So we're sharing a Producer with DAoC???

**Tabbitha** · 11th October 2007, 06:50 AM

source

Over on the Camelot Herald (DAoC is celebrating it's 6 year anniversary), there is a new letter from the Producer... Chris Rabideau:

Quote:

Hello all,

It’s been six truly wonderful years since Dark Age of Camelot first opened its servers to the hungry Realm versus Realm masses; six years of high intensity melee combat and countless magical explosions on the battlefields of the Frontiers; six years of the deadliest and most compelling siege warfare ever seen in any live MMO to date.

Six years and still counting.

I suspect that few of you know who I am. My name is Chris Rabideau and I have been the Producer of Dark Age of Camelot since January of 2007. Perhaps some of the ‘old schoolers’ might remember me, but for the most part, prior to my role as Producer, I’ve not been in the public eye simply because most of the jobs I’ve held over the years didn’t require it. In the seven years I’ve been with Mythic, I have never moved off the DAoC project. I’ve worked in nearly every capacity, including content development, systems design, QA, and production. I remember running to the store for office supplies or server RAM back when Mythic Entertainment was a small company and we all wore many hats. I have a great deal of passion and love for this game, and I have a tremendous amount of appreciation and respect for its community.

During my time as Producer thus far, the DAoC team has worked hard to realize many new features and loads of new content for the game. From upgrading/improving the keeps and towers in the Frontiers region, to “A Dragon’s Revenge” (a six month story campaign chock-full of free content), to working on a new UI, to updating our patcher to a more modern (and user-friendly) layout, this team has gone from one end of the game to the other - and we aren’t finished yet. We are currently in the process of improving our housing system to expand on and make storage more readily available and to add value to higher tier houses which cost more to buy and maintain. We are also developing some new player mounts – I don’t want to ruin the surprise, but they’re not horses J. We continue to fine tune and tweak core systems of our game with new improvements, as well as each of the realm’s classes within DAoC to ensure that all players share an equally enjoyable gameplay experience.

We also recognize that some changes are not always welcome. A decision to make a change, particularly to a core game system, is never easy. As a team, we carefully analyze not just data, but also what our community is telling us. This is why you will continue to see login polls asking for your opinions. We have always been interested in what our community says, and we always will be.

I’d like to tell you more about our new test environment: In the coming months, we are going to be deploying a new ‘experimental’ test server to our gaming community (to accompany Pendragon). This new server will house code changes to highly complex game systems, which will typically require more than one patch cycle to implement. Changes to or additions of major systems, such as the UI, in-game mail and auction house (to name a few) will be deployed out to this new server ahead of all other servers, including Pendragon. This will allow the community to log in and see what we’re up to, as well as allow more time for the community to react to and make suggestions about whatever major systems we’re working on. This will also provide us more time to consider community feedback, and make adjustments where best for the game and its players.

I realize this post is more of a Producer’s Letter and less a celebration of DAoC’s 6th anniversary. However, I hope my message conveys the facts that Dark Age of Camelot, after six fantastic years, still has a tremendous following, and still receives a tremendous amount of developer support. We are committed to this game and we will continue to work hard to ensure that Dark Age of Camelot remains a truly fun and enjoyable gameplay experience.

From all of us here at EA Mythic, we thank you for six wonderful years, and we hope to see you around for many, many more.

Chris Rabideau
Producer, Dark Age of Camelot
EA Mythic
October 9, 2007

Firstly, I hope that we get some kind of similar letter for UO. This was chock full of plans and goals for DAoC. We've seen nothing aside from "We're going to patch KR some more and release SA one day."

Secondly, I thought UO and DAOC was never going to share staff like this? I remember this being mentioned in the Walt Yarborough thread before he explained that he was "Group Producer"

But Chris just calls himself "Producer"... so do we really just have a part-time Producer right now? What gives?

I don't understand what's going on at EA with UO, but I really feel like it's past time for some kind of explanation.

Edit: Isn't it weird that he says he's never moved off the DAoC project before? What do you call being the Producer for UO?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*slightly confused* Perhaps you could catch us up on the current state of news? Does UO have an announced producer? Or an acting producer?

~~~~

From www.uo.com:

Quote:

A Message From the Producer
Chris Rabideau
25 Sep 2007 19:14:41 EST

Citizens of Britannia,

At this point in time, I know that very few of you know who I am. I haven’t as yet been able to post a proper introduction, so I thought now, at the celebration of UO’s 10th Anniversary, would be a great time to do so.

My name is Chris Rabideau. I took over as Producer of UO (from Aaron Cohen) about a month and a half ago, and I’ve been running like a freight train in the red ever since, getting myself caught up on the current state of UO, the objectives moving forward and, of course, the development team responsible for taking care of this magnificent game. Moving forward, I plan to spend more time getting to know you all – UO’s community and the real reason for UO’s success.

Introductions aside, what this post is really about is the fact that TEN YEARS have gone by since UO opened its servers for the first time to the gaming public. TEN YEARS of continued dedication not only from the many souls who have worked on this game since its early development, but also from the many, many players like you who have graced Britannia with your presence over the years.

UO is without question the longest-standing MMO to date, and, even to this day, one of the most successful. Players all over the world, from Japan to the U.S., enjoy this wonderful game. With seven retail expansions under its belt, not to mention countless free updates (such as Kingdom Reborn), UO has shown no signs of slowing down either in popularity from its players or in continued support from EA and its development team.

So from all of us on the EA Mythic UO development team, to all of you - we stand, salute, and we give our humble thanks for 10 truly wonderful years. We look forward to many, many more!

Thank you,

Chris Rabideau

~~~~~

Ah beat me to it lol.

Back in September he finally said HI UO! *grins*

~~~~

My comparisons:

================================================== =======

DAOC: Anniversary,

In honor of Dark Age of Camelot’s Sixth Anniversary, additional zone bonuses have been instituted that begin this evening and last for the next six days.

On Classic or Normal Ruleset servers the following bonuses have been added:

200% bonus to XP in all classic zones and dungeons.

200% bonus to BP in all NF zones.

On the PVP ruleset server the following bonuses have been added:

200% bonus to BP in all classic zones and dungeons.

200% bonus to BP in all NF zones.

(Note: BP was done in both spots as PVP servers already have increased XP bonuses in all zones.)

On the PvE Ruleset server the following bonuses have been added:

200% bonus to XP in all classic zones and dungeons.

200% bonus to BP in the capital cities.

(Note: BP was increased in the capital cities as this is where seals can be turned in that award BPs.)

In addition, fireworks have been enabled above each realms border keeps on the New Frontiers side of the keep to celebrate the anniversary! If you find yourself at the border keeps during the in-game hours of night, look up and be dazzled by the festivities!

================================================== ==========
UO Anniversary, Below
================================================== ==========
EA is proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Ultima Online, and we invite all of our citizens – past and present – to join us for a month long celebration packed with special events, new items to earn, and gifts for all our loyal players

Beginning September 25, 2007, players can log in and receive the following in their inventory:

2 heritage tokens

1 Wand of Firework

And throughout the next month, quest and discover other gifts and prizes, including:

The completed Virtue Armor set

Several cool commemorative items, including a Map of Britannia and an Ankh Necklace

A collection of weapons owned by various notable figures in Britannia's history

Other fun and valuable free gifts!

================================================== ==
Warhammer : Not out but hmmmm
======================================
Warhammer Beta UpdateBy: James Nichols08 Oct 2007 18:40:47 ESTGreetings all!

Recently, all WAR Beta participants received a letter stating our plan to end this phase of the closed beta test this Wednesday, October 10th. We periodically close Beta, our last closure being in March of this year, to focus on major improvements and polish. The next phase of Beta will reopen in early December with plenty of new and improved content, art and systems for our beta-testers.

We are very proud to have reached this point in development. Beta has been going very well and the testing community is extremely active. Excitement around the game continues to grow and the team is looking forward to enhancing many features already in the game as well as continuing to add new features to an already great game.

Based on player feedback, our own observations and our current schedule, we have set the following major development goals:

Improve open field skirmishes and battlefield objectives with major enhancements.
Provide players with even more options to customize their character both through their abilities and visual appearance.
Continue to enhance Public Quests and the PQ System.
Prepare the elves for their release into the world!

When the beta reopens, we look forward to welcoming back all of our current testers, as well as many new faces. Shortly after re-opening the doors, we will be inviting the first wave of guilds into the beta to really get things rolling.

Thank you!
- The Warhammer: Age of Reckoning Team

================================================== ==========

Hmm UO is pretty quiet , dual purpose producer , very limited anniversary content, still no word on UOSA , but there seems to be alot of excitment in the other EA games.. , just my 2 pennies..

~~~~

I try to remain positive too, but this has just rubbed me a little wrong...

UO is an old game. Old games, like elderly people, need a little more support, right? And when an elderly person gets the flu or pneumonia, you worry a little more about the outcome than you would normally.

That's me right now. Worried about my elderly UO game.

I hope that made sense.

~~~~

Yes, right now we're sharing a Producer (since Walt left, Chris stepped up and basically took his role.) The org structure's a little different these days, and it's still shaking itself out, but I believe we have good things coming.

E. Jeremy Dalberg
UO Community Coordinator
EA Mythic

~~~~

"...but I believe we have good things coming."

Okay I'll bite....WHEN? Does it include anymore patches for KR?

~~~~~

So ok, Aaron Cohen left, Chris R assumed his role for UO & DAoC or so we were informed at the time...then Walt left and now Chris has assumed his role, whatever that was/is...so atm neither UO or DAoC has a dedicated Producer?

Meanwhile there's been no patches of any great substance other than the 10th Anni trinkets, and precious little information about things UO generally, KR specifically or the SA expansion(all talk of which seems to have ceased entirely) and it seems the next "Big Thing" will be whatever mini event is rolled out for Halloween.
Bug fixes, KR Client optimizations, additions to UI etc seem to be on the back-burner and have been for some weeks now?

Is there any chance at all that you might give us a thorough 'heads-up' on what is actually going on at EA for UO, Jeremy?

~~~~

EA has to get back some of that money they invested.

Cut Event Moderator program - Check
Cut producer - Check
Cut one community coordinator - Check
Replace and cut size of GM staff - Check
Cancel website upgrade - Check

*Added*

Oh, I forgot to mention it is obvious that this whole thing was planned. They have known for months now Darkscribe was leaving but haven't hired another producer. It is pretty clear they are trying to get by with one guy in charge of both games. Which means UO is going to suffer greatly going by how he wrote that big thing for Dark Age of Camelot and we got squat.

~~~~

I dont understand what is so confusing...

Our producer got EA to invest alot of $ in KR. KR sucks and very few if any new cust are coming to UO and UO is still loosing customers at a fast rate. So Darkscribes main ideas flopped, so he leaves for "other projects." EA invested alot of $ in UO to just see more customers leaving... SO EA figures it out.. UO is not worth future investment. Without the $ spent on KR, UO would be in the same state as it is now but with more money in EAs pocket... It is quite clear... Milk it, Milk it...

Highly doubt SA will come out 6 months from now... if ever...

~~~~

During this debate,a poster levelled some criticism at another,which I am not even going to give space here.So if you see some confusing remarks over the next few posts,you will know what they refer to.

I had to include them as they were a part of more discussion.

Yes I know its confusing,but bear with me and it will become clearer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Quote:

*shakes head* If it were not for people like larissa, all of you nay sayers would be all that is left. Is that what you want? Every one being a hater? If all we have left are haters, I would not like too see what these forums become.

Maybe if the UO team instilled some faith in paying customers it wouldn't resort to 'naysayers', Kelmo.

I could care less if people are singing its praises or spelling its doom. What I care about, really, is my own opinion... and right now regarding UO it's not very high.

~~~~

That is your opinion. I pay plenty to play my game. I will continue to do so. I hope my friends are on every day. Sometimes we win, sometimes not. That is my choice.

The game is what you, the player make of it. Do that and be happy.

Attacking the "cheerleaders" is the wrong path. All we do is encourage the team to do better. Why attack us? You have a beef with the Dev team, bring it in a manner that you wish for.

Bringing the folks down that find things to enjoy in this game changes nothing. I repeat, defeating the cheerleaders (I will accept that title) does nothing to change a damn thing.

All of you haters want the same thing we cheerleaders want. A good game. You do it your way, we will do it our way.

And if you think we are ever stopping you from bitching, please. As we if we could stop that. I just ask you stop trying from keeping us positive. That is how we live life. You do your bitching and we will do our thing. OK?

~~~~
I dont understand what is so confusing...

Our producer got EA to invest alot of $ in KR. KR sucks and very few if any new cust are coming to UO and UO is still loosing customers at a fast rate. So Darkscribes main ideas flopped, so he leaves for "other projects." EA invested alot of $ in UO to just see more customers leaving... SO EA figures it out.. UO is not worth future investment. Without the $ spent on KR, UO would be in the same state as it is now but with more money in EAs pocket... It is quite clear... Milk it, Milk it...

Highly doubt SA will come out 6 months from now... if ever...

~~~~

*shakes fluffy pink pom-poms*

No seriously, I get upset about things too guys, but I don't let it get the best of me.

I always try to maintain a positive attitude regardless of how I feel because if you let the negativity get to you, you become a very sad, depressed angry person, and I don't want to see that.

Sure there is ALOT of stuff that needs to be fixed, changed, implemented....I agree 100%.

Being negative isn't going to help, yelling and cussing and saying bad things isn't going to help anyone.

I want to see things fixed just like the rest of ya'll do...but you don't have to be so negative.

How do you think Chris felt when I typed up his "Hello I"m your new producer" speech?? KNOWING that over 50% of the posts were going to be negative?

"Hi, I"m Chris"

WHERES OUR FIX FOR BRAZIERS?
OMG WHAT WERE YOU THINKING???
HOW THE HECK CAN YOU EVEN THINK THATS A GOOD IDEA

Shoot I wouldn't want that!

So you'll just either have to put up with my "Pink fluffiness" and be a bit more positive, or keep trash talking me and live in your negative world...to each his own.

*runs off shaking pom-poms*

Later ya'll.

~~~~

*stitches Larisa a set of fire resistant pom poms in HOT pink*

An environment of too much negativity sucks the life force from ya!

Of course there are things that need to get fixed. And those who play this game are quite passionate at times when discussing them.

But this game has more to offer even with all the bugs and glitches then most any other game out there. Otherwise why would we be here growling at each other?

Come on. Fess up. Even with all the negativity, at the root of it all, it is because this game matters in some way to each of us.

Be Safe

~~~

Hmmm. So UO has a part-time producer. Said producer gushes on and on about his passion for his other job, DAoC, and details future plans, past accomplishments, and a mop is called in to soak up the overflowing gushy DAoC love. Meanwhile he neglects to even introduce himself for almost 2 months when he becomes producer of UO, details no new plans, desires, or goals for the game (that he probably knows little about) except to name drop the new client (has he played it?), and lets the 10th aniv go by with little fanfare and a rerelease of 9th aniv gifts. When pulled two ways, I wonder where the passion and attention will go....

Please tell me why we shouldn't consider this the greatest danger to UO in its 10 year history?

~~~~~~~~~~

I amnot really happy posting much more from this thread,as it just turn into a flame fest against EA staff.

I will end it with this amusing post from Fayled Dhreams .

hehehehhehhehhehhehehehehe

yeah right .... like the hall forums are some sortta prom queen blind date

hardly ...

I mean... as IF "The Hall" would be on any managers "first stops" heh!

BTW, bob ...when you "go to the hall" ... ignore the blood and bone chips there ...

Walt and Aaron ... did just fine ... twas all in "fun" ... anyways ...

they're not actually as bad as you may think *ahem* ... no really ...

the sulky satan worshipping kitten boiling goth teenager rap ... is "over the top" ...

exageration... err ... well ... you can't actually see them
so its gotta be an exageration ...

most are supposedly in their mid 20's and up! see? so "its just an act"
they're just "funning" with ya

really

You did apply for the "full coverage" medical... right?

No... just checking (full coverage with the mental health rehab?)...

don't know why I mentioned it... now ...

*ahem*

naw! come on ... you already know they WONT like you ...they don't like anyone

no no no they don"t "hate" anyone either ... its all part of "the act" ...

remember?

They're gonna tell ya how to do your job, shoulda dones and coulda dones

They're gonna tell ya how whatever you have in mind is the wrong sizeshapecolor

toolittle toolate aslapin the vetsface RGdidntstartit with that inmind ...

.... *ahem*

no really... its just their way of saying "Why howdy Stranger" ... all in fun

.... remember... no eye contact... no sudden moves.... watch their hands ... dont let them flank ya

back to the wall, for GODS SAKE: dont use the word: soon, promise, radar, schedule .... yes yes the entire list there

just dont ... just .... just...dont

**Solidchrome** · 11th October 2007, 08:18 AM

Is it just me or do some people take UO too seriously :eusa_think:

JCtheBuilder · 11th October 2007, 10:09 AM

It is pretty serious when they axe the head executive to the MMO you play and give it as a side job to someone else.

**Silverfoot** · 11th October 2007, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solidchrome

Is it just me or do some people take UO too seriously :eusa_think:

Some folks just take gaming way too seriously.

**DiP** · 11th October 2007, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solidchrome

Is it just me or do some people take UO too seriously :eusa_think:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverfoot

Some folks just take gaming way too seriously.

Yeah.

I've been saying it for a while, and I think it's true. UO's biggest problems aren't anything in game, or anything any dev could fix/tweak/nerf/etc.

Sad to say, I think it's time for UO to shut the doors, close the shutters, and wave goodbye.

It's not so much the game has that many problems, but the majority of the playerbase behind the game (the entire reason to keep it going) will never be happy.

**Silverfoot** · 11th October 2007, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiP

Yeah.

I've been saying it for a while, and I think it's true. UO's biggest problems aren't anything in game, or anything any dev could fix/tweak/nerf/etc.

Sad to say, I think it's time for UO to shut the doors, close the shutters, and wave goodbye.

It's not so much the game has that many problems, but the majority of the playerbase behind the game (the entire reason to keep it going) will never be happy.

I have always been and will be for an official feedback forum for active account holders only. You want to have your voice heard as to where the game is going, then have a vested interest, period.
Sorry, I'm not a big believer in "if You fix it the way I want, I may come back".

I just play the game for enjoyment, the only thing that can upset me is not having my server up on a day I have off and can play!

Deraj · 11th October 2007, 11:55 AM

I find it funny and frustrating at the same time how Stratics has morphed from a fine forum of UO fans sharing information about the game to an ideological war between the various "camps" (2d vs. KR, Trammel vs. Felucca, etc). Of course now the war seems to be "negative" vs. "positive" (or, "haters" vs. "cheerleaders"), and instead of sharing information about UO, posters are struggling to reconcile their beliefs and inflict/deflect attacks.

**Silverfoot** · 11th October 2007, 12:09 PM

And Deraj, that is the essence of UO Uhall.

Brom · 11th October 2007, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCtheBuilder

...they axe the head executive to the MMO you play and give it as a side job to someone else.

I hate to say it, but after reading a bit about the new head honcho this is the same impression I get.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverfoot

I have always been and will be for an official feedback forum for active account holders only. You want to have your voice heard as to where the game is going, then have a vested interest, period.
Sorry, I'm not a big believer in "if You fix it the way I want, I may come back".

I totally agree with you Silver, this is an excellent idea.

**DiP** · 11th October 2007, 01:17 PM

That's exactly why they should close up shop (unless they DO feel like keeping it open to "milk" the last bit they can is worth it).

There isn't the same "feel" from the UO crowd anymore, it's turned into "I want more goodies" and "I want my goodies to be worth something" or "why can't I get this if I don't do this, I shouldn't have to change the way I play to get everything in game". Bleh, it's just gone too far, and it probably started with trying to interact and please the players more so than just doing things for the GAME and not the GAMERS.

cadethepagan · 11th October 2007, 03:20 PM

If you truly like a game don't complain about it. If you complain about it then you don't like it and shouldn't be playing it. Remember that old fraise your mom tought you? "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all".

If UO has been nerfed and screwed up then don't play! you can go and whine as much as possible the developement team isnt going to cure every problem you have. The game is unique and traveling down a bumpy road. The devs don't need your crying about it. If you don't like it then QUIT! Their are certainly many mmo's out there that cater to whiners.

Gieschen · 11th October 2007, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiP

That's exactly why they should close up shop (unless they DO feel like keeping it open to "milk" the last bit they can is worth it).

There isn't the same "feel" from the UO crowd anymore, it's turned into "I want more goodies" and "I want my goodies to be worth something" or "why can't I get this if I don't do this, I shouldn't have to change the way I play to get everything in game". Bleh, it's just gone too far, and it probably started with trying to interact and please the players more so than just doing things for the GAME and not the GAMERS.

That's what I think too. It's like I was saying in my "What EA needs to do (rant)" thread. What EA needs to do. (rant)

11th October 2007, 08:18 AM	#2
Solidchrome † Virtual hero- real life geek † Join Date: Jul 2007 Shard: europa Posts: 960 Thanks: 34 Thanked 56 Times in 26 Posts	Re: So we're sharing a Producer with DAoC??? Is it just me or do some people take UO too seriously :eusa_think: __________________ [UO Tech Forum] UOForums Need Your Donations- Click Here

11th October 2007, 10:09 AM	#3
JCtheBuilder Join Date: May 2005 Shard: Atlantic Posts: 449 Thanks: 0 Thanked 27 Times in 14 Posts	Re: So we're sharing a Producer with DAoC??? It is pretty serious when they axe the head executive to the MMO you play and give it as a side job to someone else. __________________ UOGuide -- The fastest growing encyclopedia for Ultima Online

11th October 2007, 11:55 AM	#7
Deraj Join Date: Mar 2006 Shard: Napa Valley Posts: 374 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: So we're sharing a Producer with DAoC??? I find it funny and frustrating at the same time how Stratics has morphed from a fine forum of UO fans sharing information about the game to an ideological war between the various "camps" (2d vs. KR, Trammel vs. Felucca, etc). Of course now the war seems to be "negative" vs. "positive" (or, "haters" vs. "cheerleaders"), and instead of sharing information about UO, posters are struggling to reconcile their beliefs and inflict/deflect attacks. __________________ Still we loom in the mists as the ages roll away, And we say of our folk, "they are here!" That they built us and they died and you'll not be knowing why, Save we stand on the bare plains of Wiltshire.

11th October 2007, 12:09 PM	#8
Silverfoot Mith'quessir Join Date: Mar 2005 Shard: Chesepeake Posts: 2,078 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 72 Thanked 54 Times in 31 Posts	Re: So we're sharing a Producer with DAoC??? And Deraj, that is the essence of UO Uhall. __________________ "Careful what you wish for, You just might get it all.... And then some you don't want"

11th October 2007, 01:17 PM	#10
DiP Ronin Join Date: Jan 2006 Shard: Black Water Raiders, Azeroth Posts: 8,871 Thanks: 88 Thanked 52 Times in 43 Posts	Re: So we're sharing a Producer with DAoC??? That's exactly why they should close up shop (unless they DO feel like keeping it open to "milk" the last bit they can is worth it). There isn't the same "feel" from the UO crowd anymore, it's turned into "I want more goodies" and "I want my goodies to be worth something" or "why can't I get this if I don't do this, I shouldn't have to change the way I play to get everything in game". Bleh, it's just gone too far, and it probably started with trying to interact and please the players more so than just doing things for the GAME and not the GAMERS. __________________ Thanks again Maddux! Adri: women don't discuss men while in the bathroom, we sacrifice small animals and smoke tampons rolls eyes

11th October 2007, 03:20 PM	#11
cadethepagan Join Date: Jul 2007 Shard: Great Lakes Posts: 432 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: So we're sharing a Producer with DAoC??? If you truly like a game don't complain about it. If you complain about it then you don't like it and shouldn't be playing it. Remember that old fraise your mom tought you? "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all". If UO has been nerfed and screwed up then don't play! you can go and whine as much as possible the developement team isnt going to cure every problem you have. The game is unique and traveling down a bumpy road. The devs don't need your crying about it. If you don't like it then QUIT! Their are certainly many mmo's out there that cater to whiners. __________________ Power is not given, it is taken! Last edited by cadethepagan; 11th October 2007 at 03:21 PM.

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