Current News: Nov 10 '09
 

Calling All Guilds - to Beat Back the Invasion! November 10, 2009
http://a.disney.go.com/pirates/onlin...vider_line.gif
Invasions haven't been going as well as we had hoped. What's needed are more strong guilds to help lead the charges - the same guilds whose ranks are filled with hearty, fighting pirates! Now those are pirates to be reckoned with!

Calling McRaging, The Guardians, The Emerald Sea Gang, Black Bart's Krewe, Hawk's Talons, Fortitude Piratus, Brave Gladiators, Crew Quarters, Phoenix Rizing, Shining Fellowship, Loyal to the End, The Seasfurys, The Savvy, Sinker's Revenge, Ocean Gods, Retribution Iz Near, and Tha Warriors and all the guilds who competed in the Strongest Guild Competition a few months back!

Spread the word, mates! All Guilds are necessary to defeat the menace of Jolly's Undead Army! Get them into the battle before they invasions happen again because, they may have subsided, but the attacks are not over. Now is a good time to sharpen your skills and plot a sound strategy. And the best strategy always includes strong Pirate guilds leading the way. If ALL the guilds don't join in the battle, we may ALL be serving in Jolly's Ranks.

Isn't this what we've been doing all along? I've seen many more successes than defeats, lately. But, I see where you need more strategy. There gets to be so many people on some of the servers that the invasion is absolute chaos. With that many people, I'm always surprised JR gets so close to the mansion, compared to where he gets on the quiet servers. Notoriety is obviously a factor too, as many of the smaller, basic members tend to flock to the 'A' servers, while the bigger and experienced pirates know that a quiet server is usually best.
I really wish they had some exciting updates again soon, although I suppose the invasions filled their quota for new things. That's what everyone seems to be complaining again. I'll be content with what I have, but new stuff is always fun :)

I think that reducing the number of players per server would improve the lag and madness, plus it would make the game look busy and booming.

Hmmm see I took this to mean the Invasions are going to get harder and tougher. Guilds have structure within them and are better able to plan and make viable strategies for the Invasions.

And yes a quiet server is much better all around. We have some members with lag problems and so we always set up on a quiet server. It's been working out really well and everyone gets to have fun and be involved then.

Captain Whale

Edit: I agree with Skirata - it might also push the disney GM's out into other servers so we can all see them.

I see this as; Disney had no new news to post, and it's been awhile since they did, so they put out ANOTHER message that really contains no news.

Is there any way that I can "like" this post? LOL

:skull: I agree :skull:

Just a thought - but, what if the powers that be are looking at the results for ALL the servers (after all, there are a LOT of servers). Sure, it seems like there is success on some servers - but if you were to take into account all the servers, every time an invasion is launched then the success rate might be less than 10%?

If there are 50 servers, and only 5 of the fifty have enough pirates participating to win - then it would certainly look like the collective "we" is getting whooped.

Not necessarily true.

I was all alone on a server at the beginning of an invasion (At least, I was the only person ther ethat I could see) , and the invasion didn't happen on that server. I had to change servers to get involved.

I don't think Disney runs the invasion on an empty server.

Could be Basil - I don't know. Thought it was all just random (whatever that means).

Just makes me think...Why did Big D run the guild competition to begin with? Was there a method to their madness? idk...just a thought

Enough pirates particpating to win? I have been on quiet servers where a crew of only six won. Two high level, two middle and two lower. Members of my guild will also switch servers after we win to catch invasions on other servers. One invasion we made it to six servers and won 4 out of 6. Another invasion four servers and won all 4.

I am sure that Mickey's people know if a server is defended or not, because the strength of the attacking brigades is adjusted for this.

This current news post is another no news post.

They do, I finished one then jumped to another server just to see Jolly making his way to the mansion. It was weird considering that there was no one there, some barricades were still up, and there was no sign of any other pirates or foes around. It won and gave me some rep for showing up I guess.

I stand by my belief that the words have no hidden meaning we need to discover or interpret. They needed news. They came up with some "news." There is no depth there.

EDIT: Did anyone else notice the "Fortitude Piratus" typo? -_-

Taking notice of the larger guilds and not the smaller guilds once again. And the sad part is they're calling them "stronger" instead of bigger.

You cant be serious this a little rediculous that Disney has run out of ideas since we "the players" basically send them half or more than half of their ideas so heres a thought for the next post on news why not talk about new content like the kraken and that golden sword we saw in the Developers Diary in July? Well im sure that would be something worth reading but idk :piratewheelgo2: This is just my opinion here, What do you guys think?

Seeing that those are the guilds that got into the top 10-ish in the "Strongest Guild Competition," I'm guessing Disney is trying to stress them as being the "best of the best." I'm not saying they aren't, but you still have a point. They still seem to favor the bigger guilds over the smaller ones.

Back on topic, all I see this is as, as Basil said, an attempt at Disney to create some more, "news." And another thing - I don't know about you guys, but I don't need Captain Walter to tell me to work harder. We've been doing fine in the first place! I've got 17 wins and only 3 loses over Roger, and thats with barely any help from Mr. Fancy GM. (Btw, the only GMs I actually like are Sandra Tew and Xavier Hench) They are only saying we need more structure and help is to try and boost activity. Hey Disney, you know what will boost activity?

NEW CONTENT

Well, it's nice to see POTCO come on their knees and beg Guilds to help with invasions, but I just wish they would have put the Barbary Korsairs in that list, not for most kills or anything on the leader boards, but to have the raiders become the raided.

So let me get this straight. We have the Invasions now and this is not new content? Ghost's appearing and doing different things is not new? Weapon and level increases are not new either? Remaking of all the caves and such... no not new either huh? Rott's quests to set up the Invasions ... not new? Well let's see if I understand this right. If it ain't the second storyline with Kraken in it, it's not good enough?

So you are not enjoying all the "not" new stuff we have then what are you doing? I too would like to see all the stuff that has been promised come in. But I must say I am really enjoying the game right now. More than I ever have!

As I said before - If they are posting that guilds need to get stronger then they are doing it for a reason. Another contest or the Invasions are going to get tougher. It was the same with the Rott quests. Everyone complaining about that and it was to set up the invasion storyline. The story is moving forward.

Captain Whale

Captain Whale, are you familiar with the term "busy work"?

Just because something wasn't there before doesn't make it truly "new" in my eyes.

Level cap raise is not new. It is more grinding the same weapons on the same enemies, just for longer periods of time.

GM appearances are not new. And for those of us who couldn't give a flying you-know-what about role playing, they don't add to the game at all.

The invasions just scream "event" to me, I wouldn't consider them "content." Besides, if I wanted to play Halo, I'd - you guessed it - play Halo.

I would also strongly contest the statement that they are saying guilds need to get stronger for a reason. What reason? And what defines "stronger"? More players? What if I like smaller guilds? No, this is just Disney giving news for the sake of giving news.

The thing that annoys me the most, is the little bit of recognition all the other guilds who won received. My guild was number 18, if i'm correct. We killed for days, with only a few people assisting. But, all I get is a small little blurb at the end, sounds like the news to me; Spin the details how you want them, then give everything right at the end...

Anyway, this continues my distrust of Disney. Correct me if i'm wrong, but isn't most of the game's tasks run by computers, (i.e. in game banning). The stuff like guild names and unapproved names takes place at certain times, from what i've seen. I know they work, i've seen how games are run, and I know a fair amount myself. I can understand an update once a month, programming and graphics design isn't easy. But waiting 3 months for stuff, only to have it become boring within a few days. They put in massive amounts of rep for the invasions to entice us with the amount it takes to level. It's a stepping stone for them, bring out something, make it better by adding something else.

I've seen what they'll bring out, it'll be great. But Pirates is gonna be two years old in a few months, 3 if you include beta testing. VMK was open 3 years, and they introduced a ton of stuff, most of which was ready in beta.

I'm tired of the roleplays where they hit you with the new content attached to a hook, only to slowly pull it away when u get excited. They throw in flashy phrases, all fluff. What I wanna see, is something similar to what they did on Ghost Adventures Live. Instead of brining in a small, targeted group, have a live web chat set up. People can type in their questions, and the programmers, not Capn Walter can answer them. I'd love some real answers, and some actual proof it'll come out, not the images from conventions, though I do love those pictures.


It's time they give us some real proof. I've stuck around for my guild and caue I hope stuff will come out, but I can only wait so long.

Zeke

Aye I completely agree with you 100% , this is just a simple tease and a laugh to Disney in my opinion. I have asked them like everyone else to please release new content info on their grog blog and not role playing material/events etc there and into the game. This is turning into a very boring game. I hate to say this but in my own opinion here: If Disney doesn't start listening to their players I'm considering leaving the game in February of 2010. Because we have waited long enough and they have remained "quiet" about it for too long.

doing the invasions with fewer but powerful people can beat it like im in mcraging and we have about 8 people on each beach and jolly roger didnt even get past the first barricade.

It's not the difficulty of the invasions, or anything like that. I love the invasions, just wish there was something other then fillers in the game.

Well I still say that Disney knows what it's doing and the Grog Blog posts have meaning. If they say grow your guild and get stronger then something is coming that will test that strength. Perhaps the Invasions are going to get tougher, or some event is coming to test our guilds. I don't think there are a bunch of guys sitting in a room going "Gee how can we mess with these guys today?" They are working hard everyday.

To Davy - This is a game mate - its all "Busy Work". The thing is you either enjoy playing or you don't. It ain't work if its fun.

Some pirates hit lvl 50 mastered in days when the increase came out. The same will be for any new quest lines. They will blow through them in a week and be back to complaining. I for one am enjoying the roll out of "Filler" material. First Rott's stuff and then the invasions and the ghosts. It's all part of the ongoing story, not "Filler". I am sorry you don't enjoy the role-playing events as I do. I too am eager for the new storyline but I am having a blast playing right now. I am working my way to lvl 50 and full mastery but it is not why I play.

I understand some of you wanting proof or some such. But having seen all that they have been rolling out they are obvioulsy going somewhere with this. right? I mean c'mon these are not just random things thrown into the game.

I guess time will tell. I choose to spend my waiting time playing and having fun with all me mates. I wish you the best with how you choose to spend yours.

Captain Whale - my two cents - take it as you will. Cheers!

Zeke,
Not sure how long you have been playing mate, but Pirates celebrated their 2 year anniversary going live the end of October. I will have been playing 2 years come February and I never played beta, let alone lucky enough to be a Founder.

So if ye don't know how long Pirates has been around, how can ye say you've seen what they'll be bring out.

While the timing is off the sentiment is understood, Pirates has not demonstrated that they can bring good quality content out at a reasonable rate to merit the price of admission. As evidence just count up all the previously unlimited players on your friends list that are now basic and inactive. I have hundreds and that's not counting guildmates from any of the three guilds I'm currently in and ex-guildmates from previous guilds. Disney has to keep the players interest somehow but these news blurbs and the simplistic content additions just don't cut it. I have been around a long while so perhaps its getting to be time to move on from here also.

If we are going to play semantics, let me define "busy work" as I see it: "content" in a game that has no specific purpose other than to take up time. It gives players little or no rewards and does nothing to help players advance in the game.

A new story quest would not be busy work. It has a purpose. Each step leads to another. You can feel like you are actually accomplishing something. These things cannot be said about GM events, invasions, etc.

I still don't buy that all this has some deep meaning. Disney says our guilds need to grow stronger. They also say that Jolly Roger is going to take over the Caribbean if we don't fight him off (3 times a day). Do you believe that also? And how in the world can they "test" our guilds' strength? Force every guild to participate in some "strength" contest? And what happens if our guilds fail this "test"? Do they force the guild to disband?

No. Like you, I do not believe they are sitting in their offices thinking of ways to mess with us. But I am not so naive as to believe all of their silly news-for-the-sake-of-news posts are to be taken literally. They are to create excitement. Enhance the role playing aspect. And ultimately cover for the fact they have yet to release anything of substance to bring back players (like me) who have canceled subscriptions.

Yea, I posted that after a few major tests, so I was fried. As for how long i've been playing, I tested the first day of beta 1, so i've been around.

This pirate is sad to see so many disgruntled players. I hope things in-game turn around to satisy your requests and desires that will indeed enhance your playing experience.
As for me, been playing about a year and a half. Not nearly as long as many of you. But, I have to say I enjoy the game, especially since the invasions were added. But the best part to me is being with my guild mates & having interaction & fun. And, although, many of you don't feel the way I do...I believe Big D is leading into a new story chapter. Too many changes have taken place for the game to be inert IMHO. But, we all have our own thoughts...these are just mine....

Ahoy Davy, I was not trying to split hairs. We obviously are each looking for something different in the game. This is an MMO not a consol game. I know you know that but it seems to me that you are playing POTCO to beat it. Once you have mastered/completed the questline you are done with it. That's what you do with single player console games you wait two years for the next one then beat it in 72 hours and wait again for the next version or an expansion.

I am not playing to beat POTCO, I am playing because I love the game and have a blast with all my friends. There are nights our guild just goes to one of the taverns and plays poker just so we can all get together and talk. Other nights we crew up and go fight for hours. That is what an Massive Multiplayer Online (MMO) game is all about. Also to suggest that I am naive is absurd, I understand the industry quite well and Disney will release stuff when it's ready.

I have played a ton of these online games and this is one of the best I have played. The GM participation is awesome. I am also sorry you don't like the Role-playing as that too is part of most MMO's. I think its great. Sandra Tew came and joined our guild in one of the invasions the other day and it was a blast. We had fun talking with her and nobody was screaming "Where is the new content".

I understand what you are asking for and I am sure it will come. I am sorry you cannot enjoy the game for the game itself. I don't understand that and there is no point arguing about it. You voted by canceling your subscription and that was your choice and that is what get's a companies attention.

As for me I see we have a new "filler" event to go kill skeletons. Wonder if it had anything to do with the previous post on the grog blog?

I am going to go join my guild and my friends and go play.

Sincerely, Captain Whale

Edit: Well said Lizzy you and I are on the same page. Cheers and hope things are going better for ya. P)

I agree ,I would like to have my guild Truelifetreasure named by them in their news.But would many....So they list the ones there familiar with.Why not to list more though?But they did have that Grog Blog entry once that seemed to suggest people go to bigger guilds.But those are the only they know of off the top of their heads because of the compitition.Most, including me, know the who the larger ones are.But they might try to take time in the future to pay more attention to other guilds.Such as ours or others.Pity is that it would take forever.Conclusion:giant guilds aganst invasions and other enemies seem to be a theme of theres.Perhaps a way to make it nice for all guilds is to implement a create a Guild Flag when there ready for Ship Customization or Pirate Lairs.These are just some thoughts of mine.

Whale: I am not trying to split hairs either, and I apologize if it comes across that way.

That said, I do not play POTCO (or other games) just to "beat it." I play to have fun. I would compare the current state of POTCO to a virtual game of slots (no real money involved). You just sit and do the same thing, and even if you win, you don't gain anything and you go right on doing what you were doing before, still knowing there is no reward. If that is enjoyable to someone, then by all means I encourage said person to continue. But I cannot justify giving my time to something so seemingly pointless.

I still log on the game occasionally to touch base with some of my good friends, but there is literally not a single person I care to touch base with that I can't contact by PM here, email, instant messenger, or by other means.

When Disney releases new content of substance (namely a new story quest - which I wrongly assumed would come with the level cap increase) I suspect I will renew my subscription and continue pirating. I will take my time on the quests and eventually get to the big 5-0 and I will have a blast with my pirate buddies once again. But until then, the only thing that would have kept me in game - friends - are all too easily contacted out of game for me to warrant spending too much time in the Caribbean.

Understood mate. I think the main point I was trying to get across is that not eveyone feels the same way about the game that some of you do. Your point is well made and I hope mine has been as well.

Simply put I love all the new stuff they are doing with the game. I think the storyline is evolving and will continue to evolve. The stuff you are looking for is coming I am sure and I look forward to seeing you in game when it does. I am glad you are keeping in contact with your friends, that's awsome.

There are several on here that are tired of waiting. The rest of us were discussing what this Grog Blog post might actually mean. There are just as many of us having a great time as those tired of waiting.

For the record the Grog Blog was a lead in to the "Kill Skellies" event and maybe more as well. Disney doesn't post without a reason. It may not be clear to you at the moment or it may not be what you want to hear. But there is always a message there. This thread was to discuss what it could be. I would ask that you allow yer fellow pirates to do that. If you want to discuss the second chapter stuff that's fine but I would ask that you open your own thread to do so.

That's it for me - I thank you for the discussion Jason Davy and I wish you the best mate. As I stated above I understand what you are saying but I don't agree with it. Yer a good pirate mate and I hope to see you out there someday.

Captain Whale

OK back on topic....

Dockwrecker and Toanuju22 - There are hundreds of guilds out there all with hundreds of members in each. The post simply listed those who did well at the Strongman competition earlier in the year. Those guilds have been participating in the Events and this was a nod to them for thier achievement in those games. If you want your guild to be recongnised then join the fun mates.

Toanuju22 - LOL Disney is not begging guilds to come fight the invasions. I know you have a few bones to pick with them mate but please.

The Elite Thieves are always ready to fight an invasion back. We have several friendly guilds that do as well. When that timer comes up we get ready to fight mate. It's a great way to get us all together for a common goal.

Captain Whale - What has your guild done today to make this a better game? For you, your friends and your gaming community.

im suprised they didnt call dueces.

Dueces Wild didn't participate in the "Killfest" contest.
Because of this, we won't be mentioned in any Disney news letters.

I would think that some of the DW members may try the "Kill a Skeleton" contest, but then again, maybe not. I know I won't.

I'm actually curious how that contest will keep track of the scores, since DxD hasn't kept up with "enemies defeated" for almost a month now. As a matter of fact, DxD didn't update AT ALL, today!

Commodore,

Me hats off to ya mate. Hope your tests went well.

Capt C Ray

Aye Basil, I too wondered how they were going to keep track of that as DXD is still not reporting. I am sure they have something in place.

Captain Whale

Exactly , its a matter that D knows those ones by name.Also as I said big guilds aganst the carribean scourge seem to be a theme of theres.(Im role play events and such the EITC always says your guild is next according to shots.)They cannot list all guilds in the news,thus all are not happy.There must be a way to give all guilds a little more....but that may be for the future.Off topic:when you say 'Strongman Compitition' do you mean the enemies to defeat one or the sports one back on old Tortuga?Sorry about the quote screw up above.

Answer
 

There are just as many of us that are tired of false optimism and Disney wasting our time and money dragging this stuff out. Since we pay by the month/year, the longer they drag this out the more they think they can soak us for. This Grog Blog is an example of that and pointing it out in this thread is not only reasonable but healthy.

There also seems to be a numbers of those who see lack of content and better days in the past seasons....and those who see now as best ever.It might depend on how long people have played.I remember then POTCO was new to me and full of wonder.It had a certain feeling.There has been a lot of new things in game the last month or two though.It may be people are just getting used to the game.I lost interest once then came back months later and it wasn't quite new but better.But we still all want more good stuff.

Ty
 

Ty Dock for that very to the point opinion. I agree, most of us do just want some new content.

Yes ,once your familiar with something even a new thing may wear off its newness more quickly than if the same thing had come before.Many always looking for expansion.We did get new caves ,but in some ways that was only a visual re-design.But it was new, but still we want that feel we got first week we started sometimes.Its just the nature of the mind.Also one day you might have a blast doing something ,yet the next may get dull.I'm trying to see into those varibles.

Again - we obviously have a diffrerence of opinion on this.

I have been playing quite awhile and my main has completed most of the quests (still need top staff). I do quests when I feel like it, I have no desire to rush. That's not what the game is about for me and a lot of other pirates here. For you to claim "Most" feel this way is ludicrous. I see the same 5 or 6 pirates doing most of the complaining. Like I said we get it - you are tired of waiting - well I am tired of hearing about it. We both have the same right to post here. I like the game just fine as it is and I am enjoying all the new stuff going on. I am having fun mate!

Greengene I know when the new level cap came out you were lvl 50/mastered in days. So when the new content comes out and you blaze through that in weeks you will be right back where you are now. Ask yerself why you play the game? I disagree that all your negative posting is healthy for the rest of us. It may help you vent and give a chance for others who feel as you do to do the same. I will give you that. Again, do it in a separate thread so you can all vent together without stamping over the rest of us who are having a good time.

The Storyline is advancing - first rumors of ETIC doing stuff in Port Royal. Port Royal is remade then the other 2 cities as well. Then rumors of them doing diggings and we get new cave systems. Rott and his crew provide new quests and as a result we now have Jolly Roger and his invasions. Then there is the all the fun with the Ghosts!! Now the call to reduce thier numbers has gone out and the story will continue. The whole time we have had Grog Blogs and GM events to support all this. I will tell you it is awesome the way the Disney GM's do this. Most online games you are lucky to see a GM let alone have them participate at this level. This is the new storyline and it will continue to evolve until the new quests and weapons open up.

You are not going to change my mind and I am not going to change yours. We are both looking for different things out of POTCO. I am sorry that you and the others can't enjoy the game for what it is now. I will continue to play the game and I don't care if the Kraken ever comes. I would love to see it for sure, but it's not why I am here.

Cheers to the lot of you. I respect your opinion as I hope you will respect mine. It's just different. I think we have all made our points and should move on.

Captain Whales

Opinions are opinions and we all have one and none are right or wrong. There is no negative posts here, They are just realistic. I feel the same way as JD and Greengene. It seems the game has become more like a "meet and greet " thing with the GM. Invasions are fun and those events might appeal to some, but this is a game. All games have an objective to complete. If the game has no more objectives then the game is done and you start a new pirate. But... What if you have 4 or more pirates with those quests done. What's next? Grind your weapons to mastery. Then what? Just hang out. I can do that outside.

I think you are missing the point Whale. We are waiting not days, not, weeks, Months. We wait months for something new. Remember how long it took for the Pearl Battle?

I rather hear them say "We are doing something, but it will take X amount of months to launch it to the Tease (because they rarely listen to testers) Server" than what we are getting which is nothing more than an insult. But hey, at least they are saying something right.

I ask this... once the invasions are done because all the guilds diminished the Army of Jolly Roger and the Ghosts go away. What then?

I'm not exactly saying all of what everyone else is.For the record this year has had more updates than any other time I can remember.I typically am not complaining completely ,just thinking about ideas and such.(I'm known by many people I know to just overthink and debate ideas a lot. :) )(not saying that you accused me, just curious if i'm on the list of complainers)It just seems a lot of people have gotten too used to things,a break from the game sometimes does the job.You see when I came back from my away time I actually made friends for the first time on the game.Then I leveled my weapons to 7 ,which is still my cap untill I get Unlimited.Time with friends is very good too these days.What seperates my old time from now must be no quests and newness in the game.But that is normal.One big highlight of this month is those invasions.Very good idea , best since first story chapter.It looks like there going to expand that into Tortuga soon.I'm going to be frank , both 'sides' here have legediamte points.Complaining isn't a good thing.Throwing things into complete groups probably is not either.There are many points that can be brought up to peer into the truth of the matter but those may not get thought of.I'm having a pretty good time right now, and I have not yet ,since before SvS , had Unlimited except on the previews.One factor is sceen-clips, not many more down the road from begining of Pearl Quest that I know of,but thats my opinion that I like those.I don't like killing the same enemy on land for an hour , but sailing wears less for me and can carry friends.Some people can get bored quicker than others.Thats a matter of the personality partailly but also ones 'feel of things'.Places in the game don't always have the same feel the more time you spend sometimes.Please forgive my rant but as I said before i'm an almost ceseless thinker.Another point is that some don't like certain updates ,and some just do.If anyone wants to not argue ,yet explore situations and ideas we could open a topic on the General Game talk or Pirates Parlay (Ranter) subforums if there needs to be disscusion.But none , including me , should come planning on starting trouble if possible!

Going back to the point of this thread....

This is typical D hinting. I've learned typical D hinting means something. Two days later we saw what this meant with the Skellie Slayer competition. D is leading this somewhere. They love to be cryptic. Not to annoy us but because it's good business. This whole Grog Blog was about business. That's all. Name the guilds that did the Killfest. Get a bit of guild pride going. No doubt at least some of the guilds not mentioned might try harder to get a nod in this Skellie Killfest. That gets pirates in game, and that was the idea.

I think the invasions are awesome for the simple fact that it draws our guild(s) together.

My pirates are in three main guilds: Kat De Fever, Black Bart's Krewe, Jag Wire Jones, Spanish Muerta, and Cougar Bladerage, Dark Archive. The great thing is that all three of these guilds know one another and fight together during many of the invasions. No matter which pirate I am playing, the call goes out to meet on such and such server. When I teleport there I am crewed by someone I know and we fight along side one another.
Friendships are strengthened and the bonds created between guilds make the game more enjoyable. When it is over we brag about the rep earned (or cry about the number of times Jolly sent us to prison). I hope the invasions continue. I think the game is enhanced by them.