Citizen's Update 08/11/06

I got quite a fright a couple of nights ago. Of late, when I've been visiting D'ni, I've done so alone. Taking a walk amongst the Ages is a great way to relax, and dream of what the future might hold for us explorers.

I found myself linking in to the D'ni Explorers Guild 'hood. According to the visitor log, it's been the first time that the hood has seen a soul in at least a month. I decided to spend some time in one of the prayer rooms. I even locked the door behind me for extra privacy. I was staring, deep in thought, at the floating seed, when suddenly a loud grating sound occurred behind my back.

I've never spent enough time in the prayer rooms to realize that the doors automatically open after a few minutes, presumably to make sure that no one passes out from oxygen deprivation or generally gets trapped. I must've jumped out of my skin! I ran out of the room and called out, but no one answered. I checked my KI and the visitor log to make sure. I was the only one there.

On a more exciting note, another group of Authorized Explorers has started their work. Again, I'm not in this group either. I counter my disappointment with the reminder that we'll all have a chance to make our mark on the restoration eventually.

Holding Down The Old Fort

In mid-July, I got to attend the first Town Hall meeting with Rand Miller. I was too shy to ask a question though. For me, it was his (and Cyan's) interpretations of Atrus' life story that drew me to D'ni, and his portrayal of Atrus that made me care deeply for the real Atrus himself. So you can forgive me for being too nervous to talk to him.

However, I was able to overcome my shyness for the second meeting with Rand and several Gametap representatives. It shocked me to hear them being introduced:
--Blake Lewin, VP of Product Development and Innovation, Turner
--David Reid - VP of Marketing, GameTap
--Trent Hershenson - Uru Marketing Lead, GameTap
--Ron Meiners (aka randomos) - Uru Community Manager, GameTap
This is nothing like Ubisoft's half-hearted support two years ago. When Vice-Presidents come down to the cavern itself to give us news and take the community's questions, it shows that they are not only supportive of Cyan's projects, but the restoration itself. And seeing as they all held Relto books, maybe they're taking the Journey as well!

I got to ask the final question: if Gametap was going to release Cyan's earlier games, like Cosmic Osmo. The answer was yes. In fact, I just heard that they're planning on releasing both Cosmic Osmo and The Manhole this September!

Also, Mysterium has just come and gone, and while I couldn't attend, I'm happy to see all the pictures, stories, and videos that people have uploaded. With all the optimism in the air and the future looking bright, it's a special Mysterium for us all.

And today, the first group of Authorized Explorers was allowed to assist the DRC. Maybe they got to visit those new Garden Ages. Unfortunately, I wasn't chosen, so I'll just have to keep refreshing my email for the next set of invites. Hopefully I won't have to wait too long!

For my part, I'll keep holding down the fort. I've already done the one small thing I could do to support the restoration effort: signed up for Gametap and received a free month of service. I encourage you to do the same by clicking the following link. Not only will you get to play plenty of games to keep you busy until the restoration returns full-swing, you will give financial support to Cyan Worlds itself and state proudly to Gametap that you wish to see D'ni renewed.

http://www.gametap.com/home/Home?mcd=CMT06202006000080&coupon=urulive