Runes of Magic US / AU

If this is TLDR, here you can find the short version: >>>click me<<<

Recently the users on the German forum boards collected a bunch of questions, which we tried to answer to the best we could. I have translated Laghmara's answers and share them with you in this thread. The answers are divided into subcategories in several posts.

Some questions from the German thread we combined and merged. If you have any further questions, please give us a private message. If you wish to discuss the given answers, please use already existing threads for the topic or create a discussion thread in our forum.

Bugs/Technical

Question: Unfortunately the new zone Chrysalia was activated with a lot of bugs. What are your plans to prevent this from happening again in future zones?
Answer: We always check every zone very thoroughly. The biggest challenge is that some bugs only surface when a lot of players do very specific actions - for example triggering a certain quest script part simultaneously. This is something that can not be covered by the best QA teams 100% and covering it efficiently for ever aspect of existing and new content would be impossible. We will keep our eyes open for such possible bug "candidates" even more then we already do in the future, and try to get these bugs fixed or find possible solutions that work around the bugs such as Spawn Scripts.

Question: What are you planning to do to prevent game crashes such as the well known critical error?
Answer: We always aim to prevent game crashes and look for ways to optimize the communication between engine and server, as well as our client hardware. The engine used by RoM is developed by Runewaker in-house, and proprietary. This is a great step forward in progress for the gaming industry, but Runes of Magic is the first game using this engine, and the engine is not running at 100% optimum yet. Of course, we will continue to improve game elements that may potentially lead to increased chances for game crashes.

Question: How often do you remind Runewaker of existing bug reports ?
Answer: This depends on the type of bug, it's priority and the existing knowledge about the bug. There are bugs on which we are in daily conversation, because they are rated as critical bugs. Others we synchronize once a week.

Question: When will the bug that causes unused equipment slots sometimes change each other be fixed?
Question: When will be bug for skill "Cursed Fangs" be fixed?
Answer: When the cause for the bug has been found.

Question: When will the event to open Chaos Vortex be fixed and will players who wasted gold on this event receive a reimbursement?
Answer: When the cause for this bug has been found. For reimbursement of lost items our support staff is the place to go to. But we do rely on your assistance and cooperation and to keep an eye on our bug forum section to see if other players reported issues with something to help you prevent to step into the same trap.

Question: Why do you not give speedy responses to our bug reports?
Answer: For the German forum section we have 2 dedicated forum members working on the incoming bug reports. (Mild adjustment of translation to fit for US by Dionaea:) Each language has it's own bug section on forums, however each language client is running on the same game version, so it is highly likely that bugs reported on German forums also are reported in other language sections and vice versa. The important part is to enter the incoming bug reports into our internal bug tracking tool and to verify and confirm the bug and reproduce it reliably to be able to find the cause and get a fix. While we may not respond as fast to your bug reports in the US forum as this happens on the German forum, rest assured we cooperate closely to ensure all bug reports are known, verified and forwarded. When a bug is fixed, you will see this in patch notes.

Question: What are you doing to get bugs fixed faster?
Answer: We are currently evaluating and improving our procedures in our Quality Assurance department to ensure that all resources are used at maximum efficiency. Having dedicated mentors and moderators for bug sections on forums is already a first step to improve the bug report procedures. We as publisher can not fix the bugs, Runewaker is working on bug fixing.

Question: Why can you not patch the game client while I play?
Answer: This is currently not within our means.

Question: Why are there still bugs active from beta?
Question: Why do old bugs in recurring events resurface?
Answer: Because we were not able to determine the reasons and cause of these bugs.

Question: When will you adjust the damage output of the lvl75 staves?
Answer: We are still waiting for feedback to this topic from Runewaker.

Suggestions / Game Improvement

Question: Why do the Memento and Energy of Justice items from Chrysalia have totally random stats now?
Answer: The Memento / Shell / Energy of Justice system has been heavily criticized by a number of players. Common complaints include saying that it makes the game too easy or that it is stacked in favor of end-game players and those that run more instances anyway. We are aware of this, and have already forwarded the feedback that this change was not something you liked.

Question: Why are there only three Item-set Skill slots available?
Answer: Because the set-skill system is designed for the long-term. If all five slots were now available, there would be nowhere to grow the system - something that we do not want.

Question: Is it planned to put more rune slots on items in the light of the variety of possible runes?
Answer: Currently, it is not possible and not planned to increase the possible number of rune slots on an item. Finding a variety of ways to reach your personal optimum is part of the game.

Question: Why can't planters buy stacks of planting items at once?
Answer: If you hold down the Shift key while purchasing, you can buy full stacks of items in this manner.

Question: Why were the old instance hard-modes and level 65 Moa weapons not implemented, and when will this happen?
Answer: We do not have an answer for this at this time.

Question: Why can you only get pets up to level 40 from the Cavy?
Answer: One important part of the Cavy system is the levelling of the pets. This aspect would be missing, would we make higher base level pets available.

Question: Why are the Cavies with the highest possible level available in the zone Aotulia Volcano and not the highest level zone?
Answer: Because Ayvenas has arranged it so. Cavy are a part of Candara and not the new continents. Here they will only spread and grow stronger through the generations.

Question: Why do pets reach the maximum of their passive skills at level 50?
Answer: The leveling of the companion is a very costly undertaking. Currently being a level above 50 is not a particularly great advantage, but can be something very dedicated players do to optimize a character anyway. Pets should always be weaker than their owners, after all, we do not want your pet revolting and making himself/herself the master.

Question: Will current skills that are not used due to lack of useability be revised and changed?
Answer: This is not an immediate concern at this time, but there is a plan to address these skills in the future.

Question: What class (and/or combination) are currently being focused on for balancing?
Answer: Currently, no class combination is a particular focus, but we are evaluating playstyle and skill-use for all combinations equally.

Question: When will Set Skills also be available for dwarfs?
Answer: Before we turn to the Set skills for dwarfs, we want to make sure all of their elite skills are implemented correctly.

Question: When will the dwarfs get elite skills for level 60 and 70?
Answer: It is expected to occur this year.

Question: Do you plan changes to the aggro system to prevent negative aggro or zero aggro issues?
Answer: We plan to go into more details in regards to that when we conclude our feedback collection for the shield runes.

Question: Why does the housemaid buff for critical hit rate have a fixed value and not a percentage increase at max level?
Answer: Because this buff would get too strong compared to the other buffs.

Question: Will items such as the fusion stones be able to be stacked in the future?
Answer: We are currently investigating the feasibility of this desire, and the impact of such an implementation.

Question: Will you increase the item shop bag size?
Answer: Yes, this is planned for the future.

Question: Is an adjustment to action bars planned now that we have three classes?
Answer: There are 3 action bars corresponding to the three classes, an action bar adjustment exclusive to a secondary class is not yet possible, but we have passed along feedback that you would like this feature.

Question: Will an NPC to repair and a resurrection point be changed/added in new zones closer to instances? Will this be changed for existing zones?
Answer: This is always dependent on whether and how well the resurrection point and repair facilities in the area if the instance can be accommodated in a design view. Sometimes the path to an instance happens to be troublesome.

Question: Will there be a teleporter inside new instances? Will a teleporter be implemented in older instances?
Answer: We have passed along the feedback that you would like teleporters inside new instances and old ones, but we have no information on whether or not it will be implemented. A teleporter does not fit every instance's "style", even if it is practical and convenient.

Question: Are titles planned for current mini-games to make them more attractive?
Answer: At present, no other titles for mini-games are planned. As an additional reward in Minigames Phirius shells were introduced.

Question: Why are pumpkins with a Fear-causing skill near craft NPCs? This greatly inconveniences players.
Answer: There are numerous crafting places. Players who do not wish to participate in the Halloween event can craft at these alternative locations.

Question: The changes to the PvP Arena make it hard to have a sucessful fight. When will this change?
Answer: We are currently considering ways to improve this system without reverting back to the problems of the old system.

Question: Why did the warrior / mage receive so many improvements in patch 5.0.4?
Answer: The warrior / mage has always been a strong class, but was hardly played for a long time, since other combinations were stronger. Accordingly, the class combination has been improved. Now this class combination is a little too strong, but has become much more common. We have informed Runewaker that further refinements are necessary.

Question: Why can other classes AoE as well as Mages?
Answer: The Mage was never intended to be the only AoE class but as the main AoE class. An altered body and game design makes it necessary that other classes have AoE abilities. The mage has also been adjusted and made significant gains in single-target damage.

Question: When will monster card drop rate be increased?
Answer: Currently, there are no plans to increase monster card drop rate.

Question: Will there be changes in how wisdom affects the healing of the Priest and Druid?
Answer: Priests are currently a very strong healer and compete against the Druids, which can obtain more wisdom. We have forwarded that you would like to see a change in this regard.

Question: Will we be able to unlock a 4th or more class, maybe through the item shop?
Answer: Currently this is not planned, but that does not mean that it is completely impossible. However, most players still have not reached the level cap with their third class.

Question: Will it be possible in the future to choose classes that are currently dependent on a certain race, like a Human Warden?
Answer: Such a change is not planned. Races are not just a special appearance - Each race has special skills that are reflected in "their" classes. While an option like this would be convenient for people who want to change classes but not level a new character, it would destroy a portion of the story and lore of Taborea.

Question: Will Andor's training camp remain permanently in the game?
Answer: We at least do not have any plans to remove the minigame. It will enrich our existing minigame selection.

Question: Will there be a server merger?
Answer: A server merger is not planned.

Question: Why does the display on the AH limit itself to 500 auctions, and why was this not changed?
Answer: For most categories, this is not necessary. That the limits are reached for manastones and diamonds / gold auctions is known and we are examining ways to improve this.

Question: Why are balancing patches so rare recently?
Answer: Currently, the addition of missing skills (dwarfs) is a higher priority. Balance is impossible to get right if skills have not yet been added. In the words of a member of the Product Managment Team: "I can't bake a cake if ingredients are missing."

Question: When will the classes finally be completely balanced?
Answer: Never. Balancing is an ongoing process and can never be complete.

Question: When will crafting be able to make items equivalent with or better than instance gear?
Answer: Crafting is definitely still an issue, and a number of things can be improved, but currently other features have a higher priority.

Question: Why have spell resistance, as example also the fearlessness rune if they have no noticeable impact in the game?
Answer: Resistance is a relic of past times, like the scrolling banner to the bloody gallery. Not everything that is useless at maximum level is always useless. Earth resistance is still useful, for example, if you are level 35 without good equipment and pass through the Ruins of Ice Dwarf Kingdom.

Communication

Question: Why were the elite skills for rogue/mage totally changed and why was this not mentioned in the patch notes?
Answer: This class combinations is one of the rare exotic ones, used by less players &#8211; a common reason given were the available elite skills. These are now adjusted. The reason these changes were not mentioned in patch notes was that the changes where accidentally flagged with wrong version &#8211; thus the patch notes regarding these changes were not correctly linked to the patch. We are collecting your feedback about the changes.

Question: Why do you not give constant updates about the ongoing communication between Runewaker and Gameforge, or the future plans of Runewaker?
Answer: If you want internal company information, you would have to apply for a job with either Gameforge or Runewaker &#8211; and would thus be tied by the same NDAs in regards to company internal communication. What we can share is that a lot of good stuff is planned for the future of Runes of Magic and we really look forward to the coming years together with our players.

Question: You announced in the past that with each bigger patch one or two classes will be balanced. Does this plan still stand?
Answer: No, we had to change our plans. The patch procedures and patch plans have changed since the release of Chapter V.

Question: Will you communicate more with the community in the future? What improvements do you have planned?
Answer: Communication with our community is one of the main priorities of the CM staff. We are always open for your suggestions for improvement. We plan to increase the manpower in our mentor teams to increase our coverage.

Question: When will the announced damage reduction of 90% in PvP come?
Answer: This is in the works. We do not have a fixed date at this point.

Question: What happens to forwarded feedback? Why do you not give monthly reports about the actual status?
Answer: This depends on the feedback. We either forward it to the department responsible for that area, or directly to our contacts with our developer. Due to the wide spread and decentralized feedback distribution it is only very rarely possible to give reports back to our community every month. We collect all feedback in five languages from 8 communities, translate it to English and forward it to several people/departments. We are currently in the process of revamping some information flow.

Questions: What do you do to gather new players?
Answer: Currently we have advertising banners and launch ads in the internet, with very good results. Additionally, but currently not active, we use site brandings on game-specific sites, partnerships with other companies (as example with Steelseries for our Mousepad, the Art of Games, the Runes of Magic novels), trailers, box sales, and many others.

Question: Are you planning to give more insight into the work of the CM staff?
Answer: You are more then welcome to ask if you wish for this.

Question: Will you do such Question & Answer threads more regularly?
Answer: No, this was an exception. Most answers given here are nothing new, and were already given in the discussion threads before. But it would be a great fan project to collect our answers and create a Q&A catalogue. If someone is interested in doing so, you can always contact us.

Question: Are you planning to involve the community more into the patch planning before a patch is released, be it with test server access or pre-discussions of coming changes?
Answer: No, we already use all your feedback for future patches. A lot of the adjustments and development of new content is the result of your feedback.

Question: Will there be a Chapter VI?
Answer: As already answered in our Livestream for Chapter V, yes, Chapter VI is planned.

Question: When will the next level cap increase come, what will be the next level cap and will there be a tp reset when it comes?
Answer: We can not spill the beans on the exact date, as for the next level cap we gave hints in our aforementioned Livestream and a tp reset will depend on the amount of skill changes we will have.

Item Shop

Question: Why did the Advanced Bind Lifter re-appear after it was said that this item would never come back??
Answer: We should have never said it that way. We can always only judge from a current game situation and should never have said "never". Except maybe if it targets things that will not fit into our game at all, for example pink glittering robot ponies with steel wings as a playable class. This is why we never say "never" anymore, only "Not planned at this point". Never say never.

Question: Why did the Random Attribute Extraction Stones first cost 39, then 59, then 99 and then 39 Diamonds?
Answer: When we first received these items from Runewaker, we had to evaluate their price - so on introduction we rated them similar to the Purified Fusion Stone, which back then did cost 39 diamonds. We noticed that this price was too low compared to the value this game created in game. So we raised the price to 59 diamonds. Still the demand of that item was so high, that we came to the conclusion that the item effect is still too valueable for that price. So we went for 99 diamonds next. Now that apparently was too expensive. Soon after the item shop repricing took place and the purified fusion stone (and compare item) got cheaper (19 diamonds). So we adjusted the price for the Random Attribute Extraction stone as well. An item like this one will not have a fixed price but an orientation course. The sales price depends on frequency and player stockpiles.

Question: Why is there no ruby bonus for sales offers in the item shop?
Answer: Rubies are a reward currency. As you all noticed, their value went lower in the past and you often gave us feedback to that regard. Currently the rubies are in the process of gaining value again. Once this process is complete, we will re-evaluate the situation.

Question: Do you plan for higher runes than Level X?
Answer: No, at this point we have no plans for that.

Question: Do you have plans for stones > +16?
Answer: No, at this point we have no plans for that.

Question: When will the plussing stones with 100% success rate be available in the diamond item shop?
Answer: This will only be the case in special sales offers.

Question: Are there any other changes planned for the plussing jewels?
Answer: At this point we have no plans for that.

Question: Why did the recent changes in the item shop happen?
Answer: On every change we published statements explaining the changes, for example here: http://forum.us.runesofmagic.com/showthread.php?t=76861

Question: Why are Daily Reset Tickets so often in sales offers?
Answer: Because this is a consumeable item that our players use and buy often.

Support

Question: Do you have any plans to increase your effectiveness in the fight against botters and goldsellers?
Answer: We already increased our efficiency against botters and goldsellers, players from old days might still remember the hordes of goldsellers at the mailbox on the elven island. This is a fight that never ends, as long as there are players willing to risk their accounts to buy gold. Every online game, that is an interesting target for goldsellers (due to high player numbers), is fighting this fight. We are always in the process of improving our methods and evaluating their impact.

Question: Why does the support staff answer with responses to my questions that do not match my question?
Answer: This can have many reasons. Sometimes a question is worded in a way that can be easy misunderstood or offer a variety of possible answers due to lack of information, as example: "Why can I not finish my quest?". Sometimes users mistake an automatic email as a real answer from a support member and overlook the paragraph indicating that if this did not help with the issue to response to the ticket. Most common reason is simply a misunderstanding and this can be corrected with detailed information and clear questions for clarification of a matter. If a response did not help you, answer your ticket and clarify the issue.

Question: Why do we see GMs on our servers so rarely and why can they not assist in game as I want them to?
Answer: Laghmara gave a detailed answer in the German forum here: https://forum.runesofmagic.com/showt...=1#post4333696
Translation:

Quoted

Let me give some examples for responses I received in game, when I answered to the question "Is a GM available?"

• "I do not know how to continue in my quest, can you help me?" -Answer : "No, I am not allowed and can not help you with that. Please ask your fellow players for assistance, here in game or in our forums."
  
• "Can I have Gold/Diamonds/Items?" - Answer: "No, that would be unfair to the other players."
  
• "Someone bought Diamonds from me and did not sent me the gold, do something!" (or vice versa) - Answer: "Trading diamonds for gold with the gift option of the item shop is done at own risk. As the name indicates, the gift option is for gifting something to another player, not for trades."
  
• "I sold my item to the NPC, can you give it back to me?" - Answer: "Please contact our support staff, they will be able to assist you."
  
• "How much pAtk do you have?" - Answer: "Quite a good amount "
  

I am not saying that ALL requests look like that, but a lot of them. You should keep in mind that such requests can hardly be answered to the full satisfaction of the player.
For a lot of requests, we would like to encourage you to answer your fellow players when they ask for a GM, for example: "Hi, I am not a GM but maybe I can help?" A lot of the questions we receive can be answered by other players just as fine

There are different types of GMs:
- GM as Gamemaster: They can most likely assist you with "i am stuck" (but the Report Stuck feature does that job too) or "i see a botter" or "someone is exploiting here". They will take action when massive Insults, Spam or any other violations of our TOS and EULA and Code of Conduct occur. They also make notes for our Support in these cases and take interventive steps of punishment.

- GM as Supporter: in some cases it can be necessary to check a ticket on the server. If he does, he will ignore all other requests and concentrate on the ticket he is working on (except massive violations).

- GM as Community Manager & Team: CMs usually appear during events, sometimes for surprise server visits as well. A CM GM will do nothing of the aforementioned, his main task is to communicate with the players and host the events. If we catch violations in chat, we can mute a player for it.

(And if they make me mad I may teleport them to unpleasant places ).

P.S.: Laghmara made it mandatory I share with you how she felt after answering all these questions in one go. After translating it all, I share that feeling

ClickMe

We hope the answers shed some more light on things.