Ranger Archive
Thread: Our Next Question for TH
Chra
Sun Jun 13, 2004 4:12 am
#40
A rewording of a previous question:
"What is the last sceduled release, if all other releases are met as scheduled, before the development staff will devote development resources to give focus to the Ranger Profession?"
it is a straight forward question, no commentary, we all really want to know, and it puts it in a perspective that we (and they) well understand. The answer to that question will tell us a lot, answering a number of questions within the answer.
It also gives us a (yet another) concrete timeframe to hold them to.
Moving Forward, the next question in the series
"Given Release X as the release that will signal a time when we can expect some direct and focused Development attention, what does the Ranger rep. need to provide, and in what format, to best facilitate changes?"
Of course this does assume the Dev team has project scheduling that actually reaches out that far. If the answer is "We don't know" then we can assume no changes, and the question should be repeated until we get a number.
In all reality, any other question is really moot without knowing that one.
When can we expect, before what can we expect.
My 2 cents.
"What is the last sceduled release, if all other releases are met as scheduled, before the development staff will devote development resources to give focus to the Ranger Profession?"
it is a straight forward question, no commentary, we all really want to know, and it puts it in a perspective that we (and they) well understand. The answer to that question will tell us a lot, answering a number of questions within the answer.
It also gives us a (yet another) concrete timeframe to hold them to.
Moving Forward, the next question in the series
"Given Release X as the release that will signal a time when we can expect some direct and focused Development attention, what does the Ranger rep. need to provide, and in what format, to best facilitate changes?"
Of course this does assume the Dev team has project scheduling that actually reaches out that far. If the answer is "We don't know" then we can assume no changes, and the question should be repeated until we get a number.
In all reality, any other question is really moot without knowing that one.
When can we expect, before what can we expect.
My 2 cents.
Chra
Sun Jun 13, 2004 4:29 am
#41
actually, since I am not cool enough yet to edit ...
Possible rewordings
"What is a tangible date or release number (a difinitive reference point), if all other targets are met as scheduled, before the development staff will devote development resources to give focus to the Ranger Profession?"
"When (a difinitive reference point such as target date or release number), if all other development targets are met as scheduled, does the development staff plan to devote development resources to give focus to the Ranger Profession?"
Again, I think this should be asked until we get a somewhat definitive answer. On our part, we have to keep in mind that all development projects slip dates (yeah, I'm a developer, it is a natural law), but to have a starting target is the first step. I expect the first answer will be "When X and Y are finished." I expect it will take a few times being asked before we get good solid initial target.
I like the wording of the last one myself.
Possible rewordings
"What is a tangible date or release number (a difinitive reference point), if all other targets are met as scheduled, before the development staff will devote development resources to give focus to the Ranger Profession?"
"When (a difinitive reference point such as target date or release number), if all other development targets are met as scheduled, does the development staff plan to devote development resources to give focus to the Ranger Profession?"
Again, I think this should be asked until we get a somewhat definitive answer. On our part, we have to keep in mind that all development projects slip dates (yeah, I'm a developer, it is a natural law), but to have a starting target is the first step. I expect the first answer will be "When X and Y are finished." I expect it will take a few times being asked before we get good solid initial target.
I like the wording of the last one myself.
Chra
Sun Jun 13, 2004 4:50 am
#42
And since I am posting, Here are some others that I would like to know personally. If these have been answered already then ... well ... my fault. *g*
"Can we see an itemized list of planned changes that Devs feel are going to relate directly to the Ranger profession in the Combat Ballance and scheduled releases where we can look for those changes?"
"What can we expect as ranger affecting bonuses from the new Force Sensitive implementation? What specific skill bonuses will they be?"
"Does the Development staff see the removal of the Ranger Profession anywhere in the future?" (Grim, but I know I am not the only one thinking it)
"What role does the Development staff see the Ranger playing, if any, in the space expansion?" (No high hopes here, but hey, Inquiring minds want to know)
"Does the development staff acknowledge that there are systemic playability issues that are the cause of the low popularity of the Ranger profession numerically? If so what are the primary issues as they see them?"
"From a playability perspective, is the Ranger profession a successful implementation of the Development vision for the profession as the game stands today (in particular contrast with Scout)? Explain." (essay question, not a yes/no)
it's just me, but since we are not getting any fixes any time soon, I would like to know the perspective of the Profession from the dev point of view. Since we obviously have the time, might as well ask the questions.
"Can we see an itemized list of planned changes that Devs feel are going to relate directly to the Ranger profession in the Combat Ballance and scheduled releases where we can look for those changes?"
"What can we expect as ranger affecting bonuses from the new Force Sensitive implementation? What specific skill bonuses will they be?"
"Does the Development staff see the removal of the Ranger Profession anywhere in the future?" (Grim, but I know I am not the only one thinking it)
"What role does the Development staff see the Ranger playing, if any, in the space expansion?" (No high hopes here, but hey, Inquiring minds want to know)
"Does the development staff acknowledge that there are systemic playability issues that are the cause of the low popularity of the Ranger profession numerically? If so what are the primary issues as they see them?"
"From a playability perspective, is the Ranger profession a successful implementation of the Development vision for the profession as the game stands today (in particular contrast with Scout)? Explain." (essay question, not a yes/no)
it's just me, but since we are not getting any fixes any time soon, I would like to know the perspective of the Profession from the dev point of view. Since we obviously have the time, might as well ask the questions.
Seiryuu
Sun Jun 13, 2004 7:56 am
#43
While we would all like to know dates, I do not think we should bother asking. Smuggler was planned for Publish 9. Then it got moved to Publish 10. Now it is planned for after JTL.
Since GreenMarine will be handling Smuggler and Squad Leader revamps before Ranger, our earliest date will be three publishes after JTL. We can bet on after that and things are fluid enough that far off that even a "best guess" could miss by half a year or more.
Since GreenMarine will be handling Smuggler and Squad Leader revamps before Ranger, our earliest date will be three publishes after JTL. We can bet on after that and things are fluid enough that far off that even a "best guess" could miss by half a year or more.
Rooks
Sun Jun 13, 2004 9:55 am
#44
As I said in my early post for the question,
Ask the Devs what Rangers are supposed to do for the next 6 months until they CAN get to us.
Unless they plan on some MAJOR additions or fixes in the combat revamp for Ranger, which I cannot see fixes since we have ZERO Combat abilities now, unless they ADD something, we are looking at 6 months down the line.
Squidwalker
Sun Jun 13, 2004 11:31 am
#45
Nemo0 wrote:
A slightly modified version of my previous question (updated because of a post by Scarin):
In the last Ranger question, you mentioned that you liked the Ranger's Outdoorsman Proposal and pushed it whenever you could. Shortly after that, we received word from the Fan Fest that Rangers were still seen as a creature only profession (the same response that prompted the Outdoorsman Proposal in the first place). This came from the Dev supposedly responsible for Ranger and during the forum meant to represent Ranger issues (thisDev lateradmitted to not having seen the proposal). These two views contradict each other. In addition, you answered the Brawler question about dizzy by saying that it is not intended to work on creatures. This seems extremely odd given that two traps (the Lecepanine Dart [obtained at Novice Scout] and the Sonic Pulse Trap [the higher of the twoRangertraps]) cause Dizzy. What is the current Dev position on Ranger and why did the Dev responsible for answering Rangerquestions at the Fan Fest not even know about our challenge to the creature centric view?
As worded exactly, has my vote fully. I forgot about the L. Dart.So scouts got screwed there too. How nice.
Chra
Sun Jun 13, 2004 1:00 pm
#46
Seiryuu wrote:
While we would all like to know dates, I do not think we should bother asking. Smuggler was planned for Publish 9. Then it got moved to Publish 10. Now it is planned for after JTL.
Since GreenMarine will be handling Smuggler and Squad Leader revamps before Ranger, our earliest date will be three publishes after JTL. We can bet on after that and things are fluid enough that far off that even a "best guess" could miss by half a year or more.
The difference is they had a date ... and since it got pushed back, they are at least in the queue. I have been hearing "we will get fixed after X, Y, Z first" I would just like to know what the last thing in the order of things to be fixed before us is. That Smuggler got pushed back is expected. BUt Smuggler is still on the radar, even if they got pushed back a bit in time.
We, on the other hand .... are not. I would like to see that changed. If they push it back, then there isn't anything we can do about that ... and it would be pushed back one way or another, but I would like to know where we are in the list ... if on the list at all.
In all honesty, I don't believe any ammount of comments and/or complaints are going to speed the process up for us. Sux, but true. I think that those that take up that mantel are doing a great job of making sure we are not forgotten completely. That is important. But I would like to know PRECICELY after who we are. That way we at least know that yes ... indeed we are on the schedule .... somewhere.
I have seen no tangible evidence of any solid commitment to work on us at all. This would hopefully rectify that problem.
Working the long view here. I'll still be ranger in a year ...
Squidwalker
Mon Jun 14, 2004 8:59 am
#47
Hey here is another blunt in their face questions.
1. Why do both scout and ranger have a trap that does dizzy, when animals aren't effected by dizzy? Will this be fixed in the "near" future or do we have to wait for "ranger loving"?
2. Why does master ranger only have +95 to TN? Should it be +100? And how do the devs feel about shifting the point at which TN goes to crawl? What I mean is, make it so it keeps adding to running speed past +50 to say +70, so rangers can run faster then master scouts. Then from +70 to +95(100) goes to crawling?
Admitadly I don't really use the crawl speed, and I know only really Rifleman do. But how much, and would that reduction in crawl speed really hamper you, especially if you were running a little faster then master scout?
Seiryuu
Mon Jun 14, 2004 9:02 am
#48
That's the problem. We had a "solid" commitment very early in the game and it still has not materialized because their priorities changed. Anything they tell us is simply too far off to matter. Whether we ask the question or not, we won't be prioritized differently.
So I would personally rather see questions asked that get answers which are less likely to change from month to month.
So I would personally rather see questions asked that get answers which are less likely to change from month to month.
Calculus_Entropy
Mon Jun 14, 2004 1:30 pm
#49
From Nemo0 of the Ranger community: In the last Ranger question, you mentioned that you liked the Ranger's Outdoorsman Proposal and pushed it whenever you could. Shortly after that, we received word from the Fan Fest that Rangers were still seen as a creature only profession (the same response that prompted the Outdoorsman Proposal in the first place). This came from the Dev supposedly responsible for Ranger and during the forum meant to represent Ranger issues (thisDev lateradmitted to not having seen the proposal). These two views contradict each other. In addition, you answered the Brawler question about dizzy by saying that it is not intended to work on creatures. This seems extremely odd given that two traps (the Lecepanine Dart [obtained at Novice Scout] and the Sonic Pulse Trap [the higher of the twoRangertraps]) cause Dizzy. What is the current Dev position on Ranger and why did the Dev responsible for answering Rangerquestions at the Fan Fest not even know about our challenge to the creature centric view?
Do we want to go with this? If so, lets trim the fat a little (thought I am not sure how) and let's explaina bit more about the relevancy of DIzzy states (i.e. something along the lines of pointing out that Dizzy traps imply use on NPCs since dizzy does not affect Creatures). If you edit the original post, please color (or otherwise highlight) you changes.
Message Edited by Calculus_Entropy on 06-14-2004 02:30 PM
Message Edited by Calculus_Entropy on 06-14-2004 02:41 PM
Squidwalker
Mon Jun 14, 2004 1:36 pm
#50
Frankly you pretty much have the question nailed down IMO Calc. I changed the last sentence of why the dev didn't know about Outdoorsman, because he basically answered that. Also, I think we are more concerned about what they are going to do about it, rather then why it happened.
Calculus_Entropy wrote:
From Nemo0 of the Ranger community: In the last Ranger question, you mentioned that you liked the Ranger's Outdoorsman Proposal and pushed it whenever you could. Shortly after that, we received word from the Fan Fest that Rangers were still seen as a creature only profession (the same response that prompted the Outdoorsman Proposal in the first place). This came from the Dev supposedly responsible for Ranger and during the forum meant to represent Ranger issues (thisDev lateradmitted to not having seen the proposal). These two views contradict each other. In addition, you answered the Brawler question about dizzy by saying that it is not intended to work on creatures. This seems extremely odd given that two traps (the Lecepanine Dart [obtained at Novice Scout] and the Sonic Pulse Trap [the higher of the twoRangertraps]) cause Dizzy. What is the current Dev position on Ranger and what kind of responce can we expect to correct these issue?
Do we want to go with this? If so, lets trim the fat a little (thought I am not sure how) and let's explaina bit more about the relevancy of DIzzy states (i.e. something along the lines of pointing out that Dizzy traps imply use on NPCs since dizzy does not affect Creatures). If you edit the original post, please color (or otherwise highlight) you changes.
Message Edited by Calculus_Entropy on 06-14-2004 02:30 PM
Kiryoku
Mon Jun 14, 2004 2:01 pm
#51
Calculus_Entropy wrote:
Do we want to go with this? If so, lets trim the fat a little (thought I am not sure how) and let's explaina bit more about the relevancy of DIzzy states (i.e. something along the lines of pointing out that Dizzy traps imply use on NPCs since dizzy does not affect Creatures). If you edit the original post, please color (or otherwise highlight) you changes.
There seem to be many contradictions regarding ranger abilities from the creation to thecurrent developers' views. Traps only work on creatures in PvE, and yet there are traps belonging to the scout and ranger professions that inflict a "dizzy" combat state. Recently you stated that "dizzy" has no affect on a creature in combat. These two traps which are only usable on creatures, inflict a combat state that has no affect. Also, the description on the conceal ability states directly that it should function against NPCs. When we asked about the buggy behavior of this function in October the response we received was that it was never intended to work on NPCs - despite its description. All along we have been dealing with issues that originate with split views on a ranger's function. The most disturbing revelation occured at FanFest, when developers stated that theysaw rangers as a creature only profession. Rangers had heard this once before and were prompted to create a proposal in response- we did that, and youstated in your last answer thatyou have pushed it.What is the current dev position on Ranger? Are we still seen solely as creature hunters or has there been a change that some of the other developers are unaware of? Can you tell us what it is?
mm... i was going to try to "trim the fat" but ended up rewriting it... and making it longer... so much for that... sorry...
Calculus_Entropy
Mon Jun 14, 2004 2:10 pm
#52
I like the idea of adding the contradiction that is /conceal. Also, if we ask questions like I highlighted, we will get a cookiee cutter answer. I think it is pretty certain that the devs think of us as creature only, so I might suggest something along the lines of 'Why do we have skills intended to affect humamoids (PC and NPC) when the devs see us as a creature only profession?
Kiryoku wrote:
Calculus_Entropy wrote:
Do we want to go with this? If so, lets trim the fat a little (thought I am not sure how) and let's explaina bit more about the relevancy of DIzzy states (i.e. something along the lines of pointing out that Dizzy traps imply use on NPCs since dizzy does not affect Creatures). If you edit the original post, please color (or otherwise highlight) you changes.
There seem to be many contradictions regarding ranger abilities from the creation to thecurrent developers' views. Traps only work on creatures in PvE, and yet there are traps belonging to the scout and ranger professions that inflict a "dizzy" combat state. Recently you stated that "dizzy" has no affect on a creature in combat. These two traps which are only usable on creatures, inflict a combat state that has no affect. Also, the description on the conceal ability states directly that it should function against NPCs. When we asked about the buggy behavior of this function in October the response we received was that it was never intended to work on NPCs - despite its description. All along we have been dealing with issues that originate with split views on a ranger's function. The most disturbing revelation occured at FanFest, when developers stated that theysaw rangers as a creature only profession. Rangers had heard this once before and were prompted to create a proposal in response- we did that, and youstated in your last answer thatyou have pushed it.What is the current dev position on Ranger? Are we still seen solely as creature hunters or has there been a change that some of the other developers are unaware of? Can you tell us what it is?
mm... i was going to try to "trim the fat" but ended up rewriting it... and making it longer... so much for that... sorry...