07-Oct-09 CMBLOG Player Visits

[Toad]

Hello!

 

Please use this thread to discuss the latest Community Management devblog.

 

We're also lucky enough to have some eye-witness accounts from our visitors! Please see below for more details.

 

 

RuneHQ

 

Deb/Stormys_Amazon and I were honored over this past weekend by being invited to Jagex for a tour and to visit with them, along with some of the high level players. Obviously we had to sign a non disclosure agreement, but there are some things we are allowed to share so we wanted to share it with everyone. I'll jump ahead right now and just say it was completely and totally epic and I am still excited!

 

I will not post names until I have talked to the players and made sure it is okay with them, however there were several high ranking members and free players. The other players were all really nice and we really enjoyed getting to spend the weekend with them.

 

We arrived at Jagex Thursday morning. Not only did we get there, but they actually let us in! (okay only because they had invited us, they do not let people in if they just show up). They took us into a break room area and offered us refreshments, and then we got through the formalities such as introducing ourselves, signing the Non Disclosure Agreement, giving us some information about the plans for the weekend, etc. After that Mark Gerhard and Andrew Gower joined us and we all went and had a nice lunch.

 

After lunch we went back to the magical mystery land that is Jagex where they proceeded to take us on a tour through every department. That was great. In each department a couple of people that worked in that area would take some time and explain what their department does and how or why they do it. In addition to what they showed us on the tour, we learned that it seems to be a great working environment where everyone loves what they do. We were encouraged to ask questions in each area, and at the end of the day we got to have a Q & A session with Mark and Andrew. They were completely laid back and just sat and talked with us. They answered our questions and elaborated as to why they answered the way they did.

 

I do wish to say that everyone we met, everyone who talked to us, actually everyone at Jagex, was just amazing. They were friendly and helpful with awesome personalities.

 

When our tour and Q & A session were over, they put us in cabs and had us taken to our hotel. We had free time that night and the following morning to do whatever we wanted to do. They even provided us with a map showing where food, entertainment, and pubs were within walking distance. Deb and I, being the wild party animals that we are, ordered room service and then went to sleep lol.

 

The next day a couple of cabs came to pick us up and take us to party with the good people at Jagex. I won't go into detail, but the food was great, the assorted games and rides were awesome, having a chance to talk to people in a more laid back setting was epic, although Mark might be just a little tiny bit competitive. I would love to go on at length about this day, but if I did I would probably end up saying too much, so I will stop here.

 

Saturday a few people from Jagex picked us up and took us to lunch. Mark Gerhard was able to have join us, but then domestic demands came up and he had to leave. After that most of the members of the group went punting with Paul M (look it up tongue.gif) while a few of us stayed back to go pick up some souveniers and wait for Mod Poppy to show up. Discussion ensued to determine what we wanted to do for our last afternoon together. Did we want to go sightseeing? Maybe bowling or a movie? A bus tour of the city? All great ideas. We went for the best idea though - We went to Jagex and all got on computers and played RuneScape together!

 

That evening we had to split up and go to hotels that were closer to the airports we were leaving from the next morning. Water_is_Nat and another awesome player joined us for dinner. Then we exchanged contact information and it was time for bed because we all had to get up early and catch planes back to our life.

 

I am going to include special thanks to a few Jagex staff members. This list should actually be about 10 times longer than what it will be because everyone was amazing. So although only a few names are on here, I have much love and appreciation for everyone.

 

Mark Gerhard and Andrew Gower - Thank you so much for inviting us over. The trip was amazing. We appreciated you taking the time to answer our questions and were glad you were able to take the time out to join us for some meals. You are both easy to talk to and made us feel quite welcome. Thanks again!

 

Sarah Jane - You organized our trip, our itinerary, the party - You are amazing and I am so impressed that you managed to control the weather!

 

Mod Hohbein - You helped us physically get from one place to another and looked out for us throughout our visit. You are great!

 

Mod Paul M - You skipped out on us to go on a test drive?!?! - Just kidding, you made sure we all got together and had fun on Saturday and we were glad to get to hang out with you and get to know you a bit.

 

Mod Poppy - Wow, we just seemed to click. You spent your day off with us and that is so epic. I look forward to us being friends for years to come, and look forward to my next visit. Don't forget to send me those songs!

 

 

Water_is_nat

 

Hey everyone!

 

As you might’ve heard, Jagex has an irl event (called “Jolly”) every half year.

 

In fact, last Jolly was this very weekend!

 

This year was the first time that people were invited to join their Jolly! And now that we were there, why not give us the opportunity to get to know more about Jagex in all its glory? ;)

 

I’ll tell you a bit more about this trip, but I won’t be able to go into details, or answer any questions about future content or anything like that. These things are confidential and not allowed to be discussed into detail! (which is the right thing to do, to make sure that you’ll all be keeping an eye on the mainpage and look forward to new updates! It’s more exciting when it’s a total surprise.) =D

 

Day 1 of our trip!

 

After arriving at the Jagex offices, we first met the other (awesome ;] )players and a few Jmod during an introduction.

After that, there was a fantastic tour inside the Jagex buildings that showed how RuneScape and FunOrb are like behind the scenes! We got to know more about how the game is created, and how much work that it actually requires to make one “simple” update!

 

It was nice to meet the faces at the other side of the screen, the guys&girls that work really hard to make sure that we can enjoy their game and have a good time!

There were Q&A’s with Andrew, Mark Gerhard, the guys of FunOrb,… To make it short, whatever we wanted to ask could be asked to everyone, anytime we wanted to.

 

They seem to like feedback , maybe good to know if you always wanted to suggest something on the forums?! :D –

After a long and exhausting day, we just settles down at the hotel and had a long sleep! :)

 

Day 2 of the trip!

 

On the second day, there was the Jolly! We didn’t know what to expect, so that was quite exciting.

 

After a few miles driving (and another few miles driving the wrong way –we had this nubsie taxidriver – ) we arrived at the world famous Jagex Jolly!

 

Ever imagined how a perfect party would look like? Drinks, food, music, awesome people, events,…? Oh ye, sounds like the Jagex Jolly to me! :D

 

I can’t say much about it without saying too much, so I’ll keep it simple, it was awesome!

After another exhausting day, we went back to the hotel, had some food, went to the bar for a drink and jumped into our bed. Getting charged-up for the next day.

 

Day 3 of the trip!

 

Time to chill in Cambridge!

 

First thing to do was having lunch with Mmg, Paul M and Calm.

 

We had a great chat and got to know a lot about the game, and how awesome the future will look like. I can assure you guys, we don’t know that much more than you all do! We want to be surprised as well. ;)

 

Afterwards, we did some ‘punting’! (It’s pretty much the same as the gondola’s in Venice.)We had a guided tour in Cambridge on the river Lum, ehhh Cam ;) which was pretty fun!

 

After that, we returned to the Jagex offices and set up an ingame event, starting in Varrock, running all the way down to Lumbridge, and then heading west to Falador! The plan was to give a Q&A session. –since there were like 6-7 Jagex mods, ready to answer some questions– But unfortunately, all 2000 people on world 74 seemed to be in Falador, so it was wayyyyy too crowded to answer any questions.

 

Anyways, we had a pretty good time doing that, I hope the guys who joined us did too! =D

 

At the end of the day, we returned to the hotel to grab our bags, and drove to another lovely hotel near the airport.

 

Day 4 of the trip!

 

Early morning for half of the invited players (we had a plane to catch!), the other half is more lucky and have their flight this afternoon. =)

 

~home sweet home~

 

There are a few things that I want to say before pressing the shiny “post” button:

 

Many thanks towards Jagex for inviting us & giving us this great opportunity!

 

Many thanks towards: Mmg and Andrew for the Q&A, and everything else!

-SJ, Paul M, Hohbein and Calm for being awesome chaperones and helping us to have an awesome time.

-Poppy, for making pink a kewl color! :P

-Everyone that I didn’t mention, for being extremely kind and helpful.

( sorry if I forgot someone, but I think “everyone” should cover those! <3 )

 

It was an unforgettable experience, and I already look forward to new events. Who knows… =)

 

Friendly greetings, Water_is_Nat.

 

 

S_Diamant_y

 

Hello, fellow RuneScape players!

 

Since I had an epic experience at Jagex, I would like to share it with you all. I know many of us (the people who went to the Jagex HQ) are going to write blogs about this, so to make it less boring I’ll keep it short :P. I’ll tell you guys what we did starting from day 1. Of course, I’m not allowed to give you too many details, because we all signed a non disclosure agreement. I hope you’ll enjoy reading my side of the story. <3

 

Day 1:

 

D_Sweetheart and I (S_Diamant_Y) arrived at London Thursday morning. We met Gemini_Pro and Gainage. A taxi picked us up and took us to the Jagex HQ (in Cambridge). When we arrived there we met the other top players (Yes, I met Gertjaars! :P) and the two awesome women (Roklykthat & Strmys_amzon) from the fansite, RuneHQ.

 

It was really nice to meet the top players and the JMods face-to-face.

 

They offered us muffins (yummieee! :P), along with a choice of tea or coffee, and explained to us the schedule for the next few days. After exchanging contact information with everyone, we went to have lunch. Andrew Gower (Andrew) and Mark Gerhard (Mod Mmg) joined us as well. It was a really nice place, everyone was really friendly, and the weather was great!

 

After lunch, we went to the Jagex HQ to meet the JMods and see how things worked there. The office was huge!

 

It wasn’t what I expected…

 

The JMods were really friendly and funny! They gave us the opportunity to ask them any questions we had, gladly answering each and every one.

 

When I went to Jagex, I really wanted to meet the Dutch & Belgian JMods. They had a lot of work to do, yet they freed up some time for D Sweetheart and I to have a little chat. It was really nice talking to them - Thanks (Mods) Aiko, Davo and Max W! :)

 

After a fun (and educational :P) day at Jagex HQ they gave us a bag with goodies. Then the taxis picked us up and brought us to a nice hotel. There was a park nearby and….shopping malls!!! <3 It was an epic day. I couldn’t wait till morning to hang out with the top players and JMods again.

 

Day 2:

 

I woke up, took a shower, had breakfast and went shopping with D Sweetheart and Lucipher6. They had some really nice stores, but it took us hours to find McDonalds (lol)! After hours of shopping, we went back to the hotel and all gathered there, because we were about to be picked up by the taxis to go to the…..*drums*….Jagex Jolly! Yaay!

At the jolly, we met A LOT of JMods. We were all allowed to do whatever we wanted as long as we had fun! There were a lot of free food and drinks.

 

I personally hung out with D Sweetheart, Lucipher6, Mod Timbo, Mod Mark H, Mod Howes, Mod Jon H, Mod Paul M, Mod Poppy, Mod Hohbein at the jolly. Mod Timbo pwned me at every game.

 

At the dodgems (bumper-cars), we had a lot of fun. I think everyone had the same target: Andrew and Mark Gerhard :P.

I was sitting next to Mod Mark H, pointing at our targets. He has some awesome driving skills! :P

 

When I got back to the hotel, I had some bruises (I think we all had bruises lols), but it was definitely worth it!

 

Thank you all so much for giving us this great day, it sure was a day to remember.

 

 

Day 3:

 

Mod Paul M, Sarah-Jane and Mod Calm promised to pick us up in the morning to do something fun in Cambridge. A few hours after having breakfast, they came to pick us up. We went to have lunch and Mark Gerhard was able to join us! After having lunch and many interesting conversations, we decided to go punting. It was something I never did before. The weather was nice and it was quite relaxing ^_^.

 

On our way to go punting, we passed this restaurant where people who are in love could have a romantic lunch/dinner. There was a woman and a man sitting at a table near the window. Mod Paul M came up with this great idea to stand near the window, staring at them…lol… I think we embarrassed them a little :P.

 

We saw many wonderful things while in Cambridge, learning a great deal about the place as well. There were many nice bridges and buildings in the city. The students had amazing houses!

 

After our relaxing punting trip, we went to the Jagex HQ to have an in-game event. Since all the computers were taken downstairs, D Sweetheart and I got to play RuneScape upstairs. I was so lucky, I got to log in on Mod Jon H’s computer and I was sitting next to Mod Poppy! (*whispers* we stole a few chocolates from Mod French’s desk when given the opportunity :P.) D Sweetheart got to sit next to the awesome Mod Timbo. When we were in-game, I was shocked to see the many players who came to the event. Mod Jon H’s computer couldn’t even handle it! Lol.

 

After having so much fun, it was time to say goodbye. We all went back to the hotel, to grab our luggage. We had to change hotels, in preparation for the flight back home. The taxis picked up a few players and the two awesome women from Rune HQ. Only D Sweetheart, Lucipher6 and I were left. Since we had an epic time at Jagex HQ, we forgot the time and Lucipher6 missed his train. The next train would arrive in a few hours, so we decided to go to the pub :D. It was really nice to have a chat with Mod Poppy, Paul M and Calm. We talked and laughed for hours. Then the taxi arrived, and it was *really* time to say goodbye this time.

 

After hugging and saying goodbye, we travelled to the next hotel. The hotel was also nice and we had room service! Yoopie! After a long day…it was time to go to bed.

 

The next morning…..we were on our flight back home…

 

I want to thank Andrew and Mark Gerhard for inviting us to Jagex and giving us the chance to meet everyone, thank you so much <3.

 

I also want to thank, Mod Poppy, Mod Timbo, Mod Paul M, Mod Calm, Mod Hohbein, Mod Jon H, Mod Aiko, Mod Howes, Mod Mark H and Sarah-Jane as well, for giving us a great time at the Jagex Jolly and in general, for being really awesome. <3

 

Of course, I also want to thank all the JMods we met! Everyone was really open and friendly…once again, thank you! <3

 

If you have any questions about the trip, I’ll be happy to answer those (if I can ).

 

Cheers,

S_Diamant_Y

 

PS: Many people think that the top players and the JMods are nerdy and stuff…I can tell you….none of them are nerdy…..they are all normal, awesome people. <3

[The Observer]

Looks like they had fun. ;)

 

EDIT: Hide tags may be necessary. It is a bit long. D:

[Toad]

Yeah it is long I read one part and then gave up, lack of pictures make smelly mad, but glad the players had fun.

 

If it was me I would have requested drunken karoake because it's sooo funny lol

[@Dan3HitU]

Nice to know Jagex went public with this and not before when they offered "free lifetime membership" to whoever helped put an end to the "duping bug" back in Classic.

[Toad]

Nice to know Jagex went public with this and not before when they offered "free lifetime membership" to whoever helped put an end to the "duping bug" back in Classic.

 

I never even really undestood that I remember just flooding to varrock castle lol did players even get free membership for revealing what happened? or was that just to milk answers

[RSBDavid]

Great read. I wished I had the opportunity to go with the top players :(

[Me_Hate_Libs]

Sorry, but this offers me nothing. Basically you detail how you spent a few days hanging out with J-mods and talked with them. Sorry, but this isn't all that great.

[Ollyc3]

Didn't know Sara went too :o

[@Dan3HitU]

Nice to know Jagex went public with this and not before when they offered "free lifetime membership" to whoever helped put an end to the "duping bug" back in Classic.

 

I never even really undestood that I remember just flooding to varrock castle lol did players even get free membership for revealing what happened? or was that just to milk answers

As far as I know (don't quote me on this) they got the answers they wanted and didn't do their-end of the bargain (basically got the answers and didn't give membership).

[Den]

Sounds like an awesome experience. ;)

[Carl]

Was awesome that Jagex gave 10 people this awesome trip of a lifetime, although not everyone could go, those that did will most certainly remember it forever. :thumbup:

[mlclm]

Nice to know Jagex went public with this and not before when they offered "free lifetime membership" to whoever helped put an end to the "duping bug" back in Classic.

 

I never even really undestood that I remember just flooding to varrock castle lol did players even get free membership for revealing what happened? or was that just to milk answers

As far as I know (don't quote me on this) they got the answers they wanted and didn't do their-end of the bargain (basically got the answers and didn't give membership).

I think they actually banned the ones who came forward. lol

[Danqazmlp]

Sorry, but this offers me nothing. Basically you detail how you spent a few days hanging out with J-mods and talked with them. Sorry, but this isn't all that great.

 

Isn't that the whole point? No offence, but are you ever pleased with anything. This was the story of what they did when they went to Jagex HQ, and your disappointed that all they say is what they did at Jagex HQ?

[@Dan3HitU]

Nice to know Jagex went public with this and not before when they offered "free lifetime membership" to whoever helped put an end to the "duping bug" back in Classic.

 

I never even really undestood that I remember just flooding to varrock castle lol did players even get free membership for revealing what happened? or was that just to milk answers

As far as I know (don't quote me on this) they got the answers they wanted and didn't do their-end of the bargain (basically got the answers and didn't give membership).

I think they actually banned the ones who came forward. lol

I heard that too, possibly a rumour though, who knows?

[Toad]

Nice to know Jagex went public with this and not before when they offered "free lifetime membership" to whoever helped put an end to the "duping bug" back in Classic.

 

I never even really undestood that I remember just flooding to varrock castle lol did players even get free membership for revealing what happened? or was that just to milk answers

As far as I know (don't quote me on this) they got the answers they wanted and didn't do their-end of the bargain (basically got the answers and didn't give membership).

I think they actually banned the ones who came forward. lol

 

Wouldnt put it past them to ban, and yeah that's a little unfair not doing their end of the bargain!

 

I might go back and read the players going to Jagex hq but probably not :geek:

[Me_Hate_Libs]

Dan, I meant that it offers me nothing related to Runescape, due obviously to the nondisclosure agreement. Because of that, it's them telling us about them going bowling with some J-mods, hence it has no benefit or interest to me.

[Toad]

Dan, I meant that it offers me nothing related to Runescape, due obviously to the nondisclosure agreement. Because of that, it's them telling us about them going bowling with some J-mods, hence it has no benefit or interest to me.

 

GJ I didn't go I'm terrible at bowling, I'd let go with my arm swinging back!

[Den]

Dan, I meant that it offers me nothing related to Runescape, due obviously to the nondisclosure agreement. Because of that, it's them telling us about them going bowling with some J-mods, hence it has no benefit or interest to me.

 

Dont read it then, simple as that. :P

[Night_Tied]

Favouritism at it's best. :thumbup:

Was a blog necessary? It kinda feels like they're rubbing it other player's faces.

[Toad]

Favouritism at it's best. :thumbup:

Was a blog necessary? It kinda feels like they're rubbing it other player's faces.

 

Sort of it seems they're either player mods or maxed out too.

[Lord_Rand]

I heard that too, possibly a rumour though, who knows?

 

Yeah they banned one of the original 5 to know about duping when he offered to tell them how to do it, even though they had offered him life time membership to do so.

Not entirely unfair I guess.

 

"Andrew doesn't have sense of humor. Mod Mark does. He's the man! But

Andrew... You should all send e-mail to Andrew and tell him you love him, he's

very sad and lonely. Andrew promised Dylock lifetime membership if he helps.

Instead of that he banned his account. Go on, help the kind RS mods, your reward

will be a ban, you know you want it."

 

Taken from Jut's website, another of the 5 people to dupe pre-mass leak.

[Me_Hate_Libs]

Dan, I meant that it offers me nothing related to Runescape, due obviously to the nondisclosure agreement. Because of that, it's them telling us about them going bowling with some J-mods, hence it has no benefit or interest to me.

 

Dont read it then, simple as that. :P

 

I had to read it to know if it offered me anything I might be interested. And thanks for the advice to not doing something when I told you I've already done it. That's like eating a piece of turkey and getting sick, and me telling you to not eat that turkey.

[Omali]

Dan, I meant that it offers me nothing related to Runescape, due obviously to the nondisclosure agreement. Because of that, it's them telling us about them going bowling with some J-mods, hence it has no benefit or interest to me.

 

Agree'd. I read the first account, but it would've been more interesting if they'd come back with some Jagex nuggets. Damn NDA.

[Me_Hate_Libs]

Dan, I meant that it offers me nothing related to Runescape, due obviously to the nondisclosure agreement. Because of that, it's them telling us about them going bowling with some J-mods, hence it has no benefit or interest to me.

 

Agree'd. I read the first account, but it would've been more interesting if they'd come back with some Jagex nuggets. Damn NDA.

 

I couldn't have gone because I can't keep a secret to save my life, like when Racheya had a drunken girl on girl all night love fest.

 

 

... oops. :-#

[Wachtwoord]

I wonder why "Excerpt from RuneHQ" was invited. I've never heard of this guy, so I doubt he's a famous high level. So why did they invite someone from RuneHq and not from any other fansite? (*coughtip.itcough*)