This was on MWRealms, but it is too priceless to just leave there. All credit goes to Warflail, all blame can go to me.

---------------------------

Chat Interview: PRSpeek to English translation


Okay, after the interview, it strikes me strongly that the Wizkids representatives simply didnt understand what we were saying. After much consideration, I figured out why that is. Language problems. We were not speaking just one language at the interview, we were speaking 3. The obscure dialect Gamerstani, the much more common dialect PRspeek, and a few people were communicating in standard English. As someone who knows all three languages, I have in an attempt to give Wizkids a bit more insight into the thought processes of gamers, translated some of the chat transcript into common basic English. The transcript was bloody long, so I took the liberty of slicing out sections that didnt seem to be relevant to the overall subject. I also took the liberty of moving text around slightly to make the question/answer format a little more clear.

The original text can be found at:

http://www.wizkidsgames.com/wk_article.asp?cid=38826.

Keep in mind that a significant part of this post is intended to be acidly sarcastic. The translations presented are intended to provide some insight into how some people might view the questions and responses provided. I bear no personal animosity to anyone whose comments I may have picked apart below. Please, seriously, nobody get offended about this post, it isnt intended as a personal insult or anything. If you are reading this document and I "mistranslated" your comments, feel free to chime in... just dont be offended, k? Anyway, on with the show.

---Begin---

[16:03] {KevinG} {Kinnison} Are there plans to increase the support for unresricted games, at or near the same levels as restricted play?

Trans: Unrestricted format is irrelevant. Are you going to make it relevant?

[16:04] {JamesC} We'll continue to offer Unrestricted events, but we can only support so many events each month and we need to concentrate attention on the newer sets.

Trans: No.

[16:07] {KevinG} {nitehawk} How do you feel about the amount of protests on the Mechwarrior Forums about the retirement of older sets from certain types of play?

Trans: Are you aware that everyone is hoppingmadinsanefurious and if this chat were not moderated, people would be throwing moldy cabbage at you this very instant?

[16:08] {JonL} nitehawk: We expected a certain amount of negative feedback from the change, but we hope that everyone eventually sees these changes as being best for the game.

Trans: We dont care what you think, we are just saying so in the hope that your exodus doesnt hurt our stock.

[16:14] {KevinG} {Chunga} What are the factors that brought about this decision? At Gen Con we were told that we would be able to use our figures with the new game. It was the big selling point that 1.0 would work with 2.0. Now, 6 months later you retire most of the 1.0 figues. What changed since Gen Con?

Trans: What were you smoking? You told us one thing at GenCon, now you are telling us something totally different. Why?

[16:15] {JamesC} chunga--What you were told at GenCon is still true, your older figures are still useable in the new game, and they will remain tournament legal in Unrestricted events even after the sets are retired. I should add that this decision wasn't made until after the release of MK 2.0.

Trans: We lied to you at Gencon and are lying to you now. We understand that making figs usable only in an obscure format of a game is effectively banning them, but we are hoping you are too stupid to realize it.

[16:20] {KevinG} {IVIercy} There is a precieved problem with Certain rules in the forums on MW realms. Specifically, Artillery, charge and Tank drop. Does WK fell there is a problem with these rules as well?

Trans: The rules in this game are ####ed. What are you going to do about them?

[16:23] {JonL} IVIercy: We felt that there were problems to some of these units/tactics, and we addressed them with the changes we made recently. Before we consider further changes, we'd like to see how the new rules are received and playout over the longterm.

Trans: Nothing anytime soon.

[16:23] {KevinG} {Tannis} I was just wondering if the reason for the retierment of older sets is some way for wiz-kids to try and make more money from the players that have supported this game from day one... Do you really think it will help new players get into the game?

Trans: This change and the stated reasons for it are silly and do nothing to help new players get into the game. Why are they being made?

[16:28] {JonL} Tannis: We all absolutely believe that these changes will make it easier for new players to get into the games. This is because the new player will be able to more easily get ahold of figures that are at most a couple of years old and will most likely be readily available on their retailers' shelves. As for whether this policy will make WizKids more money -- We think it will, but that wasn't the main reason for retirement of the sets. It was certainly a factor that made it more attractive, but it was important to those of us in Game Design and Commuity Experience to ensure that the game was as good as possible. A limited environment and the ability to cycle through different types of figures and different special abilities makes this possible. Before this policy was in place, such changes weren't possible.

Trans: We dont understand the very game we created. We are under the mistaken impression that new players are staying away because they cant obtain old units. We are under the mistaken impression that this will make us tons of money.

[16:24] {KevinG} {qborg123} why have MW events been cut back to 2 game a month?

Trans: Is the game dying?

[16:26] {JamesC} qborg123--There's no definite number of events for any given line in any given month, and there are a number of reasons why we'd offer more or fewer events in a month. It bears noting, however, that MechWarrior events are more than twice as costly for us to support as HC or MK events.

Trans: It costs us 50 cents a unit for MW figs vs 25 cents a unit for Heroclix/Mage Knight.

[16:28] {KevinG} {Marauder727} In 2002, when Jordan Weisman premiered Mechwarrior at DragonCon, he headed a panel where he stated, in no uncertain terms, that Mechwarrior would NOT have any pieces retired / banned / or in any other way restricted from normal gameplay, why is WizKids now going back on that statement, and how can we, as a community, trust that WizKids is not going to make other changes that goes against their promises to the Mechwarrior community in the future?

Trans: Wizkids said it wouldnt ban units and now it is banning units. Why did you lie to us? Why should we believe anything you say in the future?

[16:30] {JamesC} Marauder727--I can't speak for Jordan, especially since I did not attend the panel you're referring to. I can assure you, however, that all of your pieces will be playable in Unlimited format events and we will continue to provide support for these events.

Trans: We are hoping you are dumb enough to believe that units that arent usable in the standard format of a game are not being effectively banned.

[16:31] {KevinG} {Toppler22} is it possible that you might rethink your desicion, And on the subject have you seen my 300 signature petition agaisnst set retirement?

Trans: This is a really bad idea and everyone hates it. Are you really going to go through with it?

[16:36] {JamesC} poppler222--I'm afraid not. We didn't come to this decision quickly or lightly, and we're aware that a number of players are (understandably) concerned about the change. I'd ask everyone with reservations about this to wait and see how things develop when the system is actually in place. We expect that the positive changes to the competitive play environment will speak for themselves.

Trans: We are hoping you are dumb enough to buy our story. We are also hoping that you'll wait a while before leaving the game so our stock value doesnt crash.

[16:36] {KevinG} {stend} Will HeroClix retirement be done as a single line, or as separate Marvel, DC, and Indy lines?

Trans: Are you going to screw over HeroClix too? Please tell us you arent!

[16:37] {JamesC} stend--We will address this issue when we make a retirement in the HeroClix line.

Trans: Yes, we are.

[16:37] {KevinG} {Barrow-Wight} How does retiring sets make it better for new players to enter the game?

Trans: Your decision makes no sense! Explain it to us?

[16:39] {JonL} Barrow-Wight: Retiring sets makes it easier for new players to get ahold of figures that are legal for tournament play. In effect, it levels the playing field for new players vs. older players -- at least in terms of what figures they have, the older players will still have the benefit of experience. In addition, it takes older "power-figures" out of circulation that new players cannot easily get ahold of.

Trans: We dont know what we are doing. We are under the mistaken impression that players are mad because they cant get old units when they are really mad because of rules imbalances.

[16:38] {KevinG} {EldritchSoul} Was there ever an option to make the retiring of sets from tournament play slower, for example, two at a time for each new release until it catches up to the 3 expansions and a base set?

Trans: This is a horrible idea, can we not do this? If not, can we at least slow it down?

[16:40] {JamesC} eldrichsoul--The process will be pretty slow once it gets going, and it will be far less dramatic for HeroClix and MechWarrior than for Mage Knight. MK has so many sets in play that have been around for a very long time that it would have taken years to get to an optimal tournament environment.

Trans: No. It'll be faster for MK than the others, but no.

[16:41] {KevinG} {Warflail} This idea of rotating out expansions seems to be actively hated by an overwhelming majority. Is Wizkids seriously going to implement a plan that is this hated?

Trans: None necessary. Hey, this guy is smart! And handsome!

[16:44] {JamesC} warflail--We've heard from a lot of folks who are very concerned about the process but we've also heard from a lot of folks who are very excited about the possibilities that retirement presents. Since no sets have yet been retired yet, it's a little soon to jump to negative conclusions. We absolutely appreciate the passion and dedication of the folks who've voiced their opinions on this policy, but we ask that they wait and see how the process actually

Trans: We know everyone hates this idea but we are smart and they are stupid. Despite the fact that we have no idea what we are doing. Please dont everyone leave at once and ruin our stock value.

[16:43] {KevinG} {NateTG} How much does playtesting affect the figure design process?

Trans: Does anyone actually playtest this stuff?

[16:46] {JonL} NateTG: You question on playtesting isn't really on-topic, but it doesn't give away any secrets about future sets -- and I'm all for giving props to our playtesters. So, they definitely have an effect on how the rules and figures look. Julie, our Playtest Coordinator, and all of the designers go over a ton of feedback and information from the playtesters. Sometimes their feedback causes us to make major overhauls to rules or characters, and sometimes it doesn't,

Trans: We've got some playtesters but usually we ignore them and do what we want anyway.

[16:47] {KevinG} {TheT} You say that the retired figures are still useable in tournament play, and because the purpose of a tournament is to determine an overall champion, finals are required. Therefore will you be hosting an international unrestricted event as well as the usual World's competition?

Trans: Do you honestly think we are dumb enough not to realize that units nonusable in the standard format arent actually banned?

[16:48] {JamesC} thet--I'm afraid not. Unrestricted events are designed for casual play in venues.

Trans: Yes.

[16:48] {KevinG} {daredevil11} Although it may make sense for an older game like MK, why are Heroclix and Mechwarrior falling under the same policy.

Trans: For the love of God, you arent planning on doing this to OUR games are you?

[16:50] {JonL} daredevil11: The policy applies to all the lines because they're all the same sort of game and they'll all benefit from tighter control (from the Game Design side of things).

Trans: Yes.

[16:49] {KevinG} {Hawks58} Just wondering how you feel about the "veteran" players that have been playing since rebellion. Alot of us have upwards $2000USD invested in the game. As I see it now I will only use these figures 1-2 times ever 3 months.

Trans: I spent lots of money on this game, you cant be serious!

[16:52] {JamesC} hawks58--I am one of those players (just ask my wife about the amount I've spent on WizKids games...). Nothing in the retirement policy prevents you from playing your earlier figures as often as you want--all this does is limit the field in sanctioned competitive play. If anything, your enjoyment of the game should improve, as retirement will offer you a tighter game because our designers will have more control over what's available in the competitive p

Trans: We are serious. We think you are dumb enough to believe the arguement we keep throwing out, despite the fact that nobody is buying it.

[16:51] {KevinG} {Jason_24_oh} A followup to MKelly67's question: Will figures that are re-released after retirement be chosen by the playtesters, or will Wizkids seek the opinions of the players?

Trans: If you DO go through with this idea, based on previous experience, we dont trust your ability to choose or design balanced units. Are you going to let us have any input?

[16:54] {JonL} Jason_24_oh: The re-released figures will be determined in a number of different ways. I like the idea of letting the playtesters choose a figure every now and again, but we'd already talked about reprinting figures based on the Game Designer's input as well as letting the fan community vote on figures that they'd like to see. It's a great opportunity for us to make the game stronger, while getting all of you involved in it and it lets us know what figures are your favorites.

Trans: Sure, maybe, if it suits us. We are going to ignore your input on important issues though, like if we should implement a set rotation system.

[16:53] {KevinG} {stormphoenix} why would heroclix, which is not part of the approved play system involved in this decision?

Trans: You cant mean HeroClix too!?

[16:53] {JamesC} stormphoenix--HeroClix is a part of the Approved Play system. It has always been and will continue to be.

Trans: We do.

[16:58] {KevinG} {JaimeHawks} Is the overwhelming negative feedback more that you expected or about on par with what you expected?

Trans: We would be stoning you right now if this chat wasnt moderated, you know that, right?

[16:59] {JamesC} JamieHawks--The feedback we've received hasn't been overwhelmingly negative.

Trans: I've had my eyes closed and hands clamped over my ears for the last 3 days.

[16:59] {KevinG} {WarlordGrimlok} Will "retired" figures that are being rereleased in newer sets be usable from the retired set or will the newer figure be required?

Trans: Are you going to make us buy units we already own?

[17:00] {JamesC} Yes, absolutely--we've addressed this in the online FAQ. If a figure has been re-released, any version of that figure will be legal in competitive play.

Trans: Generally we dont have any idea what we are doing. But we know there is no way in hell we could get away with that. So no.

[17:01] {KevinG} {DesertFox257} In Mechwarrior, most of the factions are using equipment that they can get their hands on. In this time of "dark age", it is highly unlikly that any of the factions would stop using their old equipment or stop using their experienced Mechwarriors. Thus, how can eleminating sets make sense to the Mechwarrior: Dark Age storyline when most Factions are not going to stop using their equipment or employing their experienced Mechwarriors?

Trans: What about the fact that set rotation makes absolutely no sense from a fluff standpoint, either?

[17:03] {JonL} DesertFox257: The retirement of figures from play won't effect the storyline. Factions in the fiction will use whatever equipment they want. What we're concerned about with this policy is the game.

Trans: Fluff? What is that?

[17:02] {KevinG} {doppelganger} Will we be seeing a return of Juniors events?

Trans: Where did the Junior's events disappear to?

[17:04] {JamesC} doppleganger--Not really on topic, but Junior events haven't gone anywhere. They're always available for venue-supported events, and we'll offer WizKids- supported Junior events in the future.

Trans: The same place as unrestricted events.

[17:06] {KevinG} {Ajantis} How long you´ll supporting Unrestricted events? One year or longer?

Trans: You know that unrestricted format, not being the standard game, largely irrelevant, right?

[17:07] {JamesC} ajantis--We're going to continue doing Unrestricted events as long as there is player interest in the format. We will continue offering these events until you stop wanting them.

Trans: Yeah, we're just hoping you are dumb enough to buy our story about not banning figures.

[17:07] {KevinG} {Staff} Can we send in our olf figures and get new figures in exchange?

Trans: So if you are effectively lying and stealing from me, you are going to pay me back, right?

[17:08] {JonL} Staff: No, we're not offering a figure exchange program.

Trans: Hahaha! Yeah, sure kid, whatever. No.

[17:08] {KevinG} {Alanik} The list of "retired" Mage Knight sets includes the original Dungeons set. Will original Dungeons figures still be usable in Dungeons tournaments, or have you decided not to release updated rules for Dungeons and Conquest?

Trans: Going to screw over Dungeons too?

[17:09] {JamesC} Alanik--The retirement of the Dungeons set is for Mage Knight only. Retirement will not affect Mage Knight: Dungeons tournaments.

Trans: Nah.

[17:09] {KevinG} {will63} How often can we expect to be able to use our "retired" figures in a sanctioned tournament?

Trans: Units nonusable in the standard format are really banned. How often will I get to use the units I paid good money for?

[17:10] {JamesC} will63--As often as your venue schedules Unrestricted events.

Trans: Oh! I know! Blame your venue! They arent us! Yeah, thats it, blame your venue!

[17:11] {KevinG} {Horseman5} With retirement, are you trying to appeal to a different type of player or simply make the playing field more level for those that are just starting out?

Trans: Do you really think this program will encourage newbies, or just drive away the crusty veterans who spend lots of money on your game?

[17:12] {JamesC} horseman5--More the latter than the former. It's not so much that we're looking for a new type of player--we love the one's we've got. This is really about improving the competitive play environment by opening it up to new players and by offering us new opportunities in game design.

Trans: We think it will encourage newbies. We dont have the foggiest idea what we are doing.

[17:13] {KevinG} {marc} You guys seem to be prioritizing new players. What about the veteran players and Envoys that feel cheated? Aren't they the ones supposed to bring in the new players?

Trans: Isnt pissing off your loyal veteran fanbase a bit ungrateful?

[17:15] {JamesC} These changes will improve the play environment for everyone. New players are vital to the game--they keep it alive, but so are the older players. Making the competitive play environment more dynamic helps everyone.

Trans: We are bumbling around with no idea what we are doing.

[17:14] {KevinG} {Silent_Recoil} How will the retirement of sets effect Mechwarrior factions such as the Republic of the Sphere or Stormhammers, that are only available in certain expansions, when later expansions feature limited or no support for said factions? Will these factions be included in the new base set, and if so, is there a chance a faction may be dropped to make room for a "more desirable" faction?

Trans: You realize you are pissing off players who play for fluff reasons too, right?

[17:15] {JonL} Silent_Recoil: The retirement of Factions is a subject that all of us (especially Kelly, the MW Designer) is very aware of. Kelly is keeping track of what figures and factions are dropping out...

Trans: Despite much evidence to the contrary, we really know what we are doing.

[17:15] {KevinG} {lodin} Why was the decision made to ban older sets entirely, as opposed to just the problomatic pieces?

Trans: This idea makes no sense. Why dont you actually fix the problem instead of doing something destructive that doesnt fix anything?

[17:16] {JamesC} lodin--We're not banning anything--you can still play all of your older pieces, even in WK-supported events. This retirement process limits the use of certain pieces, but it does not by any means ban their use entirely.

Trans: We really do think you are dumb enough to believe our ridiculous story.

[17:18] {KevinG} {Rayden} What do you have to say to me and everyone else who plan to stop buying and playing when the retire rule go into effect.

Trans: You realize that lots of us arent going to leave the game if you make this stupid decision?

[17:20] {JamesC} rayden--I'd say that it's pretty early to make up your mind about that now. If you do make that decision, we'd be very sorry to see you go, and disappointed that you'll be missing out on a lot of cool stuff in upcoming sets and a much more exciting tournament environment. Another positive of retirement, however, is that this change will help you get back into the game once you've realized your mistake.

Trans: Dont everyone leave at once, you'll wreck our stock. Oh, and you are stupid and will return on your knees later begging for us to take you back.

[17:23] {KevinG} {Godfried} Sometimes there are delays in the distribution of new sets to international stores. These delays can last several months, effectively reducing the "competitive life" of a given set for the international public. Will this be addressed?

Trans: What about the fact that the foreign players are especially screwed by this decision?

[17:24] {JonL} Godfried: I don't know enough about that subject to speak to all of the specifics involved in that, but, I do know that one of the reasons we were excited about Topps purchaing us was because they're international distribution is so much stronger than ours.

Trans: I dunno, who cares?

[17:23] {KevinG} {Funky_Jett} What if the "new player" buys retired figures on eBay without the knowledge they have been retired?

Trans: This idea is stupid. What about this situation?

[17:26] {JamesC} funky_jett--We have no influence over what folks buy on the secondary market. Even if a figure is retired, however, it still has play value (even in sanctioned events), and collectors value.

Trans: Who cares? We really arent banning units. No, really! We'll just repeat it 10,000 times until someone actually believes it then, shall we?

[17:25] {KevinG} {Onslaught35} How long have you known about the decision to rotate old figures? Why not let people know earlier so they wouldn't scramble for older pieces that were good under 2.0 rules?

Trans: You've been allowing me to waste my money on soon-to-be worthless product for months now, havent you?

[17:26] {JonL} Onslaught35: We've talked about retiring sets for well over a year, but we only recently decided to put policies in place and organize everything behind the scenes. When MK 2.0 was released we hadn't made the decision yet, but we were deep in discussion about how to implement it. The final plans were made within the last 5 months. At least.

Trans: Yeah, pretty much.

[17:27] {KevinG} {Solonavio} I wonder something what will Wizkids do to enforce these, in my opinion, "unjust changes". Could not Warlords and Batlle Masters simply ignore this thereby undermining your authority? And if so what could you do to stop them?

Trans: Everyone hates this. What are you going to do if everyone just ignores you?

[17:28] {JamesC} solonavio--Envoys sign a contract with us to follow the rules of our program. If an envoy intentionally violates the tournament rules, they may face penalties or dismissal from the program.

Trans: We will cut off our nose to spite our face.

[17:31] {KevinG} {DrDoomAC} Was it an intentional act on Wizkids behalf to push the DA starters by giving away LE's before they told us that they were retiring the sets?

Trans: You've been trying to get people to waste their money on soon-to-be worthless product, havent you?

[17:34] {JamesC} drdoomac--The starter redemption offer has nothing to do with retirement, or even tournament play in general. Also, Dark Age is the MechWarrior base set, and it will be around for some time to come. Remember that any pieces that are re- released in a new base set will be competitive tournament legal in their original versions as well.

Trans: Yeah, pretty much.

[17:33] {KevinG} {LoneWolf2k1} You mention the feedback has not been negative... how do you explain the huge protest threads that have come up in Clix-boards all over the world then?

Trans: You said you havent heard any negative feedback. You cant really be THAT oblivious, can you?

[17:35] {JonL} LoneWolf2k1: We've definitely seen negative feedback on this -- and we expected it. BUT, we need to do what's best for the game in the long term, not the short term.

Trans: Okay, we arent that oblivious. We just dont care what people think.

[17:36] {KevinG} {Dzilla} You stated that this came about beccause of higher priced figures in older sets being harder for new players to attain. Yet is'nt the pont of the game for some figures to be hard to obtain i.e. uniques, limited editions??

Trans: Despite the fact that your cover story is an insult to our intelligence, shouldnt some units in a collectable game be difficult to find anyway?

[17:38] {JonL} Dzilla: It's not just that some of the figures are higher priced, it's that some players can't walk into a store and have a chance to pull a figure out of a booster. Also, as I said before. This allows us to create a stronger game in the long term, thereby making it better for everyone that plays -- new and old players.

Trans: Please allow me to repeat the cover story yet again in the hope that someone will actually buy it.

[17:39] {KevinG} {Helatus} I just had a quick question. It seems as of lately the amount of Wizkids supported events has dropped compared to recent months. Are there any plans to increase the amount of supported events or is thsi do to convention season?

Trans: Is the company dying?

[17:40] {JamesC} helatus--There's no specific number of WK-supported events each month, it varies from month to month.

Trans: *dodge*

[17:43] {KevinG} {Elaith_Silverwolf} As this announcement has been stated this is geared toward giving new players a "fairer" playing field by taking away the need to acquire the older, "more powerful" units in order to compete. Since these games are based on strategy quite a bit, how and why do you feel that "retiring" sets is the answer when "veteran" players will always have an advantage on the competitive field regardless of what pieces are brought by either player?

Trans: Not only is your cover story silly, it is far fetched. Do you really expect us to believe it?

[17:44] {JonL} Elaith_Silverwolf: Veteran players have the advantage of experience, but what this does is even the playing field in terms of what figures are available. So new and veteran players have to develop new strategies.

Trans: Yes, we think you are all stupid. Please allow us to repeat ourselves yet again so that somebody might eventually believe us.

[17:44] {KevinG} {extonh} When will the set rotation start for MW?

Trans: How long before this horrible idea goes into effect?

[17:46] {JamesC} extonh--We'll announce that at a later date. Don't worry, though, you'll receive a great deal of advance notice before any retirement.

Trans: Eventually.

[17:47] {KevinG} {Jaegerwolf} It was mentioned that the retirement system would allow the developers to guide and evolve the play enviroment. Does this mean we might be looking at new Special Equipment/Powers are adjusted rules (mercs in formations for MW for example)?

Trans: Will we have new shiney jingly things to distract us?

[17:48] {JonL} Jaegerwolf: Yes, absolutely! Our games are currently limited by the number of colors and abilities. This change will allow of to phase out abilities over time and introduce new ones.

Trans: You want shineys? Yeah, we can do shineys.

[17:51] {KevinG} {Reaper1028} will the unrestricted events count for our player ranking?

Trans: So you are making our old units only playable in a format that is so irrelevant it isnt even ranked?

[17:51] {JamesC} reaper1028--Unrestricted events are not rated and ranked. They allow house rules, and thus there's no way to establish a level playing field.

Trans: Yeah.

[17:52] {KevinG} {Hair10} Does this change in policy have anything to do with Topps blaming WK for financial loss in the 4th Q due to CF? If so, what will we see if other games (possibly MLB) don't do well? Will we see cut in other lines?

Trans: You guys are losing money left and right. I dont want to believe that you guys are this stupid, so is Topps forcing you to go through with this insane idea?

[17:56] {JamesC} Hair10--No. This process came entirely from within WizKids. The Topps execs have been nothing but supportive of our Approved Play program. We presented this process to them, and after some explanation and discussion, convinced them that this was a necessary and positive step for competitive play.

Trans: Nope, this is our own insane idea.

[17:53] {KevinG} {spicewood} since we will shortly have two factions with faction abilities are faction abilities for older faction that dont have them yet under considerations?

Trans: How about some new shineys of this particular type to distract us?

[17:54] {JonL} spicewood: Not currently, because the Factions with abilities have their point values adjusted because of those abilities. The older Factions don't have that point value included in their cost, but we could introduce abilities in the future -- once the old Factions (that don't include the cost) drop out of play.

Trans: Probably not that particular type of shiney. Oh yeah, I accidentally said something I probably shouldnt have in that last sentence there, too. Oops.

[17:56] {KevinG} {Golempower} What if any postive consideration is being done by Wizkids to benefit the veteran competitive tournament player?

Trans: So since you are effectively lying and stealing from us, are you going to pay us back?

[17:58] {JonL} Golempower: These changes benefit the veteran player because it will provide them with a better game that will play better, be more fun, and have tighter rules. For competitive players this will be a huge boon.

Trans: I'm going to pretend I didnt know you meant "compensation" not "consideration". And repeat our story again so somebody might believe it.

[17:57] {KevinG} {Rhialto} Will MK Nationals and Worlds 2004 be Restricted or Unrestricted format?

Trans: I ask subtle questions. Unrestricted is an irrelevant format. Is Nats/Worlds going to be held in this same irrelevant format?

[17:58] {JamesC} Rhialto--National and World Championships are run in the Sealed, Draft, and Constructed formats only. These are the most competitive of competitive events.

Trans: Of course not, Unrestricted is an irrelevant format... er... wait! No! I mean it is a great format and making your old stuff playable only in Unrestricted isnt REALLY banning it.

[17:58] {KevinG} {colin_in_sick} If the feedback you've received "hasn't been overwhelmingly negative, then why has virutually every question asked in this chat carried a sense of hostility?

Trans: You just lied to us to our face and it is obvious. I'm calling you on it. Well?

[18:00] {JonL} colin_in_sick: Because the people who realize the changes are a good thing, or don't care about the changes, aren't the ones asking questions. Plus, just because people are concerned about the changes, doesn't mean they come down on the negative side.

Trans: Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, we think that there is a silent majority. We really are that oblivious.

[18:00] {KevinG} {valkyre} Is it determined that there will indeed be a retirement of all the lines as is being done with MK?

Trans: How about your other flop games like Shadowrun, Creepy Freeks, Crimson Skies, etc?

[18:01] {JamesC} valkyre--Retirement will affect Mage Knight, HeroClix, and MechWarrior only.

Trans: No, we are only making this bad decision for our games that actually make us some significant money.

[18:04] {KevinG} {Skeevo666} will the prize support be specific to the type of tournements i.e.. retired LEs for the unrestricted tourneys?

Trans: Are your prizes for the irrelevant format be just as irrelevant as that format?

[18:05] {JamesC} skeevo666--Our prize kits will continue to include figures from newer expansions.

Trans: No.

[18:14] {KevinG} {WandererBeta} What is you opinion to the outcry from many players, warlords and Envoys saying that you did not include them in the decision to retire sets?

Trans: Everyone thinks this is a horrible idea and we want to know why we were not included in the decision making process. Well?

[18:16] {JonL} WandererBeta: At some point we're a company that has to make decisions that are best for the company, for the game, and for the players (even if some of them don't think it's for the best). We won't always consult the players on certain decisions. This is one of them.

Trans: We think you are stupid. We will do what we want to do. If what we want to do is unpopular, we will try to distract you with shineys and feed you a bull#### story.

[18:18] {KevinG} {JaimeHawks} You say that the feedback that you have recieved isnt overwhelmingly negative. Where do you get your feedback? Does anyone at WK read the forums (i.e. MWRealms,etc.)? It seems to me that there was a veritable explosion of negative feedback there. So to reiterate my question, when you say you haven't seen a lot of negative feedback, where are you getting your feedback?

Trans: Virtually everyone, even people from camps that usually cant agree on ANYthing agree that this idea is horrible. You claim you didnt hear the angry howls of fury. Have you spent the last 3 days hiding under your desk?

[18:19] {JamesC} jamiehawks--I'm on the forums almost constantly, and have spent nearly the entire week discussing this issue with envoys and answering questions.

Trans: Nope, we know everyone hates the idea. We just dont care what you think.

[18:24] {KevinG} {BlueBlazer} Current players often feel that Wizkids does not listen to them. What are your comments on that?

Trans: Everyone thinks you are obvlivious. Are you?

[18:26] {JonL} BlueBlazer: I don't know how many times we can address this question. We do listen. We read the forums. We talk to people at Cons. We read email from fans. We listen to our playtesters. But as I said before, not EVERY decision we make will be run through the poll of public opinion. We appreciate your passion and interest in the game, but we have to make the final decisions on things.

Trans: We arent oblivious, we _can_ hear you. We just dont care what you think.

[18:26] {KevinG} {crash341} Will storyline campaigns have their own special rules concering playable figures?

Trans: How about storyline events? Will they also use this horrible new idea?

[18:26] {JamesC} crash341--Retirement does affect the storyline format.

Trans: Yes.

[18:28] {KevinG} {Cedric_the_Black} From my experience the really hard to get and powerful units are not the ones from older sets, rather they are the new, improved pieces from the latest sets. I don't see retirement changing this. What are your thoughts on that?

Trans: Your cover story is obvious nonsense. Do you really think we are dumb enough to buy it?

[18:29] {JonL} Cedric_the_Black: It's true that some of the newer pieces are the power pieces, but some older pieces still hold that position as well. What this will allow us to do (from my perspective) is allow us to control the gaming environment better.

Trans: Not only do we think you are dumb enough to believe it, _we_ are dumb enough to believe it. Er... waitaminute...

[18:32] {KevinG} {Solonavio} Reply to answer: But what if the venue itself looks the other way in order to promote sales of older sets that they would make usable in the restricted play?

Trans: I cant possibly have heard you correctly before. What did you say again?

[18:33] {JamesC} solonavio--Venues are required to follow the tournament rules just like envoys are. If a venue intentionally violates the tournament rules, they may face removal from the program.

Trans: We said that we will cut off our nose to spite our face.

[18:34] {KevinG} {warlordhaiku} Are you planning any more Moderated Chats in the future?

Trans: Are we going to have any more opportunities to try to get a straight answer out of you guys?

[18:36] {JonL} warlordhaiku: I think we'll definitely do more of these in the future. Especially if people think this session was useful and contained good information.

Trans: Sure! Particularly if everyone seems to be buying our story.

[18:36] {JonL} I've enjoyed answering the questions and I hope everyone else has found this useful.

Trans: Good God in heaven I'm glad this interview didnt take place face to face. This crowd would rip me to pieces.

[18:37] {JonL} I'd like to thank everyone for being here and for the questions. I have to go play a game with some friends now, so I have to leave (before I'm late!).

Trans: Look, I'm a gamer too! No, really! Really! I'm one of you guys, I really am! Really! Seriously guys!

[18:38] {JamesC} Thanks for coming, folks. We'll go over all the questions that we didn't have time to address and answer any of them that are on topic and haven't been answered yet. My wife and daughter are waiting at home for me, or I'd stay longer. See you on the forums!

Trans: I love the internet. Thanks to the miracle of cyberspace I dont have to change clothes and take a shower before going home, lest I bring the stench of rotting fruit home with me.

[18:38] {JonL} I'll look at and try to address the questions that some of you have asked, but we didn't have time to get to -- that were on-topic. Thanks again!

Trans: We'll make sure to keep repeating our story in the future. Maybe someone will actually believe it.

---end---

Bravo

I 'd like to thank Warflail for writing the translation. It has been very very helpfull. I wonder what flavor of crack WK smokes thinking we're buying this.

Garou, you translated my question perfectly. Now all we need is someone to make a bogus account on the WK site and post this once in each major forum.

I'll be smiling all day thanks to this.

"it's that some players can't walk into a store and have a chance to pull a figure out of a booster"

is it just me or does this make no sense at all?

yeah, we'll still give out ultra-rare LEs, but the old commons can't be played anymore because, uh, they're too hard to get?

Wonderful work, guys. Now, let's go organize house-rules MK games to take us back to the fun that got us into this game in the first place. Just ignore wizpunks......

Greetings to all! I'm visitor from HCRealms and I loved that translation! We have a link to it on our realms, as well!

That was the chat? We didn't even get anything new from the bull####.

I love it.... lol

I love how they say "we got lots of negative feedback... but we hope people adjust... etc" yet.... if you get lots of negative feedback.... doesn't logic tell you that a lot of your customers are unhappy and some kind of change should be implemented?

Oh that is it! gauro quit will you!! Just quit. Im tired of reading neagative after negative, you hate the game and wizkids, its been established! JUST QUIT!

Grathel - I do not hate Mage Knight. I (honestly) do not even hate WK. I am, however, very disappointed in them, and upset at the direction in which they are taking the company and the game.

There is a difference, you know.

And, not playing the game doesn't mean that I have to leave the boards. I do post on Another Realm and in the OLF forum, thank you.

You hear that Mr. Weisman?... That is the sound of inevitability... It is the sound of your company's demise... Goodbye, Wizkids...

Wonder who said "Hey, who needs our existing fanbase?"

Read your own quote before you say you dont hate the company. It obvious you have alot of anger towards the company even if you dont hate the game you hate the comapny and seem to revel in its demis and enjoy insulting it. Just quit already...or at least post something halfway postive for every 2 nasty barbs and insults you throw

See, there is a problem with the Internet. There is no inflection, no intonation, and hence, sarcasm frequently gets lost.

The first part of my .sig is an obvious parody of the Matrix. I was not the first to use it, nor (I suspect) will I be the last. I would actually say it rather sadly and wistfully, because I hope (against experience) that I am wrong. Really, I do.

And yeah, the second should have a smiley. I know (as do others) the person to whom I would attribute that, and it is an inside joke. Largely

Gauro your sig and sarcasm are about as funny as the assination of ArchDuke Ferdinan