No Prisoners, No Mercy Host: Julie Whitefeather & Frances Kosac There comes a time, friends, when your favorite MMO ceases to sparkle, when even new videogames lose their luster, and the computer room becomes a prison; and all that is left are two gamers (who happen to be nuns) with a very large axe to grind. Come join Julie Whitefeather and Frances Kosac as they go to War - and along the way discuss the events of the week in the MMO industry.
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No Prisoners, No Mercy - Show 1Tue, 5 Aug 2008 23:19:00 GMT [download/play]
This week's show: The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated
Topics include:
1.) Just who the heck is "Julie Whitefeather" anyway? 2.) Why is a nun doing a podcast? Is she really a nun? 3.) Yes, Virginia there is a reason for an NDA and this it. 4.) Hoisted on a "publisher's petard" 5.) Why Rob Pardo is still "The Man" 6.) Why I could care less what Richard Bartle thinks. 7.) Going to Hellgate in a handbasket
'Bigtime!!!' by Julie Submitted on 2008-08-05 20:57:18 CST Wooo hooo...part of the Virgin Worlds Collective (and not the short yellow bus either - and just what the heck is a short yellow bus anyway?)
Julie
'what the' by Token Submitted on 2008-08-05 21:41:43 CST I can't remember taking any substances tonight so this must be real. Shocking.
'Welcome!' by Sheldrake Submitted on 2008-08-05 22:26:57 CST Nice podcast, Julie. I have enjoyed your blog entries in the past and this episode was a good addition to the collective. Keep up the good work.
-Sheldrake
'Fun ' by CindyL Submitted on 2008-08-05 22:27:37 CST Fun podcast really enjoyed it! Don't have much else to add as WAR doesn't interest me and neither did Hellgate.. What's in an NDA? lol. WAR have been so vocal though, it's a little their fault what with all the heavy marketing at such an early stage. Backlash ftw. I wish them the best though and still game it's going to be a nice game for those that enjoy the genre.
'Welcome' by Streamweaver Submitted on 2008-08-05 22:57:59 CST Interesting first episode. Your claims of no other Age of Conan podcast might be a bit exaggerated though.
'Grats' by RogueSlayer Submitted on 2008-08-05 23:50:41 CST Grats Julie! Already looking forward to the next cast. Well done.
'*waves* Hey Julie!' by Luper Submitted on 2008-08-06 00:38:35 CST You know I like your blogs =P
Anyways, this was interesting. I must agree with you completely. Developers that hype up their games or tell us "this" and "that" better give their customers all of what they've hyped up, etc. New generation games have a lot to compete with. Gamers have expectations now and we don't like to be lied to.
Buggy betas and rocky roll outs can be understood, but as time goes on, people will not continue to pay for an MMO that isn't getting attention where the players feel it is needed.
I'd have to say that content is a HUGE issue with games these days. Developers need to realize that gamers have A LOT of time on their hands. =) Yes, we enjoy logging on daily to play video games. Obviously, they realize this factor, but what many fail to realize is how MUCH time players have to put forth.
It seems that their response to this is to just feed us more "grind-core" games. In my mind, (if I could only muster up the money to make my own game) gamers don't want this. We want a game that has content that keeps us interested and immersed. Sure, some grinding can be very enjoyable. Believe me, I like to spend hours farming the crap out of trogladites, but that isn't all I want out of a game.
We need flavor. That's what we need!
Welcome aboard, m'lady.
~Luper (Voyages of Vanguard)
'Um... no, just no' by telstar Submitted on 2008-08-06 01:17:15 CST I feel like I just got yelled at for an hour. I guess I am just one of those people who like a podcast that is not filled with ranting, raging and angy thoughts. I won't be back for #2. With so little time to listen to podcasts - I want to listen to a more positve message.
I believe that devs do an amazing job these days trying to bring us quality in MMO's and they just keep getting better. They listen and work extremely hard to make products that will bring us years of good times. I played EQ, VG, AOC, COH, GW, LOTRO, WOW, etc. pretty much all the MMO's that I could get my hands on and I loved them all for various reasons. But I really appreciate the fact that people worked so incredibly hard to bring us games that are so amazing for their time.
It's not a good idea to contribute to the negativity out there about MMO's, dev's etc. These dev's should be appreciated and thanked for what they are doing. I am just a gamer but I truly appreciate how hard these folks work to bring us enjoyment.
On a side note - I think it's great that you found your calling outside of gaming.
'Nice' by Jmo Submitted on 2008-08-06 01:19:41 CST Just wanted to drop a line and say I really enjoyed the podcast. Good to hear the voice behind the blogs. I look forward to future 'casts.
I for one felt your hurt with HG:L. I was so stoked about it, more because of the Dev team than anything, that I felt truly let down by to final product. Having to play through twice just to reach 50 was not good planning on Flagship's part.
Anyway, that's my ramblings for the day. =p
~Jmo
'Keep it Up!' by Floss Submitted on 2008-08-06 07:51:50 CST Good first cast.
Looking forward to many more from you.
I'll echo Jmo's thoughts and also say, good to hear the voice behind the blogs.
Brent, just coz we got another quality podcast to listen to doesn't mean you can slack more ;-)
Floss.
'Feedback' by scytale2 Submitted on 2008-08-06 10:06:44 CST Firstly, a very welcome SHORT podcast. It was great to see points put across in a punchy way, not punctuated with irrelevance. I do find myself disagreeing with some things, though.
I learnt quite a bit about the Hellgate game from your discussion. However, I think you missed the point on what happened regarding the game. Essentially, the company budgeted a lot of money in Marketing and (possibly) not enough in development. It's a bit unfair to criticise a company's marketing department for doing a fantastic job. To say that the company were perhaps unethical to market a product very well seems a bit of a strange argument. It seems more of a personal view than one you can apply to the genre. The decision to spend money on Marketing might have been unwise, but it was not unethical imho. Frankly they can spend as much money as they like on whatever they like - it's nothing to do with the players, who must simply buy or read the reviews. Are you saying that they "misrepresented" the product? If so, where? Did they say you could level to max by going through the content once? Have you got to Level 99 by playing through Diablo 2 on the easy setting? I've never heard anyone complain about lack of content in Diablo 2 and am pretty sure this was their model.
The WAR stuff was all covered in the last SUWT podcast, but I guess this may have crossed over.
What I am interested in (and I am sure many are) is how you reconcile playing Hellgate and Diablo with being a nun. This could be a vibrant philosophical discussion, which I am sure you can provide us some unique insight on. I do have some personal issues on this myself, although I am not a religious person. Whilst a fan opf Diablo 2 (and expansions) I did feel that somehow I was being a bit corrupted by playing. In WoW, do you play a warlock or a paladin?
'Welcome!' by Checksix Submitted on 2008-08-06 12:58:09 CST Thanks for taking the time to produce another Virgin Worlds podcast! I think you did a fantastic job, really enjoyed it.
Scytale: I think she said she's a Buddhist nun...I'm a Christian, not a Buddhist but I don't think they have a "Hell" concept...BUT don't take my word for that. I work with a very nice Buddhist guy and he and I have spoken before about or religions...I think he believes he will be reincarnated until he reaches nirvana.
Again, don't take my word for that...I'm sure she'll answer your question herself.
I think there's a good bit of deception out there in the MMO industry in general. There's also A LOT of quality issues in the industry. All too often they (MMO makers) way over promise and under perform.
I'm sure there are other industries that are the same. But I can tell you this: If I went to the store and bought a TV that advertised 25 features, brought it home and it only did 20 out of 25 and only 2 or 3 well without hassling bugs...I'd take that thing back in an instant. Not so with MMO's....Why?
'Thanks' by Julie Submitted on 2008-08-06 14:01:04 CST Thank you all so very much for the comments (yes even those who didn't like the show). I used Hellgate London as an example in this case, to show that there are two sides to a particular issue - one the fault of gamers and the other the fault of developers/publishers. Yes, I am indeed a buddhist nun; I am also Christian however. While Scytales idea of discussing how I reconcile playing games like Hellgate with being a nun sounds interesting I have my doubts as to how wide an appeal a show like that might have, however short. If I am wrong about this and many people WOULD like to hear about such a thing let me know and I will be happy to do a show about it.
To answer Scytale's question "In WoW do you play a warlock or a paladin?" The answer is ... Yes. I play both. That is, when I play. I am afraid I "timed out" of the last guild I was in since it had been so long since I had played WoW. The account is still open but I doubt I will play again until the expansion comes out or I can find a better guild.
Julie
'Very good! ' by Beauturkey Submitted on 2008-08-06 18:52:25 CST Good stuff! Funny, too! More!
:)
Beau
'Fresh' by Akely Submitted on 2008-08-07 14:43:36 CST I to felt a little yelled at, but in all it was a fresh and fun experience. Keep the casts coming, Julie.
Nice to hear some Bluesbreakers stuff at the end. Niceness!
'Yay!' by LealaTurkey Submitted on 2008-08-07 22:59:19 CST Excellent show Julie, love it!
Honestly, talk about Scy's question only if you want to. You don't owe any of us an explanation.
'Scy's question and some topics for next week:' by Julie Submitted on 2008-08-07 23:25:58 CST Topics will include:
1.) Rob Pardo is in league with the devil
2.) If a monster falls in a virtual forest will anyone hear him scream (the answer to Scy's question with a guest from Age of Conuns)
3.) Beating Back the Open Beta Blues
and more...
And thanks for the great response.
*happy tear*
Julie
'Awesome!' by Jonathan Submitted on 2008-08-08 03:10:09 CST Loved the podcast, Julie! Can't wait for the next one! :)
'Good stuff' by vic15 Submitted on 2008-08-12 00:10:43 CST Just wanted to add some more words of appreciation. Really enjoyed the style and content!
'Brilliant' by Seritaph Submitted on 2008-08-13 18:30:52 CST Welcome Julie, and thanks for the podcast. It takes some guts to speak your mind, put the old heart out on the sleeve, and broadcast on the web for everyone to hear. I like that your opinionated, and I enjoy the subject matter. Doesn't matter if you rant or not, that's your choice. You're entertaining.
'Bigtime!!!' by Julie
Submitted on 2008-08-05 20:57:18 CST
Wooo hooo...part of the Virgin Worlds Collective (and not the short yellow bus either - and just what the heck is a short yellow bus anyway?)
Julie
'what the' by Token
Submitted on 2008-08-05 21:41:43 CST
I can't remember taking any substances tonight so this must be real. Shocking.
'Welcome!' by Sheldrake
Submitted on 2008-08-05 22:26:57 CST
Nice podcast, Julie. I have enjoyed your blog entries in the past and this episode was a good addition to the collective. Keep up the good work.
-Sheldrake
'Fun ' by CindyL
Submitted on 2008-08-05 22:27:37 CST
Fun podcast really enjoyed it! Don't have much else to add as WAR doesn't interest me and neither did Hellgate.. What's in an NDA? lol. WAR have been so vocal though, it's a little their fault what with all the heavy marketing at such an early stage. Backlash ftw. I wish them the best though and still game it's going to be a nice game for those that enjoy the genre.
'Welcome' by Streamweaver
Submitted on 2008-08-05 22:57:59 CST
Interesting first episode. Your claims of no other Age of Conan podcast might be a bit exaggerated though.
'Grats' by RogueSlayer
Submitted on 2008-08-05 23:50:41 CST
Grats Julie! Already looking forward to the next cast. Well done.
'*waves* Hey Julie!' by Luper
Submitted on 2008-08-06 00:38:35 CST
You know I like your blogs =P
Anyways, this was interesting. I must agree with you completely. Developers that hype up their games or tell us "this" and "that" better give their customers all of what they've hyped up, etc. New generation games have a lot to compete with. Gamers have expectations now and we don't like to be lied to.
Buggy betas and rocky roll outs can be understood, but as time goes on, people will not continue to pay for an MMO that isn't getting attention where the players feel it is needed.
I'd have to say that content is a HUGE issue with games these days. Developers need to realize that gamers have A LOT of time on their hands. =) Yes, we enjoy logging on daily to play video games. Obviously, they realize this factor, but what many fail to realize is how MUCH time players have to put forth.
It seems that their response to this is to just feed us more "grind-core" games. In my mind, (if I could only muster up the money to make my own game) gamers don't want this. We want a game that has content that keeps us interested and immersed. Sure, some grinding can be very enjoyable. Believe me, I like to spend hours farming the crap out of trogladites, but that isn't all I want out of a game.
We need flavor. That's what we need!
Welcome aboard, m'lady.
~Luper (Voyages of Vanguard)
'Um... no, just no' by telstar
Submitted on 2008-08-06 01:17:15 CST
I feel like I just got yelled at for an hour. I guess I am just one of those people who like a podcast that is not filled with ranting, raging and angy thoughts. I won't be back for #2. With so little time to listen to podcasts - I want to listen to a more positve message.
I believe that devs do an amazing job these days trying to bring us quality in MMO's and they just keep getting better. They listen and work extremely hard to make products that will bring us years of good times. I played EQ, VG, AOC, COH, GW, LOTRO, WOW, etc. pretty much all the MMO's that I could get my hands on and I loved them all for various reasons. But I really appreciate the fact that people worked so incredibly hard to bring us games that are so amazing for their time.
It's not a good idea to contribute to the negativity out there about MMO's, dev's etc. These dev's should be appreciated and thanked for what they are doing. I am just a gamer but I truly appreciate how hard these folks work to bring us enjoyment.
On a side note - I think it's great that you found your calling outside of gaming.
'Nice' by Jmo
Submitted on 2008-08-06 01:19:41 CST
Just wanted to drop a line and say I really enjoyed the podcast. Good to hear the voice behind the blogs. I look forward to future 'casts.
I for one felt your hurt with HG:L. I was so stoked about it, more because of the Dev team than anything, that I felt truly let down by to final product. Having to play through twice just to reach 50 was not good planning on Flagship's part.
Anyway, that's my ramblings for the day. =p
~Jmo
'Keep it Up!' by Floss
Submitted on 2008-08-06 07:51:50 CST
Good first cast.
Looking forward to many more from you.
I'll echo Jmo's thoughts and also say, good to hear the voice behind the blogs.
Brent, just coz we got another quality podcast to listen to doesn't mean you can slack more ;-)
Floss.
'Feedback' by scytale2
Submitted on 2008-08-06 10:06:44 CST
Firstly, a very welcome SHORT podcast. It was great to see points put across in a punchy way, not punctuated with irrelevance. I do find myself disagreeing with some things, though.
I learnt quite a bit about the Hellgate game from your discussion. However, I think you missed the point on what happened regarding the game. Essentially, the company budgeted a lot of money in Marketing and (possibly) not enough in development. It's a bit unfair to criticise a company's marketing department for doing a fantastic job. To say that the company were perhaps unethical to market a product very well seems a bit of a strange argument. It seems more of a personal view than one you can apply to the genre. The decision to spend money on Marketing might have been unwise, but it was not unethical imho. Frankly they can spend as much money as they like on whatever they like - it's nothing to do with the players, who must simply buy or read the reviews. Are you saying that they "misrepresented" the product? If so, where? Did they say you could level to max by going through the content once? Have you got to Level 99 by playing through Diablo 2 on the easy setting? I've never heard anyone complain about lack of content in Diablo 2 and am pretty sure this was their model.
The WAR stuff was all covered in the last SUWT podcast, but I guess this may have crossed over.
What I am interested in (and I am sure many are) is how you reconcile playing Hellgate and Diablo with being a nun. This could be a vibrant philosophical discussion, which I am sure you can provide us some unique insight on. I do have some personal issues on this myself, although I am not a religious person. Whilst a fan opf Diablo 2 (and expansions) I did feel that somehow I was being a bit corrupted by playing. In WoW, do you play a warlock or a paladin?
'Welcome!' by Checksix
Submitted on 2008-08-06 12:58:09 CST
Thanks for taking the time to produce another Virgin Worlds podcast! I think you did a fantastic job, really enjoyed it.
Scytale: I think she said she's a Buddhist nun...I'm a Christian, not a Buddhist but I don't think they have a "Hell" concept...BUT don't take my word for that. I work with a very nice Buddhist guy and he and I have spoken before about or religions...I think he believes he will be reincarnated until he reaches nirvana.
Again, don't take my word for that...I'm sure she'll answer your question herself.
I think there's a good bit of deception out there in the MMO industry in general. There's also A LOT of quality issues in the industry. All too often they (MMO makers) way over promise and under perform.
I'm sure there are other industries that are the same. But I can tell you this: If I went to the store and bought a TV that advertised 25 features, brought it home and it only did 20 out of 25 and only 2 or 3 well without hassling bugs...I'd take that thing back in an instant. Not so with MMO's....Why?
'Thanks' by Julie
Submitted on 2008-08-06 14:01:04 CST
Thank you all so very much for the comments (yes even those who didn't like the show). I used Hellgate London as an example in this case, to show that there are two sides to a particular issue - one the fault of gamers and the other the fault of developers/publishers. Yes, I am indeed a buddhist nun; I am also Christian however. While Scytales idea of discussing how I reconcile playing games like Hellgate with being a nun sounds interesting I have my doubts as to how wide an appeal a show like that might have, however short. If I am wrong about this and many people WOULD like to hear about such a thing let me know and I will be happy to do a show about it.
To answer Scytale's question "In WoW do you play a warlock or a paladin?" The answer is ... Yes. I play both. That is, when I play. I am afraid I "timed out" of the last guild I was in since it had been so long since I had played WoW. The account is still open but I doubt I will play again until the expansion comes out or I can find a better guild.
Julie
'Very good! ' by Beauturkey
Submitted on 2008-08-06 18:52:25 CST
Good stuff! Funny, too! More!
:)
Beau
'Fresh' by Akely
Submitted on 2008-08-07 14:43:36 CST
I to felt a little yelled at, but in all it was a fresh and fun experience. Keep the casts coming, Julie.
Nice to hear some Bluesbreakers stuff at the end. Niceness!
'Yay!' by LealaTurkey
Submitted on 2008-08-07 22:59:19 CST
Excellent show Julie, love it!
Honestly, talk about Scy's question only if you want to. You don't owe any of us an explanation.
'Scy's question and some topics for next week:' by Julie
Submitted on 2008-08-07 23:25:58 CST
Topics will include:
1.) Rob Pardo is in league with the devil
2.) If a monster falls in a virtual forest will anyone hear him scream (the answer to Scy's question with a guest from Age of Conuns)
3.) Beating Back the Open Beta Blues
and more...
And thanks for the great response.
*happy tear*
Julie
'Awesome!' by Jonathan
Submitted on 2008-08-08 03:10:09 CST
Loved the podcast, Julie! Can't wait for the next one! :)
'Good stuff' by vic15
Submitted on 2008-08-12 00:10:43 CST
Just wanted to add some more words of appreciation. Really enjoyed the style and content!
'Brilliant' by Seritaph
Submitted on 2008-08-13 18:30:52 CST
Welcome Julie, and thanks for the podcast. It takes some guts to speak your mind, put the old heart out on the sleeve, and broadcast on the web for everyone to hear. I like that your opinionated, and I enjoy the subject matter. Doesn't matter if you rant or not, that's your choice. You're entertaining.
Nice first show, look forward to the second!