Mit einer ca. 15 minütigen Verspätung begann heute Nacht der Chat mit den Game Master und anderen Sigil Games Online Angehörigen im IRC Chatraum von Silky Venom. Wir waren für euch dort und bringen hier den Chatlog zum Nachlesen.

[00:13:00] Alrighty everyone, welcome to our Live Q&A with Sigil Games Online gamemasters for Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. [00:13:10] Just some instructions before we get started. [00:13:52] We're taking questions through private messaging. If you have a question you'd like to ask, please message Dillgaar or wyrd33. [00:14:01] To do so, type /msg wyrd33 your mesage here [00:14:08] or /msg Dillgaar your message here [00:14:31] We'll keep the chat moderated so that we can move things along and allow time for our guests to answer. [00:14:49] So with that, SGO folks, would you like to introduce yourselves, please? [00:15:27] I guess I'll start.. [00:16:04] My name is Zack Karlsson. Long ago, GM Ozuri. I'm the Director of Business Development here at Sigil. [00:16:36] Practically speaking, that doesn't mean a whole lot. I manage Marketing, PR, Community, as well as have some participation in the policy process for Customer Support. [00:16:52] I enjoy long walks on the beach, punting gnomes, dwarven ale, and I'm a Virgo.

SilkyVenom Chatlog aus dem IRC Veröffentlicht von: Gryphus am 22. 2006 - 13:45 Uhr [00:13:00] Alrighty everyone, welcome to our Live Q&A with Sigil Games Online gamemasters for Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. [00:13:10] Just some instructions before we get started. [00:13:52] We're taking questions through private messaging. If you have a question you'd like to ask, please message Dillgaar or wyrd33. [00:14:01] To do so, type /msg wyrd33 your mesage here [00:14:08] or /msg Dillgaar your message here [00:14:31] We'll keep the chat moderated so that we can move things along and allow time for our guests to answer. [00:14:49] So with that, SGO folks, would you like to introduce yourselves, please? [00:15:27] I guess I'll start.. [00:16:04] My name is Zack Karlsson. Long ago, GM Ozuri. I'm the Director of Business Development here at Sigil. [00:16:36] Practically speaking, that doesn't mean a whole lot. I manage Marketing, PR, Community, as well as have some participation in the policy process for Customer Support. [00:16:52] I enjoy long walks on the beach, punting gnomes, dwarven ale, and I'm a Virgo. [00:16:53] Thanks. [00:17:36] I'm Nick Parkinson, aka Glip the Gnome. I'm the forum gnome and community guy. I enjoy locking to consolidate, stabbing Ozuri's foot and boba tea. [00:18:06] ie. He's the gnome that Ozuri likes to punt. [00:18:17] ...likes to TRY to punt [00:18:26] I am Michelle Butler, GM Elionia.. I am the Customer Support Manager. We are pleased today to introduce you to three new Game Masters. Aughos and Verityn joined us about two weeks ago and Vladmiir just joined us this week from Testing. Thanks you all for coming. Now Here are the Game Masters. [00:19:00] I am Ian Conway aka Aughos... I am a GM here and handle GM type secret GM stuff.... I like everything to do with the ocean... And unicorns [00:19:13] and Im an Orc [00:19:17] Greetings, I am GM Daegarmo. Nice to see everyone here. [00:20:15] Greetings, I am Suzie Owen, aka GM KeeJay I like to travel through Telon and I like Chickens ! [00:20:40] I am Todd Thomas, aka GM Tage. I am merely a placeholder mob until NDA is lifted. [00:20:44] Cheeekan GUUD [00:21:03] My name is John Larberg. I'm a Gamemaster for Sigil. I'm brand new to the industry and with that comes alot of ecstatic enthusiasm. [00:21:20] He is a Dreamboat too [00:21:33] haahaa [00:21:39] That hit an iceberg long ago [00:22:16] Vlad is shy, we are throwing him on stage, one moment. [00:22:17] Hiya I am Paul Luna AKA Technical GM-Vlad, I like Driving my Car oh and playing Vanguard ;-) [00:22:38] His car is jealous. [00:22:46] oh and I'm a Gemini [00:23:05] Ok,, with the intro's out of the way, let's get into the good stuff [00:23:10] right, he drives a gemini [00:23:19] So that's who we're meeting today. Just a reminder to send the questions you have via private message to wyrd33 or Dillgaar. [00:23:38] Keep questions GM related please. [00:23:40] Also, we'd like to thank Stratics network for the use of their IRC server and their speedy help (thanks Dorian) for this event. [00:24:05] Would each of the new GM's give us a brief synopsis onAny previous experience in the game industry? [00:24:05] How did you become a GM? How did you end up working for Sigil? [00:24:11] eep! [00:24:22] if you can decipher that, that is [00:25:00] Ok, well I started as a GM in MUDS long ago as a volunteer... My first official start was with Artifact Ent/ Tulga Games... I cam to Sigil cause this is where the industry is now [00:25:16] I cant tell how excited I am to be here with this team now [00:26:10] We're excited that he's excited. [00:26:49] As I'm new to the industry I'm never before been a GM and I believe I got in because I've been a big fan of Vanguard and Brad McQuaid for a very long time now...and my customer service background [00:27:29] Let's See [00:27:48] I guess I just want to work in every department here at Sigil ;-) [00:27:57] Nah Really [00:28:06] lol [00:28:21] I have been working closely with CS while in QA... [00:28:40] it seemed a good fit to just move in with these guys ;-) [00:28:49] What is it that you do for "work" exactly? There are some folks out there who are not quite sure what a GM does or is. [00:29:30] I help people basically in every aspect of the word. [00:30:17] I also do name changes and emails [00:30:33] What exactly is your involvement in Vanguard. Would you give us a brief synopsis of what a current in-game shift consists of? [00:31:47] I am currently working on in game Focus testing... [00:31:57] I assist with Tech issues [00:32:31] I do Forum Admin also for the Glipster [00:32:54] ;-) [00:33:05] A job only gnomes are cool enough to do [00:33:26] <-- Cool Gnome [00:33:38] As if there were any other kind [00:33:43] no such thing [00:34:01] Its all about the Orcs... Come on [00:34:12] Notice how it took time for Vlad to admit he was also a gnome. ;-) [00:34:29] how many GM's are vanguard planing to have online around the clock? [00:34:35] Bah I'm a Slow reader [00:35:12] Customer Support will be a 24/7 department. As for how many that has yet to be determined but we have a good plan in place [00:35:32] Nice! [00:35:45] There will be many things that challenge us so we will have to be prepared to deal with many things on the fly [00:35:55] I like to fly [00:35:56] Echoblade asks "what is the GM hierarchy like?" [00:36:37] Right now we all help out with everything. However, closer to game launch we will be breaking up into 3 different teams each responsible for different aspects of Customer Support. We will have a Server GM Team which will handle the day to day running of the servers, we will have a team of police who will do just that, enforce policies, and we will have questing and events GMs who will bring flavor to Telon [00:37:10] MMmmmm. Flavor [00:37:15] Chicken Flavor [00:37:19] LOL [00:37:20] with Dijon.. [00:37:23] and a Tomato. [00:37:31] Hey Now !! [00:37:48] some Bacon? [00:38:41] Will it be possible to send in game messages (to support staff or other players) from outside the game? [00:39:49] We're still working on that. We're looking at a variety of trans-medial access (i don't know why they use that term, it's just what it's called) options. We'd like you to be able to send messages from your Instant Messaging app, maybe your cell phone -- not only to individuals but also to your guilds and other social organizations. What level of support we'll have for those applications at launch has yet to be determined, [00:40:25] GM, can you hear me now? [00:40:43] Will Vanguard run a volunteer guide program or will you only use GM's that work for Sigil? [00:41:26] Vanguard has in place a group called the Crimson Fellowship- they are currently preparing to expand their numbers. [00:42:42] How much freedom does a GM with the number and time of events? Is there much planning required? Or perhaps if a GM is feeling spontaneous can he begin a quest at his own sole discretion? [00:42:46] They are a very excited bunch and I am already enjoying having them around. We wil have a great deal inofmration coming soon on the Fellowship [00:44:15] Events, as a creative thing, have to be a bit amorphous - fitting them into a specific time slot or a regimented amount of planning I think will stunt the creativity. We will plan and we will have a good idea of where we're going with "large impact" and "impromptu" events, but that's really just knowing the big picture [00:44:33] are they going to play the game too... and what kind of player do they see themselves as... casual, hardcore etc [00:44:50] The individual events will vary as much in impact and planning and other aspects as we can - the last thing we want is somethign predictable, or why have dynamic events? [00:46:55] I am going to play!! [00:46:58] How to answer this question without getting into trouble. =) [00:47:01] I am a casual player when it comes to outcome, hardcore when it comes to getting something out of the play experience, but rarely would that mean numbers. I want something FUN to happen when I play and that's also what I want to offer players. [00:47:25] Yes, I'll be playing Vanguard ALOT and I've known this since the day Brad McQuaid announced he was making an MMOG. I consider myself an MMOG experienced hardcore player and a huge fan of raiding. [00:47:27] I will definately be playing!! How could you not want to once you have seen it. I will be having one of the most beautiful homes in Telon [00:47:29] I am a powergamer with an extremely strong background in PvP. I plan on playing a lot of time in the game. [00:47:33] I will surely be playing... As opposite of an Elf as I can be.. Orc or Dwarf usually... and always the main tank. Charge in and let the clerics sort it out. [00:47:41] I'm a Core player, I think Aradune discribed what a Core play is ;-) [00:47:55] Oh, and powergaming PvPers that become GMs should be banned from playing. [00:48:05] ... [00:48:12] Aughos...OMG, you're one of THOSE... [00:48:18] ;-) [00:48:30] Watch it Tage!!... PvP is where the cool kids hang out [00:49:45] UNless I can be a pirate... then YAR!! [00:49:52] Are the GM's planning on being members of the community on the servers that they work on? Or going to only pop in for fixes, warnings, bans, etc then pop out again? Only answering petitions from /tells etc? [00:49:57] Gnome Pirates FTW!! [00:50:16] as KJ stated earlier, we will have several different types of GMs. [00:50:25] The Server GMs will not only be part of the community, they will also be part of lore [00:50:31] <-- Pirate GM!! [00:50:42] and will be every bit as much of the game and community as the NPCs of the game, the players of the game, and the server history [00:50:52] Aye Vlad.... Avast... [00:51:16] You will see less "attachment" from the GM-Enforcement and GM-Quests, but for the most part, I feel that the playerbase will become very comfortable with their server GM in time [00:51:16] ARRR [00:51:36] I believe you mean Arrgh! [00:51:44] N00b Pirate [00:51:45] yargg! [00:51:52] thats a real pirate :p [00:51:57] aye [00:51:59] ok next question [00:52:01] "I've heard that GamesMasters and Guides are both actually being written into the Lore of the game. Could you elaborate on that in any way?" [00:52:09] I had something caught in my Throat... sorry /blush [00:52:11] Yes, Game Masters and the Crimson Fellowship are being written into the Lore of the game. We can not give you any details at this time, as that of course would be spilling of the Sekret Sauce (tm) and I do not wish to ire the Aradune. Because I love my job here at Sigil. [00:53:06] And because the smell of sekret sauce on chicken has been known to drive GMs into a frenzy [00:53:07] What are some new GM protocals they plan on using in VG that other MMO's don't do....and how will they make our gaming experiences a better one? What are some new GM protocals they plan on using in VG that other MMO's don't do....and how will they make our gaming experiences a better one? [00:53:10] lol [00:53:20] does that mean I have to answer that twice? =) [00:53:23] hahhahaha !! [00:53:29] yes but all on one line [00:53:41] The voices in my head are repeating themselves now [00:53:44] Not only are we planning on having the specific server GMs, being backed by an investigation and enforcement team . .. [00:53:59] we are also going to have a fully dedicated events staff with strong volunteer support [00:54:09] this will be a third generation events team [00:54:30] that will make the game so much more alive with dynamic content that will present a one of a kind environment [00:55:00] heeh Lady D Is Third Gen alright!! [00:57:12] So will there be smaller GM events? One thing that's always disappointed me with most GM events in other MMOGs is they lag terribly from all the people there. Will there be smaller, scattered events that you can 'stumble' into, or something like? [00:58:06] So will there be smaller GM events? One thing that's always disappointed me with most GM events in other MMOGs is they lag terribly from all the people there. Will there be smaller, scattered events that you can 'stumble' into, or something like? [00:58:19] Oops,, god I'm a newb! I'm betaing this folks, so bear with me! [00:58:20] What if an event started and you weren't even sure it was an event? What if the barkeep just stepped out of "program" and asked you to take over so he could take a nap? Events don't have to be epic to be engaging and they don't have to involve a lot of people [00:58:58] The promise of that kind of possibility and enough people seeing it happening to expect it might be the kind of "small event" we're considering nd hope to bring [00:59:02] We'll see. [00:59:18] As far as the GM and player communities go, will the GM's stop by to group with chars their own level during a break or downtime? [00:59:31] We already do on the Beta Server. Although they do not know who we are when we are playing. [00:59:47] We do not group with players to play in our GM Avatar [00:59:56] but we do certainly play. [01:00:17] Unless you see talking Chickens [01:00:31] what type of gm events are there going to be in the beginning, as well as throughout the years, if any? [01:00:41] I saw those before I started working here Vlad [01:00:41] Well ya giant talking chickens [01:00:58] nod [01:01:16] We do not want to spill too much informaiton about the plans we have for events etc from a GM side, but we will have a whole team planning running events etc [01:01:45] We will have story lines that move throughout Telon and impact the world or just a small area [01:02:09] Tage is an excellent writer and is working on plans and things we will do right now [01:02:18] he is? [01:02:23] snicker [01:02:30] I happen to be someone who would love to break into the game industry, whether it be Q&A, GM, or Web Development. Any advice? What sort of information should I be putting on my resume to give me a leg up? Does working for a fan site improve my odds? [01:03:05] So, this is always a difficult question because we get asked it a lot. First, there is no small amount of luck that goes into getting into the industry. [01:03:18] Second, knowing someone always helps. It isn't a sure thing, but it helps. [01:03:25] Laby is adding her own questions ;-) [01:03:40] LOL that wasn't mine! [01:03:42] actually that was my question [01:03:46] Im almost done paying Ozuri off [01:03:56] Third, when interviewing for a game company, relevant experience is great, but don't leave out the game experience. If we're looking for creative people, we need to know about the campaigns you ran, the quests you wrote, or the just plain cool ideas you had. [01:03:56] LOL [01:04:06] You're just getting started, sir. [01:04:22] Ozuri got my 1st born as part of the contract with sigil [01:04:23] When I started in the industry, I was a Senior Guide for EverQuest. [01:04:31] And I went to Verant for a tour.. [01:04:39] And this crazy lady told me that she wouldn't let me have a tour unless I interviewed. [01:04:57] I wsa a Senior EQ GM as well when I joined the industry [01:05:05] I interviewed and then this other crazy guy asked me if I liked PvP and suggested I could take a job as the GM on a PvP server. [01:05:26] I was hired.. and the crazy lady was Elionia.. and the person who recommended me was Daegarmo. [01:05:37] And now we all work together again! [01:05:44] =) [01:05:49] I know some crazy people too [01:05:55] The industry is small, and breaking in is hard, but any relevant experience, participation, creative writing, ideas you've had... it all helps. [01:05:55] And the crazy is still everywhere [01:06:21] I think it gets crazier everyday [01:06:23] Be prepared in your interview... when you're asked, What do you like about Game X.. or what do you hate about it? Have a real answer.. think about your stance on things beforehand. [01:06:31] Interupting Directors while they are talking is just crazy talk. [01:06:36] Indeed. [01:06:40] hehehhehehe [01:06:46] =) [01:06:54] Wow some great questions and answers so far! [01:06:59] Can you expand on the the "volunteer support" on the events team? [01:07:51] Actullay much of that part of the Crimson Fellowship is still in the planning stages. We will set aside some interview time to discuss just the Fellowship [01:08:35] Different MMORPGs have different ways of dealing with people who break the game's rules, whether that be ganking, cheating, or something else. You could go with a nasty email, and/or a ban... but Roma Victor uses the old practice of crucifixion! [01:08:35] How does Vanguard plan on handling these types of people? [01:08:53] and the typing begins =) [01:08:55] heehee [01:09:12] We already have a complete code of conduct, along with policies and procedures to handle every form of enforcement. [01:09:32] well...we already crucify employess, but that's more for fun and not a punishment [01:09:57] Our tools will be great and allow us more leeway in different forms of corrective actions against our players [01:10:30] We only want to remove unapproperate behavior types, not ban people, but of course if the action does not correct itself, we will always do what we believe is in the best interest of the community [01:10:45] If you didn't just get a shivver hearing Lady_Dae say "different forms of corrective actions" then you weren't paying attention. [01:11:08] Im still shaking.. [01:11:20] sounds fun [01:11:21] I have to check on Eli with my request on a guillotine. [01:11:38] Will there be a place to sign up to be a volunteer once the game in launched? [01:12:14] Absolutley- there will be a lengthy online applicatin process and we will make everyone aware when it opens [01:12:31] The Knights are creating the application noe [01:12:32] now [01:12:45] I didnt do it unless you have proof then in that case Im sorry... [01:12:51] there will be a steel box on our roof for applications [01:14:34] are GM's gonna have any impact on the game in respects to economy or guild balance/power [01:15:31] We wont have an impact on economy and guild balance as that would be a form of corruption and possible favortism [01:15:41] <--- Master of Random Thoughts and Conversation Derailer Expert [01:16:14] Will when we put up a complaint will the GM's answer us directly or through email? [01:16:53] I assume by complaint it implies- problem- and in game problems will be handled in game [01:17:30] Some situtations will have to be handled through email. YOu will be able to contact a GM in several different ways [01:17:52] Here's an interesting one [01:17:54] Is there a plan in place to deal with the players who are only on to compalin to the GMs (whiners), and what plans do you have to deal with the palyers who bait others into EULA violations? [01:18:33] We already have a system in place that handles the first part of the question. I do not wish to go into exact specifics as letting too much information about that slide will allow people to work around it. Specifically, we are ready for such players. =) [01:19:08] As for the 2nd part, it depends on the situation. If it's a player, as an individual, that's a certain set of policies that CS can use -- similar to the first part. [01:19:29] But if it's a corporation that is inducing people to break their contract with us, the EULA, then we have Oloh go after them. [01:19:49] Not the Mad Sheep! [01:20:01] Or is that "The Mad Wooly One!"? [01:20:09] Will there be GM events on Euro servers or just US? If there are going to be any Euro servers that is. [01:21:04] We fully intend to have Euro servers -- both French and German. There will be events on those servers as well and they will be staffed fully. [01:21:36] what kinda punishments? perma-death for a character, or the same old, slap on a wrist/ban? [01:22:58] hmm...when I screwed up I had to take Vlad for a walk. I will never do that again [01:23:13] That's an interesting question. Lots of games have done a variety of things -- and I think we'd all like to approach things fairly creatively when dealing with specific problems. [01:23:33] People who unfairly benefit from an incorrectly priced item, for instance, might have all their coin stripped -- [01:23:54] Those who exploit for experience gain might lose experience -- in addition to suspension. It's all about making the punishment fit appropriately. [01:23:55] Next time remember the Plastic bags!!! [01:24:16] I have faith that Elionia can come up with a suitable variety of actions that we can take to fit each particular instance appropriately. [01:24:30] She's suitably creative [01:24:45] First of all, thank you for your time. I was wondering if you tell me strictly from a gamer's point of view, what you enjoy the most about the game and what you're most excited about. [01:25:09] I would have to advise that answering that question could be considered a violation of the NDA! [01:25:19] Well we could but we would be violating our NDA [01:25:22] LOL [01:25:23] =) [01:25:27] Drat I was so ready to answer it!! [01:25:32] lol [01:25:34] But nice try anyway, Ruic! [01:25:35] Answering that one would get a visit from Lady D I am afraid [01:25:36] Im excited about Me... [01:26:24] We're excited that he's excited [01:27:19] Please dont look at me like that Tage [01:27:32] I'm Excited to be in an MMO community again [01:28:11] Vlad's just excited to be accepted back into any community again [01:28:15] It's about time we started wrapping things up. We got off to a rocky start and everyone from Sigil has been here way longer than I'm sure they expected to be. So with that said our last question is Using one word, describe your GM experience thus far. [01:28:35] Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious [01:28:44] Asparagus [01:28:47] epic [01:28:51] Fan-freakin-tastic! [01:29:03] righteous . . . . . and nice to see you Exuro. [01:29:12] memorable [01:29:21] Busy. [01:29:44] WEeeeeEEEeeeeEEee [01:30:01] Scary thing is , Vlad actually just made that noise out loud [01:30:42] Ok that's it for us. Thank you all SGO folks for coming by and answering our questions! And we would like to thank everyone for joining us today! [01:30:56] Thanks everyone!!!! [01:30:57] Thanks to SV for having us ! [01:31:03] Thanks A ton!!! [01:31:14] Thanks to everyone of ryour support and interest [01:31:16] If you missed a part of this chat, we should have a log of it up in a bit on the website: www.silkyvenom.com [01:31:19] Thank you all. [01:31:24] Go Wings! [01:31:43] What's your favorite pie? [01:31:44] Kerpow!