Hello

[Norman Lancaster]

I have been playing UO since 1997 on and off. Mostly off since the release of AoS. I am a software engineer and agile coach in my day job. At night I like to game and code. I've only ever lurked in the UO emulation community, but I feel the time has come for that to change. I see the number of PvE-focused private servers dwindling, and I'd like to do something about that.

I am not certain if running a shard should be my focus or contributing code. I definitely want to run my own shard as I have a vision that I have not seen before that should be pretty fun.

Anyway, I have a lot of nostalgia for the old days on OSI, but that's not what brings me back. It's the openness and freedom of the game and its mechanics that keeps me coming back. I think if you give players mechanics they enjoy in the open environment that is UO, and content to use those mechanics in, you've got a winning combination.

 

[Oxtar]

If you plan to have a shard made your own way, you probably want to be the one in charge to run it. In the past, there have been a lot of issues between developers(my own experience of working with others) that destroyed projects along the way. If you ever managed a project, you should be aware of the amount of time it will consume and if you are willing to put that time into it. If you don't want to, you might want to contribute your knowledge and your ideas with someone who has an open mind and objectivity.

If it's a first for you(coding a shard), you will have a blast because the UO universe is so much fun. Feels like being a god. hahaha

 

[Norman Lancaster]

Thank you for your input Oxtar! I do enjoy coding for ServUO, as I did with RunUO back in the day. But back then I spent nearly a month coding up a RunUO shard, developing content, etc. but found I had no desire to do the community building and advertising needed to get it off the ground. So I had a nearly production-ready shard all dressed up with nowhere to go.

So I've still got this great idea rattling about in my brain, I just think I might have more fun focusing on coding for ServUO than trying to make a shard happen. But maybe if I found the right people to help with the stuff I find unattractive, like advertising, forum moderation, website design, etc. and that bought into my vision that would work.

Just FYI I have since gotten much better at people interaction and would welcome the challenge of trying to build a community.

Thank you again for your input!

 

[Oxtar]

Fortunately and unfortunatly, the best way to advertise your shard is from underground communication. Friends telling friends.

But i do agree, advertising is a hassle and sometimes very, very boring. You just need to get surrounded by people that support the work you are doing.

The very first shard i made(fully coded) couldn't get more than 10 players. Most of the time they left after 1 week or so. As i was telling myself. Why?, i coded every single things perfectly(for a newbie, let's be honest) and the server is fun! Only to find out that you need more than just coding

If you ever need help for what you find unattractive, we could talk about it. It would be a pleasure.

 

[Norman Lancaster]

Thanks! I'll hit you up if I decide to go that way.

 

[Kilra Yan]

Dear Norman, nice to see you behind the scenes.

As I written previously, the more of us are supporting the more ServUO emulator will be able to create the best kick to start a good UO base shard and this is going to advantage everyone.

I hope you will support us as community and help keeping the great effort.

I am here since a few months and I have developed some basic experience especially in building basic quests, adding custom items, decorate, fix world spawns & creating new npcs.

I will be glad to share any useful information, fixes or material in my possession and also not (if possibly available) to improve ServUO emulator.

So please for any question feel free to ask!

Welcome!