Developer Diary #15 - The State of the Caribbean

[Sven Niscadae]

From the Disney POTCO Site: http://piratesonline.go.com/v3/#/gam..._diary_15.html

Vince, Community Manager, Disney Online
July 14th, 2009

For the past year, it's been all hands on deck for every member of the Pirates Online crew. Why? Well, we've been working to improve just about everything about Pirates Online ... the game, the Web site, customer service, and community interaction. And while lots of changes have been made recently, we've mainly been responding to feedback about how the game plays on your computer.

Towns like Port Royal got an Extreme Pirate Makeover as part of the improvement plan.

You told us in surveys that the game's performance wasn't as good as you thought it should be, so we immediately set the development team on fixing the foundation of the game before adding more stuff to it. For instance, we redesigned the major islands and made other graphics changes (like avatars) to improve players' game performance.

We also wanted to improve the early player experience and open the game up to lots more players. For that, we created better quest lines, added new Tutorial hints and improved the Ray of Light. And, since so many players were frustrated that they couldn't reach other islands without a teleport totem, we added Stowaway as a transportation option.

Now that we're done with these improvements, we're back to creating awesome content. By the way, this doesn't mean we won't keep fixing glitches or stop polishing the game. We'll always do that -- but now we're making great game content once more.

Why are we talking about this? Well, we want ALL of our players to enjoy the game and understand why we chose to do the work we did. We continue to work every day to squash bugs, fix glitches, and make the best Pirate game the MMO world has ever seen.

Looking Toward the Horizon
So what does the future hold for the Pirates of the Caribbean?

This powerful new weapon (and other surprises) will be coming to the Caribbean very soon!

Well, you'll see higher level enemies, introduced as part of the new cave environments (which will mean those level and gold caps will have to be raised too, hint, hint), new storylines, new quests, and a new Loot and Inventory System! This new inventory system will let Pirates collect and keep more booty - both treasures and clothing.

When will you get your hands on all this cool stuff? Game development is a unique art, and like any art, it takes time to get right. Hopefully, you'll see some of these additions before the end of summer. Leading up to that we'll add new quests and GM hosted events starting in July that will introduce many of these changes. Plus, we're bringing back your favorite events (by request) from the past year. All of these things will drive new stories and adventures, putting YOU in the center of these world-changing events.

So, there it is! Pretty exciting, don't you think? Now it's your turn to tell us how we're doing. Did we focus on the right things? Or maybe you think we should be tackling something else. Take a second and send us your suggestions - we want to hear from you!!

In the end, this is your game, mate - we're working for you. On behalf of the entire Pirates Online Crew, we want you to know we hear you and are always listening to you. Look for ongoing updates like this one and an even closer relationship with us as we answer your questions quicker and respond to your comments faster. And best yet, we'll equip you with a ton of new ways to connect with us and your friends - through social networks, member contributions, promotions, contests, and more!

Aye, there's a bold and bright future ahead for Pirates of the Caribbean Online, and we hope you'll be joining us!

[Eliza Creststeel]

They are promising a LOT, but at the same time - asking for input on the site. GIVE IT TO THEM! Let'em know to bring on whatever content, changes, etc. Feedback is our voice to be heard.

[musicalklutz]

*crosses fingers* PLEASE please please let them hold these bargans up. It seems like some hope is coming to the Caribbean!

[Sarah]

Well, you'll see higher level enemies, introduced as part of the new cave environments (which will mean those level and gold caps will have to be raised too, hint, hint), new storylines, new quests, and a new Loot and Inventory System! This new inventory system will let Pirates collect and keep more booty

That's all I care about. Better Deliver Disney!

Best News I've Read All Day

[Kaionai]

You know what I think....is that they have had this content for a long time now, but the game has been so unstable and unable to handle it, that's why we have not seen anything for a long time, I'm really happy with this update it really opens up and it explained to me why for so long we have not seen anything, they should do these things monthly I think.....

[Chris]

Originally Posted by musicalklutz

*crosses fingers* PLEASE please please let them hold these bargans up. It seems like some hope is coming to the Caribbean!

I agree we can only hope that they keep true to their words.

[swashbuckler II]

OMG They are listening!!!! Just 5 months late...........

Edit: Just looking at the game now, this looks like its Totally different from whats currently in the game now,

[Maximvs]

Originally Posted by swashbuckler II

OMG They are listening!!!! Just 5 months late...........

Edit: Just looking at the game now, this looks like its Totally different from whats currently in the game now (refer to image above)

Swash, I'm surprised you would get that excited over a new load screen (you KNOW that not in the game itself...). The enviroment will be no different, just more of it (we all hope )

Since I've already done my two gold coins worth in the News Thread - I'll just leave it at that

[swashbuckler II]

Well its new XD

[Maximvs]

Originally Posted by swashbuckler II

Well its new XD

LOL! Well, can't argue that - it is new... and with my last ounce of hope maybe we'll see it before I've passed on from this world to the next!

[MacIronhawk]

Originally Posted by swashbuckler II

Edit: Just looking at the game now, this looks like its Totally different from whats currently in the game now,

Swash, notice the picture. Doesn't it resemble that island Jack was on at the beginning of the second POTC movie? You know... that creepy island with the people in cages? It's the one Jack sailed away from in the coffin.

Now, if I'm right, then I'm more excited than I would be if this picture wasn't provided. I think it's great that they're finally bringing in more content.

To tell you the truth, I'm holding in all my excitement. All of us have waited for a while and I know it will be worth even another month or two of wait. I just don't want to give my hopes up if it's not going to be something really good. I think I'll take my excitement out on leveling up my dagger, grenades, and staff. If new weapons are coming then I want to have them all mastered before they come out.

[Aaron McEagle]

Im not sure if they will have new weapons. For Dell you use the F#1-6 for weapons, F7 for options.

They did say the will have weapon UPGRADES!

But who knows cant wait either way!

[MacIronhawk]

Originally Posted by Aaron McEagle

Im not sure if they will have new weapons. For Dell you use the F#1-6 for weapons, F7 for options.

They did say the will have weapon UPGRADES!

But who knows cant wait either way!

That's what I meant, lol. I probably should have said that!

Like Swash said, it's still NEW! I can't wait for all of this to come out. Looks great.

[League]

That Thrall thing was leveled 43. Eh? Eh?

[Aaron McEagle]

And look at that shiney new GOLD sword....
MUCH better than my old square silver sword!