Current News September 10, '09
 

Compass Points & Other Updates
http://piratesonline.go.com/#/news_b..._other_updates
September 10, 2009

http://a.disney.go.com/pirates/onlin...vider_line.gif
We hope you're enjoying the latest game updates, exploring the incredible new cave environments and working your way to Level 50! But we've made many improvements to the game and want to explain some of these new features you may have not noticed:

Compass Improvements
- In response to players who sometimes find themselves lost in the Caribbean we've improved the Compass. Now the Compass is now fixed on land, while it rotates when you're at sea. We did this so Pirates can find their current location and plot a path easier when using the island and cave mini-maps (hold the F8 key to display mini-maps). To change the Compass settings, click Options on the Pirate selection screen (or press F7 in-game and select Game Options), then click Interface. Here you can change your Compass settings so it will rotate with the camera on land or sea. The choice is yours!

http://a.disney.go.com/pirates/onlin...ss_options.jpg

Change your compass settings from the Interface Option

Weapons Skill Increases
- Weapons are now mastered at Level 30, but once you reach that level Pirates can still earn reputation towards their overall Notoriety meter.

New Screenshot Location
- Taking a screenshot of your adventure? You'll now find your screenshot stored in a Pirates Directory sub folder called 'Screenshots.'

Do you have a tip you'd like to share with the rest of the Pirates Community? Do you have a question or comment about the latest update and new game features? Share it with us here.

Okay, so now this has me worried....

What if the Casa de Muertos Quest IS the big Summer update?

Seriously... what if they actually don't have anything else ready to launch?

Well, we're still waiting for the weapon upgrades that they spoke of in the dev. diary. I consider that pretty exciting and "big."

And, although the quest was fun, the Casa de Muertos lasted maybe, not even 3 hours. So I don't consider it a big update, but more of a side quest while we wait for everything else they promised

sooo everyones gonna get to lvl 50 before the new story even comes out? >.>

Thats so wrong.

hmmm
 

Or... what if they are going to release a large update AFTER the quest is over (since it runs through the end of the month)

I have been reading many of your posts Mr Bartholomew and you always have solid and strong perspectives, one that it seems many people look to for solid ground, this one had me laughing a little, you sounded really sceptical, but you must know from what it appears that Disney has large updates planned and in what seems to be soon. :) (meant in the utmost respect sir, and they, meaning Disney, must have great respect for you too, i saw your spotlight thing, they must think highly of you)

MY bet is that they have something planned around Oct 1st since the quest ends there.
You know, the War and stuff coming?
They seem to be gaining momentum, it seems to be snowballing on preperations and the conditions are ripe for a storm.
Personally, i am soooo excited - This seems like they are prepping us for something large like, from what i'm reading (i love to read and catch details)
like the big change they have been prepping long before I have been here.
So, ya, lets see what happens, but it seems to me the signs are VERY clear and evident, all we have to do is see the signs. :)

The reason I am concerned is that Disney, in response to Juliana's question, stated that completing the Casa de Muertos quest would not affect your pirate, but based on how many people completed the quest, it would affect the storyline. That made many people wonder if the next story chapter is even written yet.

Then we have no way (so we believe) of getting to the level 50 notoriety, even if we max out all weapons. We assume it is a bug that will be fixed. Then Disney states that the "bug" is intentional. Anybody who wants to can keep grinding weapons to level 50.

You see, the idea I had (and shared by many others) was that we would need to complete a story quest in order to get all the notoriety needed to attain level 50. But that is clearly NOT the case.

So, I have doubts now that they are anywhere near ready to release a new story chapter. I could be wrong, but what if all the signs I'm seeing are actually showing that there won't be anything?

Maybe they are going to raise the caps again...It would make sense.

I suspect that the next big chapter will coincide returning THE CURSE (since its already out there - no new programming) and then just populate Port Royal with some undead as Jolly Roger could now attack it due to the pirates' efforts.

Very simple stuff - but fits their story and likely a big let down. Hope I'm NOT right.

I get agitated that there is SO MUCH MORE that was made for this game that they've either scrapped or weren't able to get past the demo stages on. We've all seen tons of screenshots, video and audio of other boss battles, the kraken, cutscenes, etc.

I actually think a LOT if not the entire story was written but due to technical limitations - its not going to be done, at least not the way we'd like.

Well, I do see they are now saying the notoriety reps on mastered weapons is intentional. Dont know what to think as far as how this effects the big picture. I've been on the "i'll believe it when I see it", and otherwise will do the best to enjoy the game when I can.

I honestly believe this has been the fate of the Kraken (or at least its cause for delay). So many times they've hinted it was close, but we havent seen it yet.
Getting more patient as I get older I reckon.. lol. At least we have some progress!

Man I getting a little tied of waiting for the kraken. I know I will be parient, but I am running out of me rum. :pirate21:

After reading this, perhaps I'll hold off on trying to reach level 50 when I master all my weapons. I think I'd rather wait and see if another story chapter comes out soon, and use the rep from that to get to 50. I would be furious if I got everything mastered, and then Disney decides to release the story chapter, potentially wasting the rep the chapter would give me.

hmm
 

Well Eliza, I believe you could be right seeing from what I’ve read, that the second anniversary is coming next month as well, but i don't think it will be as minor as your project but i think much more will go into it based on how the changes have been as of late.
I too think as Dr Zeppers and yourself that technical limitations are delaying certain items like the Kraken but perhaps they are just focusing on other aspects of the game and other types of advancements?

I don't think that it will be a "Big let down", I have been reading and seeing stuff delivered that i know takes many-many man hours of programming work, and the bug chasing must be so time consuming I think they are doing a terrific job compared to the Pirates of the burning Sea game sitting in my trash can.
They don't even have people that make the game coming in and interacting at all like what is happening here in POTCO, personally, i have never seen nor heard of that before, i'm hooked baby!. (just need a little more AMP Drink and Peanuts,--- and M&M's :)

Well, the POTCO developers don't come in and interact with us, but the other staff members do. Disney isn't going to pay the developers to go in the game and entertain the players.

What gets me, is, who said it was the developers that went in the game in the first place? POTCO didn't tell us, they just said GMs would be in the game for events. All they really are, are other staff members. If they are in fact developers, they're more than likely to be the two interns that don't get paid.

I don't think Disney's dumb enough to keep their developers from working on the game to sit around and entertain customers. It'd make a lot more sense for them to work while OTHER people go in the game, that way they get a lot less complaints because people are too worried about going to a certain event.

The updates are good, but I have serious doubts of whether or not the second story quest is ready. But if it isn't here by the end of the year, I'm sure Disney is going to get a flood of complaints.

hmmm
 

Well MacIronhawk,
I do believe, from what I’ve read, although not a founder, you've been with this game for some time. With that said, we can both see these updates declared in this thread I believe are most likely clear evidence of progressions of advancements, most agree with this and believe good things are definitely ahead, like the main topics here.

When I read Pirates Online Staff members making promotional or accolade comments, they refer to themselves as a Team, not divisions.
How do you know that the developers do not come into the game and interact with us? We know the fact that it is "Staff members" behind GM's in operation, but why can't it be a developer, a engineer, a artist or any Cast member who is with the Pirates Online Staff?
For all we know, Bob Iger is Captain Walter and Tom Staggs is GM Xavier Hench, :) who can say for sure?? (two top Disney executives names used with the utmost respect - btw.) - sounds a bit like your aiming blindfolded my friend when you say such.
As far as "Disney being smart enough to keep their developers working on the game and not taking a break and interact with the guests", I would say, Mate, this is what the game is all about, interacting and redirecting to better meet the needs of the goal. It would appear a developer spends 98% of their time working on installing codes and the brief moment of interacting with RL people is probably a very welcome and deserved moment wouldn't you say? (seems very fair to me)
I am glad many POTCO Guest are not wielders of the Disney disciplinary hand, lol, it might possibly look like very harsh taskmasters. I hope Disney promotes a fun and productive working environment to their employees. :)

How long do the GM's usually come online Mate? Usually for short periods of time, a hour or two at the most unless it's a weekend and then they are most likely on the time they are sacrificing from their families or own social lives to see something they are compassionate about (anyone can see their compassion in their promotional staff videos from the Online Web site)
It's not like they all come on at the same time and usually it's on weekends wouldn't you agree?
That would tell me, they are selflessly offering their services of oversight and GM duties above and beyond normal work hours. Who are you or I to tell Disney Cast members when they can take a break to log on and interact with the members of the Game they all work as a team to produce? Perhaps they are taking a lunch hour break and coming online or working overtime to make room for events?
The public simply does not know for sure nor is it their place to be in the know.
I for one think Disney Executives probably enjoys seeing their employees interact and socialize with the guests.
Wouldn't we all agree that is exactly what Walt Disney was all about?

Thanks for hearing me out Mac and others, I respectfully feel this conversation does correlate to the update and I appreciate the interaction from Mac and the other Pirates as well.

respectfully submitted.

We can't prove the developers actually go in, and we can't disprove. Unless there's footage of one of the developers playing as Captain Walter during an event, we'll never know. Odds are, we never will know. All we can do is make the educated guess and say Disney is smart enough to put other staff members on the job and let the developers work on the game.

I don't want the developers coming in the game anyways. Do you? Wouldn't it be better to have staff members go in the game to see what players want and then tell the developers?

Most other games don't have interactive "staff members" because they don't need to be. Frankly, if this is the only game with in game events, I'm glad. I've been playing the game since beta 2 and all I've gotten from them is a handful of half eaten candy bars with an I.O.U. I'm sure some of us long term members are upset, and if Disney would rather have their developers play the game than work on it, I should stop wasting my money.

The developers should be working on the game while other staff members go run around in the game hosting events. I don't want to pay for a game when I know the developers aren't working.(I don't consider hosting events working either)

"We can't prove the developers actually go in, and we can't disprove."
Ah, Yes Mac, exactly my point as well, and well said Mate, I am in total agreement with you there, that is exactly why if someone was to say "the POTCO developers don't come in and interact with us, but the other staff members do" would probably be a inaccurate statement since it is emphatic, or in other words, like stating this is absolute.
But, like you said, "we can't prove who they are" and wasting the time and energy on that topic is like researching the existence of a one ended stick.

You also said "I don't want the developers coming in the game anyways. Do you? Wouldn't it be better to have staff members go in the game to see what players want and then tell the developers?" I would have to reply "Absolutely!", having the developers that actually come in game and interact is like having Walt Disney himself riding on the Tom Sawyer Steam Boat for it's maiden voyage or, more aptly put, like having Walt Disney ride the Pirates of the Caribbean for it's first run and many more for there is no better eye to spot improvements and flaws like the creator(s) Relaying information second hand is useful but not nearly as accurate as first hand experience. That would be like you asking your peers to level your Pirate for you and not actually experiencing the excitement, the difficulties, the needs improvement and more importantly, the interaction with other Pirates.

I can certainly respect your interaction with the game since beta 2, most honorable, as you are a Founder of the game. I can easily read perspectives from many other Founders and actually the vast majority who have played since beta 1, from what I can read, feel they have been handed gold nuggets, not "half eaten candy bars and i.o.u.s".
Matter of fact, I rarely hear of them saying they feel Disney owes them anything, they just don’t seem to use that term, from what I’ve read. I am sure a few (very few from what I can read in many different locations) long term members are feeling like they have not received what is due to them, but it appears to me, again from what I read, many long term Founders that have been playing since beta 1 just simply love the game and carry the outlook of joy, adventure and anticipation of what lies ahead. - all about perspective I suppose and how we choose to view things, positive or negative we all have a choice to be constructive or destructive, but I totally agree, that is a individual choice.
I love to smile. :)

I am very hopeful, as I stated before, that Disney leadership allows their employees, regardless of job title (developers, managers, artist, engineers, etc.) of the game to play a little (10% at least) mixed in with their 90% of tedious and at times, most likely, stressful time deadlines type work.
Mac, wouldn't you want to see people enjoying their work place and be allowed some time to play? All work and no play would seem to me to make for a very hard taskmaster wouldn't you say? Or, do we all feel Pirates Staff members are commoners not worthy of mingling with us noble Pirates? (all joking intended)
Hopefully Mac, You and I are not that harsh of people that we would only want developers staring at a screen for 8-10 hours inputting code lines. :)

I too do not necessarily consider hosting a event working per say, depends on the conditions, but then if not working, is it on their free time?
Is it on a weekend where they would rather be out enjoying the outdoors or whatever else is involved with their lives? Did they set aside personal events for events that we benefit from? That would imply many selfless acts on behalf of Pirates Staff members wouldn't it? Dare we say they have our best interest at heart and desire to see the game flourish as well? I imagine they have greater stakes in this than we do.

I would gladly pay for a game that is well rounded, and since it is Disney, and I love Disney stuff, all the merrier! :)

So John Silverhawk how long have you worked for D as part of the POTCO Staff?

Agreed John

Love the line about a one-ended stick, good chuckle for the day.. thanks!

Actually, developers don't work on the weekeneds. That's why there are never any updates during the weekeneds. If there are, they're probably getting some over time, because on toontown we know that most of the time the developers don't work on weekeneds. Neither do other staff members, and that's why customer service/live chat is closed.(But that's when live hcat was working. I believe some people say it's closed)

And imputting codes 8-10 hours a day? I am heartless enough to say I would like them doing that. I, however, am not heartless enough to say I think they deserve to have some fun time every once in the while. I even believe that they should take turns playing POTCO, so they can test it out and throw in their own ideas.

I don't, however, think that on regular days they should fluff off and play the game. It's their job, and they should enjoy it! If you go to a job everyday, you should like going to it everyday. There is no excuse for you to go to a job that you hate everyday, unless you really need it because of money, and you can't get a job you like.

I want to be able to do what the developers do, and would love an internship to work on POTCO, but that may never happen or might not happen for a while. These guys are lucky to have such great jobs, and if they work that many hours a day, they should enjoy the job.

<short reality injection regarding developers>

Developers work when they are told to work. If they have a deadline they'll put in 20 hour days and work weekends until the code is ready for release.

Most developers are salaried and not hourly and get no additional compensation for "overtime". As one large computer employer is fond of saying, "You are hired to do a job, not put in time."

Now Disney may be compassionate, but it sounds more like a logical business case... why interrupt the game during our primary audience's primary playing time?

I am quite certain, however, that Di$ney does pay it's developers to develop. While that does not mean hammering out code 8-10 hours a day it does mean mean if they aren't developing code they are in meetings or doing support work to developing code.

</short reality injection regarding developers>

I do wish you well in finding a job that meet's the criteria you set forth above... of course I'd like a mansion built out of dark chocolate too.

They must be having a lot of meetings then. But then again, that's just the biased part of my brain talking. I guess i'm just bored of not having a second story quest, so it's been very easy for me to get irritated.

And about that choocolate mansion, don't we all? I'm also years away from getting a job like that, but it looks really fun, so if I can get a job I want to be an intern for POTCO. Odds of that happening are slim.

Kraken 100%
 

I do believe the Kraken will be coming out 100% as when you are buying "Grape Shot" for your cannon it say "Used only for Crews in SVS & Sea Monsters.

I appreciate your optomism Sammie, however the description of Grape Shot has been that way since day one. Still waiting patiently ;)