Divergence Online | Ethan Casner Discusses Crowdfunding & The Project's Future | MMORPG

SBFord · September 2015

Divergence Online | Ethan Casner Discusses Crowdfunding & The Project's Future | MMORPG

We recently caught up with Divergence Online's Ethan Casner to get an update on the game's somewhat rocky development and find out where things go from here.

Read the full story here

psiic · September 2015

All this game is, is crafting simulator 2015", moving on..

jesteralways · September 2015

He lost me at "the modern “MMORPG” is a series of hundreds of game servers, each supporting up to around 60 players", [mod edit]

virgommo · September 2015

jesteralways said:

He lost me at "the modern “MMORPG” is a series of hundreds of game servers, each supporting up to around 60 players", [mod edit]

You realize he was speaking in a generalized fashion of what is considered a MMO these days with that comment? Basically proclaiming with a bit of snark that what is advertised as a MMO these days is nothing more than a lobby system ala Battlefield, CoD etc. which his game is NOT like.

Just look at the the MMO's listed on this site now vs yesteryear. The term MMO might have broadened to encompass them, but that doesn't mean that's what they are except in the barest terms.

[mod edit]

Vonatar · September 2015

Another indie open world pvp game, so no thanks.

virgommo · September 2015

Vonatar said:

Another indie open world pvp game, so no thanks.

Actually, he never mentioned PVP at all, just that he wanted to add combat.

Thourne · September 2015

virgommo said:

Vonatar said:

Another indie open world pvp game, so no thanks.

Actually, he never mentioned PVP at all, just that he wanted to add combat. You don't need Jesteralways's mirror, but you do need his audiobook if he'll let you borrow it.

Actually he is just more informed than you. The games primary server is a owpvp one. A stretch goal of an additional 5k will allow a tef type pvp system. The core of the game design is based on owpvp.

virgommo · September 2015

Thourne said:

virgommo said:

Vonatar said:

Another indie open world pvp game, so no thanks.

Actually, he never mentioned PVP at all, just that he wanted to add combat. You don't need Jesteralways's mirror, but you do need his audiobook if he'll let you borrow it.

Actually he is just more informed than you. The games primary server is a owpvp one. A stretch goal of an additional 5k will allow a tef type pvp system. The core of the game design is based on owpvp.

Color me informed while I stand in front of my own mirror then

I was just going off the article in question, but a quick look at his webpage showed my error. Thanks for the info.

Thourne · September 2015

My pleasure.
It isn't my cup of tea but if any owpvp types are looking for a game to help out they may want to take a look at it.

Krynt0k · September 2015

I think it could be amazing. The problem I see is that to make it work you must launch when completed.

Xyire · September 2015

Ethan openly admitted to scamming his previous backers.... had a friend put in money to get to the funded level in his last kickstarter (which he then had to pay back immediately). Soooo..... just a heads up! I doubt this project will ever see the light of day, hope springs eternal.

FomaldehydeJim · September 2015

I like it when a thread discusses mirrors, there isn't enough discussion of them on this site.

Solar_Prophet · September 2015

Xyire said:

Ethan openly admitted to scamming his previous backers.... had a friend put in money to get to the funded level in his last kickstarter (which he then had to pay back immediately). Soooo..... just a heads up! I doubt this project will ever see the light of day, hope springs eternal.

I remember that! The SOB openly admitted to committing fraud. He should be in jail, not running around trying to screw more people out of their money. Shame on him, and shame on MMORPG for giving somebody like that the time of day. Seriously guys, you're better than this!

Loktofeit · September 2015

jesteralways said:
[mod edit]

Casner always spends half of any video/article/interview self-righteously crapping on other people's work, so always take that part of his stuff with a grain of salt. Consider the source.

psiic · September 2015

Solar_Prophet said:

Xyire said:

Ethan openly admitted to scamming his previous backers.... had a friend put in money to get to the funded level in his last kickstarter (which he then had to pay back immediately). Soooo..... just a heads up! I doubt this project will ever see the light of day, hope springs eternal.

I remember that! The SOB openly admitted to committing fraud. He should be in jail, not running around trying to screw more people out of their money. Shame on him, and shame on MMORPG for giving somebody like that the time of day. Seriously guys, you're better than this!

The problem being law enforcement is old school they hardly understand how to turn on their computers much less how to investigate the gaming industry.

EthanC · September 2015

Xyire said:

Ethan openly admitted to scamming his previous backers.... had a friend put in money to get to the funded level in his last kickstarter (which he then had to pay back immediately). Soooo..... just a heads up! I doubt this project will ever see the light of day, hope springs eternal.

Please, why don't you tell us all more about the stuff I openly admit to. People need to know about this stuff! I'd help but I seem to have forgotten the link, along with any recollection of anything resembling that incident. No matter. I'm sure you can show us, right?

Ah, the internet and the wonderful freedom it gives the youth of today to literally make up anything they want about strangers when they're feeling insecure :P On a different note: There's been a lot of discussion about open-PVP; Some people want it, some people refuse to partake. Me personally, I think it's great (obviously) but since enough people basically said "I would contribute if it weren't for open-PVP", we decided to go ahead and throw up a stretch goal to allow PVE-ers to have their own server if they wish. So far it's been our most profitable day this whole campaign, so it seems like at this rate it'll be indoctrinated at the end of the campaign! Thanks to everyone who helped out today! http://massivelyop.com/2015/09/23/divergence-online-adds-consensual-pvp-server-stretch-goal/

polySurface · September 2015

EthanC said:

Xyire said:

Ethan openly admitted to scamming his previous backers.... had a friend put in money to get to the funded level in his last kickstarter (which he then had to pay back immediately). Soooo..... just a heads up! I doubt this project will ever see the light of day, hope springs eternal.

Please, why don't you tell us all more about the stuff I openly admit to. People need to know about this stuff! I'd help but I seem to have forgotten the link, along with any recollection of anything resembling that incident. No matter. I'm sure you can show us, right? http://massivelyop.com/2015/09/23/divergence-online-adds-consensual-pvp-server-stretch-goal/

As requested. Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2013 12:48 am

On showing "new stuff".

There's nothing to show because for all intents and purposes, the Kickstarter did fail. It went over only because of a few generous people who put in a large amount of money but not as contributions; as loans to see that it went over the limit. Meaning, I was expected to give that right back imediately. Again, while thankful for the consideration, i'm left with the issue of less than $10K to feed up to a dozen mouths. To accomplish this, I elected to not draw a paycheck until we were in a position to start a new campaign, and also to redirect money that I hoped to go toward a ton of new assets to programming simply because it is the actual game features which are most in need.

I wont be surprised if this is to vanish again.

Tybost · September 2015

"the game will come with a one-time price tag of around $30"

In your crowdfunding campaign it lists $20 "Thank-You's" and $50 "Pre-Order the full game to be released on steam" I feel like you've missed a sweet spot on your listed perks on indiegogo.

Anyway, assuming you hit your desired goal of $15,000. How long will it take to implement PVP-Combat mechanics into the game? Also in your video and indiegogo description you talk a ton about what D;O has already accomplished, but I cannot help but notice the lack of the campaigns purpose which is the implementation of combat. ie. How will combat work?

How do you see combat in its completion? What is your true end vision for Divergence Online finalized form once combat is ready for implementation? ie. It sounds like you don't want crafting simulator 2015, and instead something else.~~

Will you implement melee combat as well? [Knives, Katana's, Laserswords] in the future at all? with potential directional based attacks (different attack types based on directional movement), alongside dmg blocking functions and the possibility of dodging attacks live-time.

Do you have any additional combat mechanics that you will be announcing soon? Guild Territory-Control or some other type mechanics? in response to your newly announced stretch goal feature PVP-servers.

First person/Third person combat? both?

Also why aren't you using your awesome half-faced shia labeouf look-a-like profile icon here at MMORPG like you are on indiegogo, massivelyop, etc.

Xyire · September 2015

EthanC said:

Xyire said:

Ethan openly admitted to scamming his previous backers.... had a friend put in money to get to the funded level in his last kickstarter (which he then had to pay back immediately). Soooo..... just a heads up! I doubt this project will ever see the light of day, hope springs eternal.

Please, why don't you tell us all more about the stuff I openly admit to. People need to know about this stuff! I'd help but I seem to have forgotten the link, along with any recollection of anything resembling that incident. No matter. I'm sure you can show us, right? Ah, the internet and the wonderful freedom it gives the youth of today to literally make up anything they want about strangers when they're feeling insecure :P

Sure thing, It's right on your forums. http://www.divergence-online.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=432 posted by you. The internet sadly gives scammers the freedom to make up whatever they want, but fortunately also gives people the ability to inform each other of whats going on. :-) No hard feelings, I just felt like people should know before they give you money!

On a related note, hiding behind innuendo and hyperbole and hoping no-one would call your bluff seems ineffective.

Tybost · September 2015

While he is a competent developer that is trying his absolute best to succeed. His comments and the way he handles things in reply to others online is his greatest weakness. You can tell even in the way that he words his indiegogo campaign which sends multiple shockwave bolts of not-to-sure-about-this-guy-vibes, 2013 was a long time ago, digging up the earth is a bad thing, best to let the passage of time flow naturally.

He did deserve the unearthing this time around for his reply above.

He announced a pretty cool stretch goal recently... perhaps combat mechanics will turn things around for Divergence Online and perhaps Stained Glass Lama will ascend up the developer rankings in 2016. I was against a third crowdfunding campaign at the beginning, and even made a thread about it over a year ago... but the flow of time changes opinions sometimes, and combat is my thing. Haha.

jesteralways · September 2015

EthanC said:

Xyire said:

Ethan openly admitted to scamming his previous backers.... had a friend put in money to get to the funded level in his last kickstarter (which he then had to pay back immediately). Soooo..... just a heads up! I doubt this project will ever see the light of day, hope springs eternal.

Please, why don't you tell us all more about the stuff I openly admit to. People need to know about this stuff! I'd help but I seem to have forgotten the link, along with any recollection of anything resembling that incident. No matter. I'm sure you can show us, right? Ah, the internet and the wonderful freedom it gives the youth of today to literally make up anything they want about strangers when they're feeling insecure :P On a different note: There's been a lot of discussion about open-PVP; Some people want it, some people refuse to partake. Me personally, I think it's great (obviously) but since enough people basically said "I would contribute if it weren't for open-PVP", we decided to go ahead and throw up a stretch goal to allow PVE-ers to have their own server if they wish. So far it's been our most profitable day this whole campaign, so it seems like at this rate it'll be indoctrinated at the end of the campaign! Thanks to everyone who helped out today! http://massivelyop.com/2015/09/23/divergence-online-adds-consensual-pvp-server-stretch-goal/

Just as you can talk trash about other game developers and their games because you have access to internet, others can do the same toward you because they are on internet. It goes both ways. Next time look before you leap.

Mitara · September 2015

Somehow, not really enough to create an interest

EthanC · September 2015

Tybost said:

"the game will come with a one-time price tag of around $30"

In your crowdfunding campaign it lists $20 "Thank-You's" and $50 "Pre-Order the full game to be released on steam" I feel like you've missed a sweet spot on your listed perks on indiegogo.

Anyway, assuming you hit your desired goal of $15,000. How long will it take to implement PVP-Combat mechanics into the game? Also in your video and indiegogo description you talk a ton about what D;O has already accomplished, but I cannot help but notice the lack of the campaigns purpose which is the implementation of combat. ie. How will combat work?

How do you see combat in its completion? What is your true end vision for Divergence Online finalized form once combat is ready for implementation? ie. It sounds like you don't want crafting simulator 2015, and instead something else.~~

Will you implement melee combat as well? [Knives, Katana's, Laserswords] in the future at all? with potential directional based attacks (different attack types based on directional movement), alongside dmg blocking functions and the possibility of dodging attacks live-time.

Do you have any additional combat mechanics that you will be announcing soon? Guild Territory-Control or some other type mechanics? in response to your newly announced stretch goal feature PVP-servers.

First person/Third person combat? both?

Also why aren't you using your awesome half-faced shia labeouf look-a-like profile icon here at MMORPG like you are on indiegogo, massivelyop, etc.

For the person who posted a link to a thread on our forums: Still waiting on that mysterious and elusive "fraud admission". I'm sure you'll point it out to us all when you're ready. Feel free to read up more on the project while you're at it. It's good stuff

For the person who asked actual questions: Regarding Pricing. I'm open minded about this "sweet spot" you mention. I think we've shown we're more than willing to adjust for the sake of what's best for the project. But you need to describe what exactly this thing you're referring to is. I would also like to point out though that if you notice, the crushing majority of contributions come from very high-dollar perks. That's one thing that I've noticed throughout the campaigns; Our people are crazy. They don't go in for the small dollars, they go all-in, and that's one reason we go all-in for them. The average contribution amount right now is $105. That's... insane. That's better than Star Citizen I think... Right? I forget, but if it isn't, it's damn close. Regarding "how long will it take you etc". We um... sorta... Already started XD The decision was made that, since we already know where the money's going, why bother waiting until November to get started with it? So we're already knee-deep in foundational combat. In fact... If you patch up the game right now (v0.0895), you can actually "equip" the ferrocrete tool (if your contribution level got you one), press F3 and it draws up like a weapon, brings up the interface, and initiated block placement. We ghost-pushed it last night without announcing it just to test with a few people.

Regarding "How will combat work?" I think they're planning on hitting on this on the upcoming AMA here on MMORPG.com, so the basics are already there for preview in the game if you download it. It feels a bit like APB; Right mouse aims. While holding right mouse, left mouse fires the weapon. 0 on the keyboard changes the "load", which for firearms lets you choose which actual bullets or "rounds" are loaded into the weapon (such as armor-piercing, hollowpoints, etc) and the rest I invite you to pose during the AMA. There's no "faking" via particle effects other otherwise trickery involved. Melee is the first thing that we started working on, because by default, if you have no weapon equipped and readied, you're in "fisticuffs"; ergo throwing punches and kicks. For humans, you're kinda wimpy. For Vindicator/Verrator and synthetics, you're a wig-splitting fool. Your chance to hit, your chance to automatically avoid hits and all of that is determined primarily by your stats; strength, agility, and so on. Regarding "first person/Third person, or both?" Download the game. Make a character. Press Q on the keyboard. Already done

My partner and I have known exactly what we wanted to do with combat and how it'll function, sitting on the game's wiki since 2009, gathering dust, doing nothing. That's why we're so incredibly motivated to finally get a chance to implement it that we couldn't resist the urge to just go ahead and get started before the campaign was over and done with lol. I think you'll like it. If you don't, just press Q on the keyboard and switch back to "MMO Mode", which is WoW-style. Already in the game and has been for months :P We'll be giving out all the intricate details in upcoming interviews and so on because to be honest, all this depends on exposure, and we need to use what we have to get it while it matters. Regarding my avatar. Because, regardless of the fact you asked me actual questions, and that's why you're getting a response, most people here seem more interested in making personal attacks for whatever reason, and they don't get my face. Regarding "Turning things around". I found this one to be a bit perplexing, because the turn "turn things around" insinuates that things aren't going that well for someone/some thing. This however, is pretty much the best things have ever been for us. Two, soon to be three successful campaigns down. Competent staff pushing out a new version of the game virtually every day of the week, sometimes even twice a day. Features that some games have on their "longterm" goals, already live and available to all even in alpha. Requests for interviews coming in. Operating at peak efficiency. Game runs a little less crappy every day XD I literally have nothing to complain about, other than the daily struggle for exposure that takes me away from doing things like creating new continents and guns in the game. In reality, this is pretty much the first time things have actually been not terrible, and are instead, really, really good, and finally starting to pay off! Honestly, the only thing we really want right now is just to be able to keep doing exactly what we're doing pretty much indefinitely

Tybost · September 2015

The sweet spot that I mentioned was the quote at the beginning of my post. Reason why the average contribution is $105 is because of the perks that come with securing the $100 package which provides alpha access, ferrocrete tool, deluxe edition all the the while tier $75 offers beta access, no ferrocrete tool, and no deluxe edition. Point i'm trying to make is not everyone can push $100 to receive such rewards, and the tiers below are simply not as appealing.

Meanwhile the $50 package gives you a preorder of the game on steam (Description does not explain what you receive for taking the $50 preorder tier) does this mean you simply receive the game on steam? whereas the pat on the back $20 package provides you with a simple Thank-You for supporting us message. You are literally excluding anyone who would want to support you at lower tiers. Have you ever heard the saying "strength in numbers" it also applies with crowdfunding campaigns.

Imagine opening up a package for $30 (Between your $20 thank-you package, and your $50 pre-order package) and listed it as an "Early Bird" package which provides the preorder and beta access. Course if you did such a thing then the $50 preorder would need to receive not only the preorder but also beta access as well. Pretty sure if you a limit of 100 supporters (limiting the package to only 100) and you will see more supporters at the lower end tiers, and more backing your campaign in general.

Your package tiers on indiegogo needs to be a little more exciting, example such as offering a simple cosmetic in-game virtual shirt for the $20 tier, alongside a Thank-You would be pretty cool. You know what I mean? a little virtual swagger goes a long way. I'm pretty confident in saying your $20, $50, $75 tiers aren't packing enough punch to secure them. I've seen early bird packages work pretty well for many kickstarter/indiegogos that have rewarding things attached to them that makes the package desirable.

Course... I'm not a crowdfunding expert and everything I say is based off of the crowdfunding campaigns that iv come across that garnered success. This is simply coming from someone who would potentially contribute to your project, but is unimpressed with the rewards on the lower end tiers. Beer, fish & chips come first. < Priorities! I do remember trying Divergence; Online well over a year ago but the crafting side or building side of the game was locked off, and so I could only roam around a bit.

Tybost · September 2015

Take some notes from this fantastic crowdfunding campaign https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jonaskaerlev/a-hat-in-time

Pledge $5 or more
99 backers - SPECIAL THANKS

Special thanks on the website with your name, a CD-quality download of the game's main theme music, and a snazzy desktop wallpaper download! + our everlasting thanks!

Another thing to point out is that you have created some fantastic music which in the past I actually really enjoyed listening to. Which you could've easily attached as an extra reward for supporting your crowdfunding campaign, more so the music relating to Divergence Online. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15Aimldd-yo

Better tier rewards with more virtual swagger attached = More backers = more money

Strength in numbers! - But seriously you need to fix your lower end tiers and balance some things out in my humble opinion.

Loktofeit · September 2015

Tybost said:

Meanwhile the $50 package gives you a preorder of the game on steam (Description does not explain what you receive for taking the $50 preorder tier) does this mean you simply receive the game on steam?

I still don't see how it's even legal to offer that.

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