Vanguard Development Moves to the San Diego Studio

[Twobit Whore]

He is also the guy who introduced himself to the VG community as ThE PhAnToM. I have the utmost confidence in his ability to turn it around for Vanguard.

[kcxiv]

People did say they needed new direction didnt they? lol Well, people are starting to be cleared out who they think are weak links i guess.

[Kodylan]

Vanguard – Saga of Heroes

Introduction to PhAtHoM

Hey all!

My name is Thom Terrazas and I just recently joined the Vanguard Team in full capacity. I haven't played Vanguard as much as I should but I am about to change that and this is where you come into play if you don't mind helping a newbie out?

I've usually chosen the path of a Paladin in previous games and have played a few levels of various characters on Vanguard so far but I haven't made up my mind on which to play solely. I'm thinking about going back to my roots to start a new Paladin again but thought I would check with the community about what you thought would be the best character to play and why?

I like the melee action but sometimes it seems a bit laboring and boring (without all the bells and whistles of a caster) and I have started to lean more towards versatility, like say with a Druid. So what's the most powerful class to play? and/or a better question, what is the most fun to play? ...and do you have any tips on that type of character with complimentary crafting skills?

Thanks in advance for the insight and see you in game!

Thom Terrazas

Project Manager

Sony Online Entertainment

A refresher for anyone curious what Twobit means.

[Traldan]

Curious who else is gone, other than Hasium and Aruspex.

[CyrusReij]

I haven't played Vanguard as much as I should but I am about to change that and this is where you come into play if you don't mind helping a newbie out?

Granted I know jack and shit about designing games and this guy is obviously leaps and bounds ahead of me, but wouldn't promoting someone from within who has been working on Vanguard for a significant amount of time (and hasn't been laid off) be a better move? I understand that he has experience from producing Planetside, which I heartily enjoyed, but HEADING A GAME, with someone who outright admits they really haven't played it isn't the most reassuring thing SoE has ever come up with. Oh well, I am sure one day a thread will spring up here declaring Vanguard to finally be playable, until then duck and run for the hills!

[Jhentar_AN|Trib]

Originally Posted by CyrusReij

Granted I know jack and shit about designing games and this guy is obviously leaps and bounds ahead of me, but wouldn't promoting someone from within who has been working on Vanguard for a significant amount of time (and hasn't been laid off) be a better move?

Guess it comes down to 3 lines of thinking:

1) Promote someone from within who knows the inner workings and will be up to speed almost immeadiately

2) Everyone currently on the project has led to the current product so making anyone else but a team member the PM will give better results

3) Nino is currently on another project and speaks his mind too much but damn if he wouldn't be a great choice otherwise

[Traldan]

In some industries, bringing in an outside CEO is a good idea... it brings in fresh ideas.

Something tells me that this is not the case here.

[Ridah]

Just want to add, I am not a Vanguard flamer. I have an active sub and play as 'Kaznth', gnome rogue on Seradon - I have kept an active sub on VG since day 1 (26 Jan 07). I was hoping for GU3 to go in quick for performance optimisations.

[Jait]

The adage of throwing good money after bad comes to mind here.


And once upon a time I went by the K-RAD handle of: "AvAtAr" But then the 90s were over, and much like the leisure suit it just looked plain lame.


edit: And yes, bonus points for you old farts that even remember the term k-rad.

[Duppin]

Did I hear that something is turning it around for Vanguard?

[vynde]

i've always been interested in VG, since beta, but i won't be touching the game because of the computer requirements. my computer is fairly old (from 04) and i lagged so much in beta even with the settings turned off. it's a damn shame since right now i'm itching to try something new, and something that isn't a WoW clone (lotro).

[QforQ]

Thom has been at SOE since 1999 and never left. He worked his way up to where he is now...and from what I hear he's a good guy

[UnchainedAcolyte]

I think this move just about does it for me.

More people laid off, a clear indicator of SOE's lack of commitment to Vanguard and its development. The game will be going the way of MxO, being kept on life support but not having any real development.

It was especially upsetting to see Aruspex go. This screams no more diplomacy development past what currently exists.

Finally, while a number of changes in the works for GU3 are very positive, they are nerfing stealth to the point of crippling rogues, even though we will get more DPS. My main is a rogue, my alt is a disciple. My patience is spent.

Lore and quest content are still sorely lacking.

No offense to Thom, but given his previous credentials of being a creator of Planetside, and head of customer service there for a period of time, his assignment to Vanguard does not scream "heavy development incoming".

Congratulations, SOE. You've driven me back to EQ2, which I am honestly enjoying, and look forward to POTBS.

[Zhaun's_Shade]

Originally Posted by UnchainedAcolyte

More people laid off, a clear indicator of SOE's lack of commitment to Vanguard and its development. The game will be going the way of MxO, being kept on life support but not having any real development.

Your other arguments aside, the lay offs make sense with the move I think and not an inherent indication of SOE putting Vanguard out to pasture. You simply don't need the same size team when you're able to work in the same office and share resources easilly.

Now, specific loss of individual members of the team may be an issue, as could people questioning the capabilities of this new boss (Planetside? Oh dear). The move and subsequent layoffs on their own don't particularly cause concern for me.

[Mithrull]

Finally, while a number of changes in the works for GU3 are very positive, they are nerfing stealth to the point of crippling rogues, even though we will get more DPS. My main is a rogue, my alt is a disciple. My patience is spent.

It's hard to believe that at this point they would ever bother with nerfs of any kind. Unless something is game breaking, just lay off all nerfs and save yourself the PR hassle. It's got nothing to do with principles at this point. If you're trying to salvage a game that has suffered this badly, why the fuck would you want to play with that fire????? They can't afford the normal give and take of class balancing.