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Slitherine/Matrix press event
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eddys...@hotmail.com
Apr 3, 2012, 7:30:24 AM4/3/12
to
Hi,
In a couple of weeks Mr. Beretta and me will be meeting the top brass
of Slitherine/Matrix during a press event in which a number of
developers will be present too.
This is your chance to put forward some hard-hitting questions and be
ultra-nosey about what the future will bring. Pose your question(s) in
here and I will throw them at their feet.
Want to know how much a developer really makes ? this is your
opportunity :)
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
In a couple of weeks Mr. Beretta and me will be meeting the top brass
of Slitherine/Matrix during a press event in which a number of
developers will be present too.
This is your chance to put forward some hard-hitting questions and be
ultra-nosey about what the future will bring. Pose your question(s) in
here and I will throw them at their feet.
Want to know how much a developer really makes ? this is your
opportunity :)
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
Custer61
Apr 3, 2012, 10:23:20 AM4/3/12
to
>
> This is your chance to put forward some hard-hitting questions and be
> ultra-nosey about what the future will bring. Pose your question(s) in
> here and I will throw them at their feet.
>
> Want to know how much a developer really makes ? this is your
> opportunity :)
>
> Greetz,
>
> Eddy Sterckx
Have your sales of wargames grown or decreased in the past year? Is
> This is your chance to put forward some hard-hitting questions and be
> ultra-nosey about what the future will bring. Pose your question(s) in
> here and I will throw them at their feet.
>
> Want to know how much a developer really makes ? this is your
> opportunity :)
>
> Greetz,
>
> Eddy Sterckx
their an up or down trend in sales of computer wargames?
Have you talked to Armored Brigade guy about his wargame? The site is
here: http://www.armoredbrigade.com/
Have you talked to the Modern Air Combat guy about his wargame? The
site is here: http://sites.google.com/site/amarismodernaircombat/
Combined Arms World War II (formerly Battlefields) and Flashpoint
Middle East have languished in development. Are they toast?
What is next from the Advanced Tactics guy?
With the passing of Ian Trout, has the end of wargame development by
SSG come to an end?
This site: http://www.clickteam.com/website/usa/multimedia-fusion-2.html
has a program that will let you development a game without programming
experience. This
book:
http://www.amazon.com/Going-War-Creating-Computer-Games/dp/1598635662/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1333461658&sr=1-2
will teach you how to do a computer wargame without programming
experience. Since programming is the most expensive part of a
computer wargame, have you considered developing a game with this book
and not using an expensive computer programmer?
Have you considered taking The War Engine or a similar wargame builder
and adding AI so that non-programmers could build a wargame?
What will a wargame look like in 10 years?
GMT is now doing computer wargames of paper wargames. Decision Games
has been trying the same thing. You are about to do the same with
Conflict of Heroes. Will you be doing more paper wargame conversions?
Is Gary Grigsby working on a new Steel Panthers? If not, what is he
working on?
Would you consider giving Eddy $100,000 a year so that he could do a
wargame gossip magazine?
Is Gary Grigsby working on a new Steel Panthers? If not, what is he
working on?
Message has been deleted
eddys...@hotmail.com
Apr 4, 2012, 3:54:52 AM4/4/12
to
On 3 apr, 16:23, Custer61 <jimlowr...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> Would you consider giving Eddy $100,000 a year so that he could do a
> wargame gossip magazine?
Admit it - you just want a Gary Grigsby centerfold :)
>
> Would you consider giving Eddy $100,000 a year so that he could do a
> wargame gossip magazine?
As to the rest of the questions : excellent stuff - keep 'm coming
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
FM
Apr 5, 2012, 1:08:38 PM4/5/12
to
>
> This is your chance to put forward some hard-hitting questions and be
> ultra-nosey about what the future will bring. Pose your question(s) in
> here and I will throw them at their feet.
>
> Want to know how much a developer really makes ? this is your
> opportunity :)
>
> Greetz,
>
> Eddy Sterckx
I would appreciate to have some official new about the "coming soon" Lock 'n
> This is your chance to put forward some hard-hitting questions and be
> ultra-nosey about what the future will bring. Pose your question(s) in
> here and I will throw them at their feet.
>
> Want to know how much a developer really makes ? this is your
> opportunity :)
>
> Greetz,
>
> Eddy Sterckx
Load: Heroes of Stalingrad.
Thanks
HermanH
Apr 6, 2012, 9:20:49 PM4/6/12
to
On Apr 3, 5:30 am, "eddyster...@hotmail.com" <eddyster...@hotmail.com>
wrote:
Any comments on the number of MP games played over their dedicated
servers? I know that PBEM-type games are much easier for finding
opponents as well as to play and coordinate.
Are there any real-time games that can be played over their servers?
It would be interesting to know how many RT games get played as
opposed to solitaire or if they had an estimate on the numbers of each.
wrote:
servers? I know that PBEM-type games are much easier for finding
opponents as well as to play and coordinate.
Are there any real-time games that can be played over their servers?
It would be interesting to know how many RT games get played as
opposed to solitaire or if they had an estimate on the numbers of each.
BasKa
Apr 7, 2012, 7:03:43 AM4/7/12
to
on Apr 3, 5:30 am, "eddyster...@hotmail.com" <eddyster...@hotmail.com>
> wrote:
> > Hi,
> >
> > In a couple of weeks Mr. Beretta and me will be meeting the top brass
> > of Slitherine/Matrix during a press event in which a number of
> > developers will be present too.
> >
> > This is your chance to put forward some hard-hitting questions and be
> > ultra-nosey about what the future will bring. Pose your question(s) in
> > here and I will throw them at their feet.
> >
> > Want to know how much a developer really makes ? this is your
> > opportunity :)
> >
> > Greetz,
> >
> > Eddy Sterckx
>
I looked into the catalogue of Matrix Games and Slitherine. They have 119 games in their catalogues (on sale, in progress, including all scenario packs). 51 of these are WWII more or less landbased wargames, 21 ancient, 10 sci-fi, 8 naval (including WitP, WPO etc), 4 air, 4 ACW, 6 Napoleon, 4 17th century, 2 modern (!), 3 WW1, 2 Medieval and 4 others.
> wrote:
> > Hi,
> >
> > In a couple of weeks Mr. Beretta and me will be meeting the top brass
> > of Slitherine/Matrix during a press event in which a number of
> > developers will be present too.
> >
> > This is your chance to put forward some hard-hitting questions and be
> > ultra-nosey about what the future will bring. Pose your question(s) in
> > here and I will throw them at their feet.
> >
> > Want to know how much a developer really makes ? this is your
> > opportunity :)
> >
> > Greetz,
> >
> > Eddy Sterckx
>
Can they say something about the strategy they have in building such a catalogue? Are they looking to divsersify? Is modern warfare so unpopular that it has only two games? In what way do they decide what kind of games to publish? Can we buyers have any influence on the type of games they publish?
Bas
eddys...@hotmail.com
Apr 24, 2012, 1:29:22 PM4/24/12
to
Hi,
Just got back from the event - Mr Beretta and me managed to corner
Iain McNeil and forced the answers to almost all of the above
questions out of him - I'll incorporate them in the article that
should be out soon at The Armchair General
As for the rest of the event : flawles organisation, great company and
a promise made to Mr Beretta that what happens in Stresa stays in
Stresa - suffice it to say we closed the bar :)
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
Just got back from the event - Mr Beretta and me managed to corner
Iain McNeil and forced the answers to almost all of the above
questions out of him - I'll incorporate them in the article that
should be out soon at The Armchair General
As for the rest of the event : flawles organisation, great company and
a promise made to Mr Beretta that what happens in Stresa stays in
Stresa - suffice it to say we closed the bar :)
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
eddys...@hotmail.com
Apr 30, 2012, 4:41:54 AM4/30/12
to
On 5 apr, 19:08, "FM" <fm.new...@wanadoo.fr> wrote:
> I would appreciate to have some official new about the "coming soon" Lock 'n
> Load: Heroes of Stalingrad.
Will come with both a German and Russian campaign and be out in
> I would appreciate to have some official new about the "coming soon" Lock 'n
> Load: Heroes of Stalingrad.
Q3-2012
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
eddys...@hotmail.com
Apr 30, 2012, 4:41:03 AM4/30/12
to
As the article could take a couple of weeks to appear and I didn't
manage to put everything in it that I wanted - I was already on double
the word count - I'm going to type up the answers Iain McNeil gave us
right here.
> Have your sales of wargames grown or decreased in the past year? Is
> their an up or down trend in sales of computer wargames?
Slitherine reported a 2011 sales revenue growth of 67%. 90% of sales
are still for the PC, but the Mac and the tablets are growing too.
> Have you talked to Armored Brigade guy about his wargame? The site is
> here: http://www.armoredbrigade.com/
>
> Have you talked to the Modern Air Combat guy about his wargame? The
> site is here: http://sites.google.com/site/amarismodernaircombat/
They do to make contact with promising designs and designers when they
happen to stumble across their sites or if they get mentioned in the
forums, but are more relying on designers with an alpha version of a
game to contact them.
> Combined Arms World War II (formerly Battlefields) and Flashpoint
> Middle East have languished in development. Are they toast?
Combined Arms : if the product development director doesn't even know
the game it's safe to assume it's toast ...
Flashpoint Middle East : far from toast - just a bit delayed.
> What is next from the Advanced Tactics guy?
Decisive Campaigns - Case Blue - a game to rival War in the East -
lots more in the upcoming article.
> With the passing of Ian Trout, has the end of wargame development by
> SSG come to an end?
Nope - Complete Carriers at War should see the light of day in Q4-2012
> This site: http://www.clickteam.com/website/usa/multimedia-fusion-2.html
> has a program that will let you development a game without programming
> experience. This
> book:http://www.amazon.com/Going-War-Creating-Computer-Games/dp/1598635662...
> Have you considered taking The War Engine or a similar wargame builder
> and adding AI so that non-programmers could build a wargame?
They have some ideas in that direction, but nothing is set in stone
yet.
> What will a wargame look like in 10 years?
Still be largely pc based but with strong mobile platform component.
It's not unlikely people will buy both the pc and the mobile version
of a game.
> GMT is now doing computer wargames of paper wargames. Decision Games
> has been trying the same thing. You are about to do the same with
> Conflict of Heroes. Will you be doing more paper wargame conversions?
With World in Flames releasing this year and Lock 'n Load too they're
interested but very much have a wait & see attitude as not all
boardgames make for interesting digital games.
> Is Gary Grigsby working on a new Steel Panthers? If not, what is he
> working on?
War in the West - should be out in 2013
> Would you consider giving Eddy $100,000 a year so that he could do a
> wargame gossip magazine?
No.
I asked twice just to make sure :)
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
manage to put everything in it that I wanted - I was already on double
the word count - I'm going to type up the answers Iain McNeil gave us
right here.
> Have your sales of wargames grown or decreased in the past year? Is
> their an up or down trend in sales of computer wargames?
are still for the PC, but the Mac and the tablets are growing too.
> Have you talked to Armored Brigade guy about his wargame? The site is
> here: http://www.armoredbrigade.com/
>
> Have you talked to the Modern Air Combat guy about his wargame? The
> site is here: http://sites.google.com/site/amarismodernaircombat/
happen to stumble across their sites or if they get mentioned in the
forums, but are more relying on designers with an alpha version of a
game to contact them.
> Combined Arms World War II (formerly Battlefields) and Flashpoint
> Middle East have languished in development. Are they toast?
the game it's safe to assume it's toast ...
Flashpoint Middle East : far from toast - just a bit delayed.
> What is next from the Advanced Tactics guy?
lots more in the upcoming article.
> With the passing of Ian Trout, has the end of wargame development by
> SSG come to an end?
> This site: http://www.clickteam.com/website/usa/multimedia-fusion-2.html
> has a program that will let you development a game without programming
> experience. This
> will teach you how to do a computer wargame without programming
> experience. Since programming is the most expensive part of a
> computer wargame, have you considered developing a game with this book
> and not using an expensive computer programmer?
No.
> experience. Since programming is the most expensive part of a
> computer wargame, have you considered developing a game with this book
> and not using an expensive computer programmer?
> Have you considered taking The War Engine or a similar wargame builder
> and adding AI so that non-programmers could build a wargame?
yet.
> What will a wargame look like in 10 years?
It's not unlikely people will buy both the pc and the mobile version
of a game.
> GMT is now doing computer wargames of paper wargames. Decision Games
> has been trying the same thing. You are about to do the same with
> Conflict of Heroes. Will you be doing more paper wargame conversions?
interested but very much have a wait & see attitude as not all
boardgames make for interesting digital games.
> Is Gary Grigsby working on a new Steel Panthers? If not, what is he
> working on?
> Would you consider giving Eddy $100,000 a year so that he could do a
> wargame gossip magazine?
I asked twice just to make sure :)
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
eddys...@hotmail.com
Apr 30, 2012, 4:47:20 AM4/30/12
to
On 7 apr, 03:20, HermanH <herman...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Any comments on the number of MP games played over their dedicated
> servers? I know that PBEM-type games are much easier for finding
> opponents as well as to play and coordinate.
5000-10000 games going on at any given time, literally hundreds of
>
> Any comments on the number of MP games played over their dedicated
> servers? I know that PBEM-type games are much easier for finding
> opponents as well as to play and coordinate.
thousands of games played.
They're putting major effort into further building out their PBEM
server - a "friends" system is in the works, integration of the forum
messages and the games.
> Are there any real-time games that can be played over their servers?
games, real-time, igougo and wego. They're pushing their developers to
use the system for all their MP needs.
> It would be interesting to know how many RT games get played as
> opposed to solitaire or if they had an estimate on the numbers of each.
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
eddys...@hotmail.com
Apr 30, 2012, 4:53:45 AM4/30/12
to
On 7 apr, 13:03, BasKa <curt...@hetnet.nl> wrote:
> I looked into the catalogue of Matrix Games and Slitherine. They have 119 games in their catalogues (on sale, in progress, including all scenario packs). 51 of these are WWII more or less landbased wargames, 21 ancient, 10 sci-fi, 8 naval (including WitP, WPO etc), 4 air, 4 ACW, 6 Napoleon, 4 17th century, 2 modern (!), 3 WW1, 2 Medieval and 4 others.
>
> Can they say something about the strategy they have in building such a catalogue?
Basically : no strategy - they publish what their developers like to
> I looked into the catalogue of Matrix Games and Slitherine. They have 119 games in their catalogues (on sale, in progress, including all scenario packs). 51 of these are WWII more or less landbased wargames, 21 ancient, 10 sci-fi, 8 naval (including WitP, WPO etc), 4 air, 4 ACW, 6 Napoleon, 4 17th century, 2 modern (!), 3 WW1, 2 Medieval and 4 others.
>
> Can they say something about the strategy they have in building such a catalogue?
develop.
> Are they looking to divsersify?
> Is modern warfare so unpopular that it has only two games? In what way do they decide what kind of games to publish?
market opportunity. For instance : there's a real shortage of ACW and
Napoleonic games at the moment.
What's a bit of a problem is that WW2 still outsells the rest of the
eras, with Ancients and in particular anything to do with Rome a
strong second, ACW, Napoleon, Medieval and Modern coming up third.
> Can we buyers have any influence on the type of games they publish?
Also, Iain liked to stress that for them the audience is not a
statistic and that they do pay attention to what people write in the
forums. But unruly developers doing their own thing is a consequence
of the genre.
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
Vincenzo Beretta
Apr 30, 2012, 12:15:39 PM4/30/12
to
> They do to make contact with promising designs and designers
> when they happen to stumble across their sites or if they get
> mentioned in the forums, but are more relying on designers
> with an alpha version of a game to contact them.
I can add that Iain specifically asked me the links to both these products,
> when they happen to stumble across their sites or if they get
> mentioned in the forums, but are more relying on designers
> with an alpha version of a game to contact them.
which I sent to him.
Generally speaking, Matrix/Slitherine is not interested in "200 pages proofs
pf concept", but in playable, working alphas. If the game is good they can
provide what you need to finish it (additional coders, graphic artists, beta
testers etc.) This is, BTW, one of the "mission statements" you can find on
"The Lordz Studios" homepage.
HermanH
Apr 30, 2012, 12:23:37 PM4/30/12
to
On Apr 30, 2:47 am, "eddyster...@hotmail.com"
I wonder what AGSI's excuse is now for not having an online MP server
available for Harpoon. Six years late arrival to a party has got to
be some kind of record.
available for Harpoon. Six years late arrival to a party has got to
be some kind of record.
HermanH
Apr 30, 2012, 12:20:31 PM4/30/12
to
On Apr 30, 10:15 am, "Vincenzo Beretta"
Sounds much like the stage Global Conflict Blue 2 where is.
Custer61
Apr 30, 2012, 2:04:39 PM4/30/12
to
Giftzwerg
Apr 30, 2012, 8:43:26 PM4/30/12
to
In article <b0748392-2560-4b72-86e9-
1d77e1...@t16g2000yqt.googlegroups.com>, eddys...@hotmail.com
says...
> > I would appreciate to have some official new about the "coming soon" Lock 'n
> > Load: Heroes of Stalingrad.
>
> Will come with both a German and Russian campaign and be out in
> Q3-2012
ROAD TO MOSCOW will probably beat it to market.
--
Giftzwerg
***
"The president looks in the mirror and sees FDR. Increasingly, the rest
of the country look at him and see Jimmy Carter, perhaps even James
Buchanan."
- John Steele Gordon
1d77e1...@t16g2000yqt.googlegroups.com>, eddys...@hotmail.com
says...
> > I would appreciate to have some official new about the "coming soon" Lock 'n
> > Load: Heroes of Stalingrad.
>
> Will come with both a German and Russian campaign and be out in
> Q3-2012
--
Giftzwerg
***
"The president looks in the mirror and sees FDR. Increasingly, the rest
of the country look at him and see Jimmy Carter, perhaps even James
Buchanan."
- John Steele Gordon
eddys...@hotmail.com
May 1, 2012, 3:58:32 PM5/1/12
to
On May 1, 2:43 am, Giftzwerg <giftzwerg...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> In article <b0748392-2560-4b72-86e9-
> 1d77e1bbd...@t16g2000yqt.googlegroups.com>, eddyster...@hotmail.com
on a hex map like we saw in screenshots of the early versions, you're
now getting fancy 3D models. Sure, it looks twice as nice, but was it
worth the delay and extra cost ? Doubt it very much.
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
> In article <b0748392-2560-4b72-86e9-
> 1d77e1bbd...@t16g2000yqt.googlegroups.com>, eddyster...@hotmail.com
> says...
>
> > > I would appreciate to have some official new about the "coming soon" Lock 'n
> > > Load: Heroes of Stalingrad.
>
> > Will come with both a German and Russian campaign and be out in
> > Q3-2012
>
> ROAD TO MOSCOW will probably beat it to market.
Well, I now know why it was delayed so much : instead of 2D counters
>
> > > I would appreciate to have some official new about the "coming soon" Lock 'n
> > > Load: Heroes of Stalingrad.
>
> > Will come with both a German and Russian campaign and be out in
> > Q3-2012
>
> ROAD TO MOSCOW will probably beat it to market.
on a hex map like we saw in screenshots of the early versions, you're
now getting fancy 3D models. Sure, it looks twice as nice, but was it
worth the delay and extra cost ? Doubt it very much.
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
eddys...@hotmail.com
May 1, 2012, 4:07:47 PM5/1/12
to
On Apr 30, 8:04 pm, Custer61 <jimlowr...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> Amazing how much info a few beers can get you.
In all honesty : I did expect a few "no comment" and "can't tell" you
>
> Amazing how much info a few beers can get you.
answers, but there was none of that and the only thing that was off
the record was the snapshots I took of the early graphics of
Sovereignty. And I can see why they don't want them disclosed as
they're downright ugly compared to the released artwork. I have no way
to gauge the norm but in my eyes these Slitherine guys are amazingly
open about all aspects of their business.
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
Vincenzo Beretta
May 1, 2012, 5:04:29 PM5/1/12
to
> Sure, it looks twice as nice, but was it
> worth the delay and extra cost ? Doubt it very much.
I had an (open) discussion about "graphics" in general with Iain McNeil. His
> worth the delay and extra cost ? Doubt it very much.
opinion is that even for an "hardcore/grognard" game the first screenshots
must catch the eye of the potential buyer - even if the game then simulates
the Eastern Front at 1s = 1s scale.
The discussion came up when talking about naval and air games ("air" like in
Flight Commander II). I flatly told him that, no matter what choices or
features a game of this kind has, the first thing to ditch are 3D models
(like they did for SAI). There is a guy on NWS forum that punched in SAI the
whole US WWI OOB in, I guess, two evenings. A 3D model of the USS New York
would take more, and be obsolete in two years.
Well, Iain's opinion differs. However, talking of naval games, I still think
that the way to go (graphically) is "Command"'s one. Not the 3D employed by
Global Conflict Blue or (God forbids) Naval Warfare Arctic Circle. A minute
subtracted to the OOB or the engine to add a 3D smokestack is a minute
wasted.
Giftzwerg
May 1, 2012, 5:09:33 PM5/1/12
to
In article <513c5482-7b6d-4c59-9a87-
b63e03...@u14g2000vbm.googlegroups.com>, eddys...@hotmail.com
the last boardgame I played), I cannot imagine what can be achieved by
3D.
Come to think of it, except for FPS and flight simulators, 3D is always
a silly additional expense in money and wasted time, IMO.
b63e03...@u14g2000vbm.googlegroups.com>, eddys...@hotmail.com
says...
> > > > I would appreciate to have some official new about the "coming soon" Lock 'n
> > > > Load: Heroes of Stalingrad.
> >
> > > Will come with both a German and Russian campaign and be out in
> > > Q3-2012
> >
> > ROAD TO MOSCOW will probably beat it to market.
>
> Well, I now know why it was delayed so much : instead of 2D counters
> on a hex map like we saw in screenshots of the early versions, you're
> now getting fancy 3D models. Sure, it looks twice as nice, but was it
> worth the delay and extra cost ? Doubt it very much.
Me, too. Having played the original boardgame to tatters (practically
> > > > I would appreciate to have some official new about the "coming soon" Lock 'n
> > > > Load: Heroes of Stalingrad.
> >
> > > Will come with both a German and Russian campaign and be out in
> > > Q3-2012
> >
> > ROAD TO MOSCOW will probably beat it to market.
>
> Well, I now know why it was delayed so much : instead of 2D counters
> on a hex map like we saw in screenshots of the early versions, you're
> now getting fancy 3D models. Sure, it looks twice as nice, but was it
> worth the delay and extra cost ? Doubt it very much.
the last boardgame I played), I cannot imagine what can be achieved by
3D.
Come to think of it, except for FPS and flight simulators, 3D is always
a silly additional expense in money and wasted time, IMO.
eddys...@hotmail.com
May 2, 2012, 2:47:45 AM5/2/12
to
On 1 mei, 23:09, Giftzwerg <giftzwerg...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> In article <513c5482-7b6d-4c59-9a87-
> b63e03b1d...@u14g2000vbm.googlegroups.com>, eddyster...@hotmail.com
attract the more casual wargamer, who's a bit more eye-candy aware
than the average grognard, so maybe it makes sense from a commercial
pov to have non-functional, but pretty 3D in some games that might
also appeal to this crowd.
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
> In article <513c5482-7b6d-4c59-9a87-
> b63e03b1d...@u14g2000vbm.googlegroups.com>, eddyster...@hotmail.com
> says...
>
> > > > > I would appreciate to have some official new about the "coming soon" Lock 'n
> > > > > Load: Heroes of Stalingrad.
>
> > > > Will come with both a German and Russian campaign and be out in
> > > > Q3-2012
>
> > > ROAD TO MOSCOW will probably beat it to market.
>
> > Well, I now know why it was delayed so much : instead of 2D counters
> > on a hex map like we saw in screenshots of the early versions, you're
> > now getting fancy 3D models. Sure, it looks twice as nice, but was it
> > worth the delay and extra cost ? Doubt it very much.
>
> Me, too. Having played the original boardgame to tatters (practically
> the last boardgame I played), I cannot imagine what can be achieved by
> 3D.
>
> Come to think of it, except for FPS and flight simulators, 3D is always
> a silly additional expense in money and wasted time, IMO.
I think that with Battle Academy and Panzer Corps they managed to
>
> > > > > I would appreciate to have some official new about the "coming soon" Lock 'n
> > > > > Load: Heroes of Stalingrad.
>
> > > > Will come with both a German and Russian campaign and be out in
> > > > Q3-2012
>
> > > ROAD TO MOSCOW will probably beat it to market.
>
> > Well, I now know why it was delayed so much : instead of 2D counters
> > on a hex map like we saw in screenshots of the early versions, you're
> > now getting fancy 3D models. Sure, it looks twice as nice, but was it
> > worth the delay and extra cost ? Doubt it very much.
>
> Me, too. Having played the original boardgame to tatters (practically
> the last boardgame I played), I cannot imagine what can be achieved by
> 3D.
>
> Come to think of it, except for FPS and flight simulators, 3D is always
> a silly additional expense in money and wasted time, IMO.
attract the more casual wargamer, who's a bit more eye-candy aware
than the average grognard, so maybe it makes sense from a commercial
pov to have non-functional, but pretty 3D in some games that might
also appeal to this crowd.
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
eddys...@hotmail.com
May 2, 2012, 2:43:12 AM5/2/12
to
On 1 mei, 23:04, "Vincenzo Beretta" <vincenzo.bere...@fastwebnet.it>
wrote:
world.
> The discussion came up when talking about naval and air games ("air" like in
> Flight Commander II). I flatly told him that, no matter what choices or
> features a game of this kind has, the first thing to ditch are 3D models
> (like they did for SAI). There is a guy on NWS forum that punched in SAI the
> whole US WWI OOB in, I guess, two evenings. A 3D model of the USS New York
> would take more, and be obsolete in two years.
I concur, that's a very low ROI for a game designer. However,
remember that they were talking about trying to re-use the 3D models
from one game in the next ? The 300+ Panzer Corps ones. Ok, this would
do away with wasting the developer's time on non-essentials, but
wouldn't this also make all games look a bit samey ? :)
> Well, Iain's opinion differs. However, talking of naval games, I still think
> that the way to go (graphically) is "Command"'s one. Not the 3D employed by
> Global Conflict Blue or (God forbids) Naval Warfare Arctic Circle. A minute
> subtracted to the OOB or the engine to add a 3D smokestack is a minute
> wasted.
Agreed. Air combat games need to be 3D though, I don't mean the
models, but the game concept. Height matters in air combat and you
need the visual clue here, not just a marker that says this plane is
at height level "5"
Our games of Check your 6 got so much better when we started to use
special stands that let you visually change the plane's height.
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
wrote:
> > Sure, it looks twice as nice, but was it
> > worth the delay and extra cost ? Doubt it very much.
>
> I had an (open) discussion about "graphics" in general with Iain McNeil. His
> opinion is that even for an "hardcore/grognard" game the first screenshots
> must catch the eye of the potential buyer - even if the game then simulates
> the Eastern Front at 1s = 1s scale.
I think he's right in that regard, but I just don't think 3D rules the
> > worth the delay and extra cost ? Doubt it very much.
>
> I had an (open) discussion about "graphics" in general with Iain McNeil. His
> opinion is that even for an "hardcore/grognard" game the first screenshots
> must catch the eye of the potential buyer - even if the game then simulates
> the Eastern Front at 1s = 1s scale.
world.
> The discussion came up when talking about naval and air games ("air" like in
> Flight Commander II). I flatly told him that, no matter what choices or
> features a game of this kind has, the first thing to ditch are 3D models
> (like they did for SAI). There is a guy on NWS forum that punched in SAI the
> whole US WWI OOB in, I guess, two evenings. A 3D model of the USS New York
> would take more, and be obsolete in two years.
remember that they were talking about trying to re-use the 3D models
from one game in the next ? The 300+ Panzer Corps ones. Ok, this would
do away with wasting the developer's time on non-essentials, but
wouldn't this also make all games look a bit samey ? :)
> Well, Iain's opinion differs. However, talking of naval games, I still think
> that the way to go (graphically) is "Command"'s one. Not the 3D employed by
> Global Conflict Blue or (God forbids) Naval Warfare Arctic Circle. A minute
> subtracted to the OOB or the engine to add a 3D smokestack is a minute
> wasted.
models, but the game concept. Height matters in air combat and you
need the visual clue here, not just a marker that says this plane is
at height level "5"
Our games of Check your 6 got so much better when we started to use
special stands that let you visually change the plane's height.
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
Giftzwerg
May 2, 2012, 4:16:17 AM5/2/12
to
In article <jnpj4t$kso$1...@dont-email.me>, vincenzo...@fastwebnet.it
says...
> The discussion came up when talking about naval and air games ("air" like in
> Flight Commander II). I flatly told him that, no matter what choices or
> features a game of this kind has, the first thing to ditch are 3D models
> (like they did for SAI). There is a guy on NWS forum that punched in SAI the
> whole US WWI OOB in, I guess, two evenings. A 3D model of the USS New York
> would take more, and be obsolete in two years.
There's a more insidious factor at work in a 3D-infected "Fighting
Steel" type game. Having expended all that massive effort in building
all the pretty, pretty ships ... the designer wants to show them off.
And this means a visit from our old friend The Magic Eye Camera, tossing
proper FOW and uncertainty right out the window.
Can't find 2nd Battle Squadron? Why, just zoom The Magic Eye Camera
over to it! And while you're en route, why not a bit of scouting to see
if that pesky Hipper is about?
says...
> The discussion came up when talking about naval and air games ("air" like in
> Flight Commander II). I flatly told him that, no matter what choices or
> features a game of this kind has, the first thing to ditch are 3D models
> (like they did for SAI). There is a guy on NWS forum that punched in SAI the
> whole US WWI OOB in, I guess, two evenings. A 3D model of the USS New York
> would take more, and be obsolete in two years.
Steel" type game. Having expended all that massive effort in building
all the pretty, pretty ships ... the designer wants to show them off.
And this means a visit from our old friend The Magic Eye Camera, tossing
proper FOW and uncertainty right out the window.
Can't find 2nd Battle Squadron? Why, just zoom The Magic Eye Camera
over to it! And while you're en route, why not a bit of scouting to see
if that pesky Hipper is about?
Message has been deleted
Pelle Nilsson
May 2, 2012, 5:02:52 AM5/2/12
to
"eddys...@hotmail.com" <eddys...@hotmail.com> writes:
> I concur, that's a very low ROI for a game designer. However,
> remember that they were talking about trying to re-use the 3D models
> from one game in the next ? The 300+ Panzer Corps ones. Ok, this would
> do away with wasting the developer's time on non-essentials, but
> wouldn't this also make all games look a bit samey ? :)
I think some of the sound effects (voice samples) in Battle Academy are
> I concur, that's a very low ROI for a game designer. However,
> remember that they were talking about trying to re-use the 3D models
> from one game in the next ? The 300+ Panzer Corps ones. Ok, this would
> do away with wasting the developer's time on non-essentials, but
> wouldn't this also make all games look a bit samey ? :)
reused from Close Combat, or taken from the same original source. Or
just very similar; I didn't compare the sounds side-by-side.
--
/Pelle
Mike Kreuzer
May 2, 2012, 6:45:51 AM5/2/12
to
On 2/05/2012 6:16 PM, Giftzwerg wrote:
> In article<jnpj4t$kso$1...@dont-email.me>, vincenzo...@fastwebnet.it
> says...
>
>> The discussion came up when talking about naval and air games ("air" like in
>> Flight Commander II). I flatly told him that, no matter what choices or
>> features a game of this kind has, the first thing to ditch are 3D models
>> (like they did for SAI). There is a guy on NWS forum that punched in SAI the
>> whole US WWI OOB in, I guess, two evenings. A 3D model of the USS New York
>> would take more, and be obsolete in two years.
>
> There's a more insidious factor at work in a 3D-infected "Fighting
> Steel" type game. Having expended all that massive effort in building
> all the pretty, pretty ships ... the designer wants to show them off.
> And this means a visit from our old friend The Magic Eye Camera, tossing
> proper FOW and uncertainty right out the window.
>
> Can't find 2nd Battle Squadron? Why, just zoom The Magic Eye Camera
> over to it! And while you're en route, why not a bit of scouting to see
> if that pesky Hipper is about?
>
Colour me ho-hum about the whole event. The previously super secret
> In article<jnpj4t$kso$1...@dont-email.me>, vincenzo...@fastwebnet.it
> says...
>
>> The discussion came up when talking about naval and air games ("air" like in
>> Flight Commander II). I flatly told him that, no matter what choices or
>> features a game of this kind has, the first thing to ditch are 3D models
>> (like they did for SAI). There is a guy on NWS forum that punched in SAI the
>> whole US WWI OOB in, I guess, two evenings. A 3D model of the USS New York
>> would take more, and be obsolete in two years.
>
> There's a more insidious factor at work in a 3D-infected "Fighting
> Steel" type game. Having expended all that massive effort in building
> all the pretty, pretty ships ... the designer wants to show them off.
> And this means a visit from our old friend The Magic Eye Camera, tossing
> proper FOW and uncertainty right out the window.
>
> Can't find 2nd Battle Squadron? Why, just zoom The Magic Eye Camera
> over to it! And while you're en route, why not a bit of scouting to see
> if that pesky Hipper is about?
>
squirrels at Slitherine come out of the closet (as it were), and
announce a slew of new panzer general clone sequels and some board
game simulators that they'd already previously announced as coming
out, previously due in the months gone by.
Where's the beef?
Regards,
Mike Kreuzer
www.mikekreuzer.com | www.wargamedispatches.com
Giftzwerg
May 2, 2012, 6:54:04 AM5/2/12
to
In article <jnr38t$ea9$1...@speranza.aioe.org>, mi...@FIRSTNAMEkreuzer.com
says...
> Colour me ho-hum about the whole event. The previously super secret
> squirrels at Slitherine come out of the closet (as it were), and
> announce a slew of new panzer general clone sequels and some board
> game simulators that they'd already previously announced as coming
> out, previously due in the months gone by.
>
> Where's the beef?
Slitherine's stuff always reminded me of a Burger King Whopper; my
expectations are merely not to be poisoned and get a thousand calories
or so into my system. I'm not imagining some culinary feast.
says...
> Colour me ho-hum about the whole event. The previously super secret
> squirrels at Slitherine come out of the closet (as it were), and
> announce a slew of new panzer general clone sequels and some board
> game simulators that they'd already previously announced as coming
> out, previously due in the months gone by.
>
> Where's the beef?
expectations are merely not to be poisoned and get a thousand calories
or so into my system. I'm not imagining some culinary feast.
Mike Kreuzer
May 2, 2012, 7:02:02 AM5/2/12
to
On 2/05/2012 8:54 PM, Giftzwerg wrote:
> In article<jnr38t$ea9$1...@speranza.aioe.org>, mi...@FIRSTNAMEkreuzer.com
> says...
>
>> Colour me ho-hum about the whole event. The previously super secret
>> squirrels at Slitherine come out of the closet (as it were), and
>> announce a slew of new panzer general clone sequels and some board
>> game simulators that they'd already previously announced as coming
>> out, previously due in the months gone by.
>>
>> Where's the beef?
>
> Slitherine's stuff always reminded me of a Burger King Whopper; my
> expectations are merely not to be poisoned and get a thousand calories
> or so into my system. I'm not imagining some culinary feast.
>
>
I'm too old for whoppers now, that's my problem. My computer game
> In article<jnr38t$ea9$1...@speranza.aioe.org>, mi...@FIRSTNAMEkreuzer.com
> says...
>
>> Colour me ho-hum about the whole event. The previously super secret
>> squirrels at Slitherine come out of the closet (as it were), and
>> announce a slew of new panzer general clone sequels and some board
>> game simulators that they'd already previously announced as coming
>> out, previously due in the months gone by.
>>
>> Where's the beef?
>
> Slitherine's stuff always reminded me of a Burger King Whopper; my
> expectations are merely not to be poisoned and get a thousand calories
> or so into my system. I'm not imagining some culinary feast.
>
>
playing time is too precious to me nowadays to waste on some semi
wargame that's designed to lure in the casual non wargmer.
Some unspecified collection of carriers at war stuff was the only
vaguely interesting thing there for me. Nothing else from SSG, which
confirms my fears about them. Nothing from Panther despite all the
previous talk about a steady stream of expansions. Nothing that looked
like a new previously undiscovered gem, a la SAI. In short: so much ho
hum.
eddys...@hotmail.com
May 2, 2012, 7:17:29 AM5/2/12
to
On 2 mei, 12:54, Giftzwerg <giftzwerg...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Slitherine's stuff always reminded me of a Burger King Whopper; my
> expectations are merely not to be poisoned and get a thousand calories
> or so into my system. I'm not imagining some culinary feast.
In case you missed the memo : Slitherine 2012 = Slitherine + Matrix
> Slitherine's stuff always reminded me of a Burger King Whopper; my
> expectations are merely not to be poisoned and get a thousand calories
> or so into my system. I'm not imagining some culinary feast.
Games
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
Giftzwerg
May 2, 2012, 2:17:02 PM5/2/12
to
In article <befa4efc-cc51-4543-bcdf-68260544aabb@
12g2000vba.googlegroups.com>, eddys...@hotmail.com says...
> > Slitherine's stuff always reminded me of a Burger King Whopper; my
> > expectations are merely not to be poisoned and get a thousand calories
> > or so into my system. I'm not imagining some culinary feast.
>
> In case you missed the memo : Slitherine 2012 = Slitherine + Matrix
> Games
Matrix still has some developers around who can make a decent steak.
12g2000vba.googlegroups.com>, eddys...@hotmail.com says...
> > Slitherine's stuff always reminded me of a Burger King Whopper; my
> > expectations are merely not to be poisoned and get a thousand calories
> > or so into my system. I'm not imagining some culinary feast.
>
> In case you missed the memo : Slitherine 2012 = Slitherine + Matrix
> Games
Message has been deleted
Vincenzo Beretta
May 3, 2012, 12:05:35 AM5/3/12
to
> Matrix still has some developers around who can make a decent steak.
For what matters, after "War in the West" (WitE on the Western front, from
Normandy to Berlin) Grigsby is still determined to do "War in Europe" ^^
Also, don't forget how Matrix/Slitherine don't talk about long term plans.
All the games presented are scheduled to be published within 2012 - beyond
that, only hints.
Giftzwerg
May 3, 2012, 4:16:20 AM5/3/12
to
In article <jnt06j$124$1...@dont-email.me>, vincenzo...@fastwebnet.it
says...
> > Matrix still has some developers around who can make a decent steak.
>
> For what matters, after "War in the West" (WitE on the Western front, from
> Normandy to Berlin) Grigsby is still determined to do "War in Europe" ^^
If Slitherine is a Quarter-Pounder w/ cheese meal, and Panther is Steak
au poivre, then Grigsby is "whole, roasted buffalo."
Yeah. Whew. That's what's wanted; another game no one can play to the
end, followed by The Monster of Monsters.
Fuck, why doesn't Grigsby just let 'er rip and build "Homo Sapiens At
War," which tracks every human being - by name - since Olduvai Gorge,
allows players to follow warfare in 1:1 detail through roughly two
million years of history, using a turn sequence of 1 turn == 1 day and
one hex == 50 meters.
Stacking limits? 10,000 counters once you get the "skyscrapers" card.
> Also, don't forget how Matrix/Slitherine don't talk about long term plans.
> All the games presented are scheduled to be published within 2012 - beyond
> that, only hints.
Pff. They've been talking about the LOCK & LOAD PC game for, like,
eleven years now. Seems like the ultimate "long term plan" in my book;
so far the whole project appears to consist of an entry on a website.
I think my plan of introducing Kelly Brook to the Trojan Vibrating
Twister has more chance of coming to fruition.
says...
> > Matrix still has some developers around who can make a decent steak.
>
> For what matters, after "War in the West" (WitE on the Western front, from
> Normandy to Berlin) Grigsby is still determined to do "War in Europe" ^^
au poivre, then Grigsby is "whole, roasted buffalo."
Yeah. Whew. That's what's wanted; another game no one can play to the
end, followed by The Monster of Monsters.
Fuck, why doesn't Grigsby just let 'er rip and build "Homo Sapiens At
War," which tracks every human being - by name - since Olduvai Gorge,
allows players to follow warfare in 1:1 detail through roughly two
million years of history, using a turn sequence of 1 turn == 1 day and
one hex == 50 meters.
Stacking limits? 10,000 counters once you get the "skyscrapers" card.
> Also, don't forget how Matrix/Slitherine don't talk about long term plans.
> All the games presented are scheduled to be published within 2012 - beyond
> that, only hints.
eleven years now. Seems like the ultimate "long term plan" in my book;
so far the whole project appears to consist of an entry on a website.
I think my plan of introducing Kelly Brook to the Trojan Vibrating
Twister has more chance of coming to fruition.
Vincenzo Beretta
May 3, 2012, 12:51:23 PM5/3/12
to
> Fuck, why doesn't Grigsby just let 'er rip and build "Homo Sapiens
> At War," which tracks every human being - by name - since
> Olduvai Gorge, allows players to follow warfare in 1:1 detail
> through roughly two million years of history, using a turn
> sequence of 1 turn == 1 day and one hex == 50 meters.
Don't post this on the WitP: AE forum, you could give them ideas.
> At War," which tracks every human being - by name - since
> Olduvai Gorge, allows players to follow warfare in 1:1 detail
> through roughly two million years of history, using a turn
> sequence of 1 turn == 1 day and one hex == 50 meters.
Beside, I guess Grigsby would simply point out that his games sell, so he
produces them for his public - like Wim Wenders does with his movies.
> Pff. They've been talking about the LOCK & LOAD PC game for,
like, eleven years now.
school, but now *Slitherine* kept the lid on it until, out of the blue, they
just said "It is coming, Q3 2012 (IIRC)".
Like Eddy points out, it is a balancing act announcing a game early enough
to build up expectations but not so early to transform it in another
"Waiting for World in Flames" by Samuel Beckett.
Right now, Slitherine's policy does seem to lean towards "We will announce a
game only when it is ready". Of course this doesn't alleviate the burden of
all those titles announced in the late XIX Century (before the "merger")
that now Matrix carries on its shoulders.
Giftzwerg
May 3, 2012, 3:46:42 PM5/3/12
to
In article <jnud2d$dtj$1...@dont-email.me>, vincenzo...@fastwebnet.it
says...
> > Fuck, why doesn't Grigsby just let 'er rip and build "Homo Sapiens
> > At War," which tracks every human being - by name - since
> > Olduvai Gorge, allows players to follow warfare in 1:1 detail
> > through roughly two million years of history, using a turn
> > sequence of 1 turn == 1 day and one hex == 50 meters.
>
> Don't post this on the WitP: AE forum, you could give them ideas.
>
> Beside, I guess Grigsby would simply point out that his games sell, so he
> produces them for his public - like Wim Wenders does with his movies.
Oh, I fully support HOMO SAPIENS AT WAR. I always say that people
should get what they want - good and hard.
> > Pff. They've been talking about the LOCK & LOAD PC game for,
> like, eleven years now.
>
> But that is the very point: *Matrix* announced L&L when I was in high
> school, but now *Slitherine* kept the lid on it until, out of the blue, they
> just said "It is coming, Q3 2012 (IIRC)".
>
> Like Eddy points out, it is a balancing act announcing a game early enough
> to build up expectations but not so early to transform it in another
> "Waiting for World in Flames" by Samuel Beckett.
>
> Right now, Slitherine's policy does seem to lean towards "We will announce a
> game only when it is ready". Of course this doesn't alleviate the burden of
> all those titles announced in the late XIX Century (before the "merger")
> that now Matrix carries on its shoulders.
OK, but where did Matrix get the information? The Wizard of Oz? Nope.
From the developers.
C'mon, here. If Windows 8 and Mountain Lion ship when expected, we'll
be in the surreal situation where OS developers have released *three*
major versions of giant operating systems before one dopey game makes it
out the door.
--
Giftzwerg
***
"We all know about 'undocumented workers.' Now we have Elizabeth
Warren, the undocumented Indian."
- Howie Carr
says...
> > Fuck, why doesn't Grigsby just let 'er rip and build "Homo Sapiens
> > At War," which tracks every human being - by name - since
> > Olduvai Gorge, allows players to follow warfare in 1:1 detail
> > through roughly two million years of history, using a turn
> > sequence of 1 turn == 1 day and one hex == 50 meters.
>
> Don't post this on the WitP: AE forum, you could give them ideas.
>
> Beside, I guess Grigsby would simply point out that his games sell, so he
> produces them for his public - like Wim Wenders does with his movies.
should get what they want - good and hard.
> > Pff. They've been talking about the LOCK & LOAD PC game for,
> like, eleven years now.
>
> But that is the very point: *Matrix* announced L&L when I was in high
> school, but now *Slitherine* kept the lid on it until, out of the blue, they
> just said "It is coming, Q3 2012 (IIRC)".
>
> Like Eddy points out, it is a balancing act announcing a game early enough
> to build up expectations but not so early to transform it in another
> "Waiting for World in Flames" by Samuel Beckett.
>
> Right now, Slitherine's policy does seem to lean towards "We will announce a
> game only when it is ready". Of course this doesn't alleviate the burden of
> all those titles announced in the late XIX Century (before the "merger")
> that now Matrix carries on its shoulders.
From the developers.
C'mon, here. If Windows 8 and Mountain Lion ship when expected, we'll
be in the surreal situation where OS developers have released *three*
major versions of giant operating systems before one dopey game makes it
out the door.
--
Giftzwerg
***
"We all know about 'undocumented workers.' Now we have Elizabeth
Warren, the undocumented Indian."
- Howie Carr
Jeff Urs
May 3, 2012, 10:38:53 PM5/3/12
to
"Vincenzo Beretta" <vincenzo...@fastwebnet.it> wrote in message
news:jnud2d$dtj$1...@dont-email.me...
that was the only hardware announced at the time that had the necessary
horsepower. Fear not! They expect to have one by the 2030s (with an
emulator sometime before that).
http://plan28.org/
--
Jeff
news:jnud2d$dtj$1...@dont-email.me...
> Right now, Slitherine's policy does seem to lean towards "We will announce
> a game only when it is ready". Of course this doesn't alleviate the burden
> of all those titles announced in the late XIX Century (before the
> "merger") that now Matrix carries on its shoulders.
Well, they clearly have been waiting for Babbage's Analytical Engine, as
> a game only when it is ready". Of course this doesn't alleviate the burden
> of all those titles announced in the late XIX Century (before the
> "merger") that now Matrix carries on its shoulders.
that was the only hardware announced at the time that had the necessary
horsepower. Fear not! They expect to have one by the 2030s (with an
emulator sometime before that).
http://plan28.org/
--
Jeff
eddys...@hotmail.com
May 4, 2012, 2:25:16 AM5/4/12
to
On 3 mei, 21:46, Giftzwerg <giftzwerg...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> In article <jnud2d$dt...@dont-email.me>, vincenzo.bere...@fastwebnet.it
I'd go for GENUS HOMO AT WAR, so it includes Neanderthalers and those
little guys from that Indonesian island.
> OK, but where did Matrix get the information? The Wizard of Oz? Nope.
> From the developers.
i.e. the last guys on the planet you should believe when it comes to
release dates :)
Sometimes it's also a case of things just happening. The Lordz had The
Great War in beta last year, then Panzer Corps turned out to be a huge
commercial success, so all hands were diverted to create add-ons for
it.
> C'mon, here. If Windows 8 and Mountain Lion ship when expected,
we'll
> be in the surreal situation where OS developers have released *three*
> major versions of giant operating systems before one dopey game makes it
> out the door.
Like I said before Lock 'n Load fell victim to the success Mark Walker
enjoyed with his boardgame publishing company. There are only 24 hours
in a day, and focussing on the things that work/sell is the correct
way to run a company.
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
> In article <jnud2d$dt...@dont-email.me>, vincenzo.bere...@fastwebnet.it
> says...
>
> > > Fuck, why doesn't Grigsby just let 'er rip and build "Homo Sapiens
> > > At War," which tracks every human being - by name - since
> > > Olduvai Gorge, allows players to follow warfare in 1:1 detail
> > > through roughly two million years of history, using a turn
> > > sequence of 1 turn == 1 day and one hex == 50 meters.
>
> > Don't post this on the WitP: AE forum, you could give them ideas.
>
> > Beside, I guess Grigsby would simply point out that his games sell, so he
> > produces them for his public - like Wim Wenders does with his movies.
>
> Oh, I fully support HOMO SAPIENS AT WAR. I always say that people
> should get what they want - good and hard.
What a racist title :)
>
> > > Fuck, why doesn't Grigsby just let 'er rip and build "Homo Sapiens
> > > At War," which tracks every human being - by name - since
> > > Olduvai Gorge, allows players to follow warfare in 1:1 detail
> > > through roughly two million years of history, using a turn
> > > sequence of 1 turn == 1 day and one hex == 50 meters.
>
> > Don't post this on the WitP: AE forum, you could give them ideas.
>
> > Beside, I guess Grigsby would simply point out that his games sell, so he
> > produces them for his public - like Wim Wenders does with his movies.
>
> Oh, I fully support HOMO SAPIENS AT WAR. I always say that people
> should get what they want - good and hard.
I'd go for GENUS HOMO AT WAR, so it includes Neanderthalers and those
little guys from that Indonesian island.
> OK, but where did Matrix get the information? The Wizard of Oz? Nope.
> From the developers.
release dates :)
Sometimes it's also a case of things just happening. The Lordz had The
Great War in beta last year, then Panzer Corps turned out to be a huge
commercial success, so all hands were diverted to create add-ons for
it.
> C'mon, here. If Windows 8 and Mountain Lion ship when expected,
we'll
> be in the surreal situation where OS developers have released *three*
> major versions of giant operating systems before one dopey game makes it
> out the door.
enjoyed with his boardgame publishing company. There are only 24 hours
in a day, and focussing on the things that work/sell is the correct
way to run a company.
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
eddys...@hotmail.com
May 4, 2012, 2:27:09 AM5/4/12
to
On 4 mei, 04:38, "Jeff Urs" <jeff....@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Well, they clearly have been waiting for Babbage's Analytical Engine, as
> that was the only hardware announced at the time that had the necessary
> horsepower. Fear not! They expect to have one by the 2030s (with an
> emulator sometime before that).
>
> http://plan28.org/
uh, emulators for that one have existed for years :)
>
> Well, they clearly have been waiting for Babbage's Analytical Engine, as
> that was the only hardware announced at the time that had the necessary
> horsepower. Fear not! They expect to have one by the 2030s (with an
> emulator sometime before that).
>
> http://plan28.org/
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
Giftzwerg
May 4, 2012, 4:02:54 AM5/4/12
to
In article <f784584c-c8aa-4746-88f4-5a71a5793479
@cl4g2000vbb.googlegroups.com>, eddys...@hotmail.com says...
> > C'mon, here. If Windows 8 and Mountain Lion ship when expected,
> we'll
> > be in the surreal situation where OS developers have released *three*
> > major versions of giant operating systems before one dopey game makes it
> > out the door.
>
> Like I said before Lock 'n Load fell victim to the success Mark Walker
> enjoyed with his boardgame publishing company. There are only 24 hours
> in a day, and focussing on the things that work/sell is the correct
> way to run a company.
Fine. So disclose this. You're doing nothing but pissing off all
concerned by this Kabuki dance with regard to the game still being in
development when anyone could see that the only thing that had been
"developed" was an ancient bunch of never-changing screenshots.
Only very dumb developers hang the "vaporware" albatross around their
own necks.
[Speaking for myself, I fully expect this game to be shit anyhow, for
the very reason hinted at in your post above; I don't think their heart
is into this PC thing. They're boardgame designers, so the best we
could hope for is Yet Another Boardgame Simulator ... but I don't think
we're even going to get that; I think this PC product is the red-haired
stepchild, and they're sorry they even started on it.]
@cl4g2000vbb.googlegroups.com>, eddys...@hotmail.com says...
> > C'mon, here. If Windows 8 and Mountain Lion ship when expected,
> we'll
> > be in the surreal situation where OS developers have released *three*
> > major versions of giant operating systems before one dopey game makes it
> > out the door.
>
> Like I said before Lock 'n Load fell victim to the success Mark Walker
> enjoyed with his boardgame publishing company. There are only 24 hours
> in a day, and focussing on the things that work/sell is the correct
> way to run a company.
concerned by this Kabuki dance with regard to the game still being in
development when anyone could see that the only thing that had been
"developed" was an ancient bunch of never-changing screenshots.
Only very dumb developers hang the "vaporware" albatross around their
own necks.
[Speaking for myself, I fully expect this game to be shit anyhow, for
the very reason hinted at in your post above; I don't think their heart
is into this PC thing. They're boardgame designers, so the best we
could hope for is Yet Another Boardgame Simulator ... but I don't think
we're even going to get that; I think this PC product is the red-haired
stepchild, and they're sorry they even started on it.]
eddys...@hotmail.com
May 4, 2012, 4:19:59 AM5/4/12
to
On 4 mei, 10:02, Giftzwerg <giftzwerg...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> In article <f784584c-c8aa-4746-88f4-5a71a5793479
> @cl4g2000vbb.googlegroups.com>, eddyster...@hotmail.com says...
> In article <f784584c-c8aa-4746-88f4-5a71a5793479
> > Like I said before Lock 'n Load fell victim to the success Mark Walker
> > enjoyed with his boardgame publishing company. There are only 24 hours
> > in a day, and focussing on the things that work/sell is the correct
> > way to run a company.
>
> Fine. So disclose this. You're doing nothing but pissing off all
> concerned by this Kabuki dance with regard to the game still being in
> development when anyone could see that the only thing that had been
> "developed" was an ancient bunch of never-changing screenshots.
that open communication is a joke in the pc wargame world.
> Only very dumb developers hang the "vaporware" albatross around their
> own necks.
>
> [Speaking for myself, I fully expect this game to be shit anyhow, for
> the very reason hinted at in your post above; I don't think their heart
> is into this PC thing. They're boardgame designers, so the best we
> could hope for is Yet Another Boardgame Simulator ... but I don't think
> we're even going to get that; I think this PC product is the red-haired
> stepchild, and they're sorry they even started on it.]
Got tired of Close Combat a long time ago.
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
Giftzwerg
May 4, 2012, 5:35:37 AM5/4/12
to
In article <73babded-3963-4efb-9e0b-db9898790fb8
@n1g2000vby.googlegroups.com>, eddys...@hotmail.com says...
> > [Speaking for myself, I fully expect this game to be shit anyhow, for
> > the very reason hinted at in your post above; I don't think their heart
> > is into this PC thing. They're boardgame designers, so the best we
> > could hope for is Yet Another Boardgame Simulator ... but I don't think
> > we're even going to get that; I think this PC product is the red-haired
> > stepchild, and they're sorry they even started on it.]
>
> Wait and see. And I fully hope it is Yet Another Boardgame Simulator.
> Got tired of Close Combat a long time ago.
I dunno what else might have changed except the fancy-schmancy 3D
counters, but for my money the big weakness I've always seen in this
title boils down to three key factors:
Scenarios, scenarios, and most importantly, scenarios.
Twelve scenarios and two campaigns? And - lemme guess - the campaigns
being composed of ... the same twelve scenarios? That sounds too lame
for words, particularly given the mountains and mountains of scenarios
that came with titles in the CLOSE COMBAT and COMBAT MISSION products.
I mean, after waiting four years for this turkey, I'm gonna get enough
scenarios to play for ... a few hours?
@n1g2000vby.googlegroups.com>, eddys...@hotmail.com says...
> > [Speaking for myself, I fully expect this game to be shit anyhow, for
> > the very reason hinted at in your post above; I don't think their heart
> > is into this PC thing. They're boardgame designers, so the best we
> > could hope for is Yet Another Boardgame Simulator ... but I don't think
> > we're even going to get that; I think this PC product is the red-haired
> > stepchild, and they're sorry they even started on it.]
>
> Wait and see. And I fully hope it is Yet Another Boardgame Simulator.
> Got tired of Close Combat a long time ago.
counters, but for my money the big weakness I've always seen in this
title boils down to three key factors:
Scenarios, scenarios, and most importantly, scenarios.
Twelve scenarios and two campaigns? And - lemme guess - the campaigns
being composed of ... the same twelve scenarios? That sounds too lame
for words, particularly given the mountains and mountains of scenarios
that came with titles in the CLOSE COMBAT and COMBAT MISSION products.
I mean, after waiting four years for this turkey, I'm gonna get enough
scenarios to play for ... a few hours?
Mike Kreuzer
May 4, 2012, 8:34:12 AM5/4/12
to
Lotsa fluff, very little substance. Just like their games.
Jeff Urs
May 4, 2012, 6:22:20 PM5/4/12
to
<eddys...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:300f69b0-d09d-4d67...@l15g2000vbv.googlegroups.com...
(Which, of course, would not change the fact that anything programmed
for the Analytical Engine has been executable for a long time,
puncturing the tires on my attempt at humor.)
--
Jeff
news:300f69b0-d09d-4d67...@l15g2000vbv.googlegroups.com...
> On 4 mei, 04:38, "Jeff Urs" <jeff....@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> Well, they clearly have been waiting for Babbage's Analytical Engine, as
[snip]
>>
>> Well, they clearly have been waiting for Babbage's Analytical Engine, as
> uh, emulators for that one have existed for years :)
Well, so they have. I should have said "an every-bullet simulator".
(Which, of course, would not change the fact that anything programmed
for the Analytical Engine has been executable for a long time,
puncturing the tires on my attempt at humor.)
--
Jeff
Mike Kreuzer
May 5, 2012, 12:31:37 AM5/5/12
to
On 3/05/2012 1:12 PM, ade...@inbox.com wrote:
> Which semi wargames have the masses taken a liking to? i am thinking of
> games like Risk when the term "semi wargames" pop up.
>
> I am discounting other genres like first/third person shooters (Call of
> Duty), 4X (Civilization) Simulators (Falcon).
Sorry missed this earlier.
None of them, dumbing wargames down to attract a bigger market share's
a fool's errand. Like building a better boardgame simulator.
The wrong way to go about it. TM
> games like Risk when the term "semi wargames" pop up.
>
> I am discounting other genres like first/third person shooters (Call of
> Duty), 4X (Civilization) Simulators (Falcon).
Sorry missed this earlier.
None of them, dumbing wargames down to attract a bigger market share's
a fool's errand. Like building a better boardgame simulator.
The wrong way to go about it. TM
dougb
May 6, 2012, 3:49:39 PM5/6/12
to
>
> None of them, dumbing wargames down to attract a bigger market share's
> a fool's errand. Like building a better boardgame simulator.
>
> The wrong way to go about it. TM
>
> Regards,
> Mike Kreuzer
> www.mikekreuzer.com | www.wargamedispatches.com
What would be the equivalent of SAI in a land title that you'd like to see?
I'd love to see Panther do a front wide game using a scaled up version of their system but doubt that I'll see it in my lifetime LOL! I find Grigby's games combine board game simulation with all the worst elements of the pc spreadsheet approach. If he'd stuck with the corps level maneuver containers from WIR I think that it would at least be a much more playable game at the campaign level.
Doug
Arjuna
May 6, 2012, 8:19:40 PM5/6/12
to
On Monday, 7 May 2012 05:49:39 UTC+10, dougb wrote:
> I'd love to see Panther do a front wide game using a scaled up version of their system but doubt that I'll see it in my lifetime LOL! I find Grigby's games combine board game simulation with all the worst elements of the pc spreadsheet approach. If he'd stuck with the corps level maneuver containers from WIR I think that it would at least be a much more playable game at the campaign level.
This could be done but it would involve a complete reversal of the direction we are currently heading - ie we are currently working on a more tactical level version where line units are typically platoons with support squads. This approach would necessiate a major overhaul of the combat system as we would really have to resolve combat with parts of a units rather than the whole unit. We already do that in a way based on formation butwe would need something more drastic that probably managed spotting and combat by occupied grids.
> I'd love to see Panther do a front wide game using a scaled up version of their system but doubt that I'll see it in my lifetime LOL! I find Grigby's games combine board game simulation with all the worst elements of the pc spreadsheet approach. If he'd stuck with the corps level maneuver containers from WIR I think that it would at least be a much more playable game at the campaign level.
We could do something along the lines of our original Trial of Strength boardgame. Starting with a proven boardgame design would really impress Eddy and that's always a good thing. ;)
We should limit the scope of the first outing by having fixed production schedule rather than having to design a production engine. We could add that later. Would need to think about the political engine...mmm...later.
It would be doable. Probably take 4 man years of effort, say $1m. Let's say we could sell 5,000 units, which would optomistic. We would need to charge $200 each. I don't see that happening. Do you. Maybe a candidate for Kickstarter.
dougb
May 6, 2012, 9:12:57 PM5/6/12
to
Bill Walton and I have been playing Trial of Strength and really enjoying it - heck there are design features (fow through hq offboard, integrated move/combat) that haven't been equalled since that game. We think that no wargame, pc or boardgame, has done as good a job of representing the Eastern front as that one.
So $200 for a kick starter? I'd contribute in a heartbeat - but sadly yes I agree
That there likely wouldn't be enough to make it worthwhile for all the effort and resources. More's the pity!
Still, I'll take Command Ops Eastern Front and just hope that at some point someone produces an eastern front wide simulation of similar quality.
Doug
So $200 for a kick starter? I'd contribute in a heartbeat - but sadly yes I agree
That there likely wouldn't be enough to make it worthwhile for all the effort and resources. More's the pity!
Still, I'll take Command Ops Eastern Front and just hope that at some point someone produces an eastern front wide simulation of similar quality.
Doug
Giftzwerg
May 6, 2012, 10:23:44 PM5/6/12
to
In article <24099676.799.1336349980549.JavaMail.geo-discussion-
forums@pbkc8>, da...@panthergames.com says...
I offer $500 for the pie-in-the-sky thingie.
Or $100 for the thingie you're working on.
forums@pbkc8>, da...@panthergames.com says...
Or $100 for the thingie you're working on.
eddys...@hotmail.com
May 7, 2012, 2:35:12 AM5/7/12
to
On 7 mei, 02:19, Arjuna <d...@panthergames.com> wrote:
> We could do something along the lines of our original Trial of Strength boardgame. Starting with a proven boardgame design would really impress Eddy and that's always a good thing. ;)
The guy you'd impress most would be your long-suffering bank
> We could do something along the lines of our original Trial of Strength boardgame. Starting with a proven boardgame design would really impress Eddy and that's always a good thing. ;)
manager :)
> We should limit the scope of the first outing by having fixed production schedule rather than having to design a production engine. We could add that later. Would need to think about the political engine...mmm...later.
>
> It would be doable. Probably take 4 man years of effort, say $1m.
Nah, that's not your thing and we both know it :)
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
eddys...@hotmail.com
May 8, 2012, 2:49:48 AM5/8/12
to
On 3 apr, 13:30, "eddyster...@hotmail.com" <eddyster...@hotmail.com>
wrote:
> In a couple of weeks Mr. Beretta and me will be meeting the top brass
> of Slitherine/Matrix during a press event in which a number of
> developers will be present too.
The article I wrote about it is up here :
http://www.armchairgeneral.com/game-previews-from-slitherine-matrix-press-days-2012-an-acg-report.htm
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
wrote:
> In a couple of weeks Mr. Beretta and me will be meeting the top brass
> of Slitherine/Matrix during a press event in which a number of
> developers will be present too.
The article I wrote about it is up here :
http://www.armchairgeneral.com/game-previews-from-slitherine-matrix-press-days-2012-an-acg-report.htm
Greetz,
Eddy Sterckx
Mike Kreuzer
May 9, 2012, 5:29:39 PM5/9/12
to
I think I've already seen it - for me Panther's games are the land
equivalent of SAI.
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