DDO longevity - how long will it last?

[qoolboxer]

Just wondering if there is any word on when the license for DDO will end/renew. I mean, do we know roughly how much longer this game is going to be around? If it is going to be another few more years, then we can buy and accumulate TPs without worry...

I suppose it is fair to assume that DDO is going to be around for at least another 2 years? And when will the game see Half Orcs and Druids.

[DoctorWhofan]

2014

It's been around for 4 + years, I'd say it will be there until 2014.

Half Orcs are this winter. DOn't hold your breath on Druids.

[blitzschlag]

i'd say its there as long as there is revenue. noone kills the golden duck. with more and more kids incoming thru the f2p and zombie pirate themes there will be plenty of time left.

[jadenkorr]

I think DDO easily has a few more years left in it. After which, it may be time to make DDO2.

- Graphics will get outdated eventually
- The DnD license is strong, and will not be left to rot in a dark cave somewhere
- If they ever decide to raise the level cap, it might actually be easier to reconstruct the game from scratch, than try to balance epic levels or they could make the epic levels more of a gradual progression, which deviates from PnP, but is another way to do it

Why I think they will eventually raise either the xp needed to level up (oh no, not more grind!) or the level cap. Once you have developed a lot of content, say 50-60 quests at each of the levels, and made new shiny gear etcetc, what else is there left to do? You could add housing, pets (unlikely for DDO though), guild airships (coming soon), all that standard MMO fluff. New classes and races? Possibly. But the biggest problem with new classes is the sheer amount of balancing needed (which is why I suspect they have not made druids yet) and the large amount of art (which is expensive).

Personally, I think DDO2 will offer a very good opportunity to bring in a new game engine, which may allow the devs to make combat even more fun! I get the feeling that sometimes the devs are constrained by what the engine can and cannot do. There was a post sometime back about a single object not being able to be lit by more than a certain number of light sources. I also read another post about not being able to have a lot of movable objects. All constraints which may be lifted with a new engine. Letting the devs develop new and exciting content.

[Eladiun]

Till the hamster dies.

[qoolboxer]

The problem here though is that DDO is a licensed MMO. Turbine may lose its license, not get renewal, etc. Just wondering when the current license ends, I suppose 2014 is the answer according to doctorwhofan?

Also, consider that D&D is now 4e, so in a way DDO is using "outdated" rules.

[Lorz]

Op the contracts regarding Turbine and WoC I'm sure enable Turbine to continue it's license. I cannot image they did not negotiate the renewal into the license. Anything less from their legal end would be negligent.

As stated it's almost 5 years old and going stronger than ever. Remember WoC would prefer to keep the revenue coming.

[tihocan]

IIRC the contract goes to 2016. Dig up dev posts around the time the move to F2P was announced to verify it...

[JPDefault]

I heard the End of the World has been re-scheduled for 2011, so DDO can't last more than a bout a year and half. :rolleyes:

[flynnjsw]

I heard the End of the World has be re-scheduled for 2011, so DDO can't last more than a bout a year and half. :rolleyes:

Actually if you believe the most vocal of forum posters, the End of the World is on 6/28/2010. :rolleyes:

[cdbd3rd]

Also, consider that D&D is now 4e, so in a way DDO is using "outdated" rules.

Good. :p



I heard the End of the World has be re-scheduled for 2011, so DDO can't last more than a bout a year and half. :rolleyes:


Well, otoh, once we all go up in a cloud of whatever takes us out in 2012 (or 11ish) - won't have to worry about no steenking D&D license, and we can all play on forever with our puters plugged into good hydro-electric generators. :D

Update 13 will be the consoldated games of Turbine and Icarus (to conserve the last remnants of hamster resources), and shall be called Fallen Eberron.

[Ashiel_Dragmire]

Also, consider that D&D is now 4e, so in a way DDO is using "outdated" rules.

As much as I dislike 4e, I think that the whole "powers" system could actually work really well for an MMO. The powers themselves really aren't all that bad (I'm currently in a campaign as a Warblade, which is as close to 4e as 3.5e gets), but the restrictions on Alignment and Multiclassing are really what killed me.

But DDO in it's current form? I think 2014 feels about right. Not too much longer, but not tomorrow either.

[Doganpc]

I'd say it'll last till SW:OR gets released and everyone moves to a galaxy far far away.

Dogan
Who can resist the cookies?

[flynnjsw]

I'd say it'll last till SW:OR gets released and everyone moves to a galaxy far far away.

Dogan
Who can resist the cookies?

I highly doubt a single MMO will kill DDO.

[Grosbeak07]

Asherons Call is still going and that's older than my kids.

[testing1234]

pretty sure the world ended at 2000, have a clear memory reading something about this in the papers

[Docrailgun]

I should note that the 4th edition D&D tabletop game is perfect for an MMO/video game.

I think DDO easily has a few more years left in it. After which, it may be time to make DDO2.

- Graphics will get outdated eventually
- The DnD license is strong, and will not be left to rot in a dark cave somewhere
- If they ever decide to raise the level cap, it might actually be easier to reconstruct the game from scratch, than try to balance epic levels or they could make the epic levels more of a gradual progression, which deviates from PnP, but is another way to do it

Why I think they will eventually raise either the xp needed to level up (oh no, not more grind!) or the level cap. Once you have developed a lot of content, say 50-60 quests at each of the levels, and made new shiny gear etcetc, what else is there left to do? You could add housing, pets (unlikely for DDO though), guild airships (coming soon), all that standard MMO fluff. New classes and races? Possibly. But the biggest problem with new classes is the sheer amount of balancing needed (which is why I suspect they have not made druids yet) and the large amount of art (which is expensive).

Personally, I think DDO2 will offer a very good opportunity to bring in a new game engine, which may allow the devs to make combat even more fun! I get the feeling that sometimes the devs are constrained by what the engine can and cannot do. There was a post sometime back about a single object not being able to be lit by more than a certain number of light sources. I also read another post about not being able to have a lot of movable objects. All constraints which may be lifted with a new engine. Letting the devs develop new and exciting content.

[ddaedelus]

I'd say it'll last till SW:OR gets released and everyone moves to a galaxy far far away.

Dogan
Who can resist the cookies?
For a couple weeks, then everyone realizes it's another auto-attack grind fest with poorly balanced PvP and no real end game. Then we all go back to what we were doing before. ;)

[KingOfCheese]

Forever!

As the populations dwindles to just a few people left, they will start selling "keep the game going" tokens in the store. Eventually it will just be me playing, with a direct link from the store to my credit cards, a home equity line of credit, and an IV taking my blood. I'll be grinding for xp in the Vale with an lfm up that says "Rainbow on hard, anyone? . . . anyone?"

[SolarDawning]

Keep in mind, Turbine is still hosting and supporting Asheron's Call, after... eleven years!

Yeah. They're still running an eleven year old game. I don't think Turbine will just drop an asset when it begins to slow down, rather, they'll keep it up until the final gasp.

[Eladiun]

Keep in mind, Turbine is still hosting and supporting Asheron's Call, after... eleven years!

Yeah. They're still running an eleven year old game. I don't think Turbine will just drop an asset when it begins to slow down, rather, they'll keep it up until the final gasp.


Anarchy Online is over 10 years old as well. I wouldn't count DDO out too early I made that mistake once already. It's like the little engine that could...

[Mockduck]

Turbine has the rights to develop and operate Dungeons and Dragons Online through its license with Wotc until at least 2016, but that doesn't really mean much.

[Victorie]

Till the hamster dies.

We have taken steps to ensure that no single hamster passing can stop DDO. We have backup hamsters. Granted, their armor isn't as good, but it should withstand a few beholder attacks.

And yes, AC is more than 10 years old, and still getting new content!

[DoctorWhofan]

IIRC the contract goes to 2016. Dig up dev posts around the time the move to F2P was announced to verify it...

noted. They must have re negoticated. I thought it was 2014 before.


Good. :p




If it goes 4E, I will not play.


I'd say it'll last till SW:OR gets released and everyone moves to a galaxy far far away.

Dogan
Who can resist the cookies?

Hardly a threat. AoC, WoW updates, LotRO, WAR... meh. F2P adds a bonus of playing without commintment. THerewill be drop when it goes live, but I suspect many will return. All I see is hyped up voice overs. I am sure the graphics will awesome.

Then again, Star Wars was never my favourite. I have no interest playing it, having more interest playing LotRO.


We have taken steps to ensure that no single hamster passing can stop DDO. We have backup hamsters. Granted, their armor isn't as good, but it should withstand a few beholder attacks.

And yes, AC is more than 10 years old, and still getting new content!


THere you go!

[knightgf]

I'm hoping the CEO's that manage this game step down first before the game ends, that way, we can get some fresh ideas into the game and better results as well.

But if anything, I predict the end of the game(As well as the whole world I might add) will end on December 21, 2012.

[Eladiun]

I'm hoping the CEO's that manage this game step down first before the game ends, that way, we can get some fresh ideas into the game and better results as well.

But if anything, I predict the end of the game(As well as the whole world I might add) will end on December 21, 2012.


CEO's don't manage individual games. Game Manager/Designer makes the decisions related to game development in most companies. This game has already hand a couple leadership changes.

[Uska]

The problem here though is that DDO is a licensed MMO. Turbine may lose its license, not get renewal, etc. Just wondering when the current license ends, I suppose 2014 is the answer according to doctorwhofan?

Also, consider that D&D is now 4e, so in a way DDO is using "outdated" rules.

No we are using the better rule set have you ever played 4E BARF!!!!!!! newer isnt always better.

[Gkar]

I'd say it'll last till SW:OR gets released and everyone moves to a galaxy far far away.

Dogan
Who can resist the cookies?

Hi new guy.

I bet no one has ever said that before whenever a new MMO came on the market between when the game launched and now.

[Uska]

I'd say it'll last till SW:OR gets released and everyone moves to a galaxy far far away.

Dogan
Who can resist the cookies?

not going to play OR its combat system bites.

[Tokeri]

you know ultima online was release to the public in late 96 early 97 and its still one of the best mmorpgs out there (in my own opinion i prefer gameplay over grafix) so id say with good luck 2020 . the only real threat is diablo 3 imho

[Stormanne]

I'd say it'll last till SW:OR gets released and everyone moves to a galaxy far far away.

Same was said about WAR, WoW updates, AoC, Champions, Star Trek, Vanguard, etc etc. There is something special about DDO. For the people that "get it" there is nothing better than DDO. It is an acquired taste though. And, with the information coming out of the Alpha Forums for SW: TOR, Bioware looked at and were influenced heavily by DDO when it came to combat...

[DoctorWhofan]

same Was Said About War, Wow Updates, Aoc, Champions, Star Trek, Vanguard, Etc Etc. There Is Something Special About Ddo. For The People That "get It" There Is Nothing Better Than Ddo. It Is An Acquired Taste Though. ...

Qft.

[Narmolanya]

What going to kill DDO is a better game being made. Right now, as it has been for years, we see players posting their goodbyes only to return in a few months. This is due to the total lack of competition this game has. There realy is nothing like it out there as everybody is trying to create WoW clones. I to have left twice and played around with other games only to come back because there is no game like this.

Turbine had better stay focused however and create game loyality as I feel with the success of the FTP model there is now a big target on DDOs back by other developers that wish to cash in on some of that money.

[Trillea]

turbine Had Better Stay Focused However And Create Game Loyality As I Feel With The Success Of The Ftp Model There Is Now A Big Target On Ddos Back By Other Developers That Wish To Cash In On Some Of That Money.

Qfght!

[Xyfiel]

I heard tomorrow. If you are on Thelanis send Xyfiel all your large ings and named items.

[Myriam]

Same was said about WAR, WoW updates, AoC, Champions, Star Trek, Vanguard, etc etc. There is something special about DDO. For the people that "get it" there is nothing better than DDO. It is an acquired taste though. And, with the information coming out of the Alpha Forums for SW: TOR, Bioware looked at and were influenced heavily by DDO when it came to combat...

Except that WAR, AoC, Champions, Star Trek and Vanguard are already dead, and pretty much were shortly after launch.

WoW is popular because it appeals to the lowest common denominater, anyone can play it, and do it good. I've seen a five year old play it in a raid, and do great.

I'm looking forward to SW: ToR, but you're comparing it and DDO to games that already died, and one that is so simple and boring any preschooler can start playing and do well.

[Gkar]

Except that WAR, AoC, Champions, Star Trek and Vanguard are already dead, and pretty much were shortly after launch.

WoW is popular because it appeals to the lowest common denominater, anyone can play it, and do it good. I've seen a five year old play it in a raid, and do great.

I'm looking forward to SW: ToR, but you're comparing it and DDO to games that already died, and one that is so simple and boring any preschooler can start playing and do well.

I bet if you searched the forums the exact same thing you are saying about SW:tor was said about each of those just before they launched.

[Narmolanya]

Except that WAR, AoC, Champions, Star Trek and Vanguard are already dead, and pretty much were shortly after launch.

WoW is popular because it appeals to the lowest common denominater, anyone can play it, and do it good. I've seen a five year old play it in a raid, and do great.

I'm looking forward to SW: ToR, but you're comparing it and DDO to games that already died, and one that is so simple and boring any preschooler can start playing and do well.

I realy wanted to like Vangaurd, with the shipbuilding and all, but I got bored of it quickly. To bad that game realy is dead as they just merged down to one server last week. Someone made an interesting post on the Vangaurd forums that I have wanted to link over here for a while.

http://forums.station.sony.com/vg/posts/list.m?topic_id=53518

[Eladiun]

We have taken steps to ensure that no single hamster passing can stop DDO. We have backup hamsters. Granted, their armor isn't as good, but it should withstand a few beholder attacks.

And yes, AC is more than 10 years old, and still getting new content!

Bravo. /Bow

[Bloodhaven]

Asherons call was released October 1999 <I could be wrong> and is still generating revenue for turbine...


I hope DDO has the same lasting power as Asherons call.


How long till AC goes F2P?

[Stormanne]

Except that WAR, AoC, Champions, Star Trek and Vanguard are already dead, and pretty much were shortly after launch.

WoW is popular because it appeals to the lowest common denominater, anyone can play it, and do it good. I've seen a five year old play it in a raid, and do great.

I'm looking forward to SW: ToR, but you're comparing it and DDO to games that already died, and one that is so simple and boring any preschooler can start playing and do well.

Yes, and those games were supposed to be the death knell for DDO, seeing how they came out after DDO did. With the exception of AoC and WoW, the others have gone, or are going the way of the dodo, whereas DDO is not only surviving, but growing. Will SW do better than those others? I think so but only time will tell. Will SW kill off DDO? Not likely, not likely at all. And, considering I have a lightsaber graphic in my sig, it would be safe to assume that I'm looking forward to SW as well.

[Failedlegend]

Which is why I suspect they have not made druids yet

Actually the main reason that Druids (and changelings for that matter) have yet to be released is because according to the devs their having some technical issues with the transforming


As much as I dislike 4e, I think that the whole "powers" system could actually work really well for an MMO. The powers themselves really aren't all that bad (I'm currently in a campaign as a Warblade, which is as close to 4e as 3.5e gets), but the restrictions on Alignment and Multiclassing are really what killed me.

But DDO in it's current form? I think 2014 feels about right. Not too much longer, but not tomorrow either.

I really don't get what everybody has against 4.0 I like it.


I'd say it'll last till SW:OR gets released and everyone moves to a galaxy far far away.


Unless SWToR is F2P there's no reason to compare it to DDO....currently DDO is the king of F2P MMOs

[Hokiewa]

I won't hold my breath to see Druids. They can't release pre's for existing classes, let alone design a new one :rolleyes:

[ExarKun77]

Actually the main reason that Druids (and changelings for that matter) have yet to be released is because according to the devs their having some technical issues with the transforming

Technical issues? I think we had druids in NwN 1 and 2, so i don't think that's the problem.



Unless SWToR is F2P there's no reason to compare it to DDO....currently DDO is the king of F2P MMOs
Love Starwars, but i bet they still don't know the meaning of "free".
And the fact that they still haven't revealed the pay mode for The Old Republic lets me think it's not gonna be cheap.

[Gkar]

Technical issues? I think we had druids in NwN 1 and 2, so i don't think that's the problem..


Because this game uses the same game engine as NwN?

Shapeshifting is not in the game at this point, that's not a small thing to figure out how to impliment.

[jadenkorr]

Actually the main reason that Druids (and changelings for that matter) have yet to be released is because according to the devs their having some technical issues with the transforming

Hmm, any link to a dev post about this? Druid class would bring some new spells along with it, new animations, etc. All of which would require quite a decent time/money investment, especially for the art. Not 100% sure, but I think it would be easier to roll out a few content packs than make the druid class. Personally, I rather they finish up all the PrEs first, before making another class (which is likely to be missing PrEs).

[Hokiewa]

Hmm, any link to a dev post about this? Druid class would bring some new spells along with it, new animations, etc. All of which would require quite a decent time/money investment, especially for the art. Not 100% sure, but I think it would be easier to roll out a few content packs than make the druid class. Personally, I rather they finish up all the PrEs first, before making another class (which is likely to be missing PrEs).

Initially, that was the excuse. I believe in some "statement" around the launch of F2P, there was a brief mention that druids are not in development.

[Psyker]

For the people that "get it" there is nothing better than DDO. It is an acquired taste though.

Acquired taste...indeed, I was playing for almost 5 minutes before I new I had found something special. That's right all it took to hook me was the cheesy beginners quest where you can't die.

[samthedagger]

DDO took off fantastically with F2P. I envision it will be around at least as long as revenue is solid. And it only seems to be getting more and more profitable at the moment.