Sadly I also have come to the conclusion that for whatever reason there is only a minuscule presence working on CE in whatever minimalist capacity, not sure we could call it ‘a team’. I might be way off base, but I think a team of 5-10 people would be able to show some or more meaningful progress or impact.
Maybe we see some more attention or activity with CE a couple of month after the Dune game is out of the gate. Here is to hope, but I will keep my expectations well reserved.
As far as the bazaar and monetization, I can’t help but feel that they perhaps purposefully neglect or ignore a more reasonable approach that would probably be more financially successful. They being, whoever holds the reigns on those decisions.
It’s rather simple, if a bundle of four items has 1 or 2 I don’t want, then it is much more likely I don’t buy the bundle at all = no money for FC; against that if items were available by itself, then the chance that I buy is exponentially higher = money for FC; so not sure but you tell me what will bring in more revenue in time…
And as far as pricing, if you offer an item at a reasonable price (and sorry an outfit set should not be close to the price of an entire DLC), then you will most likely over time generate more revenue.
Also not making older items available does not incentify or encourage new players. At least give new players a chance to obtain old items with rotating event rewards or some such, again there are many possibilities with events, vendors etc.
My guess is that have outsourced or contracted the bug fixing. Basically they paid them a set fee and that group just works on it with no goal post due dates..along with other contracts they have. 3rd party so to speak. Which is why we have no raod map or communication until something is complete.
If that is the case (not saying it isn’t, but bear with this one…)
Then what are the actual devs for this game doing while the “Age of Bug fixes” goes on?
Was it all a ruse while they clucked off to help with Dune?
Are they busily working on the next bug infestation to unleash (if so, are they related or otherwise in cahoots with the 3rd party fixers)?
Are they on vacation?
Are they at home, washing their tights?
Of course it is! How many times just before Siptahs release and after it did a “new” face show up on YouTube stating …" Hey, we are going to be open and talk to you and have dev streams monthly and yaddah yaddah don’t look at the man behind the curtain" !
Devs, Tencent, whoever is representing funcom flavor of the month, shows up to give hope and excitement to the noobs to keep them showing up and buying stuff and attempting to keep the OGs from leaving with… One. More. Promise.
Personally, I’m livid, jaded and all around sick of the same ole ■■■■■.
Sadly, still here coz I like the game concept..just hate all that goes with or without it, if ya know what I mean.