So first of all, this isn't a rant in any shape or form. I truly care for this server. I wouldn't still be here if it weren't for the developers' dedication to this server.
So basically, I am worried about the server not going anywhere. You guys brought out 2.0 which brought a great amount of updates and content additions. But honestly, 2.0 was way over exaggerated. We are all excited for 2.1, but will it be better then 2.0? I really am just trying to figure this out. You guys said you were going to release updates leading up to 2.1 over an amount of time. I believe JT put it as "rolling updates." Yet, almost a month has passed and not a single update has been pushed. The last updates were bug fixes to 2.8, which trust me we are all happy about because bugs were fixed. this game would not be fun if there were game changing bugs in it.
Anyways, what I am trying to get at here is there is barely any money funding this server. All money from the playerbase/staff are donations from their own free will. Usually with private servers, the motivation is money. I am extremely glad that isn't the case with this community as you wouldn't have old members still around as you do now. The problem is there needs to be some sort of revenue. The only thing that this server can do, donations wise, is allow some sort of reward for donating since that is what almost all people donating to a private server expect. I am not saying anything ingame, but rather on the forums. Possibly you guys could do a marketplace type thing where you could donate x amount and you're rewarded with credits and you can spend the credits to change your username, or a user title, or a forums avatar. Something of the sort. You guys do have the right idea with the ingame experience though.
The other thing I suggest is to bring in another developer or two. A big problem I see with you guys and the slow development progress is that all of the developers are extremely difficult to motivate. All members of this community will back me up when I say we respect you for the time you have spent making this server what it is. We all understand the whole thing where you work all day and when you come home you want to relax, not work more development wise. You guys should try to find another developer who has more time to help out with development be it drops to an unreleased npc or adding items to a shop.
Another thing I really want to reiterate to Ryan specifically is that you really should try to find the time to fix/ add the small things to the quest editor that are needed right now. There are tons of almost done quests that need small things to be released. New quests would definitely make the players happy and could possibly bring in more new players since you would be opening more of the world up to everybody (aiming at the priest in peril).
And one more thing. I think it'd be smart to release the waterfall quest pretty soon. As the quest is pretty easy to complete and it gives new members the levels and a sense of confidence as they have more to play for.
That is kind of my list of suggestions and my complements for all of you sexy developers.
Topic: Updates and the Future of the Server (Read 2383 times)