Q: What is the ETA on the next comic series?
A: Work on the next Comic Series begins next week. Each Issue in a comic series takes approximately 14 days to complete and we are planning on 5-6 Issue per Comic Series. The current release date is 11/1. We are working on streamlining the process so we can get new series out to you sooner. Currently we have 1 group dedicated to the Comic Series and plan to get another group starting on another Comic Series to reduce the wait between each Comic Series. That second group is currently working on some top secret Confrontation “rumbles” and other soon to be announced events.
Q: Is there any thought at all to making Bundle Packages in the C-Store for certain items?
A: One of the things we are looking into is Bundling purchases. It requires some new tech for the C-store but we are looking into it. In the short term we create bundle items that have multiple devices and consumables at bundle price but thing like AT’s costumes, travel powers and services are handled a little differently and will need to wait for the real bundle upgrade for the c-store.
Q: Speaking of Telekinesis, is there any talk of making the Mentalist set of powers work more like Martial Arts and Sorcery, where there's a bit more overlap in how unlocks are acquired (things like making Ego Form count as both a Telepathy and Telekinesis power)? Or do the developers feel that they're distinct enough as it is to not provide any overlap?
A: We've been discussing unlocks in general, and how happy we are with the current unlocking scheme. As is, we don't see a need to tweak it from the "normal" layout for frameworks - there is definitely overlap in the sets, but the restrictions set via the current unlocking scheme doesn't really prevent you from making virtually any combo of TK/TP powers you could want by the time you hit level 40. Of course, that wouldn't hold true if we ever introduced a third framework to the Mentalist section...
Q: Is there going to be a continuation of giving Henchman Devices a costume unlock (and if so, are any of the older ones going to be given something, and if they are, could these be applied retroactively)?
A: Adding the Emotes to the Harajuku set and the weapon unlocks to the Harajuku Twins is something we really liked doing. This is a pretty cool way to get some thematic bonuses out to you and we plan on continuing to add extra bits to the new items we sell in the C-Store. Right now we have no plans to create unlocks for previous henchman devices.
Q: What more can you tell us about royal boss rumbles?
A: Please keep in mind that the following information is highly subjective to change as development on these new features progress: We are currently developing and testing a new “Confrontation” or “Villain Alerts” system to be introduced to Champions Online:Free for All in a future update. The Champions Universe is filled with many nefarious villains. We really want to tap into that lore to provide you with more new and exciting opportunities to defeat these evil forces. The content in this system will have you rescuing civilians, stopping bank heists, and thwarting the plots of evil doers everywhere. The goal is to let you live through some truly classic, comic book like events.
Q: Will be get an update to emblems ever?
A: We are looking at adding more emblems like the Perk icons right now. In the short term adding more images like the perk icons is pretty easy, while adding more places to put them is a bit harder. No ETA at this point but it is something we’re actively working on.
Q: Have you guys considered more expanding the bank robbery events that can happen in the City Center?
A: Yes! Events like the bank robbery are something we really want to have more of in the game. This is something we’re currently discussing how best to implement. What we envision are multiple thematic, possibly random, events which can happen around Millennium City or any other zone. You would come across them as you are playing through the game naturally and be able to take part in these mini events solo, or with anyone that happens to drop in.
Q: will we ever see a "Moar Tights with Skin" pack?
A: It is certainly possible. We have a pretty long list of costume sets on the current schedule but we will do our best to add a tights w/ skin pack.
Q: With blood moon becoming a monthly event, has a new special halloween specific event ever been tossed around?
A: Bloodmoon and the Halloween event are currently being discussed. It’s still pretty early, however I can tell you that there will be some nice upgrades to the current event. The goal is to add some new, interesting pieces, and a bigger final boss fight. One thing is for sure… Takofanes is getting out of that chair! We’re also working on some updates for the Winter Event as well. More details will be released about both of these as we get closer to the events.
Q: Speaking of special events... Is something being planned for the upcoming second anniversary?
A: The Anniversary Party is in production. This event will be a fun, social party that has some cool rewards and a host of upgrades from last year. There will be some items that return, but we’re planning on some great additions to the party as well!
Q: Is there a plan to tweak silver and/or gold ATs to increase its appeal or even create some platinum AT?
A: We are currently very happy with how our Archetypes have been performing, and with how well they have been received by our players. We plan to continue releasing additional ATs, and have discussed potentially offering Archetype "bundles" in various ways; however, we are still discussing exactly what this would entail. We have no plans at this time for additional types of ATs, such as a "Platinum" Archetype.
Q: When will PFF get better? Like, better as in a viable alternative to all other defensive passives.
A: PFF has undergone a fair amount of rework throughout the course of the game already, but it's still not there yet. We need to do a big comparative review of all 4 Defensive Passives, and get them all up to the same level of usefulness. It's a big task, and currently we have players that enjoy both PFF and Regen for solo play, so we have to be careful to not change something in a way that interferes with that, as well. It's a task that is on our list, and hopefully isn't too far off, but I don't have an exact timeline to provide.
Q: When will the PvE Challenge Maps be put back on the radar?
A: The PvE challenge is a wave survival game that presents some interesting gameplay possibilities. The gameplay and monsters are all there but we need to get the setting right, and of course rewards are a big factor as well. We have some other updates coming to you before the PvE challenge but it is still in the plan. There is currently no release date for the PvE challenge.
Q: Any plans on updating steam achievement list and adding retroactive achievements?
A: There are currently no plans to add new Steam achievements. That is not to say we will never add more however. Retroactively granting achievements is something we would need to look into. The way steam achievements are completed is by completing them while the steam client is running, which could make granting achievements retroactively a little tricky.
Q: When you get around to lair reviews, will the ultra-rare drops become bind on equip like they have been for the recent content released?
A: We're still discussing where in the game BoP vs. BoE should exist. We think BoE makes a lot of sense for most of the content in game, but it's something we're still working out.
Q: Bestial, will it ever get a pass? Right now the form has a damage penalty on it since it can buff ranged slashing attacks. Except there are no ranged slashing attacks in the set, or the game. The set also has four ways to apply Enrage, but no way to stack it without dipping into different powersets.
A: Everything will get a pass. Think of it as an ongoing cycle. Forms/Aspects need a review of their own, and Enrage needs a review of its own as well. For the most part we have a schedule for framework reviews and when there is time or it makes sense we add other reviews along with the frameworks. Our most recent review of stats is a good example. While reviewing TK it made sense to review the stats as well. The changes to TK and Stats are already available on LIVE now.
Q: Would it be possible to hold a contest of some sort where the winner can design their own action figure?
A: Absolutely! Our previous contest gained us a new Sidekick. There are some limitations on things like this, but a contest where the winner is as a special AF is very possible.
Q: Can we expect to see any more free costume parts and weapons added to the game, or is it all going to be paid for stuff from now on?
A: There will be new free costume parts added directly to the tailor from time to time to fill in certain gaps or add more variety in categories that may need it. For example, not long ago we added some new textures such as tube tops and halter tops to accommodate player requests for more options under female parts. Prior to that, we added numerous player-requested options for Beast heads, and finished converting many remaining single-gender costume parts to the opposite gender. Finally, we added many new weapon options for the TK blades and Devastator power sets. Going forward, there will be some new, free weapon customization options for other power sets. In general, when new, free costume parts are added, they are added as loot drops or rewards. Additionally, we will continue to offer high-quality, thematic costume and weapon sets for sale.
Q: Are you ever going to add travel from Monster Island to the Desert and Desert to Monster Island?
A: This is a pretty easy thing to do so...Yes, we will get this on the short list and into a build. Look for it in a few weeks!
Q: Will we ever get a chance to see the return of some of the old powers from last year that was removed? Just simply reworked of course. Ex: Aspect of the celestial, Aspect of the dragon, etc.
A: I'm assuming you're just referring solely to Aspect of the Celestial and Aspect of the Dragon since I don't think we've removed any other powers. Aspect of the Dragon was effectively reworked into Aspect of the Infernal, while Aspect of the Celestial just didn't make a whole lot of sense anymore after the rework. It's possible that at some point Aspect of the Celestial could return as a completely different power in the Celestial framework, but I think we need to come up with a solid solution for handling the FX on the Aspect powers before we move forward with creating more of them.
Q: Is there a plan to establish a formal Endgame that would entice players to not only reach 40, but to continue improving their characters once there? More Epic, Level 40 only content for SG's and PuGs to go after in the spirit of Therakiel's Temple?
A: We have plans for expanding our endgame, but we feel we have some things that we need to fix before we roll it out, or we'll have lots of issues down the road. The main barrier we currently have is our itemization. We have a reboot of sorts planned for how we handle items, and how we handle acquiring end game items, but in order to truly fix it... we're probably going to have to raise the level cap, and allow you to regear with the new itemization system during that period. This is clearly a long term process, and not something we'll be implementing overnight, but we've been discussing our endgame plans and itemization plans for a while, now.
Q: Is there a plan to make available Skin pack for pets? via crafting or C-store or something else? It would be nice to not see the same models running around.
A: There have been discussions about adding additional “pet” types but to date nothing like skins or costumes for pets. We hope to add a new drone type first, and see how it goes. It is a pretty cool idea to be able to have multiple skins for your pets so you can customize them a bit.
Q: Any word on the new PVP map?
A: The new PVP map is getting close to being ready for PTS. The final art touches are going into the map and internal playtests are underway. There is a good chance the map will be on PTS in the next 2 weeks. Keep an eye on the PTS updates.
Q: Will Adventure Packs be getting the Dynamic Comic Panel update? (snake lantern could use a touch up) Also will Lairs and non repeatable content (like the early MC post FTP content) see the Comic Panel update?
A: The Comic Panel Cutscene treatment was designed for the Comic Series issues. Adding them to the rest of the cutscenes in game will be a tremendous undertaking. At this time there are no plans to update the cutscenes outside of the comic series. There is a lot of fantastic art that we are adding to the Aftershock Comic Series and plan to have our next Comic Series feature the panels when it launches. We have one artist that can create the images you see on the load screens and in the Comic Panels. That same artist produces all the concept art for champs and really enjoys creating the original pieces you will see in the comic panels. It would be great if we could have him produce comic panels for every Cutscene but for now we are sticking with the comic series.
Q: Will top and bottom set pieces in the tailor ever be complete? Example, there is a stitched or patchwork pattern for the tights option on the legs, but there is not one for the top.
A: We always strive to create themed sets of parts wherever possible. However, every look does not necessarily appear on every part. In the case of the “stitched / patchwork” set, parts such as the stitched coat and the seat-belt shoulder strap were envisioned as the torso companion pieces for the stitched pants, rather than a stitched tight shirt.
Q: Will we get any hideouts that are set outside?
A: We have so many ideas we’d still love to tackle for hideouts, and many of these do feature a key outdoor element as part of the setting. However, it is more likely that near-future hideouts will remain largely indoor, but with a small outdoor “area.” Think mountain temple / dojo with an outdoor terrace, or a jungle hangar with an outdoor landing strip. The penthouse, with its city vista, may also incorporate an outdoor balcony. Overall, there are many more options for flavorful, decorative and functional objects when the locale is primarily indoors.
Q: When in god's green earth is the "GMTiyshen AF" going to be available for her contests as prizes!?!?
A: Tiyshen has an AF. You should ask her to bring it out. It should be available to be granted as rewards for her contests very soon if not right now.
Q: I'd like to pretty please know what is the next possible non-flight travel power you are brewing up?
A: We have numerous ideas for themed-teleports, swarms (bats or insects) and even spirit-forms (perhaps non-combat, ghostly animal versions of superspeed). Also, we want to try a few variants on swinging.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| 1.jpg | 100.9 KB |
