Comment on the Transition Diary here.

[Ibn]

Jessica's Transition Diary (http://ac.turbinegames.com/index.php?page_id=167)

[Syrlacc]

Excellent news, and the keys/CDs are very fairly priced.

But when will you kick off a major marketing campaign for these games and actually put them in B&M stores again? Selling them online only isn't exactly going to do much for the Wal-Mart and Best Buy crowd.

[Kaadan]

Nice to hear encouraging news on the availability of CD Keys for additional accounts, as well as a download option for new accounts.

[Rauth]

Thanks Jessica!

You guys have been busy!

[Bhodi Amashi]

"Billing and Account Management: This piece is going to remain in Microsoft’s hands for a few more months, while we build, test and deploy our own billing solution and hire and train billing account representatives. We have set no official date to transition this piece, but our internal working timeline has us assuming this duty in early summer."



Please take your time with this. Nothing is worse then having compromised personal data.

[Bruiserk]

Sounds like things are moving along nicely.

It's a shame we're going to be stuck with the Zone for a few months more. I can't wait until we're free of that pia.

[Harzah]

*Purchase a CD Key for Asheron’s Call 2® for $12.95 USD. This will include the standard one free month of access to the game;
*Purchase the retail unit of Asheron’s Call 2® for $15.95, including a free month of game access. We’ll the ship the unit from here and toss in a CD with the all monthly updates since the launch in 2002, so those installing the game from scratch won’t have to sit through a several hour update process.


Awesome - not that this is the board for AC2 exactly, but I may well go with my inclination and reopen my AC2 account, while obtaining a second copy for my husband because of this.

[GKusnick]

Thanks for the detailed report. New CD keys and Customer Service by March 1 sounds great.

[Ifuritah]

Woot... Another account!

[Jet-eye-nite]

Great work ! The only part I didn't like was to be employed with you was "local" status :(

[Yusuki]

Only one question: Are there any plans to provide a combined monthly fee for both games? Say, instead of 12.95 for one and 12.95 for the other, a player could get both for 17.95 or some such?

I'm an AC1 player, and AC2 is okay, but it's not worth 13/month to me or for me because I would only play it occasionally. For five dollars a month tacked on to my AC1 bill, though, I would.

Edit: Thank you very much for the update. Forgot to say that.

[Theran_Bakagin]

Way cool....

This at least helps a lot of the players with the vague responses we have been getting.

WE HAVE DATES NOW!!!

Thank you for getting this info out to the masses!!!!



On a side note.. with the new Envoys.. Are any members of the current +Admin team coming over to Turbine? I am curious, as I would encourage new names for the current admins if they are carrying over... I believe it would be very entertaining for +Admin Zuul to come in with a new name... and noone know who it is for a little while.... watch as the heads spin again trying to figure out what the new policy set is...

[Jessica]

Originally posted by Syrlacc
Excellent news, and the keys/CDs are very fairly priced.

But when will you kick off a major marketing campaign for these games and actually put them in B&M stores again? Selling them online only isn't exactly going to do much for the Wal-Mart and Best Buy crowd.

We're actually looking to hire a marketing manager right now. If you know anyone with experience, have them contact me.

[Jessica]

Originally posted by Yusuki
Only one question: Are there any plans to provide a combined monthly fee for both games? Say, instead of 12.95 for one and 12.95 for the other, a player could get both for 17.95 or some such?

I'm an AC1 player, and AC2 is okay, but it's not worth 13/month to me or for me because I would only play it occasionally. For five dollars a month tacked on to my AC1 bill, though, I would.

Edit: Thank you very much for the update. Forgot to say that.

We're open to discussing all options here. However, it is too early to discuss that in any detail. We couldn't implement it until we control billing, anyway.

[Julian's Touch]

Very nice job, i am kinda goodly surprised it went so fast for you !

I am thinking if you keep doing such a good job, and growing so much, you could become an equal to Blizzard :D

The CD-Key online is a VERY good thing, and price are so fair!!
$16 for AC1 with a free month is actualy the best deal a player can do.

I will spread the word on French forum about this, and new 'online' people who are looking for some interesting game (more and more on forums) that they can buy and try the best mmorpg for only some euros.

Long live Tubrine, way to go!

[Genji-Glove]

Good to see you guys are getting the game back out there for people to buy :)

[Julian's Touch]

Posting an appropriate answer from another forum :


De_La_Warr
Date Posted: 11:37am

Subject: RE: CD Keys to become available!!!

That's all well and good, but are they going to promote this?

No one outside of the people who play AC/AC2 and read these and Turbine's boards will know this.


So, Can you tell us anything about promotion yet ?

[Unicron]

Great news! Great prices on AC1/AC2!

Thank you very much, keep up the good work and I'll be telling my friends about this :)

[Jessica]

Originally posted by Julian's Touch
Posting an appropriate answer from another forum :



So, Can you tell us anything about promotion yet ?

Does anyone read the whole thread? :D To repeat: I'm looking for a marketing director. If you know someone experienced, especially in games, send them to me.

[KirillHuntersun]

Jessica, how likely are these prices to be indicative of Brick & Mortar shelf prices?

In other words, if I wanna pick up DM at Best Buy (once it's available), would I be looking at $15.95, or $19.95, or perhaps more?

(Note: I REALLY want to ask how much the expansion's likely to cost, but I'm 99% certain you wouldn't have the slightest clue this far in advance. :) )

[Jessica]

Originally posted by KirillHuntersun
Jessica, how likely are these prices to be indicative of Brick & Mortar shelf prices?

In other words, if I wanna pick up DM at Best Buy (once it's available), would I be looking at $15.95, or $19.95, or perhaps more?

(Note: I REALLY want to ask how much the expansion's likely to cost, but I'm 99% certain you wouldn't have the slightest clue this far in advance. :) )

And you would be correct, :D.

[sylphia]

This is an excelent move. Finally we can start seeing some REAL new blood coing into the game again.

One thing I noticed was missing from the diary though:

What about a new log-in process and launcher? Thi may technically fall in with billing, but I am sure you have to be aware that a large portion of your playerbase HATES the problems of logging in through passport and the zone. Now that MS will no longer be dictating procedures to you, I see no reason why we should have to go through this buggy (to be polite) process. If Passport is down, we cant log in. Once we get past THAT, we have to fight with that stupid Zone Friends thing to get in. It delays me by as much as 3-4 minutes waiting for it to get its act together, and sometimes it borks the client launcher even once it comes up. I have had to attempt to log on up to 5 tiems in a row on more than one occaision.

Whoops sorry didnt mean to go into full rant mode there :D Anyway, what about a new log on process and launcher? :)

[othercents]

This is great news. Our cyber cafe has been looking for AC and AC2 to become downloadable and to be able to purchase CD Keys from the web. This way we can get more people who play other games into these. You might also want to think about implimenting a program like AO has where if I refer someone to purchase the game I could get a discount on my monthly fee or something like that.

You are doing a good job in just a short time. Keep up the good work and make us proud.

Regards,
Other

[Aaryna]

Originally posted by Jessica
Does anyone read the whole thread? :D

No, they use the Dev Tracker, then skim through the posts for the little Turbine logo avatar. :)

[Theran_Bakagin]

Originally posted by Aaryna
No, they use the Dev Tracker, then skim through the posts for the little Turbine logo avatar. :)

HUSH.. now they know who is stalking them!!!!

Hrmmm... Marketing Manager... I'll have to talk to some people....

*groan* I'm not sure I wanna move to the East Coast...

[Nightstarr SC]

Originally posted by Julian's Touch
Posting an appropriate answer from another forum :



So, Can you tell us anything about promotion yet ?



I have a Grass roots idea as AC has done well with word of mouth. Why not all the players on AC and AC2 Adverstize for Turbine on there own web sites?? I know some will say no they aren't paying me to advertize but I think the payoffs in game with new blood would be worth it an only have to do it till AC is back on the shelf and what not. I was thinking of running a ad in like PC gamer or something but I didn't know if that would cause me legal problems with Turbine or not. Just an idea also could link the tread to other Messageboards you frequent put something in your sig line.

So times you just have to stop asking when someone else can do it and just do it yourself.

Just my 2 pyreal worth.

btw: it was great news keep up the work. If I or the other players can help Turbine don't be afraid to ask.

[SCM]

Originally posted by Jessica
Does anyone read the whole thread? :D To repeat: I'm looking for a marketing director. If you know someone experienced, especially in games, send them to me.

I would take you up on the offer Jessica, but happily I live in the beautiful land of Kangaroos. :D


Great news, but have you put in place a safety net to stop the banned accounts from purchasing a new account.
I know, it is mpossible to do, just me dreaming. :)

[Harzah]

Re: combined, discounted billing for AC1 & AC2 - for people who want to play both (like me :D) that'd really rock! Even if I only saved an extra $5 a month per account that'd be worth it. It'd make me much more inclined to renew. I hate having to choose between two games heh.

[kdthradio]

Thanks for the update on game availability and all the rest. It's encouraging news :)

Sam

[Whiskyjack]

Are there any plans to open up the options for payment to ways other than just Credit Card Payment?

I've been paying a friend sing keys every month for 2 years to pay for my account.I'd prefer to pay myself through paypal or direct withdrawel or e-cheque or something else since i do not have a credit card.

Any info would help.

Thanks
WJ

[MIdnightFire7]

W00t!!!! I can finally get a second account. Great work guys!!

I've been paying a friend sing keys every month for 2 years to pay for my account.I'd prefer to pay myself through paypal or direct withdrawel or e-cheque or something else since i do not have a credit card.

Sing Keys for 2 years, ouch that can get expensive. They should offer something besides credit cards, because not all people have or want them. Maybe they will consider that when they take over payment.

[SCM]

You can use a debit card to pay.

[Whiskyjack]

no you can't.
Thats a US option only.

[Jessica]

Originally posted by sylphia
This is an excelent move. Finally we can start seeing some REAL new blood coing into the game again.

One thing I noticed was missing from the diary though:

What about a new log-in process and launcher? Thi may technically fall in with billing, but I am sure you have to be aware that a large portion of your playerbase HATES the problems of logging in through passport and the zone. Now that MS will no longer be dictating procedures to you, I see no reason why we should have to go through this buggy (to be polite) process. If Passport is down, we cant log in. Once we get past THAT, we have to fight with that stupid Zone Friends thing to get in. It delays me by as much as 3-4 minutes waiting for it to get its act together, and sometimes it borks the client launcher even once it comes up. I have had to attempt to log on up to 5 tiems in a row on more than one occaision.

Whoops sorry didnt mean to go into full rant mode there :D Anyway, what about a new log on process and launcher? :)

Well, actually, the Passport ID is tied to MS billing; it is how they know you are a valid subscriber. So we're stuck with it until we transition over billing.

We'll be working on a new launcher as part of the billing transition and, yes, when you sign up with our billing solution, yu'll no longer have to use Passport.

[Dews_Pistol]

Purchase a CD Key for Asheron’s Call® (for those who already have the client and just want an additional account) for $12.95 USD. This will include the standard one free month of access to the game;
Purchase and download the latest Asheron’s Call® client software, along with a CD Key, for $15.95 USD. This will include the Dark Majesty expansion pack all the monthly updates since launch in 1999 and one free month of game access;

I'm hoping this means you can produce a CD & Jewel case in the first half of that statement? Some of us live out in the sticks where dialup is our ONLY source for internet service at this time. I for one, am not in an area that provides DSL, cable or the such. To have to download a 100+ meg is 4 days (connection at 26,400) or so with the hopes that the ISP doesn't burp before its done.

Would it be possoble that IF I were to download the game in town on a machine that the file itself is transferable to another machine, provided that it was not installed and that key claimed? (I know the key is valid only for that downloaded file).

[Whiskyjack]

it is transferable to other machines or disks.

I use to play and AC at a cyber cafe,and when my normal comp was being used i would go into the network and drag and drop ac on to another hard drive.it would show a few errors when i was doing it but i would just click the ignore button and then when it was done,i was good to go as far as playing.

[Da'r]

i would just like to say turbine is awsome! no other gaming company that i know of actually takes this much time to listen to thier players. i would just like to thank turbine for being so open minded :D

[sailacel]

Originally posted by Jessica
We'll be working on a new launcher as part of the billing transition and, yes, when you sign up with our billing solution, you'll no longer have to use Passport.

For the record, I (and many of my firends) have nothing at all against Passport.NET technology. In fact, it seems the simplest way to make the transition, considering we all already have Passport account(s). However, I will leap for joy the first time I don't have to log in through the Zone and see that infernal "Zone Friends" pop up!

Many people are concerned that we will need to remember our original, non-Passport logins. That is an impossible task! Please let us know whether the new billing system will involve original, non-Passport IDs/passwords and/or CD Keys. Just so you know, if it involves either of those, you will end up losing a vast majority of your loyal subscribers and we will be very, very sad. :( I apologize if this has been addressed elsewhere.

One other note: Would you ever consider offering a discount on multiple accounts charged to the same credit card? It seems to me that encouraging multiple accounts and offering discounts will help Turbine make money in the long run. I'm obviously not talking about a huge discount here.... just something like a "Family Pack" or "Addicted Derethian Deal" ;)

Thank you very much for keeping us informed on what's going on behind the scenes during this transition!

[sylphia]

Originally posted by Jessica
Well, actually, the Passport ID is tied to MS billing; it is how they know you are a valid subscriber. So we're stuck with it until we transition over billing.

We'll be working on a new launcher as part of the billing transition and, yes, when you sign up with our billing solution, yu'll no longer have to use Passport.

I could kiss you :) Thats kinda how I figured it would run. BUT!!! Will we still have to deal with the zone and that goofy $(*&$% Zone Friends stuff, or are you guys going to get off the Zone completely? Passport is only part of the issue--my main issue with passport is that I have to log off of my AC account just to check my hotmail, and vice versa. For folks who use the same account for their AC stuff its a convenience. For those of us that dont its a pain in the butt. BUt I want that ZF thing off my comp; its completely useless for me game wise and only another obstacle when I am trying to log in.

[Persephone]

Can you comment on what will happen with currently tokened accounts when Turbine takes over billing?

[MeTaGarfield]

On the credit/debit card issue:

I have Swedish debit card with Visa on it.

No credit, as soon as a purchase is registered the money is removed from my bank account.

And I have no problems using it to pay for AC.


ON topic:

Was happy to see the "buy ACDM" icon on the web page, too bad it was not working yet. Not that I am planning to buy another account, I'm fine with one, but it could be nice to drag some of my friends into this.

Nice to see that things are moving along, seems like 31 March is another important date in the history of thegame, even if we are not likely to see to much of it from the outside.

[mikey5time]

Canadians only have credit cards, none of our debit cards actually have the Visa/Mastercard debit option. Sucks.

Been away from AC for 2 years, can't wait to be able to download and play again.

[Cheez]

Microsoft is dead! Long live Turbine!

[Dj_Viper]

I have also been away from the game for 2 years (Darktide) and can't wait to start again. I have been checking stores every once in awhile for a copy of DM. Anyways, it was mentioned that for AC2 you can order a CD and CD-key but for AC1 it only said you can download it online. Will I be able to order a copy of the CD and CD-key for AC1 as well?

[Dj_Viper]

Anyone know if there will be a CD for Asherons Call Dark Majesty as well?

[Jessica]

Originally posted by Dj_Viper
Anyone know if there will be a CD for Asherons Call Dark Majesty as well?

Yes, we'll have that available, as well.

[pokute]

I hope there will eventually be more payment options like money order or by check.

It'd be really cool if we can buy little monthly subscription cards in stores. Even better, make them collectible XD They'd be great as gift items :3

[camperman-x]

Let us buy gift cards the give us shadow armor when we type in the code, take over the ebay market with gift cards plz~

[Tenzin]

1. A MS related issue: If I forget to move my cursor off the attack button after pressing the attack button, nothing happens. I am talking about a single click and no movement of the cursor, not the frantic (OK, I'm melee) ATTACK, ATTACK, ATTACK scenario. I haven't mentioned it earlier because it happens occassionally on other Microsoft products.

2. I am on dial-up and I have noticed a delay from MS Passport to the game. I suspect the delay is part of the physical side of tech transfer?

3. Oh and yeah, Turbine AC DM rules! If you do it right everyone who has ever subscribed will continue subscription, re-apply for subscription or subscribe for the first time! I am hoping that when your new product/discs/upgrades hit the market I will be able to supply my friends and relatives with a few initial subscriptions.

I received my first copy of AC from Intel with my first computer
(a freebee! I didn't claim my one month free subscription for ACDM so it balances out, right).

Remember y'all, AC is a community. I haven't experienced any of the "new" online games but from my experience and what I have heard, very few respond (in a good way) to their players. And I haven't heard of any that provide a monthly chapter and an on going story (but then, I'm sheltered and I dont't read all of the posts).

My opinion, I have had ups and downs with the game, but overall Asheron's Call has given me the worth of my dollar spent. If the storyline keeps telling me a story, I will keep spending my blood, sweat and tears (dollars) with pleasure.

4. I have to re-empathize community. Turbine listens. I am guessing they will consider almost any idea that comes across their path/computer and I suspect when possible they have bent over backwards for players. So don't be afraid to voice ideas and opinions (Ibn will have to clone himself). There are just a few places your voice will be heard: 1) ACDM and 2) Hopefully, the upcoming election.

Tenzin

[Tenzin]

With regards to 2. my apologies. The delay occurs when I click on play. After I click I play there is a delay I had not noticed before in the time the bubbles take to fill. Earlier when I had pressed play, the bubbles (at about 50kb/s) would fill quickly. I am sure its a small thing and something I won't notice if I ever move to an area that has DSL.

I started playing 1/30/00 and I am still playing my first character. I wonder if I have weathered the term "gimp."

Tenzin

[ScottF]

Advertising the new expansion and the fact Turbine are back in control is the key to AC`s future.

To get new people to join you are going to have to have a really good Advertising campaign. When i originally joined it was through word of mouth over the internet so i went to a store and found a dusty AC box behind another game in EB no displays, nada. I had never seen an advert for it or if i hadnt heard over the net i doubt id ever have played it. The game is hosted, supported and mostly played in the US, but i think you guys should advertise around the world aswell as the US, theres alot of players out there who live outside the US including me (Im from Scotland). Things like cardboard stands, one that sits at the front door of the store with nice graphics on it. Posters for the store to hang up, fliers sitting at the counter etc. I guess this is up to your new marketing manager mostly, if he/she makes a mess of the advertising, no new blood will be interested and playerbase will dwindle more. You've got talented artists to make these posters and fliers stand out a mile when entering a store. Even outwith the stores, you could visit lan party events over the US depending of course on the size of the marketing team. You can really goto town. All this of course means more players and a higher income.

Buying new accounts aswell as being able to download the game means newbies on a decent connection would be able to download the game and be playing within a couple of hours. This is a superb idea. This setup should be spread all over fan sites, forums and other electronic mediums. Aswell as the re-advertising the full boxed game on the store shelves.

I think this is what everyone wants to see, give me 5 minutes at the marketing managers job ive got big plans ;).

Just my 2p worth
thanks for listening.

[Strieder]

I would like to open a second account... when purchasing the 12.95 cdkey, does the new account also have access to DM content?

Also, by 'end of the month' do you mean exactly end of the month, or maybe friday, so I can get in some game time? :D

Thanks

[Lutieus]

Will it ever be possible to buy pre-paid subscription vouchers? That is, basically gift cards equal in value to the price of a month's fee. Would be useful for people who don't have credit/debit cards, and also in cases where someone wants to pay for someone else's subscription but is worried about sharing their credit card info.

[edit] Strieder, as of next patch or something, all accounts will have access to DM content.

[Strieder]

Ah, cool. Thanks :)

Now i just have to hope that the end of the month isnt 100% literal :D

Come on feb 27th...

[Dj_Viper]

Now that it is close to the end of the month (Feb 25th), can we get an exact date on this or a location where we can purchase the game? I'm assuming it will be somewhere on Turbine's website as mentioned before but can we get a link when it is available? I plan on buying the game the day it comes out and starting fresh again...I have been gone for two years right when the housing came out but wasn't ready for purchase.

[Strieder]

Same here Viper, really wanna start on friday :p

[Ibn]

It is looking like it may slip a few days past the end of the month. I'm waiting on a final date that I can announce.

[Ibn]

It'll be Wednesday, March 3. Please check out our home page for details. :)

[Keiseada]

What is the latest status on CD Key and Client purchase for AC1? I have been waiting expectantly for several weeks and was disappointed that new accounts are not yet available.

Thanks.

[thisluv]

Good question, I have been waiting as well, but still no word as too whats going on.

[dragonsbait]

Since Drakier (AC Dual Client) has had a working log in program for the last 2-3 years, how about you guys hire him and he can port his code over for the new login system?

http://acdualclient.drakier.com/

and for those of you who haven't ever used his program... :p

Dual Client
Windowed Mode
Auto Login/Logout (avoid friends and passport troubles)
Character/world management

[MsTaterHed]

Ibn, I've been over the CoC time after time, and I can't find an answer..... Is Lich Slapping in public a suspendable offense? :cool:

[Jessica]

Originally posted by MsTaterHed
Ibn, I've been over the CoC time after time, and I can't find an answer..... Is Lich Slapping in public a suspendable offense? :cool:

It depends. For example, the ordinance in Arwic pertaining to Lich abuse is quite clear and slapping one a city street can result in a stiff fine and temporary incarceration in portal space. However, the law in Shoushi is a little gray in that regard and has yet to be tested in the Regional Tribunal and Court; the local authorities may or may not charge you. In other words, you gives your slaps and you takes your chances.

To be safe, we recommend checking the local ordinances for your area before engaging in Lich slapping. We also recommend that those under the level of 10 or who have neglected to fully buff never engage in this activity at all, since it can result in grave injury or death.

[MsTaterHed]

I was referring to the old sub, where my poor little mage was unable to land a spell, and was reduced to trying UA, and had to slap the Lich to death... I don't want to lose my priveleges, you know.... :confused:

[Jessica]

Originally posted by MsTaterHed
I was referring to the old sub, where my poor little mage was unable to land a spell, and was reduced to trying UA, and had to slap the Lich to death... I don't want to lose my priveleges, you know.... :confused:

I know, :D.

[Tydun]

Wow! Some of the issues were actually addressed. Not that any actual solutions were presented, only a few possibilities. Maybe god mod elixers go away and run skill actually factors into a fight? You mean the mages with 180 quickness wont outrun my melee anymore, holy cow. I would settle for one jump spin in a 30 second period if run skill meant something and low quickness characters couldnt get sticky anymore