(Graphic By: Colby Major Sargent) Avatar: Wildman - Alpha WildD3amons As Christmas approaches, our thoughts will soon turn to Merry Mayhem. However, many uncertainties remain. Perhaps with a constructive discussion we can gather our knowledge and share our expectations and uncertainties. Furthermore, this discussion may be useful for FPC and other planet partners who may be planning their own events. Firstly, for those who may not have come across Merry Mayhem, it is an intense hunting event testing a player's endurance and willpower for some awesome rewards; ranging from Mayhem armor parts to Land Areas. TEAMING One of the most contentious issues in recent years has been that of teaming in Merry Mayhem. Many would have preferred a solo event, sadly this was not to be. Furthermore, when it was revealed last year that teaming was within the rules, many were surprised, and surprised that they had been obeying a rule in previous years that indeed may never have existed. We’ll never know if in previous years the winners had used teaming to win while others may have incorrectly been following a perceived no-teaming rule. Obviously it had some repercussions for players hoping to enter, and many decided to stay out of the event. It wasn’t long before a backlash started. A petition for no teaming, on the same thread on 23rd December 2009 Marco posted: Later on the same day Marco posts (in response to a question): So the question is, has MA had time to provide FPC with these additional tools so that they can enforce the rules for a solo event? MA certainly has been busy with various other developments from preparation of new Planet Partners, vehicles, tiering and old systems that still remain to be re-introduced. What if MA under pressure in delivering the other systems do not have the time to develop the additional Merry Mayhem tools requested by FPC? Depending on how much of a priority they attach to this and their other development tasks, it is indeed a very real possibility. Under the situation that they are not developed, would FPC still run the Merry Mayhem event? Or will it be abandoned this year? HEALTH CONCERNS On a more positive note, it was very refreshing to see some of the health concerns that were taken into consideration in last year's Merry Mayhem event. Players no longer had to stay online continuously for some quite extended number of hours. Let us hope health is still taken seriously and we get rules that allow us to play without ruining our health. Perhaps more could be done to alleviate health concerns further? Do you have any suggestions? If so please do share them here. OTHER ISSUES Many have wanted a scores table. It is not known if this is one of the tools FPC requested for MA to develop. For the first in time in the history of Merry Mayhem we will have multiple planets. This is likely to raise further questions. For example, if two planets have an event during Christmas and rules stipulate a maximum of 30 hours game play within the same specified period, would a player be allowed to enter both and not break any rules? That is, will time spent on planets be independent from each other? There is an advantage with this, but most likely the system will use Entropia Universe time, and hence, a player would be in violation of the rules and not allowed to enter both. Perhaps MindArk could plan for this while there is time. Do you foresee any other complications? CONCLUSION We have seen FPC changing some rules for the better with regard to health issues and also promising a solo Merry Mayhem event for 2010. The prospects look promising. Doubts however remain over MA’s ability to deliver some of the requirements for this to happen. Let us consider some constructive feedback for FPC and MA for this year’s Merry Mayhem. Perhaps your suggestions could lead to a better event this year, or indeed future years to come. At this moment in time we have no knowledge of events planned by Planet Partners. We do know Rocktropia and Next Island are likely to be fully functioning by Christmas. It is not inconceivable they would have their own events. Planet Cyrene still remains clouded in mystery but may also be up and running. Competition for players is surely to heat up, and may well be a positive aspect for us.
It would truly be a great christmas present knowing that this year, the rules will be clear and laid out, so no disputes can arise afterwards :) Great article, George :)
Great article Ace ... it conjures up reflections of past Merry Mayhem events that inspired concern, confusion, and controversy. I too hope as Peter does, that if Merry Mayhem proceeds this year, that the rules are clear and understood, as well as fair (however that term is to be defined). If it's survival of the fittest with no holds barred, then I think we'll see yet another drama-laden event, but then ... Marco did say that he loves drama. :D
merry maihem-the only time of year I hunt cornundacaudas. A solo event is clearly best, teaming is just plain murder for those who don't have lots of friends willing to hunt alongside you
Great article George, good idea that the discussion is started well in advance. Even though health concerns were taken into account last year, it was still a gruelling event, especially at that time of year. I spent NYE smashing Itumatrox and it certainly wasn't a healthy week for my relationship. I'd personally prefer a number of shorter events so more people have a chance to get involved. Remembering that not all of us are hunkering down under snowstorms at that time of year - I'll more likely be down by the pool with a cold Corona :P I enjoyed the event overall, it's alot of fun to test yourself. And the Mayhem harness was a nice prize to win. So I'm hoping clear rules are here this year, that it can be done solo (organising the team was a real challenge for 36 hours). And an auto timer so you know exactly how long you have been in game and how long you have left for the event would be a godsend.
Not been following the events more then last year, but is it same mobs every time then we definitely need a huge improvement of cornundacauda spawns, also needed for iron challenges but then there is lots of iron mobs that needs better/more spawns...
Great thread! I agree with most things said here already and by OP. Perhaps a solo event and a separate team event running alongside? part from that, on my wishlist; * clear rules * highscorelist * perhaps an easier way to monitor how long you've played and some sort of alarm system when you're closing in on your time limit. //just noted Ozi asked for this...so what he said! :) * decent spawns regards!
Sorry for throwing my dirty nub fingers into this. But how does the calculation of kills beeing tracked? With the time limit, so if I go away and eat dinner / take a nap and leave my avatar online "AFK", that would count towards my hours available? I tried searching some old posts about Merry Mayhem, but could not really wrap my soggy brain around it how it works. I wont of course myself take part as this is way over my level, but curious to know.
Yes :) At least in the past that's how the system worked. The sytem just counted the time you were logged in no matter what you did while you were logged in.
Yea I forgot that you had to keep record of # of kills with a pen and paper! :( So a live scoretable of some sort and a scoresheet with all the final results aswell, would be sweet! If they fix that then Im game! :)
Has there been any recent news on Merry Hayhem... It was my first try and now that I know what I'm in for I'll be back this year. Last year I place 28th playing solo in tier II. The main problem was I got my times mixed up and the event ended 6 hrs earlier than I expected. Therfore I missed playing my last day. An on line timer and a time remaining board would be a great tool.
I've not heard anything official on MM from FPC. Perhaps they'll release some info soon after the Harbinger event finishes early December? but your guess is as good as mine...
