I’ve had my beef with many a company, from Comcast to Cryptic Studios, and there’s nothing I enjoy more than seeing these companies prove me wrong. I don’t want the hassle of finding a new games, a cable provider or what have you. I want the service provider in question to win me back. Naturally, the best way to prevent me from getting upset with a company is to treat me, and the rest of the customers, right. Offer us incentives to stay on board, give us information on upcoming products and keep us informed – even if it’s PR fluff.
That’s exactly what the maker of the recently launched Global Agenda did yesterday. Even though the game has had a relatively smooth launch, Hi-Rez Studios is extending the free 30 days through March. That’s your incentive. Todd Harris followed that announcement up by explaining what’s in store for the Commonwealth’s immediate future. Based upon early community feedback the company will be adding the following features by the end of February: a Friends/Ignore list, the ability to chosePvP queues, Repair Kits (gear is currently unrepairable), and new AvA zones timed for other time zones.
There’s many more issues that Hi-Rez has to deal with in the game – window mode optimization, being removed from missions on disconnects/crashes, thus losing XP, etc – but the communication so far has been superb. Further ahead Hi-Rez promises additional content of all types (PvP, PvE, AvA), tweaks and overhauls to crafting, loot and prestige.
I mentioned in my “Why I Quit Champions Online” post that I believe MMOG companies and players live in a symbiotic relationship. By giving the companies money to fund the entertainment we want we are providing services to each other. It’s still early, but Hi-Rez has my trust, and thus my money, for now.
Not a game I am interested in, but it sounds like the company is supporting it well. I agree, when you subscribe to one of these games you expect more from the company than what you would from a normal RPG.