How many of you who started on opening day are still playing? I know a ton of people who have already cancelled....not that I didn't warn them or anything :rolleyes:

Already?

I mean, it's not even close to the end of the free month (is there one?), and people cancelled? Even console games keep people longer!

Not like I have intent to play it (still hooked to WoW, and I'm waiting VG to "grow" a bit before trying it), but are there any reasons why your friends quit so fast?

I'm curious too!

Just that it's still buggy but has allot of potential and growth are the biggest reasons I hear. Meaning they will probably try it later. Don't get me wrong some of them are so gung ho for the game it's all they talk about. I have heard that it made drastic improvments in the last month of beta (I stopped using my beta access about 2months before release).

The game just isn't something I like, I am really digging WoW still and doubt I will change any time soon. I do know that the EQ2 devs saved VG; it would have been worse :) That's a bitter pill for SoE haters to swallow but it is oh so true ;)

See my link regarding Vanguard within this forum. Those that play this game and are sticking with it know exactly what they are getting into. This game is NOT a WoW killer, nor would we want it to be. For me it's the perfect marriage of the old EQ difficulty with the new WoW and EQ2 innovations that helped reshape the current MMORPG landscape.

EQ2 was neat for the first little bit, but found it hard to immerse myself in a game that was so overly instanced. Not a big deal for some people, but it was for me. WoW was great in it's day, but last going off I simply found myself bored with doing the same stuff over and over again. They have since added content, but I think I was already looking for something different.

Vanguard gives me enough of a "buzz" to keep me coming back without giving up the goods to quickly as far as leveling goes. I'm actually happy that the emphasis is on the community, both for grouping and for the forums as it hands some of the ingame power over to the players. Just like in the EQ days, if a person is an idiot in game, then the community has the option to ostracize said person. That person can technically move on solo, but it literally locks that person out of 2/3 of the content available. In otherwords, PLAY NICE! I've quickly gotten together with others of my ilk within Moxie Corps and have a regular core of players that get together on a nightly basis for grouping fun.

I know Vanguard isn't perfect, and I know it's system requirements dwarf that of WoW's, but the game is doing the right things and going in the right direction. The atmosphere of the game, the sense of adventure, the alternatives to adventuring (crafting, harvesting, diplomacy), and of course the sense of being a part of a world that is truly massive gives me a sense of knowing it's going to be a loooong time before I see what this baby has to offer. I haven't had this sense of bewilderment since my EQ days when I discovered such obscure places as King Xorbbs Gorge and Katta Isle.

Dammit, now I'm at work and having a VG fit! I can't wait to log in! MUAHAHAAHAHAHA! :)

I just dont think i'll be able to play this MMO genre ever again, I really really tried with Vanguard but i guess you can only kill so many spiders, orcs, and bugs before you just cant do it anymore. So im looking towards something that is going a totaly different way (Pirates of the Burning Sea) and if that doesnt work I guess I'll be done with MMO's for good :(.

I just got it yesterday. Logged 14 hours in one day.

My main complaint is the graphics engine. I run a system well over minimum specs, yet it still glitches up sometimes. It doesn't feel like traditional lag but like there is something wrong with the game itself.

Also the map can be annoying. I'm having trouble clearing some of the points off of it - I'm not sure how it works. Also cities seem to have the same designation on the map as a random npc you had for a quest 5 levels ago. Not sure what's up with that.

If you go under your quest log, there is a tab to the far right that keeps track of all your points. You can activate/delete points through that screen.

With regards to the lag and the like, it really depends where you are. They are aware of it though, and are working on it. I don't really have any problems other than Leth Nurae on a busy night, but again I'm pretty forgiving hehe.

Wein I'm gonna come over Sunday and you're gonna show me Vanguard.

Woo Hoo! Another bard on the way! Wait until lvl 21, you get the snare/slow song effect. VERY powerful! I'm able to bow kite 3 dot mobs now with ease and decent speed.

Kelraz - Go for it. I have no significant work until spring break when I'll be heading to Jamaica!

I try to delete the points through that map but some aren't even listed there that are still on my map. =(

That means they are a part of a quest you have. When you complete the quest, they should disappear.

Still planning to come by on Sunday Wein.

when I saw the title I thought you were coming out lol :p

when I saw the title I thought you were coming out lol :p

LOL! Ok, you got me I'm choosing a Vanguard forum to reveal what's in my closet :p

I like Vanguard very much - I tried only Kojan (Oriental) continent so far, but the storyline is awesome - I am doing the diplomacy quests atm, and its fun - complex, but at elast you wont get bored as fast :)

Lani

Hehe, actually the Kojani continent is one I've yet to really explore. I've been getting around Thestra, and just recently started (literally just scratched the surface) of Qalia. Whoever did the whole "look and feel" of the game was obviously well travelled and has a flair for making things seem real. Walking around in Ahgram (sp) on Qalia, I couldn't help but get a sense of familiarity when I was walking around certain middle eastern towns and cities.

One thing I can say is to make sure you bring some friends with you. Without em it can get really boring. :(

Aye, I'll agree with that, you definately want to get into a good group or guild starting off. Moxie Corps have been a great guild and an awesome group of people. I wouldn't be as far as I am without these people. There are plenty of guilds around, so my recommendation would be to hook up with one of them soonest.

You guys also require an Eternal Wrath-esque recruitment for a guild that doesn't even raid yet. =(

Aye, no raids yet, but damn! When they say they'll support each other, they mean it. Moxie Corps has some of the best crafters on the server. The guild is broken down into squads. Though you are not required to play with your squad, it is encouraged to help promote group oriented play, and to make it easier when forming raids. I have to say, Furdek, the guild leader, has some great ideas and provides some very strong leadership.

Yeah it took me two months to make full member, but I feel like I've earned it. There's no bloating of numbers. He has the size that he wants in mind and is tailoring the guild to that. I'm not doing the officer much justice going on only about Furdek, but the whole lot of them have been awesome.

Haha Bin, thanks for the compliment, been fun finding your posts here today. Haven't been on these boards since October 2004!

Anyway, to answer the OP, been playing since August 06 in Beta and still playing now on Live.

Also in reguards to our EW'esque recruiting, it has changed some. No longer a set probation time, now basically the onus is on the recruits to group with the guild and show that they're a good fit. If they are then the members go write feedback on you in the hidden members only section of our boards.

Based off general consensus you get in if lots of people like you. That way too if you play like everynight you don't have to wait 2 months or whatever to get in. If people like you they'll post to make you a full member and you'll be promoted at the next promotion ceremony.

Anyway if more people still come to VG on Hilsbury and need a guild, mention that you played on Aro and we might be able to waive the level requirement :)

I quit this abortion of a game back in mid April. I was one of the first 50s on the server (50 Kojani Monk, Chunli on Tharridon, FFA PvP). After spending all my time parsing data about how gimp monks were, how unbalanced PvP was, and the lack of aknowledgement from Devs about how terrible the game really was, I said fuck it. Now that the game is going to be run by SOE, I am glad I left. Vanguard is nothing more than a failed pipe dream that flopped due to dreaming too big. I wanted the game to succeed, it sounded so good on paper. Even the early beta stages seemed promising, because they were beta. But after I noticed there was very little improvements performance wise, and still so many glaring bugs that had not been fixed, I decided to pay month to month. Which turned out to be a good decision.

http://www.f13.net/?itemid=561

http://www.f13.net/?itemid=562

Vanguard=Horizons

Those interviews read as if both the interviewer and the interviewee were the person. Especially here:
f13.net: How was QA treated through the course of development?

Ex-Sigil: QA?

f13.net: QA.

Ex-Sigil: QA was one person up until about November... ONE.

f13.net: What.

Ex-Sigil: 100% serious.

f13.net: What? How? This is an MMOG.

Ex-Sigil: Vanguard had one internal tester for probably 95% of the design cycle.

f13.net: Doesn't the complete and utter failure, in hindsight, seem like a self-fulfilled prophecy though with only one QA member?

Either that or the interviewer was leading the answers to a ridiculous degree.

Could be, but would not be a bit surprised if the interview was fairly authentic. I imagine though the truth somewhere in the middle.

The game definately had a lot of Drama around it and it's still ridden with bugs. Not game breaking by any means but still noticeable.

I've never been a big fan of SoE but I gotta hand it to them. They're really taking the project on and making the game what I wanted it to be.

Since they already have EQ2 as there "WoW" competitor, they're making Vanguard for their hardcore market. For people who want more challenge and depth. aka a more EQ1 type of game.

Anyway it's a little boring as far as new content right now, but I'll settle for it because all the focus is on Bug fixes and Performance right now. The big thing they're doing right now is reducing the rediculous poly count on all the NPCs and such. That will give a huge performance increase.

Anyone interested in this game who doesn't want performance or bug frustration should wait till about September I'd say.

Since they already have EQ2 as there "WoW" competitor, they're making Vanguard for their hardcore market. For people who want more challenge and depth. aka a more EQ1 type of game.



Whoa man you're dellusional. Every "hardcore guild" that left EQ2 for VG has come back and resumed raiding in EQ2. VG was doomed at the onset and will never be a competitor to anything except Horizons. EQ2's subs have climbed dramatically since VG's release and with the next expansion will be another level cap increase (most likely) and more raid content. Tell me, how much raid content does VG have?

Whoa man you're dellusional. Every "hardcore guild" that left EQ2 for VG has come back and resumed raiding in EQ2. VG was doomed at the onset and will never be a competitor to anything except Horizons. EQ2's subs have climbed dramatically since VG's release and with the next expansion will be another level cap increase (most likely) and more raid content. Tell me, how much raid content does VG have?

Before you attack people and call them Dellusional maybe you should do your home work. SOE have stated that VG will fall into their "Hardcore" game marketing plans. I didn't say there was tons of Raid Content in game yet, I stated the marketing strategy and the announced direction of the game.

"Hardcore" as play style, not necessarily raid style.

mmmkay. But wait, you're still 1 of the few still playing VG right? SoE still carries PlanetSide and it has a marketing plan and direction too I wonder how close the sub numbers are between that and VG?

Sorry to make you emotional for calling you dellusional; it really was a "playful" comment and not meant with vigor but I guess VG'ers are defensive about the stinkingbagofcrap that became VG. :)

In any case Thor clarified the whole argument with one sentence. I don't consider any games hardcore in play style and only in raid style. Enjoy your game with the other 10,000 subscribers! ;)

mmmkay. But wait, you're still 1 of the few still playing VG right? SoE still carries PlanetSide and it has a marketing plan and direction too I wonder how close the sub numbers are between that and VG?

Sorry to make you emotional for calling you dellusional; it really was a "playful" comment and not meant with vigor but I guess VG'ers are defensive about the stinkingbagofcrap that became VG. :)

In any case Thor clarified the whole argument with one sentence. I don't consider any games hardcore in play style and only in raid style. Enjoy your game with the other 10,000 subscribers! ;)

Not sure where your agression is coming from for the game. But to clear it up for you, Ya Vanguard had rough launch and no one denied it was because it was too early. Does that make it the horrible game you're inferring to? Nope.

Vanguard still sold 200,000 copies of it's game and is close to reaching 100,000 subscriber base. Those are successful numbers for an MMO by any stretch especially since the game had one of the lowest marketing budgets in MMO history.

Everquest II, after launch with 2 years of growth was at 175,000 subscribers.

So your 10k number doesn't hold up at all. The reason for VG's shallow population feeling is because some genius didn't take into account that although the server count they prepared for was fine for previous games, but Vanguard has the largest Launch Game World ever. The Continents are absolutely massive and although you can get Mounts and stuff early on for quick travel it doesn't change the fact you're spreading people thin in all areas.

Luckily they're about to do a server merge to give each server that "lively" feel. But it's really something they should have counted on when they launched.

Hi, I don't have aggression I'm laughing at you. Why? Because you present numbers with no facts, your sub numbers are pure and utter bullshit. ESPECIALLY your EQ2 numbers. I can pull numbers from the air too, VG only have 10k subscribers b/c b/c I say so!!!! VG is a bagofcrap someday you will embrace that; if not then keep playing who cares it's still a bagofcrap to me and the thousands of people who have said the same thing on other forums.

So again to repeat since you fail at understanding :) and ;) in forum posts or even me clarifying my earlier post sorry I don't have any pictures of me sitting in my office rolling on the floor laughing at your or I'd post one... I'm not aggressive I'm amused and laughing...srsly!

So I shall await your post with real sub numbers not "guesses" and I will await the official post from SoE indicating their approach for VG is for hardcore players. Until then I shall practice :) ;) :)

lol ok now you're just trolling. I thought this might actually be an interesting debate over misconceptions but it's obvious you're just trying to get a rise out of people by flaming whatever they say.

I'm not gonna waste my time "proving" the subscription numbers to the type of person who can never admit they're wrong. Anyone with capable skills in Google can find the MMO Growth Analysis reports for every game.

Have fun convincing yourself that you're right! :spade:)

That hasn't been updated since before VG was released.

That hasn't been updated since before VG was released.

If you're referring to mmogchart.com I miss the relevance.

What stats site are you referring to then?

Well mmogchart has the stats for EQ2, which is why I said 2 years after launch and did not use a current date.

If you read any of the VG interviews with Brad or SoE over the take over when they ask about subscriptions numbers and state of the game, they reveal the stats for Vanguard.

Link?

Goto www.mmogchart.com and select Analysis and conclusions, C/P this to find the EQ2 numbers for May 06

ctrl-f: EverQuest II (Accuracy Rating: B)


Alan Crosby stated numbers on the VG boards, but you can't see them if you don't have an active VG account.

But in this interview with an ex-sigil employee he confirms numbers for subscriptions he was told at the time were 90k but upper management never really shared info like that.

http://www.f13.net/?itemid=561

Well I'd love to look at your links and will do so when I get home I'm blocked from work so yeah my googlefu is weak b/c of websense YAY! But let me understand you're trying to tell us that EQ2 only has 175k subscribers; VG has more b/c it sold 200k copies? (again with no REAL data from you to back your statements)

I'm not trolling dippy you posted in a thread *I* started almost 4 months ago; I'm calling you on what I think is Bullshit. You're backing your information with year old data that isn't even official but we're supposed to believe it?

Goto www.mmogchart.com (http://www.mmogchart.com/) and select Analysis and conclusions, C/P this to find the EQ2 numbers for May 06

ctrl-f: EverQuest II (Accuracy Rating: B)


Alan Crosby stated numbers on the VG boards, but you can't see them if you don't have an active VG account.

But in this interview with an ex-sigil employee he confirms numbers for subscriptions he was told at the time were 90k but upper management never really shared info like that.

http://www.f13.net/?itemid=561

Someone asked me to set you straight on this...which might take a little work.

First? Hi! I'm RadarX and I ran the EQ2 Ten Ton Hammer community site for about 18 months. I was responsible for breaking the Neriak content story and have landed first interviews with a number of developers. That isn't my ego, that's just me stating I'm pretty involved in the community.

Next, MMOGchart is total crap at this point. You are quoting LAST years figures from someone who couldn't even specifically list his sources? Do you REALLY believe WoW only has like 2 million subscribers? Bad data is worse than no data man.

Second I have a VG account so I would love to see a link where Alan (who I know by the way) actually stated real numbers. SOE has had a long standing policy of NOT revealing specific metrics and that doesn't sound like him at all but hey I'm wrong a lot.

I remember reading that employee interview and they aren't even sure it's 90k but to be honest with you? That could be close. 100k is nothing these days and first quarter after launch though? Le Gulp. EVE Online is pushing 300k nowadays if that tells you anything.

Well this is beyond rediculous now. Why is everyone is trying to "set me straight"?

I'm more then done playing your guy's game taking time out of my day to re-fish out posted numbers. Where's the data backing up the 10k subscriptions? I don't see anyone combing over those numbers?

Anyway I have lots of fun playing the game and so do others like Binuven. I'll let it rest there. As far as I'm concerned nit picking at me or how ever you guys want to describe it, is about as much non sense as Fildien's 10k subscription post.

That's the point you're missing Jooma my post about 10k was a JOKE; you're the one touting that you have hard and fast numbers for something that just isn't so. You claimed that SoE stated VG was their signature game for "hardcore play"; you then made a post to make the reader believe the sub numbers for EQ2 were only 175k after release AND that some how justified your again unproveable number of 90k subs for VG as some kind of litmus test for what is "good for any MMO". You were called on it plain and simple :). I told you before I'm laughing; I told you my dellusional comment was a playful comment you took it wrong as you have continued to do so through the whole thread at one point accusing me of trolling a thread I started. Your numbers are false; my number was a blatant ridiculous bullshit jab b/c you made statements that were incredibly exagerated and false and completely unproveable. I have now explained this to you in multiple posts seriously what will it take to sink in

I'm happy you enjoy the game that is all that matters since you are the paying for it. But when that enjoyment turns into trying to use false or out of date numbers to strum up the game well then that's wrong.

You claimed that SoE stated VG was their signature game for "hardcore play"

You're right because that's where SoE stated it falls into. EQ2 will be more for their casual player base and Vanguard will fall in with their hardcore crowds somewhere in between EQ1 and EQ2. If I made that up, then prove me wrong.

you then made a post to make the reader believe the sub numbers for EQ2 were only 175k after release AND that some how justified your again unproveable number of 90k subs for VG as some kind of litmus test for what is "good for any MMO".

You obviously have a memory retention problem and I don't see how you could, it's written right on the boards. I said after 2 years the game had about 175k subscribers, not right after release. If you felt tricked by the whole 2 years part then I'm debating with someone ill equipped for this type of discussion.

You were called on it plain and simple :).

lol now I'm laughing. Called on what? I'm the only one that's linked any back of anything anyone has said yet. Anyone can hide behind a computer and flame others on message boards and claim other peoples work is not credible. Well the onus is on you then, prove that the information that's out there is false!

Your numbers are false
haha ok well again, prove me wrong man.

...when that enjoyment turns into trying to use false or out of date numbers to strum up the game well then that's wrong.

lol wow getting repetitive I'd say. So I guess I will too, where's your proof that the numbers are false? Saying I used out of date numbers? How much more specific do I have to be when I say these were the numbers 2 years after release.

That's like saying "Oh that History book is crap! The stuff about the 1700's is out of date!".


Your problem is you skip the information in the threads and look for what you can to stir the spot, rather than read that I'm the very one who said Launch was too early, the game is currently buggy, etc.

I'm done with this thread and won't be reading anymore so don't worry about actually trying to prove me wrong, I don't care that much. I was just replying to the thread as you had asked in your OP, but you obviously think it's funny when other people post oppinions that neglect your own. I personally can understand that not everyone likes the game, or that it didn't meet the hype that generated around it mostly due to people falling into the webbed dream that Brad spun for everyone, but if you take the game for what it is, it's pretty awesome.

:spade

Oh feel free to post the last word even though I won't read it. I know people like you can't resist that haha.

You're right because that's where SoE stated it falls into. EQ2 will be more for their casual player base and Vanguard will fall in with their hardcore crowds somewhere in between EQ1 and EQ2. If I made that up, then prove me wrong.

I really started out with a more logical and supported arguement but then I thought about it further. You've provided 0 in the way of evidence. Nothing. SOE said this, Alan Crosby said that....where? Where did they say it? EQ2 has blah blah numbers after 2 years. Find a more credible source. You can't because it hasn't been updated and may not have even been right to begin with.

Look...I frequently talk right out of my butt but I will admit it. Just admit you really aren't sure about how many people are playing either game and everyone can just move on.

lol now I'm laughing. Called on what? I'm the only one that's linked any back of anything anyone has said yet. Anyone can hide behind a computer and flame others on message boards and claim other peoples work is not credible. Well the onus is on you then, prove that the information that's out there is false!




This is like Goodwin's Law for MMO fanbois.
mmogchart a site that lists WoW as only having 2mil subscribers is totally reliable! Also, VG only has 10k subs b/c mmogchart says so! :p

I appreciate the free psychoanalysis Doctor Phil who knew someone could do such a thing via an internet forum :) The funny thing about fanbois they spout and never provide facts. Plenty of people disagreed with me in fact people did so in this thread it wasn't until you came here posting crap that just ain't true. You can tell me VG is the greatest game of all time if you want I won't argue you on that because it is purely opinionated but when you make false unfounded unproven unbackable statements about facts/figures then I will and did call you on it. That is not "neglecting" other's opinons that is calling bullshit. And yes if someone posts something to me I will respond and not play 3rd grader games like "omg i'm not going to post anymore so say whatever you want b/c I don't care". You cared enough before I realize there's only so long you can argue without facts though.

inc NAG
hmm we just might have someone that could take Shemp's place:eek:

95.2% of the people who post a response like this.

I'm done with this thread and won't be reading anymore so don't worry about actually trying to prove me wrong, I don't care that much.

Are checking the thread regularly to see what people have added to the post.

And of that 95.2%... 51.4% will actually respond again to the thread

Fid, do you have links to show that VG is at 10,000? Shouldn't proof go both ways? I see you both pulling numbers but no links to show them. Does anyone have the real numbers? I am curious now. :)

I tend to believe the 90k staying after the free month number, from the ex-sigil employee interview. A former employee isn't likely to go out of their way to inflate numbers.

Fid, do you have links to show that VG is at 10,000? Shouldn't proof go both ways? I see you both pulling numbers but no links to show them. Does anyone have the real numbers? I am curious now. :)

I don't honestly believe it's 10k that was to goad him/her :P

I have no idea in all seriousness :) SoE intentionally does not post numbers (in my opinion b/c WoW sub numbers trump all their games combined most likely) they stopped doing it for years now and so it leaves people to speculate and make ridiculous claims on message boards that leads to discussions like this! It irks me when someone trys to post sub numbers when no one really knows :)

Does any game out there aside from WoW even post sub numbers these days? I am not sure anymore.

The current unofficial speculation circulating about on various VG boards is that there are about 30kish active subscriptions, based on peak time population counts (which is much easier to do in VG than in EQ). I don't know how accurate that is, but it would not surprise me. Even so, I continue to play and enjoy it and wait to see what SOE will do as far as merging servers and fixing performance issues.

Those kind of counts are usually pretty inaccurate. I dunno how VG's /who stuff works, but the majority of people subscribed to these games don't play every day. If there are 30k average active each night, the 90k number probably isn't out of the question.

There is nowhere near 30k active at night. I see anywhere from 500-900 on my server at night and that ballpark is fairly typical from what I understand. That would mean somewhere around 6-7kish online in peak hours, which is about what is was back in Beta (!). That's where they were getting the 30k from. But like I said, it's just speculation.

As far as /who goes, here is how to do it for those on other servers that want to see how many are on:

/who all Cleric count
/who all "Blood Mage" count, etc, etc.

Do this for all of the classes (it *is* case sensitive btw). Put quotes around two word classes. Total up the numbers for each class to get a count.

To me, that's a lot like going into Wal-Mart, counting how many people are there each night for a week, assuming the same people shop there every night, and then using that data as the total number of people who shopped at Wal-Mart for the month.

Personally, I have no idea how many active subscriptions there are today, 30,000 or 300,000. I do know that SOE needs to get on the ball though and fix performance. I think that is why, more than anything, the game has had a hard time keeping subscribers. Not because it is a bad game or has a few bugs (I think most ppl blow the bug thing way out of proportion.), but because too many have a hard time playing it smoothly enough.

What about this XP bug - where you can get 1 level / 10mins with a rezzing class helping you - is it already fixed? Have they taken any actions against people who used this?

Lani

Never heard of that one. /shrug

Well...the population does have to be so low that they are merging anywhere from 2 to 4 servers soon......

http://vgplayers.station.sony.com/newsArchive.vm?id=141&section=News

And I heard they have fixed over 300 bugs so far in the game...

http://vgplayers.station.sony.com/newsArchive.vm?id=142&section=News