RSS feed2008-08-18 07:24:26
If a CM of the European team could forward this to the Lore/Quest Development team, or an American beta tester could just copy this over to the US beta forum I would be more than grateful.
Hello,
Let me start by offering big congratulations. For me, and I'm sure for many others, the rich lore and engaging questlines is what kept me glued to the game for so long. From the bombing runs of Burning Crusade to the use of tanks to attack the scourge army, you always actively tried to keep things fresh and engaging, making it not only fun, but also meaningful, to feel like we made a difference in the story by our actions.
I attempt to contact you because I'd love some clarification on the development team's philosophy on a certain matter: the appearance of some NPCs at two places at once.
Up to now your stance was pretty clear. NPCs couldn't be in two places at once in the game world. Only exceptions some special event (f.e. Thrall's visit at Garadar) and instances, since instanced dungeons are considered "moment's frozen in time", that's why there is no continuity problem with Kael'Thas been in 2 dungeons at once, since they are two different moments in time. If an NPC in the world had to relocate, he disappeared completely from his previous location to appear in his new one (notable examples Rexxar and Nazgrel).
At the moment I'm not quite sure if this design philosophy has changed.
There are things that suggest it hasn't. Naxxramas disappeared from Eastern Plaguelands to return home to Northrend, and Dalaran left a hole on the ground in order to relocate to the Lich King's airspace. Making a whole 40man dungeon disappear speaks volumes on the length you are willing to go to preserve the continuity.
On the other hand, there is a legion of NPCs that are currently in two places at once in the game world, and in some cases quite clearly in different moments in time. Tirion Fordring is still a hermit in the Plaguelands, while at the same time leading the charge in Northrend wielding the Ashbringer. Highlord Fordragon still looks over the young King, and at the same moment lays siege at the Wrath Gate. Saurfang still guards the gates of Orgrimmar, while also advising Garrosh Hellscream, who is leading the Horde forces from Warsong Hold while at the same time he also is emo in Nagrand. I could go on but my point is clear.
My question is, does that mean that the development team decided it's just impossible to relocate all these NPCs (we are talking about totally evacuating Light's Hope Chapel, and we can't do that with something that important buried underneath *wink*) without breaking a lot of important low level questlines beyond repair, or the relocating is in the works, simply not implemented yet because, well, it's still early, and maybe the new system of changing what you see based on the quests you have done needs to be used, and it takes time?
Thank you in advance for what I hope will be an illuminating reply, and keep up the good work!
Regards,
Caegal of Genjuros EU
Hello,
Let me start by offering big congratulations. For me, and I'm sure for many others, the rich lore and engaging questlines is what kept me glued to the game for so long. From the bombing runs of Burning Crusade to the use of tanks to attack the scourge army, you always actively tried to keep things fresh and engaging, making it not only fun, but also meaningful, to feel like we made a difference in the story by our actions.
I attempt to contact you because I'd love some clarification on the development team's philosophy on a certain matter: the appearance of some NPCs at two places at once.
Up to now your stance was pretty clear. NPCs couldn't be in two places at once in the game world. Only exceptions some special event (f.e. Thrall's visit at Garadar) and instances, since instanced dungeons are considered "moment's frozen in time", that's why there is no continuity problem with Kael'Thas been in 2 dungeons at once, since they are two different moments in time. If an NPC in the world had to relocate, he disappeared completely from his previous location to appear in his new one (notable examples Rexxar and Nazgrel).
At the moment I'm not quite sure if this design philosophy has changed.
There are things that suggest it hasn't. Naxxramas disappeared from Eastern Plaguelands to return home to Northrend, and Dalaran left a hole on the ground in order to relocate to the Lich King's airspace. Making a whole 40man dungeon disappear speaks volumes on the length you are willing to go to preserve the continuity.
On the other hand, there is a legion of NPCs that are currently in two places at once in the game world, and in some cases quite clearly in different moments in time. Tirion Fordring is still a hermit in the Plaguelands, while at the same time leading the charge in Northrend wielding the Ashbringer. Highlord Fordragon still looks over the young King, and at the same moment lays siege at the Wrath Gate. Saurfang still guards the gates of Orgrimmar, while also advising Garrosh Hellscream, who is leading the Horde forces from Warsong Hold while at the same time he also is emo in Nagrand. I could go on but my point is clear.
My question is, does that mean that the development team decided it's just impossible to relocate all these NPCs (we are talking about totally evacuating Light's Hope Chapel, and we can't do that with something that important buried underneath *wink*) without breaking a lot of important low level questlines beyond repair, or the relocating is in the works, simply not implemented yet because, well, it's still early, and maybe the new system of changing what you see based on the quests you have done needs to be used, and it takes time?
Thank you in advance for what I hope will be an illuminating reply, and keep up the good work!
Regards,
Caegal of Genjuros EU
Caegal
