Development Plan of Action

[Programmer]

Formal Plan of Action:


Improve the efficiency of Zone by removing redundant features and optimizing system code. Many systems operating today do not run as optimally as they should. A prime example is the Hitpoint handler: It has been seen running at over 2% on the /stats readout with only 7 people online. This can cause latency issues in other systems, most notibly the movement system. In spar scenarios, this is unacceptable. Another significant issue is the fact that Zone still has GS1 artifacts in its code, which may also contribute to latency throughout the server. This code must be removed or replaced with GS2.

Remove unnessecary additions by previous management. Certain features today have no use in Zone, and actually serve as a detriment. An example is rolling. Players feel that the player doing the rolling has a significant advantage as he can avoid incoming fire very effectively. This leads to long, drawn-out stalemates on any theatre.

Balance weapon statistics. A large number of Zone's arsenal is overpowered, overused, and abused. A prime example was the Carrot. Before I nerfed it, the carrot did a massive 40 damage per hit. That's right, from a carrot. I pose the question: How can a carrot do more damage than a Magnum!? Yet another problem is the Twinblade. It is far too fast while using very little energy. The damage is fine on it, just the energy needs to be increased per swing.

Implement new features for both gold and trial alike. Zone has become stale in the past couple of years, as the old planets and weapons have gotten boring. New features will entice more players into Zone. A large feature that many players inquire about is a zombie survival map, akin to Left 4 Dead 2. Many other features have been proposed, such as allowing all players (trial and gold alike) to use hotkeys, implementing more ranks and awards, class-specific buffs and debuffs, etc.


Approved ideas:
- Passive Events
- Bounty Cap Increase
- New UI
- Class Buffs / Debuffs
- New Class: Medic
- City + Zombie Maps
- Gelat Shop Removal
- Arctic Minimap

Any criticisms or comments are welcome, but keep it civil please. Be welcome to change, because change is coming ;)

[Crono]

isn't there already a medic class? o.o

[Programmer]

isn't there already a medic class? o.o

Well, more of "improving" the medic class actually :P

[destructo104]

This sounds nice, im looking foward to seeing something new on graal, good luck.

[ReptarKingOfTheOZone]

not sure if medic class needs changing. they can heal players, what more do you need?

plus medic can be OP if played right.

[littlekinky]

Removing Gelat shop? Good luck. Not sure Stefan will remove it because only Stefan can?

[Crow]

Removing Gelat shop? Good luck. Not sure Stefan will remove it because only Stefan can?

It's on the list of "approved ideas" so I'm guessing that Stefan has already approved of it.

[littlekinky]

It's on the list of "approved ideas" so I'm guessing that Stefan has already approved of it.

Stefan will be losing money?

[ReptarKingOfTheOZone]

Stefan will be losing money?

because im sure hes making a killin' at the moment.

[fowlplay4]

Looks like you're in for quite the rebuild, at least you won't have to deal with too many complaints as you basically redo nearly everything.

[Crow]

Stefan will be losing money?

Sometimes, you have to lose in order to win. Also, I doubt he's making a lot out of the Zone Gelat shop right now.

[DuBsTeRmAn]

Sometimes, you have to lose in order to win. Also, I doubt he's making a lot out of the Zone Gelat shop right now.

Nice said, even if the gelat shop is removed, as zone gets more populair people will buy gold to play it..

[Programmer]

The gelat shop provides a very unfair advantage to players that have the ability to pay money. Unfortunately, this has a strong effect on Zone's balance. Although we can't truly remove the Gelat shop, we can alter its content to only allow the purchase of generic items while not in combat. No purchasing super-powerful weapons in the middle of combat to gain an unfair advantage anymore.

[Shadow5596321]

So about those recolors.....

Get rid of them.

[DuBsTeRmAn]

I personally think it would be a nice thing to put in a max amount of hotkeys.. Like 3 or something..

[swimdude]

Formal Plan of Action:


Improve the efficiency of Zone by removing redundant features and optimizing system code. Many systems operating today do not run as optimally as they should. A prime example is the Hitpoint handler: It has been seen running at over 2% on the /stats readout with only 7 people online. This can cause latency issues in other systems, most notibly the movement system. In spar scenarios, this is unacceptable. Another significant issue is the fact that Zone still has GS1 artifacts in its code, which may also contribute to latency throughout the server. This code must be removed or replaced with GS2.

Remove unnessecary additions by previous management. Certain features today have no use in Zone, and actually serve as a detriment. An example is rolling. Players feel that the player doing the rolling has a significant advantage as he can avoid incoming fire very effectively. This leads to long, drawn-out stalemates on any theatre.

Balance weapon statistics. A large number of Zone's arsenal is overpowered, overused, and abused. A prime example was the Carrot. Before I nerfed it, the carrot did a massive 40 damage per hit. That's right, from a carrot. I pose the question: How can a carrot do more damage than a Magnum!? Yet another problem is the Twinblade. It is far too fast while using very little energy. The damage is fine on it, just the energy needs to be increased per swing.

Implement new features for both gold and trial alike. Zone has become stale in the past couple of years, as the old planets and weapons have gotten boring. New features will entice more players into Zone. A large feature that many players inquire about is a zombie survival map, akin to Left 4 Dead 2. Many other features have been proposed, such as allowing all players (trial and gold alike) to use hotkeys, implementing more ranks and awards, class-specific buffs and debuffs, etc.


Approved ideas:
- Passive Events
- Bounty Cap Increase
- New UI
- Class Buffs / Debuffs
- New Class: Medic
- City + Zombie Maps
- Gelat Shop Removal
- Arctic Minimap

Any criticisms or comments are welcome, but keep it civil please. Be welcome to change, because change is coming ;)
Some of these. I disagree on... hm

First arent we so much in the future that we cant even have zombies . Why would we have zombies ,city sounds cool.

Heres another . In most shooters there is always some way someone has the edge on you either its cash shop , better wep , higher lvl ... ETC ETC
I think cash shop is good actually , Doesn't effect much gameplay

[Shadow5596321]

I think cash shop is good actually , Doesn't effect much gameplay.... Seriously? Overpowered weapons are flooded onto that garbage and greatly effect game play.

Also, please just revert the UI to that sexy green one we had awhile back.

[DuBsTeRmAn]

please just revert the UI to that sexy green one we had awhile back.

I so agree with this.

[Programmer]

Some of these. I disagree on... hm

First arent we so much in the future that we cant even have zombies . Why would we have zombies ,city sounds cool.

Heres another . In most shooters there is always some way someone has the edge on you either its cash shop , better wep , higher lvl ... ETC ETC
I think cash shop is good actually , Doesn't effect much gameplay

1.) No matter how far into the future you are, there can still be zombies ;).

2.) Are you serious? No, really -- Seriously? The cash shop gives players an unfair advantage over each other by paying out of their pockets. The players who can't pay are left high and dry, and start leaving the server. Then the players who pay leave the server because their prey has left. So yes, it does affect gameplay, in a very strong way. That is precisely why we're removing and/or altering it to remove overpowered BFGs from the shop.

If we do remove weapons from the shop, then perhaps smaller, more mundane upgrades will be added -- For example, perhaps an ammunition upgrade that does more damage, but is slower than the default. Something that has a benefit and a cost, to even things out.

Comments and concerns?


...

Also, please just revert the UI to that sexy green one we had awhile back.

I couldn't agree more; This will be UI upgrade #1.

[WillaWonka]

Would be nice to see a more intuitive ranking system, more unlocks, would work perfectly if the gelat shop is gone. Also in my own opinion... removal of the diagonal shooting, but thats just because i play era.

[Elk]

Ian, I was serious about that statement o.O

[Programmer]

Ian, I was serious about that statement o.O

Player opinions are critical for the development of any game. I don't have any reason to ignore their concerns. Zone is too far in the hole for me to do that.

[destructo104]

Some of these. I disagree on... hm

First arent we so much in the future that we cant even have zombies . Why would we have zombies ,city sounds cool.

Heres another . In most shooters there is always some way someone has the edge on you either its cash shop , better wep , higher lvl ... ETC ETC
I think cash shop is good actually , Doesn't effect much gameplay
My dear friend this is a VIDEO game. Anything can be added into it such as zombies as long as it fits in with the server theme. Like he said expect a change not the same old zone. :P

[Emera]

Zombehs are cool.

[Shadow5596321]

My dear friend this is a VIDEO game. Anything can be added into it such as zombies as long as it fits in with the server theme. Like he said expect a change not the same old zone. :PUhhh, unless those Zombies are player controlled, kinda beats the servers game play bub.

[Admins]

"Gelat Shop Removal" is not approved :rolleyes:
There will be a new Zone though (iPhone project), haven't got a lot of time to work on it yet though.

[DuBsTeRmAn]

Well aprove it Mr Knorr.

[Crono]

"Gelat Shop Removal" is not approved :rolleyes:
There will be a new Zone though (iPhone project), haven't got a lot of time to work on it yet though.

If there are p2p guns that give players advantages then no one will play Zone on Graal (of course the iZone would still be popular, kids will buy anything these days).

[Shadow5596321]

"Gelat Shop Removal" is not approved :rolleyes:
There will be a new Zone though (iPhone project), haven't got a lot of time to work on it yet though.How about you remove those overpowered weapons on that terrible system you have then because all you've done for Zone so far has turned it into complete garbage.

The only person that ACTUALLY WANTS TOO AND CAN HELP Zone, and you're going to deny him that? He doesn't even want to remove the system, he wants to remove the weapons/ammo on it.

You introduced this "renting" system, which ultimately lead to the loss of rarity of the three event items (Blue/Red pistols, Reapers), not to mention the amount of spamming ETs did trying to keep a playercount.

You introduced observation mode, which is possibly the biggest reason to why we don't have a playercount anymore, and you decided to keep it on Zone until the damage had been done.

You introduced the Gelat shop, filled it items that originally were able to be bought for permanent use and added overpowered weapons to it.

You allowed Zone to be ran by corrupt, abusive, unqualified *******s who added to your destruction of the server, and I've pleaded to you several times when PowerProNL and Pez307 were running Zone.

So when you say you haven't had time, you really mean you don't want to clean up the mess you made, right?

[Admins]

Actually Zone still works fine, but there is no persistency, nothing for people to just hang around. It's all based around events. A server needs both, short-term fun and reasons to come back and build.

[Shadow5596321]

Actually Zone still works fine, but there is no persistency, nothing for people to just hang around. It's all based around events. A server needs both, short-term fun and reasons to come back and build.

How about you remove those overpowered weapons on that terrible system you have then because all you've done for Zone so far has turned it into complete garbage.

The only person that ACTUALLY WANTS TOO AND CAN HELP Zone, and you're going to deny him that? He doesn't even want to remove the system, he wants to remove the weapons/ammo on it.

You introduced this "renting" system, which ultimately lead to the loss of rarity of the three event items (Blue/Red pistols, Reapers), not to mention the amount of spamming ETs did trying to keep a playercount.

You introduced observation mode, which is possibly the biggest reason to why we don't have a playercount anymore, and you decided to keep it on Zone until the damage had been done.

You introduced the Gelat shop, filled it items that originally were able to be bought for permanent use and added overpowered weapons to it.

You allowed Zone to be ran by corrupt, abusive, unqualified *******s who added to your destruction of the server, and I've pleaded to you several times when PowerProNL and Pez307 were running Zone.

So when you say you haven't had time, you really mean you don't want to clean up the mess you made, right?Here, lemme bold the parts as to why the server became about events and not pvp, why it got stale and boring.

Zone does not work under this system you have, I know the PC version of Graal took a downfall, but Zone should atleast be putting out atleast 15 daily, it barely sees 5.

[Programmer]

Actually Zone still works fine, but there is no persistency, nothing for people to just hang around. It's all based around events. A server needs both, short-term fun and reasons to come back and build.

Zone as a server works fine, but I agree -- there's nothing to make them stay. That's what we're trying to do. By the way, the "gelat shop removal" is a bit misleading; I intend to remove the ability for overpowered and game-breaking weapons to be bought from the gelat shop. I propose only subtle upgrades (like I mentioned earlier; Stronger ammunition at the expense of distance, etc).

Zone iPhone is great, but you must realize that not everyone has an iPhone. Many players still actively play on Graal PC, so why not make the PC version just as popular as the iPhone version?

[Shadow5596321]

Zone iPhone is great, but you must realize that not everyone has an iPhone. Many players still actively play on Graal PC, so why not make the PC version just as popular as the iPhone version?I'm sorry, but how are you still confused at what exactly Stefan is wanting to do?

He wants to (I'm assuming he still does) wants to replace this Zone with the iPhone version of Zone across everything and make it one server.

[Elk]

If there are p2p guns that give players advantages then no one will play Zone on Graal (of course the iZone would still be popular, kids will buy anything these days).

The fad-like domination of cash-shop payment systems is increasing, but developers model them wrong, resulting in the fun-kill, and thats the beginning of the games end!

It always depends on what target area you're focusing, and clearly, the simpliest is to attract the ones that have high consumption tendencies/ easily distracted/addicted people in a consistent manner, instead of creating a different more efficient model that succeeds in a long-term lucrative way.

Obviously it requires a certain level of empathy skill to build up such, with the important key factors given...

You just have to see things as a big construct without being clumsy and losing clear sight and control of details and bringing it to an even state that is multifunctional and compatible with other specific classes.

Practical fact: children and adults don't pay for something that is not useful on their behalf in a satisfactiory way for them to release enough neurotransmitters to enhance "fun" activities they find liberating depending on individual situations.

Empirial question: Why should I pay for something that makes no sense for me? In this case, why buy an overpowered gun that lasts for 30 days that gives me a temporary interactive advantage to kill others that are not on my level.

Probably the empowering feeling that seems to satisfy the desire of attention in real life or ingame. To be "cool".

Nuf' said, before I write more stupid stuff...

[Crono]

Gunbound had a "pay to win" model and what happened? GB NA and GB EU shutdown, while the international version is ridden with unbalance and a dwindling playercount.

HoN went for a "pay for aesthetics" model where you can buy custom announcer packs, hero skins, etc, and guess what? It's going great. I believe LoL has the same system and that hit over a million players.

Both games are free to play, but it's impossible to do good on Gunbound without spending money. You could download hacks and you'll still lose because it's that unbalanced. No system should ever give players an advantage by spending money.

[Nataxo]

Would be nice to see a more intuitive ranking system, more unlocks,.

dis

[swimdude]

My dear friend this is a VIDEO game. Anything can be added into it such as zombies as long as it fits in with the server theme. Like he said expect a change not the same old zone. :P

This guy must be new to call zone just a video game.

Zone has LAWS I hope you know that , Im 2 lazy to reply to anyone else

EDIT:half you people dont even play zone , or you haven't played it long enough to even be good.

Ill reply to this 2

If there are p2p guns that give players advantages then no one will play Zone on Graal (of course the iZone would still be popular, kids will buy anything these days).

Not true , I've played for about 6 years now and P2P weps never bothered me . The server NEEDS support .. Its like having Ads on youtube ... It CAN'T GO WITHOUT IT , even if the money isnt needed like that still ... And the advantage of a p2p shop wep is completely nothing compared to skills FACTS.

Thank you Stefan .

[Shadow5596321]

Someone is being a huge egotistical kiss ass right now.

[Crono]

Not true , I've played for about 6 years now and P2P weps never bothered me . The server NEEDS support .. Its like having Ads on youtube ... It CAN'T GO WITHOUT IT , even if the money isnt needed like that still ... And the advantage of a p2p shop wep is completely nothing compared to skills FACTS.

Thank you Stefan .

Cool, they did bother 95% of the playercount which ended up quiting though. Pay to win weapons still give the player an advatange, whether gamebreaking or minor. We're not saying to remove the gelat shop alltogether, we're saying to remove pay to win weapons from the gelat shop. Cash shops should only be used for aesthetics, not for power. This is basic balance. FACTS.

[Shadow5596321]

lolwut

[Feonix]

lolllllllll dat blue wizard

[Shadow5596321]

dead serious, thought you died

[MrDunne]

So which one's Ooola?

[Elk]

Cool, they did bother 95% of the playercount which ended up quiting though. Pay to win weapons still give the player an advatange, whether gamebreaking or minor. We're not saying to remove the gelat shop alltogether, we're saying to remove pay to win weapons from the gelat shop. Cash shops should only be used for aesthetics, not for power. This is basic balance. FACTS.

id rep you, if it was possible to rep you more.

[Cloven]

Cool, they did bother 95% of the playercount which ended up quiting though. Pay to win weapons still give the player an advatange, whether gamebreaking or minor. We're not saying to remove the gelat shop alltogether, we're saying to remove pay to win weapons from the gelat shop. Cash shops should only be used for aesthetics, not for power. This is basic balance. FACTS.

The unfortunate thing is that while you may indeed be correct, few games actually heed the wisdom of your comment. Pay-2-Win is a standard reflected in the greed of most societies.

[MajinDragon]

I'd like to see the end product of this 'change' especially since the Gelat shop is going to be removed, that was a foolish decision.

[Programmer]

I just recently spoke with Stefan, and from what both me and Tenchry understand, Zone PC is very likely to be shut down or merged with iEra (meaning Zone will become just a minigame within Era), despite updates that I may add. That means any work that I do is likely to be deleted. With this in mind, I am not sure whether I should continue with the restoration of Zone.

Apparently to Stefan, Zone is a lost cause and is slated for removal x.x

[ffcmike]

I just recently spoke with Stefan, and from what both me and Tenchry understand, Zone PC is very likely to be shut down or merged with iEra (meaning Zone will become just a minigame within Era), despite updates that I may add. That means any work that I do is likely to be deleted. With this in mind, I am not sure whether I should continue with the restoration of Zone.

Apparently to Stefan, Zone is a lost cause and is slated for removal x.x

The Zone iPhone server is planned to be released sometime later this year or early next year. It will support a bigger drop ship / sky world. It's also planned to replace the PC server so that PC players can play against iPhone or Facebook players. Basicly the first iPhone server (with a mission as introduction) and the current PC Zone server will somehow be merged, streamlined and get a place to hangout.

I guess plans should be taken as a pinch of salt, which on the plus side means it could change again.

From personal experience, if you know you're going to have enough time to remain dedicated to the project for the foreseeable future, and you're confident you can develop and implement your ideas, it could be worthwhile to persevere with it. Servers largely overseen by Graal's management aren't going to have the luxury of the long time required to build the "perfect server", and are always going to be sticking to this comfort zone where it's possible to make enough money on a weekly basis without doing anything too complex.

To put it simply, if you have the ambition and can prove your ability to match this ambition, I don't think your work will be scrapped. The worry really would be the issue of short term vs long term where you may have to sacrifice one for the benefit of the other.

[ReptarKingOfTheOZone]

I just recently spoke with Stefan, and from what both me and Tenchry understand, Zone PC is very likely to be shut down or merged with iEra (meaning Zone will become just a minigame within Era), despite updates that I may add. That means any work that I do is likely to be deleted. With this in mind, I am not sure whether I should continue with the restoration of Zone.

Apparently to Stefan, Zone is a lost cause and is slated for removal x.x

:( will not be great to see zone taken down, but what i dont get is this.

surely if stefan plans on shutting down pc zone, there would be no harm in him atleast trying the suggestions you put forward reguarding the gelat shop.
if it does work, then zone may come back and stefan will make money. if it dosent then theres no loss.

i really dont see the reasoning behing not even attempting changes to zones gelat shop when quite clearly, it ruins zone and is unused.

stefan should give you absolute control over everything to do with zone before he decides to remove it. i would think its in his best interest.

[Crono]

I just recently spoke with Stefan, and from what both me and Tenchry understand, Zone PC is very likely to be shut down or merged with iEra (meaning Zone will become just a minigame within Era), despite updates that I may add. That means any work that I do is likely to be deleted. With this in mind, I am not sure whether I should continue with the restoration of Zone.

Apparently to Stefan, Zone is a lost cause and is slated for removal x.x

Very bad decision, not surprised though.

[fowlplay4]

The fate of Zone is now in snk's hands.

[Feonix]

From my understanding of what I just read in above posts, **** surprisingly just got a whole lot worse. Have to admit though, the time I had on Zone was by far my best Graal experience.

[PieToria]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jp3KliGO_o&feature=channel_video_title

ugh.

[papajchris]

Stefan why not also allow PC the "zone minigame?" Only benefits you if you plan to have make one for Era Iphone. And considering you took everything PC Era has, how about returning the favor!

[ReptarKingOfTheOZone]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jp3KliGO_o&feature=channel_video_title

ugh.

that was so random xD

lol

[PieToria]

that was so random xD

lol


speaks the truth.

[Feonix]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jp3KliGO_o&feature=channel_video_title

ugh.

that jew be trollin'

[BigBear3]

Yeah, cool thread guys.
that jew be trollin'

Hey Chris. Start paying attention in fantasy hockey.

[Shadow5596321]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jp3KliGO_o&feature=channel_video_title

ugh.Just no.

[Emera]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jp3K...el_video_title

Freaking rofl

[ff7chocoboknight]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jp3K...el_video_title

Freaking rofl

Link doesn't work.

[MrDunne]

Zone needs proper direction. The server has been passed down from one manager to the next with varying views on what Zone should be, with much disregard to the core concepts. This involves many features being added, some of which work well with the Zone style and others which feel almost like an afterthought.

Zone needs core purpose and each feature, addition and improvement should be in direct support of that.

I don't think giving up is a good strategy but it may be a little late for that now.

[XxTheFlashxX]

"Without Gold membership, you can only play 5 hours per month." lol? Wow, Stefan... You made us pay for dinner and walk home in the rain.

I'd like to know what's happened since the last post. Been gone a while (never really visited forums hence post count) but logging into graal with no one to shoot added malaise to my boredom. So a brief update on what has happened (after what I've read here) would be appreciated, Thanks.

[ReptarKingOfTheOZone]

"Without Gold membership, you can only play 5 hours per month." lol? Wow, Stefan... You made us pay for dinner and walk home in the rain.



is that a joke? no one plays zone anymore, its hardly worth the time even if it was free now.

stefan should just remove zone and stop butt ****ing it tottaly.

Zone used to be me favourite game and stefans pure greed has ruined it, ****ing jew that man.

[StormYs]

So a brief update on what has happened (after what I've read here) would be appreciated, Thanks.

Nothing happened.
Your welcome.

[XxTheFlashxX]

is that a joke? no one plays zone anymore, its hardly worth the time even if it was free now.

More so awe at it actually existing.

The only thing I can blame Stefan for is when he made it so only gold can use certain classes. Everything else I view as poor staff... unless Stefan made the guns that were overpowered. As to anything that happened after that I can't say since I don't know.

Nothing happened.
Your welcome.

What a shame...

[ReptarKingOfTheOZone]

More so awe at it actually existing.

The only thing I can blame Stefan for is when he made it so only gold can use certain classes. Everything else I view as poor staff... unless Stefan made the guns that were overpowered. As to anything that happened after that I can't say since I don't know.



he made the gelat shop.

[XxTheFlashxX]

he made the gelat shop.

Only thing wrong with the gelat shop was how it was implemented. I'm just assuming but I don't think Stefan had much to do with the weapons that went into it and you don't even have to remove all of them just tweak some and make them class specific. People complain about EP but if you could be a commando and use EP those complaints would skyrocket.

Granted most were ridiculous or a carbon copy of another weapon + overpowered but that just proves the people that made them either knew little of the game, didn't think about balance, and/or weren't very clever.

And if Stefan did make the guns, he falls into the "not knowing much of the game" since he raaaaarely plays and only for minutes at a time so someone who works for/with him should have questioned them beforehand.

[Admins]

The idea of the gelat shop was to have less things restricted to gold, and add some stuff which can be purchased regardless if you have gold subscription or not.
The iPhone version is close to completion, will be interesting to make it possible to let PC play there sometime.

[Crono]

paying for power is never right and the biggest reason why so many of us quit. the iphone audience is a bit more naive so it's ok.

[ReptarKingOfTheOZone]

The idea of the gelat shop was to have less things restricted to gold, and add some stuff which can be purchased regardless if you have gold subscription or not.
The iPhone version is close to completion, will be interesting to make it possible to let PC play there sometime.

zones niche, aside from the "village" feel to the community, was that the game was one of the few games that ran on individual skill.

No amount of time and money could give you an advantage over other players, only skill and luck. Teamwork was a taboo in most cases because zone players worked towards being brilliant at 1v1 encounters, getting killstreaks and bounty and statistics to show off to others.

then the trial changes came, where trials where put at a disadvantage by 20 hp, dosent sound like much but zone relied on these trials to run.

Then gelat shop came, where wallets could give you an advantage in battle. this ruined the uniqueness of zone. The only way to aquire weapons unavailable to other players previously had been to get to 4000 exp (a doddle) and those weapons didnt give much of an advantage anyway aside from maybe jetpack, and events, which just showed that you had partaken in and won a deathmatch that could have had 50-60 people in at some times

then it because that you could just send a text and get stronger weapons in any class. which sucked for zone.

the best idea to remedy this was to remove weapons from gelat shop and have perioud buffs such as exp and bounty gain, but you ignored that.

there are now better games out there that are free to play or at least way more value for money than anything graal has to offer.

[Programmer]

The idea of the gelat shop was to have less things restricted to gold, and add some stuff which can be purchased regardless if you have gold subscription or not.
The iPhone version is close to completion, will be interesting to make it possible to let PC play there sometime.

You just don't get it, do you?

The gelat shop gives an unfair advantage to players that purchase weapons, and undermines the structure of the game. The opposing players leave, because they don't see the fun in getting constantly annihilated, which causes the players who previously purchased the overpowered weapons to leave also. Is this what you want? Do you want players to pay a sum, and then leave due to boredom? Or do you want them to stay and constantly pay for subscription?

It's your choice, Stefan. I, for one, want my old Zone back and would gladly pay to see it return.

[PrinceOfKenshin]

You just don't get it, do you?

The gelat shop gives an unfair advantage to players that purchase weapons, and undermines the structure of the game. The opposing players leave, because they don't see the fun in getting constantly annihilated, which causes the players who previously purchased the overpowered weapons to leave also. Is this what you want? Do you want players to pay a sum, and then leave due to boredom? Or do you want them to stay and constantly pay for subscription?

It's your choice, Stefan. I, for one, want my old Zone back and would gladly pay to see it return.
It's all about the money.

I think zone was awesome when it first released. Now i never see more than 4 people log on.

[Programmer]

It's all about the money.

I think zone was awesome when it first released. Now i never see more than 4 people log on.

My point exactly. If Stefan really wanted to make more money, he would authorize us to remove or otherwise improve the Gelat Shop in order to balance gameplay and attract more players.

[ReptarKingOfTheOZone]

My point exactly. If Stefan really wanted to make more money, he would authorize us to remove or otherwise improve the Gelat Shop in order to balance gameplay and attract more players.

lets just hope stefan can get this point in his head, he can make money if he lets go of his pride and admits that this gelat shop, as it is now, is one big , gamebreaking failure and needs changing if zone stands even a slight chance of returning.

Zone cant be bringing in any income right now, surely editing the gelat shop is in his best interest, because even if it brings just 5 customers a month, thats 4-5 more customers zone has currently.

[Knightmare1]

This game is dead. Updates and new things wont save it, that's what destroyed it. I came to Zone in 2007. v5 was released in 2008. The year transition alone was basically Zone's doomsday. I saw a playercount plummet from 60+ a day to 20 on a good day. Since then, it's been getting worse. Much worse.

I came to this game and stayed because I thought the players were cool. I didn't stay because I could kill everyone, I made a few friends and looked forward to logging on and socializing (laming). I paid for my first year (hell, got the VIP for the creating a guild) because I wanted to save my statistics and have something to show for my time.

The gelat weapons and the trial's saving their stats not only took the competitive edge out of the game but it also destroyed the entire idea of the subscriptions. Who wants to buy a subscription when the only benefit is 20 more HP and different classes? My stats are there, I can buy temp. weapons from the shop, marine class isn't that slow. A half decent player would have the run of the joint while the 'oldies' sit and complain about all the updates that turned this game into a steaming, runny pile of brown failure (Another term would be appropriate, but I don't feel like seeing those asterisks).

I can't point fingers, I don't know who did this or who did that, but all I know is it's Stefan's game, so all in all he has the power to fix it.

So fix it.

[fowlplay4]

Zone PC isn't going to be fixed, it's going to be replaced by Zone iPhone which according to what Stefan has posted on Facebook alludes to it coming out soon.

[XxTheFlashxX]

Replaced or meshed together? I think Stefan said something about joining them or at least thinking of it... if not a thought that popped into his head as he typed.

As much as I'd love it, I don't really see PC zone as coming back for many reasons. 3-4 new players playing then one fairly good player logs on and just dominates leading to "why am I playing this?!" (Youngins have less patience). Many many new games out which are free and better quality, though I think don't have the feel/skill requirement that a 2d shooter has. Not to mention I've never seen a Graal advertisement and doubt I ever will... ect. ect.

As far as IPhone zone is concerned, I just feel like Stefan is grasping for the quick money burst, however slight, however long. I just hope, a far off hope, that people who buy it see the potential and try out the PC version. MAYBE leading to a slight surge.

And for that surge I hope Stefan lets Programmer (if he's still interested) fix Zone a bit. Maybe even add new stuff. I first read this post because I had a few ideas I wanted to toss in, slowly losing enthusiasm as the enthusiasm from "Programmer" was waning/killed.

[fowlplay4]

Stuff.

I'm leaning towards replaced by whatever Stefan has in store for it.

Like nearly everything on Graal all we can do is wait and see!

[DarkMaster]

just play console - lot better

[dude2020]

Ha this developmental plan of action worked great

[Bline_spoted]

It would be nice to see the old Graal Zone and old group together again, missing the days of the big base 1 wars and other epic happenings. :)

[DuBsTeRmAn]

True true, but i don't think any of this is ever going to happen.

Honestly, it's not that much work to get Zone back in my eyes..

Put it on classic, and people will play.

I would play.

[dude2020]

...

please stay gold D:



fyi, it has no restrictions for trials as far as I know now and hasn't been since Tench had his ginger ways with it. GINGER POWERS FTW

although it doesn't matter because they don't wanna develop for a server that's just gonna be replaced by the iOS version.