WarTimes Vol 8
.:an editorial concerning the World-of-War online game:.
published 02/12/07
Special edition mid-Feb newsletter - By Anton
Major changes in World of War.
Contrary to what many people on the forums believe, their
complaints do not go unnoticed. Evidence of this is the large number of changes that have been completed by Svenneman – Game and Community Leader of WoW. These changes include a combination of both incentives for recruitment of new players as well as fundamental changes to how the game functions.
Creation of in game polls.a
There have been plenty of occasions when brilliant ideas suggested by the community have not been implemented for various reasons, one of which was the lack of knowledge on the behalf of Svenneman and the Dev. Group (a group of experienced players who advise Svenneman on ideas and changes to the game) on whether these changes are wanted by the community as a whole (since many members do not visit the sections of the World of War forums where these debates and discussions are held). This is no longer a setback however since now, whenever a player logs into his World of War ingame account he will be presented with a poll with various options to choose from. Once all active members have voted (polls are usually open for 1-2 weeks) the results are tallied and If there is a majority vote for one of the options then the change goes ahead. An example of a recent change made to how the game is played is the ability for states to now make war attacks such as Air Raids without nations having to declare war [LINK]
Updated front page.
To keep World of War up to date and appealing to the mass community, the portal page is constantly undergoing updates to show the recent developments made by Svenneman and his Dev. Group. The Portal Page (accessible at: www.world-of-war.com) now shows ingame screen shots as well as having links to the World of War Wiki page, the World of War forums and a link to a comprehensive manual on how to play World of War.
A new referral system.
In a bid to continually increase the membership of the thriving World of War community, Svenneman has introduced a new referral system. Current players are now rewarded with Premium Accounts if they are get their friends and family to sign up for (and play!)World of War. More information can be found at the following address: [LINK]
A new Shout Box.
One of the most interesting new changes to World of War has been the reintroduction of the “Shout Box” system. This ingame channel allows players to communicate with each other without using MSN or other programmes. This has proven to be very useful and easy way for new players to get lots of help and supervision from more experienced players who are always ready to help them when needed with advice and suggestions.
Removal of total networth from nation score lists.
One of the complaints received by Svenneman and his team from major parts of the community was the rule in World of War where the Networth Killed by a nation would be added to its overall Networth. It was felt by many that this gave both an unfair advantage to nations which actively engaged in warring and were able to kill very large states towards the end of the game and get a high Networth boost as a result whilst also discriminating against nations which had engaged in conflicts from an earlier date and as a result where not able to accumulate the same amount of Networth killed, simply because states are much smaller at the beginning of the “round”! This new change means that whilst Networth Killed is still acknowledged by the ingame Rankings table, it shall not be added on towards the nations end of game Total networth, thus putting all nations on a more level playing field (nations can still compete in who has killed the most Networth though!)
Nation members are no longer penalized by the "4 member limits" when the nation falls below 4 live states at war.
A major complaint among many players (especially those in small nations) was the rule that meant that if a nation was to have less than 4 (live) members at any point in time; it would lose the ability to use the NA (national army) and Dev. Tech (technology which increases production). This rule had in the past put small nations at a huge disadvantage when warring; especially if they were the ones attacked since they were left very vulnerable once they went below the 4 member number, losing the protection of the NA. This new change now means that small nations have a larger chance when fighting the bigger nations of World of War and will still be able to take advantage of the NA and their Dev Tech.
Recent Developments in Foreign Affairs: Val vs LoR
The World of War community witness what was possibly one of the quickest declarations by any nation on another. Many thought (including me) that this was a joke declaration until we saw the dead LoR states pilling in.
Many believe that this is a prelude to the bigger war between LoR and USA which many have predicted to occur this set. So far the score is 3-1 to VaL with RAF and Kenshin being killed in the first wave of VAL’s attacks.
For more information visit this link: [LINK]
Member in the Spotlight: Anton.
Each newsletter we try to get a prominent member of World of War to tell us something about himself and his career and achievements in World of War.
Journalist: When did you begin playing World of War? Your ingame forum account suggests 2005 yet your achievements and comments suggest much longer!
Anton: This is true. I first began playing World of War somewhere in 2003.
Journalist: Tell us about how you found the game?
Anton: Well, I’m pretty sure that I discovered this game the same way that many other people have. I was researching a history assignment on World War Two. One of the many Google links which I was browsing through led me to this game, and here I am now, 4 years on.
Journalist: Tell us about your first sets in World of War. Which nation where they in and with whom?
Anton: I began playing a very long time ago. I don’t remember precisely what happened in those far away days but what I do remember is getting several of my friends to play in a nation with me (we made our own one obviously). We competed with each other until we were invited by the Leader of Umbar to join his nation. I remember spending at least two sets there (through browsing the game statistics) before my knowledge goes blank.
Journalist: So you and your friends stopped playing at that point till 2005?
Anton: Well…you are half right; my friends haven’t played this game since (at least those ones). I myself however began playing on the other server, I think it was called Chaos and played that for a long time in my own nation. I didn’t know how to play back then and didn’t visit the forums and that whole experience culminated in my nation getting eliminated after I went on holiday (I think it had something to do with me AAing people who SAed my states).
Journalist: So what next?
Anton: Well I stopped playing the game (mainly due to family reasons) before remembering about it one day in 2005 and signing up again.
Journalist: Who did you join?
Anton: I was recruited by DaK. I’m still grateful for this because DaK is one of the best nations in WoW and had amazing players who taught me how to play the game (Punisher, Cemetary, Gnorf, Raven, Recca, Boostah …in no particular order).
Journalist: Give us a quick account of your WoW “life” please.
Anton: Well…DaK was a warring nation which didn’t accept any BS. We warred cheaters many times…When we weren’t warring cheaters we were warring against the odds. I remember how we took on LOTR in my 2nd set I think. The nation was much much bigger than us in terms of players and networth, yet we managed to totally annihilate them virtually without loses. Other famous wars included our many wars with the Evil of WoW- LoR which I still maintain we won (although the last war was extremely devastating to both nations)
Journalist: Life after DaK?
Anton: Yes…unfortunately DaK disbanded and I drifted around a couple of nations (FED, PX etc) before settling down in WLF a nation with which I have played over 10 sets now!
Journalist: What is your role in the WoW community?
Anton: Well…I am always and foremost a warrior who is always looking to combat the “Evil of WoW” and helping his friends in WoW. Sometimes I net…not often…but when I did I got a top 10 finish, something I’m still proud of today considering that I achieved very early in my carrier.
Journalist: Overall how would you rate the game and the forum community?
Anton: I really like the game. It’s addictive and fun. I’ve made many friends in it with whom I regularly talk on MSN. The forums are also fun. Although I have to admit that I am annoyed at how some people label me a “spammer”…I believe that a game forums primary purpose is to have fun and enjoy one self within the rules presented by Svenneman (ie no porn etc). Otherwise its very good and informative for new players.
Journalist: Where Do You See Yourself In A Few Months/Years? Still Playing Wow?
Anton: I plan on continuing on playing WoW until at least the may-June time when I will stop due to exams.
Journalist: Who is your favourite player in WoW?
Anton: Hard to say…I really like the WLF crew: Hoebawt, Bozman and Z. I’m also on very good terms with RIS – a very good DaK player (of whom not many have heard of before unfortunately).
Journalist: Life outside WoW?
Anton: Exams, Exams, Exams. This is my final year in school; I plan on finishing with top marks. I’m currently deciding on whether to apply to American Universities. If I do then it will definitely be a very interesting year since I will have to increase my involvement in various extra curricular activities.
Journalist: Predictions for this set:
Anton: Dead states. Lots of dead states.