God of War: Ascension Update Brings New Features and Fixes

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God of War: Ascension Update Brings New Features and Fixes
Vincent Napoli Designer, Sony Santa Monica

God of War: Ascension on PS3

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to run their Blades through my poor little champion’s skull every night in God of War: Ascension‘s brutal multiplayer mode. After a long day of work, there is definitely something to be said about gutting and impaling people into the wee hours of the morning!

One of primary reasons we’ve been relatively quiet in the last week regarding support and DLC updates is because we’ve been heads down, working on an update which expands our God of War: Ascension multiplayer experience and addresses some key issues our community has helped us identify and diagnose. There are lots of gameplay developments coming down the pipeline, and today we’ll be sharing some of the stuff that’s moved into our final testing and tuning phase.

God of War: Ascension Update Brings New Features and Fixes

Elite Levels – Going Beyond Level 30

One of the biggest enhancements in our upcoming 1.04 update will be increasing the allegiance level cap from 30 to 40. With the addition of 10 levels for every God allegiance, we are introducing a new item, two new relics, and an ultimate magic for every allegiance. For our Champions who have ascended to the highest levels, and for those on their way, now you have a new goal to reach. It will not be an easy journey.

We’ll have more info on Elite Levels and specifics surrounding the new abilities as we lead up to the update’s release at our official site. It was important to us to let you know what’s coming up, and that this is just the beginning. We haven’t stopped working since Ascension’s launch, and we’re more excited than ever to keep improving Multiplayer with new features and gameplay enhancements such as this.

God of War: Ascension on PS3 God of War: Ascension on PS3

Champion Stats

We want you to show off! You will now be able to access your accomplishments in battles from the main menu.

In addition to displaying your prowess in competitive combat, from death/kill ratios to win percentages, we want to see how you are faring in Trial of the Gods.

Our team hasn’t just been focusing on adding new content; we’re also working tirelessly to address prominent bugs and other issues denoted by the community.

Audio Issues

We are very aware of the audio drop issues many have been experiencing. This was a critical fix for this update, as a powerful and immersive audio mix is a tremendous part of the God of War experience. We apologize again for those impacted — now you’ll be able to better enjoy our sound team’s painstaking efforts.

Matchmaking Optimization

Our work in addressing this and getting players into matches as quick as possible is non-stop. We have already made numerous improvements based on your feedback at our boards and social channels, and have recently bolstered our ranks internally to make further improvements. You should be seeing marked improvements daily; please continue leaving any feedback in our forums.

Shard and Unlock Requirement Fixes

We are addressing the shard issue preventing players from attaining the Spear of Destiny and Barbarian Hammer in version 1.04 (possibly sooner), and have made additional tuning changes, namely on weapon shard drops for some of the rarer weapons, as well as unlock requirements for certain armor pieces, weapon stats, and magics.

We are also on the cusp of our first DLC pack announcements. We’ve got some brutal new toys coming to assist you on the battlefield!

Do well, Champion… Ascend!

god of war: ascensionplaystation gamessanta monica studio

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133 Comments

  • boboMELOSHE
    April 4, 2013 at 8:08 am PDT

    WOOOHOOOOO!!!!!

  • DoninYair
    April 4, 2013 at 8:10 am PDT

    Great news!
    Does the patch also tweak the difficulty in the “Trial of Archimedes” section?

  • AvronChris
    April 4, 2013 at 8:19 am PDT

    Seriously this is the worst game I’ve ever played and a complete disappointment. They turn God of War into another trashed up multiplayer. So you’re going to fix some music tweeks and orb drops but how about fixing the game. It sucked! You put out a crappy story mode just so you can add multiplayer. You should truly feel ashamed of this game. You should hang your heads in shame not because the multiplayer sucked but because the entire game did. I finished this game in about 5 hours and this was while I had walking pneumonia. There is absolutely no reason to replay this game. No good weapons to allow different way to experience it. Just different aspects to apply to your swords. You ruined a good franchise with this crappy game.

  • Adelflame
    April 4, 2013 at 8:24 am PDT

    Bring the dlc content, my season pass is ready! As for white chest fix i thank you guys for that! ill finally get the barbarian hammer and the spear of destiny :) cant wait to the see the new relics and magics for elite levels, loving what you guys doing to keep the MP fresh, keep the fixes and the new stuff coming!

    PS: Santa monica plz dont forget to keep supporting PSallstars too you been to quiet lately regards on that game

    @3 Geez dude, you should get those anger issues checked :/

    • Avatar photo
      Aaron Kaufman
      April 4, 2013 at 8:36 am PDT

      Some people don’t read the fine print on the right-side of the PS Blog, but to each their own. We are committed to maintaining PlayStation All-Stars, that’s all we can say for the moment. A patch was recently released for All-Stars.

      DLC content is incoming, more info there soon.

      Cheers
      Tank

  • g_e_z_a_d_o_n
    April 4, 2013 at 8:26 am PDT

    great news will enjoy this, but when will you fix the bug that leaves kratos frozen for 2 to 3 seconds vulnerable to attacks while fighting any of the elephant enemies particularly right after kratos is grabbed in one hand and has to slash his way out and then jumps on the elephant’s back and tosses it??

  • KidCommando
    April 4, 2013 at 8:29 am PDT

    The MP is amazing!!!!

    One of the freshest and most original multiplayer games in a long time. Don’t even think there were any 3D multiplayer arena fighters this gen at all.

    The Brutal kills, the leveling of armor, weapons, and characters, the crazy events going on in each map…its fantastic!

    I have only played about an hour of the SP and have been addicted to the MP since day one. Anything extra that comes out for MP, I will be supporting. The game is just too damn fun! Great Job!!!

  • BrianMcGuinness
    April 4, 2013 at 8:30 am PDT

    Haha @3. “Walking pneumonia.” What a tool. Someone needs his diaper changed.

  • KidCommando
    April 4, 2013 at 8:43 am PDT

    @ AvronChris

    You have 1 Silver trophy and 7 Bronze for GoW: Ascension

    WOW! you finished the game in 5 hours but only managed to scoop up 8 trophies? I don’t even think you can finish the game and only have 8 trophies.

    TROLLOLOL

  • Miggy11
    April 4, 2013 at 8:43 am PDT

    Any chance of adding custom loadouts per god. Having to switch everything if I want to use a different strategy is a pain. I want a high elemental damage Poseidon as well as a tank Poseidon.

  • Craiji
    April 4, 2013 at 8:44 am PDT

    When will this hit? I have been waiting for the audio fix for my Hard difficulty and final trophy run. Thanks for the support! I need to get on the MP mode after this too.

    • Avatar photo
      Aaron Kaufman
      April 4, 2013 at 8:51 am PDT

      It will hit soon this month. We need to be certain its locked before we can announce a date, we don’t want to break a date promise. We did want to communicate some of the top level details, and would not do that unless this was close to release.

      Definitely not this week, but stay connected with us @SonySantaMonica, soon.

      Cheers,
      Tank

  • Miggy11
    April 4, 2013 at 8:55 am PDT

    Yes! That would be great.

  • TheBratPrince79
    April 4, 2013 at 8:56 am PDT

    Any game balances on multiplayer yet?

  • snakeeyes211
    April 4, 2013 at 8:56 am PDT

    The god of war single player portion is as epic as the trilogy. And for the multiplayer. it is highly addictive and extremely fun great job over there at Santa Monica putting this beast together

  • snakeeyes211
    April 4, 2013 at 8:58 am PDT

    By the way when is the update available?

  • TomatoDragon
    April 4, 2013 at 9:04 am PDT

    Most excellent! I will admit… I was concerned about adding mp to God of War… but I’ve become a believer. I love it! Hope it’s supported for quite a while.

  • theheadkase
    April 4, 2013 at 9:07 am PDT

    Thanks Sony Santa Monica! I keep watching these updates as I LOVED the beta.

    It’s too bad I can’t afford the game for a while.

    But please keep up the good work for when I /can/ pick this up. I was looking forward to buying it after the beta and I still can’t wait to get my hands back on it.

  • Jhooud
    April 4, 2013 at 9:15 am PDT

    Played through the single-player but haven’t done much at all with multiplayer. I did make a character, and played a bit of the trials mode. Ought to give it a go. Any words of wisdom for a noob?

    • Avatar photo
      Aaron Kaufman
      April 4, 2013 at 9:21 am PDT

      Learn how to parry and dodge, and don’t jump into a 2:1 battle. Get used to the maps first, run around, collect treasures, capture nodes, and work your way into 1:1 situations so you can perfect the basic combat skills. If you get in a 2:1 situation, back out.

      Also, don’t forget your (L2) Item – these are get out of jail cards that help when in dire situations.

      Finally, READ THIS
      http://www.godofwar.com/strategy/basic/

      Cheers
      Tank

  • NOBODIE
    April 4, 2013 at 9:22 am PDT

    @avronchris you’re such a liar go troll somewhere else. And @Doninyair man The trial wasn’t hard. It took me awhile but I passed it pre patch… you gotta learn how to use kratos better. New age gamers man im telling you I remember a friend and I playing the original ninja gaiden on NES only to make to the end boss loose all our lives and start over… now THAT was hard.

  • johnnyp70
    April 4, 2013 at 9:33 am PDT

    I enjoy the MP a heck of a lot more than I thought I would. I get my butt kicked every time but what are ya gonna do? I wish I had more time to play, because this is my kind of multi=player. I don’t play a lot of shooters. I’m gonna try to get back in tonight. One thing though, I find myself having to wait a long time for a match. Are there less players than we are led to believe out there, or does my timing just stink?

    • Avatar photo
      Aaron Kaufman
      April 4, 2013 at 10:38 am PDT

      There are definitely not less players, we are working on improving match-making to get you into matches quicker. We have thousands daily. Try again, it has been improved significantly.

  • ps_n_blog_ac
    April 4, 2013 at 9:33 am PDT

    @Aaron kaufman

    i agree with #9 it will be cool if you guys will create layouts for our characters (maybe 4 per each God) and maybe being able to switch our layouts during the game, i’m sure it will add a lot of variety in matches.

    but… then you need to think how exp. will be split and whether your able to switch gods during the game…

    Oh and any chance will you guys give us the ability to mute someone during the game?

  • fester420
    April 4, 2013 at 9:43 am PDT

    Will there be any single-player dlc?

  • godofwar_fan
    April 4, 2013 at 9:45 am PDT

    Beaten the game in all 4 difficulties already, and will continue to beat it for god knows how many more times. Can’t get enough of it, loved every bit of the single player campaign. Waiting for the audio fix though. Keep up great work Sony Santa Monica, I am always with you!

  • CommandingTiger
    April 4, 2013 at 9:46 am PDT

    Alright, I’ll be leveling up some more.

    I’ll start Poseidon until this update arrives.
    I currently have both Ares and Zeus at level 30. Just about to max out the chronos blade, so I’ll need something to level up. I’ve got every “main” armors, a few spears and almost all swords maxed out.

    Bring out new equipment too. Add a new level to the armors and weapons, level 4 (make them hard to reach)
    It would also be great to be able to change another colors on the armors. (We can change 1, I’d change another color on them.)

  • CZOOM01
    April 4, 2013 at 9:50 am PDT

    I love all the modes except Tiral Of The Gods.

    Trial OF The Gods sucks because of the time limit. After each wave Enemies should continue to get harder which they do, but instead of time bonuses maybe once in a while throw in an extra weapon or power up.

    For a wave based mode, who’s idea was it to put a time limit? I just think it would have been better with out the time, more focus should have been on enemies and harder rounds. Not everyone can jump in and get far with the timer running out.

    • Avatar photo
      Aaron Kaufman
      April 4, 2013 at 10:41 am PDT

      It was our idea, it’s less Trial of Archimedes (wave) and more skill-based (time).

      We do not expect everyone to get far on their first time, or 2nd time, but like any mode, the more you practice, the better…and faster you get.

      The time limit also adds a competitive speed-run aspect to it. We originally intended to have a Leaderboard and still may.

  • Sharingan_itachi
    April 4, 2013 at 9:51 am PDT

    When will I ever receive my LE code, the terrible PS costumer service hasn’t replied since the 14th. Unbelievable. >:(

  • CLOSCOMBAT
    April 4, 2013 at 9:52 am PDT

    I don’t make a habit of posting on forums, but upon viewing several elementary attempts at insulting your game, I decided to give it a shot.

    I’ve played every God of War. Your latest effort is my favorite, hands down. It was stunning, and literally took my breath away several times.

    Yes, not as many “epic” god-murdering scenes. Kratos is young here, so I didn’t expect it. Instead I was treated to the most amazing art direction the series has seen yet. Where’s the art book? This game demands it.

    The only issue I really had was the audio problem – and you just addressed it. Some more common enemy types have a nasty habit of swarming Kratos, making parry a problem. But overall, I fully appreciate everything you put into this game.

    Ignore the haters, guys. They’re either 13, or thy don’t get it.

    • Avatar photo
      Aaron Kaufman
      April 4, 2013 at 10:43 am PDT

      Thank you sir, audio issues are being fixed in 1.04.

      Art Book – it’s not like we have enough art to make one, only a thousand+ pieces, wait a second =), great idea, keep alert

      Thanks for posting!

  • CLOSCOMBAT
    April 4, 2013 at 9:56 am PDT

    I’m also going to second the notion of saving custom load-outs.

  • Link01
    April 4, 2013 at 10:12 am PDT

    Honestly, I can express my disappointment in this game (especially after getting the collector’s edition.. I do love the Kratos statue though). The combat is an unbalanced mess, forget blocking/parries/or anything that used to actual give you a chance of defense. Besides the frustration of enemies literally floating towards you when you roll and breaking through almost anything you use to block every time, the glitches, half-baked story (or at least all over the place, non really making sense, poorly/misleading advertised story) pretty much ruined this game for me. I can’t express how unpolished this game felt compared to the previous masterpieces (especially GOW3). From climbing ladders while being off the patters, magically teleporting when accidentally grappling a grapple you just came from (I’m referring on the statue of Archimedes), enemies being unbalanced and far too powerful, weapons randomly swapping when using clone Kratos, sound cutting out consistently, not even really realizing where you are in the story, the advertised strong suite of the ‘human’ Kratos (which in play was played down and un emphasized to an extreme level). I’m sorry guys, this has been the worst god of war game to date.

    • Avatar photo
      Aaron Kaufman
      April 4, 2013 at 10:44 am PDT

      We can take the heat and REALLY appreciate the constructive feedback. This is how you speak negatively about a game, and we can always learn and respect both sides of the coin.

      Thank you Link01, we never aim to disappoint, and we will not forget any of the negative constructive criticism.

      Cheers,
      Tank

  • PaypayTR
    April 4, 2013 at 10:37 am PDT

    can wee see more ps all stars character dlcs in future?
    also is there any possibltiy for Dante from dante inferno
    or prophet from Crysis 3
    or abe or yakuza guy
    ?

  • nYcFrEeWiLL82
    April 4, 2013 at 10:52 am PDT

    @28..your BUGGING..the game is very impressive..from story line to multiplayer. With the story i understand why they went that rout of showing his human side..because he just got out of his imprisonment from the Furies, therefore he is just plotting on killing Ares.Anyway the game looks AMAZING off and online..so you cant complain about that. As for the multiplayer..yes ive seen some glitches but then again i see them everyday in other games i play online..so its just a part of the gamelife that you have to accept and get over it. In this game i didnt find may..with the parries i have it on lock down!..its all a challenge and one you get good at it you’ll only get better..ive kicked alot of butt being on level 5 Poseidon..with dudes that are on level 30..lol just because i mastered my defense.. SO this game was not a disappointment but more of a taste of what is coming ahead for the PS4..im sure the story and the multiplayer would be alot better..but for now im enjoying the game on and offline. Thanks for your hard work Santa Monica and please dont keep us waiting too long for some new costumes and map DLC..same goes for PSASBR!! my fingers are crossed for Nathan Hale and Laura Croft..and a Motorstorm / DMC stage!

  • SoraNeroSerrah
    April 4, 2013 at 11:00 am PDT

    Hi, are you guys going to patch GOW 3 so that it is playable on Super Slim consoles. Have bought a brand new copy of saga and a new white 500 gb ps3 when you load up GOW 3 it just goes black never starts game up. I looked on line there are hundreds of people with this same problem. Is there no fix? Is it because its a dual layer disc? some kind of help or number to call or something. thankyou.

    • Avatar photo
      Aaron Kaufman
      April 4, 2013 at 11:27 am PDT

      Sora, where online are you seeing “hundreds” of people with the same problem? We’d obviously want to resolve that.

  • Tasteemobile
    April 4, 2013 at 11:00 am PDT

    Just wanted to say I’m really enjoying the multiplayer, and thanks for all your hard work. Ascension’s online has definitely filled the void left by Metal Gear Online to become my “something different” multiplayer game.

  • Miggy11
    April 4, 2013 at 11:02 am PDT

    Some more co-op modes would be great too. Maybe something like uncharted where you play through a short story. You and your partner could pick deimos and kratos. A horde type mode would be great too. Both GoW should have it lol.

  • icykiller
    April 4, 2013 at 11:25 am PDT

    Hopefully I am not beating a deadhorse but, are there any chances of a digital release?

    Please.. :)

  • longevity
    April 4, 2013 at 11:25 am PDT

    I hear ya saying you will make matchmaking faster but will you also be making it match noobs to noobs and high levels to high levels?

    There is a pretty major advantage being a higher level in this game and its no fun being farmed for 30 hours til you can catch up.

    • Avatar photo
      Aaron Kaufman
      April 4, 2013 at 11:28 am PDT

      We agree and are doing a lot of experiments behind the scenes to improve our Elo. It should feel improved, we’ll continue to. How’s it been for you?

  • hypersk_us
    April 4, 2013 at 11:38 am PDT

    One quick question about the PSN code that we got with the rewards from the Rise of the Warrior game…

    Does it have an expiration date?

    I don’t want to use it right now because I can’t play GOW: Ascension just yet and I know that the XP multipliers are going to be used up even if I’m not playing… (yes, I know, shame on me)

    But I’m afraid that I’ll lose the exclusive equipment if I don’t use my code and it expires…

    That would be it, thanks in advance.

  • Ndukauba
    April 4, 2013 at 11:39 am PDT

    I played GoW: A at a friends house, and I completely enjoyed it! Keep up the good work guys! XD

    Also, is there any chance that PSASBR is getting any new DLC soon?

  • M-Easy
    April 4, 2013 at 11:40 am PDT

    Love GoW:A thanks for the game. Can you say if future DLC will have trophies?

    • Avatar photo
      Aaron Kaufman
      April 4, 2013 at 11:44 am PDT

      Yes, we will not be adding new trophies in the foreseeable future, but if we decide to, you will hear it from us first, unlikely

  • Pabloo1010
    April 4, 2013 at 11:46 am PDT

    The Critics really didn’t warm up to this God of War like they did the others. It seems as if the media just doesn’t like Kratos anymore. I hope this isn’t the last we see of God of War. I hope if there’s a next one, the SSM Team embraces Kratos as a murderous warrior and allow him to criticize himself for his bloody ways. Similar to how Snake used self-depreciation in Metal Gear Solid 4 making him so relatable. Kratos needs to be relatable again.

    • Avatar photo
      Aaron Kaufman
      April 4, 2013 at 12:12 pm PDT

      Our critics had fair points on both sides of the coin, however, we do wish our Multiplayer was given a more impassioned look from some before weighing final judgement.

      We respect our scores and will learn from what our fans want – you guys matter most.

      Cheers,
      Tank

  • ATOMB0Y_
    April 4, 2013 at 11:47 am PDT

    @35 for the most part from my experience they already had a decent matchmaking when it came to sorting players based on lvl when in a team game node at least can’t really speak for the ffa mode

  • ATOMB0Y_
    April 4, 2013 at 11:51 am PDT

    for psas I assume we will see more costummes as the glitch was fixed for zeus and issac last patch and maybe more minions, I am still hoping for some more fresh and new characters you guys did a great job with both the allstars keep up and GOW:A although I felt that the single player wasn’t as exciting as past games.

  • hypersk_us
    April 4, 2013 at 11:51 am PDT

    @Aaron Kaufman, thanks for the response, that was fast!

    To be honest, I can’t play GoW: Ascension because I have spent too much money and I haven’t been able to buy it. But I’m recovering right now and I plan to buy it in about two months max, I’ll redeem my code with confidence then.

    Thanks again!

    • Avatar photo
      Aaron Kaufman
      April 4, 2013 at 12:13 pm PDT

      Fantastic! Let us know when you do, good hunting, its a tough economy right now, we hear you and wish you the best.

  • Pabloo1010
    April 4, 2013 at 11:52 am PDT

    One final point about PS All Stars for Aaron! I just want to let you guys know that All Stars was the #1 most fun game I played in 2012. There are 4 final Sony exclusive characters I would LOVE to see added as final DLC :-

    1. Oliver from NiNoKuni
    2. Kutoro from Puppeteer
    3. Joel from The Last Of Us
    4. Jodie from Beyond: Two Souls

    Please send this along to the team and thanks for responding to so many of us so often! Make these characters happen Sony Santa Monica! They’re exclusive afterall!

  • saskamazon
    April 4, 2013 at 12:07 pm PDT

    this was my 1st GOW experience & what a great way to start things off ! loved the SP – finished 2 days ago, still have to go back & heal decayed chests & will attempt a future hard / titan play through …. I preordered the CE, & like many others, did not receive my code, but after calling & writing 2 emails, 7 days later, Sony provided me my codes – thanks ! love the soundtrack …. I have spent a lot of time with the MP & am really thrilled about the increase to level 40 …. it’s addictively fun …. I’m not great with the kills, but do manage to be a team player with objectives & often have the top score on my 4 player team …. very excited for new maps / DLC …. have no idea what that will look like, but eager to try out whatever is offered …. I have all other GOW games on disc for PS3 – just missing GOW 3 …. will pick that up soon …. thanks for a fantastic 1st GOW romp !

    • Avatar photo
      Aaron Kaufman
      April 4, 2013 at 12:15 pm PDT

      Apologies on the code fiasco. It really sucks for us as Devs, as a studio, when the failings of our game are related to a manufacturing error or just bad codes for whatever reason. On the flip side, if that’s the main negative, then we’re still #winning. At any rate, apologies for that and glad you are sorted.

  • lbuuzerl
    April 4, 2013 at 12:19 pm PDT

    @Aaron Kaufman:
    Add the arena in this game, please. All GoW’s games have arena but this one no :(

  • saskamazon
    April 4, 2013 at 12:23 pm PDT

    no worries … obviously was a packing error – the no CE codes …. even without the code, I jumped in Day 1 – glad I did, it takes time to figure out the warriors & allegiances … I still play around with my load outs & am trying to finish off my weapons / armor upgrades …. I prefer my stuff maxed …. really excited about the new Elite magic …. fun fun . I too have stayed up late into the night playing … always tell myself “just 1 more” …. then 2 hours pass & I force myself to exit the lobby … lol pretty cool MP customizations ….

  • Camjo-Z
    April 4, 2013 at 12:25 pm PDT

    Glad to hear that this game is getting an update, I put it down for a while but this will make me want to play it again! Also good to know that SSM plans on supporting PSAS more, TBH I bought Ascension partly for the game and mostly for free Zeus and Isaac so more characters and stages for that game would be sweet!

  • Cyris
    April 4, 2013 at 12:31 pm PDT

    Hey Tank, loving the MP, and I’m really glad to see that you guys are listening and supporting this game.

    I have one question that you probably can’t answer. We know from the behind the scenes videos that a 5th God was planned (Apollo?) and theres still a 5th staircase in the Rotunda leading to nothing at the moment. Is he (or possibly she, I’d love to see a female God represented) still planned for future release, or scrapped for good?

    Thanks

  • SoraNeroSerrah
    April 4, 2013 at 12:37 pm PDT

    Yes sir. Just google it. Or look on gamefaqs or ign or hotaku or other game sites all over the forums. I must say thankyou for the response and i’m posting the solution on the forums. When i started it up with internet on i was asked to do an update and have been joyfully playing the amazing gow 3 and can’t wait to move on to ascension.No further issues after the update

  • Pabloo1010
    April 4, 2013 at 12:43 pm PDT

    Thanks for the replies Aaron! Really appreciate it! Also I agree about the lack of kudos given to the Multiplayer component. I played the beta and had a blast! I only got my pre-order copy of GOW:Ascension yesterday so I’ll finally be tearing into that.

    Gaming has evolved, and so should the Awards for games as well. We need more Award Genres! If there was a Genre across the Industry for “Most Innovative Multiplayer Game”, God of War is currently the front-runner for that so far this year, just from what I played from the Beta alone. Thanks again.

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