Hey everyone,

I am planning on writing up a STOG that cover all of 2008 as well as talks about heading into 2009, I hope to have it posted early next week but I see a lot of stuff I want to address before then. So here goes:

Here is some of what I have seen:

The forums and the whole web site is way too slow!

You are correct it is, we have a new server that should take care of it going live first thing on Monday that should fix that.

There are no big events after Gen Con.

Paul has announced the new Regionals program that is starting early next year and will run about 9 months of the year, stopping only for the big Summer con season. We also have some new super cool OP programs for next year like the the store and city championship series (more info on those in the next couple of weeks).

People are quitting the game in my area, it must be dying!

I know that the game is fallen off in some areas and that few of the better known players are ready to move on but the rumors of the games demise are not true. Case in point, orders for the set 11 pre release are bigger than they were for sets 9 (which we are sold out of) or set 10. The game is getting ready to head into it's 4th year and no matter what some people will be ready to leave. I wish that was not the case but it happens with every game.

As I said we are sold out of set 9, which was very well received. Sales of set 10 were less but it was one of the least liked sets in the history of the game. James and crew have done an amazing job redoing set 11 and as I said pre orders are up significantly. What we are seeing is shifts around the world were it decreases in some areas and increases in others.

Also remember the forums only represent a small part of the fan base. I know personally a lot of players that have told me they do not come to the forums because it is so negative. I've talked to 2 store owners who brought the game in this month that told me that the people who bought the game but want nothing to do with the forums because they are so negative.

We are not as interactive as STG was.

You are correct about that. STG was able to spend more time interacting because our other 2 CCG's were cancelled and our other game initiatives were not able to get off the ground before GW sold us. Here at FFG we are spending more time fixing issues with the game and working to make the whole experience better. I now it is fun to BS but what you really want is a kick ass game and we are doing everyting we can to make that happen.

You should advertise more.

Really, where? No really, Inquest was cancelled for a reason. There are entire graveyards filled with games that companies spent huge sums on advertising that are dead or dying. We are talking to some of the video game websites and places like that but there are not many places that will make a difference or are affordable, remeber video game websites charge video game company prices for ads.

You should cross promote with the video game companies.

Great idea, we have gotten close several times but the fact of the matter is ther business is video games and they need to focus on those video games and once a game ships they are working on the next one not promoting the last one.

Alright, I have to run to meet with James to go over characters for Soulcalibur IV, one of the base sets for set 12.

See you in the arena,

Steve "Lu Chen" Horvath

If nothing else, this should be interesting.

Also, if possible I'd love the Realm of Midnight is back-ordered for a whole month thing to end. We misses it.

championships are interesting... but , can we get brawls/tour de force back?

FFGSteve said:

"Also remember the forums only represent a small part of the fan base. I know personally a lot of players that have told me they do not come to the forums because it is so negative. I've talked to 2 store owners who brought the game in this month that told me that the people who bought the game but want nothing to do with the forums because they are so negative."

You know that thing about the embargo on BAN THIS CARD discussion?

...yeah, there WAS a reason for that policy

Random potential "advertising" idea:

Most video gaming magazines that I've seen have at least one or two regular articles comprised basically of some editor/writer/contributor person just kinda talking about anything. Perhaps it would be possible to show one such writer the game, and if they like it they could write a little thingy about it in their article. Probably a long shot, but it'd be quasi-free advertising if it worked

And, of course, selling to video game chain stores (are there any besides gamestop these days?) would function as advertising just by having it on the shelves in a location highly-frequented by the target audience, but that would involve breaking the b&m exclusive bit. Might be healthier in the long run though?

Cetonis said:

Most editorials are NOT an editors choice in content. They (the magazine) are typically required/ paid to include certain concepts in their editorials, should they ever mention products.

But I DO support selling the game to video game stores, BUT getting this to video game distributors is tricky... Look in to that concept, poster, you'll see the horrors.

Oh and Steve, good to see you're around.

You HAD been listed as a Mod on the forums at one time IIRC, and I'd thought maybe you'd moved on to other things. Glad to know you're still employeed and hanging around here in UFS rawkin' it.

And Steve "Lu-Chen" Horvath (love anything I've ever seen art wise of this guy BTW, which is like... two things lol)? I thought Yi Shan was your dood?

Later.

vermillian said:

Steve is too powerful to be controled by one shadow war character ...

But I am glad to hear from you steve as long as there is hope you better believe I will fight to keep UFS alive here in the south.

Wow, that's a ballsy way to put a message, but I like it. It feels real and there ain't much bs.

Thanks for putting the time to address some of our worries, Steve.

Scubadude said:

You better stick to it Scuba. I would like to verse you one day.

On topic, this is good. Explanations were needed. This works out quite well.

Awesome. I like wat im seeing (especially the city champs that really intrigues me)

As for advertising, I did first find out about UFS from an ad in a Comic a couple months before the release and its one of the main reasons i started (marvel or dc prolly, but not sure wat one, theres way too many lol)

Alright, I have to run to meet with James to go over characters for Soulcalibur IV, one of the base sets for set 12.

owo Tira? pwease? 8D is she finnaly going to get some support? Character only abilities are what im hoping for. Also hope to see Nightmare again. Wow I havent been this excited about a set for a long time.

On topic Im glad to hear the responses as I was getting kinda worried with all the negative threads lately.

Soul Calibur IV. I was going to comment on it but found myself using my keyboard for a pillow. (Was that tired.) Anyways, I want a new Tira...please.

Mt_Do said:

No worries man I will stick with it I just hope it turns around and my player base kicks in again . And I will be there at Nats and worlds for sure I hope to see you there.

FFGSteve said:

I'm not.

Mostly because the only negative point I've right now is the community itself, rather than the game. I've the reassurance that game problems are being fixed, granted, it took a while, but they're being fixed.

What are WE doing to fix ourselves?

Blankadude

Did you read on the previous forums when the mods put the restriction on "Ban card X" discussion, and were then jumped all over by the users? What we did as mods are done with the blessing of Steve and company.

How about the forum guidelines which are posted at the top of every section:

~~~~

The Fantasy Flight Games forums have been created as a meeting point for fans of the games we publish, a place where they can exchange ideas and opinions about these games and meet other people that share the same hobby.

To insure that the exchange of ideas is fluid and requires the minimum interference by moderators and administrators, we need to all follow certain rules.

We're not going to compile an exhausive list of rules because we are counting on the maturity and common sense of all our users; if at any time our presumption is not confirmed, we will take the measures each situation requires, whether the rule broken is on this list, or merely common sense.

1. Write your messages to the appropiate forum, and if you would like to open a new topic, please check first to make sure there is not another topic similar to the one you propose.
2. Don't write messages with a commercial purpose (selling items).
3. Don't write messages that encourage the illegal use of products protected by copyright.
4. Treat everyone (users or not) with respect, while still being able to disagree with their ideas.


To sum up, if you come here to talk about games with other fans, exchange ideas, and have a good time while not bothering people who've come here to do the same , you will have no problems and need not concern yourself with this message.

~~~~

People keep coming here to ***** and complain. Yes, that is an opinion. But the people here can't do anything about it. If people wanted to take the appropriate action to do something, they would email Paul. Allow me to repost Paul's email:
[email protected]

Rather than discussing how to play the game, rather then looking for different ideas, people just *****.

Sharing my opinion - the forums and the users have done more to sour my opinion of this game then anything in the game itself. When we have stated previously "the ranting on the forums are driving people away from the game" people reply with "Well we don't need people who don't want to hear us *****." Or "Prove it! Who won't come to the forums."

The first response drives people away from the game. Which is dumb. The second one is just inane.

I now understand why Comic Images did not provide user forums, and left Raw Deal entirely to the fan sites.

~~~~~~~~

What can we do to make these forums a better place?
If you're going to put up one post complaining about something, put up two more posts talking about something in the game that you enjoy.

Whether that's responding in a thread about certain card interactions, or posting your favorite deck.

Stop treating the forums like a chat room. It is a discussion forum. If you can't string together an entire paragraph for a response, is it really worth posting?

Stop expecting FFG to hand you things.
They have continued the legacy of the coolest prize in gaming.
They are creating ongoing OP events and have planned out 2009.
They are printing new cards for you to enjoy and play with.
They are working on making the game as kick ass as it can be.

What are you doing for UFS? What are you doing to play the game?

Anit-goth is providing an image of having inside information with the company that they're planned out all of 2009. Was that said in OP? Anyhow... heh.

But yeah, what anti-goth said: This is a corporate forum for fans to discuss the game with each other. We are here to be fan boys for the most part. Non-fan boy behavior, for the most part, belongs else where. Dig it? Now do it.

If you have something you wish to comminicate directly with the company, THOUGH THEY DO READ (some) of the forums' content, you are advised to email bromen.

Game on.

Antigoth said:

When the Deckbuilding forums are devoid of the general apathy shown by its denizens, then it will be a good forum to post in.

When General Discussion is calm enough so that a certain word is no longer ostracized, then it will be a good forum to post in.

These things are attainable if we actively work towards them.

Solstice said:

According to the Previews book at my local store it says that Nightmare, Siegfried and Ivy will be in the set.

Jump the topic a bit here but if you want an interesting way to get an add out. Why not see about having some of the games the characters are from include maybe a character card or see if the game owners will let a special edition card be sliped in with game? Might be a cheaper idea I dunno but it's an idea that I haven't seen mentioned on here before....that or I missed it/don't remember.

I'm hoping the state of the game comes out fairly soon for no other reason that I want to be able to sign up for the Air or Void patch as soon as possible

Air Tourney will be in January, which makes the Void tourney in Feb.

Hurray for signing up for events early.

Ender Dragon said:

Nice! A new Nightmare is sorely needed! I'm guessing that Hilde and Amy will have support in the set as well.