Official: Simucon Indiegogo Campaign

[Fallen]

The 2017 Simucon Indiegogo campaign is running now. There are limited $75 tickets left for the in-person auction, but the $30 tier complete with giftbag including a 4x RPA other nice in-game items are unlimited and do not require attendance.

Here is the link: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/simucon-2017/x/16794654#/

The campaign is scheduled to run for 2 months.

[Nephelem]

Auction limit is bullshit. Account binding and limited number of spots likely equals no reserves on outrageous items so grats to those who scored one.

[drauz]

Well the auction is already sold out. That is pretty weak, actually going to it this year and I can't do the auction now. Not the best start to the trip.

[Androidpk]

Well the auction is already sold out. That is pretty weak, actually going to it this year and I can't do the auction now. Not the best start to the trip.

Cancel your trip and threaten to cancel all your accounts.

[Tgo01]

I kind of want to go this year. I'll set up a table where all the cool kids can talk about politics all day.

[drauz]

I kind of want to go this year. I'll set up a table where all the cool kids can talk about politics all day.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Sitting_up_with_a_Sick_Friend.jpg/310px-Sitting_up_with_a_Sick_Friend.jpg

[Fortybox]

I kind of want to go this year. I'll set up a table where all the cool kids can talk about politics all day.

If Vishra comes will there be a knife fight?

[drauz]

Also someone should bring Cards against Humanity!

[Tgo01]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Sitting_up_with_a_Sick_Friend.jpg/310px-Sitting_up_with_a_Sick_Friend.jpg

Damn right!


If Vishra comes will there be a knife fight?

Double damn right!


Also someone should bring Cards against Humanity!

Triple damn right!

[Ceyrin]

I like how the Gemstone auction is sold out but the DR auction hasn't sold at all.

[hello]

I like how the Gemstone auction is sold out but the DR auction hasn't sold at all.

I'm curious what the mix is for the people coming to Simucon, 50/50 GS and DR?

[Jhynnifer]

I'm kind of surprised it sold out, I showed up the second day of Simucon last year and they managed to wrangle me up an auction slot package. =(

[hello]

I'm kind of surprised it sold out, I showed up the second day of Simucon last year and they managed to wrangle me up an auction slot package. =(

That's because you're a girl and you're popular. If I went up to them and told them I was Macgyver, they would probably lure me into a car and drive me to some remote woods then tell me, "Run, I'll give you a minute head start."

[BLZrizz]

I'm kind of surprised it sold out, I showed up the second day of Simucon last year and they managed to wrangle me up an auction slot package. =(

Zythica seems surprised as well, as we didn't even hit 30 last year. She implies that some folks bought not knowing you have to by physically present at the con to claim the auction tier.

[Gelston]

Zythica seems surprised as well, as we didn't even hit 30 last year. She implies that some folks bought not knowing you have to by physically present at the con to claim the auction tier.

I think because the site says "If you are unable to donate but still want to attend, that’s okay!"

Then again...

Purchasing Perks and Attending SimuCon
With the exception of the Goodie Bag perk, you must be present at SimuCon to claim any perks. Physical items will not be mailed.

[Ltlprprincess]

I think the concern was more on the someone buying multiple auction wins.

[BLZrizz]

I think because the site says "If you are unable to donate but still want to attend, that’s okay!"

Then again...

Purchasing Perks and Attending SimuCon
With the exception of the Goodie Bag perk, you must be present at SimuCon to claim any perks. Physical items will not be mailed.

GS4 folks are some of the biggest "FOMOs" I've ever encountered. I doubt many would have read down all the way to the fourth paragraph when the words "limited" and "auction" are flashing elsewhere.

[Eodus]

I think the concern was more on the someone buying multiple auction wins.

I will say this. I was on that Indiegogo page within an hour of it being mentioned on the FB group. I'm not overly familiar with using Indiegogo and failed to note that a limited number of these tickets were being offered. Figured I'd have an opportunity to come back and sign up later.

No, I'm not "furious" about it. This is a game after all. One that I take quite seriously. But this was the first year I'd really set my mind on attending Simucon after two decades of on & off GS'ing, and getting left out of this *apparently* (not boldly advertised as) highly exclusive auction is a letdown.

Probably still going. Not that anyone gives a shit about whether some totally random unknown player attends or not. But definitely super bummed out about this auction business 😞 and sounds like whomever was lucky enough to snag a ticket is in for a real treat. Kudos.

[hello]

I will say this. I was on that Indiegogo page within an hour of it being mentioned on the FB group. I'm not overly familiar with using Indiegogo and failed to note that a limited number of these tickets were being offered. Figured I'd have an opportunity to come back and sign up later.

No, I'm not "furious" about it. This is a game after all. One that I take quite seriously. But this was the first year I'd really set my mind on attending Simucon after two decades of on & off GS'ing, and getting left out of this *apparently* (not boldly advertised as) highly exclusive auction is a letdown.

Probably still going. Not that anyone gives a shit about whether some totally random unknown player attends or not. But definitely super bummed out about this auction business �� and sounds like whomever was lucky enough to snag a ticket is in for a real treat. Kudos.

Ends up being 10k silvers and a GLAAD. lol.

[Jhynnifer]

That's because you're a girl and you're popular. If I went up to them and told them I was Macgyver, they would probably lure me into a car and drive me to some remote woods then tell me, "Run, I'll give you a minute head start."

A) I'm not popular.
B) The reason they'd do that has nothing to do with your gender.

[Luxelle]

I watched some of the streaming last year from SimuCon ... I think they had very few people from DR. I remember the phrase "the DR guy" a lot, but someone who was actually there might have a lot better idea than my impression from a couple video feeds.

This year's SimuCon looks much like last year's at Indiegogo. The DR GMs couldn't even be bothered to have a list of perks ready for the start of the Indigogo last year either.

So ... I'm thinking that should send a big message to DR players. Again.

[Gelston]

I watched some of the streaming last year from SimuCon ... I think they had very few people from DR. I remember the phrase "the DR guy" a lot, but someone who was actually there might have a lot better idea than my impression from a couple video feeds.

This year's SimuCon looks much like last year's at Indiegogo. The DR GMs couldn't even be bothered to have a list of perks ready for the start of the Indigogo last year either.

So ... I'm thinking that should send a big message to DR players. Again.

Do you know if DR still has more players than GS?

[Gizmo]

Do you know if DR still has more players than GS?

Still does, but it's pretty close to where GS is as usual.

Alot of times, or at least it used to be, that Simucoin had a rather good turnout for DR players.

But I think since dev slowed a bit there, people did too

[Gelston]

Still does, but it's pretty close to where GS is as usual.

Alot of times, or at least it used to be, that Simucoin had a rather good turnout for DR players.

But I think since dev slowed a bit there, people did too

Yeah, last one I went to, like 2012 or so, had about even numbers of DR and GS, maybe a few more DR.

[Roblar]

I went in 2015 and it was vastly more GS.

I think from the stream and talking to players there that 2014 and 2016 was the same situation.

[Raelee]

I think over the past 3-4 years, a handful of GS GMs have done a fantastic job in trying to reinvigorate Simucon and make it a good experience for the players who attend. Unfortunately, nobody on the DR side of the fence has really stepped up in quite the same way. Once upon a time the DR players used to outnumber the GS players at the con by a large margin. It's completely reversed itself. GS attendance is still going up, DR's keeps shrinking.

[Kronius]

Damn, man. Auction Tier is limited, sold out, and account bound? Not really sure the reasoning there, it's a very attractive piece of getting people to SimuCon, one which I was looking forward with anticipation this year.

[chalion]

Damn, man. Auction Tier is limited, sold out, and account bound? Not really sure the reasoning there, it's a very attractive piece of getting people to SimuCon, one which I was looking forward with anticipation this year.

A few reasons, not that they are valid or I agree etc etc, but the reasons are:

1) Auction items have to be built, yes some are "packages", but even those require QC and direct GM involvement in creating things like custom verbs, custom familiars, limited custom RP experiences (Spend a day with Gurbah from Solhaven hitting on centaur girls) or auction quality weapons and armor etc that don't exist yet. Some require less involvement than others, but it all adds up. They make sure that each person who buys into the auction, gets an item or package or what have you. I believe they had a few extras last year that didnt sell, but the people who didnt buy something got like 15-30 minutes of private GM time for GLAD work.

2) Some of the items that went out were crazy expensive/powerful. Not all, but a few were true god auction quality. There was limited drama over reselling at least one of those items (not judging, just stating). That MAY be part of it, but I suspect this answer instead - The auction started off with high silver amounts and then quickly turned into "comedy" MBs of 1 silver, and almost every item in the last 3/4s of the auction went for like 1 million or less silvers, generally speaking. I think one of the best items/features was a custom familiar for like 10 silvers. The auction is equal parts a real auction and a "thank you" for coming out to simucon with a really neat custom/con attendance only item/win/whatever. Yes, there is a "con" specific scripted item, but thats available to everyone so not exactly the same.

3)Based on the items and prices from last year, a lot of people REALLY wanted to get into the auction based on what they saw, so I'm sure thats why it sold out so fast. There might also be equal parts FOMO with people not physically attending thinking they are going to get an auction invite to some private auction in game, which is not the case.

[Ltlprprincess]

It's GALD: General Alter, Lighten, Deepen. Not General Lighten, Alter, Deepen.

[SashaFierce]

Damn, man. Auction Tier is limited, sold out, and account bound? Not really sure the reasoning there, it's a very attractive piece of getting people to SimuCon, one which I was looking forward with anticipation this year.

I'm guessing the Tservin/Haldrik situation had something to do with it. Where Haldrik posted on the officials complaining that GM's were buying items at the Simucon auction to resell for profit.

http://forum.gsplayers.com/showthread.php?103708-GM-Profiteering-Post-Pulled-from-Officials-Cover-up

[chalion]

It's GALD: General Alter, Lighten, Deepen. Not General Lighten, Alter, Deepen.

how dare you have the gull to correct me!

[Ltlprprincess]

how dare you have the gull to correct me!

*gall

[Gelston]

*gall

He is talking about a bird.

[Ltlprprincess]

He is talking about a bird.

Birds are evil.

[Viekn]

It's GALD: General Alter, Lighten, Deepen. Not General Lighten, Alter, Deepen.

Thank you! For whatever reason, that really drives the shit out of me as well.

[chalion]

My head literally just exploded with rage.

[hello]

Still does, but it's pretty close to where GS is as usual.

Alot of times, or at least it used to be, that Simucoin had a rather good turnout for DR players.

But I think since dev slowed a bit there, people did too

This is incorrect. As of Q1 of 2017 Gemstone IV has greater DAU and MAU than DragonRealms.

DragonRealms is a mess and unfortunately I don't think it will ever get better mainly because the problems are very serious core issues. The first being the way EXP is gained and the endless 'leveling' and eventually the PvP "I pwned you" mentality that follows. None of which will change due to HLC's (who've all devoted a chunk of their lives to the game) blocking any positive progress.

Gemstone IV has hit that perfect balance of a technical cap (100) which can be achieved in 4 or 5 years of continuous play and is more geared toward item acquisition. It also has, I hate to admit it, far better RP and RPers. The people are ten times friendlier and the game is geared toward socializing. Couple all this with active non-stop development by Wyrom and the GM team, and GSIV is better in almost every possible metric you can think of. And if you guys know me I started on the other side of the fence (used to be a bigtime DR fanboy).

[Fromer]

I will say this. I was on that Indiegogo page within an hour of it being mentioned on the FB group. I'm not overly familiar with using Indiegogo and failed to note that a limited number of these tickets were being offered. Figured I'd have an opportunity to come back and sign up later.


I think there is a good chance here that they will allow more auction slots to be purchased AT simucon before the auction begins (which is what happened last year). Zythica really does a fine job pulling it all together and I know that she really cares that people are enjoying the experience.

[ArchSenex]

I wouldn't be surprised if they add more slots even before. They just don't want to have only 10-15 people signed up, and then suddenly 20-25 on the last few days before con. This way, they know ahead of time and can say "no more" 1 month out to give time to get stuff ready.

[Wyrom]

Hey guys, just to stomp on speculations. We offered the numbers for funding purposes only. Since SimuCon is not a revenue event for Simutronics, we only need enough to put on the party. Last year, we only sold 28 auction tickets, and that's only after people upgraded after being at Con. We put the numbers higher (30) this year, just to let people buy in beforehand, since it's easier to know how many items we have prior to SimuCon.

Zythica will be posting an update about this soon.

[beldannon5]

I understand openening more slots, however being one of the 30 I understand not opening it as I am a little greedy.

If other people get in i have less chance at the really nice item i want. :)

[Dazmar]

When I saw the link yesterday I clearly saw you had to attend to be part of the auction so I did not bid. I mean it was like a paragraph of information to digest before putting in your credit card. If someone who plays a text game seriously can't read a paragraph properly before making a buying decision they may have bigger issues with gemstone than this. :)

[ArchSenex]

I understand openening more slots, however being one of the 30 I understand not opening it as I am a little greedy.

If other people get in i have less chance at the really nice item i want. :)

I'm hoping the committed interest means more nice items to choose from. Sucks much less to miss out on an item if you were already torn between 3-5 items in the first place.

[hello]

When I saw the link yesterday I clearly saw you had to attend to be part of the auction so I did not bid. I mean it was like a paragraph of information to digest before putting in your credit card. If someone who plays a text game seriously can't read a paragraph properly before making a buying decision they may have bigger issues with gemstone than this. :)

With Lich; Gemstone plays you.

[Luxelle]

Hey guys, just to stomp on speculations.

This is why he has THE POWER! He can beat speculations and rumors with actual information.

Next thread?

[Fallen]

There are 10 remaining auction slots that were added to the Simucon Indiegogo campaign. If you plan to attend in person, I wouldn't hesitate to get your tickets as soon as possible.

[beldannon5]

The greedy self servicing part of me wants there to be two auctions like at the grand auction. One for people that got in the first 30 and one for those who werent on time. The other part of me is happy for those that missed out.

[Jhynnifer]

The greedy self servicing part of me wants there to be two auctions like at the grand auction. One for people that got in the first 30 and one for those who werent on time. The other part of me is happy for those that missed out.

The auction was definitely fun last year (mostly because of those rum slushes, thank you Lydil!), but I didn't go into it looking for something amazing and came away with an item that is probably considered a waste by 95% of the population. It was definitely not the highlight of the weekend for me, though. Meeting people I've been playing with the past 7+ years was. =p

[Latrinsorm]

Birds are evil.he's got natural talent

what i like to call gull

ability

[Fallen]

Hey everyone, we're sorry about the delay in this goodie bag. Some staffing changes happened during the development of the Goodie Bag that has delayed the distribution of the items.The memento item is being finalized and then everything will be ready. Due to the delay, we'll also be adding an additional item to the Goodie Bag.

In previous years, a GameMaster usually tries to track everyone down in game, but moving forward, we're going to use another system that we already use for global item distribution to hopefully speed this up.

Again, sorry for the delay.

[Jhynnifer]

Due to the delay, we'll also be adding an additional item to the Goodie Bag.

A 2% discount on simucoin purchases of $99 or more.

[neimanz1]

A 2% discount on simucoin purchases of $99 or more.


Riend for PM!!!

[Reagan]

Goodie bags coming with Savants. I've stopped watching the mailman, he's starting to feel bad about himself.

[Fallen]

I'm working on the script, but a large, last minute batch of EG script QC has been my priority.

ASGM Sleken

For context, he's working on completing the items for the rewards bundle.

[Fallen]

For those who purchased the SimuCon Goodie Bag, you should now have access to the Roisterer title. For anyone who doesn't have access to the title, but purchased the goodie bag, email me your account name at gs4-estild@play.net.

GameMaster Estild