Is it just me, or does this tournament sound like an opportunity for Sony to balance the zones, characters, etc.? You have 25 experienced EQ2 Beta players, who presumably know the game, all competing to see who can make the most powerful character.

If the EQLive tradition continues, the class and xp route of the first prize winner will be nerfed before the game launches. The more I hear about this game the more I am wanting to cancel my preorder.

LOL I know several beta players, who without violating the NDA have ALL assured me that they WILL NOT BE migrating when EQ2 goes live....
None of them will or can legally go into specifics but suffice to say that reserved attitude by a BETA PLAYER has ensured that I won't be in line to migrate as well. Sadly much of my guild is on lower end connections and PC's, many of them have no other connection alternative, and can barely play the original game anymore due to the 'added' frosting and eye candy. In the race to produce SoE seems to have lost the core development team and ideals that made the original game worth playing flaws and all. Granted EQ is still the best mmorpg in the states, but COH is fairly good, but being the best amongst a crop of sour lemons WON'T get people to MOVE OR ADOPT, it will JUST retain...Hence I see EQ2 adoption being a VERY SLOW process, and SoE losing patience and cutting back on EQ, which far from encouraging people to move from EQ to EQ2 will casue them to quit and finsd some other alternative to play. Most people who are borderline are hanging in QE because of the amount of time and effort invested, if they have to give it up to move to EQ2, that will be the same as breaking the addiction for many who will just quit...SoE does not have the draw or reputation to bring a whole new player base to EQ2 I honestly believe that...If they lose a chunk of their EQ base AND many of those players DO NOT GO to EQ2 they will lose BOTH markets. Sony is losing its shirt on SWG currently, their beta population for their expansion is DECLINING, which is a REALLY BAD SIGN, but they are NDA as well so all we know is MANY MANY players do not find it worth pursuing, EVEN FOR FREE...

Here's hoping for the best, while expecting the worst...
Jaded, with BURNT FINGERS in California

As for a fan faire, I really hope someone respectfully conveys the general feeling of DISGUST for customer service, I see and feel in game, as well as the prevailing attitude about the smoke both Smedely and ChadH have been tossing about regarding the 'new' improved customer service tools and support. I personally am afraid to goto New Orleans for that in the face of the 'standard' PR dance and song routine I won't be able to retain patience and I will go 'postal' on one of the PR reps or sales people, or some SO-CALLED DEVELOPER, who has marginal programming skills, marginal imagination, and NO REAL gaming experience or desire.


Edited, Sat Sep 25 13:02:58 2004