So, Ghallanda is getting gutted because SSG botched HC server transfers?

[Sarandra]

At first it was a few people, and a few guilds that announced they were moving to another server. Now, the dominoes are falling: more and more people and guilds have decided to move.

And why shouldn't they? They see the writing on the wall: Ghallanda is getting gutted. After the transfers, the number of active players will be down significantly, maybe turning Ghallanda into the next Wayfinder. Who wants to take the chance to stay behind, and maybe find themselves in a situation where they are *forced* to move (possibly having to spend money)?

I have other people telling me they can't move or would rather not (pets, mounts, guild, cache, storage, friends, etc.). They'll be left behind paying the price for SSG botching server transfers. Some have told me they are thinking about quitting if Ghallanda becomes a ghost town.

I don't think you (SSG) have thought this through! Do other servers really need to pay the price because you botched the HC transfers!?

Since the news of these transfers and the people and guilds moving, I am now torn between staying and going. As a PuG player, I can make the case to move and play on a more crowded server, as someone with friends staying I can make the case to stay on a possibly gutted server. I don't like being in this position.

Depressing really.

[Diracorvus]

On the other hand, a lot of people seem to only have stayed on Ghallanda because of the cost of moving. That's also something to think about.

[Tarinia]

At first it was a few people, and a few guilds that announced they were moving to another server. Now, the dominoes are falling: more and more people and guilds have decided to move.

And why shouldn't they? They see the writing on the wall: Ghallanda is getting gutted. After the transfers, the number of active players will be down significantly, maybe turning Ghallanda into the next Wayfinder. Who wants to take the chance to stay behind, and maybe find themselves in a situation where they are *forced* to move (possibly having to spend money)?

I have other people telling me they can't move or would rather not (pets, mounts, guild, cache, storage, friends, etc.). They'll be left behind paying the price for SSG botching server transfers. Some have told me they are thinking about quitting if Ghallanda becomes a ghost town.
I don't think you (SSG) have thought this through! Do other servers really need to pay the price because you botched the HC transfers!?

Since the news of these transfers and the people and guilds moving, I am now torn between staying and going. As a PuG player, I can make the case to move and play on a more crowded server, as someone with friends staying I can make the case to stay on a possibly gutted server. I don't like being in this position.

Depressing really.

Not only Ghallanda is gutted, all other server can be left now without cost with all 30 chars to go to Sarlona or Orien - only problem is, if you own a guild. You are right, that SSG has not thought about consequences like this. If they not limit the toons you can transfer, whole server populations will settle over. Thanks Tarinia

[Dandonk]

Personally, I want to stay on G-land. But I must admit to also keeping the door open for going, if everyone else is. I really don't want to be left more or less alone there. My guild can run regular r10 questing just fine with who we are, but we have to depend on others for doing raids. If the raid scene dies, it's going to be a tough call.

I know of three guilds, and some individuals, that are going. I don't think I'm at the stage where I feel like I have to go also, but it is definitely going to hurt the server.

But hey, Cordo implied he didn't think it'd be too bad, and if it was, "they'd have to see". So everyone should feel calm and reassured about it, right?

[KoobTheProud]

SSG rarely is on top of a situation like this - letting events dictate until they have no choice.

Obviously they are using an automated transfer request process since the transfers happen very quickly after you request one. This means they aren't likely to have eyes on transfers as they happen and odds are that hundreds if not thousands will have happened before they tumble to what is going down.

I think if a server has a heavy transfer rate the pressure on people on the bubble about going will be intense since they want to go in the free window to get their mules over. If there seems to be the possibility that SSG will suddenly flip off the switch the pressure will be even greater.

I would start transfers at 2am the day after maintenance and then take a look at the meta numbers by 6am to see what the Euro-players think and do. That allows for a timely flip of the switch before the East coast of North America and Brazil come on.

[Ereshkigal]

SSG rarely is on top of a situation like this - letting events dictate until they have no choice.

Obviously they are using an automated transfer request process since the transfers happen very quickly after you request one. This means they aren't likely to have eyes on transfers as they happen and odds are that hundreds if not thousands will have happened before they tumble to what is going down.

if people really stop logging into Ghallanda, it'll be public information right here. https://www.ddoaudit.com/live

[Sarandra]

[...]
I know of three guilds, and some individuals, that are going. I don't think I'm at the stage where I feel like I have to go also, but it is definitely going to hurt the server.[...]

I knew of more than three guilds and a few people at some point... but then two large guilds that said they were staying suddenly decided to move anyway. Like I said, the dominoes are falling for Ghallanda, and possibly the curtains closing.

That means: a lot less raiding, a lot less R10 groups, a lot less activity overall (I'm mostly interested in end-game).

Bah.

[KoobTheProud]

if people really stop logging into Ghallanda, it'll be public information right here. https://www.ddoaudit.com/live

My guess is concerned people will look at their server numbers, Sarlona and Orien in the days they are making the decision.

SSG should have gamed out the various scenarios and already know what the plan is in each case. This is one of the junctions where they could do something wrong and kill the economic viability of the game.

It's not just the ghost server vs overcrowded slum issue. There are technical issues that may show up if a super server population develops. This type of issue (meta issue involving many accounts) sometimes takes weeks to resolve based on recent history. The original transfer issue that has led to this point is a poster boy for how long an issue can continue before it is not resolved and SSG has to do something else.

[Ereshkigal]

My guess is concerned people will look at their server numbers, Sarlona and Orien in the days they are making the decision.

SSG should have gamed out the various scenarios and already know what the plan is in each case. This is one of the junctions where they could do something wrong and kill the economic viability of the game.

It's not just the ghost server vs overcrowded slum issue. There are technical issues that may show up if a super server population develops. This type of issue (meta issue involving many accounts) sometimes takes weeks to resolve based on recent history. The original transfer issue that has led to this point is a poster boy for how long an issue can continue before it is not resolved and SSG has to do something else.

I think this is just a bunch of hype, and nothing significant will happen. Time will tell.

Why? Because people don't want to leave the stuff that won't transfer. Server transfers are cheap enough that if someone was wanting to transfer badly enough, they would've already taken 1 or 2 characters and moved part of their stuff and started playing on another server. If they didn't do it then, most won't do it now.

There's a vocal minority that wants SSG to merge severs. They are just trying to take advantage of this situation to realize their own goals, but I don't think it will work, no matter how many folks stand on streetcorners holding up signs that read "The End is Nigh."

EIther way, ddoaudit will show the number of folks online, and the number in quests, and the number of LFMs --- if anything it's going to increase some on servers, with the end of Hardcore in a few days. But I don't see anyone posting that link to support their claim that people are leaving servers... When I do, then I'll take them more seriously. As it stands it's just talk.

Note: Also, I believe SSG probably did think this through. Timing the server transfers with the end of Hardcore making server populations rise is probably not a coincidence.

[Yamani]

I knew of more than three guilds and a few people at some point... but then two large guilds that said they were staying suddenly decided to move anyway. Like I said, the dominoes are falling for Ghallanda, and possibly the curtains closing.

That means: a lot less raiding, a lot less R10 groups, a lot less activity overall (I'm mostly interested in end-game).

Bah.

My suggestion would be to pay to come to Argo or Khyber then. Sarlona and Orien are both going to fall into issues of lag and unplayability with these so many supposed transfers. End game raid pushing will be practically unplayable especially during peak hours.

[elkorm]

My suggestion would be to pay to come to Argo or Khyber then. Sarlona and Orien are both going to fall into issues of lag and unplayability with these so many supposed transfers. End game raid pushing will be practically unplayable especially during peak hours.

nice suggestion, unless you play 6 toons and have 17 banks.

cheers
Elk

[Sarandra]

I think this is just a bunch of hype, and nothing significant will happen. [...]

I have enough connections with all large guilds to know what's up. There's also a lot of chatter on discord and in-game... the trend is towards people/guilds going to transfer. I'm not hyping anything, I'm sincerely voicing my concerns with what's going to happen.

Why? Because people don't want to leave the stuff that won't transfer. Server transfers are cheap enough that if someone was wanting to transfer badly enough, they would've already taken 1 or 2 characters and moved part of their stuff and started playing on another server. If they didn't do it then, most won't do it now.

That was initially the tone of the people staying, until they saw several people in their own guild planning to move already, several other guilds moving, and end-game folks moving. Your guild ship and non-transferables will do you no good on a gutted server.

There's a vocal minority that wants SSG to merge severs. They are just trying to take advantage of this situation to realize their own goals, but I don't think it will work, no matter how many folks stand on streetcorners holding up signs that read "The End is Nigh."

I may be one to want merges, but it's not my goal and this post of mine is not one to try to take advantage of this.

EIther way, ddoaudit will show the number of folks online, and the number in quests, and the number of LFMs --- if anything it's going to increase some on servers, with the end of Hardcore in a few days. But I don't see anyone posting that link to support their claim that people are leaving servers... When I do, then I'll take them more seriously. As it stands it's just talk.

I have no idea what you're trying to say with that. People/guilds are not posting threads on the forum announcing that they'll move with the transfers. They're chatting about it on discord and in-game chat though. Perhaps you're not getting these messages on your server, but on Ghallanda there's a lot of chirping.

Note: Also, I believe SSG probably did think this through. Timing the server transfers with the end of Hardcore making server populations rise is probably not a coincidence.

Yeah right.

[Hobgoblin51]

also they just did the albino mount.

thats only on one server... so if i move i lose the 200 dollar mount..... thats not a great idea/look

[Tilomere]

Why? Because people don't want to leave the stuff that won't transfer. Server transfers are cheap enough that if someone was wanting to transfer badly enough, they would've already taken 1 or 2 characters and moved part of their stuff and started playing on another server.

I'm ok losing 100 pets, a dozen mounts, and personal guild ship to move 40 characters. Loss of 10k or so AS is 50k DDO Points.
In exchange gain 10k DDO points worth of one time per server items. Net loss of 40k DDO Points.

The cost of moving 40 characters including alts holding extra gear would be 100k DDO Points.

Basically it is a sale of half-off-ish for moving, more or less.

Hoping for a better grouping result in exchange for loss.

[KoobTheProud]

also they just did the albino mount.

thats only on one server... so if i move i lose the 200 dollar mount..... thats not a great idea/look

I wouldn't be worried about the people who spend a lot on the game. They'll pay for a transfer if they want one and they'll do it for as many characters as they want and they'll buy a new kraken on the other end and stock it out as they level it with full guild renown pots running.

The people who are likely to try to take advantage of this free moves interval are the other type of end-gamer. Practical and spending as little as possible while getting maximum bang for their buck.

[mbartol]

I don't think you (SSG) have thought this through! Do other servers really need to pay the price because you botched the HC transfers!?

You are right, that SSG has not thought about consequences like this.

<snip> but it is definitely going to hurt the server.

But hey, Cordo implied he didn't think it'd be too bad, and if it was, "they'd have to see". So everyone should feel calm and reassured about it, right?

SSG rarely is on top of a situation like this - letting events dictate until they have no choice.

SSG is good about making knee-jerk decisions without considering the consequences. This whole server transfer fiasco is causing a lot of confusion and uncertainty in throughout the player community, and as usual SSG just closes their eyes and hopes for the best. Some players are truly concerned, and have posted their thoughts as well as questions.

But of course, SSG keeps to their hands-off approach. This further frustrates a LOT of the player base. Where are SSG’s representatives in this uncertain time? Where are their assurances that they understand people’s concerns? Do they even know what their players are worried about?

SSG: where are you!?

Note: Also, I believe SSG probably did think this through. Timing the server transfers with the end of Hardcore making server populations rise is probably not a coincidence.[/I]

Yes, I believe they have thought about the timing in relation to Hardcore ending. However, that really has little bearing on the overall consequences. Player consolidation should not be a player-driven strategy—it should be firmly in SSG’s control.

Players should not have to sacrifice guilds, shards, mounts, pets, character names, friendships, server-wide unlocks, or anything else to make the leap of faith. To make matters worse, there’s the fear that they must “act now” to prevent possibly being stuck.

[Eantarus]

Yes, I believe they have thought about the timing in relation to Hardcore ending. However, that really has little bearing on the overall consequences. Player consolidation should not be a player-driven strategy—it should be firmly in SSG’s control.

Players should not have to sacrifice guilds, shards, mounts, pets, character names, friendships, server-wide unlocks, or anything else to make the leap of faith. To make matters worse, there’s the fear that they must “act now” to prevent possibly being stuck.

Why is everyone forgetting that the free transfer period is not for server consolidation?

Oh. Right. Because SSG is being completely silent on the matter.

Funny, that.

[ShotCaller]

Legitimately looking for clarification on all this server transfer stuff. Feel free to correct me on anything I'm not understanding.

So SSG is offering free transfers to Orien and Sarlona because of past transfer issues migrating from the Hardcore server.

Why those servers specifically? Have they been crowned servers of choice, superior somehow? If it's a player population thing, then this is starting to sound like a veiled server reduction/merge that is not quite free of charge.

I'm seeing comments made to the effect that players or entire guilds are jumping ship to Orien or Sarlona because "Ghallanda sucks", wanting to get away from certain guilds or people, toxic environment, etc. So, the answer here is to potentially get all the offenders in one place? I'm also hearing that players on Orien and Sarlona don't WANT outsiders transferring into their server. And how is it that Ghallanda specifically became server non grata? Am I missing something?

Just for the record, I have zero intention to transfer to another server. Unless someone would care to enlighten me, I'm just not seeing the point. The only way I would consider it was if I KNEW 100% that Ghallanda was turning into a ghost town and I could transfer my guild over with no loss or penalty. Otherwise, I don't really see a reason to continue playing the game.

[misterski]

Why those servers specifically? Have they been crowned servers of choice, superior somehow? If it's a player population thing, then this is starting to sound like a veiled server reduction/merge that is not quite free of charge.

Because the server transfer problems from HC were to Sarlona and Orien. Transfers worked fine for the other servers (mostly).

[vryxnr]

Legitimately looking for clarification on all this server transfer stuff. Feel free to correct me on anything I'm not understanding.

So SSG is offering free transfers to Orien and Sarlona because of past transfer issues migrating from the Hardcore server.

Why those servers specifically?

The hardcore transfer problem was the worst and longest lasting for those two servers. Rather than keeping the hardcore server active for an unknown amount of time, they told everyone who mains on those servers who could not transfer their HC characters there to transfer to any other server to get the characters off of the soon to be deleted HC server with the promise they'll open up free transfers for them once they fix the issue that was preventing them from transferring to Sarlona and Orien. That time is now.

There just isn't a way to determine which characters came from HC and which ones were created elsewhere, so people are taking advantage of the free transfer not intended for them to try and make a "mega" server on their own.