Supporter newsletter 1

Issue
This is a copy of Eternal and Diamond Supporter Newsletter #1, published by Grinding Gear Games.

Hello Diamond Supporters!

I start many of my days recently answering emails to Diamond Supporters, much of it requesting similar information. I was also aware that diamond supporters who were not emailing me were missing out on this information.

I thought it may be easiest to cover some information directly to all diamond supporters. This doesn't mean you shouldn't email or PM me if you have any questions or requests.

You may get some snippets of information about the development of the game and upcoming content. Feel free to share any of this information, but its not my intention to use this for announcements.

Regular Content Patches

As we are settling into Open Beta we have learned many things, including that we need a regular disciplined content patch release.

0.10.2 will be our first one to go onto Open Beta, and is booked for going out around 6 March, 0.10.3 is booked for around 13 March.

Each one of these patches involves 2 weeks of development for us, but we overlap the process.

Of importance to you, as a Diamond Supporter, is that new Unique items are part of each content release. Our plan is to have at least 3 unique items go into each content patch.

We are very mindful that even some of our very early Diamond Supporters do not have their unique items in yet. 0.10.2 will mainly focus on those who have been waiting a long time and have items almost completed.

0.10.3 will cover more of the longest waiting Diamond Supporters, but will also include at least one unique map.

Avatars

Avatars have had slow progress due to our artist Max departing, but work has started again and steady progress is now being made. The queue is still long so please be patient.

A selection of avatars added so far can be seen in this thread.

Insider Info

I thought, as I was sending a newsletter out, it may be interesting if I include some inside information about Grinding Gear Games, something about the process about making unique items, or possibly some Wraeclast Lore.

In this one I thought I’d discuss unique items and player psychographics.

One thing we incorporated into unique item design was the use of Magic the Gathering psychographics, also known as Spike, Timmy and Johnny. This is covered well in this article.[.

When Brother Laz of the Diablo 2 Mod Median XL started working with us on unique items, it was very helpful that he followed the same system of defining unique items.

When looking at any unique, we always ask, who is this item for, does it help a player express themselves (Johnny), or is it an item they enjoy as an experience (Timmy), or does it let them prove mastery of the game (Spike).

Feedback

If there is any other information you would like in these newsletters, let me know as, any feedback would be welcome.

Please be aware I may be a little slow to reply to these messages these days, more so if the message is sent on the weekend.