Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.

[Arlo]

Actually I'm playing Il-2 Clod now with the Fusion mod. I just can't justify the expenses of playing AH with the dated graphics. However, like I said, I have high hopes for the GFX update in the works. I also have a huge backlog of purchased games on Steam that I'm trying to get through as well.

Can't justify the expenses but have a backlog of purchased games? You're that 'pretty picture' type someone was talking about, aren'tcha?  

[Arlo]

Wow it looks like we might be getting close to being back on topic!  

We never left the topic, you only thought we did.  

[Gemini]

But the number of people who actually wanted to simulate ACM was much higher *only* 5-10 years ago but has dropped? Why? Could a sudden spate of flying movies or the 100th anniversary of WWI change that?

Wow it looks like we might be getting close to being back on topic!  

My feeling is that there are still the same amount of people who want to simulate ACM, dogfighting, historic planes, etc...but I think a lot of people have unsubscribed from AH because of a lack players/combat (whether that is because of empty arenas, too large maps, too many people running away and not enough fighting, or whatever...).

Whether they have gone to other flight sims, or just hung up their joysticks, I can't say...

Just my opinion.

Can't justify the expenses but have a backlog of purchased games? You're that 'pretty picture' type someone was talking about, aren'tcha?  

Actually, it might be that you are so busy playing only one video game (AH) that you have not encountered the beauty and wonder of Steam and Steam sales  If you had, you'd understand GScholz's dilemma heheh

[Wiley]

But the number of people who actually wanted to simulate ACM was much higher *only* 5-10 years ago but has dropped? Why? Could a sudden spate of flying movies or the 100th anniversary of WWI change that?

I chalk it up to the particular subset of people who are interested in it, and have the time to throw at it to enjoy it.  Small subset of a small subset.

For YOU yes ..and maybe for me to ,but numbers are dropping,not because its a great sim.
Then why,with more gamers then ever?

Look at the most popular games though.  MMORPG's.  No consequences (yes, EvE... moving on...), no thought required, hit the buzzer get a cookie.  FPS's just require twitch reflexes and a modicum of learning if you want to be competent.  Nowhere near the learning curve here.

This type of game is simply not popular, regardless of how many ads they buy.  Graphics might help some, but it's not like there is a gigantic pool of people sitting out there looking for this kind of gameplay that are either unaware it exists or just can't get past the graphics.

My feeling is that there are still the same amount of people who want to simulate ACM, dogfighting, historic planes, etc...but I think a lot of people have unsubscribed from AH because of a lack players/combat (whether that is because of empty arenas, too large maps, too many people running away and not enough fighting, or whatever...).

I think the majority of the people who are still looking for gaming as a hobby who left for those reasons are in WT.  Round based, instant action.  FM fidelity is ass, but you can find an arcadey fight quickly.

Wiley.

[Ack-Ack]

For some that don't like the current graphics, you can use SweetFX to drastically improve the look of AH.

ack-ack

[Sunka]

For some that don't like the current graphics, you can use SweetFX to drastically improve the look of AH.

ack-ack

So do you feel like this will help Aces High's numbers?

[GScholz]

Can't justify the expenses but have a backlog of purchased games? You're that 'pretty picture' type someone was talking about, aren'tcha?  

AH, or any subscription based game for that matter, is a recurring cost. A game needs to be pretty darn good to justify $14.95 a month. That's close to $180 a year. I can get a lot of AAA titles for that kind of money on Steam sales.

And it's not just the money, but also the time spent.

[Ack-Ack]

So do you feel like this will help Aces High's numbers?

It might keep those wanting to leave over the graphics a reason to stay.

ack-ack

[Sunka]

Maybe HTC should some how promote it with game then.

[Oldman731]

AH, or any subscription based game for that matter, is a recurring cost. A game needs to be pretty darn good to justify $14.95 a month. That's close to $180 a year. I can get a lot of AAA titles for that kind of money on Steam sales.

And I think that illustrates one of the changes in AH population.  For many of the oldtimers, AW and AH (and Warbirds and FA) aren't like other games, they aren't even close to other games.  I can't imagine myself, for example, being remotely interested in playing a first-person shooter or a Star Trek "simulation" or a men-in-tights game.  

As others have said, it's a niche market, and it's getting older very quickly.

- oldman

[BnZs]

I could see HTC eventually adding some adjustments to the game like what SweetFX already does. I think a lot of people would like simply turning up the vibrancy of the colors, for instance.

[Sunka]

a men-in-tights game.  



- oldman

[Arlo]

Actually, it might be that you are so busy playing only one video game (AH) that you have not encountered the beauty and wonder of Steam and Steam sales  If you had, you'd understand GScholz's dilemma heheh

Or it may be I have and am still not as impressed with or have as much fun with them as AHII (if one was to tone down their presumption gland). I found it ironic that G has the disposable cash to enjoy everything but AHII (because of graphics?). Ahem.

[ink]

Ive tried to get people to play AH...I did get one who flew for awhile....but his life is too busy to play anymore....

a few who seemed interested I told them sit down....I made them roll....without Auto pilot...and ask them to shoot down a drone.....

how many actually got in the air?

1

my kids friends all think the graphics suck and have zero interest in it.

[Arlo]

AH, or any subscription based game for that matter, is a recurring cost. A game needs to be pretty darn good to justify $14.95 a month. That's close to $180 a year. I can get a lot of AAA titles for that kind of money on Steam sales.

And it's not just the money, but also the time spent.

And AHII ain't good enough for you .... because of graphics and it costs too much. Yes, we live on different planets.