Larian Studios
Posted By: Dark_Ansem Is larian brewing a big big patch? - 30/11/17 08:04 AM
Longest period ever without an update. Can we expect the next one to be massive?
Posted By: Cavemandiary Re: Is larian brewing a big big patch? - 30/11/17 09:24 AM
Most likely yes.

That being said, I'm still disappointed with Larians post-launch approach to communication with its players. By now, I think that most of us have realized that DOS:2 is a gem in the rough, that still needs a lot of work even on core mechanics, but has the potential to be a great game. It would have been nice if they would recognize this publicly, and keep us informed of where the game is headed. The amount of time it takes for one employee to gather feedback from the designers and make a post about what's roughly going on, has to be diminutive compared to the value it adds to its loyal fans.

I often see this trend of "radiosilence until able to confirm/deny", a pitfall that unanimously seems to give backlash. It seems to me that a lot of companies withhold information until they are confident that it is correct, thinking that the playerbase want specificity, when in reality all they want is recognition of complaints, and reassurance of upcoming change, even at the cost of specificity.
Posted By: Dark_Ansem Re: Is larian brewing a big big patch? - 30/11/17 11:48 AM
Originally Posted by Cavemandiary
Most likely yes.

That being said, I'm still disappointed with Larians post-launch approach to communication with its players. By now, I think that most of us have realized that DOS:2 is a gem in the rough, that still needs a lot of work even on core mechanics, but has the potential to be a great game. It would have been nice if they would recognize this publicly, and keep us informed of where the game is headed. The amount of time it takes for one employee to gather feedback from the designers and make a post about what's roughly going on, has to be diminutive compared to the value it adds to its loyal fans.

I often see this trend of "radiosilence until able to confirm/deny", a pitfall that unanimously seems to give backlash. It seems to me that a lot of companies withhold information until they are confident that it is correct, thinking that the playerbase want specificity, when in reality all they want is recognition of complaints, and reassurance of upcoming change, even at the cost of specificity.


Few people can be more disappointed than I am, I got promised features that in the end were not delivered, and this was told me in quite a rude way as well.

Nevertheless, they sold 1 million copies: they have the resources to address at least half of our concerns. I mean, if NEVERWINTER NIGHTS is getting an Enhanced Edition after more than 10 years by the quasi-defunct Bioware, I am sure Larian can pull this off for this very fun game.
Posted By: Cavemandiary Re: Is larian brewing a big big patch? - 01/12/17 12:44 PM
Originally Posted by Dark_Ansem
Originally Posted by Cavemandiary
Most likely yes.

That being said, I'm still disappointed with Larians post-launch approach to communication with its players. By now, I think that most of us have realized that DOS:2 is a gem in the rough, that still needs a lot of work even on core mechanics, but has the potential to be a great game. It would have been nice if they would recognize this publicly, and keep us informed of where the game is headed. The amount of time it takes for one employee to gather feedback from the designers and make a post about what's roughly going on, has to be diminutive compared to the value it adds to its loyal fans.

I often see this trend of "radiosilence until able to confirm/deny", a pitfall that unanimously seems to give backlash. It seems to me that a lot of companies withhold information until they are confident that it is correct, thinking that the playerbase want specificity, when in reality all they want is recognition of complaints, and reassurance of upcoming change, even at the cost of specificity.


Few people can be more disappointed than I am, I got promised features that in the end were not delivered, and this was told me in quite a rude way as well.

Nevertheless, they sold 1 million copies: they have the resources to address at least half of our concerns. I mean, if NEVERWINTER NIGHTS is getting an Enhanced Edition after more than 10 years by the quasi-defunct Bioware, I am sure Larian can pull this off for this very fun game.


Quasi defunct? I know that several high-profile people have left the company this and the previous year, but this is news to me. Hyperbole I guess?

In any case, Bioware is (to the best of my knowledge) a much larger company, so I don't think the comparison is all that pertinent.

If anything, I think that Larian is much, much more likely to do fan-service with no strings attached, as Larian demonstrated when they released the DOS1:EE free of charge, even though the original was more than most people bargained for. Bioware on the other hand, doesn't do that. It's all cost-benefit and revenue, and "for free" essentially means "part of a branding or marketing strategy". I still like their games though.

In fact, Larians approach to DOS1:EE is the reason I'm constantly giving them the benefit of the doubt, and why I keep supporting them in lieu of others.

It's just a matter of time before we see some official announcement. But Larian still needs to work on their ability to communicate more openly with their fans...
Posted By: Amarillien Re: Is larian brewing a big big patch? - 01/12/17 01:41 PM
I am wondering this aswell. This is a great game but the silence from Larian Studios is deafening. May we please get just a small acknowledgement that you have not abandoned the game and your focus is still on this game? no specifics is needed... just a response.
Posted By: The Composer Re: Is larian brewing a big big patch? - 01/12/17 04:30 PM
They've confirmed several fixes for next patch, and at least one thing that most likely won't be fixed in time for next patch, suggesting intention of more than one patch more in the future, so I'd say not to worry too much.
Posted By: Alulim Re: Is larian brewing a big big patch? - 01/12/17 08:45 PM
Originally Posted by Amarillien
I am wondering this aswell. This is a great game but the silence from Larian Studios is deafening. May we please get just a small acknowledgement that you have not abandoned the game and your focus is still on this game? no specifics is needed... just a response.


Of course they haven't abandoned the game. DOS2 was just officially released several months ago. Have faith young sourcerer. Xmas
Posted By: Dark_Ansem Re: Is larian brewing a big big patch? - 02/12/17 08:13 AM
Originally Posted by Alulim
Originally Posted by Amarillien
I am wondering this aswell. This is a great game but the silence from Larian Studios is deafening. May we please get just a small acknowledgement that you have not abandoned the game and your focus is still on this game? no specifics is needed... just a response.


Of course they haven't abandoned the game. DOS2 was just officially released several months ago. Have faith young sourcerer. Xmas


No one was suggesting that.

Bioware is quasi-defunct due to the MEA debacle. If Anthem fails...
Posted By: vometia Re: Is larian brewing a big big patch? - 02/12/17 09:34 AM
Originally Posted by Dark_Ansem
Bioware is quasi-defunct due to the MEA debacle. If Anthem fails...

I actually liked Andromeda and I think it was a remarkably competent game considering Bioware themselves seemed to not take its development or release very seriously. I guess it was always going to be shot down but it's a shame they gave up on it so easily.

I think the writing was on the wall after the ME3 débâcle though, but it's just what EA does to its acquisitions.
Posted By: Dark_Ansem Re: Is larian brewing a big big patch? - 02/12/17 10:15 AM
Originally Posted by vometia
Originally Posted by Dark_Ansem
Bioware is quasi-defunct due to the MEA debacle. If Anthem fails...

I actually liked Andromeda and I think it was a remarkably competent game considering Bioware themselves seemed to not take its development or release very seriously. I guess it was always going to be shot down but it's a shame they gave up on it so easily.

I think the writing was on the wall after the ME3 débâcle though, but it's just what EA does to its acquisitions.


I'm just reporting news, haven't really played Andromeda.
Posted By: vometia Re: Is larian brewing a big big patch? - 02/12/17 11:27 AM
Originally Posted by Dark_Ansem
I'm just reporting news, haven't really played Andromeda.

Yeah, it's one of those things where the general perception seems to be out of step with people's experience of playing it. I wouldn't describe it as a particularly memorable game and it would've benefited from a bit of attention from its more experienced staff, but it was okay. I think the worry is the way they'd apparently given up on it before it even went to market, which doesn't bode well for the future of Bioware.
Posted By: Evangeline Re: Is larian brewing a big big patch? - 02/12/17 02:10 PM
Companies don't exist in the real world, it's just a name we've given to a group of people. I'd venture to say that none of the original team who worked on the classic Bioware gems is there anymore. The Bioware of today is undeserving of the fame and renown of the past.

Posted By: Hawke Re: Is larian brewing a big big patch? - 02/12/17 03:01 PM
Bioware has nothing to do with the Enhanced Edition it is developed by Beamdog.
http://store.steampowered.com/app/704450/Neverwinter_Nights_Enhanced_Edition/

Bioware is an EA Company and NN was owned by Atari, so they could not make it even if they wanted to.
Posted By: Evangeline Re: Is larian brewing a big big patch? - 02/12/17 03:21 PM
I think the way Larian is handling things is quite good though. Recognising issues or showing eagerness in fixing bugs can hurt sales. Even something small like pushing out patches too often can make a potential buyer think "hey this thing is a bit buggy".

And it's more than that, it has to do with how our tribal monkey brains work. It's the reason why a girl will usually turn you down if you show too much interest, if you play it cool you have much better chances. It has to do with perceived weakness. By maintaining a bit of silence and pushing patches less often, you get to seem like you have a better handle on things. Hope you get what I mean, I don't even know what I mean lol

Although maybe a change in direction is needed, now that 1 million people are playing the game. A month between patches is a bit long, you can finish the game in that time. Smaller patches may be better, I don't want to finish the game before the big bugs (related to ending etc.) are patched. And they can show their existing, already massive userbase that they are still on it, if the infidels lack faith smile
Posted By: Dark_Ansem Re: Is larian brewing a big big patch? - 02/12/17 08:16 PM
Originally Posted by Hawke
Bioware has nothing to do with the Enhanced Edition it is developed by Beamdog.
http://store.steampowered.com/app/704450/Neverwinter_Nights_Enhanced_Edition/

Bioware is an EA Company and NN was owned by Atari, so they could not make it even if they wanted to.


I am well aware.
Personally, these long waits between patches feel really painful as a modder, as the editor patches seem to be delayed by the game patches. This is a problem when a new patch introduces a bug that crashes the editor or makes a tool unable to work properly.

I'm still hopeful that editor hotfixes will eventually become a thing.
Posted By: Dark_Ansem Re: Is larian brewing a big big patch? - 04/12/17 11:54 AM
Any news, Larian?
Posted By: The Composer Re: Is larian brewing a big big patch? - 04/12/17 12:58 PM
I have to second LaughingLeader - I wish they'd release patches for the game and editor separately, as we're stuck with several rather nasty tool dysfunctions which were confirmed fixed many, many weeks ago.

I'd also wish paint brush / instance brush settings were saved between uses... 😏
Posted By: Rasikko Re: Is larian brewing a big big patch? - 04/12/17 09:28 PM
What I'm about to say is so true that it hurts. These guys from this company, have said and done more for their player base, in the short amount of time that their newest game has been out, than Bethesda has ever said or done for their playerbase with Skyrim in the last 6 years.....

These people have/is writing guides, maintaining a wiki, they have come into threads and actually TALKED AT LENGTH with people here... I wish as a TES fan that I had that with Bethesda.

You all really have it made and I beg of you all to be a lot more patient with them.
Posted By: Vextin Re: Is larian brewing a big big patch? - 04/12/17 11:57 PM
Originally Posted by The Composer
I wish they'd release patches for the game and editor separately, as we're stuck with several rather nasty tool dysfunctions which were confirmed fixed many, many weeks ago.


THIS. I've been desperately waiting for a patch to fix the nasty Win10 Creator's Update cursor bug.

I'm basically unable to use the editor in any productive sense right now, and I was having a ton of fun and making a lot of progress! I was even planning to make some tutorials on specific things and contribute to the wiki as I experimented, but now I can't.
Posted By: Evangeline Re: Is larian brewing a big big patch? - 05/12/17 01:45 AM
Bethesda is terrible, anyone would look like an angel in comparison. I could make a comparison with CDPR and then things wouldn't look so good.

People have been pretty positive, patient and forgiving I think. Can't be any more patient than this - the game is out. It has been released, I'm playing it and I don't have the time for multiple playthroughs. And currently, even after several patches (with the last one having more than 500 fixes) the game is still not in the best shape. I don't even want to think of the shape it was when they released it.

Can't play for more than 5 minutes without spotting something. Usually it's a small issue that detracts from the immersion, but they add up. And also more serious ones (bugs with quests, characters, spells, ending). And sometimes just annoying, like not being able to see your archived quests in the log - how can such an obvious bug still persist?

The writing, graphics, voice overs, music, sound design - all are out of this world good. Crazy amazing good. But the programming is lagging behind - sorry to say, someone had to. Most of these bugs could have been avoided with more careful programming, that's my opinion anyway as an amateur developer having perused the forums for the past few weeks.

The game feels like it's still in beta, most of my friends don't even play it anymore in the current state. If it wasn't for the story and the fact that Sebille is so crazy hot and now I'm getting kisses from her smile I would've stopped as well.

Everyone has been really positive in reviews, games like this are so rare we want the developer to succeed. Most people looking to buy the game have no idea of it's current state. I left a good review too, but I'm going to be extra cautious with my next purchase of a Larian game.
Posted By: Dark_Ansem Re: Is larian brewing a big big patch? - 05/12/17 08:10 AM
Originally Posted by Rasikko
What I'm about to say is so true that it hurts. These guys from this company, have said and done more for their player base, in the short amount of time that their newest game has been out, than Bethesda has ever said or done for their playerbase with Skyrim in the last 6 years.....

These people have/is writing guides, maintaining a wiki, they have come into threads and actually TALKED AT LENGTH with people here... I wish as a TES fan that I had that with Bethesda.

You all really have it made and I beg of you all to be a lot more patient with them.


We are patient aren't we?

Originally Posted by Evangeline
Bethesda is terrible, anyone would look like an angel in comparison. I could make a comparison with CDPR and then things wouldn't look so good.

People have been pretty positive, patient and forgiving I think. Can't be any more patient than this - the game is out. It has been released, I'm playing it and I don't have the time for multiple playthroughs. And currently, even after several patches (with the last one having more than 500 fixes) the game is still not in the best shape. I don't even want to think of the shape it was when they released it.

Can't play for more than 5 minutes without spotting something. Usually it's a small issue that detracts from the immersion, but they add up. And also more serious ones (bugs with quests, characters, spells, ending). And sometimes just annoying, like not being able to see your archived quests in the log - how can such an obvious bug still persist?

The writing, graphics, voice overs, music, sound design - all are out of this world good. Crazy amazing good. But the programming is lagging behind - sorry to say, someone had to. Most of these bugs could have been avoided with more careful programming, that's my opinion anyway as an amateur developer having perused the forums for the past few weeks.

The game feels like it's still in beta, most of my friends don't even play it anymore in the current state. If it wasn't for the story and the fact that Sebille is so crazy hot and now I'm getting kisses from her smile I would've stopped as well.

Everyone has been really positive in reviews, games like this are so rare we want the developer to succeed. Most people looking to buy the game have no idea of it's current state. I left a good review too, but I'm going to be extra cautious with my next purchase of a Larian game.


Good point about Bugthesda. I don't know CPDR however.
I'd argue that the game does NOT feel like a beta to me - but it does need further polishing. Then again, what doesn't?
Posted By: Dark_Ansem Re: Is larian brewing a big big patch? - 05/12/17 05:51 PM
And there we go.
Posted By: withpuppys Re: Is larian brewing a big big patch? - 21/12/17 07:08 AM
i hope they make a continuation of the story either in patch or dlc.
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