Topic

Why a Reset of Glitch is a Bad Idea..

Being back in Beta is fine so long as it's temporary. But a reset?!?  No!

From me it's not about lossing everything in a reset - as I went through that in Beta when it was fun...and we all know it was Beta.

For me it's about saying we've launched and then saying maybe we'll have to reset again, after the launch! 

Seems to me it's a bad business decision, and if the tech/coding/servers/etc. require it, then something went very wrong with the decision to launch in the first place. If a reset happens, then my conclusino is the tech dept. doesn't have it together, as once you launch, it a done deal!

As TS knows, they're running a business and if you made the tech and business decision that Glitch was ready for prime time, then so be it...TS you stake your good name on your past decisions and let the chips fall, or soar as they may.

They market can be very unforgiving and I would hate to see a reset hurt Glitch's reputation and continued growth.

Posted 13 months ago by MeherMan Subscriber! | Permalink

Replies

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  • If a reset hurts Glitch's reputation and continued growth, then I would guess that TS would only exercise that option if they believed that NOT resetting would hurt  reputation and growth even worse.  

    There is no rule that says a business has to live with a bad decision.  In fact, investors are much more likely to keep investing in a business that recognizes its limitations and tries to correct them. Why invest in a business that recognizes its limitations but does absolutely nothing but watch the business fail?
    Posted 13 months ago by WindBorn Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I believe TS was just being honest in saying that while highly unlikely and ideally avoided, that there is a remote chance of a reset. This is known as "managing expectations," or in some circles, "CYA." 
    Posted 13 months ago by Epilady Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Leveling in Glitch isn't hard at all. I wouldn't mind another reset.
    Posted 13 months ago by Victoria Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I'm kind of unsure why "resetting again is very unlikely" is being interpreted as "RESET IS A PRACTICAL CERTAINTY! EVERYONE FREAK OUT!"

    Did ya'll get some other memo that the rest of us missed?

    Let's be real - a solar flare could wipe out the internet tomorrow (Okay, you may not realize this, but I'm not a scientist. That could be a lie.)

    Magnet Robots could rise up and overwhelm the TS staff and wipe all the servers.

    Someone could accidentally spill coffee on the generator. 

    Maybe someone forgets the seventh goat needed for the dark magic required to keep the game running.

    There are a lot of things that MIGHT happen, however unlikely, but because no one calls them out, everyone keeps playing the game. Life is a gamble. Every day, something bad MIGHT happen, and occasionally does happen, but spending time and energy worrying about that outcome is paralyzing.
    Posted 13 months ago by Xev Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Once they take all the heat and angst about "Oh noes, don't reset", their decision to remove our housing will be a cake walk.  It's nice sleight-of-hand.  We'll all be grateful, grateful that they "only" removed our homes.
    Posted 13 months ago by WindBorn Subscriber! | Permalink
  • WindBorn - haha, that's awesome.

    Xev - I don't think MeherMan is freaking out. Maybe some other people are, I don't know. But this forum post in particular is a well thought out, rational look at what somebody thinks resetting would mean, not an emotional backlash to the idea of reset.
    Posted 13 months ago by diaveborn ♥ Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I don't think there's any question as to the consequences of a reset or the backlash from the community. I think TS is very, very clear about that, and they have been very clear in stating that they will do everything in their power to avoid a reset unless it is absolutely necessary. 

    They've repeatedly stated that a reset is unlikely, and simply mention it to make the community aware that it is a remote possibility. I would rather know now that it might happen then find out later if it does happen.

    This isn't a matter of coming up with a well-written rebuttal to the idea of a reset. A reset isn't done arbitrarily or just to see how people will react. It's done through necessity, and TS (I feel I need to reiterated this) has made it clear that they will take every precaution possible to avoid that.
    Posted 13 months ago by Xev Subscriber! | Permalink
  • So far we've been holding off the Magnet Robots, but barely. Please send help.
    Posted 13 months ago by Pinot Myrmidon Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Okay sure, so TS only doing it if they have to probably means this post isn't going to affect TS's decisions in the slightest. But I imagine that some people would want to say a little something on the matter (I obviously can't assign motives to MeherMan but this is my view of things) and I personally think that this was a perfect way to go about it.
    Posted 13 months ago by diaveborn ♥ Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @Pinot: Stay strong! REPEL!
    Posted 13 months ago by Xev Subscriber! | Permalink
  • But Pinot, do you have that seventh goat or do we need to worry about that too??
    Posted 13 months ago by anonymoose Subscriber! | Permalink
  • We always have to worry about the seventh goat.
    Posted 13 months ago by Xev Subscriber! | Permalink
  • For me, it's about reading the usual tantrums and turmoil in the Forum about a possible event.  It's sort of like listening to your fussy old aunt rant and rave.  Okay, because you get to go home after the family gathering.
    Posted 13 months ago by Parrow Gnolle Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Pinot Myrmidon, just turn their magnets back onto them and wipe the "brains" of the robots. I know it's easier said than done. How does one get a big magnet out of a robot's grip? This is something you'll have to figure out.

    Good luck.
    Posted 13 months ago by Quirk Subscriber! | Permalink
  • or as Jo Moore once said "It's a good day to bury bad news"
    Posted 13 months ago by Jehannum Subscriber! | Permalink
  • The Magnet Robots are MADE of magnets, Quirk. Repel! Find some bismuth!
    Posted 13 months ago by Xev Subscriber! | Permalink
  • It's odd, ever since early on after the release I had been talking to my friends who play about how it seemed a bit premature. I guess for once, I was right about something. Good luck to the programers. These poor guys probably won't get to sleep for a month.
    Posted 13 months ago by PigeonSlave Jr. Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I agree with the OP. A reset is a very very VERY bad idea. Too many players have worked so hard for what they have now. I myself do not want to lose my 50k house, my currents, all my items and all my skills I have worked so very hard on. This thought just bums me out totally.. in fact makes me very ill to my stomach :(
    Posted 13 months ago by Casombra Amberrose Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Meh, I don't think it would be bad for business, and if I were an investor I'd just be pleased that they are transparent about why and how they are resuming a beta state.  They won't be the first online game to make this call, and the reactions of investors have been on a case by case basis.  

    And people seem to keep missing the point that the main reason to go back to beta is to close the doors to massive influxes of new players while they focus on changing the code, rather than having to focus simultaneously on changing the housing mechanics while having to work on server load issues and the other back-end work that none of us ever see.  

    Sure some players would have a fit and leave, but not all would -- most of my friends from in-game that I've talked to would be sad if it is reset, but none will leave.  That's the upside to playing this game socially: I don't go to the same place all the time to mine sparkly because I find mining sparkly on the same street repeatedly to be fun  -- I go there because that's where my friends are.  We will then talk about whatever: from missing kitties, to RL friends that need advice on dating, to whether or not eggs taste differently to Glitchen after they've sat on the ground in the caves (conclusion: they at least have a grittier texture).  

    Those conversations will still happen whether we're at level 1 or 60, and to many, these social ties make the game, not pixelated virtual property.  

    So rock on with your awesome selves Tiny Speck, and let us know if you need help fighting the Magnet Robots.  If they happen to be pink, I know a girl named Yoshimi with a black belt in karate who can take 'em out pretty easily.  
    Posted 13 months ago by Red Sauce Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Casombra Amberrose wrote: I agree with the OP. A reset is a very very VERY bad idea. Too many players have worked so hard for what they have now. I myself do not want to lose my 50k house, my currents, all my items and all my skills I have worked so very hard on. This thought just bums me out totally.. in fact makes me very ill to my stomach :(

    Echoing Casombra's sentiments.
    Posted 13 months ago by Echo Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Although I do believe that the possibility of a reset is slim, I'm more worried about the moving issue. I love my house, love my street and love my neighbors (hey Echo!). I would hate to have to give that up for a customizable house.
    Posted 13 months ago by epid Subscriber! | Permalink
  • If TS do see a need to reset, I see an army of Magnet Robots appearing in-game shortly beforehand.
    Posted 13 months ago by Xain Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Paraphrasing what stoot said over in the other thread: a reset is highly unlikely, but slightly possible, and they wanted to be up front about that possibility rather than surprise us with it. I am sure TS is going to avoid a reset if at all possible, and greatly appreciate their up front honesty.
    Posted 13 months ago by mirth Subscriber! | Permalink
  • erm. Robots made of magnets, you say? Don't they repel themselves? Or do they stick together in a big clump? I need answers!

    We need to find a way to heat them above their Curie point without damaging ANYTHING ELSE.

    Or, you know, I could just have a cookie and wait for this supposedly inevitable reset everyone is going on about. Although, truthfully, I don't think they'll be able to find me to reset me. I'm planning to move soon....
    Posted 13 months ago by Quirk Subscriber! | Permalink
  • It's clear to me that a reset is unlikely, so why even bring it up? Because TS is a company that believes honest communication is part of providing a good customer service. How great is that?

    The changes they are planning to make will give us a whole new set of opportunities. We will be able to build custom homes. We will be able to work with others to create entire new places in Ur. It sounds to me like we will be getting design tools. Wow!

    Now here's the thing:  When you provide such features, there is no way to predict in advance everything that people might think of doing with them.  So maybe this is why TS feels a need to tell us, honestly, that they cannot rule out a reset with 100% certainty.  It's possible that we users will begin to add to and change Ur in ways that will prove to be unsustainable.  This is just me guessing.  I don't work for TS and can't speak for them.

    Again, this is just me guessing -- BUT in the unlikely event of a reset, it might be possible for TS to save and restore certain user data.  We can't make that possible by wanting it, and I'm not expecting TS to tell us what they might or might not be able to save.  However, in case it might be useful for them to know, I can tell TS that if my skills, achievements, level and currants were saved, I could weather a cataclysm that destroyed custom homes, private islands, etc.  Yes, the time I'd put into building those things would be lost, but it wouldn't be like going back to zero. It also would be good if I could pack up whatever items I wanted to save in storage boxes that would survive the reset, or, if that's not possible, have a chance to liquidate my holdings into currants that could be preserved.  The most important thing for me, though, would be to save skills, achievements, level, and currants (in that order).

    I don't think there's going to be another reset, but rather than telling TS not to do something they already have told us they don't want to do -- maybe it would be more useful to discuss what we'd most like to save if there were some things that could be saved.
    Posted 13 months ago by Splendora Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Mostly likely reset will only happen if there's no way around it.  Like, the new structure can't  be exported easily from the old struture.   Or perhaps, as more and more people have joined, there are tensions on the system that can't be fixed without a complete change-over.

    I'm sure they'll do what they can to avoid it.

    But just think.  All of us who aren't sure we visited the Back Alley before we got our papers will be able to be sure to do it this time. So worth a reset! :)

    (ok, maybe not worth it, but it would be a silver lining.  Or a tin one)  heehee
    Posted 13 months ago by Tibbi Subscriber! | Permalink
  • If the game changed as drastically as it seems to be hinted at in the blog post (although maybe that is just Speckian hyperbole), then a reset might not be that bad.    But it would have to be pretty drastically drastic.
    Posted 13 months ago by Nanookie Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I re-play some RPGs with a different character class, but in Glitch, it doesn't make sense to start over, and do exactly the same one more time, so if TS resets the world again, I don't think I'm going to keep playing. 
    Posted 13 months ago by Natalia Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Reset eh?
    I demand a life supply of awesome stew, and 5 senor fun pickles for my several nefarious deeds.
    Like.. Things.

    Then again, a reset wouldn't do much, except piss people off, and drive some people away from the game.
    Posted 13 months ago by Volkov Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Yep, that's the only reason they would reset the game: to piss off players and drive them away from the game. 

    Aside from that, a reset has no practical purpose. It certainly doesn't do anything useful. Above all, it doesn't fix issues with the game or make it possible for everyone to play within the same infrastructure. It's totally unnecessary to ever reset a game like glitch. I mean, it would make some sense if glitch was an mmo, or if Players could meaningfully interact with and shape the world.

    OH WAIT.
    Posted 13 months ago by Xev Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Shape the world?
    Beyond trees, street projects, and animals?
    Posted 13 months ago by Volkov Subscriber! | Permalink
  • *blinks*

    You mean... you don't know?

    That's why I'm so, so, so excited. You should be too!
    Posted 13 months ago by Xev Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Why do I not see anyone recognizing that even if a reset is needed because the underlying structure changes, Tiny Spec knows everything we've accomplished and accumulated and could probably carry some of those accomplishments and accumulations over to our "new" character.  Just because the last reset put everyone back to 0, a future reset could be less detrimental if Tiny Spec wants it to.
    Posted 13 months ago by Kleb Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Kleb - a few people have pointed that out, and have pushed for people to discuss what, if anything, they would want to salvage - what's most important?

    I think from a game play perspective, the most "important" stuff is probably currants, simply because leveling, houses, and possibly skills would be directly affected by new infrastructure updates and it truly wouldn't be fair to have a disconnect in those areas.

    Realistically? I'd ask to keep currants and skills if at all possible. Badges of course would be nice, assuming they aren't affected as well, but not as essential as those other two things.

    It's hard to say how much a financial advantage could skew or mess up the in-game economy. It might just be simpler for TS to set everyone back to zero to avoid any such screwiness.
    Posted 13 months ago by Xev Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Ugh but Xev what a pain in the backside to have to do everything over again! I joined a game that was not beta... it was live. I have worked my butt off for every last crumb of what I have from skills, currents, house, trophies and badges and tools, etc. To reset us to do all that over again makes me sick to my stomach! It is not like I decided to reroll a character by choice it is like we would be forced into it! I love this game and am excited over new changes but not too happy about losing out over something I worked hard for! It is like being told... glad you have fun now you can do it all again but we are adding new stuff!

    Think if this had been like a MMO such as WoW and you have your character to max level, geared for raiding and raiding... then Blizzard said OOPS we are going to reset everything you have including level. Do you think many would stick around for that?

     It is nearly like a kick in the teeth. We all put alot of time and work for where we are and to have that all go away is extremely depressing! It takes away the excitement of new things on the horizon because I am worried about having to start over again!
    Posted 13 months ago by Casombra Amberrose Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Months worth of items and stuff
    Then bam, back to square one would suck.
    Still see no point of a reset.

    Possible shit move by TS if it happens.
    Think of the outcomes.
    Posted 13 months ago by Volkov Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I reset myself last month.  sold my 50k home and dropped everything I have around for people to find.

    Resetting is nothing.  It's refreshing and invigorating.

    I'm very excited about the new changes and hope I find enough interest in it to draw me back into playing regularly.

    I reset because it just felt like a grind.  Farming, mining etc for nothing.  
    Posted 13 months ago by Mister Master Mixer Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Volkov, I thought you were kidding, but seriously? You think TS would arbitrarily reset everyone?

    You really think that there's never a need for a reset, from a technical standpoint?

    Not only has TS stated it's a rare possibility, but that it would only happen if absolutely necessary.

    What insider info do you have that let's you claim there's no need for it? Are you a disgruntled TS developer from the future, who can confirm there is indeed a reset and it's unnecessary? Are you some time traveling whistle blower, intent on blowing the lid off of this shifty gaming operation?
    Posted 13 months ago by Xev Subscriber! | Permalink
  • talk about trying to cause a storm over nothing. Its all just pixels. You enjoyed the process of getting to where you are. You would again.
    Posted 13 months ago by jiva Subscriber! | Permalink
  • adding myself to the "people who have said that a reset is a bad idea in spite of its unlikelihood" total. Granted, I just started playing again, but if there was a reset I'd be done.
    Posted 13 months ago by The Crepeist Subscriber! | Permalink
  • if the reset means having to learn all my skills and get back all my currants and crap again then im gonna quit it, so will a ton more people if it means that
    Posted 13 months ago by funnyfarts Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I'm with funnyfarts. If there's a reset AFTER you announce the game is "live" - then f*ck it, I will NOT be coming back.
    Posted 13 months ago by Bashere Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @Mister Master Mixer: Did you also reset all your skills?
    Posted 13 months ago by Bashere Subscriber! | Permalink
  • although I agree that starting over can be invigorating, it also is a little heart breaking to lose all you skills, currants, and levels. I know I stared in disbelief when I was reset, even though I knew it was coming.

    I agree with the OP's sentiments. I'm preparing myself for a reset, even though it is a remote possibility. it'll be a sad day if it happens and we will lose some people, but (silver lining moment) at least we won't have days of closure/ withdrawal again (fingers crossed).
    Posted 13 months ago by bored no more Subscriber! | Permalink
  • It's hilarious that people are acting like Tiny Speck's devs don't know that a reset would tick people off and cause players to leave. It's like they're expecting Stoot to be like "Let's do a reset for shits and giggles! Oh wait, what's this?! People would be upset at losing all their skills?! I never knew this, let's not do it!"

    They know resetting will cause a shitstorm, lost goodwill, and lost revenue, at least initially. They'd only do it if there are backend database/coding requirements that make it impossible to carry on without a reset. In other words, they'd only reset if the alternative of not resetting is worse.

    KoL is another game that, in the early days, warned that a world reset might be necessary. It wasn't, even after a massive game flaw gave everyone infinite meat (the equivalent of currents in that game).

    Either relax or get a cardboard sign proclaiming the end times.
    Posted 13 months ago by Demyx Subscriber! | Permalink
  • *sets up booth to sell cardboard, card stock, planks, staples, staple guns, several colors of permanent markers, spirit gum and costume hair (both for both beards and wigs), gas masks, and anti-gravity boots*

    Prepare for the End of Time! Get your supplies here!
    Posted 13 months ago by Quirk Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @Xev.
    It's just a matter of opinion.
    It honestly wouldn't have any outcomes but negative ones.
    You don't need to be a cosmonaut to see that.
    But then again, I can't confirm shit, but it's still an opinion.

    Also, isn't it difficult to say it's needed too?

    -Negative bastard who only thinks about the bad things.-
    Posted 13 months ago by Volkov Subscriber! | Permalink
  • "Also, isn't it difficult to to it's needed too?"

    O_o

    It's not a matter of opinion - the devs would not reset the game unless it was necessary. 

    Hypothetically, say it comes down to a reset:
    You are given a choice of not being reset and being able to keep playing the game AS IT IS NOW, but not the ability to interact with new players, not to benefit from game upgrades, and basically be locked in the existing system, would you want to keep playing the game, knowing it would never expand or evolve? Keep in mind, a large percentage of players (existing) would choose to be reset, and all future players would automatically start in the new system. Meaning - you have a finite number of people to play with on this system, and they would never be renewed. So every player lost is a permanent loss in that world.

    Alternately, you can be part of the reset and lose all of your stuff within the old framework, but be able to recoup those losses PLUS benefit from all of the new stuff and the ability to have the game expand and grow. 

    In the very, very unlikely event that it comes down to a reset in order to make that possible, which one would you choose?
    Posted 13 months ago by Xev Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Im anti-reset. Just to jump on the bandwagon!
    Posted 13 months ago by Nytician Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @Xev. English, not my forte at times.
    Also, highly doubt they'd piss on everyone with that option.
    -Not even using his futuristic whistle blower skills.-

    I have a plan if that did happen though..
    -Slinks back to his cave to prepare-
    Posted 13 months ago by Volkov Subscriber! | Permalink
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