NWN2: Enhanced Edition & Server Direction

[Goat]

Hey everyone,

I wanted to take a moment to share some updates on what's happening with NWN2: EE, our direction moving forward, and what's coming next.

With NWN2: EE just around the corner, I can confirm that we will be an Enhanced Edition server. We're aiming to transition over as soon as we reasonably can. That said, the move won't happen the moment EE launches. There's still a lot up in the air, and we want to make sure things are stable before making the jump. Our goal is to support the 64-bit client/server, merge back into one unified server, and carry everything forward without a wipe or reset. We are aiming to move when we can, and expect this sooner then later.

Some of the technical work - like updating NWNX4 to work with the new executable - will have to be done once the executables are released and there is no real way to start this before hand. We're also waiting to see whether the client extension will need an update too or if we'll be fine without it. Once we know more, we'll keep you posted.

As we prepare for the move, we're also reviewing media content on the server. Some assets will be removed or replaced in EE due to copyright or legal reasons. Since the EE release will put more eyes on us, we want to make sure we're operating cleanly and within legal reason.

Additionally, after much deliberation, we have decided to forgo BGTSCC's former "Teen" rating and make the change to "Mature" in-line with NWN2's other persistent world servers. This is not a decision that was made lightly, nor is it for any single reason. To be honest, we haven't really been "Teen" for a long time - especially with some of the darker plots and themes we explore in the Forgotten Realms setting. We also don't feel comfortable hosting younger players on the server moving forward, given the direction we've taken. This change doesn't mean more gore, graphic, or explicit content - it just better reflects the tone and content we already have, offers a little leniency, and covers our asses in a legal sense. Clarification and details regarding this change, including an update to the server rules, will follow in its own announcement.

The team's been actively discussing server direction. Topics like RIG changes, Nexus account storage, epic level XP scaling, monster balancing, crafting systems, and more are all on the table. We're working on plans for many of these, and the team is more aligned than it's been in a long time. You can expect changes sooner rather than later for many of these things.

Dae has created a brand-new character planner that we're aiming to use instead of the old NWN2DB system, which is a security risk now and days and has not been resolved in years. You can check it out here: https://charplanner.bgtscc.net/ - Please test it out and leave feedback on discord. Saving is coming soon.

And if you haven't already, we're running a giveaway for a few copies of NWN2: EE! You can enter through our Linktree, which includes Discord, Bluesky, and X (Twitter) entries. Currently, our socials have one sixth the entrants as our giveaway in discord, so if you want an increased chance with better odds head over there, follow and reblog to enter the running. As with discord, the winners will be picked on June 16th.

Thanks for sticking with us. We're excited about what's ahead and glad to have you along for the ride.

-The BGTSCC Team