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Firstly, respect to all of you for continuing this discussion in a civilised manner. Sorry MrDoomed, Devs have stated that 3k players is the maximum cap per server, and you’re right about room for everyone … reading the posts after yours its apparent that PVP1 is already suffering from this very issue. Also keep in mind the issues that arise with having maxed out servers and queues, i.e. server de-synchronization, lag etc. and I will try and keep everyone informed with the user numbers as data becomes available. This is exactly what I was fearful of with my original post Bert beard Hard to comment on slamz, as it’s ambiguous at best. Hi clegg, Upon NA going early access I did look at some data {the exact figures were hard to determine} that GL had allowed maybe 6-8k in for early testing, and yes they are included in the graph. On the topic of those early adopters/numbers; just prior to the sea trials server being turned off 15 online at best, normally 6 or 7. After sea trials completed, we started testing OW, followed by map implementation, then economy/trade along with port battles. The week prior to EA there were only around 150 of us left. Disappointing numbers if you were to consider that this first influx of players were your hard-core/niche player base, but that’s how early alphas roll … apparently. Red flags should have been obvious to the devs at this point. To further compound the issue, I think the decisions to remove double shot, to be reworked after nearly two years of combat testing, and to also decrease XP earned just prior to EA was not in the best interest of player experience or the game. I’ll let you draw your own conclusions as to why those decisions were made. What I find most disconcerting post EA is that same pattern continues. Since its release NA has bled players akin to a virtual haemophiliac, with 90-95% of its user base having moved on. I’ve had discussions with players, clans, and ex-streamers to try and analyse from their opinions why it’s gone this way, but that is a discussion for other time. In conclusion, I sincerely hope that GL have a clear and concise roadmap for the future, with the priority being a means for player retention and not continually confusing the issues with statements like “economy may not be in the final release” Peak concurrent players yesterday: 2,811 Cheers all

Totally agree with your points MrDoomed But what concerns me more is the current user base. By the devs confirming a merge, it indicates as I have said earlier in this thread that they have conceded that no more than 5% of the current user base will return or continue to play, no matter what they do. Or on the other hand, if that percentage improves are they content to have their user base queue up to play, keeping in mind that the servers cap at 3K players. *edit* Some other data just to keep this discussion balanced: Peak concurrent players yesterday: 2,811 Cheers all

Hey Clegg, Glad someone realises what I was alluding to. It has come down to the choice that the devs have made, between not supporting a low population server in favor of one that may become so overpopulated you will have to queue up to get into it. Regarding the owner base figures, they have changed since I last took a look and are subject to further change, but as they stand currently: cheers all

So what’s the flip side of merging the servers? Iirc one server can handle 3k players, by merging are the devs conceding that out of the 70k that bought into NA no more than 5% of the user base will return or continue to play no matter what they do?

I’m glad you did Charles, was starting to think that a bit of tongue in cheek humour was beyond the scope of these forums, and thanks for the link, an interesting read. Cheers guys, and may the winds be with you

What can I say ... yeah we all are of the finest stock, but what a fall from grace ... from offshore cousins to scum of the earth.

Offshore cousins, are you sure you don’t mean offshore convicts lol If I remember correctly, we were a British penal colony ... so probably not a good idea to give us ships under those circumstances

Good point Steel ... Currently playing Spain

Hey mate, I’m also from Melbourne Have toyed around with the idea, but the options for Guild/Clan are pretty poor atm, no clan bank, no officers etc. On top of that I’m not sure if I have another wipe left in me lol. But if you want to hook up and knock around together PM me. Have forked out the 100k for clan “Rimfire” but there will be only be the two of us unless there are other Aussies or Kiwis who want to hook up. Also have a TS3 server hosted out of Sydney by hypernia. Cheers mate

A way of protection would be that the party that wants haul your precious goods, has to place X amount of gold {which would exceed the value of said goods} into an escrow account, which is redeemed upon delivery. So you’re totally covered just like insurance, with the onus to fore fill contract being on the hauler. This would alleviate grieving, scamming etc.

Had some time over the weekend, so played around with a new map design ... again lol. Still a WIP, need to finish the rivers and put in roads. Nearly dragged out the graphics tablet to start work on a hand painted version, but got distracted as always, {I'm so easily distracted guys} Thanks for the links wind ... tbh was just trying to avoid the work lol Cheers all

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie ... oi, oi, oi {our war cry} pretty frighting hey Good to see a few of us in here. We should also team up with our brothers across the Tasman, any Kiwi's playing NA? Currently playing Spain. Cheers all

For those that prefer color maps

As the devs have stated that they are going to add more ports, I spent time over the weekend playing around with some new map designs for community maps until the release of the in-game map. For these versions I’m using digital elevation models from the NASA/JPL Shuttle Radar Topography Mission. This gives me the option to refine the maps via mudbox and world machine, for perhaps doing a final port into the Unity 3D engine, for true 3D maps down the line. As always, any thoughts or feedback appreciated.

Thank you mate, looking forward to sailing with you again