More great news:
I also wanted to mention that we‘ve come very far with the DirectX 10 version, which we unfortunately had to keep on internal test-servers for launch. It’s now almost ready for the full test server. Once the next game-play update is out expect to start to see the DX10 functionality coming to the test environment. How long it will take to transition to live will depend on the testing of course, but it’s starting to shape up nicely
The new game director is doing a good job communicating the future of the game here. Now let’s see if you can keep the promises as well. I did notice that more voice acting is slipping out, which is nice. That’s a start.
This is pretty cool:
Then there is the second stage of the PVP update that brings with it the consequence system. This new system allows for players PVP actions to have real consequences in the world, and it will greatly enhance the entire PvP experience in Conan. As you know the system is meant to bring repercussions for repeated evil behaviour (i.e. killing players outside of your level range), so should you chose to “gank” other players, a whole new gameplay area opens up! For one, it will result in you no longer being welcome in many parts of the game-world, but in its place you will have to rely on a newly arrived network of camps and areas that function with a little more moral ambiguity. This is very true to the essence of the Conan lore, and a change I think many players will find intriguing.
So they won’t let me shop around in Tarantia anymore, or what? Very nice addition in theory, but in practice it means that I’ll have to get another character so that I can have one ruthless murderer for nasty PvP fun, and another one for more traditional playing. Add the role-playing part, and you’ve got three character there. Perhaps one for the single-player quest as well…
OK, so the PvP update is live and rolled out, something I saw when hacking away this weekend with a friend of mine. You’ll find the PvP XP bar under your regular XP bar at the bottom of the screen.
Full update notes here.
The role-playing servers are finally getting some rules as well. Looks OK to me, might actually create a character on a RP server to try it out. I played a lot of pen-and-paper role-playing games when I grew up, so this actually appeals to me.
Craig Morrison is the new producer and game director for Age of Conan, after Funcom founder Gaute Godage have chosen to leave the company. This from a press release, regarding the Morrison appointment:
“Taking on the position as Producer and Game Director on Age of Conan is a great challenge but also one I welcome. I have a clear conviction I can lead the further development in a good way, evolving Age of Conan into something even better. My main priority now is therefore to listen to, and act on, player concerns, while ensuring we add additional great content to the game,” said Craig Morrison. “At heart I will always be a gamer, and the coming changes and additions to Conan will always be done with the gamers in mind. Together I am certain we will shape an amazing future for Age of Conan.”
Godager commented in the same press release, as to why he’s stepping down and leaving the company:
“I have done my very best making this fabulous game, but I have concluded there are elements which I am dissatisfied with. I have decided to act on this, and as a result I have chosen to leave Funcom. It is time to get new, fresh eyes on Age of Conan, and I wholeheartedly support the appointment of Craig. I have had a fantastic time these last 16 years, and I am very proud of the many things Funcom has achieved. Funcom and Conan will always be a big part of me, but as I now look to new ventures outside the gaming industry I am certain Age of Conan’s future is in the best of hands.”
I wonder if there’s something else behind this as well?
I’ve tried several classes in Age of Conan, but there’s one I always come back to, and that’s the Barbarian class. Rogue classes overall are my favorite, I play an Assassin character too, but it lacks the flexibility of the Barbarian. Ranger isn’t an option, I don’t think it is particularly fun to shoot at people at a distance, even though I do it every now and then to get the party started, if you know what I mean.
So why do I favor the Barbarian class then? Read more
