The State of the Game, December 2009

[Eliza Creststeel]

Something to address about the 'throngs' leaving. Let's be honest, there is no big campaign right now for NEW players. Remember when there were ads on Yahoo and on Sci-fi, Cartoon Network, etc.? There's been NO push lately. No conjecture on why, but commericals ain't cheap.

How many people have left World of Warcraft or stopped playing? No clue. But, they are running ads EVERY DAY online on TV. Getting a little tired of the Mohawk Grenade ad? That's because it's on nearly every hour to get NEW players or get old players back.

Something that I get frustrated with is the arguments over what all the game needs to improve. Part of the issue here is that the entire structure of the game is, honestly, limited.

It is set in a very narrow timeline in a very confined area. But, keep in mind - this game is a promotional tool too. Is it so that they only option is a massive reboot? I'm not a programmer but I work with them. Once you have a model you're working within, it sets up boundaries or limitations and if you didn't PLAN on major changes or growth - you're likely restricted.

And we can bluster about NEW stuff til we're blue in the face. It's not that they haven't heard us... they post and say at GM events about what is coming or being worked on. So, a lot of this goes back to time and money. Disney is NOT putting a ton of money into this game, so things will take longer.

Why should they? Club Penguin is probably making cash, hand over fist. Do you see POTCO toys, books and stuff animals? Nope. And Disney doesn't OWN the complete rights to the films either. I'm sure that hasn't helped the profit margin. They weren't even allowed to change the name of the Wicked Wench ship in the ride due to Bruckheimer.

Okay - I'm done with the negative rant. That's the most you will get from Eliza on that.

ON THE FLIPSIDE, compared to 2008 - the game has taken MAJOR strides forward. Would I like Chapter 2? Yes. Do I want to customize my ship? Yes. Do I want a bigger closet, more outfits, tats, etc.? YES, YES and YES. But, I'm not a programmer - so I have to wait for the one who program to do it. But, until then - thank you for the Invasions, thank you for the new environments, thank you Disney for role-playing events to keep us engaged.