Vanguard Predictions for 2008 (and 2009)

    What have you done for me lately? - At some point this year, I expect an announcement that the first Vanguard expansion will be released in 2009.  Many will argue that it is way too soon to consider an expansion for a game with so many existing bugs.  While that may or may not be true, I think that the development team should be happy with their progress and the game is finally becoming a much more stable and user friendly.  I think that SOE will soon realize that the only way they will be able to bring people back into the game is to offer a solid expansion, full of dynamic group and raid content.  Let’s face it… If SOE wants to retain current players, reclaim past players and expand its player base, Vanguard needs to give us all a good reason to do so.  Some features that will be included will be; instanced quest lines, more mount selection, rededication to lore and diplomacy and the debut of the Inquisitor and Berserker classes.

     Instancing – Instancing is going to become a reality, whatever SOE wants to call it.  Although people will complain about it, SOE knows from experience that when done correctly, instancing can do miracles in terms of adding dynamic game content that can offer an easier way for players to band together in more a central location.   Instancing will become a huge part of Vanguard and I think that this time, SOE will get the job done right.

     World Content – While I don’t expect to see much done here, I think we can expect some more content to become available in areas that currently are not well utilized and will mostly be made available to levels in the 40-50+ range.

     Increased Level Cap and Alternate Advancement – The biggest complaint that I normally hear from my fellow players is that there is nothing to do once they reach level 50.  Aside from raid content, that is a point I can’t really argue with.  That is why in addition to increasing the level cap, I expect some form of AA to be released in the next expansion.

     Return of Guild Mates Passed On – Most of your friends that have moved on from the game will be back to check out the changes.   Whether these mysterious people will stay in the game will depend on the quality of the expansion.

     Negativity – Whether or not I am right about my predictions, negativity will continue to surround Vanguard.  Reality is that some people just have to have something to complain about.   At least for the next year or two, it will continue to be fashionable to bash Vanguard and predict it’s impending doom, mostly by people that no longer play the game. 

    Success – Vanguard will never become as popular as WoW, but I do expect it to be just as popular as Everquest and Everquest II.  I think that there is a huge opportunity for SOE to make a move with Vanguard in the upcoming year, but only if they seize the opportunity.  I think that the people at SOE have plenty experience with the production of MMOs to recognize that fact as well as the ability to deliver.

      Shut Up, We’re Talking – After the release the increasingly hyped Warhammer and Conan, the entire cast will spend all of their time playing Vanguard after a hugely successful expansion.  In retaliation, Brent will change the name of the Podcast to “Shut up, We’re Talking About Vanguard”.  Karen and Troy will return to Vanguard, where Troy will two box a Monk named 55378008 (type it in a calculator and read it upside down) and a busty, blonde cleric named ILuvULngTiiiime MeezaHorneey.  Karen will play a Halfling Bard, whose armor will be dyed all the colors of the rainbow.