Howdy Heroes!

The Champs team has been hard at work on our next update and I thought you might like to know where we are at and how things are coming along.

This is the first of many dev diaries that we will be posting about our next update, all leading up to its launch.

At this point we are heads down on the largest chunks of the update. We’re doing well and working hard to ensure that PTS gets something new on a weekly basis. Our goal is to get something for you to play and provide feedback on as early as possible. As with any update that includes several large elements, we have bits and pieces in several stages of completion. While it may feel a little rough around the edges now, hitting our polish milestones will really make a big difference. Seeing it all come together is pretty exciting for us. Having you take a look at it and tell us what you think at such an early stage is the best part of all!

So what have we done so far?

Well, as you know we have some big goals for our next update. Be that as it may, it’s a good plan and Champs will be better when all our work is ready to go LIVE. We are re-itemizing the game and improving nearly every piece of loot that you can get. We are also improving stats, roles and gear to allow for more flexibility and customization of your Hero. Somewhere in there are improvements to environments, UI, teaming, missions and of course, the new Alerts System.

On PTS, right now, we have a first pass on Level 6-15 re-itemization (Westside), first pass on Statistics updates, an improved Uranium Flats environment, Team Duels and a reflow of Canada Crisis and the initial Canada missions that adjusts content levels just a little. There are several other small improvements but our main focus this week is the Grab Alerts.

Alerts Overview

Alerts are queued instanced team content that is focused on classic Super Villain scenarios.

There are 3 types of Alerts. That’s not to say there are only 3 missions, it’s more like there are three activities those classic villains just can’t keep from doing. Now that I think about it, they should probably talk with someone about those compulsions…

Let’s take a look at what’s on PTS right now:

GRAB

A GRAB Alert includes thing like heists, robberies, kidnappings or ransom demands.

In a grab mission, you’ll typically catch a Villain and their minions or cohorts in the midst of a crime. It’s up to you to stop them! Although you may find many different villains here, they are all motivated to get the cash and run. Grab Alerts are really classic, super villain scenarios, where you will likely find those pesky tights villains trying to make a quick buck.

Getting into an Alert

Our goal is to make it as easy as 2 clicks to get into an alert. Simply click the Alert you are interested in on the Alert Rotator and click “GO” on the Alert information page that pops up. Pretty easy right?

Once you click “Go” you are queued for that Alert and when 4 other heroes also click “GO” you will be taken to the Alert and grouped up with other like minded Heroes looking to take down that would be super villain.

The Alert Rotator

Next to the Mini Map there is (on PTS) a new UI element that shows what Alerts are available. The Alert Rotator will have a set amount of alerts in the list and will update regularly to show new Alerts as they become available. Old Alerts will rotate out while new Alerts will rotate in. This way you will be able to keep an eye out for that specific Alert type or Villain you like the most and jump in as soon as you see what you were looking for. Personally, I’ll be looking for those Nemesis Alerts.

Rewards

At the basic level, each Alert Type will have a specific, targeted reward. If you are looking for a specific type of reward you can focus on a specific type of Alert. I’ll not go into all the rewards that you can get by playing the Alerts but I will say that you can get costume drops, items and gear as well as bonuses that enhance your game session. There are also some daily quests associated with playing Alerts where you can earn some larger rewards. There is a lot of flexibility in what Alerts can offer and as we get closer to the final re-itemization and rewards across the game we will zero in on what else Alerts can offer.

So, there you have it. Grab Alerts are on PTS right now, with placeholder rewards, along with a few other pieces of our next update and they are ready for you to check out. Even in this early stage there is feedback that you can provide that will make this update even better.

Next week a new Alert Type will be added along with more improvements. I’ll check in and let you know how we’re doing.

See you on PTS.

Rob Overmeyer
Executive Producer
Champions Online