| This is the third Zmaster chat held to discuss MSN Games’ decision to retire CD-ROM matchmaking and several Classic games from the site. Several hundred players participated in this Q&A.
You can find a transcripts of two previous chats at Chat one (May 1, 10am) and Chat two (May 1, 3pm).
+gorgee@mplus> Hello everyone, thank you for attending our third meeting regarding retiring cd-rom and classic gaming areas. As stated in the last meetings, in order to answer as many people within queue we will take one question per person. For those with multiple questions please email zsuggest@microsoft.com. To ask our guest a question, click on "Room" in the menu bar at the top of the window. Then, from the choices listed, select "Ask Question" to add yourself to the asking list. With that, I think zmaster has a few opening remarks.
+ZMaster@Zone> Welcome everyone! Thank you for coming online today for our 3rd and final chat. We have answered a lot of your questions and feedback. We're going to answer as many questions as possible today. So if there's a question that's been previously answered, we'll let you know and keep those answers short.
So to allow as many individuals as possible the opportunity to ask their question, please see our posted chat log from previous chat for more details. (http://zone.msn.com/en/general/article/gen050106pmchat.htm)
Ok! Now that we've got some of the housekeeping items all squared away, let's take our first question.
+ZMaster@Zone> Greetings to everyone from a sunny Seattle!
+gorgee@mplus> hello nidi :)
_Nidi> Hi thanks for letting me ask my questions, I've only waited a whole week, lol I'm going to quote the following said by +ZMaster@Zone then ask my question based on this quote...
+ZMaster@Zone> Hello _Nidi
_Nidi> "We at MSN Games are working towards building you the best services and features and the best games experience. As we are in the design stages, this is your time to let us know what you think and what you want built.
_Nidi> So if that's the case, we would like some classic games rooms with a lobby chat so players from all over the world, that are not on our messenger contacts, can meet, chat & play..
1. So since you say it is time for us to have our say in what we want built, will you be making us something based on OUR requirements in the near future? (yes / no)
2. Is a group chat lobby currently under active development? (yes/no)
3. Do you have any actual plans for developing a chat lobby? (yes/no)
4. Have you even drawn and accepted a timeline for when a group chat lobby will be released? (yes/no)
5. How many months does it _usually_ take to grab a medium sized idea (such as chat lobbies), draw a plan, get it accepted, get the feature designed, programmed, tested and propped?
_Nidi> ok ...
+ZMaster@Zone> Thanks Nidi
_Nidi> For anyone wanting to find an alternative site to the zone, with similar features classic games, lobby chat, friends list and better graphics then the zone, I recommend http://www.gamedesire.com/ its pretty cool:^)
+ZMaster@Zone> For question 1 - the answer is a yes and a no
_Nidi> oh
+ZMaster@Zone> Yes.. we're going to be building something similar.
Question 2: group chat lobby is being designed – yes
Question 3. As for the plans for the developing chat lobby -- we are working on designing it. So Yes
Question 4 – no
Timeline has not been established yet. To go back to your question 1. We are taking customer feedback that's being sent to us and when as we're thinking about what customer want in the future we're going to be planning and designing based on what our customers would like to see on our site. It's going to be a similar type of experience...
But there are also some differences.
Ok. Thanks Nidi
+gorgee@mplus> thank you nidi :)
+ZMaster@Zone> Those are great questions.
Hello _Jazmine
+gorgee@mplus> welcome jasmine :)
_Jazmine_4> hello :) I have a few questions you seem to think that there are benefits from this change, but we, the members who USE this site enjoy it the way that it is today.
Have you consider the fact that you will lose many of YOUR members that come here and enjoy this site, when they find other sites that have chat and play lobbies? Could you possibly name a few benefits from this change that will benefit the members which may entice us to return?
About the new zone after the change..why bother with a nic name, if its going to be all downloadable games? zone was built to communicate with other members on this site, why change it now? What was for msn.zone.com to come to this…ending boards/cards/chat rooms? Even with changing the servers you can save the original games. Are you closing the chats because of the pedophiles lurking around?
+ZMaster@Zone> Hello Jazmine
Great questions. Thanks.
We understand that many players like yourself enjoy the currently online Zone experience. There are many new benefits that we're building that's very exciting. New online game experience, more robust computer AI, upgraded stats system that will allow you to track your high score.
I'm currently working with our Program Manager on the early stages of new community features and this is very exciting for me. Because building a strong community and enabling you, our players, the best experience is important for us. We understand and value your need to be able to matchmake and communicate with your friends. Thanks!
+gorgee@mplus> thank jazmine :)
BurstN2Flames> Before I ask my question I would first like to thank all of the Zone administrators for their time and patience dealing with all the cry babies here today. You have been providing an excellent service for almost a decade.
+ZMaster@Zone> Hello BurstN2Flames!
BurstN2Flames> I for one am looking forward to the new format and welcome it whole heartedly. Keep up the good work guys! As for my question I was wondering if you were going to provide some sort of support group to help some zoners cope with the loss of the old zone format?
As you may know we have some older zoners that are having trouble getting used to the new changes and aren't very optimistic about the great new zone that you are creating. Some will need more help than others adjusting to the changes. I suggest some group therapy sessions, especially for MoodyLil_tig and _JoisyNilQueen_ they will need extra therapy.
It's the end of the zone as we know it (8) It's the end of the zone as we know it (8) and I feel fine :)
+ZMaster@Zone> Thank you Burst!
BurstN2Flames> ty love yours too
+ZMaster@Zone> Support groups are a fun idea. We hope to have some sort of online forum up on the site in the near future
BurstN2Flames> well you know how old people get cranky
+ZMaster@Zone> so that players like yourself will be able to post your comments/feedback as well as continue to share your stories. I would also recommend that you write into "Dear Moxie"
BurstN2Flames> cool
+ZMaster@Zone> She's our online columnist
BurstN2Flames> keep up the good work guys you guys are awesome
gorgee@mplus> ty flames :)
BurstN2Flames> yw
+moxie@zone> Thank you Burst!
+ZMaster@Zone> And is a great way to communicate your thoughts, suggestions and any concerns you have. Thanks Burst!
Hello eyes_Texas3
+gorgee@mplus> welcome eyes texas :).
eyes_Texas3> When Classic spades are retired & the NEW spades are finally unveiled....will our ratings go back to 1600 with the nic we chose to use on each passport with the NEW spades???
+ZMaster@Zone> Hello Eyes
That's a great question
eyes_Texas3> lol I thought so nobody's had an answer yet
+ZMaster@Zone> Let me touch base with our game developer and see what they're plans are for ratings in Spades. I'll have this chat log updated with the response. The Chat log will be posted tomorrow online. Thanks eyes!
eyes_Texas3> ok
sysalis> how is it that yahoo, pogo, & other gaming sites who have been around longer than the zone, can update their entire site WITHOUT disrupting the player's games or shutting down the site & yet the zone cant do this....
why is that? Also, why r u like this u newbie?
+ZMaster@Zone> Hello Syalis. Thanks for your question. Actually... I'm not a newbie. I have been working on the Zone for over 7 years. I have been here to launch Zonefriends, bridge, and euchre. As well as over 40 CD-ROM Games. As for other sites like Yahoo and Pogo. They have also made changes to their website and continue to offer new services to their customers.
+ZMaster@Zone> We are focused at MSN Games to building the best. And building the best online games experiences sometimes means focusing on building the new and retiring the old. It pains me, like many of you, to see some of these great services being retired. (especially since I helped to build it) But I am excited about the possibilities of new robust systems. I CAN'T WAIT to play on a new stats system and can't wait to see the new community features that will empower me and many others like yourselves to do more. Thanks!
_Whammist_> In order to find and play with my friends when the new spades format is running I have to get their email addresses for the nic they are going to use on MSN Messenger. If we don’t set this up now we may not be able to.
+ZMaster@Zone> Hello _Whammist. Yes. What you CAN do... is create 2 or more Passport accounts and tie those Passport accounts to unique nicknames. So for example, I might have 123@hotmail.com and go into my spades game as ZmasterSpades, and that hotmail account would only be used when I play Spades
I probably wouldn't give our my real @hotmail account that I use daily. I would create a separate one specific to Spades. We are also looking into other options for matchmaking, and we do know that some players are not comfortable with giving out their email address.
Ok. Thanks _Whammist
+gorgee@mplus> ty whammist :)
cajunmadness> Hello, First I would like to say thanks for ten great years, this has been a great place. Its a shame to take something away that's been so good :(.....
My Q: When will the new spades be available to play and also is it in the works to add back in the parts we love the most ..lobbies and zone friends? If so, when?
+gorgee@mplus> welcome cajun :)
+ZMaster@Zone> Hello Cajun!
cajunmadness> HI! In comparison the other day .one commented about a broken down 64 dodge and needing parts..people keep em everyday..cause they are special to them...just as the zone is a special place to us just like it is!
+ZMaster@Zone> To answer your first question
cajunmadness> Also in the new format, will kibitzing be allowed?
+ZMaster@Zone> Spades is scheduled to be available early this summer. Definitely before the year's out. For other communication options, such as kibitzing... we are still looking at all other options
As for the 64 dodge. People keep them, but sometimes when it doesn't run anymore, and there are no more parts to fix it, the only thing that's left to do, is to store it in a garage and look at it. You can't drive it any more and it won't run anymore. All righty?
+gorgee@mplus> thank you cajunmadness :)
+ZMaster@Zone> Thanks Cajun. Laissez Bon Temps Roule!
JohnChaser> Hello. My name is John Chaser and I would like to say thanks for holding this meeting for us. I've been here since the Village... that's maybe like, 9 years? Hence the newbie comment (gg). And no worries - I xprt. Now that the decision has been made and nothing can be really changed... Can you make everyone a Member Plus? Promote level 4 to @Zone or something? Give us level 4s all client side tools? What are you losing?
Can you also free up unused unique nicks for us? I feel this isn't too much to ask. Thank you very much. Noq
+gorgee@mplus> hello Chaser :)
JohnChaser> Hey
+ZMaster@Zone> Hello JohnChaser
JohnChaser> Greetings!
+ZMaster@Zone> I should give you a special title. "Zone Alumni" Who needs to be a MemberPlus... when you can be the official "Zone Alumni"?
JohnChaser> John@xprt?
+ZMaster@Zone> There you go.
JohnChaser> thx
+ZMaster@Zone> Thanks John
JohnChaser> gg
+ZMaster@Zone> Here's what we're going to do John. I'm going to get our writer to give you a special mention in our log.
"JohnChaser, Zone Alumni"
+gorgee@mplus> ty chaser :)
+ZMaster@Zone> if you'd like us to interview you, please send e-mail to Zmaster@microsoft, and we'll contact you. Thanks!
+gorgee@mplus> hello phree :)
Phree_Aza_Byrd1> hi
+ZMaster@Zone> Hello Phree
Phree_Aza_Byrd1> You must be aware that ladders, leagues and tourney players are all now actively seeking new sites to play as the information you have disclosed so far seems to imply that it will be nearly impossible for such groups.
What benefits if any can you tell us about right now to convince us to stay here after June 19, or are you just assuming that we will mothball our leagues for however long it takes, and all come rolling merrily back as some unspecified future date once the zone has realized we need lobbies and a more “informal” way of messaging such as zone friends?
On a final note I would like to say – remember that 64 Dodge – well when I replaced mine, the new one still had 4 wheels - one at each corner – what you are doing is trying to re-invent the wheel. Ty
+ZMaster@Zone> Hello Phree. It's not re-inventing the wheel... instead it's improving it. As for benefits, we are creating new benefits everyday. We launched our Texas Hold'em game in early spring. We have a super cool badge system where you can play single player games like Bejeweled and earn cool badges for your album. We are working on new experiences everyday. And our new focus is on building new experiences for our multiplayer games. As for future dates, Spades and Chess are coming. The target date is this summer. For me personally, I am will always be loyal to Zone, or Village, or MSN Games for many reasons.
1) Because MSN games is dedicated to building the best.
2) Because MSN games listens to you, our customers (it was our players, that encourage us to build Zonefriends) and we did.
3) Because MSN Games is always creating new games and experiences.
Thanks!
ArTicJoEy1> hey :)
+ZMaster@Zone> Hello ArTic
ArTicJoEy1> I have three questions and have typed them in the order of preference I'd like them answering, plz answer or comment on them all if you can thx.
1. How does zmaster recommend ppl from my gaming community continue to play midtown madness online & participate in tournaments with the game after changes occur.. is there no possibility of cd-rom matchmaking in new zo?
+ZMaster@Zone> Hello Artic
ArTicJoEy1> yes it broke
+ZMaster@Zone> You are correct. On June 19th, players will not longer be able to matchmake in CD-ROM Games. As for the other options ...
ArTicJoEy1> do other sites need permission to host midtown online?
+ZMaster@Zone> http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/m/midtownmadness3/
ArTicJoEy1> Buying new versions is not a realistic answer to this question.
+ZMaster@Zone> I agree.
ArTicJoEy1> there's nothing on the plans to get round that then?
+ZMaster@Zone> Unfortunately, not that I'm aware of.
ArTicJoEy1> Can u raise the issue plz?
+ZMaster@Zone> Did you have a 2nd question? I can contact the midtown folks.
ArTicJoEy1> 2. Why will you not even consider emulating the old zone code on the new zone servers? This would at least allow you to run both old and new zones in parallel while the change over occurs.
ty for contacting midtown folks :)
+ZMaster@Zone> and let them know. But they will most likely encourage you to try out midtown 3
ArTicJoEy1> that needs an xbox + a new game...remind them of that ;)
+ZMaster@Zone> We talked about this in the previous chat. The short answer is..
3rd question?
ArTicJoEy1> why not? it would be easy to do?
+ZMaster@Zone>Thanks Artic
GinA_nd_Tonic_> Zone claims lobby is out of date, and not worth the maintenance, but other companies continue to manage fine with it. Why can’t the site that is owned by richest man in the world afford to keep lobbies, since they do?
+ZMaster@Zone> Hello Gina!
GinA_nd_Tonic_> Throughout this meeting you’ve said YOU’RE excited. YOU can’t wait to see new Zone. What about US? Zone says they listen to us, but the unhappiness, and side stepping questions here shows they AREN’T. Also, someone asked earlier if these changes were to stop pedophiles. Well by doing this, you’ll drive the children to a place that won’t care for their welfare in the slightest, OR monitor unfavorable people at the site
I’d appreciate it if you could address all these things. I didn’t queue up five hours ago to leave dissatisfied with this experience. Thanks.
re: the pedo thing. MSN removed all their chat rooms for that reason.
+ZMaster@Zone> Hello Gina.
GinA_nd_Tonic_> is this part of the reason why zone chat is going?
+ZMaster@Zone> I know that change.
GinA_nd_Tonic_> just to clarify what I meant by that is not easy.
+ZMaster@Zone> As a loyal player of Zone, it difficult for me to, but I'm optimistic about the new features that are being built.
GinA_nd_Tonic_> if these changes are hard on you, why do them?
+ZMaster@Zone> because our code is old, because our servers are old.
GinA_nd_Tonic_> but it is at pogo too, and yahoo and hardwood and everywhere else. they're willing to keep lobbies.
+ZMaster@Zone> We're focused on delivering new services and features for the future. I can't speak for Pogo and Yahoo. But I do know that with new features and services, many a better game experience for everyone. And that you, our players are smart, and will continue to provide the best feedback to help build the best online community.
I did want to take a moment to address the chat issue. We understand that this is an URL going around talking about online chatting. And this does not affect why our chat rooms are changing. Those are two different topics. The retirement of our chat rooms are because our code is old and we're focused on building new features and services. Thanks!
Next question
+ZMaster@Zone> Hello Skeedry
Skeerdy_Kat__> 1) Are you aware of new accessibly features will the zone have for people with low visibility and other disabilities?
+ZMaster@Zone> Ah.. GREAT question!
We have a Usability Research who is working on accessibility features. Such as the ability to make the screen scale larger for players to easily read the page. color scheme so that it's easy on the eyes. I for one, have a hard time reading gray font color on a white background.
The short answer to your question is Yes. And we have a team working on that. Thanks
SteveWorld> Greetings and thank you for this opportunity. (Bill should give you a raise just for putting up with this.)
+ZMaster@Zone> Hello SteveWorld
SteveWorld> I have four questions that haven’t been addressed today or last week, all of a positive nature on a going forward basis. I hope you can address them all.
+ZMaster@Zone> LOL
SteveWorld> 1) For those of us who wish to maintain their privacy you recommend setting up a second passport account. Will we need a second email address to do this? I need to keep my primary MSN account logged on and active for business purposes. Can the accounts be linked? If not, will I be able to run two instances of MSN Messenger simultaneously?
2) What is the status of backgammon matches of more (or less) than 3 points?
3) When I play backgammon through MSN Messenger Games and try to invite a third person to the chat, I get a message to the effect, “when playing games you cannot invite another person to this chat.” Will this be changed to allow kibitzing?
4) What time on June19th will you turn out the lights forever?
phew!
+ZMaster@Zone> Thanks Steve. I'll do my best here to answer all your questions; which are GREAT. For your first question...
SteveWorld> been waiting since early last Monday to ask
+gorgee@mplus> hey steve
+ZMaster@Zone> I'm going to defer to Gorgee for the first question.
+gorgee@mplus> for question one, we understand that privacy is a big issue, and what you can do for now is log on to msn messenger with one account, and if you are on xp, log onto windows messenger with the other. That way you can have both on at the same time :)
The suggestions are great and we encourage you to mail us back along with msn messenger with these comments.
SteveWorld> I'm actually running live beta
+gorgee@mplus> I know there is a live messenger
SteveWorld> can you give me those email addresses?
+gorgee@mplus> you can see if msn messenger will launch as well. It should be on the live messenger site for contact us.
+gorgee@mplus> I don't have that off hand but you can go to the main site and find it under help :)
+ZMaster@Zone> To answer your question 2 and 3
SteveWorld> and which of you?
+ZMaster@Zone> Question 2 -- currently there are no plans for the matches of 3 or more. I did bring this up to our game developer last week and let him know that it was a feature our customers wanted. Currently you have three choices: standard game, short game, and rated game.
As for question 3 on kibitzing There are no plans for kibitzing, but a lot of players like yourself have requested this feature, and I will bring this up with our game developers.
As for question 4. June 19th is the last day. As for the specific time. I do not have this information. You might be still playing online, and then depending on when the services are shut off, you might find yourself automatically off the game.
Thanks SteveWorld!
Guesl3331> Hello – it’s the famous Guesl3331. Thanks you for all of your efforts over the years to make the zone a fun place – I have had some good times here - I have been around about 7 years. I knew some great +s out there. My question is more about the member plus program and how it relates to the closing of the lobby chat and member plus loss of privileges…
+ZMaster@Zone> Hello Gues!
Guesl3331> I have seen +Capt_91D dedicate his life to abusing his + in the hearts room – and he isn’t liked by other +s, I hope this has taught you a lesson about how power corrupts the weak. I hope you keep that in mind for any future changes. Whoever nominated Capt should know that we are glad the lobby is closing – the hearts deck room was ruined by +Capt. And now he is pimping the WGC site in the deck and is already kissing up to +cyberdad on WGC. I want my @zone nic for having to put up with all this and not leaving. ;)
+gorgee@mplus> Thank you gues
+ZMaster@Zone> Thanks Gues
+gorgee@mplus> we would appreciate and comments or questions regarding plus actions to be sent to mplus@microsoft.com:)
+ZMaster@Zone> Gues and to all players
+gorgee@mplus> *the comments or complaints regarding inappropriate activity can be sent to mplus@microsoft.com
+ZMaster@Zone> Yes. Thank you Gorgee
+gorgee@mplus> :) anytime :)
+ZMaster@Zone> Please use mplus@microsoft.com to report any inappropriate behavior
_King_Emerrils_> Does the voice of the people mean anything to MSN? Do the sponsors know how "we the people" feel? Can "we the people" contact the sponsors? If so, how? Are you being fired or promoted for saving MSN money? MICROSOFT is supposed to be the World leader... So why are you beating around the bush... You are taking away the zone as we love it... Msn will lose many supporters... Their stocks will drop... All because of this...
CHAT HERE http://groups.msn.com/GrottoCommunity COMPLAIN HERE http://groups.msn.com/ZONECLOSINGCOMPLAINTS. CAN YOU PLUSSES CUT MY LAWN... I HEAR YA GOT A GREEN THUMB... I'D SAY MORE OF A BROWN ONE... BAMMMM...HI MELLON
+ZMaster@Zone> Hello King. "we the people" also includes me. I'm part of this community Your voice does mean a great deal to us here at MSN. This is an extremely difficult decision for us here at MSN Games. It wasn't an easy one to make. We looked at ALL the options, and for MSN Games to provide you, our players, with the best games experience, we need to focus on building and creating, new features. And the hardest decision is to retired the existing features and services...
It is not about the money. It's about building the best. Thanks
Next question.
CuddlyGarfield> Since your getting rid of +s. I've been one for 2 years or so. what are +s going to do since your firing all of them. We volunteer our time and your getting rid of us. I love being a + and helping zoners.
+gorgee@mplus> ty cuddly :) We love the member pluses as much as you do, although there will no longer be a program after the 19th we hope that they continue on as members of the community. The plus itself is not what makes them special.
CuddlyGarfield> that's true But, Are +s going to be Zoners Now?
+gorgee@mplus> it's what they have brought to us all and that will not change once the plus is gone. Pluses as well as @s have always been community members. ty cuddly :)
paulwhy> Based on all the feedback you have gotten, what changes in your originally designed format have you DEFINITELY decided to make ...and why did you decide to axe classic spades before you had a more "finished" product?
+ZMaster@Zone> Hello Paulwhy
+ZMaster@Zone> Good question
paulwhy> What changes are you DENITELY not considering?
+ZMaster@Zone> I agree that the timing is not ideal for us to retire Spades before a new spades is posted. Our game developers here have been working hard..
paulwhy> it would have avoided a lot of uproar.
+ZMaster@Zone> on creating a new spades before the classic Spades is retired, and they know that a lot of players are waiting for the new spades. So they're working as diligently as they can to getting a new spades available ASAP. Thanks!
All_52_Aces1> Thx for holding 3 community chats, lets have a few more before zero hour. I understand the need for change, but am alarmed (as a shareholder, former Softie, and Zoner) by the..
+gorgee@mplus> ty paul :)
> hello aces :)
All_52_Aces1> ..lack of a transition plan. Business 101 - never burn the bridge before the customers cross over. Yes, listen to Ozzie & Kevin, build web services, be Live, yadda, yadda, but many of the "Classic" features you own now make the Zones experience compelling, and re-inventing lightning-in-a-bottle is hard, and takes time, so maybe hold off a year until your customers say "you have Shipped Gold" and are ready to follow your lead. Customers are worth more than the offset costs. ;-) Anyhow, as the decision to shut off the lights is made, and reversals are rare, perhaps as a courtesy to the community you've built, why not Open Source the classic gaming framework and client components?
+ZMaster@Zone> Thanks for the comment All_52
Hello Pamela
pamelawoody1> hello! My first question is…if the server currently being used can’t be updated and the zone will be obsolete…Why not just wait till the other programs are up and running with full and similar capabilities to shut down the zone? I think it would be wiser to appeal to your established zone members rather than try to compete with an entirely different set up. Also… I have a zone friend in Belgium that can’t get MSN messenger. How can I continue to play with him. I’ve known him for over a year and now he’s GONE???? THE ZONE IS SCREWING US BIG TIME.
+ZMaster@Zone> Hi Pamela... Hmmm... MSN Messenger is not support in Belgium? I believe it is. http://messenger.msn.com
As for your other question Pam. we answered it in the previous chat. Thanks Pam
Hello UnSinkable
UnSinkableAnnaK> Hi :)...2 questions...1) what are you doing about some of these insane members + like +tinytiger2u2 who recently gave me a 12 hr gag for typing "get thee behind me satan"?
+ZMaster@Zone> Wow... 12 hour gag. Gorgee?
+gorgee@mplus> ty annak... if you have any complaints regarding member pluses please email mplus@microsoft.com
UnSinkableAnnaK> 2...does the zone have a fund set up for + members that have embezzled money from zoners...such as + tiny and +pure?
+gorgee@mplus> you can also report the issue as it is happening to go2@mplus.
UnSinkableAnnaK> or will they now have to get a job?... oh please...
+ZMaster@Zone> Thanks USinkable. If you have specific issues, please email mplus@microsoft.com
Next question?
SW_Queenie_3> First, Specifically, will you provide leagues their own rooms for ladders play, with room lobby so the players can addy for a game and zone friends for communication?
Secondly, If so how do we get in line for a room and when will they be available? Ladder leagues can’t play in the zone without means to addy for games, etc.
+ZMaster@Zone> Hello SW_Queenie
SW_Queenie_3> hello... Other similar sites have given these leagues their own room, with lobby and private message functions and tools for admin to monitor the room (boot and gag) so that sysops are not needed.
+ZMaster@Zone> Hello SW_Queenie To answer your first question. There will be no lobbies.
SW_Queenie_3> If the zone does not provide people means to communicate they will not come back period. Especially leagues.
+ZMaster@Zone> We are working on ways to enable players to communicate with each other.
SW_Queenie_3> what ways plz
+ZMaster@Zone> both socially and competitively. We are looking into online forums that will allow players to post comments. Some players have started using spaces.msn.com to organize their groups. Thanks SQ
CrankyOLDman01> hi , 1st thing is : when can we have Jimmy back in our ranks .. ? at lest do something right and correct this as fast as you folks took him off , then from last meeting +ZMaster@Zone. We recognize what our players like to do online - chat, Do you ? really ? then why not listen to us , get "our" input on what "we" would like ..
+ZMaster@Zone> SW (sorry... the "Q" it very close to the "W"
CrankyOLDman01> Why take something we don't want and force it upon us , negating the populace is not any kind of GOOD BUSINESS idea , is it ? If you folks were concerned we would have heard for help in make "the new place? " whatever the heck that going to be , it DEFFINETLY wont be any Zone that we all have come to love , and many wont bother to return. Getting new servers and such is one thing, and that we can see, but to DESTROY , all that u folks and we have built here, I just cannot seem to fathom, we all know new gear is needed . but ? how is YOUR way . ? g
This gaming world evolves around move them silly board games. I just want to say this , please stop using "THE COMMUNITY. " you folks have DESTROYED that , THERE IS NO MORE COMMUNITY , the COMMUNITY is dead as of the date of notice on the Zone closing ,, just call us minions instead of "the community".. thank you all :}
NOC
+ZMaster@Zone> To answer your first about Jimmy. We are unable to discuss about other individual's accounts due to the privacy policy. As for your other comments, I thank you. There is a community and I'm part of that. Actually, many people are part of a community. We understand and empathize that many players in the community, like yourself, are not happy about the new changes. But I also remember a time when players weren't happy when we took down the Village, and provided Zone.com. And now Zone.com has grown to be a great community. And it will continue to grow. And I hope that you and many other players will help in building this great online community. Thanks
Hello MD
MD_Warfy> Hi and ty for taking our questions :) OK you said last week you want feedback as to what we want, ok I will tell you right here and now, we want new lobbies both games and chat space, we want tournaments, and we want Hosts to run them. ... Doesn't the simple fact that last week this meeting had 1000 people attending it, and this week less than 200 tell you that many have already left ?
+ZMaster@Zone> To answer your second question it's possible that 1000 people who have attended got their questions answered, and the 200 people who are here today have a different set of questions. Yes. I want them too... I want chatting, tournaments, and an organized system that will allow players to host tournaments. And I have provided this feedback to our game developer team. And they KNOW that our customers want this as well. And they're building it. While it may not "look" the same and the "features" are not exactly the same, it will be a similar game experience. When I mean similar game experience.... it means games with ratings, the ability to choose players and matchmake with them, the ability to play with different computer level AIs, and more... so stay tuned!
Next question.
Flames1977> Ok when spades comes back is the leagues going to be still free? And How are we going to be able to advertise for a game with no lobbies?
+ZMaster@Zone> Hello Flames
Flames1977> hi
+ZMaster@Zone> Spades is free. That's it.
Flames1977> yes
+ZMaster@Zone> Did you have another question?
Thanks! Thanks Flames!
BIG_BlackCat1> Contingency planning is a hallmark of successful organizations. What plan does MSN Games have in place should user rates of all MSN games plummet in the long term after the discontinuation of ‘classic games’?
+ZMaster@Zone> Hello Big BlackCat
BIG_BlackCat1> With respect to your answer to SteveWorld, I want to comment that I know of no serious backgammon player who plays 3 points or less in a match. 11-13-15 points and up are more the standard. Have you considered using designers and developers who also play backgammon when you are making structural changes?
+ZMaster@Zone> To answer your last question "first". Yes. When we designed our new backgammon game...
BIG_BlackCat1> Thank you, but please answer first question last as well.
+ZMaster@Zone> ..we did consult with expert backgammon players. We know that the match points are a feature set that our customers want, and I have expressed that to our game developer. The difference is this... currently in the classic backgammon players can "set"/"determine" their match points upfront. In our new backgammon system, the match points are pre-determined before you enter into a game. The reason why we went with the pre-determined setting is because a lot of players have mentioned to us that they didn't like having other players setting up longer match points and felt badly when they had to drop out of a game. I will, though, mention to our game developers to see if they can offer different match points in the pre-determined mode.
As for your first question. The contingency plan for ratings, once classic is gone... everyone basically starts fresh. It's a clean slate for everyone to rebuild their scores in the new system. We are looking at community options to award folks for high scores. And will have a super cool program coming this fall to award our "alumni" thanks!
Next question?
ZO_micronoodle1> I been on the zone since I was 12 and nearly 20 now and to take away to community part of the zone you might as well just burn the whole place down 8-) we have tried every cribsite out there mainly cuz we got banned..
+ZMaster@Zone> Hello Z0
ZO_micronoodle1> but if you get rid of the chat and the social lobbies and the tourneys we wont be back cuz heck there's nothing entertaining to do here anymore.. also since your getting rid of all this stuff what's to say a bunch of people just wont cause probs to the end?.. cuz now we get banned who cares? we are leaving anyways plus we know how to change IP's
+ZMaster@Zone> Thanks for your comments ZO. we know that chats are important part of the community and are working on social features for the future.
NMD_DirtyBlonde> Hi, I feel like I'm watching a presidential debate, a whole lot of "we feel your pain" bs but no real answers to our concerns. You have all decided what format "we" will want & doesn't seem to matter what we say.
+ZMaster@Zone> Hello NMD
NMD_DirtyBlonde> So what you're asking us to swallow is: Microsoft, 1 of the leaders in technology is incapable of supporting a zone with lobbies & that this is in no way due to saving money? Did I get it right?
+ZMaster@Zone> No. That's is an inaccurate statement.
NMD_DirtyBlonde> Not only are you yanking our game rooms but you are topping it off by insulting our intelligence. You are right about 1 thing anyway, our figuring out how to continue our leagues & tourneys. It's called finding a new place.
+gorgee@mplus> nmd if you wait a moment I believe zmaster was answering you :)
(NMD_DirtyBlonde exits)
+ZMaster@Zone> NMD...
Microsoft and MSN Games are committed in providing the BEST online games experience for our players. And when I mean COMMITTED... it's 100% Your feedback and suggestions MATTER.
_Addicted2Karma> I have been here since the days of the village going on 11 years now… (I think, too many I lost count) I do want to think you for those years that I have met so many great people and had so much..... and had so much fun, happiness , sadness, I have gone thru it all… With all that in mind I would like to ask you a few questions…
Last week you said that leagues and tourneys would still be able to use the zone you just have to be creative. Well after looking at hearts, backgammon, all-in poker. I don’t see a way to make this happen…please say something other then be creative either there is a way or there is not.
+ZMaster@Zone> Hello Addicted
_Addicted2Karma> The match maker is a good idea for some games, but with team games such as spades, it falls short in desire. Most people like to partner people they know or have met and enjoyed. With matchmaker how will this be possible? You talked about the badges both last week and now… my question to that is what does that get me? A badge or 10 and a $1.50 can get me a cup of coffee (more money if I go to Starbucks) Are the advertisers of the zone aware how many people are upset by this change? It does effect them too as they won’t be getting their name out there to the same number of people after the change and as it stands now.
+gorgee@mplus> Addicted ty for asking...Currently there isn't a set way how to run a league/ladder game. But there are players that have come up with some creative solutions. not all are the same so we suggest that you go out and ask around. there will be a few options available with the new msn games out there, and we will try to work with ideas that come in to see if they can work with the future community. but for now people have taken the time to come up with these ideas so you may benefit from talking to your fellow community members :) thank you for asking :)
The next person will be the last person in the queue for today :)
welcome m8te :)
( no pressure :)
_The_M8Te> well all I here its to much to keep our chat lobbies open. well turn chess into a pay lobby not outrages but reasonable yearly charge most chess sites are pay sites and they do well so why not we like the games. we like the chat a lot been here many years have lots friends and always making new ones yet u dropping a bomb on us saying u making zone better lmao what a joke who u kidding? Not to mention all these pluses work they put in for free for many years on here u just drop them like that something that means a lot to them u seem not to even care whose feelings get hurt. people do have feelings u
+ZMaster@Zone> Thanks M8Te. MSN Games card and board games, which the exception of Catan Online is free. This is difficult transition period. I understand. And let me say for the record that we do care. We care 100% That's why we're giving you, the players advanced noticed, and we're working diligently on a transition plan. Working on getting Chess and Checkers available to you this summer
Sorry... Chess and Spades. We're here online today to answer your questions and to get your feedback, and from today's chat I'm going back to our game developers to ask for Backgammon match points, to let them know that the community wants and needs social features like chat, that they like Zonefriends, and want to keep the anonymity. That we need to roll out these features and services soon (which we're already working diligently on). We need to think about building game services for individuals with accessibility needs. There's a lot of great ideas that came out of this chat. I wanted to close with this one last thought...
MSN Games is a very close knit team of dedicated, hardworking, GAME PLAYERS. We're building things that we also enjoy for ourselves, for our families, and for you. Building great games it one of our missions and creating a compassionate and caring community is another. And we're dedicated to this mission. I have been working on the Zone (MSN Games) for close to 8 years now, and can't imagine a better place to play and work. Change is difficult. Change also bring new and better things. We are working diligently on the next set of community and game features Until then, we'll see you online.
Please keep those comments and questions coming into Zsuggest (Zsuggest@microsoft.com) We are reviewing all the questions that are coming in and will be posting this chat log and responses to your questions in the coming days Here's where we'll be posting all the information:
http://zone.msn.com/en/root/getthescoop.htm
Thanks again!
+gorgee@mplus> Thanks everyone :)
+ZMaster@Zone> Have a great week! | |
