My Grandpa and his Asheron's Call

This is my grandpa, he's 74 years old. He’s been playing Asheron’s Call since 1999. It was announced on December 20, 2016 that Asheron's Call would close all its servers on January 31, 2017. We are incredibly saddened that he will be losing a game that he loves. If you played, then you know it’s a close-knit community. There have been weddings and funerals on this game that he has attended with his characters. Thank you to everyone who made this game what it was, our family will never forget it.

[@GamingTaylor]

May be rare to see an old guy playing games today, but just wait... In 20 years this will be the new normal

[@Crumphorn]

Not really, they used to run stories ten years ago about all the seniors in retirement homes across the US, playing WoW together.

[@LiquidusSnakeX]

retirement homes are probably going to start having whole rooms dedicated to LAN parties.

[@Akeche]

I'll be 47 years old by then. Crazy to think about.

[@antonalderliesten1421]

meh LAN parties :)

[@LusciousTwinkle]

Akeche I'll be that next year...believe me its hard to comprehend. ..time goes by so fast..2001 is like 5 minutes ago for even though I have a 9 yr old!!!

[@Erin-bc8ic]

Lets just ignore that roll of toilet paper next to the computer tower and pretend he only uses his PC to game.

[@claytonfilpo]

He's the original WoW Eric Cartman. A sweet, old man who personifies Eric Cartman. Goddamnit, grandpa. You're gonna make me cry.

[@BL-ki9qm]

Fucking lol

[@davisjames8484]

he's an old guy his nose always runs lol

[@tarqsharq]

It's so he can wipe after his poop sock. Hard core gaming right there.

[@codyrat]

thats the first thing I saw too. "what will you do, Grampa?" "Er, well, I used to masturbate and play Asheron's Call but now I'm just gonna masturbate."

[@Spazticspaz]

I don't think people understand. Asheron's call mechanics are COMPLETELY different from any other MMORPG out there. That is why it's so bitter sweet for us fans, because, at the time, the world was filled to the brim with people. No strategy guides, no fan websites, the best way to excel was to join a monarchy and learn the secrets of the craft. That is just one of many reasons why it was such a great game. You could literally run for hours in any direction and find stuff to do. There were no flight paths, just portals and routes you had to memorize. It was all by word of mouth, for the most part. Games lack this mystery and depth now, in my opinion.

[@MrPeterref]

They sure do, every aspect of games now a days are dumbed down, and the scope is also reduced greatly,

[@MrAnime-jb6re]

Check out Project Gorgon; very similar and being developed by a former dev of AC.

[@myerr21]

you just described bad game design

[@wifebeater69]

@@myerr21 never played a game released before 2007 eh?

[@corymiller5982]

@Kurt Rustle if you ever played asherons call you would have known why. I personally loved AC over wow but that was me.

[@365DaysOfClick]

Thank you to all the people and gaming companies that have reached out. Sad to say, AC Grandpa does not play a lot of online games any more. Sometimes he'll play Age of Empires 2 or the ACEmulator, but he reminisces that it's just not the same. If he's up to it, I'll do a follow up video on him one day. Thank you everyone!!! He misses the game and his friends, but the comments and support here has made the ending a little easier.

[@j2ehyp]

Oh wow, 2 weeks ago? I didn't realize you were still watching this. If you still are now, take a look at GDLE (at GDLEAC dot com). They are a recreation project that have working Asheron's Call up to the Throne of Destiny era (2005), and are re-implementing AC patch by patch.

[@vroomerzccg7327]

He’s dual boxing like an OG. Send him to GDLE & our discord. We’re still here. You can’t quit a cult.

[@begoodbroadcast]

Is there a full version of this clip out there somewhere without the edits? It just crossed my mind as I stumbled upon this again, and noticed a few edits, that I wouldn't mind hearing all of what he had to say about our beloved AC. PS. I had the honor of unknowingly sitting right next to him in Cragstone as the wold went down.

[@yungfloral70002]

My dad and his buddies are hosting a server + involved with an AC private server that has a good amount of players! They have everything from housing to most quests working. Get your gramps back into the grind!

[@Striker9]

@@yungfloral70002 whats the server? I hope gramps found a good server to get back into i would like a follow up

[@dannyc6364]

This guy really took me under his wing in Asheron's Call. My oldest character (Ghier) was made in 2000, so that would have been when I met him. I remember Running Bear, Black Heart, Moss Zapper and a couple others. He was my grand patron for years (my patron was his vassal, Thour, whom he introduced me to). He definitely saved my skin many times. I remember one time I was hunting around Cragstone and I got killed by a Shreth and lost the leggings that he gave me, and he came and helped me get them back. I will have to catch him in game before they turn the lights off. I still have him on my friends list. I have played pretty sporadically since about the time Throne of Destiny released, but Asheron's Call is my first and most beloved MMO. I have to agree with him; everything else does look like crap compared to this one, unfortunately. My parents were going through a rough divorce when I started playing the game and it really helped me take my mind off of it and other things. I hope they can save it.

[@yugen]

That is so awesome. You are blessed to have this hero take you under his wing.

[@365DaysOfClick]

We are really moved by all the comments and support. Thank you everyone for all the kind words. :)

[@ayix5452]

Tell him to try runescape.

[@TheOnlyEnclave]

Try Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited

[@TWEEMASTER2000]

I did some googling and this looks something he'd be more interested in, one of the devs of AC is behind it as well. projectgorgon.com

[@csabour9]

That was a great game.. I stopped playing 15+ years ago. :-) Fizzle!

[@Squid771]

A fantasy game, but the memories, experiences, and friendships are real.

[@365DaysOfClick]

Hi all! Thank you so much for the incredible response. We're planning a follow up video with my Grandpa. Please reply here if you have any questions for him, and we'll do our best to get him to answer those on camera. Be sure to subscribe to get notified. Thanks everyone!

[@mainstorage5903]

Hey!, just wondering if you saw my comment, would grandpa be interested in Runescape?, there are players willing to help him out

[@maxnixon7800]

We Sleep Talk Ur grandpa play Gothic? :D

[@sabeatine]

Hi, would your Grandpa be willing to answer few questions for an interview? I love his story and would like to publish it on Gamifique. We are a Czech gaming portal :)(Ofcourse I would translate it) If so, could you please contact me? :)

[@tomnixon3619]

Hey man, I think your Grandpa should keep an eye on Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen! It launches next year and is planning to go into Alpha testing this year.

[@nutchunks]

Runescape is wonderful.

[@invictus0x0]

My Father And I loved playing Asheron's Call, We bought two copies the day it came out, had a third phone line installed the week prior, so we could play together. We played together for eight years before he passed away. Even then thanks to Decal and ACMs his main remained by my side, like we was still playing with me. We made many a good friend, and had so many adventures, I will always remember Asheron's Call and the time we spent there with great fondness in my heart. thank you for sharing.

[@martinarnold4999]

Incredibly touching post, Blaine. Wonderful memory of times w your dad thanks for sharing that.

[@gedaliap]

I worked on AC2, really sweet that he's gotten so much pleasure from the original, I hope he finds something that feels like home again.

[@365DaysOfClick]

We hope so too.

[@mdavis8550]

Give him Skyrim!

[@alanway5]

SKYRIM MULTIPLAYER

[@RisvoldTheGreat]

cant maniplicate the keyboard in Skyrim or any modern MMO's hence why the pvp casting in ac is so damn fun and challenging. fast casting,delay casting,circle cast,triangle, powerslide,etc. sure it can be a pain in the ass to learn, but being able to beat 1vs3s is well worth it☺ Futality of Darktide.

[@mikefromct5415]

AC 2 was step backwards from AC , loved AC but wow AC2 was horriable

[@E.Humperdinck]

A tech-savvy, MMO gaming grandpa, he's like a unicorn. I would loved for even my parents, let a lone my grandparents to be this passionate about any video game.

[@DickTrickleqt]

ugh i know, instead we just got sodomized

[@sebode87]

ZPM7 lol

[@ChucksNourish]

Jay My whole family games and its pretty cool. My dad and some of my aunts like the RTS stuff and my mom likes city-building games. The rest of the family (cousins, uncles and some aunts) likes rpgs and shooters. We used to have massive lan parties when everyone got together and those were fun lol

[@ChucksNourish]

Jay My whole family games and its pretty cool. My dad and some of my aunts like the RTS stuff and my mom likes city-building games. The rest of the family (cousins, uncles and some aunts) likes rpgs and shooters. We used to have massive lan parties when everyone got together and those were fun lol

[@365DaysOfClick]

My AC Grandpa is the best "MMO Gaming Grandpa Unicorn" there is. :)

[@seraphinabrennan6584]

Hey there We Sleep Talk. I'm Seraphina Brennan, and I was Turbine_Celestrata, one of the community managers at Turbine from 2010 to 2015. While my main project was Lord of the Rings Online, and then Infinite Crisis, but Asheron's Call always held a special place in my heart. It was one of my first MMOs too, and it's a big reason for why I got involved in the industry in the first place. I found your video from some of the other Turbine developers sharing it, and I wanted to get in contact with you. Want to send something to your grandfather that's perhaps better in his office than mine. Give me a private message, and I'll send it up, if you're interested. :) And thank him for being so awesome. Seriously, it's easy for us to get caught up in our day to day jobs and forget how our work impacts people. I hope he really enjoyed his time in Dereth, and thank you!

[@365DaysOfClick]

Hey Seraphina, this is amazing. I followed you on Twitter (I'm @alyssambiller). KZbin's not letting me message you. He would be so thrilled. :)

[@waveplay3978]

That's really cool of you

[@Hybrid_Punk]

Aw, that's awesome.

[@nevarj]

Nice one Seraphina Brennan, I'm sure he'll love it.

[@Tussinfinity]

thank you so much Seraphina

[@JoeyR9669]

What are you going to miss the most "A time that I can call my own". Ahh this almost brought me to tears knowing how awesome this game is and that its finally shutting down :(

[@365DaysOfClick]

Me too. But the response has been amazing -- this has definitely softened the blow. Thank you for watching.

[@GIFswithSound]

"Every thing else looks like crap compared to this game." THIS MAN IS SMART! WE NEED GOOD MMOS

[@emblanotitsmcgee5298]

They should release the code so someone can set up a server for this guy on their own.. This video made me ugly cry...

[@HarrLeighQuinn]

Embla Notits McGee

[@xTheBossRules]

and the character data

[@Musiquecom-tl1ji]

Easier said than done. You might as well replace the word "code" with "money". People don't just give away money for free.

[@dvol]

That's not why it's hard -- in fact, open-sourcing code that you wrote is the easiest thing in the world. And why on earth wouldn't they give it all away for free, when they're clearly not planning on making anything more out of it? The challenge is going to be any middleware they picked up along the way -- that is, code they _didn't_ write, that they don't have the rights to give away.

[@Musiquecom-tl1ji]

Just because they're not planning on making anything more out of it does not detract its value to the creator. It would be completely stupid for the creator to simply open source it, both for economic and sentimental purposes.

[@lupusargenteus9466]

I used to work on AC, first as the Live Team QA Lead during the Microsoft transition and then as a member of the development team after the expansion pack and the shuttering of the Santa Monica studio. I used to post on the forums as Lupus Argenteus. The K'nath Y'bot is named after me, as was...some Lugian NPC who I forget, possibly involved in one of the Falatacot quests, but Orion thought it was mildly amusing (and he felt like I should have my name somewhere, since at the team there were no plans to implement more K'naths). Remember killing (or getting killed by) Commander Kurth? That was probably me, trying to inject more life into the Viamontian war arc. I also frequently drove Adso and Prince Borelean during the live ops in those periods. On the plus side, I'm the one who was behind the Claude's Mind quest and the Saving Asheron quests, as well as the Scout Leader T'Mauruk lore teasers. On the minus side...I'm so sorry for inflicting pink ninjas on Dereth (OK, not really). The first time I set foot in the Turbine building in Westwood, MA (across from Frugal Fannie's) was almost 15 years ago. Looking back over the span of time, it's funny to observe how much life can change. There are also some things that will stick with you, though. For years, I put a little part of myself into Asheron's Call, and it seemed like it would always be around. The world will be a little bit less exciting without AC around. I've got a request, if someone feels up to it. Could someone go run Claude's Mind before the servers go down and put it up on youTube somewhere? I feel that's the favorite quest that I designed and implemented but no one's ever recorded it and put it online that I've seen.

[@nalindar3039]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4fZiZuIqduMhJI

[@C_S_funhouse]

"A time that I can call my own" such meaningful words, gives me goosebumps!

[@iladelproductions8820]

Yup! it what makes these games and experiences we have through them so important.

[@dlauthor]

I was one of the designers of the game back in the day. Loved working on it, amazed and proud that it lasted this long, and am deeply sad to see it ride off in the sunset. Stories like your grandpa's are why I've stayed in this industry.

[@ncide]

He's got a great dentist, look at those awesome teeth!

[@Denka_]

David you mean dentures....lmao everyones dentures look perfect...

[@clapthonyclaptano3922]

almost as good as THE BEST TEETH IN THE FUCKING GAME

[@365DaysOfClick]

Love this comment. I can confirm he rocks some nice dentures.

[@LogitechG]

We have a lot of people in our gaming department who have been heartbroken about this change as well. Elite Dangerous may be a really cool, immersive game that he'd like! A lot of our production developers play it!

[@Nessal83]

I watched this video like 40 times. It's more touching each time I watch it because I can relate with my own memories. I also feel sad for him because it's going to be a weird adjustment without the game anymore. It's like losing an old friend.

[@fortressbeast]

This is so cool, wish i had stuck with the game right along.... Tell grandpa not to loose hope, the community is working on a number of solutions. He may have to take a break for a while, but hopefully the game will be back in one form or another soon.

[@IAmTheRealKen]

That's the great thing about the internet these days. If enough people truly love a game and it is taken away from them, there is usually people talented enough to get it back in one form or another.

[@INUN0TAISHO]

I hope this happens with a number of progs. I keep an older machine with WinXP just so I can visit my Sims3 characters I worked so hard to create. To me, it's a home away from home over a cup of coffee now and then. Oh the nostalgia. Sims4 was less than its predecessor in the character design dept. and a disappointment I hope someday will be fixed. If only they realized we like customization every bit as much as the Grand Theft Auto people. Your grandfather must be a grand master of the game he's come to love so much. I'm about his vintage, so I really get where he's coming from. As gamers age, many of us will wax nostalgic over the universes we've played in, the characters we built, and the worlds we explored. And as we sit in our retirement homes with our tapioca pudding, the most exciting moments will come when we meet someone else who played the same game. Good times all over again!

[@Cody-ox2uu]

lose*

[@Tetsu9701]

I was going to say that XP is a little old to be playing TS3 because my wife still plays it till this on her 7 machine, but XP was still viable back in 09. Proof that time flies.

[@wilhelmscream6834]

Scientific studies say*

[@pupunoob]

And this is why video games will never just be a hobby or a waste of time for me. It's so much more than that to so many people.

[@bluefoxtv1566]

Look at this guy dual boxing like a pro.

[@JenniferTidmore]

Solclaim for life. ;) I, too, have spent many years playing AC. (Six and a half months in game time on my main character, even). Not only that, but my husband and I met through AC - we'll be celebrating our tenth anniversary this year. Our son's middle name was taken straight out of AC lore, and our cat is named Martine. To say that AC had an effect on my life would be a massive understatement. I hope your grandpa keeps gaming. Like everyone else, I've never found a game to fill the hole that AC left. That doesn't mean that I haven't had fun in other games, but there seems to be no way to match the game, mechanics, lore, monthly updates that actually affected the game's direction ... and most importantly, the people. The community. Anyways... Thanks for sharing this video. :)

[@iargaCI]

Solclaim for me too, ug the one ear, cupido and red mcdeath.. 👂 I miss the game 🌈. Atm playing mortal online 2... It feels a bit like ac1 intact turbine should have a chat with that mo2 team.... They use the unreal engine, and it's feels very ac1 when I play it...

[@SkylaGrimes]

And now I'm crying again. Thanks, grandpa.

[@alexanderdelarge6253]

You should check out Project Gorgon (created by a man and wife involved in the development of Asheron's Call)

[@365DaysOfClick]

Thank you for the suggestion! I'll have him take a look at it.

[@holeecit9089]

I'm sorry please don't. Nothing against the game or whatever, but the mmo gaming community nowdays are cancerous. It is nothing like what it was back then where people interact with respect for the other people behind the screen. As much as I want your grandpa to find a new game to love, I'm afraid the current mmo gaming generation will make him hate the genre forever. If he really wants to get a hold on a new game though, I suggest by helping him to find out where most Asheron's Call community goes.

[@LusciousTwinkle]

Ho Lee Cit Is there NOTHING that can be done about that?

[@innadril2754]

Only moving with his current AC's friends would do it.

[@RaggTopp]

Hey just need note, the Project Gorgon homepage is infected with malware redirects....don't go to it.

[@drakierdominaeus]

Yeah, it's a bit sad. The end of an era. The friends I've made and the places that game has taken me is truly amazing. I'm very thankful to have been involved in it and to not only shape it, but to have it shape me. It really was a legendary game and will be missed by many. -Drakier

[@365DaysOfClick]

Thank you -- what a wonderful comment. It will be missed for sure.

[@agwgwegsdg]

Hey, still used your dual client through to 2016.

[@acertainpointofview4744]

When my husband told me that AC was closing, I was pretty broken hearted. I started playing in 2000 when my boss, who was also my best friend gave it to me for my birthday. I still remember my first 10 minutes in world. I started in Rithwic since I had made an Aluvian mage (I was teased about that for months!) But he needed to get me to Eastham, since our monarch was moving everyone to Baishi because Eastham was so laggy. All he said was, Whatever you do, don't stop! By the time we reached Eastham, I had every drudge, banderling and shreth in a 5 mile radius chasing me, but I lived! 😀 I also met my husband of 16 years in game. But what I remember the most are the people. I was on Thistledown. I was in a great clan with a great patron. All someone had to do was mention something they needed and getting them that item became high priority. But the honest truth was that for the most part, everyone on the server would do the same thing. I had two random high levels ask me if I needed to get the AB portal. I did really want it to sell items and the Baishi portal was right there so I could get back to my clan easily. This was way before they made it easy to get there. So just out of pure kindness, they ran me all the way there. I stayed in touch until I left the game. But the most amazing thing happened to me the first time I went into the Lugian citadel. I'd just been given a new sword for my swordswoman. But, I didn't know much about death items yet. I went in too far and lost my sword. I went back to retrieve my body and died again while I was looting it. 😥 This time I lost a bunch of armor. And then a third death. .. I got a tell asking me what happened. I explained about the deaths, so they offered to help. I agreed and when I met him inside he already had 2 others ready to help. And so we ran deeper in someone would shout out what had happened and everyone immediately ran to help. Unfortunately, I lost the remaining items from the first body because I didn't make it back in time. But I met a lot of really nice people that I kept in contact with. And from that day on, I never lost any of my gear. As I said many thank you'd, I was given tons of masters robes and jewelry. People wanted you to succeed. I miss that...

[@DoctorMeh]

I played on Thistledown too

[@nickh7777]

Ya, I had a similar experience in 2000...I had lost some gear at lvl 14 or something, and someone gave me double what id lost, and better gear at that! I paid it forward a few times, but it was hard to find people that seemed to want to stick around and play after their free month was up. Was so happy when they stuck around! I had the good fortune of living downstairs from people who could help me if I asked , and quest at convenient times. The experience payed off for me 3 fold.

[@OfficialRedTeamReview]

"everything now looks like crap compared to this game" HA! You don't know how right you are!

[@iladelproductions8820]

Yeah, it seems like the only thing that has advandced is grapichs, meanwhile the mechanics of these games are bland and stale. i dont care how good a game "looks" if it isnt fun it isnt fun PERIOD.

[@blackjacka.5097]

​@@iladelproductions8820Bro what are you people smoking? These old MMOs barely had any mechanics, look at the launch of the Vanilla WoW servers by Blizzard, the community had the absolute meta figured out in a few weeks because the game was very simple compared to today. They were just way more tedious which made them look "complex", that's all

[@Cartoon_Games]

*I was playing Ultima Online and then Dark Age of Camelot during the golden years of AC but it always looked like a fun game. Even though I never played, I was saddened to hear that the servers were shutting down. Touching tribute by your grandpa, I hope he can find some way to keep the magic and adventure alive!*

[@futureboy7372]

KZbin Kids [DROIDZ] I played all 3 , it was cool

[@brianhunter9407]

Asherons call was only a 2 series games, with the exception of an expansion for AC2 :) But for everyone that says "try this and that" there's no other game that will compare.

[@rhettigan]

Thank you for sharing this. I got out of the MMO scene in the mid 2000s when my career and IRL social life took off. I hold dearly the memories of the friendships I forged during the early 2000s when I played Ultima Online, Asheron's Call, Anarchy Online, Matrix Online, Runescape, and a few others. I've sent Christmas cards around the world, cried when IRL pets died, and rejoiced when a friend who worked at the World Trade Center was found alive on 9/11. MMO friends are real friends, bound together through love of a world. It's sad to see one of the greats closing and I hope that your grandfather will find something to fill the gap and make new memories.

[@jcarson3721]

I loved this game, too. My first MMO. Huge throwback when he said he had to lay down to heal. I remember camping the single Blood Thresh in the little valley with a hut near Holtburg, and laying down to heal in it waiting for the respawn. Good times. I wish other MMOs had similar character skill customization.

[@slipster216]

Love this video. I spent years working on AC, and most of my friends really have no idea what it even is. Videos like this really make people understand the importance of online worlds, and what they can mean to people, as well as breaking the mold of what people think gamers are.

[@citizenfox5721]

OH MY GOD IT'S JASON BOOTH! Dude, I was a character in the alpha test in Glenden Wood that was running around, right when they were testing the Altars of Bael'Zharon at the end of the event. You pulled me aside and gave me some kind of (hard to remember) hollow weapon and I ran around slaughtering people because that item was not really in the game yet at those levels and it was one of the most memorable formative game dev interactions in my life up to that point. I doubt you will see this but if you do, thank you. My character was named Mortanius, I led the Dark Council - the first evil roleplay guild ever started for the game.

[@Ubernator]

Tell him to try Eve Online. I'm 99% sure he would enjoy it.

[@bravok1lo]

Justin Angers or even RuneScape

[@siccoblue2112]

ThatOnePineapple oldschool RuneScape*

[@Gooman130]

Yeah, he said other games look like crap compared to this one so I imagine he likes that oldschool charm. Oldschool Runescape is an incredible game!

[@cultured123]

"oldschool runescape" server all the way.

[@siccoblue2112]

***** use Twitter or reddit, only two places anyone gets legitimate responses from the jmods, they love roasting "falsely banned" botters

[@skkoloa]

This game. Asherons Call is arguably the greatest MMO in gaming history and there isn't even a close second. I've played this game since age 11 till about age 16 religiously and then after that I played on and off the rest of my time. I'm 27 now, I've played other games the most notable is World of Warcraft, while it's fan base is larger and it's graphics is better, that's the only 2 things World of Warcraft is better at. I can't think of any game remotely close to Asherons Calls greatness, to watch this almost 18 year old game slip away is a crying shame. If you've never played it and you're a hard core MMO player, I feel bad for you you totally missed out.

[@Roylevis]

I played both AC and UO at about same time. both huge fantasy games. UO had alittle more risk then AC due pvp zones. Both games i say are equally awesome. no games made now a day cant compare. because now its all about making as much money as possible. back then it was more about release awesome content.

[@Hoobyj]

Ultima Online pre uor, Ever quest pre luclin, shadowbane were all the same league. Runner ups to dark age of Camelot and guild wars. Most notable is wow my ass, very few people who played MMOs before wows release actually liked it. Watered down child friendly bullshit.

[@tomivierimaa5202]

Still think Ragnarok Online (the first one) and WoW are bettwr than AC, even after played all of them. AC was awesome, but also got boring quite quickly for me. Then again. RO I've been playing ever since it got launched in Korea, and still playing it on and off. I'm also 27yrs, so kind of same story. Still. AC belongs to my ultimate "Nostalgy bombs" list with games like WoW, RO and Runescape.

[@Spazticspaz]

yeah when it launched in America it was a totally different ball game man. the land was ripe for the taking and the newbs were plentiful.

[@Tagonschezar]

Try TESO or GW2, pretty good MMOs but GW2 is the best.

[@365DaysOfClick]

I don't think I've ever laughed this much at toilet paper jokes, haha. Thanks everyone.

[@mainstorage5903]

Hey!, I never played AC before, but it looks very similar to Runescape, have you heard of that game before?, I posted a thread on the Runescape Forum, some people joined the thread and are supportive towards your grandpa, let him know, if he decides to try it we can help him out, we can teach him and get him started, there are old players too, I even recall there's another grandpa Runescape streamer!, if you're interested send me a message here on KZbin, or answer to this comment!, I'll try to send you a pm too just in case

[@hetmunt2796]

Skye Garcia

[@lilcometpsn4819]

Tony from RuneScape is similar to your grandfather hes a great man he likes to tell storys of his life since hes lived a long one and its truely a great thing to listen too

[@aboot2754]

This made me tear up. I got into MMOs when I was bullied in school as a way to find friends. It's been about a decade since I've seriously played any and this video made me emotional for some reason. I hope your grandpa finds another fun game to play. Video games are for everyone, thanks for sharing this.

[@budhajedi5613]

now imagine yourself being beat up in a game by a 74 years old

[@Yshtola.]

Budha Jedi with my pvp skills in a mmo he would run circles around my lost ass

[@RisvoldTheGreat]

Budha Jedi ha if you ever played Darktide you just described Hammer on You a 75 year old trash pk! but this mans cool i accept his white world choices.

[@Sean-kp6pi]

Nice taste in profile pictures. I've used that same shot of Toshiro Mifune in the past : P

[@vxtyazaliazy9573]

@@Yshtola. trying to be the "skilled" gamer huh? Just stop it

[@kie1878]

i would buy the game to help keep the servers up for this man

[@davidbateleur8357]

Yep, he definitely hangs out with Brits online... calling drunk "pissed" says everything!!!! lol Give that man a beer... he deserves it!

[@JerseyRepresenting]

There is a psychological health impact when you can't play your game anymore, it's like going through mourning. I was once banned from my 16 year old game, and it was terrible. It took reaching an executive to get my game back.... so I get it. Good luck

[@EDKsurly]

UO?

[@tigers14]

jesus fuck! have u no real friends?

[@JerseyRepresenting]

....You got me. I have no real friends because I have a game I've played for 16 years. Good one. Get out of the trolling game - you're no good at it.

[@andrewtwigg4239]

That's really awesome that you have a video of your grandpa doing what he loves and talking about it.

[@machiavelli8119]

Guys this will be us in 50 years

[@CandyKoRn]

I hope so! I feel so bad for this man, and the fans of this game. I never played it personally (I was into Ultima Online) but I can understand how sad it must be to lose it. :(

[@rickevans7941]

Old man who used to play DT here. Hope your old o.0 grandpa is doing well! Please send him love and best wishes from a fellow AC'er from Indiana.

[@justinn5357]

We shall construct a server and you will be the god of it man.

[@dhoffner87]

Sounds like the whole family plays by the way they asked the questions

[@365DaysOfClick]

Pretty much, lol

[@365DaysOfClick]

Thanks for sharing! :)

[@tallgeese199x9]

Still to this day, there has not been an mmorpg release of AC’s quality. Every moment in the game was filled with uncertainty and adventure. You didn’t know who you’d meet or where you’d end up by the end of your session. I really miss the AC community as a whole, it wasn’t strange to spend hours in a mansion or obscure area on the map just chatting with new and old friends. I’m sure we could all write our own novels on our experiences in the game, but I just want to say that I miss AC in its entirety. As dramatic as it sounds, it’s a void that has not been filled and with how games are being made now, I don’t think it ever will be.

[@Vermino]

It was a great time. Still play ACE from time to time. Love your grandpa. God bless

[@PressStartToLaugh]

Head over to Project Gorgon. Made by one of the original Asheron's Call devs.

[@dcutbi001]

Also, keep an eye on Pantheon for another old school based game coming out in the future.

[@crxsks5506]

that game is complete garbage lmao

[@VegasAceVII]

I feel for this man. I feel the same sort of attachment to EverQuest. I dread the day where they officially announce its conclusion. I hope he is able to find another game to pour his heart into.

[@HoeiBoei]

GrandPa i love that this is shared with us all, my wife and i are gaming because we did not understand most of the talk our children and grandchildren where having on familydays. So we start gaming with that oldie Diablo II to understand what "hack & slash was and so on"and today our family is in that mmo Path of Exile. We see and hear them nearly every day in that game and it is much cheaper then Phone calls. Thanx again GrandPa for this lovely video and greetings from The Netherlands and we oldies keep on gaming. The best Loot we save and give it to our grandchildren on their birtday rofl.

[@Bride_McCoy]

I absolutely love that you shared this. As herons call was my first mmo.. and man oh man have I been hooked in one way or another ever since the first time I played in 1999. I found world of Warcraft to be as close to what asherons was for me. Although ican say.. starting anew game will never be the same as those sentimental memories and growth WITH the game that you experience in the first few years of game release. People came together because they needed to. They depended in one another to quest.. now much of the social atmosphere that developed in the early years of mmo has died. Google killed basic gaming conversation. Now 5 kids, 2 degrees, many breaks, an ex husband.. and everything else that happens over 18 years of someone's prime.. I just returned to world of Warcraft for some ME time! A time for myself.. just like grandpa! It's therapeutic..

[@Xanxin100]

I used to play. It was a pleasure serving with you.

[@TheShinjikun01]

Love that dude, so passionate. I am 33, first online game i played much was Ultima Online back in 2000. I always saw myself playing games when i am old and guess now i dont need to feel bad about it :) Also the grand daughter is so nice. Nice to see her relationship to her grandpa and how she is looking at his "hobby". Great family i guess.

[@moogwanmyrick7686]

I too have been playing since 1999, beta in fact. No game has ever captured my attention as much as this game. I wish I had played of Leafcull so I could have joined you for many adventures. As the time winds down, I'm finding it hard to login and say goodbye to characters I created and have loved and nurtured for 18+ years. The game has survived the birth of my two sons, the end of a marriage and the start (still going strong of another), 10 jobs (all with the same company), 4 cars, 5 houses and apartments (IRL), 2 super bowl wins for my Broncos (and a loss), and countless other events.I took some time off at one point and when I came back, the portal sounds, followed by the chirping birds, made me feel like I was "home". No matter what was going on in my life AC was a steady rock to help me escape.My favorite memory will always be sitting in my office with my wife and son, all three of us logged in to our favorite toons, spending almost an entire weekend playing AC. It was amazing. My youngest also got the chance to play the game with me and really enjoyed his time playing it too. It was a great bonding experience for the two of us.I'm sure I will login and get some pictures from my favorite places. I hope to get my wife's toon on a well and a picture of the happily married couple we became in game (remember the server wide weddings?!?!?!). It was an amazing run, and I'm sad to see it go. I have been enjoying my time on Lord of the Rings online. While not as good as AC (you're right in saying that nothing will ever be as good as AC) it is a fun game and the graphics are quite gorgeous. Thanks for sharing a bit of your AC life with us.Javelin of Thistledown

[@oMarkyMark]

*When gramps has a better rig then you...*

[@janiceanderson8871]

hi sleep. love your video. i myself am 66 and love playing mmo games. i have made multiple friends whom i have never met but have known them for years. i am currently playing guild wars 2 which i think he would love. i have played it since it started almost 4 yrs ago. the people are super friendly. there are guilds to join and the graphics are fantastic. free to play for minimum use to get the feel of it and one fee to upgrade which is totally worth it. if you play join the server fergusons crossing which is lower population and you wont feel any pressure. my player name is khijani. but whatever game you choose keep on truckin and enjoy.

[@crowsbridge]

Thanks for posting this, that's pretty cool. While I didn't play AC, I did play Everquest at nearly the same time-frame 20+ years ago. I have to stop looking at old EQ stuff now or I'll get nostalgic and sad.

[@Glubok]

Tempus fugit

[@UniqueFinds4All]

Such a cool grandpa! Man I wish I had a Grandpa I could play video games with. Most older people don't even know how to operate a computer let alone play 2 characters at once. He's the man! Sad that Asheron's call shut down, man he must be sad by it.

[@ManlorWeb]

I understand your grandpa. Haven't played this game in years but it will always hold a special spot.

[@SarDeliac]

Only one question: Who's older, the person asking the questions or grandpa's oldest character? ;)

[@LestatVI]

Hey Mr. Julien, thanks for sharing this video. Asheron's Call was my first MMO. I started playing Asheron's Call in late 1998 just before Dark Majesty released. I started playing on my own account after DM and played until 2009. I have very fond and very frustrated memories of AC and was hoping to be able to pick it up again after finishing my degree. I was overjoyed when AC went free-to-play and logged back into the game recently as well as starting a new character to re-learn the game mechanics as well as the changes. I too am disheartened at this news. I hope the community can come together and beseech WB to release the game to the players or come up with a way to keep some severs up or allow us to download our accounts so we don't lose our characters, something. Thanks again for sharing, I could go on, but I don't want to bore the interwebs. I tried World of Warcraft, it wasn't terrible, but I could never truly get into it and I couldn't justify the subscription. I beta tested Aion and got hooked on that, tried Perfect World, didn't like it and several other FTP (Free-to-play) MMOs. Nothing ever really replaced AC for me, but Aion came VERY close (+ my wife liked it and would play it with me).

[@JustPlayingTheClassics]

Incredible. Man knows what quality is. Asheron's Call was like nothing else. Who knows, maybe I ran across this fellow a time or two when I played way back when? Neat.

[@82olys]

I hope this is a glimpse into my future. I never want to stop gaming. (edit) Thank you for sharing your Grandpa with us. Just fantastic.

[@deniseluckenbach2942]

you have a great person there, treasure him.

[@JokerCommisions]

We need a series of this guy's search for a new home. This video broke my heart and still made me smile. God bless and give him my best.

[@Nessal83]

This video is very touching. I also played since beta of the game and in 1999. I was a junior in high school when I started and I'm 33 now. I started on Leafcull but moved to Darktide shortly after. So many good memories and it makes me sad that they are shutting it down. I will log on a few more times before it's over. Love this video.

[@acetown2263]

This is so crazy.. I can't imagine the levels of nostalgia he feels with this game, I can only imagine =( So sad when mmos shut down.

[@gvdonzin]

People suggesting games like ESO, World of Warcraft, Runescape have clearly never played Asheron's Call, please stop, there is no game like it and it's now being taken away from him.

[@stephenbaynham1762]

Project: Gorgon

[@stephenbaynham1762]

It's literally made by a former AC dev & is extremely similar.

[@Ultrox007]

City of Heroes was probably the closest we got in terms of mechanics, but it's gotten shut down too... :(

[@mrsupreme5316]

What about Guild Wars 2

[@ag2295]

Runescape is ok

[@kylesanders7184]

I have also played since 99', And now play with my own children, people like him is what keeps the game great even after nearly 20 years. I will continue till the end with hopes somehow this game can be saved

[@select20]

Everquest 1 is an oldie I jsut went back to. Having a good time. Anyways, mad respect for you old man (meant in a totalyl respectful way). It's rare to see the older generation enjoy what the younger "kids" are enjoying. I think more of the elderly would jump into the things we young people do. It makes it easier to relate to them, and make us feel like they care about what we care about. There is a 67 year old lady in my gaming guild. We call her Granny, but she is a pillar in our community. We game with her, she tells us stories, and we really learn a lot from her. In saying that, as someone from my generation, thank you for checking out what many of us do for fun, and jumping in and just being there. I don't think you will ever realize the lasting impact you have had on younger gamers. Good luck in the next step of your gaming life! Hope you find a good home.

[@BenjaminIMeszaros]

God bless you Grandpa. May the server's never die in your heart.

[@QoVoCGaming]

This video made me cry

[@lucam7042]

No it didn't, stfu.

[@someonexd1961]

@@lucam7042 it prob did

[@mrcrow8797]

This brings back fond memories for me of Asheron's Call. I went on to play a lot of City of Heroes, and eventually got a lifetime subscription to Lord of the Rings online. I get your Granddad's sadness. I was sad when City of Heroes shut down. I still miss it. Heckuva game. God bless y'all's Granddad. I hope he finds another game he likes.

[@Fedaykin8]

Thanks for sharing this! I barely played AC, but the MMO community at large can all appreciate the love for their game, and many of us can identify with the sorrow of having our favorite game shut down. For me it happened twice, and both games didn't live that long as MMOs go. I really hope that grandpa can find a new game to call home! Bless you all!

[@kilooneninenine4822]

send this video to all the gaming companies

[@Mysterycreeperboy12]

That's it boys, this settles it, we gotta make a clone of this game for him to play, and make sure that he starts with all the stuff he had on his past account. There's no other way around it

[@bigdsk8r]

This is really cool to see your grandpa enjoy a game just as much or even more than anyone out there. I hope he can find a great new one to play. There are so many to choose from nowadays.

[@residentmanager4507]

I never played AC but i saw an ad of it in a video game magazine in '97 and just a single picture captured my imagination to the fullest extent. A living breathing 3d world where you could fight monsters and interact with other players online...amazing. I ended up playing Everquest in 98 and it was an adventure beyond all others. But nothing quite intrigued me like that one screenshot of AC.

[@GaminCaucasian]

I played Asheron's Call for roughly 5 years. I had so many fond memories. Also bad ones but we'll skip those, lol. If I were to suggest another game for him to play I'd give Elder Scrolls Online. It has add ons like Asheron's Call for the pc, but aren't required. Several buddies that used to play AC now play ESO. I hope he finds another great time sink. AC was the best and my first MMO. It's really hard to replace that feeling. Good luck in his quest to find another!

[@Storyful]

Hi, my name is Aaron and I'm a journalist with Storyful. We're interested in learning more about your grandfather's story and potentially distributing your video to media on your behalf. Please email [e-mail] for more details.

[@the8thknight]

Respect. This is what makes games and MMORPGs even more so, so special. As he said, they give us the chance to create memories and experiences in a time that is truly our own. Hope this guy finds a new game, it is hard to move on.

[@MrRobakowski]

I have an exam today, which completely fucks up my weekend, but this video definitely put a smile on my face :D take care guys!

[@fonebook]

Bittersweet to see the first generation of old gamers.

[@Arcadeic]

I made a comment 5 years ago and I find myself back here. Hope gramps is doing ok!

[@andrebotelhosp]

Great story! Thanks for sharing this video. Your Grandpa is an inspiration... Best wishes from Brazil!

[@williamrobertwickware2092]

Talk about blast from the past, I used to play this back in 99-02 fairly regular. And then off and on over the years. AC will always hold a special place in my heart . Hail and Kill from Echestimyer, Lord of the Templars of Steel - Thistledown server.

[@ianwilmoth]

One of the key devs is doing an AMA on reddit that I think may still be live... Or at least pretty fresh. www.reddit.com/r/AsheronsCall/comments/5nd27n/one_of_the_original_asherons_call_developers_home/ I remember this guy well, is legit.

[@buggld]

Man, this made me feel bad. Some people enjoy simple things, and when those things are taken away...

[@Ellenvoornaamisgenoeg]

Thanks for this and as a Grandma i play the game Path of Exile, a kind of game like yours and Free to play and not pay to win, from young Aussi's, so it will stay on line for so manny years that it will stay to my end of our own MMO, Greetings Grandpa

[@enigmaxaero]

Very touching video. It doesn't matter that the game's ending, though. What matters is all the experiences he'll take with him when it's over. And that's priceless.

[@ashadowawhisper]

My youngest brother plays a game called Black Desert and he really likes it... Tell him about it and see if he likes it, my brother spends an inordinate amount of time on it, it must be pretty good. haha.

[@Cody-ox2uu]

Black desert was great before it changed ownership and the promised we won't ever sell pay to win items was abolished and now you can get great advantages using your wallet. I played religiously in the early access and was the owner of one of the top guilds on the Serendia server. About 2 weeks after the change, it was already turning to shit and I quit, handed leadership down the line. Haven't been back since, and zero regrets.

[@Seinfish]

BDO isnt p2w tho, +110m Silver = 135€ (Able to sell 5 Cash shop items per week), in the endgame thats nothing. you still get 6m-10m per hour grinding or gathering which can be +25m per hour. The game is still good because of the juicy combat mechanics and pvp (Typical korean game.) quests are boring imo. GRIND GRIND AND MORE GRIND Im Level 60 on EU Servers

[@MarkSKristensen]

Pay 2 Win is when you can get an item that destroys everything else by paying for it, getting a few mills a week for hundreds of dollars is nothing, you ain't winning shit with that, and nothing is ever fair, some people have more time to play, is that cheating too then? I'm personally a fan of the market update.

[@jamptamp2830]

So what gave you the idea to record and ask your grandpa about Asheron's Call? I am curious to know how it came about as its such an old game that not a lot of people even knows existed. Sadly WoW took over MMOs and AC was forgotten about.

[@Sasq420]

Very awesome. That game was my first MMO, the monarchy system made the community, well the kind so tight knit people stuck with it into their 70's! I cannot believe this video just popped up in my feed, I've never looked up AC before. I played "Lloth" a lvl 170ish battle mage under the rule of Davidge, Kestrel, Ocean and the Sykes. They were such great people and it didn't stop there, there were so many awesome people that I unfortunately do not remember the names of. I think Baudren (sp?) was my favorite quest to run with a group but the quests in that game were pretty awesome in general. Focus Stone.. ahh I'm babbling, sorry for 'member'n all over your comments. I really hope your grandpa isn't who I think it is. I met up with an old guy that I used to hang with a whole lot just a year or so ago before I moved on from the game and never really got to tell him goodbye or how much he and the people like him meant to me. Your friends would slowly trickle away as they lost interest/ability to connect and it was always sad but just about everyone you met was a co-op oriented player that always seemed to welcome company. Anyway, babbling again, but wouldn't it be great if they'd release the software so people could set up their own server? Best wishes to you and your grandfather :>

[@Genkosu]

What a sweet and cool grandpa you have! This vid made me sad and happy at the same time. Sad to see his favorite game getting shut down but all good things come to an end :`( But 80 characters? Holy damn! Hope he'll find a new MMO he gets into and I wish him many joyful years with it!

[@BreakfastAtNoon]

as someone who has put about 300 days into World of Warcraft I found this video heart breaking. buy him a new pc and get him on WoW :)

[@ZMSTA]

i believe his pc is ok.

[@SG-xn6ec]

I played WoW right after AC and it didn't work for me. I went to FFXI for a while, but have been looking for a new MMO ever since. I'm not a huge fan of "hotkeys" if it's even called that anymore.

[@BreakfastAtNoon]

Jubilee Dagger everyone to them selves :)

[@0002pA]

WoW would be a terribly disappointing game after AC. Dark Age of Camelot or EverQuest II would suit it much better.

[@Tussinfinity]

Camelot Unchained is coming out soon

[@happynappy100]

idk but this seems a similar game to runescape, anyone who's actually played both I'd like your input.

[@zirrush]

Jack Brown the character creation and mechanics of skills is what made AC so cool. PvP also revolved/evolved around glitches for breaking animation to "slide cast" which took a bit of skill (needed to slide close to where the cast started as it went off or you would fizzle it). Each skill would cost X amount of skill points to train and X amount more if you wanted to specialize in it (cap it out). Ever so many levels you received another skill point, but there was a max after so many levels. Each skill also had a bonus off your innate attributes, like most melee skills would be your (str + coordination)/3 or the like. So their were no standard characters really, you could be war magic specialized and also unarmed combat specialized if you wanted to... Could go melee with a ton of health but minimal magic, or specialized in all defense and creature magic to debuff everything, etc. Could put a lot of thought into character builds and get a sense of accomplishment knowing its your own unique build and its working well for you (or realize its not as powerful as you'd hoped for). All experience you chose how to spend on what skills. When you died you lost your most valuable gear and received a penalty on your experience, in PvP the other player could take the gear your dropped. Most other MMO's don't really punish you if you do poorly in them and is a turn off for some of us, it made staying alive become a bit of a reward in itself.

[@TheDomcrit]

Deadman Mode in Runescape sounds like a good substitute for him.

[@Rebazar]

no

[@Dreameline1986]

I really wish I had a Dad like this

[@patrickwallace5383]

I played Sam Siball on Frostfell, There simply is no game in existence like AC, nothing then and nothing now compares to it. It truly is a unique game. Its origins come from the days when MMOs were fresh, and communities drove the game. I will never forget my AC days, the people I knew and loved will always have a place in my heart.

[@irvin5294]

Hi reddit

[@soflossy6447]

Psycho hey, fancy seeing you here!

[@JurijFedorov]

Hi Psycho, I recognize you from r/bigbootybitches