I figured I would pre-empt some of your questions. We’ve now completed the phase of our development where an outside producer created our planet. We have a beautiful planet and now we’re working on developing the content and gameplay what we believe will set us apart. We have a great team here to Next Island,… Continue reading »From David Post is a post from the Next Island News blog. Create your avatar, download the free game, and join us on Next Island! More...
What exactly does that mean? NDS does/did the world building/mob/item gfx and now a new team will take that and integrate it all into a fully functional game world? Will nds still do the gfx, or does the new team take over that aspect as well? Be interesting to see what happens. narfi
This is indeed quite interesting, and if this means in the end that there is a separation of NDS and Next Island (and I'm willing to bet that many will be thinking this) ... then there's hope. Sorry to say, but I don't feel that David Post and Next Island got a fair shake with development, and maybe this means that we will finally see a planet complete with the critical basics that are so crucial out the gate at launch. Even though David said that Next Island actually opened its doors on February 28th, as far as I'm concerned, the planet has never had a proper launch. June isn't that far away (I think it was indicated that the update would be around the 20th), and perhaps we'll learn then what he can't say now. The fact that he even mentions that he can't say more is suspect enough. If it was still an NDS operation, I doubt there would be hesitation with regard to sharing information, except for specifics of what the content or features of the update will be.
Thought I would add this link that SoftHart provided at the Next Island forum for further information on Harold Sipe, new Producer/Planet Manager for Next Island. Planet Manager could mean overall daily operations of how the development of the planet progresses, but "Producer" ... I think that might add a whole new dimension into the mix, and it will be interesting to find out just what that means.
I don't mind repeating myself: I nearly not dare saying this, since we're not 100% sure, but I will anyway ... using someone else (than NDS) would be the best thing ever happening to NI ... and in that case I'm more than delighted to see what new levels that will bring NI
Clearly states they are no longer working with ND studios and any other outside studio. Clearly states they are now developing the planet themselves with Harold Sipe as the lead producer. Producer here I think involves general gameplay concept, design and implementation.
Having NDS as producer may be bad, but having no producer for game that constantly evolve may be even worse. I think for a planet to be successfull here they must have team designing new stuff 24/7. Not just new grinding missions and text stories. New building, new items, visual upgrade of old stuff.
We hope for the best. But to go away from NDS to anything else can only get better. If you don#t believe this, then look for any actual game that supports modding... and then compare what ppl create in their FREE time with the stuff that NDS creates working 8 hours/day... So the post from David really gives me a good feeling, sounds like a good move!
David's Post on FB: David Post At this moment I want to say less not more. There is still a relationship but we are now running our development ourselves. When I can say more I will. NDS has its Neverdie Island on Next Island. We have had plans to do certain things and now we are doing them.
Good luck David Post, I hope for the best for Next Island in the future. You have made inroads to achieving this already by the looks of it ;)
Looks like David may be following his true dreams soon!! Can't wait to see what they come up with!! :)
