Developer Pros and Cons

We all have our ups and downs, so does the developers of Playstation Home. This article presents a list of a few developers who have truly left a mark of significance in the community, of their lists of ups and downs. 

By Jin Lovelace: TT Founder, Writer, Fashionist. 


I've contemplated on this article for a while now. Like, I knew how to approach this subject but I didn't know where to start. It was one of the many issues as to providing a thorough view on some of the developers on Home without seeming too liberal or basically giving too much praise.

But for a good while, there has been a bit of change in the development on some of the items lain in Home. There have been some great marks and poor choices upon how certain commodities are marketed or presented. To illustrate an example, many would provide great praise to some of the developers of Home without decomposing such items or the product properly just due to self-appearance. However, when one give an acute critique to said product the "fans" would exempt the critic with negative statements with zero substance. 

To be literal here: there are the many that complain about items that're too expensive and down others if they say otherwise. The same goes for items that aren't "all that" or doesn't suit their taste but will disenchant others who's mind is vastly open for greater possibilities to bring them back to their reality but not the realm that matters. 

However, the opposite goes for how one view items that are factually flawed but the others doesn't accept that truth. The one who would whine and cry a lot would think their voices and opinions are heard.

The truth of the matter is, we want these developers on Home to improve on certain areas but never give the specifics on what the improvements are, instead we voice the opinion and just hope they listen so when they release similar items to what you've voiced on that doesn't suture your taste, that voice becomes a bit too high pitched for anyone to comprehend. For harsher results, most will just laugh about it and not take you serious.

Here at Twilight Touch (and speaking for the organization that I also serve, HSMagazine) criticism is of lore and for understanding. Not only do I give it, I also receive it. We all strive to learn from whatever mistakes are made or any flaws presented. So what I decided to conduct here is an overview on some of the developers that many would either complain about or over-hype their respective products and my take on how they can improve on said products they release. Keep in mind, however, that this isn't about ranting or "whining" (as I'm sure one would surmise) but rather giving my legitimate thoughts on certain items and marketing strategies that should either consolidate upon or to continue producing.

If anything, this article isn't for those whose views are rather narrow. One must possess an open mind to gather the richness of the information that's present.


Lockwood Publishing Ltd

           Pros: Lockwood has become a decorative Home developer for 4 years strong now and their products have brought so much joy to the Home community. There is no denying on how well their items have this sense of realm of creative imagination and interaction to take your mind on a wild ride of endless possibilities and pure bliss of jovial experiences. Their themed fashions, like Fool Throttle, Iron Fusion, and their successful Drey lines have gave some great statements on how you approach your way of having fun on Home, and friends alike. When not creating mechanical robots or high fantasy apparel, they are warming your hearts with the cute and cuddly Stitchkins companions while channeling into your young-at-heart sides with the Delirious Squid line of fashions and accessories. 

Outside of their fashions and pet commodities Lockwood have proved themselves on their take of such personal party spaces like the Silicon Lounge, which argues on being the first largest personal space on Playstation Home (about the same size of the Sodium Hub) and the Dream Yacht, which supplies you with a Day/Night option and as well as access to exclusive elegant Figment fashions.

The Dream Island is a breathtaking getaway resort from your stressful woes at work, in the comfort of your own home.

 
Time and again, Lockwood has provided great innovation on their personal and public products with extensive replay value that would last a life time. Something that you can cherish and take a step back on when you were young and you remembering enjoying such cartoon shows that features the exact products that Lockwood have produced. For me, my love stems to humanoid armor designs from animes like Tekkaman Blade and Ronin Warriors. I hope something like those two can be created by the developer. 

And let this be known: in my humble opinion Lockwood has the hairstyles down pact, only to be rivaled by Konami.

Cons: While so much praise can be given to Lockwood for creating such imaginative items and bringing great nostalgia from time to time, recently I ran into some issues at hand on how certain fashion products are approached.

First off, I feel that some of the outfit designs are becoming a bit too skinny for my aesthetic endeavors. So much, I found myself passing up on some of the potential items just due to not at all being tasteful. Some primary examples to this would be the Silk Handkerchief Dress - Fairytale and the much recent Super Skinny Jeans, with the latter been addressed on how I felt on the items showcasing lack of mass. The former, however, reminded me of a story I've read about and even a TV show seen on the one by the name of Isabelle Caro. She was a woman who was suffering with a severe anorexic disorder may have caused her untimely death (at the age of 28), to which she was also hospitalized for weeks for an acute respiratory disease. Isabelle's disorder caught media attention and though she has done some fashion work before, she went about to inspire fashion models who were obsessed on becoming skinny to tell them about the affliction. 

Isabelle Caro

Where we're living in a world where stereotypes are prevalent, social media dictates who we are, and what's beautiful to the medium, this is really an riveting perspective to take; a rather grim look on how I view these certain items on Home. Think about this, we have the option to change our avatar weight, asset size, and height. We're too fixated on how beautiful we wish to become but my thing is what statement am I making if it's already baked-in the items available?

 
I don't wish to deter this article on what size is beautiful and what's not because I would write a thesis on the topic and many would find it subjective. However, what I'm stating here is the recent apparel released reminds me of how unnatural the items look. Before, most complained on how Lockwood's fashion items had a "slutty" appeal, which barred themselves from purchasing any of the clothes. I personally feel there should be a fine line drawn on how certain items are made but the biggest peeves for me when one tries to compile an argument is how the assets are displayed or how much of it should be shown or coded in. In sheer honesty, most that complain about that are fighting their own insecurities.

I don't wish to uphold an image of something this vastly serious as what's stated above. I wish for a natural look and while so, I think it's great to provide a bit of an option for us to play with. I can't count the many times I've heard from the users how some of Lockwood's tops lacked proper size bust, while other are afraid of how they could be depicted. 

If you're that paranoid, see Weird Wear's tops and then see the point of view I'm making here: I've no issue with skinny jeans or slim-toned apparel but just keep it natural, is all I'm asking. 



Granzella inc.

 Pros: for most that had the bitter taste in their mouths on Irem's exit from Home came to conclusion how quickly Granzella grew onto the Home community. Noted for their subtle takes on high quality fashion such as their Evening Elegant Dresses and there culture commodity like a few iterations of there Kimono garments, this company has shown great innovation on some of their fashionable items, especially the superb attention to detail on how they capture the eyes. 

I believe the most thriving aspect of their prowess is, perhaps, how they incorporate a serene, highly vivid cultural experience to the Home community. The Great Edo of Nippon public space is just the start on how beautiful the setting is, especially on how beyond you can traverse by playing their free-to-play game, Operation Edo with the use of some of their clothes like the Samurai Armor, Ninja Suits, and the weapons you can purchase for use in and out of the game, adding to the longevity of their commodity. Something like this you would have to log into the Japanese region of Playstation Home to experience this sort of feat, but to have that here in north america for all to enjoy is just awesome!

         
For the lot that wanted a beach setting in Home were finally granted with the Glittering Sands Beach in both open and personal spaces, with the latter having five diurnal options to fit your comfort nature. When you go to the Beach, you just aren't traveling to a generic setting; you're actually going to the locale. 

And while I love Granzella's imaginative take on the Private Hideaway personal space and the aforementioned beach space, the Japanese Ceremonial Teahouse is, by far, the most cultural experience I've ever had in a virtual construct. I rather not spoil any details on what it entail; instead, you can purchase the Space for $6.99 and see for yourself. :)

With a wide variety of fashionable clothing, personal spaces, locomotion items, and many ways on how you approach taking fun "tour style" pictures with either just yourself or with friends, Granzella has set a nice brand for social structure on Playstation Home. 

Cons: Granzella is a diverse powerhouse for fashion and living commodities but so many over-hyped this company without fully decomposing a huge problem that lies with them: marketing. More so, the way they present their bundles. There are several developers on Home that practice this schematic to provide options for the customers who're interested in purchasing their products. I seriously don't have a slight clue as to why this isn't practiced with Granzella because, for instance, if you like the hairstyles in the Monotone Dress set, you are forced to purchase the entire bundle and--essentially--paying more for just a hairstyle alone. I had to do this with one of their Safari Military bundles, which I find highly unfair to me and many others. 

Aside from the prices that a few would complain about (go figure, right? Highly detailed commodity but too much for one's blood...HA!), the primary reason that this practice can be overbearing is due to the current state of Home's Wardrobe function. The much recent Kotobuki Kimono release comes with a whopping 28 pieces in a bundle for a stellar price, but the key factor here is that you're forced to purchase the bundle that comes with two Kimonos, Geta footwear, and a hairstyle, with the rest of the pieces are made up of hairpieces and different styles. Don't get me wrong, I've no problem with the hairpieces and the diversity therein of these items, but seriously....couldn't you just bundled them separately? For those who didn't prepare their wardrobe ahead of time will be met with an avalanche of items that'll set off a doomsday in your closet.

This isn't purely Granzella's fault per-say. None at all, but until Sony resolves this issue, I really would like for the developer to restructure their strategy on how to present these bundles, mainly to just have them as options and not have your customers to force-purchase them just to obtain one or two items. Create a section in the respective theme with individually priced items based on it's release. So if the Monotone Dress is being released, why not provide the items--one with stockings and one without--be sold together for just $2.49? That's a bit reasonable, isn't it? 

I like the options available, but again please have your parcels as options.

Lastly, I don't think it would hurt anyone if you were to move your hairstyles in the proper location: Hairstyles! Adding the actual hairstyles in the Head section of the Wardrobe only fuels the Auto Storage message to pop-up which, much later in this article, brings me one kind of frustration.





Sony Computer Entertainment

Pros: there wouldn't be Playstation Home without the hand that helped create this virtual world, right? Well Sony isn't only responsible for just Home itself, they are largely responsible for some of the fashion items released in such stores like Threads and Costumes. What's showcased are a large variety of items for all to enjoy, even some of the commodity that's been around since the release of Home still hold its shape. 

There are also a list of accolades lain in this construct as well: Home has set a gold standard for providing Users a virtual social network on a gaming console, which is something that's never been done before. And with the recent announcement of the PS4 to be unveiled on February 20th, Sony is a force to be reckon with.

For the many would down Home on the lack of promised features, here is the flip side of all this: if it wasn't for Home, there wouldn't be organizations devoted to providing you virtual content, reviews, and updates. To even host a website to serve a virtual community would be absurd to the average human being, but for Gamers and Home Users alike, this would be a step towards the right direction on how special this application on a gaming console is. Home has allowed for the many to express their creative talents, to socialize with others of similar interests from around the globe, and evolved into an world of its own. 

The original Central Plaza. For a bonus, the backdrop behind the glass is also featured in a personal space. Guess which space it is. :)

However...



Cons: there has been some questionable decisions made by the Sony Home devs that has made some of their loyal customer just either take a break from using the application, or just above all stop using their service. There is a list of complaints that many listed in Home, and while some hold true to its nature, I feel there's no iteration to what most would say. 

So allow me to iterate for the many, if not just for myself.



-Wardrobe Woes

The original Wardrobe mainframe

The Wardrobe many will remember after closed beta 

The Wardrobe that we know now

I remember when you could change your avatar's appearance in any open space with little to no issues right before more features would implemented, especially the grand scaling of the Central Plaza that we knew. 

Overtime, the continuation of Home commodity grew, and the users began to feast on the products, blindly realizing on how the wardrobe storage began to take its toll, resulting in several server issues, such as lag and freezing. The community voiced a demand on a wardrobe increase, which we received along with new OS functionality. The "Storage" option was implemented and though while this is was a neat idea at the time, the more Home commodity released, the more the storage grew into immense proportions. Now in an Home era where items are bundled with 28 pieces, this is causing more grief and convenience than help. For one, free items were given to us like candy because many demanded there weren't enough of them. So the next complaint came on how we were given too much of them, which we just threw into the Storage folder. From there, many surmised that we threw them into said folder because the quality of the items, so then it's back to the drawing board for the devs. At one point, we also stated how these said free items were forcefully given to us and should have the option whether or not if we should accept them. It worked but briefly, as it caused several server crashes.

So we're then provided with free items in the form of pay-to-own games, where the quality of the commodity has increased. If you don't want the items, you simply don't have to either buy the game, or play them at all. 

Problem solved, right?

Not entirely.

A grim look into the results of a forced disorganized Closet

I can't count how many times when one makes a preemptive attempt to organize my wardrobe and then purchase my items I'm met with the dreaded "AUTO-STORAGE" message greeting me, as I'm seriously just stuck with a long face of frustration. The constant "okay, maybe it's just me and I'm doing something wrong" but no no, I feel there is no reasoning with myself any longer on this.

When frustration arises, disaster strikes. "THIS....IS.....MY
WARDROBBBEEEE!"

The fact is there are two functions that needs implemented on Home: 

-Proper Item Organization: I can point out several things in the wardrobe menu right now that are useless. For one, I've yet to purchase Earrings in pairs and they are immediately sent to Jewelry > Both Ears section. Perhaps if removed, can free up some space? 

Proper placement of items in the right section would be a neat way to legitimately organize literal commodity and to free up much needed memory. As aforementioned, Granzella's hairstyles should be in the hairstyle section and not Heads. This goes for the Side Ponytail that's been lain in Threads for 4 years now and hasn't found it's Home in the hairstyle section. 

Adding some sub-sections for such parcel organization can prove much jovial tentures to the wardrobe. For instance, add the Jackets section, then Tops, and finally Dresses. That way, it would be easier to manage the respective apparel without any fuss at all. 

Finally, the Storage function acts as a recyclable folder for what you throw in there or whats over-flowed. However, since the immense increase of commodity on Home, things seem to just truly get out of hand. This is where the next section may seem crucial, risky but possibly effective...


-Compress/Delete File(s): I say crucial and risky because you will have that one bad apple who will abuse and--heaven forbid--exploit this function to their own ploy but here's the effective part comes into play.

The bulk of (my) items in the Storage file

Look at that heaping piles of clothing. See that? That's the average bulk that Goodwill or The Salvation Army receives on a daily basis. They have to sort through each piece in that pile to place them in the proper section. Simple task, is it? Not! As in, it's not easy at all to sift through a virtual closet just to find a Corset just to go through a horrid journey of passing along your free items that you never wanted.

So here are some suggestions: 

-Free items can be deleted. It's to the owner's discretion whether or not if they use the function on the item chosen but warn them that if they do, it's gone. Compressed (or crushed) files is just temporary deleted files that doesn't appear in the folder but it recoverable. However, this should have an expiration period of 30 days should the user leave the compressed file idle with no decision made. During the said period, a friendly reminder that their compressed data has been idle, basically to remind them that it still exist. After 30 days, provide the option whether they wish to keep the item, compress it again or delete it. This would be a benefit for those who wish to have the items but not have it appear in the section, and clears up any sort of lag in storage.

-Purchased items can be converted to credit, which can be put towards possible purchase for the Gift machine. However, the risk factor is if they are to delete any of their purchased items, it's not to be recovered whatsoever, meaning if you make that decision, it's your decision that you've made! the option to compress the item can still be available for this.

Compressed before trashed

The risk to this? There will be possible exploits, which can be managed by the moderators on their own, especially if all save data is stored via Home servers. Though a "reminder" and "warning" notice will be bright as day on you screen, 1 out of 10 of the customers will "mistakenly" delete an item in attempts to raise hell at the company in favor of royalties. There should be some perimeters around this to prevent this cause, and of course thorough Q&A is much needed on this function for quality assurance.

But the biggest reward of them all?

Happiness in my closet!

So....much....room!! 

This is pretty self-explanatory here. We'll be able to manage our Closet and Storage spaces with ease, purge any unneeded memory in favor of smooth transitions in our Wardrobe. The same can apply for furniture items as well. HSMagazine's Kassadee Marie wrote an article on her war against her Wardrobe.





Overall

This article was created out of care and sheer thought for all to comprehend what it is to simply bring forth reason behind criticism with substance. In no way, shape or form am I some expert of data entry or someone who has experience on coding virtual items aside from the education I'm receiving on a daily basis; I'm just an avid Home user who expresses creativity and artistry through virtual commodity in hopes to bring social light to the community. My mere intention is to display the issues most Home users are faced with everyday and for each update most of the issues, if not all, is rectified. 

The developers does an outstanding job on listening to the Home community, especially if those voices are rather legit. For this article, I hope the voice is much clearer. :)