EverQuest II Developer Q&A: Determining What Needs Fixing

We’ve seen major changes in EverQuest II (EQ2) that greatly affected certain aspects of the MMO’s gameplay. The question is how do developers determine which aspect of the game needs an overhaul. In an interview with MMORPG, Scott Hartsman revealed that the the decision to change something in the game is influenced by comments and feedback from players and developers. Of course, it’s impossible to please everyone, so you won’t see EQ2 adding every single suggestion in the message boards. Changes that they consider would have to be evaluated within the context of the overall game experience.

When asked whether the changes that have been implemented have caught players unaware, Hartsman said that all in all the changes were received positively. Largely due to the fact that EQ2 gamers recognized the changes as enhancements to their game experience.

Players request a lot of changes but they tend to lobby on behalf of their class – as in the case of spells and spell lines enhancements. Other players from other classes view these efforts as threats, so they counter-request just so they wouldn’t be on the losing end. So, don’t expect EQ2 developers to come granting your requests, especially if what you’re asking for gives you an unfair advantage over other players.  But keep in mind that changes in the game are well-aligned with what the players want.

Hartsman didn’t get into specifics, but he said that the EQ2 team is working on a number of character systems improvements, so expect to see some Asian-themed armors soon.

We’ve seen major changes in EverQuest II (EQ2) that greatly affected certain aspects of the MMO’s gameplay. The question is how do developers determine which aspect of the game needs an overhaul. In an interview with MMORPG, Scott Hartsman revealed that the the decision to change something in the game is influenced by comments and feedback from players and developers. Of course, it’s impossible to please everyone, so you won’t see EQ2 adding every single suggestion in the message boards. Changes that they consider would have to be evaluated within the context of the overall game experience.

When asked whether the changes that have been implemented have caught players unaware, Hartsman said that all in all the changes were received positively. Largely due to the fact that EQ2 gamers recognized the changes as enhancements to their game experience.

Players request a lot of changes but they tend to lobby on behalf of their class – as in the case of spells and spell lines enhancements. Other players from other classes view these efforts as threats, so they counter-request just so they wouldn’t be on the losing end. So, don’t expect EQ2 developers to come granting your requests, especially if what you’re asking for gives you an unfair advantage over other players.  But keep in mind that changes in the game are well-aligned with what the players want.

Hartsman didn’t get into specifics, but he said that the EQ2 team is working on a number of character systems improvements, so expect to see some Asian-themed armors soon.