Things going on at UO right now...

[WarderDragon]

We all know that Darkscribe has only recently replaced Anthony "Castro" Sunsword as the producer and head of the Ultima Online team at Electronic Arts. We also know that he has been rather ambitious with his recent comments and his priority lists. Within weeks, we saw the advent of the Inu the Crone story arc, which is currently the most complex and in-depth event arc that UO has ever seen. We have seen the creation of the proficiency system, which promises to eliminate some of the high-powered items, and create a system of checks and balances in UO. We have seen CatHat and Wilki comment on the boards more than ever. We have seen CatHat joke about her "dream UO", some of the stuff sounded really facinating. Wilki has discussed that the team is currently working to fix the problem created by AoS armor - Plate should, by default, have huge physical resist, and leather should not be able to meet it.

We have also seen Darkscribe make some very ambitious and cryptic comments:

"...I plan to see UO last another ten years..."
"...Its this teams intention to bring the Ultima back into Ultima Online..." (In regards to the lore, story arcs, races, etc)
"...No, the upcoming secret has nothing to do with a Pre Age of Shadows or Pre Renaissance Shard that everyone has been wanting. Its bigger than that!..."
"...Dont worry, folks. You will find out the secret soon. The spring flowers are still in bloom..."

Well, that is quite facinating. What could this "revolutionary" (they specifically stated revolutionary, not evolutionary [as in AOS], in regards to upcoming changes) new secret(s) or change(s) be?

Also, we see some quite interesting, if not scary revelations in the cryptic prophecies and comments made by Inu the Crone. She has stated to stay away from Magnicia. She has claimed that Vesper is a wonderful place, too bad its going to sink. She has also claimed that the walls of Luna will crumble, and the rivers of Britain will begin to boil. People shall awake, and not know where they are any longer. This quest has also involved the Wisps to a certain extent. We also have evidence that Minax may be gone, never to return (atleast not at this time, according to the demon). Lord British, we know is gone. This sounds eerily familiar; their have been hints that Darkscribe is taking ideas from the cast out UO2, UXO, and Illshenar Lore. Sound like the Spell of Armaggedon, anyone?

Also, when you mention names to Inu, some she responds to. She responds to the expected ones - Lord British, Lord Blackthorn, Exodus, Minax. She also responds to Dawn. What she doesnt respond to is people more important and famous than Dawn - such as Gwenno, Iolo, Geffory, and the other virtue companions? Why? She responds to Sherri the Mouse! And Sherri had to do with the Time Lord/UO2 plotline as well. But Dawn? Under careful analysis, Dawn's rise to power is eerily similar to the rise of British in Akallabeth/UO1. The evil heir rises to power through dark means, after not being able to secure the throne (Blackthorn/Mondain). The King is indisposed (British/Wolfgang). A hero rises to prominence in the land through his heroic deeds, and becomes an icon for the people (Dawn/British). Sound like maybe Dawn might become Queen.

Now here is another thing. UO's tenth anniversary is coming up - Its a big thing, fan of UO or not. No game has lasted ten years with such a fanbase, as poor off as UO is doing right now, except maybe Chess.

Here is a brand new advertisement for an EA job. I will highlight the interesting parts:

Online Game ? UI Designer

Electronic Arts (EA) is the world's #1 independent developer and publisher of interactive entertainment. We develop award winning games from our studios around the world from Shanghai to Stockholm and from Florida to California. While we have the stability of an industry giant, we are organized into small, agile and fun teams.

We are starting a small team to create an innovative online game that will shock the world. We need an experienced artist to define the user experience. This will be super fun. Are you ready for the ride?

Job Responsibilities

Be the User Experience Police! Responsible for a seamless experience across all game areas and features, as well as across the PC game client, the web front-end and the mobile phones. Simplicity and ease-of-use will be key to our success.

Create the information flows of the entire user experience.

Create wire-frames of all front-end screens and heads-up-display (HUD).

Responsible for the design and asset production of 2D and possibly 3D User Interface graphics such as icons and images.
Requirements

3+ years of UI design experience for a range of mass market consumer online services (e.g. communication, content, community, commerce) on the web front-end and on the PC client.

3+ years of experience in graphic design with a deep understanding of color, space, typography, and the formal desig Development Director n process.

Strong 2D and 3D illustration skills.

Must be able to design the User Interface screens from concept sketches to completion.

Expert knowledge of the following software is essential:
Adobe PhotoShop
Visio
A demo reel, portfolio and resume that demonstrate your skills and abilities.
Highly creative problem solver with a passion and drive that puts you a step above the rest.
Must have a strong understanding of how to create a consistent look and message.
Able to clearly communicate and partner with production, engineering and design to implement the design vision.

Good references!

Preferred
An avid online gamer with a passion for creating AAA titles for the industry leader
Prior experience as a UI artist on an online game title.
Designed for a mobile game
Design experience in Korea/China/Japan
Can read Korean/Chinese
Adobe Illustrator
Maya
Know what "cute" means in Japan; fan of Japanese anime
Macromedia Flash MX and Macromedia Flash Object Models
HTML, DHTML, CSS and other web design tools
Adobe AfterEffects
Knowledge of JavaScript and browser compatibility issues
Dreamweaver

If you want to be a part of EA's vision to push to the next level, then here is your chance. Get in the game and apply today! Please contact Dalma Bolech at [e-mail]

Wait a minute!? Fan of JAPANESE ANIME!? Makes you wonder, doesn't it...

[Miiralaeuntryr]

The spell of armageddon completely destroyed the world. If it gets cast in the UO world, it means a shard wipe. Complete and gone. And UO did this earlier, years back with a storyline where they stopped four black knights (before black armour was available) from casting it. They actually said, fail to stop it, and the shards will be wiped.

These knights, in the storyline managed to get hold of Blackrock, which is needed for the spell. Now... if blackrock creeps up someplace bro... THEN I'd begin to worry about that spell. Greg knows the actual name of the storyline tho it happened in. He was around during it.

I highly doubt EA is gonna put anything else towards UO bro. It seems hippocritical one moment for Darkscribe and the rest of the UO devs to admit that EA has no plans to give anymore money towards UO and have this confirmable by EA and other sources. Then to turn around and hire hands to improve it some more. If anything they are probably working on another online game to overtake UO when they are done with it after it fails.

[Nisp]

let me just say one thing about EA's boasts... I don't believe any of it!

[WarderDragon]

Yeah, I have a bad feeling. I doubt they would do a shard wipe, though. I know Darkscribe has big plans for altering the landscape and giving more reasons to go to some of the underused areas and dungeons - suggesting a revamp of the spawn and dungeon overhaul. *shrugs* Who knows what they are up to.

I do not have my hopes up for anything big, though. The only way EA is going to do anything with UO is if they think that this upcoming ten year anniversary might be a good way of launching the game and getting a little piece of the growing MMORPG market. They know they have little to no chance of building their own successful MMORPG - UO is the only one to have lasted.

I am expecting some improvements, I dont see any concievable overhaul. I can always hope though. I would rather see an awesome UO than leave for Darkfall.

[EllZemi]

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