Keep quiet and avoid the riot

[Me_Hate_Libs]

I don't know how much discussion can be done on this topic, but I wanted to pose an idea that I think Jagex should take and give a shot with.

 

 

 

Basically, before any content is mentioned on the webiste, given future hints in game, or revealed in such things as the Postbag, it should be done.

 

 

 

And I mean done. Completed, developed, QAed, bug checked, or at least as best as they can, go live, and ready to roll.

 

 

 

That way, we won't have *so* much speculation, we won't know if they've taken forever to do an update, and most of all, we don't have to go through all the anticipation, and subsequent whining when a piece of content is a little late. *cough* Mobilising Armies.*

 

 

 

Also, if said content was ready to go, and they got ahead a few month on stuff, they could go back to having some BTS every month, without straining anyone to finish the updates on a deadline.

 

 

 

That last one was probably me just hoping though. -.-

[salim123]

but speculation and waiting for it to come out makes some players come back, and makes other players stay with rs longer.

 

but they should iron out all the bugs they can before taking it out

[jonni]

No.

 

Well, I agree on the bugchecking, as that has been a bit lacking recently (Run update fiasco, anyone), but in general it's a good thing if jagex gives us hints on future updates while they're in the pipeline. That way they can collect effective feedback and put it to use while things are still in development for greater end result. It also helps the game - for example the economic effects of an update could be lessened.

[HunterDexter]

I support this idea, back when we had BTS, we only knew what that month was going to happen and it got released all on time (some exceptions of course, but the point is: they were already completely worked out and tested). Now however, we hear about updates when they are in progress or even not started yet. This way, it leads to spectations, speculations and hypes. And when the update is finaly there, mostly rushed, just to please the crowd (and to cover the few content this year), sadness falls upon us all.

[Earth_Poet]

We seem to have had a few updates this year where some bugs got though, so I can agree with you on the QA process. But I also understand the process can be a bit of hit and miss at times as it's impossible to catch all the bugs prior to release.

 

 

 

However, if something is "done" and completed, then there is no need to give hints or teasers, mention it in the BTS. You just release it. That might be what you are implying here. While I can agree the excessive delays on certain content can be frustrating, I'm not sure I can agree with going the other extreme.

 

 

 

While the BTS tended to paint Jagex in a corner in terms of deadlines, it was also one of their best marketing strategies. When they hint at future updates, it creates a buzz in the community. Players speculate, discuss, debate, etc. what the updates will be about. Sometimes expectations get too big and can be a letdown, but it keeps the word-of-mouth- train rolling, and keeps players interested.

 

 

 

Every company leaks to the public. Movie previews are released months before the movie actually comes out, musicians hint at when they are in the studio recording a new album, video games release previews and teasers months, or even years, before the game is actually released. They have conventions dedicated just for this.

 

 

 

I wouldn't mind them bringing back the BTS now, but maybe just not make it monthly. Also, I would like to see them pick up the "State of Play" concept they briefly did awhile back. It would let us know where exactly in the pipeline the content was.