This is a note not just to my guild, but to all the players I've come to know in SoT. I plan to stay until the end, and I hope you will too. The community is why I come back day after day. Though a little heartbroken the game is winding down, let's make the final months count and quest the hell out of SoT when the final two content updates come our way. See you in guild chat, see you in world chat, see you on MPs. =)

And if you're staying too, maybe let everyone know below.

-Nix

I'll probably be one of the last standing... For all the money I've invested in this game, I'd be foolish to just walk away and I know there are many others who feel the same way. It's really sad because there is SO much camaraderie and fellowship in this game. I've played a lot of MMO's (too many to count) and have never seen one where people are genuinely glad to see you come into the game.

One can tell that the game was well thought out. The story lines are captivating and the graphics (though sometimes slow) are very good. I (and as many have voiced) are really just disappointed that the game is felt to be not "save-able". I feel that with a few tweaks and adjustments (i.e. pricing and tier/BH limitations) and maybe some advertising, this game would really take off. It does take money to make money...

But if the fork has been stuck in, I guess it's time to put the napkin under the chin and enjoy the Last Supper. I beseech CNE to give this game another chance and would gladly offer my help in any way, shape or form to help breathe new life into SoT! See you all around!

-Dudemanly

I will be sticking around as long as the rest of my guild is around. I have played this game since alpha and while I have yet to spend any actual money, I've been pretty broke for a while, I was looking into it before this news. Either way I will be here for a while, I like to complete things that I start and I haven't maxed out my character stats yet you I still have lots of reforging to do which equates to lots of time. I also really enjoy talking with my guild-mates in chat, El and Dude I know I don't always talk a lot but I definitely enjoy the discussions that go on. I had never really played multiplayer type games before where you really have to depend on other players and when I started I was not in a guild for quite a while, but the community that has come together in the guild has really made me enjoy the game more since I joined first my old guild and then when I switched to SHR, my old guild was dying a slow death so I made the switch and am very happy that I did. EL, Dude, Khale, and all of the others make this game much more enjoyable and I really hope that CNE changes their minds and continues to create new content for the game.

E.Nigma

I am so sad that CNE decided not continue this game. The concept is great and the community that the world and guilds created is amazing. With a couple of adjustments, this game would be extremely successful. For example, I think one major problem is that world chat died after the introduction of guild points. When new players come into the game they rarely will see and active world because everyone is chatting in guild. With a little adjustment that gave some incentive for cooperation, the world chat would grow again. With just a couple tweaks, and some tender loving care I think the game's popularity would grow.

I join the chorus in hoping you will all reconsider the decision. You have a core of loyal players in this game who will work hard to help new players and to spread the word. We'll work with you if you will come back to us! :-)

~Khale

Dear Devs and Fellow Players,

What they all said!^^

But seriously, I am so thankful to the Devs for creating a great game full of quality storyline and gameplay. I have played several MMO's before this one but I have never been captivated by any of them the same way I was captivated by SoT. CNE, you have created something great here and I urge you to reconsider letting the game go dormant.
I also want to write to all of my fellow players and say thank you all for the great times. We have shared plenty of laughs and great adventures during our time in SoT. You have all created an awesome community which has been a joy to log into everyday. I want you all to know that I will continue to play until there is nobody left to talk to and I can't wait to "quest the hell out of SoT" during these last few months like Nix mentioned above. Happy hunting everyone! =)

Sincerely,
Fearyo

not a bit happy with this being wound down feel its unnecessary. DOnt do IT JUSTIN PLEASE X JORJA

This is sad to see this game go. I really loved playing this game the community, people and conversations we have in chat have been a blast. CNE you should be listening to your players about how to improve upon older features and continue to innovate with new ideas. Some of us have been playing for a long time and everyday we come into play SoT shows how dedicated we are to supporting your game. It really does show how your company has produced games to bring together people from all over the world into one community. I will not be leaving but I seriously hope the devs reconsider their decision. No matter what the outcome is the people I have met in the game and outside in real life have been amazing and will have long lasting friendships with me. If you ever want to get into contact with me please PM in SoT or contact me at brandonjchung@hotmail.com :)

- Twinky

As a new player, couple weeks in, I've been on the fence about the game a bit. My MMORPG background spans decades, like quite a few of the posters above. So when you can hook a player that's seen everything from Everquest to Star Wars: The Old Republic, you know you've got a winning formula in there.

Merging MMORPG aspects with scaled-down RTS building aspects was a very nice concept. Especially keeping the build times low. Battle Pirates for example has build times over 20 days for a single building upgrade.

I can't comment on how the game as progressed or grown or changed, but I can comment on how an old school gamer, and frugal-minded gamer (don't confuse this with cheap or poor, I am neither) views the game...

1. 120 total stamina a day is not a lot. Nor is 5 MP runs. Nor is 20 Arena runs (new players have to fight thru over 10,000 rungs by 10 max). I've heard comments of many players that they'll just hang in chat all day, after all is done. You need to capitalize on this!!! They're in your game WITHOUT ANYTHING TO DO IN IT!!! Give them something to do, keep them active in it, never give a player a reason to leave your game!

2. Shardium costs for things. 100 shardium for 1 more SP run? Not bad since Shardium is $1 or so. But the shardium costs for the shop are outrageous for a browser game. $25 for the Elemental gear set? $4.75 to $8.75 for the packs on sale currently in the shop?

3. VIP. $10 for VIP that basically only provides a little less waiting and 2 specs. I'd pay $5 for this but not $10. Nothing in it is worth $10 for me, so let's call this a Donation Package. People are donating $10 a month, because they want to help.

You've given away a browser game, and added revenue tiers that are overpriced and/or unwanted. VIP should be $5 and something to denote VIP. Special pet, name color/font, cosmetic stuffs, etc etc etc. People LOVE LOVE LOVE feeling special. Pricing in the Shop should be cut in half for most things and 80% for the clothing. I qould wager that your total revenue would increase many times over if you reduced pricing, sell a lot at a lower price beats few sales at a higher price point.

Also, this is browser game is almost 100% playable at F2P than VIP. You cannot give so much away and then hope people donate out of the goodness of their hearts. Very few people do this. I would have given 80% of the game free, then somehow made the final 20% (whether it be zones, gear, crafting, pets) locked unless you VIP or 1-time donate to unlock it.

But, the game is pretty awesome as it stands from what I can see. I enjoy it and I feel that urge to get back to it when I am away from it. That's pretty impressive if you knew me.

In this browser/flash game world, I don't know exactly how to capture a paying audience for a long time. Maybe Shards' lifespan is average, not sure. Maybe it's just that time, for the game to close up. Maybe browser games are that entry level thing where you do them for a few years, learn the business of producing games, and then move on to a A or AAA title type thing. No clue. Maybe restart every 6 months like Travian, or put in a lot of random-generated content? Again, I'm a player, not a creator.

Either way, I'll keep playing. I enjoy it while it's here. I understand it's a business and bills need to be paid.

Kudos on a game that many are attached to, you should be very proud of yourselves. Here's to your future games :)

- Lorant

not being closed it will be kept open but no more upgrades after jan we can still play thats something i suppose mb we get an odd quest? if we good lol

Very sad to hear that the game is nearing its end...It's almost been a year for me and I've been enjoying the game now more than ever. Have met a bunch of wonderful people that have become like family. :) Hope the devs will reconsider their decision, but will continue to play like most the dedicated players. :)

~Tempest