Ok, can someone actually tell me why I would want Arc on my PC??
See, I don't play any other PWE games and STO is pretty much the only one I'm interested in. I'm here because of ST. Regardless of how many shiny bilboards and commercials you shove in my face, that won't change. I'm just not into those types of game. I'm more of a space sci-fi fan.
So, again, why would I want added piece of bloatware running in background and using portion of my PC resources that does nothing positive for me??
I'm fine with the current launcher, tywm, if this thing becomes mandatory as expected I'll really need to reconsider my position.
Tell me, with all the latest sub. not receiving Zen issues, loses of promotional subscriptions, payment issues and now this marvel that is Arc - Is PWE in somekind of a contest to see how many people they can drive off?!?
NCSoft did the same thing with City of Heroes. CoH was the only NCSoft game I played, and I had to go through the NCSoft launcher. It wasn't a big deal. I wasn't inundated with ads, and the launcher had an option to close after you launched your game. I didn't download other games, even though there was the option to, because I didn't want to play them.
Was it a transparent attempt at trying to get people to play other games? Yes. That didn't mean I had to play those games, and it's the same situation here.
Let me say it in an easy way.
I don't have a Steam account
I don't have an Uplay account
I don't have an Origin account
I never had an Impulse account
I never had an Triton account
No gamersgate no whatever.
I never bound a game to an account - exept pure online games. I not even activated a game that i only wanted to play local.
Nor i downloaded any of this spyware.
I'm not that happy with the combinated PWE account.
And i don't want Arc as an Steamlike spyware.
And i don't play any other PWE game atm nor do i want to play an other PWE game atm. And yes, i know the games.
I want to choose if i want to start STO with the old launcher (no it is clear why this buggy thing has not been touched for a long time exept some minor bugfixing) or if i want to use some asian steam.
But hell, I don't even want to use the US Steam or the "Steam" from europe.
Arc is here. Are you are referring to the possibility that it may be required in the future? If so, we'd love to eventually evolve Arc to the point where it is fully integrated in all of our games, but we're simply not ready to do that yet, as we're still in the experimental, early development phase. First, we want to test it out, add new features, make sure people like it, and, above all else, grow it into something that players want to use because it legitimately improves the overall game experience.
Regarding existing players*, my quote from the other thread when we introduced it still holds true:
*Do note that if you uninstall the game and need to reinstall, or get a new computer, you will need to download Arc to install and launch STO.
Cheers,
Brandon =/\=
People do not like it Brandon ... and I have always stuck up for STO, but ... this ... I cannot stick up for.
DOWN WITH ARC
DOWN WITH ARC
DOWN WITH ARC
Hopefully I'll come back from my break; this break is fun; I play intellectual games.
While I don't plan on downloading or using Arc myself right now, I find it interesting that the reactions here seem almost exactly the same as Steam when it first came out.
I'm extremely concerned by this development. Let's be frank - it may now only be required for new users - but we all know that this is just one step in making it mandatory for all users. This was evident from the moment it was announced.
I like Star Trek - and it is only because of this that I like STO. I do not like any other MMORPGs, and have zero interest or inclination to play them - no adverts will change this. Out of fairness, I took the liberty just now of visiting the PWE site for research purposes - so that I could see whether any of their titles might actually appeal. None did in the slightest - even those that are free to play.
Hence the underlying aim of this arc thingy (to get players interested in the other PWE titles) - has no benefit to me as a customer (and a paying one at that).
It is probably going to be the opposite - and be an active nuisance. I will be required to download bloatware that will use up system resources, likely increase load time. I also fear it will be collecting data in the background, and will constantly need to patch/download to receive the latest updates to its adverts. I share the concerns of respected players like Bluegeek, who have expressed the downsides of this far more eloquently that I am able.
No matter how PR tries to spin this - the majority of players who are aware of this simply do not want it.
Okay, for those who are worried about this thing collecting data in the background, I just installed Arc and it DOES give you the option to turn that off when you install it.
While I don't plan on downloading or using Arc myself right now, I find it interesting that the reactions here seem almost exactly the same as Steam when it first came out.
I'm still not that keen on Steam. I fail to see why people get so infatuated with it.
I like Star Trek - and it is only because of this that I like STO. I do not like any other MMORPGs, and have zero interest or inclination to play them - no adverts will change this. Out of fairness, I took the liberty just now of visiting the PWE site for research purposes - so that I could see whether any of their titles might actually appeal. None did in the slightest - even those that are free to play.
Hence the underlying aim of this arc thingy (to get players interested in the other PWE titles) - has no benefit to me as a customer (and a paying one at that).
I seem to recall one of PWE's aims when acquiring Cryptic was to expand away from its Asian markets, and start having an impact in the rest of the world.
the thought occurs that this hasn't happened, and so Arc, to force people to be exposed to advertising for their other games.
I wonder if it occurred to anyone at PWE that the reason No-one from the west got interested in their other games is because its an utterly different culture and the PWE style games just plain do not appeal.
Increased adds, well that'll have two effects. Annoying people, and forcing others away.
Okay, for those who are worried about this thing collecting data in the background, I just installed Arc and it DOES give you the option to turn that off when you install it.
The fact it has that capabilities isn't going to make anyone feel better.
Okay, for those who are worried about this thing collecting data in the background, I just installed Arc and it DOES give you the option to turn that off when you install it.
I'll have to try it just to see what it actually does. I'm skeptical about things saying its not doing something and then find out its not doing what its conveying.
Edit: I guess I can keep an open mind for now anyways lol...
I also see what people are talking about because it recognizes I have neverwinter installed but it doesn't acknowledge that I have STO already installed.
Okay, for those who are worried about this thing collecting data in the background, I just installed Arc and it DOES give you the option to turn that off when you install it.
Ha ha ha.
I love it, is it a big red button that says "TOTALLY SAFE I SWEAR!" on the spyware they're shoving down our throats?
Okay, for those who are worried about this thing collecting data in the background, I just installed Arc and it DOES give you the option to turn that off when you install it.
Does it have an option to close Arc after the game has launched?
If not its like the bus driver hanging out with you after he drops you off where your going. Incredibly creepy and totally unnecessary.
Launchers should just launch the game and be gone. We don't need the Swiss Army Knife of launchers that does 10 things we don't need and wont go away or stop eating any of our computers resources once its done the one job we do need.
Okay, for those who are worried about this thing collecting data in the background, I just installed Arc and it DOES give you the option to turn that off when you install it.
Sadly after it is installed you can't change the option it seems.
From what I can see so far the only things it doesn't do is play the game in the launcher or post/view forum threads but if it allowed you to read/write/post in forums it would actually be some use.
Only problem I have is it see's neverwinter installed but not STO.
It installed fine, a fair bit of it does not seem to do anything yet though. "Last Played" doesn't work, says I played STO last over a month ago. Overlay doesn't seem to crash stuff which is always good, but the stuff on it all either doesn't apply to STO or doesn't function yet.
Nothing at all that serves any use to me, just bloat for bloats sake as far as I can see. I don't need a launcher for my launcher, or more "Buy Zen!" ads.
It installed fine, a fair bit of it does not seem to do anything yet though. "Last Played" doesn't work, says I played STO last over a month ago. Overlay doesn't seem to crash stuff which is always good, but the stuff on it all either doesn't apply to STO or doesn't function yet.
Nothing at all that serves any use to me, just bloat for bloats sake as far as I can see. I don't need a launcher for my launcher, or more "Buy Zen!" ads.
Yeah I feel bloated too... I did love that game as a kid that had the box inside the box that's what this reminds me of.
Let me make this perfectly clear to you Brandon, i want to be as polite as possible, so please also pass this along too your Chinese overlords.
I will never install this spyware onto my PC. I tried to the first time you attempted to push it, and it was as buggy as any bloatware/spyware could be.
If you do try, I will simply "modify" it (so it doesn't track anything I do) and use the normal launcher anyway.
I have ZERO interest in any other PWE game, and will never play any other game with PWE involvement....
I would like to know if this is going to be forced on us BEFORE I purchase it, so could you please just tell us flat out if you are going to be requiring arc or not, just a simple yes or no please. Thank you.
It's already been answered: Any new/reinstalls from Thursday on will require it, meaning the only "as yet to appear" step is making it required for existing players...and if anyone doubts that happening, see "Cryptic/PWE account."
It's already been answered: Any new/reinstalls from Thursday on will require it, meaning the only "as yet to appear" step is making it required for existing players...and if anyone doubts that happening, see "Cryptic/PWE account."
Easiest thing to do (which is what I do) is install to a separate hard drive. Then should you ever need to reinstall or your pc breaks, you have the copy on the other hard drive which just needs the short cut carried over
Easiest thing to do (which is what I do) is install to a separate hard drive. Then should you ever need to reinstall or your pc breaks, you have the copy on the other hard drive which just needs the short cut carried over
Yeah I figured it would be as simple as that but arc has taken over and will only accept the directory I made to test it out...
I see what happens when you keep an open mind with this bloatware.
Yeah its pissing me off right about now too. Figured I could just use the one that is already patched up but this arc is over riding it only allowing it to try to launch from the new directory I made to test it. I guess I might be able to get back on tommorrow missed my last batch of dilithium refineing
First, we want to test it out, add new features, make sure people like it, and, above all else, grow it into something that players want to use because it legitimately improves the overall game experience.
Cheers,
Brandon =/\=
Well Brandon, if the bulk of the posts in this thread are any indication, we most certainly do NOT want it, yet it appears it is being forced on us regardless of the desires of the community at large.
To me why bother. I already run Boot Camp for my Mac to play STO. So why should I download some other program just to play STO. When I'm doing it now with the regular launcher. Now if it helped me play STO on my Mac side instead of going through Boot Camp. Then that will get my attention. Then again forcing us to use it as well. Then that don't leave the ones still wanting to play much a choice.
USS Casinghead NCC 92047 launched 2350
Fleet Admiral Stowe - Dominion War Vet.
Comments
See, I don't play any other PWE games and STO is pretty much the only one I'm interested in. I'm here because of ST. Regardless of how many shiny bilboards and commercials you shove in my face, that won't change. I'm just not into those types of game. I'm more of a space sci-fi fan.
So, again, why would I want added piece of bloatware running in background and using portion of my PC resources that does nothing positive for me??
I'm fine with the current launcher, tywm, if this thing becomes mandatory as expected I'll really need to reconsider my position.
Tell me, with all the latest sub. not receiving Zen issues, loses of promotional subscriptions, payment issues and now this marvel that is Arc - Is PWE in somekind of a contest to see how many people they can drive off?!?
Was it a transparent attempt at trying to get people to play other games? Yes. That didn't mean I had to play those games, and it's the same situation here.
I don't have a Steam account
I don't have an Uplay account
I don't have an Origin account
I never had an Impulse account
I never had an Triton account
No gamersgate no whatever.
I never bound a game to an account - exept pure online games. I not even activated a game that i only wanted to play local.
Nor i downloaded any of this spyware.
I'm not that happy with the combinated PWE account.
And i don't want Arc as an Steamlike spyware.
And i don't play any other PWE game atm nor do i want to play an other PWE game atm. And yes, i know the games.
I want to choose if i want to start STO with the old launcher (no it is clear why this buggy thing has not been touched for a long time exept some minor bugfixing) or if i want to use some asian steam.
But hell, I don't even want to use the US Steam or the "Steam" from europe.
People do not like it Brandon ... and I have always stuck up for STO, but ... this ... I cannot stick up for.
DOWN WITH ARC
DOWN WITH ARC
DOWN WITH ARC
I hope STO get's better ...
Steam had people complaining about having to use a platform for just 1 game they wanted, a platform that only worked with the one company's products, complained about the resources it took up, etc.
So I'm not going to hate on it, or blame them for trying it. Though I'm probably not going to use it at this stage either, but will see where it goes.
I like Star Trek - and it is only because of this that I like STO. I do not like any other MMORPGs, and have zero interest or inclination to play them - no adverts will change this. Out of fairness, I took the liberty just now of visiting the PWE site for research purposes - so that I could see whether any of their titles might actually appeal. None did in the slightest - even those that are free to play.
Hence the underlying aim of this arc thingy (to get players interested in the other PWE titles) - has no benefit to me as a customer (and a paying one at that).
It is probably going to be the opposite - and be an active nuisance. I will be required to download bloatware that will use up system resources, likely increase load time. I also fear it will be collecting data in the background, and will constantly need to patch/download to receive the latest updates to its adverts. I share the concerns of respected players like Bluegeek, who have expressed the downsides of this far more eloquently that I am able.
No matter how PR tries to spin this - the majority of players who are aware of this simply do not want it.
Trials of Blood and Fire
Moving On Parts 1-3 - Part 4
In Cold Blood
I'm still not that keen on Steam. I fail to see why people get so infatuated with it.
I seem to recall one of PWE's aims when acquiring Cryptic was to expand away from its Asian markets, and start having an impact in the rest of the world.
the thought occurs that this hasn't happened, and so Arc, to force people to be exposed to advertising for their other games.
I wonder if it occurred to anyone at PWE that the reason No-one from the west got interested in their other games is because its an utterly different culture and the PWE style games just plain do not appeal.
Increased adds, well that'll have two effects. Annoying people, and forcing others away.
The fact it has that capabilities isn't going to make anyone feel better.
I'll have to try it just to see what it actually does. I'm skeptical about things saying its not doing something and then find out its not doing what its conveying.
Edit: I guess I can keep an open mind for now anyways lol...
I also see what people are talking about because it recognizes I have neverwinter installed but it doesn't acknowledge that I have STO already installed.
Ha ha ha.
I love it, is it a big red button that says "TOTALLY SAFE I SWEAR!" on the spyware they're shoving down our throats?
I'm absolutely sure that I believe them too.
(DOWN WITH ARC!
DOWN WITH MANDATORY ARC!)
I hope STO get's better ...
Does it have an option to close Arc after the game has launched?
If not its like the bus driver hanging out with you after he drops you off where your going. Incredibly creepy and totally unnecessary.
Launchers should just launch the game and be gone. We don't need the Swiss Army Knife of launchers that does 10 things we don't need and wont go away or stop eating any of our computers resources once its done the one job we do need.
I don't want ARC at all, so this is a vote no.. Thanks for your cooperation!
Sadly after it is installed you can't change the option it seems.
Only problem I have is it see's neverwinter installed but not STO.
Nothing at all that serves any use to me, just bloat for bloats sake as far as I can see. I don't need a launcher for my launcher, or more "Buy Zen!" ads.
Yeah I feel bloated too... I did love that game as a kid that had the box inside the box that's what this reminds me of.
I can only thing of one word for this...
I will never install this spyware onto my PC. I tried to the first time you attempted to push it, and it was as buggy as any bloatware/spyware could be.
If you do try, I will simply "modify" it (so it doesn't track anything I do) and use the normal launcher anyway.
I have ZERO interest in any other PWE game, and will never play any other game with PWE involvement....
It's already been answered: Any new/reinstalls from Thursday on will require it, meaning the only "as yet to appear" step is making it required for existing players...and if anyone doubts that happening, see "Cryptic/PWE account."
Sure...as long as you can already log on with BootCamp or some other workaround.
Easiest thing to do (which is what I do) is install to a separate hard drive. Then should you ever need to reinstall or your pc breaks, you have the copy on the other hard drive which just needs the short cut carried over
Yeah I figured it would be as simple as that but arc has taken over and will only accept the directory I made to test it out...
I see what happens when you keep an open mind with this bloatware.
You may have already deleted the download for Champions Online, but I managed to snag that from someone on the forums.
I'll be keeping those launchers on a thumb drive in case my computer dies or I get a new one.
I will not use Arc just for STO, NW, and CO.
Those are the only games offered by PWE that are worth my time.
The rest can sod off.
wth that ain't right stupid beta software junk
Yeah its pissing me off right about now too. Figured I could just use the one that is already patched up but this arc is over riding it only allowing it to try to launch from the new directory I made to test it. I guess I might be able to get back on tommorrow missed my last batch of dilithium refineing
I was thinking more like the Iconian symbol. Either way a bad omen in my opinion.
Well Brandon, if the bulk of the posts in this thread are any indication, we most certainly do NOT want it, yet it appears it is being forced on us regardless of the desires of the community at large.
USS Casinghead NCC 92047 launched 2350
Fleet Admiral Stowe - Dominion War Vet.