EverQuest Next Landmark

[dortmunder]

I ended up moving with the recent new server. Was trying to get a spot right next to a portal, but there were hundreds of people already claiming, even right as the servers came up.

Got a decent spot at the top of a mountain near a portal though. I think I was streaming when I built my new place, if anyone wants to have a look.

I'll probably work on getting my higher end tools this weekend

[dortmunder]

Force just threw up a pretty good video:

If any of you have been trying it out. Some good info there.

[Morreion]

EQN Landmark livestream highlights new building mats, hints at co-op harvesting (Massively)

Besides a notable list of bug fixes, the patch introduced a separate loot chat tab, eight new prop recipes, and 12 new building materials, including various sandstones, stucco, plaster, and even sand. On top of that, players who have fallen victim to the clever traps of others will be glad to know that the evac to safety feature is now fully operational.

EverQuest Next looks to players to improve the new play experience (Massively)

As the thread opener from lead designer Darrin McPherson explains, sometimes as a developer it's hard to see what a game is missing simply because you're too close to the game. You know how all the systems work; you built most of them, after all. Players, on the other hand, can find holes in explanations that might otherwise be unavailable. If you've been playing around in the test and want to add your thoughts, head over to the official thread and let the team know what's intuitive and what isn't.

Norrathian Notebook: EQN Landmark sets new standard for player creativity (Massively)

I have wandered through simple little huts and glorious ornate castles. I've stumbled across mausoleums, giant chess boards, impressive statues, tree houses, hidden underground treasuries, and dungeons filled with traps. I've gotten lost in mazes, hopped around jumping puzzles, and zipped through grappling hook parks. I've seen folks build intricate and beautiful furniture like jeweled planters or rustic pieces like moose heads out of raw materials. The creativity doesn't stop at shaping raw materials, either: I've witnessed creative uses of props, from making stove tops to traps. If you can think it, you can build it here. The phrase "The only limit is your imagination" is pretty spot on. Except for the skill part of that equation, that is.

Landmark’s Business Model (Keen & Graev)

Dave “Smokejumper” Georgeson posted a sneak peak at Landmark’s Business Model yesterday evening. If you’re going to play Landmark you really should give it a read. The plan follows a typical F2P convenience model: You can essentially buy shortcuts and cosmetics. There’s really only one item on there causing a ruckus: Resources will be sold on the cash shop.

My reaction to hearing about resource purchasing was initially (might still be) negative, but fine, I get it. Resources aren’t supposed to be progression. Great. Then what is? This entire discussion relies on having more information, and we simply haven’t been told enough.

EverQuest Next Landmark shows the awesomeness of the grappling hook (Massively)

A new video from SOE shows this unusual (at least for MMOs but not for Batman) method of rapid transporation. The grappling hook can launch out to snag surfaces a good distance away (or straight up) and pull the user to them. It's part of the EverQuest Next focus on increased movement options, and it is something you have to see in action.

Georgeson reveals monetization plans for EQN Landmark (Massively)

Players are already familiar with the first phase going on now, Founders Packs, and are expecting the advent of Player Studio, which is slated for early closed beta. The two phases in between, however, might be the most controversial; they involve selling character outfits, resources, and shortcut methods for features. Anticipating player concern, Georgeson explained that the current resource progression in alpha is not planned for the game proper; items will soon only need handfuls of resources to make tools. For feature shortcuts, he gives the example of paying upkeep, renting market stalls, or gaining the effects of a potion without physically crafting the potion first. The final phase at the end of closed beta will involve a large chunk of "bigger-ticket items like cosmetic pets, sound/music packs for your claims, name/gender changes, extra claim flags, and more."

Today's EQN Landmark patch expands horizons with new biomes, attached claims (Massively)

Twelve new islands are opening on each world, each one featuring one or both of the brand-new biomes: Tundra and Old Growth Forest. And with new biomes come new building materials; players will be able to test out the new smoothing tool on the likes of snow and ice sculptures. Plant, rock, and tree prop recipes have also been temporarily added so players can craft the items needed to complete (and finally use) templates including them.

EverQuest Next Landmark throws a fashion show (Massively)

SOE put out a short video today showing off the various models and colors of outfits that are in the game, including the sleek sci-fi Colony outfit, the steampunky Victorian outfit, and the utilitarian Adventurer outfit. There's also a "coming soon" teaser at the end with concept art hinting at other types of outfits.

The Stream Team: Touring EQN Landmark's cities (Massively)

Just because EverQuest Next Landmark doesn't have NPC cities doesn't mean there aren't any. From quaint little outposts to detailed villages, enterprising players have created their own. And with the the addition of attached claims, those places are getting even grander! Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

In-game weather is really important to the EQN Landmark community (Massively)

Dariani says that the Landmark community responded with a resounding desire for immersion and for weather to be "a real part of the world." That said, Michaels explains that weather is not on the immediate roadmap for the next few months. It's a core system, he explains, "but it's not something that needs to come in before groups or guilds."

Landmark will be included in SOE's All-Access program; latest EQ Next roundtable video now live (Massively)


Every participating game will clearly show players when they've received their monthly 500 Station Cash.
Multiple-month memberships will not grant all of their bonuses at once.
Existing silver memberships in EverQuest and EverQuest II will be grandfathered but no longer available to newcomers.
Separate accounts for different SOE games will remain separate.
Multiple game memberships on a single account will be merged into a single All-Access membership reflecting total game time and rated on the oldest membership.

[Jaema]

Closed beta started yesterday though the "launch" was late by several hours. It was a fast download though, so I actually was able to get in for a while after work last night. I had not been in alpha so it was all new to me and there is no 'tutorial' so you have to stumble around.

The first negative thing for me was that my founder's pickaxe wasn't in my inventory. You have to create your own land claim flag and it would have helped a lot to have that tool. So I wasted some time on the forums and then with a support ticket trying to get that founders pack restored. CSR says it will be restored, but no ETA on that and it didn't happen when I was in world anyway. This is when you start mumbling to yourself, its beta, its beta.

My FPS was horrendous on my brand new computer, so some tweaking might be necessary but I didn't have time for the research on that last night. One of the devs had posted on the forum a quick start guide --- get some copper, make your flag etc so I followed the tips for those with no founders tool which meant actually making myself a copper axe so that took awhile. But the resources are obvious so was easy to intuit where to swing that pick. Pretty much if you see a tree you can chop it down, if you have the right tool. In the end before bed I made a flag, ran around trying to figure out how to claim land and finally claimed a piece of old growth forest. I'm more anxious to play with the building tools then choosing my lifetime-happiness-all-most-perfect-plot-in-the-world. For one thing, they're all going to be wiped before launch anyway I took a quick look at my plot this morning and its pretty much all on a slope and has some jagged rocks so it kinda looks like 'somebody dropped her flag in the pitch dark after all night in the tavern'. But a nice mossy, old growth trees feel to it and a place to practice with the still mystifying building set anyway.

I know these words will come back to haunt me in some other game where the local/map chat is full of idiotic chatter but it was so quiet. And since I logged in alone I had no one to talk to (don't cry). I said hello to someone who ran by me and she asked me a question about how to use the claim flag and that was pretty much all the social interaction I had. OK, just the first night so maybe that will get better. But people are going to be really busy working on their plot and I think building is probably pretty solitary work. I wouldn't have minded a chatty guild channel to glance at now and then I guess.

There's a Twitch TV talk from around launch time last night and the devs explain their reasoning behind this new claim upkeep fee, which can only be paid 5 days in advance. If you miss paying that then your stuff gets packed up and your plot goes available. I can understand their point about needing to keep the world from being full of abandoned plots. Apparently after beta they intend to make it easier to pay further ahead than five days and the longer you are active on your plot, the longer periods of time you can pre-pay your upkeep fee. Even a noob like me, with a less than stellar tool got enough copper to pay for 5 days ahead already.

[Morreion]

Norrathian Notebook Extra: Get the scoop on the opening of EQ Next Landmark's closed beta (Massively)

A few more things that Georgeson shared are about new features that players can expect. Players will see new hairstyles (along with new colors) and new faces and even facial hair at character creation. New crafting tables are also incoming. Those who took exception to the fact that clothing was purchasable in the cash shop before it could be acquired in-game will be glad to hear that Outfitters Tables will be available, and yes, they do make outfits! As for variety, players will be able to choose from seven different colors when crafting the two new outfits. In response to a query, Georgeson noted outfits could not be broken into separate clothing pieces for mixing and matching, but that feature will be coming later. Other new crafting station include the workshop, which crafts crafting stations, props, and utility items, and refining stations. The workshop, along with the basic forge, will be available at all the hubs.

Norrathian Notebook: Grading Landmark's first beta week (Massively)

Group harvesting simply rocks! (No pun intended.) While your nearby groupmates are gathering resources, you get some of those very goodies deposited into your pack as a bonus. Conversely, some of your resources go into their inventories. Although group size is limited to four (BOO!), this significantly boosts the amount of resources you have at your disposal while cutting the time harvesting. However, for a while there it felt like you were more likely to win the lottery than find a rare tree. Luckily, that has been fixed, at least to a degree; I now have a stock of Rootstock!

Landmark replaces its trading post with the showcase (Massively)

Say goodbye to Landmark's trading post; the closed beta sandbox has replaced the old TP for a new and improved showcase. The showcase will not only sell items, but will allow players to vote in item competitions and browse through claims. SOE has even made the showcase available outside of the game for you work slackers out there.

PAX East 2014: Landmark's current tools and future crafts (Massively)

It sounds a bit like Second Life, and Georgeson doesn't discourage the comparison; he believes that Second Life could have been huge, but it didn't have a game at its core. The goal with Landmark is to make a solid core, something to get people invested, and then give them the options to rebuild it if they want to. If they don't want to, they can instead enjoy seeing all of the ways that people have rebuilt it.

The new player experience in EverQuest Next and Landmark (Massively)

"In both games, we won't have a lock-step approach to a tutorial... we definitely want to have something more free," McPherson explained. Learning the game will be a set of achievements. For example, when you equip an axe, the game will tell you you can chop wood with it, and when you chop wood, the game will tell you how to craft, granting achievements along the way without forcing players to complete any one element of gameplay to proceed.

Norrathian Notebook: Landmark update highlights the power of players (Massively)

Players are affecting the game in ways that no one, not even the devs, anticipated. Just listen as Director of Development Dave Georgeson or Producer Terry Michaels speaks about player creativity: On numerous occasions each has emphasized that players have discovered things in game that devs never even thought possible! Microvoxels, zero voxels -- those were all born out of the efforts of players, not the developers. Yes, there are definitely systems and features that the devs have planned and need to work on as well (combat, caves, critters). But the mere fact that resources are being devoted to incorporating player discoveries on a larger scale shows that players really do have a hand in making this game as SOE said they would when announcing the alpha and Founders Packs.

Landmark Live showcases tool and template upgrades, offers sneak peek of water (Massively)

The tool upgrade system adds a level of depth to crafting, allowing players to increase the stats of all tools made after the update launches. Unlike the initial craft that has elements of RNG dictating the final product, the upgrade system shows players exactly how the tool will be altered.

Norrathian Notebook: Upgrading your tools in Landmark (Massively)

The upgrading system is exactly what it appears to be: a way to make your tools better. (Of course, this process should also apply once weapons are in game for hunting mobs, which is even more reason to be excited!) Upgrading allows players to both bump tools up tiers -- from superior to exceptional to legendary -- and enhance the harvesting size, speed, and damage stats directly. And the changes you make are your choice; you personalize your tools how you want. Better yet, you don't have to wait until the very endgame of your tool-crafting career to take advantage of it. Even new players can get in on the action. All axes and picks (sorry, no sickles) crafted after the update was implemented can be upgraded.

[Morreion]

Norrathian Notebook: Jump in, the water's fine in Landmark! (Massively)

The drought has finally ended: Water has come to the parched shores of Landmark. After a day of torturing fans with some not-so-subtle teasing on Twitter involving beach songs, links to life vests, and musings on slow garden hoses, SOE Director of Development Dave Georgeson finally outright admitted that the first phase of water was indeed headed into the game. And as of yesterday's update, the long-anticipated liquid is a permanent part of the landscape. No more shall players stare off over the edge of their islands, eyes skipping over the sand whilst seeking just a hint of moisture. No longer must the faithful beta testers dream of the day the sun's rays would reflect off the rolling waves. Oceans are here! And while there's no need to grab a towel on your way to the beach (you can't actually get in the water), players are still rejoicing. Why? Because it finally feels like beta, baby!

EQ Next roundtable covers combat in Landmark; Landmark arrives on Steam (Massively)

One feature that many Landmark followers are watching for is combat, and the 35th EQ Next Round Table Response addresses just that. In the video, Lead Systems Designer Michael Mann and Senior Brand Manager Omeed Dariani discuss the difference between the class-based combat of EQN and the sandbox combat of Landmark. In the latter, all players are adventurers, so instead of combat abilities being determined by class, they will be dictated by what is equipped. Focusing on versatility, players will be able to switch between weapons during combat to access the various abilities. The number of weapons available to players will increase over time; a small subset will release first, but more will be added based on player feedback. And yes, there will be magic!

Caves won't bring universal claim wipe in Landmark (Massively)

"We found a way by which we do not have to wipe all the claims when we put up the cave entrances," he said. If you have a claim placed where the caverns end up, it will be packed in a template for you to use elsewhere. Georgeson went on to assure players that there are only a few entrances to these caves on each island, so very few players will be displaced.

Norrathian Notebook: So you aren't Landmark's greatest builder (Massively)

So many people are doing detailed, intricate work. You don't feel you are up to the task, so why try and force yourself into doing it? Instead, think about the builds you can do right now. How about making some gnarly ruins? You don't have to have all the latest knowledge about zero voxels, inlays, and micro voxels to mound up large lumps of stone and whittle them down to a decrepit state. If that house you were building is too lopsided, take the delete and smooth tools to it and paint in some grass and add a few trees and plants growing through it. Remember that partial creation sitting on your land because you chased off the original architect? Delete, smooth, and paint are your friends!

Caves and swimming come to Landmark (Massively)

It's Big Patch Day over at Landmark, and the new caves are the darling of the update. These underworld passages (are there any other types of caves?) offer a different type of environment to explore and exploit. Larger deposits of ore and special treasure chests are the rewards that the dev team is dangling to prospective spelunkers. Interestingly enough, these caves are only the first "phase" of several that will see these subterranian landscapes expanded.

E3 2014: Underground and underwater with Landmark's Terry Michaels (Massively)

There are also pocket caves that are fully encased in rock or earth that can be accessed only by digging with a pick or a pulverizer. Want to try to find these special pockets that might be hiding some awesome treasure? Michaels shared a hint that will help players find them: Pocket caves are purposefully placed near large deposits of resources! The idea is that while you are mining for your gems and minerals, you break through and land in one of these areas.

Norrathian Notebook: SOE says bye-bye ProSiebenSat.1, hello Landmark Player Studio (Massively)

I've another song in my heart, and this one is all about the release of Player Studio in Landmark. Not only is this player-money-making-feature live in the US now, but it is also available in seven other countries, with more planned. The patch notes give a very detailed explanation on how things work, from who gets paid for the work to submitting your templates in the official patch notes.

Norrathian Notebook: The ups and downs of Landmark's open development (Massively)

In this respect, opening the development doors has gone so far against the norm that people just aren't able to accept the fact that the game is not done. I cannot stress this enough: The game is not finished! No, really -- it's not done. Devs aren't holding back to slowly release things so they can draw out your pain and agony; they are literally developing these systems as they go. And many times these systems are brand-new and are being built from scratch. As such, we have to wait between our servings. We're just not used to being allowed to see development from such an early stage, let alone take part in it, so those who are still stuck in the mindset that being in the game means they should have the whole game will definitely get frustrated while waiting on new features. We need to break out of that mindset to avoid this common frustration.

Landmark on sale on Steam (Massively)

If you want to get in on testing Landmark, you've got to drop some cash first. That's just the way it is. But the good news -- aside from the fact that buying test access also involves owning the game when it launches for real -- is that you can get away with dropping substantially less cash for a little while longer. Landmark is on Steam as an early access title, and it's currently having a sale that shaves 66% off of every founder's pack available right now.

[Morreion]

Norrathian Notebook: How to improve your Landmark building skills (Massively)

There is actually a decent list of tutorials on the official forums. Unfortunately, not all of those links lead to updated guides (remember the comment about things changing?); some don't even work at all anymore. However, you can still get a taste of new shapes using many of these. Try out this really easy, three-minute arch tutorial by DayOnePatch (just be sure that your tool circle is showing as blue, not red, to get a smooth line). Want a giant hollow spire? Check out HowToVoxel's video. How about a dome? Obzzarver shows off his pizza slice spiral staircase.

Got the hang of those? Maybe you want to move on to inlays! Fyrel offers a quick tutorial that takes advantage of healed air to make inlays. This method has an advantage over the ground method because it can use materials that would normally bleed into the ground and lose shape.

Landmark Closed Beta Review: Bold Ideas Constrained by Designer Timidity (Wolfshead Online)

Landmark oozes with potential but the die has already been cast with a focus on providing convenience driven “everyone gets a trophy” safe and welcoming virtual world for millennial gamers. It could have been a true virtual world sandbox but the SOE devs chickened out. With very limited persistence, no player interdependence, no game or challenge to speak of, no social cohesion or conflict, or any real danger or consequences, Landmark is more of an architect and building simulator. The infusion of the heroic design nonsense that permeates the Landmark experience is the bitter icing on this upside down cake.

SOE Live 2014: Yes, there will be new shapes! (and other Landmark building news) (Massively)

One of the coolest things I saw at SOE Live was a demonstration of gravity on voxels. In a nutshell, the system can detect when the voxels become isolated because all supports are destroyed around them. That piece then responds to physics, falling to the ground and even bouncing around. This is accomplished by that item turning into a mesh as soon as it is broken free from its supports. Eventually people will be able to break the broken fragments even further. Will these broken fragments have weight and hurt players that they fall on? The devs are still researching how to make that work. We also got to watch fluid materials move with physical properties when a block of water was dropped on top of a fountain and flowed down. This same system can be used for flowing fire, smoke, and lava, and other fluid materials.

Norrathian Notebook: I tasted Landmark's combat and I like it! (Massively)

Think about it: How much more on-your-own-terms can the PvP be than in a game you make yourself on on your own claim? You can even opt in or out, whatever you desire. Those who take issue with being forced into PvP have to appreciate how this game puts the choice squarely on you, and not just on when you fight but how as well. Want to gang up on another group with friends by your side? Join a Team Deathmatch. Want to enjoy the thrill of a free-for-all? Hop into a Deathmatch. Prefer to have some reason to fight? There's a control point game just for you. Three variations for three different playstyles. To see which claims are supporting a game, all you have to do is enable "See PvP Claim Boundaries" in the game settings or search the showcase for tagged claims.

Norrathian Notebook: Ten must-see PvP arenas in Landmark (Massively)

3. Adjorr's PvP Mansion

Where: Courage, Rapids
Owner: Adjorr
Game: Deathmatch (free-for-all, first to 20 points wins)

This arena nailed one element I was dying to see more of: It exists as a real residence. Specially configured arenas are great and all, but who doesn't want to participate in a smash-em-up fight in a homey atmosphere? Think of the stories that could come from it. And this mansion is beautifully done. You might even feel comfortable grabbing a drink in the bar or settling in with a book in between your battles. When destructible props are in game, this will be so much fun to blast through!

Landmark adds toilets, opens itself for potty jokes (Massively)

We'll just come right out and say it: You can now create and install toilets in Landmark. This is a boon for both the incontinent and the internet comedian, although we suppose that it will be well-received by home builders who want to complete their bathroom set.

Armor and new weapon abilities are just the beginning of Landmark's latest update (Massively)

It's back to bigger updates for Landmark! After a September spent dedicated to mostly bug fixing, more content has finally arrived in today's update. Much more. From a third weapon ability to armor to new building textures, there's plenty for players to sink their teeth into. Changes were also made to the Heroic Movement system, the UI got tweaked a bit more, and an appearance slot was added.

Norrathian Notebook: Landmark's latest patch packs an armored punch (Massively)

After this update, not only can you don a new look, but your building projects can too! There are tons of bricks, bronze, and other metal and stone textures added to the building materials. Interestingly, this particular list seems to be hinting at more than just crossing off completed features. The devs noted that this was in preparation for future workshop competitions, so read between the lines as you peruse it. What do you think it says? To me, this particular list screams Dwarves!

The best (and strangest) EverQuest Next Landmark creations (PC Gamer)