Some comfort from Cay..

Animalor · Post by **Animalor** » March 7, 2005, 3:35 pm

http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/threa ... 1#blizzard

Caydiem wrote: Well, the core problem is that we have not significantly patched in over two months. This would not be nearly as large a concern as it is now if patches were coming out in a regular and efficient manner.

Hotfixes take time to compile, test, and deploy, just as patches do. In addition, not everything can be fixed with a hotfix. If it requires any change to the client whatsoever, a change cannot be properly fixed with a hotfix and must instead be patched.

Instead of slapping a band-aid on the problem, hotfixing the biggest bugs that can be hotfixed at all, and hoping the clamor will cease, we are working on fixing the root problem. The fact of the matter is we need to bring game changes to you more quickly so you do not languish with these challenging problems. These issues are such a concern not only because they make the game more difficult and frustrating to play but because you've had to deal with them for a long period of time without seeing any considerable chunk of fixes brought in at all.

What you're seeing is essentially one part of what should be the full update process. Hotfixes will remain exploit-related -- issues that compromise the game's integrity and that, if left alone, will cause problems that will last far after the issue is fixed. So to answer that part of the question, we are not going to use the hotfix process to patch bugs that are not critical and should be fixed in a patch.

The reason why we won't do that is because it won't solve the root problem and is an inefficient use of time that could instead be used to get a patch with many fixes out to you.

We realize that what has been happening with this lack of updates is unacceptable for our customers. The infamous content patch is on its way, and once it comes we are committed to patching more frequently. We will update the game regularly with fixes, balance changes, and new content. We will deliver more comprehensive patch notes than have been given in the past.

I know that these are just empty words to you right now and the proof is in the pudding. If I could hand you a patch today, I would. Sadly, I cannot do that. But we have been working on certain aspects of this process that should reveal themselves to you soon and affirm that we are indeed committed to delivering the service for which you pay.

Communication-wise we are going to respond to these issues as they come up, as we'll have more information with this process. You should be better informed as far as what's coming.

I hope at the least this has helped answer your questions somewhat. I appreciate the time you took to post this, and thank you.
[ post edited by Caydiem ]

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- Caydiem -
Assistant Community Manager

miir · Post by **miir** » March 7, 2005, 3:38 pm

WoW hasn't even had any content patches yet?

Animalor · Post by **Animalor** » March 7, 2005, 3:40 pm

Last patch was mostly fixes for launch problems and an instance was added.

No real content patches yet though.

masteen · Post by **masteen** » March 7, 2005, 3:42 pm

Maradon was a content patch.

archeiron · Post by **archeiron** » March 7, 2005, 11:07 pm

miir wrote:WoW hasn't even had any content patches yet?

WoW has had a single content patch adding a mid level (high 40s, low 50s) instance.

The next patch adds another instance, a tonne of raid content, a new outdoor zone (effectively, as they have itemized an unused area), and three metric tonnes of fixes & tweaks.

Nick · Post by **Nick** » March 8, 2005, 11:57 am

Plus it isnt EQ2 WOOHOO!

(Btw Miir that was a joke foo

)