Busiest Time of the Year - R3n4m3M4g3dd0N!!

[High_Beam]

28 minutes ago, Icono04 said:

Surely you meant to have a comma between the second and third words, right? Many English classrooms have posters with "Let's eat, Grandma" and "Let's eat Grandma" to emphasise the difference grammar can make 🙂

Different spelling.

[catsi563]

OK I have a question

 

what in the 9 hells is a temporal warrior?

 

I get the separate words mean but ive never heard of such in COX game context

Edited October 30 by catsi563

[Frostbiter]

1 minute ago, catsi563 said:

OK I have a question

 

what in the 9 hells is a temporal warrior?

 

I get the separate words mean but ive never heard of such in COX game context

 

The insta 50s that are restricted to PvP content only.

[Without_Pause]

1 minute ago, Frostbiter said:

 

The insta 50s that are restricted to PvP content only.

The option for this and its text is on the screen when making a new character. It doesn't imply the instant Level 50 part well enough, IMO.

[nightroarer]

20 hours ago, Greycat said:

 

... I've worked in tech support and/or customer support for most of the last 30 years, I can say that's *patently* not true. 😄

Usually when I'm asked "Can I ask a stupid question?", I reply "Why not? I'm loaded with stupid answers."

[nightroarer]

8 hours ago, Mopery said:

I'm sure the 50 players who all want the exact same edgy name will still be disappointed when only one of them can have it.

Or else all 50 will be disappointed that the name is still in use by an active player. 🙂

[OEM61]

6 hours ago, Seed22 said:

But what makes them having a bunch of lvl 1’s for their desired purpose hoarding and you standing around for hours RPing not hoarding? You’re both effectively playing your way and neither are “playing” the game by the metric of gaining levels and whatnot. 
 

So technically both are hoarding. Or, as I like to see it, both are playing the way they see fit. I personally have a lot of 50’s. To some even that still is hoarding. 
 

I say as long as you’re logging in, you’re good in my books. And the HC team too according to the release policy

I have my 5 toons right now.  I can't level them all at once so I am going to just keep on keeping on, right?  I have picked a "main" (for now) and am working on them and once I get them to 50 and feel like I have finished up whatever I had going on at the time then they will become a lot less active as I start working on one of the others.
And maybe as I go along some other concept may crystallize enough that I decide to roll a new toon.  I have one more toon specifically in mind (a new take on my main villain from "back in the day") and ideas come and go, but right now the 5 feel like enough.
If I keep with it then one day they will all be 50 and I won't have any more ideas that I find compelling enough to bother with, so then I will figure out my "real" main and log the others in when I feel like changing things up.

Anyway, I don't think that I am "hoarding" because I am "only" keeping four names back.  Of course, if there is someone out there that came after me that was wanting one of those four names then they may see things differently.

So that's the point of all this.  Hoarding is going to be seen differently by different people.
I think that everyone is entitled to a few names.  Like I said, I am 'hoarding' four while I play one.  But what is an "okay" number?  What even do different people define as "hoarding"?

If I had to put a number on it I would say that anything more than 15 sub-50 toons is hoarding.  That's how many archetypes there are, so someone could have one of every type of toon.
But the rules are set.  "The avalanche has already started.  It is too late for the pebbles to vote".  If someone wants to keep 1,000 names then they can keep 1.000 names as long as they log them in once per year (I would assume that anyone trying this would level the toons up to level 6 at minimum to save the trouble of having to log in 1.000 toons every month).  Doesn't matter what I or anyone else thinks about it.

They estimate that 1.6 million names will be freed up, hat will be spread over all of the servers (still a whole lot of names) and will almost certainly include names that no one has even tried to claim after they were first taken.  There may well still be some level 50 toons that will not lose their names despite their owners not having played in years.

I am really curious as to exactly how many freed-up names will be claimed by another player within the first day/week/month of this policy being in effect.

[lemming]

2 hours ago, OEM61 said:

But what is an "okay" number? 

Any number greater than how many I have.

 

2 hours ago, OEM61 said:

I am really curious as to exactly how many freed-up names will be claimed by another player within the first day/week/month of this policy being in effect.

I wonder if they are going to run a DB query the morning of the 31st and again later on to see.

[Greycat]

6 hours ago, lemming said:

I wonder if they are going to run a DB query the morning of the 31st and again later on to see.

 

I really kind of hope they do, and release the number. Not least because I'm curious how much that "1.6 million" number has dropped since the announcement.

[Crysis]

On 10/29/2024 at 1:29 PM, Acroyear said:

What good is the name release if you have to create a new character to get the released name? 

 

The whole point of name release is NOT to take an already-retired and/or seldom played character and just rename them.  That moves a desired name from one hoarder to another.  It’s to free it up for a new alt so that the games’ active population goes up.

 

 

[Snarky]

15 hours ago, nightroarer said:

Usually when I'm asked "Can I ask a stupid question?", I reply "Why not? I'm loaded with stupid answers."

“There is no such thing as a stupid question…” never survived modern humanity.  
 

There are questions so stupid it lowers your intelligence when you hear them.  

[Snarky]

1 hour ago, Crysis said:

 

The whole point of name release is NOT to take an already-retired and/or seldom played character and just rename them.  That moves a desired name from one hoarder to another.  It’s to free it up for a new alt so that the games’ active population goes up.

 

 

Someone missed the memo on reality vs best intentions…

[OEM61]

2 hours ago, Crysis said:

 

The whole point of name release is NOT to take an already-retired and/or seldom played character and just rename them.  That moves a desired name from one hoarder to another.  It’s to free it up for a new alt so that the games’ active population goes up.

 

 

Who said that a character being renamed would be one that was seldom played?

Someone's #1 favorite and most-played toon may have been given a second or third-choice name.

I make a new toon with a freed-up name but play them less than some existing toon, how did that help the "active population go up"?

Anyway, it's been pointed out that you just make a new toon with the name, getting the release that you wanted, then delete that toon and rename the old character that you wanted to have the name in the first place.

And while I won't be trying to catch any freshly-released names for myself, anyone that does so with the intent of renaming an existing toon will be releasing another name back into the wild.  That is a much better result in my mind than them just making a new toon and still sitting on their old toons and their names with little or no play time for that character in the forseeable future.
 

[lemming]

My plan for name checks is actually seeing if there are some available on Everlasting or Indom that I have on Excelsior, but would like to transfer to one of those.  Which means I'll wind up freeing up names on Excel that are currently held by a 50 that isn't played much currently.

 

Second category are some spellings that I would prefer.

 

All in all, about a dozen names.

[Crysis]

49 minutes ago, OEM61 said:

Who said that a character being renamed would be one that was seldom played?

Someone's #1 favorite and most-played toon may have been given a second or third-choice name.

I make a new toon with a freed-up name but play them less than some existing toon, how did that help the "active population go up"?

Anyway, it's been pointed out that you just make a new toon with the name, getting the release that you wanted, then delete that toon and rename the old character that you wanted to have the name in the first place.

And while I won't be trying to catch any freshly-released names for myself, anyone that does so with the intent of renaming an existing toon will be releasing another name back into the wild.  That is a much better result in my mind than them just making a new toon and still sitting on their old toons and their names with little or no play time for that character in the forseeable future.
 

 

I mean, not to point out the obvious, but if an alt is:

 

1) Your number 1 favorite

2) Your most played-toon

3) But it’s been saddled with a second/third-choice name….

 

Then clearly that alt has NOT been your number 1 favorite after all?

 

This argument is circular to me.  

 

I certainly have alts (long since retired) sporting names like “Sp4rtacus” because the original one I wanted was taken.  But my wants didn’t stop me from playing, leveling and eventually retiring that toon, and I’m not going to go for the first version spelling of the name.  Because….their can be only 1 of that name ever.  

 

If I had my way, we’d take away names from any retired toon, regardless of level, that hasn’t been played for more than 4 hours in the past 365 days.  People would still find ways to get around that rule, but it would eliminate all the toons that are parked and never get played any longer. 

 

 

[JKCarrier]

2 hours ago, Crysis said:

I certainly have alts (long since retired) sporting names like “Sp4rtacus” because the original one I wanted was taken.  But my wants didn’t stop me from playing, leveling and eventually retiring that toon, and I’m not going to go for the first version spelling of the name.  Because….their can be only 1 of that name ever. 

Edited October 31 by JKCarrier

[OEM61]

1 hour ago, Crysis said:

 

I mean, not to point out the obvious, but if an alt is:

 

1) Your number 1 favorite

2) Your most played-toon

3) But it’s been saddled with a second/third-choice name….

 

Then clearly that alt has NOT been your number 1 favorite after all?

 

This argument is circular to me.  

 

I certainly have alts (long since retired) sporting names like “Sp4rtacus” because the original one I wanted was taken.  But my wants didn’t stop me from playing, leveling and eventually retiring that toon, and I’m not going to go for the first version spelling of the name.  Because….their can be only 1 of that name ever.  

 

If I had my way, we’d take away names from any retired toon, regardless of level, that hasn’t been played for more than 4 hours in the past 365 days.  People would still find ways to get around that rule, but it would eliminate all the toons that are parked and never get played any longer. 

 

 

If a toon is my #1 favorite, is my most played toon, but has been saddled with a second or third choice name then how is it not my favorite?

Your prior assertion that having to make a new toon to snag a released name would increase the game's active population made no sense. 
Your assertion here that someone's #1 favorite toon is somehow not that players favorite toon because that player couldn't get their first name choice also makes no sense.

Level cap does not mean retirement.  Not in any game I have ever played, but certainly not here.

Maybe for you it does,  Maybe for you once a toon hits the cap it's time to sit them on the sideline and only dust them off once in a while before moving back to whatever latest thing has your attention right now, if you dust them off at all, but for some people playing that old favorite is reason #1 for logging in.  They will run and re-run TFs and missions.  They can collect any badges that they may have yet to acquire.  They can just go someplace and fight enemies for the fun of it.  Maybe they just want to hang out and chat or RP with some in-game friends.

And if they want a name that they may not have been able to get back when they made that toon then I wish them luck.

But if you think that level cap is retirement then feel free to follow your convictions and delete every such toon that you have so that their names are freed up for people wanting it later.  The game doesn't have to make a system.  You can look at your roster and delete freely, and good for you if you already do so, and for anyone else that feels the same way.

But I would never assume that a level 50 toon is semi-retired just because they are capped, and back to the earlier point again, no one said that any existing toon taking a name that gets released was anywhere near cap to begin with.

[ZemX]

Before we rehash all the same tired arguments, I'd recommend people just re-read the dev post linked earlier in this thread.  This is not being done, primarily, because of active name campers and it has nothing to do with "retired" toons either.  It has some effect on that due to the log-in requirements but, as stated, the point is simply to free up names from long inactive accounts.  And before anybody brings up THAT tired argument again, re-read the f-ing dev post!  Seriously.  They're not doing it this way because it's the ideal way to surgically target *only* inactive accounts.  It isn't.  They're doing it this way because it's the right combo of effort and efficacy for them.

[Water]

I can't say that I've "saddled" any of my toons with a name. Quite simply if a name is taken I find another that I'm happy with. It may take the hour or so to find that appropriate name whilst I'm building the costume and writing the Bio but I do find that name eventually. Apropos of this - the English language has not yet run out of words.

 

I don't belong to the "I want that name and I want it NAO" brigade (if indeed it is a brigade in volume), likely a loud minority. But I am happy that many a popular name is taken for enforcement of creativity if nothing else. I also agree that this new policy being activated is a good move to free up dead accounts of names and I would add that I would hope the policy is extended to level 50 toons which have not been played within 5 years to be freed from the encumbrance of their unused name.

 

[Crysis]

The Devs really missed an opportunity with PVP if you ask me.

 

Duels for a Name.  You want it, you must duel for it.  Forced PVP or give up the name.

 

Coming up next, PVP for right to have a SINGULAR costume piece, only one exists in the entire game at any given time.  

 

If only……

[PhotriusPyrelus]

1 minute ago, Crysis said:

The Devs really missed an opportunity with PVP if you ask me.

 

Duels for a Name.  You want it, you must duel for it.  Forced PVP or give up the name.

 

Coming up next, PVP for right to have a SINGULAR costume piece, only one exists in the entire game at any given time.  

 

If only……

Of all the wonderful PvP games, I will never understand why people insist on pushing it into game built around PvE full of people who are only interested in PvE.

[Crysis]

9 minutes ago, PhotriusPyrelus said:

Of all the wonderful PvP games, I will never understand why people insist on pushing it into game built around PvE full of people who are only interested in PvE.

 

Sorry, hope you realize I’m being sarcastic.  Because that’s the way PVP has always been in this game.  “If only there were a way to FORCE people to PVP when in a PVP zone, then this would be a better game for everyone!”

 

Oh wait…that’s true of PvE game as well. 

 

People just need to relax and let others do the same.  It’s a game.  The amount of selfish behaviors I’ve witnessed in this game, and so many other MMO’s, makes me appreciate NPC’s all the more.  Someone else got a name before me?  Fine…I’ll just find another way to name my character.  They’ve long since never touched that toon?  Fine, release it.  No big deal either way.

[Skyhawke]

Two characters enter, one character leaves (because the other one is now on thesaurus.com to find a new name).

[Crysis]

7 hours ago, JKCarrier said:

I mean, with GenAI it’s not even hard to find alternative names these days:

 

me: “I’d like to create a role playing character identical to the gladiator from the movie “Spartacus,” but he cannot have that same name.  Can you give me a list of 10 different names that are appropriate for such a character?”

 

ChatGPT:  “

Certainly! Here are 10 names that could suit a gladiator character with the spirit of the legendary figure from Spartacus:

 

1. Maximus – meaning “greatest,” a strong, commanding name.

2. Cassius – a classic Roman name with strength and resolve.

3. Lucianus – evoking light, clarity, and purpose.

4. Aquilus – meaning “eagle,” symbolizing bravery and nobility.

5. Caius – a traditional Roman name with a powerful sound.

6. Valerian – derived from “valere,” meaning “to be strong.”

7. Rufus – meaning “red-haired” but historically common in ancient Rome.

8. Magnus – signifying greatness and strength.

9. Tiberius – inspired by the Roman emperor, symbolizing power.

10. Severus – a name suggesting strength and severity, often associated with Roman warriors.

 

Each of these names carries a distinct Roman essence while capturing the spirit of a fierce and resilient gladiator.”

 

 

[Greycat]

7 hours ago, PhotriusPyrelus said:

Of all the wonderful PvP games, I will never understand why people insist on pushing it into game built around PvE full of people who are only interested in PvE.

 

... I feel I should point out that, while it's not *popular* and it is rather segregated, they were talking about having PVP well before release. (Even at that point it was in arenas, though.)