The Last Hope for MMO RPGs

Introduction

• Discussion on recent disappointments in the MMO RPG genre
  • Kickstarter scams
  • Monetization issues ruining promising games
  • Cancellation of multiple exciting projects

Riot MMO: The Latest Disappointment

• High expectations based on Riot Games' track record
• No concrete information or gameplay footage released
• Game has gone back to the drawing board

Ashes of Creation (AoC)

• Highlighted as still progressing well
• Huge improvements in combat over the past few months
• Regular monthly development livestreams

Updates from August to November

• Village nodes progress
• Event system
• Caravan system
• Artisan skills

December Updates

• Winter-themed Riverlands
• Updated Ranger combat
  • Display of two full hot bars of abilities
  • Detailed ability showcases

Concerns in Current MMOs

• Attempts to recreate experiences from 20 years ago
  • No new formula to create the “next big thing” in MMOs

The Importance of a High-Performance PC

• Discussion about a new gaming PC from the sponsor Star Forge Systems
• Various PC series offered:
  • Horizon series: Entry-level for everyday gamers
  • Navigator series: For serious gamers with next-gen components
  • Voyager series: For enthusiasts and content creators
• Custom cases and plate lights also available

Key Game Features in AoC

Ranger Class Combat

• Showcased abilities:
  • Snipe: Opener ability
  • Blend of mobility and other skill functions
  • Off-GCD (global cooldown) abilities
• Fluidity of two mobility abilities: Air strike and disengage
• Mark abilities: Off GCD for efficient combat
• Visual effects

Skill and Weapon Trees

• Added more depth and customization

January Updates

• Caravan PVP System
  • Demonstrated ambush mechanics
  • Caravan-to-raft conversion
  • Introduction of a current system and water movements
  • Ambushes and attacks while at sea
  • Issues with combat still not reaching the quality of classic WoW

Constructing Rafts

• Summoning and building Caravans and rafts
• Defending during conversions
• Collecting cargo process
• Selling loot to various vendors incl. black market

February Updates

• Weather effects and hazards
  • Lightning bolts as environmental hazards
• Solo gameplay features
  • Commission board similar to New World's Town board
  • Side quests funneling players into main content
• Node leveling and starting new story arcs
• Existing weather dynamics causing immersion issues noted

March Updates

Fighter Class Combat

• Introduction to the male orc race
  • Skill tree explanation and momentum (rage-like) system
  • Abilities showcased with tooltips
    • Blitz, brutal cleave, pile driver, battlecry
    • Execution abilities
    • Three stances: Ferocity, Celerity, Fluidity
  • Significant improvements to combat fluidity
  • Concerns about the levels:
    • Missing fluidity in animations
    • Timing and GCD

Additional Updates and Issues

Art and Visual Design

• Impressive visual and animation updates
• Suggestions for improvements in looting mechanics and dynamic lighting

Overall Reception and Future Outlook

• Positive community reception to updates and livestreams
• Recognition of major improvements since Alpha 1
• Ongoing hiring and development efforts by the studio
• High expectations as the game progresses toward open Beta and eventual release by 2027

Final Thoughts

• Anticipation of AoC
• Reflecting on concerns about the future and potential of MMO RPGs
• Acknowledgment of a technological transition period affecting MMO development
• Conclusion with a hopeful yet cautious outlook on the genre's future