So, does the game still have a future for a new, long-termish player?

[Sioden]

I know that question's pretty broad but I figured it would get the point across :).

I've been looking for a really in-depth game for a long time now, and being an old EQ player, I missed out on AC for many years. It wasn't until around 2005 that I finally gave the game a shot, but due to my real life obligations I didn't really have much time for online gaming (which was a shame because I really loved the unprecedented freedom and individuality of AC.)

Long story short - I've been thinking of finally giving the game the time it deserves, but after reading threads on here and VN, I've been a bit reluctant to try getting into the game at this stage of it's life. It seems more and more people are leaving and as I recall, the population was already pretty low back in 05. Don't get me wrong; I have nothing against a small population, in fact, I prefer it for the most part, but I know how these gaming companies work and once the profit falls to a certain point, the proverbial plug is most likely pulled.

So I guess I'm just wondering (given what you all know about the current state of the game and the plans that the developers have for it) if you think this game will be around long enough to merit a brand new player coming to the game? I plan to stay for a long time if things go right, but I'd hate to invest a years worth of time into a character just to lose it all in 2010 or something like that.

Thanks in advance for any information :).

[Commander_HG]

a perfect example of why Turbine needs to step it up... plainly speaking we have a potential customer here that hit the nail on the head and is only asking for an answer that validates their TIME AND MONEY!

[alisonhorne]

I think a large part of it is going to depend on how you will be playing. If you are going to be one of the people in a rush to get to 275 (max lvl) then the game will get old kind of fast. If you enjoy the ride, do as many quests as you can, have FUN, then yes the game will be long lasting for you.

[JJC]

> ... but I know how these gaming companies work and once the profit falls to a certain point, the proverbial plug is most likely pulled.

The other side of the equation is that Turbine holds Asheron as a foundation of the company. I don't think they would allow themselves to be without their only self created IP for very long. Which means that they wouldn't go very long without some sort of AC, somewhere. I wouldn't worry too much about it until you start hearing about some version of AC3 (or the real AC2) and I hope they would have the sense to tap the current base for input.

Keep in mind that they just bought new hardware so they haven't had time to write off the depreciation and shares the CS and maintainence staff with DDO and LOTR. Yes, the game is at the tail end of it's lifecycle but nobody knows how long that tail can be.

JJC

[self_adhesive]

If you find a good allegiance on a populated server and have never played AC before, you are likely to have a good time.

The only real deterrent is that most people are all high level (180+) which means grinding to catch up and play socially, or doing a lot by yourself. Until 50, it's pretty hard for first timers since you cannot get twinked up as much. Avoiding the grind likely means a lonely experience in an MMO for quite some time as your guild and others continue to run quests for the 180+ crowd.

I remember Django saying how he wanted to create a series of solo-friendly quests for lowbies that when complete, left them at level 50ish. This would be welcomed at this point in AC's life.

I have high confidence this game will continue running for at least another year and will give you plenty to explore in that time. Most of the content is fun, but severely outdated. I recommend doing it all.

[agnari]

the above 180ish and above are THE HARDCORE players who have either played 7-9 years or ucm'ed their cheating little butts off, you know the folks with no life.

there are still plenty of 80-150 'casual players' around to interact with.

and ignore that 'grind to catch up', that is no fun! explore the world of dereth see the many oddities, and dungeons ect. there in lies the beauty and wonder!

fighting a lvl 5 monster X at lvl 1 isn't much different then fighting a lvl 200 monster X at 150, just different armor, equipment and more powerful spells.

GO slowly and enjoy it, 'grind and catch up' and you won't last the year.

[Sioden]

Thanks for the input everyone :).

I have no doubt that I'll enjoy the game, I was just wondering if it would be around long enough to make the time investment worth it. I guess I'm just asking one of those, "Can't realistically be answered" questions :P.

And I can understand what you're saying JJC; I had thought about that also. I figured Turbine wouldn't want to be the first to pull the plug on one of the first three grandaddies in MMO history (the other two being EQ and UO). I just hope that's enough of a reason to keep the game around for years to come. Of the 3, It'd be great if AC could be the last one standing; there just isn't any other game (at least not released) that could even come close to filling the sandbox niche that this game has set in place.

[Forgotten]

plain and simple answer to if AC is going anywhere....however i will answer it in the form of a question..Do you like money??? cuz i do...and im pretty sure turbine does...so as long as we keep playing/paying theyre will be ac...soo less Foruming and more Recruiting of friends from lame WOW to come play AC <3