One of the biggest MMORPGs in the world,Lost Arkhas fallen to hard times since its release in the west three years ago. While it remains easily the best to play and one of the most addictive games, it has a lot of problems that not only plague the experience to the core, both in the west and Korea.
Lost Ark Reintroduces Golden Frog to Disappointing Results
The latest Lost Ark March update arrives to incredibly mixed results.
While we’ve beencritical of Amazon’s handlingof the property over the last few years, lately they seem to be doing a little better with transparency and communication. Whether their actions in previous incidents have been approved by the community is another story, but it seems like they’re more vocal than ever before.
Today, Amazon has released anew statementthat looks to address some of the growing concerns regarding the game’s direction.
Adjustments to Systems
For starters, they have officially announced that the Advanced Honing nerfs that the Korean version received not too long ago will come in the April update. This has been heavily desired considering the cost of utilizing the system was far too expensive, especially considering its importance coming into the next raid tier in June, which unlocks further Advanced Honing levels. They have also reduced the cost of Transcendence by 33% across the board, something that most active players should already have completed.
Advanced Honing Changes
Amazon has also revealed that the balance patch will be part of the April update, as well, with future balancing hopefully being closer to its Korean counterpart.
Localization Changes & Bus Policies
One of the more surprising aspects of their announcement in this surprise update is that Amazon will cease its German and French operations. Instead, while the game will still be offered in Europe, the French and German voice-overs and text will now transition to English. Amazon has stated that “Moving forward, we will be focusing our localization efforts on English and Spanish support.” They are hoping this will free up resources to be used elsewhere, which could be a positive in the long run.
Still, this is a surprising move that will no doubt upset some fans. Amazon has claimed that there are far fewer people utilizing these options, but it will no doubt be a gut punch to those who speak those languages natively, especially those who don’t speak English or have little understanding of it.
Amazon has also reaffirmed their recentBus Advertising policies, giving out harsher penalties now that the “grace period” has passed. Even so, there remain numerous bus lobbies just disguised under different names. Amazon also brought up the Gem System Adjustments that Smilegate mentioned not too long ago, but mostly just ensured that players will be getting what the Korean version eventually gets.
French and German voice-overs and text will now transition to English. Amazon has stated that “Moving forward, we will be focusing our localization efforts on English and Spanish support.”
Getting Out of Tier 3
Finally, Amazon mentions the Tier 3 Deadzone. If you’re unaware, Tier 4 was released back in August and became the new standard. The Ignite Servers even sparked this considering they essentially gave everyone a free Tier 4 character. Unfortunately, if you weren’t part of that time or want to push a new character up there, it’s immensely expensive and unrealistic.
The honing between 1580 and 1620, specifically the last twenty item levels, is one of the largest gold sinks in the game, even comparing it to most of Tier 4 up to +19 gear. Even Smilegate has acknowledged it in the past, and yet they have yet to do anything meaningful to help alleviate issues.
Unfortunately, Amazon has only given us “we are actively working on addressing this” statement. At least they know it’s something the community has brought up and, in the meantime, look to give us more materials and books through planned events.
In the end, this is Amazon essentially pointing out that they are listening to feedback, but seems like they can’t really do much outside of handing things off to Smilegate.
Amazon Makes Big Promises in Spring Lost Ark Roadmap
The next big step in Lost Ark is coming very soon!
