Been a while since I last posted here in the forums
Then again despite the inactivity I was following trending and hot threads such as this one every now and then. Moreover, if I may, I'd love to share some of my input with regards to this topic as I myself am quite a bit torn with regards to the updates, the update time frame cycle, and the feature inclusions in the said updates.
First off, I have to agree with the majority of the people who posted in here that the most recent roll-out of updates has been quite disappointing considering the value for money factor and some others. For a fact, this has grown to be a reason for me to somehow become inactive in-game; for if I were to reference my post on the "I love 3DXChat" thread, this might be more than just a sex game with awesome graphics, but nowadays it's slowly becoming to be "just a sex game" not because of the previously argued reason that it was due to some inconsiderate users and such, but because there has been not enough compelling content to keep users going back to the game. Bluntly speaking, the game has somewhat become stale for the time being that (for a long term player) one'll be frustrated as to why there's nothing really new. For example, clothing articles and hairstyles? Yes they're essential in a way to further diversify character customization, but it's not really that "substantial" to a player more so for a long term one. Such features can be classified as "minor" updates which can be released at a weekly or biweekly cycle. Moreover, it's "substantial" updates that a player would love to have so that they'll keep on coming back in-game. Such updates are a prerogative should there come a time that an update isn't released for, say, about a month or so. One example of a "substantial" update which in my opinion was really worth the patience despite the somewhat out of the blue and problematic launch period was the User Rooms, whereas this feature not only changed the way people in game communicate and all, but it further diversified and honed the creativity and abilities of some users which made them "want more" from the game somehow and keep on coming back.
With the aforesaid argument in hand, I suppose it would be healthy for the community and the devs if the following are present:
1.) Constant communication and dialogue from the devs with the community with regards to the content and features present and to be developed in future updates. (Taking into consideration a balance between SPECIFICS [referencing Wizard's post above] and maintaining the element of surprise for the feature list in the updates.) Moreover, after-launch dialogues are also appreciated so that the community's input can be taken into consideration to further enhance a certain feature or so.
2.) A definite time frame for releasing updates so that the community would refrain from thinking that the developers aren't doing enough to keep the game interesting. [referencing D1SC0STU's "Regarding Development" thread] One good example would be: Within a 1 month time frame, there should be either at least 4 weekly "minor" updates, one biweekly "minor" update and an end of week "minor" and "substantial" combo update, two biweekly "substantial" updates, or one very "substantial" update along with some or several "minor" updates. Moreover, such time frames can either be somehow openly discussed with the community depending on the feature in development for a said upcoming update, or maintain anonymity with the time frame as long as ample information would be given to the community as to whether the feature in-development for the next update is either "minor" or "substantial" so that players can set their expectations right.
Furthermore, since I'm getting into the "minor" and "substantial" categories for updates, I reckon majority would agree with me if I were to categorize features as below:
Features considered as Minor Updates
Clothing Articles and Accessories (considered as "Substantial" update if such includes a major feature [e.g. Mask, hiding nickname when worn])
Furniture" and Materials for the Home ("considered as "Substantial" update if such includes a major feature [e.g. Radio, music streaming])
Hairstyles
Single Non-Sexual Pose/Animation
Sex Pose Revamps (e.g. like the poses from current update)
Features considered as Substantial Updates
New Sex Poses/Animations
Rooms
Public Areas
Multiple Non-Sexual Poses/Animations
Games [e.g. Beach Volleyball or Spin the Bottle]
Major Features requiring XGold and the like (of which such would require dialogue with the community [Hint: Utilize the "What would you like to buy with your XGold" thread for input and correspondence for such features])
Other Major Features that are either by request or not present in-game
On another note, some thoughts on features requiring XGold. Such can be more or less inevitable in certain aspects, but as long as such features are worth it then one won't see users complaining about it. Just take the current Drinks feature situation for example along with the Room Invite feature situation as well
With that, it is only fitting to have a Daily Rewards system which is a step in the right direction in my opinion. Therefore, if I may, I'd like to suggest on how to implement the Daily Rewards basing from some experiences that I had on other chatting clients
The reward shall be given upon log-in, and it would be a constant yet ample amount that one would be able to do at least one or two of the following things within a week: -> Send 1 or 2 Room Invites -> Give 1 to 3 gifts -> Have 10 to 15 drinks. Consequently, a XGold Reward bonus [referencing SageStoner's suggestion] can be given depending on a player's subscription
I strongly believe that such an implementation would suffice to sustain an optimal environment for players to use such XGold Features.
With all of these said, I would like to close with saying that I do hope that the dev team will take into consideration most of the suggestions given by the community (mine included), and that we, the community, are looking forward to your response towards our feedback. For the record, your (dev team) hard work is very much appreciated in many ways, and we thank you for giving us such a fun, healthy, and enjoyable medium where we can express ourselves and we can communicate with other people. Just treat our suggestions as a heads up so that we can maintain and sustain the game and make it grow even more, to the point that we can realize its potential; moreover, so that we could also have a win-win robust relationship with each other and lessen such instances where people would get disappointed.