UPDATE: Thursday, September 12th

Hey YoFans!

First, I'd like to thank you for your overwhelming feedback regarding the vaulting of themes. We have carefully reviewed everything you have stated, and we will continue to review your comments and concerns going forward.

At this time, we wanted to provide you with an initial update based around your feedback. This update will let you know what has been decided for the foreseeable future; however, we will continue to keep you all informed once any additional decisions are made.

As of right now, I can confirm for you that after MF2015 has been vaulted, no additional themes will be vaulted until November 2019.

Speaking of MF2015, we understand that this was a highly debated theme to be vaulted. While we were unable to save all requested items, we were able to save a few more than the items that would normally go into YoDepot. As our way of showing our immense appreciation to all YoFans, we are happy to let you know that the following MF2015 items will be saved from the Vault, and moved to YoDepot when the pre-vaulting period is over:

• Curtained Windows (Purple, Red, Green, and Blue)
• Single Stones (1-4)
• Standing Stones
• Scorch Marks (1-4)
• Pillars (Tall and Thick - Flowered, Wall, Mossy, Regular, and Broken variants)
• Corner Support Pillar
• Sun Beams (Purple, White, and Yellow)
• Stone Archway
• Medieval Windows (Double, Round, Curved, and Rectangular)
• Pillars (Medieval, Ivy Covered, and Half-Covered)

We do need to stress that these items automatically being saved from the Vault is a one-time occurrence. With that said however, we are also excited to let you know that going forward we will be asking YoFans for more input regarding which items will be moved to YoDepot when a theme is being vaulted. These details are still being worked out, but we will definitely be back to update you with that information when it has been finalized.

Thank you to everyone for your input, and I invite you to please continue to leave your feedback, comments, and concerns as I promise you that we are listening, we do care, and YoFans are what make everyday so great!
_________________________________________________________

Hey YoFans,

We've seen a lot of discussion occurring on the forums regarding themes being vaulted, and I wanted to take this time to provide some official communication regarding our decision to vault themes.

Why Are We Vaulting Themes?

As many of you know, YoWorld recently celebrated it's 11th anniversary ( ), and in those years we have seen many, many, many, many .... themes pass through the YoWorld gates.

To help everyone visualize just how many themes and items have made their way into YoWorld, let's first take a look at some numbers!

• Since Big Viking Games took over YoWorld in 2014, we have created and released a total of 169 unique themes
• Since YoWorld's creation in 2008, there have been over 174,900 unique items released into the game
• There are currently over 40,000 active items available for purchase in YoWorld
• There are currently 83 active themes still available in YoWorld
• On average, there are at least two, two-week themes released in YoWorld every month (this doesn't include smaller themes, mini themes, event themes, etc.)

It's very true that back in the early days of YoWorld, some YoCash items may have been available for purchase with YoCoins. But what's also true is this pricing method had no real planning or strategy behind it. As YoWorld has evolved, a pricing guideline has been established that not only takes in inflation and adjusts accordingly, but also sets parameters on which items are available for YoCoins versus YoCash.

Finally, another factor in our decision to vault themes was the glaring fact that coming up with new and exciting items for YoFans, especially when there are already so many items in store, can be a challenge. We strive to make each individual theme full and concise, and let's face it, there are only so many new ways we can plan and design a tree, or bench, or mailbox. Therefore, in vaulting older themes, this allows for our theme planners and artists to put a new spin on these much-needed theme items, without having too many of the same items in store.

Choosing Items To Be Saved From The Vault

When a theme has been selected to head into the vault, we carefully review all of the items in the theme, combined with your item suggestions, to determine which items should be "saved" from the vault and instead placed in YoDepot. While we wish we could save all of the items you request, ultimately this could then become a very subjective process that would impact all of the points listed above.

Therefore, the items selected to go into YoDepot are usually the "foundation" items used when decorating your home: windows, pillars, doors, stairs, etc. If YoFans come together and their feedback overwhelmingly asks for an item or two outside of this "foundation" category, our team will definitely review the items in question to see if they fit within our guidelines to be an extenuating save.

Sadly, not all cases will see these items being moved to YoDepot, but some recent examples of saved items based on player feedback include: Rock Tiles from the Tropical Getaway theme, Flagstone Patches from the Quaint Countryside theme, and Sunlight Ripples from the St. Patrick's Day 2018 theme.

Vaulted vs Expired Themes?

Before we introduced the vault, themes were expired. This meant that once they were gone, they were gone for good. Upon introduction of the vault, any theme that is vaulted has the potential to make a full or partial reappearance at sometime in the future. This same feature is quite often seen in media these days -- your favourite movie may not be available for purchase until it is re-released from the vault for a limited time.
__________________________________________________________

Hopefully, this has helped to shed a little light on why we have decided to vault themes and the process behind it. We understand this decision may not be a fan-favourite, but I can say with genuine sincerity that vaulting themes helps to ensure the longevity of YoWorld and the stability of the Yo-economy.

As always, please continue to leave your feedback!

No words...…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fWyzwo1xg0

This answered nothing about our current concerns.
Maybe you could address why things arent moved at the beginning of a vault. Or what items are being saved out of this theme? Or why the stuff to replace what you take away is a lot more expensive usually? Or why you take out themes and replace it with a lot less complete theme? SMDH.
Oh and why you are doing 4 themes a month? You have to realise that puts the squeeze on us. You might have a lot better goodwill if you get rid of things at a much slower rate? 4 a month just screams money grab. You want us to stock up and buy new stuff? Oh, and new deals to support the game? Milking us dry is what it is doing and I have spent so much less since the constant vaulting. You can see my history and know I have always supported this game. I cant anymore besides a few deals here and there. I just cant support this kind of practice. So if I fade away, it will be because of the constant money grabs. I'm kind of disgusted at this generic explanation. I may be alone in thinking it, but this told us nothing IMO.

A little common sense would prevail here.

We all get it re: it's a company, you're here to make money, blah blah blah.

How's about this:- Post a list of the items you intend to save from the theme you're vaulting. Then at least as a player, we have the choice in whether to hoard the other items we want to keep or not.

Not asking for much really.

Hmmm.... That wasn't really an answer

Viking Sarah wrote:Hey YoFans,

...

It's very true that back in the early days of YoWorld, some YoCash items may have been available for purchase with YoCoins. But what's also true is this pricing method had no real planning or strategy behind it. As YoWorld has evolved, a pricing guideline has been established that not only takes in inflation and adjusts accordingly, but also sets parameters on which items are available for YoCoins versus YoCash.

...

Does the new pricing guideline include not selling any new chairs (couches, beds, etc) for coins anymore? Inquiring minds need to know.

Have the new pricing guidelines taken into account that the factory salary has not changed, in spite of inflation?

Snorty (3054329) wrote:This answered nothing about our current concerns.
Maybe you could address why things arent moved at the beginning of a vault. Or what items are being saved out of this theme? Or why the stuff to replace what you take away is a lot more expensive usually? Or why you take out themes and replace it with a lot less complete theme? SMDH.

Hi Snorty - thanks for your questions!

Maybe you could address why things arent moved at the beginning of a vault.
Items are not moved at the beginning of a vault as those specific themes go on sale during that time frame. We also use this period of time to gather feedback on vaulting themes to gather item suggestions from players (more on this in my original post and below).

Or what items are being saved out of this theme?
Much like above, we do not know all of the items that will be saved until closer to vault time. As I mentioned in the original post, there are staple items like doors, windows, stairs, etc. that can be counted on to be placed in YoDepot after vaulting. Other items that could be potentially saved come from feedback from players.

Or why the stuff to replace what you take away is a lot more expensive usually?
Although this may seem like our ultimate goal, I assure you it's not. In my original post, I touched on pricing mechanics of items in YoWorld (which takes in inflation and our pricing guide.) In comparison to older items in YoWorld, I completely understand why it may seem that vaulting is our way of selling more expensive items, when that's really not the case.

Or why you take out themes and replace it with a lot less complete theme?
I can promise you that this is definitely not our intention at all. When we plan a theme, the planners continuously strive to create well-rounded, cohesive, and complete themes. This is the case for all new and upcoming themes that you see come into YoWorld. Should we ever miss the mark with a theme, we gather this information via player feedback, which is why your comments and suggestions are crucial.

I knew that you wont do anything about the items that people wanted in the vault but i give up now because if this the way you treat your players i will spend my money somewhere eles. Have you even checked the items in that locked thread there not alot people only asking for them items to be moved how easy is that. Plus whats really not fair that there some beams ones that are coins its easy to move them.

Viking Sarah wrote:Hey YoFans,

We've seen a lot of discussion occurring on the forums regarding themes being vaulted, and I wanted to take this time to provide some official communication regarding our decision to vault themes.

Why Are We Vaulting Themes?

As many of you know, YoWorld recently celebrated it's 11th anniversary ( ), and in those years we have seen many, many, many, many .... themes pass through the YoWorld gates.

To help everyone visualize just how many themes and items have made their way into YoWorld, let's first take a look at some numbers!

• Since Big Viking Games took over YoWorld in 2014, we have created and released a total of 169 unique themes
• Since YoWorld's creation in 2008, there have been over 174,900 unique items released into the game
• There are currently over 40,000 active items available for purchase in YoWorld
• There are currently 83 active themes still available in YoWorld
• On average, there are at least two, two-week themes released in YoWorld every month (this doesn't include smaller themes, mini themes, event themes, etc.)

It's very true that back in the early days of YoWorld, some YoCash items may have been available for purchase with YoCoins. But what's also true is this pricing method had no real planning or strategy behind it. As YoWorld has evolved, a pricing guideline has been established that not only takes in inflation and adjusts accordingly, but also sets parameters on which items are available for YoCoins versus YoCash.

Finally, another factor in our decision to vault themes was the glaring fact that coming up with new and exciting items for YoFans, especially when there are already so many items in store, can be a challenge. We strive to make each individual theme full and concise, and let's face it, there are only so many new ways we can plan and design a tree, or bench, or mailbox. Therefore, in vaulting older themes, this allows for our theme planners and artists to put a new spin on these much-needed theme items, without having too many of the same items in store.

Choosing Items To Be Saved From The Vault

When a theme has been selected to head into the vault, we carefully review all of the items in the theme, combined with your item suggestions, to determine which items should be "saved" from the vault and instead placed in YoDepot. While we wish we could save all of the items you request, ultimately this could then become a very subjective process that would impact all of the points listed above.

Therefore, the items selected to go into YoDepot are usually the "foundation" items used when decorating your home: windows, pillars, doors, stairs, etc. If YoFans come together and their feedback overwhelmingly asks for an item or two outside of this "foundation" category, our team will definitely review the items in question to see if they fit within our guidelines to be an extenuating save.

Sadly, not all cases will see these items being moved to YoDepot, but some recent examples of saved items based on player feedback include: Rock Tiles from the Tropical Getaway theme, Flagstone Patches from the Quaint Countryside theme, and Sunlight Ripples from the St. Patrick's Day 2018 theme.

Vaulted vs Expired Themes?

Before we introduced the vault, themes were expired. This meant that once they were gone, they were gone for good. Upon introduction of the vault, any theme that is vaulted has the potential to make a full or partial reappearance at sometime in the future. This same feature is quite often seen in media these days -- your favourite movie may not be available for purchase until it is re-released from the vault for a limited time.
__________________________________________________________

Hopefully, this has helped to shed a little light on why we have decided to vault themes and the process behind it. We understand this decision may not be a fan-favourite, but I can say with genuine sincerity that vaulting themes helps to ensure the longevity of YoWorld and the stability of the Yo-economy.

As always, please continue to leave your feedback!

It looks like it's all about the money and nothing more! You remove less expensive items, so you can replace them with more expensive items which are usually smaller and of lesser quality, too!

If its not all about money, then why take out all the good coin chairs and replace them with only yocash chairs. We wont get a straight answer. Its just like they don't care people cheat in the contest.

Pix Elated (6134566) wrote:

Viking Sarah wrote:Hey YoFans,

...

It's very true that back in the early days of YoWorld, some YoCash items may have been available for purchase with YoCoins. But what's also true is this pricing method had no real planning or strategy behind it. As YoWorld has evolved, a pricing guideline has been established that not only takes in inflation and adjusts accordingly, but also sets parameters on which items are available for YoCoins versus YoCash.

...

Does the new pricing guideline include not selling any new chairs (couches, beds, etc) for coins anymore? Inquiring minds need to know.

Have the new pricing guidelines taken into account that the factory salary has not changed, in spite of inflation?

It looks that way to me! We make the same in the Factory, as we did before Z sold them the game!

Copied from Fermit:

this is my list so far of items that have to stay
Yellow sun beam (all beams are used used for lighting and colouring in sky scenes, through windows, etc)
White sun beam
Purple sun beam
Scorch mark 1 ( all scorch marks used for darkening areas, shadowing effects, making the illusion of steps etc)
Scorch mark 2
Scorch mark 3
Scorch mark 4
Hanging ivy 1, 2 and 3 (ivy's used indoors and outdoor scenes)
Growing ivy 1, 2, 3
Curtained windows
All alcoves (used in many interior projects)
Medieval pillars all (used in landscaping scenes, making fences etc.
Garden box all sizes
Stone archway
Stone pillar all (used for landscaping scenes, bridges, to create walls etc.)
Double medieval window (medieval windows used widely for castle builds of different variations both interior and exterior)
Round medieval window
Rectangular medieval window
Curved medieval window
Single stone 1, 2, 3 and 4
Standing stones
Large stalagmite (used for creating cave scenes)
Small stalagmite
Medium stalagmite
Corner support pillar
Tall wall pillar (all pillars used for creating both interior scenes and exterior building scenes- castles houses, bridges etc)
Tall mossy wall pillar
Tall broken pillar
Thick mossy pillar
Thick broken pillar
Tall pillar
Thick pillar
Tall mossy pillar
Silver chandelier rope (these are commonly used for the outlining house walls when constructing your own house our of tiles etc)
gold chandelier rope
Garden box all sizes (used to create bases of homemade fireplaces and garden scenes. Also used for steps in housing projects or to create 3d effects in landscapes.)

So nothing specific about MF2015? All the excitement is about WHAT ITEMS WILL NOT BE VAULTED FROM THIS ONE SINGLE THEME?

While I'd love to have a deeply enriching debate about the game's economic impact of theme vaulting theory, in this instance people are not interested in that. They want to know which of their precious necessities for decorating will remain in the store from the MF2015 vaulting threat.

I can't wait to celebrate Columbus Day in Yo this year (as I've always done) with the same platform (?) (from the littlest theme ever?) as I've done for the last 10 years.

That's how rational this "answer" sounds.

Bones (126579776) wrote:So nothing specific about MF2015? All the excitement is about WHAT ITEMS WILL NOT BE VAULTED FROM THIS ONE SINGLE THEME?

While I'd love to have a deeply enriching debate about the game's economic impact of theme vaulting theory, in this instance people are not interested in that. They want to know which of their precious necessities for decorating will remain in the store from the MF2015 vaulting threat.

Based on Fermit's list, your comment, and the overwhelming discussion surrounding MF2015, what would everyone's opinion be on a survey poll released for every theme that were to be vaulted? Do you believe there are already too many surveys in YoWorld, or would a survey per vaulted theme be worth the additional effort?

Please let us know your feedback!

(Please know that this is not something that is guaranteed to happen, but are feedback and suggestions I am gathering to bring back to the team.)

JulieHootieScraps (108384802) wrote:Copied from Fermit:

this is my list so far of items that have to stay
Yellow sun beam (all beams are used used for lighting and colouring in sky scenes, through windows, etc)
White sun beam
Purple sun beam
Scorch mark 1 ( all scorch marks used for darkening areas, shadowing effects, making the illusion of steps etc)
Scorch mark 2
Scorch mark 3
Scorch mark 4
Hanging ivy 1, 2 and 3 (ivy's used indoors and outdoor scenes)
Growing ivy 1, 2, 3
Curtained windows
All alcoves (used in many interior projects)
Medieval pillars all (used in landscaping scenes, making fences etc.
Garden box all sizes
Stone archway
Stone pillar all (used for landscaping scenes, bridges, to create walls etc.)
Double medieval window (medieval windows used widely for castle builds of different variations both interior and exterior)
Round medieval window
Rectangular medieval window
Curved medieval window
Single stone 1, 2, 3 and 4
Standing stones
Large stalagmite (used for creating cave scenes)
Small stalagmite
Medium stalagmite
Corner support pillar
Tall wall pillar (all pillars used for creating both interior scenes and exterior building scenes- castles houses, bridges etc)
Tall mossy wall pillar
Tall broken pillar
Thick mossy pillar
Thick broken pillar
Tall pillar
Thick pillar
Tall mossy pillar
Silver chandelier rope (these are commonly used for the outlining house walls when constructing your own house our of tiles etc)
gold chandelier rope
Garden box all sizes (used to create bases of homemade fireplaces and garden scenes. Also used for steps in housing projects or to create 3d effects in landscapes.)

I totally agree with this list. Maybe if enough of us do this, they'll see there are a TON of players wanting these items moved to the Depot.

I'd LOVE to know how themes that are chosen to be vaulted are truly picked. There are some real stinkers still in the stores that seem eternally safe.

We've repeatedly asked WHY the vaulting is so severe and frequent. Instead of being met with concern, it seems that BVG has doubled down and decided that we want MORE vaulting and more often.

We've also stated that cranking out new themes every 2 weeks isn't a generous solution.

Viking Sarah wrote:

Bones (126579776) wrote:So nothing specific about MF2015? All the excitement is about WHAT ITEMS WILL NOT BE VAULTED FROM THIS ONE SINGLE THEME?

While I'd love to have a deeply enriching debate about the game's economic impact of theme vaulting theory, in this instance people are not interested in that. They want to know which of their precious necessities for decorating will remain in the store from the MF2015 vaulting threat.

Based on Fermit's list, your comment, and the overwhelming discussion surrounding MF2015, what would everyone's opinion be on a survey poll released for every theme that were to be vaulted? Do you believe there are already too many surveys in YoWorld, or would a survey per vaulted theme be worth the additional effort?

Please let us know your feedback!

(Please know that this is not something that is guaranteed to happen, but are feedback and suggestions I am gathering to bring back to the team.)

Look at it this way. You were going to get rid of 250+ properties from the Realtor's Store, until all hell broke loose. There were pitchforks and fire and people lost their minds. Then you decided that it was a poor idea after all.

Absolutely there should be a survey poll for every theme to be vaulted. How about LESS STINKING VAULTING!!! For Pete's sake, give us a bit of a damn break!

Another communicative opportunity missed by BVG . wish it was transparent