Development Update with Node Village - 11AM PT Thursday, August 31, 2023

[@DoingFavors]

You're building the game of my dreams. I know this is Steven's dream but, this is happening for way more people than just Steven. Cannot wait. tell the tech and art teams thank you for us.

[@epitaph1978]

Dont get me wrong.. I Founded and watch so many "Dream" games of Developers.. ALL are still a dream and most wont be anything other (the fact is.. dreams dont come true usualy). We'll see if the guys can deliver.. I hope so.

[@WrangleMcDangle]

@@epitaph1978unlike many "dream" games before this, this game has nothing stopping it from releasing the way steven wants it to.

[@razzaqi9912]

Seeing this game always makes me excited for the future

[@Tlloyd56]

You’ll be 94 years old before it gets released

[@mortwycker]

​@@Tlloyd56That joke's now 94 years old too, stop

[@lostinfrance9830]

Same. I am just chillin hanging out in FFXIV waiting 🤗 Watching AoC get developed in real time is great.

[@parachutes_party]

@@Tlloyd56 So the alternative of getting 0 insight into the game's production is what you'd be happy with? Just not knowing that the game is being worked on at all? This comment has always confused me tbh. Why are we supposed to be upset they're spending so much time making the game better?

[@veil1792]

*Major improvements all around since A1, well done!*

[@AliothAncalagon]

Extremely strong update. Your node system is the work of at least one absolute MMO genius. Even if I would only imagine playing on my own 80% of the time it creates such a sense of community that it still harnesses the social aspect of an MMO. You might be on your own. But you are never alone. Because what you do supports the node and in exchange the node supports you.

[@Jamal-mq6xn]

*Timestamps* 1:46 - Reminders 10:55 Village Node Update > 15:45 Citizenship > 24:52 Mayorship > 31:42 Mandates > 39:16 Mayoral Commissions > 44:20 Policies > 50:17 Service Buildings > 59:43 Buy Orders 1:11:09 Gameplay 2:14:39 Studio Update 2:19:34 Outro + Q&A

[@Auld17]

oh, look at you helpy helperton.

[@samgoff5289]

As always thank you for all the updates you share with the community 😊

[@AshesofCreation]

Thank you for following our development journey! 🥰

[@scottm.3901]

I tested pre-alpha and alpha 1 and the improvements made from one to the next was huge however the improvement from alpha 1 to alpha 2 is bigger yet. Holy shit intrepid this is looking fantastic! I loved the way the towns looked in APOC and in alpha 1 but oh my gosh this looks absolutely incredible and i can not wait for alpha 2. Big up to the team for all the hard work and love going into Ashes of Creation

[@Otterlysilly]

Thank you @AshesofCreation for this new node-ification! We've all node-iced your hard work and hope you get all the node-riety you deserve!

[@paymanbarazandeh2061]

noded

[@williamhurst3255]

Retired from the Army early so that I may grind this game, I have been awaiting its epic arrival very eagerly!

[@jerrydidrik]

Man that village was jaw-dropping, absolutely beautiful!

[@atarikid7424]

As a lifelong Eve player, as this game further developes, it just keeps getting more and more interesting! I really hope it lives up and succeeds! The gaming world needs it! Looking forward to jumping into this world 👍

[@Oxydron]

This going to be a game changing game.

[@TheHighborn]

Already can hear the reeeeing of devs saying this shouldn't set a standard and is an anomaly 🤡🤡🤡🤡 KEKW

[@azuraquinlilax1245]

@@TheHighbornthis game was based off of a few others such as archage EverQuest , etc Let us hope they learn from them and reframe of making it pay2win…otherwise …I can already see it’s fate

[@rodrigoa4506]

It's gonna be incredibly interesting and fun for sure, but I personally won't completely stop playing my main MMO (BDO) for it, the combat is just not at the same level, unfortunately, and that's really important to me and a lot of folks that enjoy action combat. Although definitely looking forward to the node system and dynamic map, aswell as the politics and diplomacy that comes with it.

[@travisskeans2511]

Yeah maybe for my grand kids

[@Duneadah]

Don't know, we have heard these same statements for soo many other games.

[@tokyodrifttt]

Thank you for showing us these things every month we truly appreciate it.

[@AverageYTer]

Man… I’m all in with this game. These guys have the heart and soul that I’ve been looking for. Please keep up the great work!!

[@MrTemoeri]

Amazing progression! I cannot wait 🤩! I do have a couple of questions, but most I think interesting ones are: - What if no user chooses or joins a node, because they want to play as more of a mercenary group type idea which is not bound to a single node. Is that possible? - How do alliances work between nodes and wars? And who determines to go into war/alliance?

[@ImmortalityV]

It is possible to be a merc type of player, but you won't have a lot of the benefits citizenship provides. Can't answer the alliances part just yet.

[@dealbreakerc]

I'd hope that even mercs would have a 'homebase' even if they didn't spend a lot of time there. Historically, mercenaries maintained a headquarters in a more or less fixed location.

[@brandonnufer3670]

The amount of learning the best way to do things in this game will be absolutely insane. I can guarantee we will spend an entire year just figuring out how to play the game right and then there will 3 to 5 years of just enjoying different things. This game will be so massive and make WOW look like its little brother. I guarantee we will have a minimum of 10 years involved in deep immersive game play.... I love it :D

[@darsin7860]

Ash I am rooting for you, and I am willing to give you a chance. Best of luck team

[@challenger3596]

This game is quite literally a whole new lifestyle in the virtual world. I'm going to be on this 24/7 if im not with the fam or working.

[@ChristopherCDaniels]

Amazing. Really looking forward to see what all node levels look like. Nice work, Intrepid. Keep it going.

[@Matrimoneh]

Thank you Interpid, you guys rock, this is amazing, enjoyed every second if it.

[@zehir1318]

Been here for years, and got no complaints

[@GymLeaderGeo]

I absolutely love these and the village node details are incredible. But can we talk for a second about how AMAZING Margaret has been for Intrepid, these updates, Steven, and the fans!? I mean… honestly. She’s so organized and communicative. She has taken these updates from random talk, to intelligent, intentional, and invaluable progress updates. I remember these back when Jeff was on the team and pre-Margaret and while I appreciated the transparency of those videos as well - Margaret is next level.

[@GymLeaderGeo]

Case in point, the Yin to Steven’s Yang. When the team was talking about the limits to node housing, and Stephen was mentioning that they didn’t have a number. Margaret was there to goad Steven to clarify in a meaningful way. “We do have those numbers INTERNALLY, right Steven😏” and through that guidance, Stephen was coaxed to elaborate in a way that was very meaningful for fans. Where he added “this is a system we want to be informed by data. So it s a variable that will change with testing”. Perfect info that we wouldnt have had without Margaret’s influence. I absolutely adore, Stevens, enthusiasm and creative vision, but if he’s left to his own devices, he won’t give the fans all of the information that we are looking for. He will magnificently opine on the systems. He’s proud of, but miss out on the negative details that only a Director of communications can reel in. Margaret is literally S tier at that.

[@crgwal]

Steve is living his dream, building the game he has always wanted to play.

[@justinwhite2725]

I saw the gameplay video before watching this. This makes more sense than it would have if I had caught this live.

[@Falcoisgaming]

I would love to see Card Games at taverns (Blackjack, Texas Holdem, Poker,ect) id be in taverns every day LOL

[@AshesofCreation]

We will have parlor games! 🃏🎲 ashesofcreation.wiki/Parlor_games

[@lkjmp]

Watching these development update video's always feels like a little bit like christmas

[@Kotwurf]

I love you for making this. We need more companys like intrepid, CIG or Larian

[@Seb7an]

The grandchildren of my grandchildren will love this game.

[@GnarlyDude12345]

This looks incredible, take your time and stay the course, you guys are crushing it

[@stovetopicus]

Margaret seems like one of those people that just makes your day better when she is around.

[@nervaniHQ]

Totally

[@UnknownMusaSenpai]

I can't wait to open my AppleSmithing shop

[@vencenzogaming2347]

I node a lot more about these systems after the video.

[@eliteone6122]

This game is doing everything right. I encourage devs not to set a deadline for release but to make a game that blows our minds with endless possibilities.

[@dowroa]

Thank you for uploading this! The twitch Ads every 2 mins was getting to be enough that I was about to give up on the Live Stream! Ugh!

[@ftcnix7696]

When he mentioned penthouses I got the idea that apartment buildings could also have a limited number of balcony and rooftop apartments so it functions something in between an apartment and static home where it either occupies real space within the apartment block, or your apartment is instanced but you can zone out to your privately owned balcony and view of the city around you. Balcony apartments could be more expensive/desirable due to limitation and penthouse/rooftop even more so.

[@bjni]

that sounds cool. not sure how its going to work if its mostly going to be instanced for those types of houses, we would need giant skyscrapers to let everyone have their own physical balcony.

[@MasterofLOLsha]

This stream was so fun/funny! I'm so excited to play!!!

[@koolguy728]

1:28:30 something feels "uncanny valley" about the way the grass blows in the wind here.

[@TheDeadPixelShow]

This game has the potential to be absolutely insane, but, guilds will run the map so hard.

[@Herbbuddy5]

Steven is totally Smoked UP ! "stay hydrated" 😁

[@ThaNoizy]

Goddamn I am hyped for this!

[@DuxAKADuke]

1:52:10 I don't care about anything else, I'm sold on that piglet!

[@Sudhanshurai653]

Wow look at the cities, town 😍

[@Manwu5]

Outstanding work! Love it!

[@makshm]

I must note that in the running state of the character something is missing, it resembles a robot whose legs move well, but the torso is not very mobile, I think this is worth working on. At the same time, everything looks very good when walking.

[@CainCorvinus]

My dream goal in this game, get a pirate island city going, and become the owner of the most popular inn and play as a skyrim Inn npc. Although i'd also like to have an Inn far off from any player hub kinda in the middle of no where.

[@benjaminhalfort2702]

Very long time , that a game make me exciting like this :D hope coming soon :p

[@lostinfrance9830]

"Mace of Briarhome" ..... I see Purple, I SEE PURPLE.....🎉🥳🎉

[@sunmethods]

To all of the people who were involved in changing scientific node elections to ranked choice voting: I love you.

[@sephrinx4958]

Ive got money to blow. I might have to swipe for this alpha access. This sounds incredible.

[@FearHype]

Just a heads up, this month's Alpha 2 package is the last time it will be active for at least a while. Good to know if you wanna jump in!

[@EmanuStory]

Im just looking forward to gather and fight over nodes from time to time lol^^

[@glenn9575]

The Wheel of Tax and Death. Sounds like a great in-game item for those less-than-nice rulers. When this comes out, I'm retiring from work and playing it full time.

[@JaProBot]

love this game see myself playing forever

[@natanbessabronzatto6500]

Suggestion: Add an energy bar for flight. This way, mounts won't fly infinitely, making flight more valuable. It's much cooler.

[@tombulles123]

Keep it up team. Next Gen of MMORPG. Can't wait to play :D

[@Trakosh]

Even though i am invested in AoC, i'm not gonna be particpating the Alpha 2. I played the beta for wow cataclysm back in the day, and it forever tainted my view of the game. Even though i knew there'd be bugs, and i reported those bugs, i still got a sour feeling from what i experianced. So even though i am exited for AoC, i will wait until it is fully released, so i can experiance it with a fresh perspective. That said, i'm being a little fangirl about it. PLS RELEASE THIS GAME SOON, I NEED IT IN MY LIFE.

[@YommiOfficial]

Question about gliding mounts: Is there a limit to how far you can glide in one go? And are gliding mounts separate from flying mounts i.e. they don't reset after some amount of time?

[@Falcoisgaming]

Hey everyone, I'm not sure if this has been asked or answered but, will there be Uber Uniques in this game? Such as extremely rare Weapons and armor(sets of equipment or singular weapons and armor) that give your character new unique augments or abilities rarely seen in the world of Verra? I know that we have the augment trees for each class which work similarly, but are there going to be chase gear that push these augments even further or will the chase gear be just give greater stat increases. Lastly, I know Steven said the best gear will be craftable, does that mean these Uber Uniques would be gathered around Verra as Unique Material for these Craftables?

[@adamz9193]

Something that would be so so so cool would be the ability to hold celebrations. This could bring a morale boost in the form of a buff for a duration of time. Something like a feast before sending out a raiding party. Or holiday based celebrations within your town for a certain amount of node currency or whatever. This could also give the Mayor some added stress to make sure that they’re capable of holding these celebrations during those holiday times. It would be really funny to see other nodes having celebrations if yours didn’t get to lol

[@adamz9193]

Also just want to say this looks incredible.

[@babyj7027]

Beautiful

[@Blueskybuffalo]

Glad to see one MMO making progress. Pantheons failure to launch is still going strong.

[@blueknight8709]

Can you change how the building will look by using different materials like crystal and can you mix and match different buildings styles and looks.

[@ThePsychodelice]

Amazing job, guys! I love the complexity of the node system and the various interactions with the game itself. Can I just suggest making the Requisition Agent (or any other NPC crucial to the node system) standing out more from the crowd? If you are focusing so much on the development of a "city", this should be reflected in the design. E.g. you could place these NPCs in the central street etc.

[@nwleczyk]

Just an idea I randomly had for the game involving nodes. Some time of player based news system. Perhaps where players can create news articles of sorts and have them available to but to read the news on the town. What moves the mayor is making. The goals for the node. Events for the node. Players may get 1-2 weekly papers for free but them have to pay for anything after that. Also, the news writing may have some kind of fee for getting his/her news published in order to prevent flooding the market with bs

[@jaymetcalfe7874]

Something I find funny, and for some reason I am looking forward to, is the fact we will have somewhat real life responsibilities in this game haha like owning a house and paying taxes.

[@MrBluedude33]

all these years i cant wait to play this game :D wish i could be part of the development team

[@AlexGreen1991]

I hope the grass / how strong things are moved by wind will be improved 1:17:34 movement of grass looks a little weird. Also I hope that wind sounds aren't too loud and immersion breaking.

[@DovashiFuku]

Really cool to see snippet like this.

[@MegaDudeck]

Thank you for another monthly banger, stay safe o7

[@roky7772]

Hyped for this game, even though my pc sucks so won't be able to play it, but i hope it turns out well.

[@keith4776]

AoC has some interesting things, but community engagement and interaction is best in class. Shout-out to Margaret's team, truly special stuff. My question, previously it was mentioned that freeholds is how top tier crafting (end game) will be done. The node update suggested that high end crafting can be done in the node. Is there a relation between these? Meaning does the node that a freehold belongs to impact the freeholds ability to craft, or is this more along the lines: nodes can craft good stuff but freeholds can craft best is slot stuff.

[@blueknight8709]

I feel like there a need for magic homes or shop that allows you to move your home or setup shop anyway.

[@shadowforgedgamerz520]

PLAYERS!.... PEOPLE!! Take heed! THIS update Video is one of the TOP 5 AoC Game Intel streams EVER made, maybe the MOST important on how communities will work in the game. *THIS IS A MUST-WATCH* just how the video release of December 2021 of AoC changing to UE5.. this is AMAZING! All I can say is "I Want to PLAY this before I die!" Hahahaha! 😃

[@TheWarlordShogun]

Ill be editing this post as the video progresses with questions: 1.) Will there be options to not operate a node under democracy for elections or policies? If a guild "owns" an area and a node, can the guild have power to simply install its leadership? 2.) Can roles in the cities have their names changed? For example, change the name of Mayor to King or Emperor? 3.) Will there be policies to reject refugees from gaining citizenship? Or ways to evict players the Mayor doesn't want to have citizenship?

[@metatronheraldofthealmight3968]

Will there be descriptors available for players to view that describes the mayors goals, governing type etc for recruitment? Also, will the mayor be able to assign a cabinet of officials in the city?

[@neilbradley6571]

I really can't wait to play this game its the only thing I look forward 2

[@francis3343]

Would be nice to have counselors for the mayor and any changes to the node are voted by node's mayor and councelors. This way the mayor does not have full control. Also, each member should not be part of the same guild. Just a thought.

[@coldsteel865]

The node looks excellent. I love the verticality and the fact that where you put a node has an impact on how it looks. The river going through it or next to a lake or in the mountains impacts the aesthetic layout of the node. The more visual architect verity a node can have the more immersive the game will be. Adding seasons to the nodes will make a huge impact. Not having all the nodes look the same is vital. I hate cookie-cutter towns. At some point in the future to have a gothic node where vampires etc. control a node type would be crazy. I hope you expand on the types of buildings that can be built. More choices to choose from means you must really decide the direction you take your node. Jack of all trades master of none or you specialize to be the best node for smithing, enchanting, etc. Node wars are going to be fun, but I hope they are not so often that you are like, why would I bother to invest my time and effort into a node if it gets whipped out every other week. I like the fact that no Node is safe from conflict and destruction, but it needs to be tuned just right. The amount of art design needed for all the racial influences on a node design layout is a lot of work. If done right, then traveling to distant nodes will actually mean something. Adding relics and other cosmetics to nodes that accomplish obtaining them will enhance the visual uniqueness and expand the citizen choices. I hope everyone in the game does not just move to the lv6 node and the lv 1-3 gets abandoned or become ghost towns. The nodes are looking good. Create a ton of visual assets that reflect the changing seasons. NPC's wearing winter garb etc.

[@Von_Langstein]

100% would be part of a vamp society node. My fav vamp trope is the Castelvania style ones, Dracula was just using his immortality to study the sciences and keep to him self in his own lands tell the church drew first blood and set off his war. The F around and find out trope where you have powerful characters just minding their own business tell a external force "wakes the sleeping dragon"

[@Valariel]

How are we keeping the military nodes from constantly seiging and pillaging the nodes full of RPers and crafters?

[@Florian-j2g]

lets goooooooooo

[@barin9998]

This might have been adressed before but at 1.31.05, your windmill is not oriented towards the same wind direction as the flags. Do windmills in this game follow the wind direction or do flags? Or not at all and is it just a pretend thing?

[@Burkius]

This will be an actual 10 year game and I can’t wait

[@Galv1nBass]

Love the update! Just one thing that seems weird to me is the strong blokes in the village walking around with barrels with their arms underneath, holding it in front of their head so they cannot see where they're going. It would be more logical to hold the barrel on their shoulder, or holding it by the rims, in front of your belly (not high on the chest). Apart from that, amazing graphics and animations :D

[@popasmurf6834]

So if I'm the mayor, I can just create a buy order and give top dollar for any pack I have in my inventory and then immediately sell to basically steal from the Treasury?

[@RitchieSH]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@yournotdatguypal]

The lady is very smart, respectful, patient and acts like a real woman. She is in her Feminine. ❤👍🏽

[@pongclone8786]

Apologies if this was mentioned before, but seeing the complexity of the Node system, would you ever consider having an NPC guided tour of these systems in game? I know from personal experience that when a system is convoluted (even when it's not really that complex), it becomes simple to confuse, and feel overwhelmed by the shear amount of information being given. I feel that an introductory explanation similar to the incredibly well articulated ones you gave to us today would smoothly guide any player to being able to grasp at least the fundamentals of this comprehensive system without getting lost behind a wall of text😄

[@lolcat5303]

Very excited for this and to see how it evolves further. Feedback would be it's all sounding quite well thought out, but I am wondering (not sure if this has been answered) how node/settlement naming will work? Auto-generated or player based? If the latter, if you're going with individual servers and not a megaserver, will some have stricter rules than others? Or is this always under player control?

[@Dilligaf777]

The artstyle in this game is fantastic.

[@rct6518]

I love this.....I pray that I will be able to adventure into this game someday!

[@Penguen007]

So if a Military Node isn't going to have a Mayoral Election Arena Battle once every month, and the system is going to be replaced with multiple events, then will there be some kind of compensation reward for those that don't come out at the very top each month?

[@compositeconstructionsyste9110]

I played SWTOR and absolutely loved the quest part of the gaming experience always felt new and different and you got to go all over the place even for your learned skills. One huge negative for me was how modular , cookie cutter the fleet area was. I say this as I worry that these 100+ nodes may have a feeling of of the same even though you will have some customization. Or this is always at this location in these nodes. Maybe these nodes can be more modular by using something like warcraft building and space design as well as upgrades and expansion with in your node even watch towers and sentries. Probably way to far in design but was my thought to share. But every town would truly be unique as they end up player developed. Even your walls would be dismantled and moved out or upgraded from wood to stone taller and taller.

[@Name.is2]

The idea behind all these are awesome, but I wonder how it will actually play out in the live version. The problem is having player run towns; people come and go in video games so will downs die out and etc?

[@ryan3371]

This village node alone sets it apart from other MMO's and sounds like it will be done right Really hope that combat will be good and fun enough to keep me playing though

[@gaulcore]

Using the cleric update's story arc with minotaurs and zombies as an example... what happens if I arrive in the area while another group is finishing their quest? Will I get credit for their completion or will I be talking to the NPC about the minotaur problem while zombies are spawned?

[@scinpeeler]

I think it would be cool if higher level areas had a chance of being like low level zones (grassy, hills, desert valley.) intermediate (rocky, arid deserts, harsh forest.) high level (shadow realm, volcanic, monster dense zone versions of the previous.)

[@farberam]

I'm meant to be a beta tester, I wonder if they will remember me...that kickstarter campaign was such a long time ago. I hope they don't forget about us..

[@xk4l1br3]

Yep 2030 is gonna be a great year for gaming!

[@bobbob-iq8yn]

I love you AoC team! Keep being awesome!

[@MixMeister5000]

This is looking SOLID.. HOOOOOLYYYYY!

[@larkwyll7351]

Re: Military node Trial by Combat; it sounded rad at first then shifted more towards a pve fetch quest sounding task with less combat oriented and more participation oriented. Could be fun but the idea of a mass pvp last player standing coliseum fight would be a great spectacle.

[@JabbarTV1]

colosseum gladiator style rounds with BETS??