Munkenmo wrote on Feb 3
rd, 2014 at 10:53pm:
I feel you were very damaging during your time in charge of loot, though i respect you for your frankness regarding the shadowfell disaster.
Wish I could say I was ever in charge of it, but my title was Associate Designer- there was always someone else technically in charge, though I did most of the design and implementation for treasure in Updates 14 through 17.
The only projects I ever really owned were my own pet projects- things like augment system, different variants of loot on harder difficulties, and the revamped cosmetic system with equippable cosmetic items.
A big part of why I left was due to my frustration with the results of itemization in Update 19 and onward, and the fruitless results of my arguments with the lead designer over it.
As you all saw, it eventually got to the point where I went into the office onto a weekend and added new treasure effects and items in myself. Those changes were unapproved, and much of it was pulled out the next week, though I think bits and pieces of it had been filtered back in by DocOct and Melange.
Still, it put PurpleFooz (the lead designer) and I on edge with each-other. I had it when he told me that the Shadowfell Conspiracy expansion wasn't supposed to be "endgame", since there would be another level cap increase in a year.
How can you release an "expansion" without endgame content or rewards?
I reached the point where the constant arguments weren't worth it, and I decided to look elsewhere.
I think DDO's senior designers are all good people and are on the right track now. With luck, you'll all enjoy what is coming in Update 21. Steel's raids are badass.
I doubt you'll be hearing any more from me. I'm on my way to California, and from there, will be fully invested in an upcoming online persistent world game. =)
Goodbye!