Jumping back into the deep end! Got some exciting stuff for next couple weeks and some super boring stuff as well...
#1:
Re-writing Event Notifications
The server keeps growing in complexity and it can be super hard for players to keep track of what all events are added. By restructuring how invite invites are sent out, it will make it easier on players so they know what they are getting themselves into.
First draft, not an artist just throwing up a structure for testing.
We have the ability to dynamically display buttons using server side packets. Each of these invites consists of three 'buttons'
The background: Different for each event. Describes what the event is. Messy but we dont have an easy way to display text across our interfaces and this is smoother for users than embedding a web browser in its current state.
Clicking it is ignored server side
The Accept Button: Same for all events. Clicking it checks server side if you qualify. Removes all buttons from screen and sends a confirmation message to let you know that you signed up successfully (or gives you a reason why you could not sign up)
The Refuse Button: Same for all events. Clicking it closes all the buttons without signing you up. May send a reminder msg of how to join if you change your mind (using legacy /pvp command)
#2:
Interserver Revamp
We had the interserver system hyped up for a long time but the fact is... there's just not many properly managed classic servers out there and those who ARE around do not necessarily want to merge players with others (understandable).
The original system was plagued with ping issues because we simply proxied the data (this was a security and compatibility concern so that any server could join without exposing any user data)
This system was frankly shit because of the ping issues it created so we ditched it entirely... fact remained though that no one really cared about the interserver so we let it gather dust.
With the launch of our new International EU server we're reviving the concept for a few very specific purposes.
-Cross server guild wars
-Pure PVP 'server'
So, we've finished revamping the system so that it forwards your connection entirely to the interserver. I've also made it so that it appends a server tag to your name (if not, characters with same names would both get whispered... messy and not cool!) and it also automatically places you in a guild based on the server you connected from. This is combined with the new guild system which allows us to dynamically re-create guilds and their permissions. This will allow us to ally regional guilds to help balance out the event.
The other major change is that the interserver is a 'pure pvp server'. This means you get a full set of +9 -7 2 socket items of any class you want including full skills. To help combat people logging hundreds of level 1 accounts for wars we made it so that any characters below level 120 are only boosted to 120. The interserver uses a highly modified version of battle power so these players will have around 15-30 percent less strength than someone who logs in with a 130+ character from any of our servers.
The cross server wars are aimed to launch for the end of April. The delay is simply because we need to modify how wars work in general (how people will get guild funds, how bombs will be generated, how players on their host server will be rewarded for winning, etc).
The interserver system itself will be re-launched in the next few days as we nail down any final issues with specific skills causing trouble and we will be welcoming players to check it out.
The servers currently signed up to be part of this system are
Apex Conquer
Raw Conquer
Triumph Conquer
Original Conquer
Note: There will be two interserver nodes, one in chicago and one in frankfurt. We plan to toggle which region hosts cross server guild wars to avoid too many ping complaints.
#3:
Soccer League
Soccer is one of our more popular team based events and we've had a LOT of requests to make it something that people can be more competitive with. As part of our event revamp, we'll be looking at making a soccer league happen one night a week (looking at late saturday evening) where players can sign up with their team and fight to be the best soccer team in the server!
Instead of randomly assigned teams, you sign up with an actual team. Pretty straight forward but a long time request.
#4:
Duel Revamp
I know, we've been holding off on this for a while but I'd say its time. We'll be making a number of changes to duels in the coming weeks. The biggest change will be... MATCHMAKING!
You will be able to sign up from any map for these duels. We will be assigning a rating behind the scenes to SLIGHTLY equalize players (although obviously without thousands of players, it's pretty much gonna pair you against anyone else online signed up for duels).
These duels will support Standard Stamina, Unlimited Stamina and our Leech Stamina modes.
We will also be adding combo counters to duels for added 'flair'. These effects will show to both spectators and the duel participants themselves.
Temporary version of effects but gives you an idea how they will look.
#5: Legendary garments/souls
One of the biggest things missing from our new soul system is ones that truly stand apart as being unique. We want to add some stuff never seen in conquer servers before by having things like...
-Weapons that change their look based on time of day
-Weapons that evolve based on consecutive hits, kills per minute, etc
-Garments that can be toggled to change their look
And of course more.
For a start, we're adding what we refer to as a 'chain blade'. The number inside the blade will change to show how many consecutive hits you've made with fb/ss.
The weapons glow will also get more and more intimidating as the counter rises!
After that we are looking at doing a "RobeOfTheAvatar" garment. The idea is that there will be 4 garments in one. Each element will have its own unique style and glow associated with it (Wind, Water, Earth and Fire) and you will be able to toggle the look of the garment at any time by clicking a small button in the buff tray.
