"Additional instances cannot be launched"

Update: Our Community Team has just announced plans to modify our hardware setup to allow for more instances to be active without negatively impacting performance. I strongly encourage each of you to review this thread here:

http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=18031082483&sid=1

Should you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to continue your discussion in the aforementioned thread.

Thank you all for your extended patience and understanding. :)

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Update: Thank you all for your continued reports!

In the meantime, I give you Bornakk:

http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=17368013775&pageNo=1&sid=1#12

Q u o t e:
The limit on the number of instances has been around for awhile now. We feel this was needed to preserve the game play for those already in the instances as it would eventually deteriorate when too many instances were up.

That said, we do not feel feel this is a permanent fix and have been working on a more long term solution for quite awhile now.

Q u o t e:
There are no specifics I can provide at this time, but I can assure you we knew about this issue quite awhile ago when we had to start limiting the number of instances. This was never meant to be something we would put in and just ignore until players complained about it enough. I can assure you we are actively in the process of a more long term solution but these take a lot of time to plan out and implement so it won't be done overnight.

We are indeed always looking for ways to improve your gaming experience. Unfortunately, as Bornakk noted, changes that can help achieve this goal sometimes take time to come full fruition due to very real development and logistical limitations. To give you a more direct perspective on this, here's Zarhym discussing Wintergrasp:

Q u o t e:
Some things to consider for those that would claim to know the solution to this:

1) The entire selling point of Lake Wintergrasp is that it is not an instanced battleground. A lot of the cool features of Wintergrasp and the Vault wouldn't be so neatly realized if this place were a 40 vs. 40 instance.

2) Putting in very restrictive thresholds to keep out excessive numbers of players defeats the purpose of having an open PvP zone. There might be a reasonable solution to this end, but it will take very careful consideration.

3) Buying new hardware is not such a simple answer as many would claim. For one, the hardware of our realms is quite top-of-the-line. If upgrades were possible here and there, the acquisition and implementation of new hardware would take months. It's not an entirely unrealistic solution, but it certainly would not alleviate any of the lag we're seeing in the short term.

Now, this matter is obviously different than that which Zarhym details; however, the limitations do overlap and so may provide you a bit more understanding and insight into our current actions.

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Update: For those participating herein, does this issue seems to affect you more on Azeroth, Outland, or Northrend? Within 5-man instances, 10-, 25, or 20/40-man raids? If you have already provided this information, you do not need to repeat it; thank you for your contributions!

Also, if the character on which you are posting is not representative of the realm on which you are experiencing this issue, please make a notation of this.

Thank you again!

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In order to assist with realm stability, each realm is allotted only a certain amount of active instances. While this allottment is quite large, should a realm's instance "cap" be met, as is possible on the weekend or during peak gaming hours, players will receive the "Additional instances cannot be launched" message upon attempted zone in and be disallowed entry into the target instance.

We are indeed keeping an eye on these reports, Moofasa, so I thank you for yours. In the meantime, if you receive this message again, wait a few minutes before reentering the target instance; this period of time is usually substantial enough to allow for the conclusion of a few instances (allowing for the creation of new ones). :)

Q u o t e:
I mean whats the point of monitoring "reports" anymore?

Monitoring reports helps us identify when this issue occurs most frequently, for how long it persists, on which continents, on which realms, for which instances, and at what population levels. We can best work to resolve or improve a situation we understand fully, even if resolution or improvement is not immediately available.

I do sincerely apologize for any confusion or concern, Gwenstar. Please know that we're consistently working to improve the gaming experience for everyone—not just select privileged subscribers.

Q u o t e:
This isn't reassuring or comforting. It comes across to most as patronizing and even directly insulting.

It's a sad day when genuine sympathy for a concern is deemed patronizing. I suppose such is the risk of text-based communication.

I assure you, I've no desire to patronize, insult, or demean any concern, person, or contribution herein and I would actually greatly appreciate it if those participating within this thread would work towards a similar goal.

Q u o t e:
Who do you see these "privileged subscribers" as being?

A group of indivduals referenced by Gwenstar, Iostu.

Q u o t e:
Or are you implying that only some subscribers are privledged enough to be able to run instances and the rest of us are just out of luck?

Folks, this conversation can either continue without the hostility or not continue at all.

I'd rather keep this thread open, so let's keep things constructive and civil. :)

Q u o t e:
Would you say a hour is a reasonable amount of time for someone to have to wait to run Heroic Nexus?

As I asked in another thread, Gwenstar, does this message seem to only affect you only on certain continents (Northrend, the Outland, Azeroth)?

*editing to clarify question

Q u o t e:
What, to you, would be constructive discussion? The dimensions of the issue are known to those who need to know.

I've faith that those participating herein are capable of discussing the topic of "Additional instances cannot be launched" without discussing the merits (or lack thereof) of other posters.

Keep this thread about the game and we're good. :)

Q u o t e:
No, Right now its in Northrend, we are outside the Nexus. At this point I could go to another instance hub, like say the old kingdom area and would have a similar experience.

I do run into it outlands and in old world as well. I dont spend alot of time there, since I figure that I would rather try and get heroic badges/loot for my alt waiting hours at a time to run a instance here than waiting the same amount of time in older content trying to help someone else level as well.


Last night at 11eastern (i think there about) we were able to walk right into Kara.

I admitedly dont know or ever asked how all the instances are linked.

Roger that. And does this message usually occur during peak gaming hours (weekends, and weekdays between 5 to 10 PDT) or does it seem to occur outside of these frames, as well?

Q u o t e:
Analogies are tested and proven valid or debunked based on the merits of both the advocate and the advocate's points, which are mutually linked.

The "what" is largely irrelevant to me provided that it contributes to the natural and constructive progression of a thread; the "how," however, is critical to this environment and thus very relevant. You're welcome to debunk as you see fit provided that you (global "you") do not insult, demean, or show hostility to fellow posters in the process.

With that said, I've not yet seen any issue with your contributions thus far. :)

Q u o t e:
No, on our server it starts anywhere between 1 eastern time and 3 eastern time, daily. More so on the weekends, on the weekends you can start to encounter this type of waiting at around noon eastern. By 8 o'clock eastern (5 PDT) the lines are just silly, and you have entire raids in and out of door ways trying to get in.

And you're referring to Medivh only or do you experience this same pattern on other realms?

Thanks, Gwenstar (and Falladaren). :)

Understood, Gwenstar. I know it's frustrating and I thank you for taking the time to provide me with the information you have. :)

As I noted earlier, we are indeed always looking for ways to improve your gaming experience. Unfortuantely, changes that can help achieve this goal sometimes take time to come full fruition due to very real development and logistical limitations. To give you a more direct perspective on this, here's Zarhym discussing Wintergrasp:

http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=16904071781&pageNo=1&sid=1#6

Q u o t e:
Some things to consider for those that would claim to know the solution to this:

1) The entire selling point of Lake Wintergrasp is that it is not an instanced battleground. A lot of the cool features of Wintergrasp and the Vault wouldn't be so neatly realized if this place were a 40 vs. 40 instance.

2) Putting in very restrictive thresholds to keep out excessive numbers of players defeats the purpose of having an open PvP zone. There might be a reasonable solution to this end, but it will take very careful consideration.

3) Buying new hardware is not such a simple answer as many would claim. For one, the hardware of our realms is quite top-of-the-line. If upgrades were possible here and there, the acquisition and implementation of new hardware would take months. It's not an entirely unrealistic solution, but it certainly would not alleviate any of the lag we're seeing in the short term.

Now, this matter is obviously different than that which Zarhym details; however, the limitations do overlap and so may provide you a bit more understanding and insight into our current actions.

Thanks again!

Q u o t e:
Bliz monitors servers in real time

Every server creates a log of all incoming requests whether it's email or a financial account or an instance server.

Correct. Unfortunately, this form of raw data analysis cannot always wholly identify player experience. By monitoring your reports and anecdotes, we can work to provide our technicians with a more holistic understanding of exactly how this particular mechanic is affecting game play.

Your statement was that you can not play the entire game, Gwenstar. It seems that was an incorrect statement which is what my comment was directed to.

Q u o t e:
So as long as I cannot play the entire game, I will continue to post. I will continue to post in the hopes that others will post having the same problem, so that maybe, just maybe, you might consider doing somthing about this. New content is great. Sure wish I could get into a instance to see it. How about you fix the problem were having now?

I'm sorry if you viewed my comments as harsh but I really wanted to discourage you from posting additional threads "until something is done about this". That would only serve to violate our Code of Conduct.

I never said that your "little complaint" is not important, Gwenstar, but that the Game Master Department (those of us who moderate this forum) are not the correct audience for your feedback regarding this issue.

Nor did anyone suggest that nothing would be done. As stated by Syndri in this thread.

http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=17368007967&sid=1&pageNo=4#70

Q u o t e:
As I noted earlier, we are indeed always looking for ways to improve your gaming experience. Unfortuantely, changes that can help achieve this goal sometimes take time to come full fruition due to very real development and logistical limitations. To give you a more direct perspective on this, here's Zarhym discussing Wintergrasp:

http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=16904071781&pageNo=1&sid=1#6

I'm sorry for the misunderstanding, Gwenstar.

Q u o t e:

"Meanwhile as we ignore the fact our game is broken, we made a new cool looken bear, enjoy it in line outside your instance"

Which involves completely different teams, Gwenstar. The way you are posting makes it sound like you actually think that the Game Master Department has anything to do with resolving such issues. We are not Technicians, nor are we part of the Development staff. Which is what I've been trying to explain.

Gwenstar, we've never said that we don't understand the frustration you may be experiencing but that doesn't mean that this issue will resolve itself any faster if you make more noise about it. Please review what Syndri has stated so far.

Q u o t e:
What Syndri has on you Sir, is that he was never rude with me. And he asked for us to post here to gather information so it could be passed along, which implies, you can pass it along.


I think that pretty much sums it up dont you think?

Here, as in this thread, Gwenstar, she never said to create additional threads.

I'm sorry if you feel that I have been rude to you, it was never my intention.

Q u o t e:
What has been done so far to fix this issue and will you please keep us informed as to what is planned.

I know that there are "catchphrases" or "standard responses" and those are appreciated. They let us know that you are actually reading the posts. I just want to know when I will be able to get back into a dungeon. Oh yeah, I'm on the maelstrom server. Thanks for you help.

I'm sorry, Kleig, that is just not information that we have currently. All we, as members of the Game Master Department, can tell you is that our Developers and Technicians are aware of the issue.

I understand that everyone wants to be certain that we are reading these posts, and we are, but all we as in-game support can do is relay pertinent information to the appropriate parties.

If information becomes available that we are able to pass on, we will do so. Likely what will happen is a member of our Community Team will post in General when they are able to provide information.

Q u o t e:
So you're saying that they are aware, but they aren't definitely working on resolving this issue?

I didn't say that at all. I'm not even certain how you pulled that kind of statement out of what I did say. They are aware of the issue, is just that, they are aware of it. I made no further comment on what was or was not being done.

If we had additional information I would pass it on. We don't at this time.

Q u o t e:
You saying you're happy about this instance crap?

You think we are, Fireflyy?

Q u o t e:

MORE time trying to FIX it

From your post, you seem to be under the impression that the Game Masters who moderate this forum are responsible for investigating such matters and resolving them. Thank you for cleaning up the language in this post, Fireflyy, but you are incorrect in your assumption.

Q u o t e:

and there were THREE... THREE PLAYERS in Outland instances. You telling me that THREE FREAKIN PLAYERS is your CAP?

I see you took the opportunity to recycle a previous post. Again, an assumption on how you believe it works, not on how instance servers actually work.

You may believe that we are lying, Fireflyy, frankly the level of information that you would need about our systems to make an educated attempt at what may be going on is not something that we will ever release, so all people really have to go off of is their personal experience what they know about systems that they believe to be similar.

I understand your frustration, Fireflyy, but we have no reason to lie to you. I have personally have never knowingly provided false information to anyone here. Technically we could just redirect these posts to either the Bug Report Forum or General. We are trying to provide you with what information we have.

Take it or leave it but I'll thank you not to abuse the staff that is trying to provide what information they can.

For those participating herein, does this issue seems to affect you more on Azeroth, Outland, or Northrend? Within 5-man instances, 10-, 25, or 20/40-man raids? If you have already provided this information, you do not need to repeat it; thank you for your contributions!

Also, if the character on which you are posting is not representative of the realm on which you are experiencing this issue, please make a notation of this.

Thank you again!

Q u o t e:
I believe the problem is not affecting just individual servers, but battlegroups, as instance servers are shared among an entire battlegroup. If everyone that is having this issue could post their battlegroup, maybe the problem could be narrowed down that way.

We can determine balttlegroup based on realm, thus only the realm name need be provided (and even so, only if it differs from your primary posting character). This just makes the posting process simpler for those taking the time to contribute. :)

If you want to rally the troops, for a protest or boycott, Bankorok, do it on your own forum.

This thread is here to gather information and provide a place for updates when they become available. Any posts meant to stir things up will be removed.

We would prefer to keep this thread open but if it degenerates we will lock it.

Ten people will take up more resources than one but the difference between one person in an instance and ten people in that same instance would be negligible as far as I know, Switchykins, at least where this issue is concerned.

Q u o t e:


lolwut?

Context, Mylight. It is better in context. :)

Thank you all for your continued reports!

In the meantime, I give you Bornakk:

http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=17368013775&pageNo=1&sid=1#12

Q u o t e:
The limit on the number of instances has been around for awhile now. We feel this was needed to preserve the game play for those already in the instances as it would eventually deteriorate when too many instances were up.

That said, we do not feel feel this is a permanent fix and have been working on a more long term solution for quite awhile now.

Q u o t e:
There are no specifics I can provide at this time, but I can assure you we knew about this issue quite awhile ago when we had to start limiting the number of instances. This was never meant to be something we would put in and just ignore until players complained about it enough. I can assure you we are actively in the process of a more long term solution but these take a lot of time to plan out and implement so it won't be done overnight.

Q u o t e:
Careful Kleig, they might ban you too for asking that much :O

Discussion of previous suspensions is against our Code of Conduct, Bankorok. Please stop.

I'm sorry, Kleig, but no. We are not able to give you information on how many people may be working on this issue.

We'll provide what updates we can when they become available but the best source of information really is through the post that was linked by Syndri earlier.

Q u o t e:
Vrakthris, I want to know if I can contct you or your manager somehow, or do I have to call through the 1-800 line for that?

The only phone numbers we have are to our Billing and Technical Support Department. If you wish to provide feedback regarding me, Bankorok, you are welcome to write to [email protected], that will go to my supervisor. If you just want to ask me about our previous interactions, use that address and it can be forwarded to me and I'll do my best to respond as soon as I can. I wanted to actually answer some of your post yesterday but this thread really isn't the place.

Q u o t e:
Vrakthis, on a side note, it amazes me that in some threads your like "this isnt being fixed, no one is fixing it" and your nice, yet in this thread, you have been rude, and other people have said "it needs to be fixed"

So um. What? Are you guys all on the same page?

Wut?

I've said that this isn't something that is considered "broken" Gwenstar. But I've also said that we aren't happy with how things are currently and our technicians and developers are looking into ways to resolve the issue to everyone's satisfaction.

If I actually said "this isnt being fixed, no one is fixing it" please give me the link so I can check it out.

Q u o t e:
http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=16473622371&sid=1#3


This is not somthing that requires a "fix" as it were......


Also, why so nice to everyone else?

Nice to everyone else but who, Gwenstar? You?

Well I really haven't had the opportunity thus far to be "nice" as it were, Gwenstar. I seem to be defending myself whenever we meet because you keep misquoting me. For example, you focused on the part where I said this is not something that requires a "fix", as it were, but you seem to skip over the part where I say that our Teams are continuing to look into ways to optimize our realms.

Q u o t e:

This is not something that requires a "Fix" as it were, as I said resources are not infinite and we can only allow so many instances to be created before it would adversely affect everyone on the realm. Our teams continue to look into ways of optimizing our realms so it can handle more information without adversely affecting the stability of the realm.

Stop accusing us of not caring and the nature of our relationship may be able to change. You seem to judge if we care by having a resolution to something that you deem broken. Even when it was stated by us and by Community that a more long time solution is being worked on you continue to insist that we don't care.

Q u o t e:
If we breach the EULA, we get banned, kicked, perma-banned. So, is this a breach on your end?

You are really going to make me quote it aren't you? Ok, but I wish to stipulate for reference that we have already said, and will continue to say that our Developers and Technicians are looking into the situation and are working on a resolution.

http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=17368013775&pageNo=1&sid=1#12

Q u o t e:
Warranty Disclaimer.
THE GAME AND THE SERVICE ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND BLIZZARD DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE GAME OR THE SERVICE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE, THAT DEFECTS WILL BE CORRECTED, OR THAT THE GAME OR THE SERVICE ARE FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS. BLIZZARD EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/legal/termsofuse.html

Q u o t e:

"we are aware of the problem" and not doing anything about it.

Which we have never said, Gwenstar.

Q u o t e:
i got a gm ticket open, i got a guy posting WUT on the forums, someone could come in right now and see what the issue is, but they're not.

I'm not understanding your point, Thunndåår, I used "wut" instead of what, the sky is surely falling.

Someone could come in right now and see what issue?

Game Masters are not technicians. There is nothing that the Game Master who answers your petition will be able to do for you.

Q u o t e:
hey i have an instance right here that's not working. want to come look at it?

To what end, Thunndåår?

The instance is working, you are just getting the message that additional instances can not be launched at this time.

There is nothing that the Game Master Department can do in this situation. We can not magically create additional instances, we can not work on realm technology to increase the number of instances that can be active at one time.

That is something that must be done at the Developmental level which, as has been said numerous times already, is being looked into.

Q u o t e:
you should spell it 'what' , makes you look like an immature child.

How you perceive me, Thunndåår, I can not help. "Wut" is a common term used in many online games. It is part of the culture.

Q u o t e:

why are you posting here if you dont want to do anything about it?
why dont you contact a technician?

Posting here is my job, Thunndåår, so is moderating this forum.

Q u o t e:

the gms in this thread and others were asking for detailed information regarding this issue with instances.

Yes, which we forward on.

Q u o t e:
if this forum is the only way for customer suport THEY SURLY can contact someone who can do something about it, am i right?

Since we're helping each other with our grammar. It's spelled "Support" and "Surely", you may also want to consider capitalizing your I's.

Q u o t e:

a gm could collect information for technicians. i'm doing /who on all the instances and none of them really look like they're taking a large load.

The point is, Thunndåår, you don't understand how everything is supposed to work. What /who shows you isn't half the story. Please review the information that has already been presented in this thread. This isn't something that can be resolved quickly. A technician can't just look at your instance and press a button that will resolve the issue.

Q u o t e:
As for what gamemasters can and can't do, I'm not sure but i do know this is a serious issue that needs to be taken care of. While i understand this may not be a quick fix, after weeks of this happening, and now with increasing frequency and duration being told that the problem is being looked into isn't very reassuring and adds to our frustration.

That I understand, Angelusx, but please understand that "the issue is being looked into" includes a great deal of activity usually. What actual steps are being taken I really couldn't say. The Game Master Department is not privy to developmental procedures and time tables.

The Developers generally don't announce specific changes unless they need to. In this industry the amount of time it takes to investigate and implement something can fluctuate greatly and we have found that if we are unable to meet an announced deadline that it creates quite a bit of backlash.

As soon as anything can be announced it will be, likely by one of our Community Managers in the General Forum. Until then we ask that the requested information be posted here so it can continue to be forwarded to the appropriate parties.

He wasn't, Hobbesinator. Is he receiving an error message or something?

Ah. ^_^

That usually means that your Billing cycle has reached it's processing time/date and it can take a little bit to update accordingly. Sorry about that!

Hey there Trifftnix,

Have you read this post ( the first "blue" post in this thread) i:http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=17368007967&pageNo=1&sid=1#5 ?

I do believe that should address your concerns regarding the matter.

Mathom, I do believe that you've misinterpreted the conversation you had with the Game Master. The numbers they used were arbitrary and simply an example. I just wanted to clear that part up. =)

Q u o t e:
If the blues don't want to address this issue can they at least give us a contact at Blizzard?

Address what issue, Tankadin? I thought we already discussed the fact that the blues in this forum are Game Masters, not Realm Technicians, not Developers or liaisons with the Developers. What exactly to you believe we could address?

We are unable to provide a point of contact for our technicians or developers.

If we had information to pass on we would do so. When we do receive an update we will pass it on. Until then I'm afraid the only information that we have thus far regarding this issue was posted by one of our Community Managers.

http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=17368013775&pageNo=1&sid=1#12

We understand that this situation is causing no small amount of frustration, folks, but please don't assume because there has been no word thus far that your concerns are not important. They are important, and addressing those concerns is a high priority though as Bornakk said, the long term solution takes time to plan and implement.

Feel free to make such a request on the Suggestion Forum, Tankadin.

We are unable to provide you information that we are not given.

If you believe that we should be privy to such information so that it can be passed on to you, that is the best place to make such a request.

Q u o t e:


I would if I thought it would help. Would it be constructive to compile a list of community questions on this issue and then kindly ask you or your team to pass it on to the appropriate department in hopes that they might answer a few of them?

I'm sorry, Tankadin, as we've said we're not liaisons with the Developers so we are unable to pass on questions you may have. Our Community Managers (the other blues) are liaisons though, they may be able to acquire a response, I couldn't say for certain. You can try posting in General, they may see your post and be able to answer you.

I think you are assuming that the right people don't already know about these concerns, Deathlock. They do. Does no one read the links we provide? O.o Bornakk is a member of Community and a liaison with our Developers.

If additional information is provided to us, we'll pass it on. If Development decides to share additional information they or someone in Community will post.

Q u o t e:
They have also said its not something they consider broken.

To clarify this point a bit further (as I understand that it may seem counterintuitive to what you are experiencing and perhaps even a bit disingenuous when viewed in parallel to your frustrations), I'm going to reference a prior explanation provided by Bornakk:

The limit on the number of instances has been around for awhile now. We feel this was needed to preserve the game play for those already in the instances as it would eventually deteriorate when too many instances were up.

That said, we do not feel feel this is a permanent fix and have been working on a more long term solution for quite awhile now.

Source: http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=17368013775&pageNo=1&sid=1#12

There are no specifics I can provide at this time, but I can assure you we knew about this issue quite awhile ago when we had to start limiting the number of instances. This was never meant to be something we would put in and just ignore until players complained about it enough. I can assure you we are actively in the process of a more long term solution but these take a lot of time to plan out and implement so it won't be done overnight.

Source: http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=17368013775&sid=1&pageNo=2#27

We implemented the rigorously-mentioned "instance cap" in response to stability concerns and in effort to preserve game play on a very large scale. This mechanic is not and was never intended to persist indefinitely, though. Rather, its goal is to provide the smoothest experience possible for as many players as possible while a more global resolution is being assessed and developed.

With that said, we understand that, for many players, "the smoothest experience" may seem an ironic. For this, I am deeply sorry and I would like to reiterate that, although the instance cap remains in place at this time (as it greatly helps prevent instability), our efforts to implement a more long-lasting and core resolution remain strong and focused. That notable time has passed since this matter was first brought to our attention is simply an indication of how complex, grand, and overarching it is and not a sign of apathy or ignorance.

Thank you to those who have voiced your personal experiences in-game and/or provided data to supplement them. We are deeply appreciative and will work provide updates (or refer to you a location where updates are provided) as soon as they become available.

Q u o t e:
But you Forum Ban me, because I think you dont care about the issue.

This is not so, Gwenstar. While I understand you may feel differently in light of recent events, I assure you that quite the opposite holds true.

You were provided a suspension for repeatedly contributing nothing more than "Blizzard doesn't care about us." This statement, on its own, is fine. Continuing to voice your concern and frustration constructively is also fine. But simply adding nothing more to this discussion than that one simple phrase is not helping you, nor your fellow posters, nor those who moderate this forum.

I understand your plight, Gwenstar, and I appreciate your committment. Please do not sully or cheapen either by working to create an unconstructive atmosphere. Though we do not possess an update to provide to you at this time, it would greatly help those who are interested in the direction of this issue to have a friendly and welcoming place in which to find such an update when it becomes available.

With that said, and in case you missed my previous response to Pontoof's very legitimate question:

http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=17368007967&sid=1&pageNo=60#1196

Q u o t e:

Q u o t e:
They have also said its not something they consider broken.

To clarify this point a bit further (as I understand that it may seem counterintuitive to what you are experiencing and perhaps even a bit disingenuous when viewed in parallel to your frustrations), I'm going to reference a prior explanation provided by Bornakk:

The limit on the number of instances has been around for awhile now. We feel this was needed to preserve the game play for those already in the instances as it would eventually deteriorate when too many instances were up.

That said, we do not feel feel this is a permanent fix and have been working on a more long term solution for quite awhile now.

Source: http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=17368013775&pageNo=1&sid=1#12

There are no specifics I can provide at this time, but I can assure you we knew about this issue quite awhile ago when we had to start limiting the number of instances. This was never meant to be something we would put in and just ignore until players complained about it enough. I can assure you we are actively in the process of a more long term solution but these take a lot of time to plan out and implement so it won't be done overnight.

Source: http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=17368013775&sid=1&pageNo=2#27

We implemented the rigorously-mentioned "instance cap" in response to stability concerns and in effort to preserve game play on a very large scale. This mechanic is not and was never intended to persist indefinitely, though. Rather, its goal is to provide the smoothest experience possible for as many players as possible while a more global resolution is being assessed and developed.

With that said, we understand that, for many players, "the smoothest experience" may seem an ironic term. For this, I am deeply sorry and I would like to reiterate that, although the instance cap remains in place at this time (as it greatly helps prevent instability), our efforts to implement a more long-lasting and core resolution remain strong and focused. That notable time has passed since this matter was first brought to our attention is simply an indication of how complex, grand, and overarching it is and not a sign of apathy or ignorance.

Thank you to those who have voiced your personal experiences in-game and/or provided data to supplement them. We are deeply appreciative and will work provide updates (or refer to you a location where updates are provided) as soon as they become available.

If you are absolutely sure that we do not care about our players in light of this information, there is nothing I can personally say to amend your position. I respect such a position, though, and simply ask that, if you wish to continue speaking on behalf of it, you avoid simply reiterating the same sentence over and over again. You're very passionate and forthcoming, so I've faith that you will be able to do so. :)

I claim full responsibility, Gwenstar. I know you've been provided an avenue to contest forum penalties, but if you'd like to provide feedback regarding our interactions, you're absoluely welcome to do so in addition. The email for that is [email protected]. No harm, no foul; I completely understand why you may be frustrated. :)

In response to your concerns regarding communication, though, we are currently working with our Community team to determine the best method by which to track this issue, gather information, and provide updates. Therefore, we're a bit hesitant to sticky this thread just yet. Rest assured that we've read each and every request found in this thread, relayed on the grievances you've expressed, and hope to do our best to further accomodate as soon as possible.

In the meantime, any updates we do receive will be pasted in the first "Blue" post of this thread, so as to make them easier to read. (Link: http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=17368007967&pageNo=1&sid=1#5)

Q u o t e:
Thank you, and just to be clear, Woozel is my wife, and is just unfortunate to have a similar IP since shes right next to me, its not me, and we normally do not post in the same thread because of it, and I honestly dont want to get into anymore trouble today concerning this, so I want to be sure Syndri that you know, in case you didnt see one of my many edits on my former post.

That's absolutely fine. Welcome, Woozel, wife of Gwenstar. :)

Q u o t e:
WTB STICKY! Kind of foolish that this thread has gotten so long without a Sticky yet.

From a previous response: http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=17368007967&sid=1&pageNo=63#1251

Q u o t e:
In response to your concerns regarding communication, though, we are currently working with our Community team to determine the best method by which to track this issue, gather information, and provide updates. Therefore, we're a bit hesitant to sticky this thread just yet. Rest assured that we've read each and every request found in this thread, relayed on the grievances you've expressed, and hope to do our best to further accomodate as soon as possible.

In the meantime, any updates we do receive will be pasted in the first "Blue" post of this thread, so as to make them easier to read. (Link: http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=17368007967&pageNo=1&sid=1#5)

Q u o t e:
Nice - all mail sent to [email protected] is returned as undeliverable. I am thinking you seriously do not want to hear about this issue. If so, just tell us to go pound sand. If it is not resolved soon, I will cancel my subscription. It's been nearly 4 years of WoW and I could use a change of pace anyway.

I appeared to have missed the "d" while typing, Deshaman. For this, you've my apologies; I'll be sure to amend my previous post. The appropriate feedback address is [email protected].

With that said, thank you to all who have continued to post herein. While I unfortunately possess no additional information for you at this time, you are welcome to ensure that this thread remains on the front page until we are able to accomodate your concern more wholly.

Our Community Team has just announced plans to modify our hardware setup to allow for more instances to be active without negatively impacting performance. I strongly encourage each of you to review this thread here:

http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=18031082483&sid=1

Should you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to continue your discussion in the aforementioned thread.

Thank you all for your extended patience and understanding. :)