City Of Heroes: UK CoH Coordinator Jumps Right In

Bridger, the new UK Community Coordinator, jumped right into the mix Monday by answering some of the questions European customers have concerning their heroic happiness.

Hey all,

Thanks for the many welcomes and congrats. I see there's quite a lot to cover already...

SpongeCake asked:

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I've a question: Will those of us in Europe who are playing on US servers ever be able to switch our characters over to a European server? Will we have to buy the European version of the game to do this?
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As SophieX has already pointed out, the way things stand right now, if you want to play the European version, you'll need to buy the European game. We are looking into both account and character transfer for existing European players and as soon I hear anything definite on either, I'll be letting you know.

I should probably point out right now that those of you who have imported the US version will not be 'forced' to buy the European edition - you're completely free to continue playing on the US servers. Well, not actually 'free', as you'll have to carry on paying the subscription like everyone else, but you get the idea...

Bountytaker asked:

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Any comment to the rumors that the 5th Column are being dumped due to German laws regarding Nazi representation?
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What's going on with the 5th Column? I'm afraid you'll have to wait for Issue #3 to find out...

WingedKagouti asked a few things:

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How do you intend to launch CoH in Europe? Starting with a beta/test or just plunk down some live servers and go from there?
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We're going to start with a beta to test the hardware and the translations. We're working out the details right now, and as soon as the sign-up starts we'll be screaming about it all over the place. Including here.

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What do you see as the main differences between a US community and a Euro community?
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The European community stands a better chance of getting my jokes?

Actually, I'm more interested in hearing what all of you think about this one. What do you feel are the differences between the US community and the European one?

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What differences, if any, have been planned?
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I'm not sure if you mean between the two versions of the game or the two communities... The major and most obvious difference between the US and European versions is that the European one will allow you to play in English, French or German (and yes, we'll have servers for each language). This is obviously also going to be one of the biggest differences between the communities, and how we help support them.

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Will there be a Euro specific test server?
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Again, the details are still being worked out, but almost certainly yes.

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Will any changes to the Euro version compared to the US be handled by Cryptic or a different dev team?
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The European version is being developed by Cryptic. The translations are being coordinated between Cryptic and our localisation team here at NCsoft Europe.

Okay, that's a start. Don't worry, I will be working my way through the rest of the questions (and any more that come up) as quickly as I can, so keep on posting...

Bridger returned a mere four hours later to see how his thread had developed and gave up some more answers.

Said Bridger:

Carrying on...

Ksala asked:

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When can we expect to see CoH launching in Europe?
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February, 2005.

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How many servers do you anticipate having?
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At least three (one for each language) and as many more as we need. The final decision on how many servers to have at release will be made towards the end of the beta.

Cog_Sprocket brought up a couple of things that weren't exactly questions, but I think are important...

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often it means Euro servers get updated way behind the others for major publishes etc.
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It may have meant that with some games in the past, it's not going to mean that for City of Heroes. Again, we're still working out the details, but if there is any delay between the US version and the European version when it comes to updates and patches, we're going to keep it as short as possible - I'm talking days, not months.

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I've heard some rumours this is due to the Euro servers having a European setting
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I can happily squash that rumour under my official boot - the European version will be set in the one and only Paragon City. Where else could you set City of Heroes but in the city of heroes?

Rika_ asked:

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Will the issues be released from 1 upwards again or straight into issue 2 (or 3 if need be). Or will it be a sign of Europe getting screwed like usual?
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No, we'll be completely up to date with the US version at launch.

Nickwild asked:

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Another question, will the DVD edition be available at UK launch?
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No. The European version will actually be more up to date than the US DVD edition. As far as the DVD 'goodies', watch this space. We have a few ideas along those lines...

SophieX noted:

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As for paying in Sterling, they may not offer that at all. They could easily just have the price set in Euros since much of Europe has already adopted the single currency, but they may still include Sterling as an option.
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You will be able to pay in Euros or Sterling.

Nickwild popped in again to ask:

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Also another question (sorry Bridger) will we get teh same chances to appear in the comic as our North American friends?
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Looking into that now. More info when I have it for you.

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Any details of launch competitions?
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We're working on these. Look out for lots of screaming and yelling about them as we get closer to launch.

NationOfJoe asked:

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when is the australian release?
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Sorry, Joe, but I don't know right now. We would like to release the game in Australia, and are looking into it.

VagabondX asked:

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Wait, so there's going to be North America boards and then European boards?
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Yes. The European boards will open around the same time as the European beta.

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Why the need to segregate us? I mean, c'mon, we can get along, right people?
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It's not about segregating, it's about community and practical concerns.

On the practical side are things like languages (we'll have boards for English, French and German speaking players, with their own Community Coordinators) and time zones. On the community side is all the stuff that's going to be unique to City of Heroes Europe. We'll be running our own website, our own competitions, we have plans for our own events - at peak European times - and so on. It just makes things easier for everyone if the European players have their own place to speak their minds and get to know each other (and us).

Busy day, huh, Bridger?

The in-depth Q&A only goes to reaffirm the commitment to customer care this development team has. In fact, while Glow Girl gets up about 4am EST, Bridger was already answering more questions on the 16th!

Said Bridger:

And there's more...

Rangus asked:

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To Bridger - Are you M. Southerns?
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No

WingedKagouti clarified his question:

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Would it be fair to assume no difference in Content (villains & zones) or Character Creation (costume & powers) compared to US?
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It would be fair to assume that, although as I mentioned, we have some ideas for 'goodies' similar to those in the US DVD Edition.

Nickwild came back for more:

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And are we actually going to get the comic? Or are we going to have to continue importing it?
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The comic and all the issues associated with it are still being considered. As soon as we have news, I'll let you all know.

hereismyname asked:

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Since the game will still be set in the US, does this mean the units won't be converted to metric?
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That's right - Paragon City will being sticking with the Imperial system.

Keep on, keepin' on, Brotha Bridger!