[Pirotess]

Originally Posted by Nil

I think most of us did read. But thanks anyway for the helpful tip.

It doesn't change anything, though. Brad told us over and over, that Microsoft didn't have any control over the development of the game, but now that MS is out of the picture, and SOE is in, they suddenly have more control over the development of the game (how can you have more than total, and before someone pipes in to say they have more control regarding the publishing, that's not the only thing they've been saying)? Things do not add up. There's no real reason to believe that Brad has any more integrity than his bestest buddy.

Still, they made the decision knowing that it would cause a great deal of hate - and cost them customers - yet they made it anyway. Regardless of how we feel, we can at least feel confident that Sigil feels they made the right decision. It's their livelihood and reputations on the line. We are only staking a bit of our free time. I still wish they made a different decision.

I think Aredhel was just making a general statement. There were surely alot of folks (mostly in that 70+ page OVF thread) that didnt read or at least comprehend the press release. Nothing personally directed at anyone here Im sure.

As for the rest I cant say I recall Brad stating in no uncertain terms like he has about the SOE deal that Microsoft didnt have some level of input on the development of the game. Their initial press release actually seemed to imply that Microsoft would be helping with development. Emphasis is mine.

REDMOND, Wash. - May 16, 2002 -- Microsoft Game Studios today announced that it is in the final stages of an exclusive publishing deal with Sigil Games Online Inc. Sigil Games Online was formed by two of the game industry's most renowned designers, Brad McQuaid, co-creator of the revolutionary, massively multiplayer online role-playing game EverQuest, and Jeff Butler, former producer of the EverQuest Live and Expansion teams.

"This relationship will further strengthen Microsoft's position in the industry as a premier publisher and incubator of high-quality games and innovative content," said Stuart Moulder, general manager at Microsoft Game Studios. "Brad and Jeff's skill in creating compelling and immersive gaming worlds, combined with our commitment to supporting our development partners, will create a rich opportunity to develop exciting new game environments and experiences."

"This is a match made in heaven," said McQuaid, CEO of Sigil Games Online. "We couldn't have found a better publisher. Microsoft understands our ideas and goals, is committed to creating a superior gaming experience, and has the industry expertise to make it happen.

I think its reasonable to assume that the relationship formed with Microsoft three years ago to the day, wasnt as clearly defined as the new one with SOE. Sigil was smaller back then and probably didnt have as much experience with drawing up what sounds like a pretty complex contract. If nothing else it seems to me that they've learned along the way and didnt make the same mistake twice. Personally that trait right there goes a long way with me.

In the time I've been following Vanguard, I've never seen Brad or any other employee outright lie to the fans. Sure things change over time, as all things do, and people referring back to statements taken out of time context may feel the company is being disingenuous but I dont think thats a fair conclusion to come to for obvious reasons.

But lets ignore all that and just discuss your point about how they could have more development control then they did when the assumption for whatever reason is that they already had total control. I think its more likely that it comes down to a difference in Sigils definition of development and yours than Sigil lying. Sigils definition of "development" is likely much less absolute than yours is by necessity. It likely allows for certain aspects you feel are part of the development process to be considered in other processes. For me it seems likely that Microsoft as publisher had a deadline in mind for shipping and was doing its best to encourage Sigil to meet it. That right there is just one example of how they could have had an effect on the development process even while not having a direct hand in the creative and game mechanics portion of the development process. Im sure there are other examples we could draw but I think that gets the point across. Having the say of when the game needs to be ready pretty much forces Sigils hand on certain development decisions. Some features stay, some go, etc, etc.

In any case, I share your distrust of SOE, I really do. In fact I created this site pretty much because I was done with SOE after station exchange and wanted to participate in a new community without their influence. However given the trust I have in Sigil (since it hasnt been broken yet) I see no reason to not adopt a wait and see attitude. Sure I might be disappointed down the road if Brads claims turn out to not be true but I might also be pleasantly surprised when they do hold true. If they do then this was a good deal. SOE is good at marketing and distribution (at least in the US) and Microsoft really seems to have dropped the ball on the marketing front at least so we should see improvement there at the very least. I have to also conceed that they are at least no worse than anyone else at billing/hosting so thats pretty much a wash. Sure we might have some technical support issues but if we do voice your complaints to Sigil and I bet we'll see some adjustments if our concerns are warranted.

Bottomline is Sigil seems to have bought themselves more time and in an age of rushed out software, that can only be a good thing. Right?