First off, I just want to get this out there before I really get into this. The interview(s) between Bungie and Game Informer really just have a special way of annoying me. The questions are just either really pampered or aren't taken all that seriously, which is stupid. This Fat Albert nonsense does great to show the context of the friendly relationship that you guys have with the people giving the interview, but to be honest I really couldn't care less. Its like when you guys (Bungie) put up photos of your trip and DeeJ having a cake and shit, like ANYONE REALLY CARES about what a great time you're having with all the money that you essentially got from us. (Even if its going to Activision, my point still stands) Alright, now that I got THAT off my chest... Lets get down to business, Mr. Smith... [b]4:00 Interviewer: [i]People want to know what is up with Etheric Light.[/i] Luke Smith:[i] That's a really good question because we don't really know.[/i][/b] Awesome. You know, as the Creative Design LEAD...its really NOT PROFESSIONAL IN THE LEAST to give that kind of response. The feedback forums have been BLOWING UP with questions, comments and concerns regarding Etheric Light and now here we are, almost at the launch of TTK and you're still in a "we don't know" status? Really? No, screw this nonsense. I've seen you post on other forums and yet not ONCE have I ever seen ANYTHING from you on here. This is BUNGIE.NET for crying out loud. Why in the hell are other forums getting more attention from you and other developers instead of your own god damn community? It seems like the only one who ever bothers to do or say anything here is Cozmo and we all get the distinct impression that his hands are tied and he needs to be super cereal careful with what he posts or else the boss will chew him out. What kind of atmosphere did you envision for this place originally? [b]DO SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR LACK OF COMMUNICATION WITH US.[/b] [b]4:40 Interviewer: [i]I don't think a lot of people realize how plugged in you are on these communities.[/i] Luke Smith: [i]It doesn't really matter if we say that we're listening, the only way we can prove that is with action.[/i][/b] Yes, actions do speak louder than words. HOWEVER! Did it never occur to you that perhaps instead of simply telling people "we're listening" it would accomplish MUCH MORE to actually engage the community? Let me put it this. Its true, anyone can just say that they are listening. But why not openly join conversations taking place here on the feedback? And I don't mean just make a single comment saying you like something or disagree or that you're listening to what is being said. That is just cheap, there is zero value in that. If you make a decision about this game that people are obviously against? Don't just sit in the background hiding from it. Step up and take responsibility for what you are doing and defend it. [b]IT IS OK FOR YOU TO DEBATE WITH THE PLAYERS.[/b] Its called constructive debating, its a back and forth conversation. For all you know? You might end up changing your stance or opinion about an idea for the game or a decision you're making based on those kinds of talks. The players might have a great deal more insight to offer you and be far more beneficial for the game as a whole. Also, for the record, even if its just "we are listening"? If YOU or another actual Dev were to be the ones taking the time to come on here and say that, it would still be better than just the total silence that the developers give the community. BUT ONTO THE BIGGER POINT HERE! If your big goal is to show you are listening by letting your actions show? Then riddle me this... [b]WHY IS THERE NO ENDGAME OPTIONAL MATCHMAKING? WHY DOESN'T INFUSION WORK FOR ALL YEAR 1 LEGENDARY AND EXOTIC WEAPONS/ARMOR? WHY DO THE UK DESTINY PLAYERS STILL HAVE TO PAY MORE FOR TTK? WHY ARE THERE STILL NO DEDICATED PVP SERVERS? WHY AREN'T YEAR 1 PLAYERS GETTING MORE FOR HAVING SUPPORTED THE GAME?[/b] These are BIG TOPICS that are still ongoing, that people have put forth very solid, airtight arguments supporting and yet we see nothing? You're right, actions do speak louder than words. I guess this should mean that you're choosing to simply ignore it all? Moving on... [b]7:20 Interview: What are you guys doing now? Luke Smith: [i]Basically nothing.[/i] (I'm translating for him =P ) Other Guy: [i]We're talking to media and our community.[/i][/b] Bullshit. How many developers do you got over at Bungie? Who all factors into the "we" aspect of your statement? Just you two? The only one with a "Bungie" tag that I see posting here in the feedback is Cozmo, and even then its not he comments on a daily basis in here. And when he does, the most he can really do is just tell us he'll try to make sure it gets to you guys. There is zero explanation given about that process, we have no idea if he needs to submit a paper with our ideas, actually physically go and speak with you guys about it or if he needs to wait for some kind of weekly meeting to bring it up. And we don't even know all that much about what goes on with that either. You have completely shut out the community from your development process and how things are going. You don't keep us actually updated on anything and it seems you're more interested in keeping everything as a secret. The whole "Soon" thing has turned into a friggen joke. What you NEED to do is actually do the things you're talking about here. I don't know how many times I've invited Luke Smith and or any other Bungie Developers or hell, even Harold Ryan, to come in any of my posts and actually sit down to have a chat. I've tried being nice. I've tried being forceful. I've tried being a straight up jerk. Its pathetic how lacking your communication is with all of us. Hell, if Activision is your problem? I'll sign a damn NDA if it means being able to actually have a legitimate discussion/debate about these things and to hear the real reasons behind your decisions. I want the opportunity to actually try and persuade you to change your opinions not for my sake, but for the sake of your game, your reputation as a company and for the benefit of EVERYONE. Help me to help you. Unfortunately, I don't have nearly enough space to do a full coverage of this interview, but here are the highlights I personally wanted to cover.