.  People can argue all night and day about whether or not the content and gameplay decisions were right or wrong. If something is actually broken however, that is not the type of criticism a Developer wants running around.


(and before everyone jumps all over the "profiteering" comment;  Bioware's behaviour is unethical in MY opinion, not a court of law, not YOUR opinion, and certainly not by the rules of any established religion ... so save the Spicollis)

I didn't read the rest of the posts here but being a person who majors in Business & Commerce, my suspicions tend to lean towards a similar sentiment that was explained above.  While I will withhold my personal judgement and opinion, since I don't know anything about what goes on within the company (clear lack of evidence), some of the design decisions such as the lack of the toolset, releasing DLC now, and the lack of ability to customize certain companions do make me do this: .

Why?  Because if I was a scheming top manager who cares about nothing except maximizing profits and milking money from my customer base, this is exactly how I would handle things.  

Now, don't misread my post thinking I'm a hater or anything like that.  I'm not raging at anything, and to be honest, I could hardly care if another DLC appears at my doorstep.  I still like the Bioware brand in general.  I really do .  But I can see the argument here and its not all that unreasonable.  I just find it an interesting subject. 

Modifié par MingWolf, 29 avril 2011 - 03:52 .

[Bryy_Miller]

Saintthanksgiving wrote...
 I accused Bioware of profiteering.

I honestly think that if you are getting this worked up about an entertainment product (which, by definition, is a luxury item), then you need to back off and go outside or do something otherwise not pertaining to it.

[Sabriana]

Unfortunately it is, or was, a high priced luxury item, and many of us think that we should get at least something for our money if we don't like how things are going. Hence, you see threads and posts were people voice their dissatisfaction (or satisfaction, it works both ways - usually)

I don't mean free content, but the right to voice our opinions, criticism, and of course, praise. I am one of the people who think that the original price (which I idiotically paid) was high enough already. Now, I never buy DLC so that part isn't an issue with me, but I certainly can sympathize with those who think that other avenues were neglected in favor of 'milk-money'.

Neglect also doesn't necessarily mean resource allocations, but a conscious decision to hold back on things that could help the customers, because of potential profit. Especially an updated toolset, which could maintain interest in the base game through modding, and especially through fixes.

Personally, my game is already uninstalled, and I don't think I'll reinstall anytime soon. There is a modder who has my attention though, and I'll wait and see for that person to finish. I'm guessing it's much harder without the toolset, and needs additional tools because the DA:O -> DA 2 toolset compatibility is somewhat lacking. That's only an opinion, formed by reading through the modding forum - I know next to nothing about item modding.

Personally, I'll give Bioware the benefit of the doubt. It takes time to do such things, and the toolset is more or less a freebie. However, Bioware knows very well that a toolset only benefits a game. NWN is still alive and kicking, and mods have a lot to do with that. I'd play it anyway, because HotU is my favorite game ever, but that's just me.

There are even game-companies that rely on the modding community to keep their games going. I'll not name names, but there's one company for which the modding community is a cheap resource. It won't get any cheaper than free. When they announce a game, my first reaction always is "oh good, Now I only have to wait and see when the modders fix the most glaring issues, and I'll happily buy it, leave it installed, and might as well buy the Exp packs."

Whether you like mods or not, and which ones you like is entirely personal taste and opinion. Some adore mods, some use only the "fixes", some don't like many, and some happily play around with them.

Modifié par Sabriana, 29 avril 2011 - 05:10 .

[Addai]

Not to kick a dead horse (much), but recall also that PC players had the privilege of paying the same $60 for the game this time, even though there are no licensing fees as there are for consoles. So you could argue that a toolset update would be a nice return on the premium we paid.

[Ottemis]

I don't think we can fault Bioware for something that's happening everywhere, and I literally mean everywhere. I have no issues spending some loose change on DLC when I'm interested in it, because going to the theater, or the zoo, or ANYTHING is way way more expensive.
So for those few euro's I choose to buy new content for a game I enjoy, that will add to my enjoyment of the game and keep me occupied for X-amount of time.

As said by Bryy_Miller, it's a luxury item. You choose to buy it, or you don't. Not like you'd starve without it. And if you want it badly enough, then buy it, don't moan about pricing that in my opinion is onpar or even cheaper then alot of alternative means of 'wasting' time.

I would also guess that the patch and the DLC are not done by the same people in the company, if that was so then yes I would agree that focussing on DLC before fixing a game that is difficult for the community to mod on is not nessecarily a smart move.
But seeing as I lean to believe they're somewhat unconnected, one doesn't mean they're not working on the other simultaniously, one just happened to be done sooner.

If they'd have waited with the DLC, I'd wonder what people would have said about that then, because this current consideration and argument wouldn't exsist, hence new ones would be formed and when people want to complain, they will anyways.

Modifié par Ottemis, 29 avril 2011 - 10:44 .

[Addai]

Bryy_Miller wrote...

Saintthanksgiving wrote...
 I accused Bioware of profiteering.

I honestly think that if you are getting this worked up about an entertainment product (which, by definition, is a luxury item), then you need to back off and go outside or do something otherwise not pertaining to it.

It's not "worked up" to bring up a topic and argue his point in a reasonable, and rather entertaining, way.