Incoming Unchained PTS downtime starting at 2PM PDT with estimated length of downtime for about 3 hours.This downtime is to help prepare for unlocking PTS for everyone, thanks for your patience. Details: https://t.co/3x0bv5b9Xt
— ArcheAge (@ArcheAge) October 7, 2019
PTS downtime has been extended without ETA as we continue to work on improvements to server connectivity. We’ll post updates and let you know when PTS is available as soon as we can, thanks.— ArcheAge (@ArcheAge) October 8, 2019
The last tweet was made around 5 hours after the original downtime began. Yes, this is “only” the public PTS for ArcheAge Unchained. But this is also only a week before they officially launch (if they end up sticking to this schedule). The fact they are running into technical issues deploying what is intended to represent a test version of the live game server (with population caps that were part of the media access and Founder’s PTS, removed) doesn’t really bode well for this final week of crunch time. I’ve already given my opinion on this; that the launch should be pushed back (they missed the mark already on the name reservation and now, the public PTS due to “server connectivity”).
I wanted to see how they managed this portion of the Unchained PTS and part of it is validating my concerns regarding the original Trion Worlds personnel (who were retained by Gamigo) handling the backend. It is no doubt giving me the feeling that little has changed for the better in that area. As for Gamigo in general, I still am skeptical they will be able to manage this setup (dealing with two business models) effectively past launch (when it comes to customer support as one example). I do feel bad for the two front facing community management folks who have already been swamped with what will end up being an unending pit of inquiries (and later, the usual abuse) from the community. Gamigo did hire back one community manager (Mobi) who was originally let go but I wouldn’t be surprised if they have him tackling other stuff with the other remaining Trion properties.
I was part way off the fence the other week but I am back to sitting on it again as far as the pre-order goes. Again, the money isn’t the issue; the issue is my skepticism of Gamigo in general with regards to how they’ve handled their other properties where I have this thing about spending money with companies that have a track record of poor business practices. The ball is in their court to convince me that it won’t be business as usual (and they are currently missing the mark when it comes to execution).
