Entries from August 2008 ↓

• #DDOEU Deum posted about GenCon UK. Things started a little bumpy, but all turned out well. http://is.gd/227m http://is.gd/226D #
• #DDOEU Codemasters has some neat details for the geeks out there on moving data centers on their blog. http://is.gd/22MT #
• More info on the new Paladin spell, Zeal: Pal 4, Grants caster 10% sacred bonus to attack speed. Longer duration http://is.gd/22Nj #

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• New wallpapers from newsletter. Supposed to be exclusive: 1920×1200 http://is.gd/201O 1280×1024 http://is.gd/201V 1024×768 http://is.gd/201Q #

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• #DDOEU Codemasters will be at GenCon UK Thursday, August 28 to 31. many events and promos planned. http://is.gd/1Y62 #
• DDO Cast has collected some great info on DDO at the different conventions. Check it out here http://is.gd/1Y6l #

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• No further official status update, but the account servers seem to be responding better. #
• ArkoHighStar and Semargl have created a new player resource for trading items. It’s like Craig’s List for DDO. No RL $$. htp://DDOTrader.com #
• Eladrin explains the current design for the Divine Might enhancement line for Paladins and Clerics. http://is.gd/1W8i #
• Rowanheal pointed out an article on Massivley about Turbine licensing the cross-platform engine, Havok. Likely for new MMO http://is.gd/1Wm6 #
• Tolero on Account Servers: “We’re pretty sure that it’s cleared up, but we’re still … watching for users having trouble” #

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The other day we were treated with a new community rep without much introduction or fanfare.  Tarrant has been working for Turbine for a little over a month, although he has been silent up until now and staying behind the scenes.  He’s finally stepped out of the shadows and made himself known.  Since everyone wants to know more about the new face on the scene, I took the opportunity to send him some questions, and he was kind enough to answer them so that we can get to know him a little better.

Ustice: What is your position with Turbine?
Tarrant: My position is that of Online Community Representative. Essentially I do all things Community-related.

Ustice: What is your background? What sort of jobs have you done in the past?
Tarrant: I have had several community-esque positions, so dealing with the customer is not a new experience for me.

Ustice: How long have your been with Turbine, and how long with this project/position?
Tarrat: I have been both with Turbine and at this position for about a month and a half.

Ustice: What interested you in this position?
Tarrant: I could write a book to answer this question, but I’ll try and keep it brief for you. There were two facets of this job that caught me, which were the community aspect and the “game” aspect.

To start with community, working with people has always been something I was interested in. I enjoy advocating on behalf of the customer, and working to make the product, and the products’ service, as strong as possible for those who are using it. In short, I work for our players.

As for the game part – every male (and some females) decides at some point in their life that they want to make video games. I decided to turn that thought into a reality. I consider myself a gamer, I know what I like in gaming, so using my skills and interests in my working life seemed like a logical choice.

Ustice: Are you a gamer in your personal time? If so, from what end of the spectrum? If not, what are your hobbies?
Tarrant: Like everyone at Turbine, I am a gamer. Possibly less-so than some of the players here, but gaming is a passion for me.

I consider myself a hardcore gamer that games casually. When I find the time to get in any game, I love it, but I also try to find room in my life for other activities as well.

I am an avid RPG fan, and I think that Super Smash Brothers Brawl and Melee are two of the best games to ever be released.

Beyond that, I enjoy reading, primarily fantasy and science fiction, but anything really. I like TV (I am human,) and I’m also a big English soccer fan. I also like fishing and skiing, but I don’t really find enough time to pursue those hobbies too much anymore.

Ustice: What excites you most about working for Turbine?
Tarrant: This is a tough one… but, I’d have to say it’s the attitude of people here. While I’m sure many players won’t believe me, I can say with all honesty that every single person here cares a tremendous amount about what they do, and how it impacts the players. We are a company of gamers, and it is very important for us to make the best possible product for our players (and for ourselves.) The players and their enjoyment of the game factor into every decision we make. I’ve thrown this word around a few times I think (and if I haven’t, randomly insert it where it seems appropriate,) but I’m going to say it again. Passion. Turbine is a company of passionate people, and I’m proud to be a part of it.

Ustice: Tell us a little about what you are working on. What is your typical day like?
Tarrant: Currently, one of my main jobs here is gathering feedback. I focus mostly on LOTRO and DDO, and I take the input of the players and bring it to the developers and others within the company. This ranges from things the players like, dislike, and feel would enhance the game.

I also do forum moderation for both games, which is always fun!

I don’t really have a typical day – another thing that I love about this job. Every day is an adventure.

Ustice: What was your favorite job prior to this one?
Tarrant: I ran a lemonade stand once when I was 8. I raked in 60 bucks in an hour. I’m not sure why I don’t do that anymore.

Thanks, Tarrant, for taking the time to introduce yourself.  Welcome to the community! We look forward to hearing lots more from you in the future.

• #DDOUS Tarrant posted to the forums for the 1st time. His/Her title is Turbine Community Team. Joined 07/2008. Welcome! http://is.gd/1U6q #
• #DDOUS The forums appear to be having trouble. No official word yet. #
• #DDOUS Various reports of game problems due to account server. Still no official word. #
• @bobbykearan took a pic of an error message from Turbine. http://twitpic.com/90s9 #
• Still no word on the problems with the account servers, but this is likely related to the maitenance that Turbine was doing on them earlier. #
• #DDOUS Turbine is aware of the issues, and working to resolve them. No ETA on a fix just yet. http://is.gd/1Upv #
• Update in status. Too many connections. Still researching. Problem continues. http://is.gd/1Uyx #

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While trying to log in to http://myaccount.turbine.com, I got this error message.

While there is still no word from Turbine, I am sure that they are very aware of this problem. This is affecting the forums, billing, and the game. No word on how is this affecting the game if you are already logged in.

• #DDOUS All servers will be down for maintenance on Monday, August 25 at 7-11 am EDT. Web will be up, but the game down. http://is.gd/1QDV #

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• #DDOEU Last night DDO Europe experienced an outage, but it appears to be fixed now. http://is.gd/1PlE #

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• Release notes are available for 7.0.2. http://is.gd/1LRk #
• The Release Notes mention the Coin Lord’s Theatre House. Anyone know what/where this is? So far, it’s V&M. Let me know, and I’ll pass it on. #
• @moorewr suggests House P’s Livewood Theater. Can anyone get screenshots? #

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