MapleStory is a free to play game, catered to players of all different ages. Gameplay can be enhanced substantially through various items available in the Cash Shop. As such, Maplers can be classified broadly into two categories: funded and unfunded. The common and distinct challenges faced by both group of Maplers would be discussed subsequently in this section.
Common challenges faced by all:
1) Hacking is rampant, affecting the dynamics of gameplay. There is no effective avenue for players to report hackers or to take prompt action against hackers.
2) In-game bugs are not rectified promptly (example: invalid pointer DC issue, Kaiser DC issue- previously reported in other Maplestory services).
3) Players were not given similar benefits upon comparison to other Maplestory services (example: elven tiara, hot time events, Angelic Buster / Luminous Tempest Set were not given to MapleSEA players. Various items are not available in Season 2 shop).
4) Trading of high value items in game is virtually impossible due to hyper inflation of mesos and meso cap at 2.1 billion. Maple Trading System (MTS) is not robust enough to cater for all items
Challenges faced by unfunded players:
1) It is impossible for a team of unfunded players to successfully defeat a powerful boss monster (example: Cygnus is now limited to a team of 6 members, down from the previous limit of 18 members).
2) A substantial number of game events require @cash for participation.
3) Drop rates from more accessible bosses (example: Zakum) are horrible, especially for core skill books (example: Phantom Blow, Flame Wheel).
Challenges faced by funded players:
1) Certain requirements for bossing are redundant (example: Horntail requires 10 players surviving for drops to be given).
2) Drop rates from bosses are significantly lower compared to other Maplestory services, resulting in uneven sharing of benefits among team members.
3) The game client is unstable when handling high demands required during bossing (example Chaos HornTail), resulting in player disconnections.
The second part of the letter will state the requests of the Maplers:
1) We would like to see greater actions in the control and eradication of hackers / botters. This includes more frequent policing in-game by GMs, an effective whistle blowing avenue in game and the targeting of hackers' “financial centres” in game. Players should be empowered to take action against hackers with measures such as the usage of Lie Detector Tests, the ability to submit in-game reports on offenders without daily limits.
2) We would like to have a more comprehensive trading system in game which will allow for trades to be conducted safely and honorably, within the rules stated in your Game Rules. This includes having provisions to trade items requiring scissors of karma (SOK), potential items (through MTS) and bulk amount of mesos (We are looking at amounts beyond 10 billion).
3) Pursuant to point 2, we would like to see measures taken on the ever depreciating value of the in game currency, mesos. Hyper inflation if left unchecked, would render higher meso caps on trade, useless eventually. The viable solution would be to implement a “monetary policy” which would, but not limited to, remove across the board a certain portion of mesos in circulation, also known as zero slashing. (Reference: “Will a monetary(mesos) policy work for MapleSEA?” thread on General Discussion of Playpark forums)
4) We would like to have our benefits to be on par, if not better, when compared to other Maplestory services. This includes generic drop rate for in game items, pricing of in game items, complimentary items from events and exclusive events. Citing the recent release of Angelic Buster, players in MapleStorySEA were only given a time limited scooter and Cash Item Shoe, as opposed to other services in which players received a full wardrobe of Cash Items and a permanent mount. Such a discrepancy is baseless and uncalled for.
5) We would like to have a more efficient system of incident management pertaining to issues faced in game (bug reports). A section of the official website should be devoted to the proactive announcement of bugs, and work in progress status of the fix. (References: “[Discussion] New Classes Patch Issues”, “All those intending to or are playing Kaiser, beware!” & “Invalid pointer fixed! Post results after fix!” threads on General Discussion of Playpark forums)
6) We would like to have a more comprehensive management of complaints, especially in the area of scams and trade dispute. Players should not be left to their own when they turn to official sources. Proper investigations must be carried out if the case warrants for it. Players should be given the benefit of the doubt instead of the inherent assumption that such reports are an attempt to “defraud” the game.
7) Pursuant to point 6, we would also like to see greater transparency in the interpretation of the rules and regulations of the game. Infractions or punishments meted out to offenders have to be justified. Subsequent acquittal or discharge of offenders should be fair and be to reasons acceptable to the community. Additionally, the proceedings of such investigations should be made public as and when the need arises. (Reference: “The Dark Side Of Asiasoft : Only the RICH survive” thread on General Discussion of Playpark forums. This thread have been raging on for three months)
8) We would like to see a revamp of the current system of bossing specifically in these areas:
a) Removal of 10 member surviving for drops to be awarded in Horntail
b ) Increase in the maximum allowable participants for raids (Cygnus in particular)
c) Provision of means to rejoin the raid in the event of disconnection.
9) We would like to see improvement in the following areas of game play:
a) Allowing multiple parties to enter the same Party Quest (PQ) in a single channel, specifically for popular PQs such as Romeo & Juliet. (References: “[Petition] To allow multiple parties to enter PQs per channel!” thread on General Discussion of Playpark forums)
b ) Removal of various fame level requirements to enter maps (example: Gate to the Future). The requirements have been proven to be ineffective in the deterrence of hackers, only to inconvenience players.
c) Refrain from giving nonsensical events which requires users to remain in the game for a prolonged period of time (Example: Men's & Ladies Night where participants need to remain online for more than 20 hours to get the highest tier rewards)
10) We would like to see a truly exclusive job(s) for MapleStorySEA that is reflective of local culture and heritage. ZEN does not count! it is a simple replication of an existing job which does not even have the game changing Hyper Skills.
In conclusion, players in MapleSEA appeared to have been given the “HARD” mode of the game to play based on the assumption that our players are superior or are more “efficient” compared to players of other MapleStory services. We would like to reiterate that this concept is flawed. Elite players do exist in every game, however, majority of the players are no where near the capabilities of such “elite” players. Your current policy of “giving less and expecting more” is unacceptable. The act of reducing benefits given to players and hoping for them to spend more is myopic and unsustainable.
We hope MapleStorySEA can be made into a more inclusive game whereby ALL players are able to enjoy the game. As the saying goes : Generosity begets Generosity. Stinginess impoverishes.
Thank you for reading our letter, we hope to have your official reply by September 2013.
