When the Horizons launched, I did not know about it.
When I started playing in April 2004, I was instantly addicted to it.
When financial issues were first being discussed, I was clueless.
When the merge came, I was willing to weather it.
When the bankruptsy was declared, I was nervous.
When the game settled into slow growth, I was content enough.
When EI bought the game, I was disappointed but hopeful that eventually they might figure out what to do with it.
When EI stopped even pretending to try, I got very disheartened.
When I first heard new owners (again), I groaned.
When I saw the new cover screen, I got curious.
When the forums filled up with posts, I was overwhelmed.
When I heard old developers back, I smiled.
When I saw Blight back, I cheered.
When you posted intended changes and incorporated feedback from the community, I nearly cried for happiness.
When I was able to properly resubscribe, I jumped.
When the Marketplace, guild chat and other game chats filled with returning players, I served up as much klava as I could.
When you posted the latest updates coming to Blight, I could not stop the tears of joy... it has been so long since this community has had real care and development!
Thank you so much for all you have done and are doing with Horizons. You have renewed a dying land and brought hope to its people.
Yes, it's just a game - but tell any professional athlete that about their sport, and you are likely to get a similar reaction as that statement about Horizons would get from me and many other "gifted Istarians".
It's a focal point for developing friendships as well as entertainment. I've heard multiple people in guild chat & marketplace relate logging in to when Norm walked into the bar on Cheers - sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came.
It's a means for folks to keep in touch while suspending the stress of real life. I'm really pleased you're keeping the military program going. While I don't have family currently in the military, I know some who do, and keeping in touch is not easy for them. For myself, I have family on the other side of the continent that I keep in touch with primarily through Horizons chats (I'm horrible about keeping in touch long distance through traditional means).
It's a safe place for folks to interact with others while rebuilding confidence, self-esteem, etc. after personal difficulties. Mostly for me it's a break from real life stress... but I am aware of numerous folks who took on a persona while recovering from a breakdown or health tragedies - and some who will never be physically healthy in real life again, but who can be young, beautiful and capable as a gifted. Istaria has proven to be much needed therapy for many.
So thank you for the wonderful things you are doing. You've delighted at least one blue-haired gnome beyond what my words can describe.
See you in Istaria!
Why I love Vitrium
Re: Why I love Vitrium
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