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I'm unsure weather this should go in Forum Discussion or Game Discussion due to this topic being mainly about the game itself. Please move this if it's incorrect. Thank you!
Lately I've noticed a lot of players, new and old, come into FeralHeart over the past month(s). Some returning to see what's up, oldies who got an itch to come back, as well as new players who have beat the Registration Boss. Regardless of reason, they've returned one way or another.
What are your thoughts about all these wonderful members coming back? Do you think it's because of new staff? The most recent update? Could it be that good word is getting out about FeralHeart? Maybe they've all just got an itch to come back. Could it be just a coincidence that these members have returned around the same time, or is this a small sign for a turning point for FeralHeart's survival? Whatever the reason may be, I'm curious as to what your opinions are about this influx of returning players.
These are just some thoughts that came to mind the other day, so I thought I'd share them with you all.
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In my opinion, I think the whole mess with the no-mod October threat brought a lot of people back, curious to see what was going to happen.
And unpopular opinion probably with certain people (that will probably get a lot more hate thrown on me, but I'm being brutally honest) but yes, the new staff are also bringing in members old and new alike. They're much more welcoming and active in my eyes honestly.
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probably a mix of coincidence and the drama surrounding the no-mod october nd other recent happenings attracting people back
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This post will be somewhat personal as I think it would be appropriate to discuss my own story regarding why I came back, as it is relevant to the thread and would give insight as to why I felt it was a good time to return. Of course, likening old members' returns could be a sign Feralheart is "getting better," but every user has a different story regarding to what drew them back in.
In my case, I initially decided to take a leave from Feralheart for a variety of reasons back in late 2014, however I did not officially announce my leave until mid-2015. I planned to deactivate my account, mainly because I felt I would never return—I thought I would just be too busy for the game heading forward. I was not necessarily happy with how certain things were handled, as well as the direction the Feralheart community was heading at the time, so I felt it would be best to simply close myself off. I disconnected myself from anything remotely related to Feralheart, and never expected myself to look back, despite loving the game to bits. Not shockingly, I eventually "caved in" years later and had to check out how the game has been. After all, even several years later, Feralheart still had a big place in my heart.
Out of curiosity, I decided to take a peak on the forum in around late October, mainly because I missed the game and all of the friendships I made throughout the years. When I logged on, I was greeted with quite a shock when I stumbled upon the No-Mod October thread. I was unsettled, but intrigued by it, as well as other events I missed during my hiatus, such as the notorious 2015 hacking, and the game update, among other things. I originally was not going to come back, but I decided to make a 'return thread' in early January, officiating that I was finally coming back.
So, why did I decide to check out the forum and stick around amidst such a controversial time for FH? Honestly, it was just mere coincidence that so much was happening when I logged on. I had no idea whom the staff team consisted of or who a majority of the forum posters were. I felt isolated in such a familiar, yet unfamiliar environment. As cheesy and silly as this may sound, I felt Feralheart needed as much help as it could get. The general chaos alone encouraged me to return, as I genuinely wanted to offer as much discussion as I could. Am I happy I came back? Yes, very much so, and I am sure many others are happy with how Feralheart has changed, both management and community-wise.
Besides my story, in my opinion, I believe returning members will only help to stimulate new ideas and potentially inspire change. Will it take a push? Probably, but in the end, we all share—both new and old community members—the common goal of making Feralheart a better place. Still, the game cannot alone be revived with just old community members. There needs to be collaboration, honest dedication, and a little bit of risk-taking between both parties.
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In my opinion, I think the whole mess with the no-mod October threat brought a lot of people back, curious to see what was going to happen.
I agree with ya there, as NMO brought various players back who wanted to help FeralHeart stay afloat among the confusion, as well as frightened some away due to it's first and poorly explained announcement (still love you Raz lmao). Quick personal note on that; that's why communication is key, as it wasn't handled the best in that situation and it's outcome can be used as a very good example of what could happen.
And unpopular opinion probably with certain people (that will probably get a lot more hate thrown on me, but I'm being brutally honest) but yes, the new staff are also bringing in members old and new alike. They're much more welcoming and active in my eyes honestly.
Nah I feel it's relevant. I did see a lot of people being rather negative. They saw their chance to strike and took it- but that's another topic in of itself. The new staff I feel definitely brought some players in. Possibly they felt more welcomed, or were interested to see how the new staff felt to them.
- When I logged on, I was greeted with quite a shock when I stumbled upon the No-Mod October thread. I was unsettled, but intrigued by it, -
- I felt isolated in such a familiar, yet unfamiliar environment. As cheesy and silly as this may sound, I felt Feralheart needed as much help as it could get. The general chaos alone encouraged me to return, as I genuinely wanted to offer as much discussion as I could. Am I happy I came back? Yes, very much so, and I am sure many others are happy with how Feralheart has changed, both management and community-wise.
I feel that's another reason some of our members had come back, due to interest in what was going on with NMO. Upon seeing what it was about, they either left once again, or, like you and others, stayed to try and help FeralHeart get through yet another bump.
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I wonder if it has anything to do with nostalgia? That's the main reason I came back a bit ago. I have so many fond memories of this game. Logging in every once in a while, even if I'm not doing anything other than hanging out in The Grounds, relaxes me.
Maybe some folks want to see what's going on and what's new?
Otherwise, I can see people wanting to come back after a change in moderation and such! ❤️
I feel confident in our team ❤️
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I can see that, yes. Various players I've seen come back to this game say they just couldn't stay away, or something was pulling them back, but what it was they're unsure. FeralHeart is one of those games where nostalgia is very easily created. It's very unique and I haven't seen a game like it; aside from IT servers, that is. Something about it is just so captivating to so many of us.
I agree that sometimes a good change can bring players back into a game if they've left, or it catches the eye of new comers. Even though we never lost any old staffers, getting some new staff on the team I think helped bring back some players. Possibly they felt it added a little more differences in opinions to the table to spice things up, or perhaps some other reason.
I too am pleased with our team. I feel we have competent people who can help FeralHeart in years to come.
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I feel like, even though nostalgia has an important role in keeping Feral-Heart in many old players' memories, nostalgia alone isn't enough to encourage them to return to Feral-Heart.
In my opinion it's the recent events such as NMO (which caused many players to leave, threatening the game's lifespan) that has encouraged many to make a return, perhaps they think by once again becoming active in Feral-Heart and helping the community fix itself along the way, they'll somehow prolong the life of Feral-Heart.
By prolonging its lifespan, they'll be able to cherish their time with something they've treasured so much for a little while longer before it's gone.
I hope that makes sense.
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There's really no other game like Feral Heart, sure there's wolf quest and the Impressive title games but currently there's nothing out there that could replace Feral Heart. I believe that's one of the reasons old members keep coming back, new members continue to fight with the registration, and why we stick around.
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Just spitting out my opinion right after as I have read the main post of yours, Ame. :)
I love to see tons of members sliding into FH again.
Just today, so far 61 new members hav registered. :)
I like to believe that FH is going up, up, and way way up.
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I feel like, even though nostalgia has an important role in keeping Feral-Heart in many old players' memories, nostalgia alone isn't enough to encourage them to return to Feral-Heart.
In my opinion it's the recent events such as NMO (which caused many players to leave, threatening the game's lifespan) that has encouraged many to make a return, perhaps they think by once again becoming active in Feral-Heart and helping the community fix itself along the way, they'll somehow prolong the life of Feral-Heart.
By prolonging its lifespan, they'll be able to cherish their time with something they've treasured so much for a little while longer before it's gone.
I hope that makes sense.
Yes, nostalgia can only keep something alive for so long. You would need new updates and improvements to keep the life of a game, or whatever else alive. Sadly, as we know, the staff do not posses the source code so proper updates cannot be implemented. However I feel like they are doing a splendid job with what they can work with.
Yes some players had returned in hopes to keep the game alive during NMO's announcement, which indeed scared some players away, and I for one feel the ones who came back in attempt to help, alongside others, did a good job at helping to keep things positive during the confusion. It makes me happy seeing some of those players who have chosen to stick around after their initial return and the passing of NMO.
There's really no other game like Feral Heart, sure there's wolf quest and the Impressive title games but currently there's nothing out there that could replace Feral Heart. I believe that's one of the reasons old members keep coming back, new members continue to fight with the registration, and why we stick around.
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Yup! Exactly. FeralHeart really is unique in how it's built. Something about it is just very attracting to many people; definitely one of the reasons new players keep fighting the registration when they have to, and older players keep coming back.
Just spitting out my opinion right after as I have read the main post of yours, Ame. :)
I love to see tons of members sliding into FH again.
Just today, so far 61 new members hav registered. :)
I like to believe that FH is going up, up, and way way up.
I absolutely love your enthusiasm Ellen. <3 Seeing so many players, new and old, come into FeralHeart warms my heart as well. Among those 61 players, I'm sure are others whom already have an account who are creating an extra account for whatever they wish to use it for. Aside from that fact, I'm sure we have a handful of new players as well, and I can only hope that they keep coming.
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I'm actually glad someone pointed this out, mainly because I've been analyzing since No Mod October. Feral Heart has surely had it's bumps along the way since that time, but I do like to think we are making progress. Slow, as it might be, but progress nonetheless. Feral Heart is a great game, despite certain bugs and broken pieces, but it's still something that can be saved.
Over time, I'm sure, we can regain members once again, and round up the community back to a former glory. It may not be the same as it used to be, but I think often times change is a good thing.
Thank you for bringing this up Ame, as I'm sure many have been noticing it. <3 It's nice to see old members, and even new members, joining the game. It makes me happy.
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Honestly I'm so happy to see all the old and new members that have been joining. I do think that everyone comes back here every once in a while to check out things and see who is still around.. and honestly just because of the nostalgia of it all.
I'm very hopeful that this game will be booming with activity like it used to be and can't wait to see new things come for the game after being here for a while. ♥
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Personally, I came back because I am going through a kinda long-winded transition in my life, and I'll probably be very very bored. I haven't played in about 5 years, and I remember how much fun I used to have. I guess I just wanted to experience that fun again to make this time easier for me. :-)
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I returned last November, after almost 3 years of inactivity. I didn't really have a solid reason; I was just feeling nostalgic, and wanted to see what had changed around here. I hope the trend keeps up; would love to see more activity, and maybe even reunite with some old friends ^^
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I know this is a bit late to reply, but I wanted to add my 2cents that what brought me back wasn't NMO but the source code and update. I've been gone for years and friends have told me now and then when something major happens (like the old maps being removed, and eventually drama and NMO) and that kept me away. I felt like I had outgrown the game. I was looking for other games similar, like Cereal Soup, but I ended up fading on that because I didn't really fit in.
I was really excited when I found out the game was going strong and now being updated again, so I redownloaded it instantly.
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I share a similar sentiment with some people above me, I believe.
I lost interest in the game around 2016, but kept lurking on the forums until 2017-ish before I finally slipped away. I was kind of fed up with the community at the time, with some drama going on; and I honestly just felt the game growing "stale". I remember coming back briefly to lurk and see what would happen with no mod october, but again losing interest due to some personal disagreements.
Couple months later, here I am.
New update caught my attention, and when I came to check it out, I noticed some other friendly faces have returned. My nostalgia caved and I was pulled back into the community all at once. With the source code update, it seems like people are much more hopeful and engaged in the game's future, and not the "staleness" that drove me away. Maybe I'm just older and more open-minded, but in coming back to the community I see a lot more positivity and it just feels like the old days again. <3
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I came back from 2014 officially because I got a bunch of nostalgia, and I happened to check back in just as the update was released - and then off was the site.
(I've been stalking the site for a few years, though. Let's be real.)
I actually reconnected with someone from 2012, which is INSANE! I've been talking to a bunch of friendly faces and hopefully will see more familiar soon.
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I've been pretty on-and-off the game due to a lot of the drama that had been going on, so I had left a bit after No Mod October, I believe. I recently came back initially because of the source code acquisition, though stayed due to a lot of the happenings, good or bad, in the community. I like seeing the game being a bit more active again.
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FH is not a game or community that's so easily forgotten. Even users who have been involved in the game since the early days like myself always seem to return. There's something about it that draws people back, whether it's the users, or the game itself, or the memories that've been made here over time. I don't think I've ever seen a community quite like FH's, and it always amazes me how we all come together in hard times. FH is like a second home to me, and has been since I was barely a teenager. Now I'm an adult, and still involved in it as much as I was back then. There's nothing quite like FH.
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I had joined in 2012 and didn't play FH for YEARS afterwards due to my laptop at the time not being able to handle the game very well (too many trips to Bonfire Island I guess lol).
But I came back on a whim in 2017-ish and heard about that big 1.15 patch. I wasn't sure what to expect but I started playing again and got hit with a HUGE nostalgia wave.
I still lurk every once in a while, whenever I'm not too busy with college and college-related stress lol.
I think that it's great that older members come back to visit sometimes!
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i actually didn't return because of the update, but i would check in a few times every year and never really returned because i'd find that so many groups had tended to use Discord as their main roleplay platform and only ever logged onto FH to recruit-- along with some other little things. i don't want to complain because i really do love this game, but the roleplay samples and making accounts for other websites and the constant learning new ranks and spending half our time trying to figure out the first line and how to stretch it into 4 paragraphs made it even harder on top of me being really busy with IRL stuff. i can't stay away forever though, and this time i want to come back for good-- even if there was no update, i'd still feel the same. the culture of roleplay is always changing, and i guess i just sorta have to adjust. :)