GemStone IV/saved posts

Category: Discussions with Simutronics
Topic: 2008 Goals Discussions
Message #: 241
Author: GS4-KITRINA
Date: 1/16/2008 9:26:07 AM
Subject: GemStone IV 2008

Happy New Year from the GemStone IV staff!

Before I get into the 2008 goals, I'd like to thank each one of you for continuing to make GemStone IV your choice for the most immersive roleplaying experience online. The strength of our community, both in game and out, never ceases to amaze me. I'm proud of what we accomplished in 2007, and as we head into 2008 there are a lot of wonderful things in store!

If you joined us at SimuCon, we made two big announcements. First, we're prioritizing Monks for 2008. This includes not only the profession itself, but also the Minor Mentalist spells as well as the unarmed combat system. The other annoucement was about the development of a large quest. These two projects are high on our priority list for 2008.

Since SimuCon, we've fleshed out many other projects for 2008. I will be sharing some of the highlights with you while others will be surprises for you. We also have a few impressive systems to release at the beginning of this year that we worked on for much of 2007. Please note that this is not an all-inclusive list of projects, but merely a taste of what is to come.

2008 Project Highlights

Combat & Magic Systems:

• Monks/Minor Mentalist spells/unarmed combat
  
• Alchemy: Phase II
  
• Premium homes upgrade
  
• Mining/Smelting
  
• Archery/Thrown weapons update
  
• New spells & spell upgrades
  
• Lore skill reviews

Communities & Towns:

• CHE/MHO updates
  
• Ta'Illistim Cleric Guild; library
  
• Cysaegir lockers
  
• River's Rest town and hunting area expansions
  
• Zul Logoth hunting area and town updates
  
• Teras expansion & updates; Glaesen Star updates
  
• Gladiator Arena
  
• Historical/racial documentation

Events & Storylines:
There are many storylines and events planned this year -- probably more than we've ever had before. Our goal is to effectively communicate what is going on in the storylines so that you can easily follow along and participate. Please be on the look out for information on the front page of the website and also the in-game NEWS. As always, storyline logs and discussions are welcome and encouraged on the forums.

Festivals:

• Wonders of Elanthia - April
  
• Ebon Gate (ticketed) - October
  
• Highman Games - December

Premium:

• Mist Harbor expansion & hunting area
  
• Historical documentation
  
• Contests/raffles/events

Platinum:

• Plat-only storylines
  
• Custom titles
  
• Contests/raffles/events

CE Systems:

• Coding support for all towns, storylines & events releases
  
• Mail
  
• Quest
  
• Many command upgrades

ALL of these efforts are supported by our impressive Training & QC team. This includes not only Quality Control, but also forums & bug support, as well as GameHost training and coordination.