instead of two weeks free

[popeye]

The "twenty-minutes-and-out" newbies that I've seen rarely respond to offers of help.  Most won't (or can't) respond at all.  I've watched maybe 8 or 10 new players appear in the hangar (couldn't figure out how to spawn on the runway) sit there for 10 minutes, shoot the guns a few times, then disappear forever.  Meanwhile I am offering help on VOX and text but get no response.  I did manage to get a couple to spawn on a runway and get into the air, but haven't seen them since.  Even the "good at gaming" guy who seemed impressed with the game wasn't interested in training.

I still think new players should spawn into the front seat of an AT-6 for a check ride with an AI trainer to get their controls working and give them at least a taste of "flying".

[ccvi]

AT6? Use the RV, suddenly it has a purpose.

My earlier question is still unanswered: Do the 14 days start when creating the account or when entering a  $$$ arena the first time? It's a big difference: Is it possible to practice (online) before starting the 14 days?

[The Fugitive]

AT6? Use the RV, suddenly it has a purpose.

My earlier question is still unanswered: Do the 14 days start when creating the account or when entering a  $$$ arena the first time? It's a big difference: Is it possible to practice (online) before starting the 14 days?

I dont work for HTC, but I have always understood it as your time starts when you first log into a "pay" arena. We use to encourage new players to play off line shooting drones as long as they could handle it coming to the BBS with their questions to get as much a head start as they could BEFORE starting their 2 weeks.

New players today have more options with a number of free arenas as well as being able to open custom arenas on their own.

[Traveler]

I dont work for HTC, but I have always understood it as your time starts when you first log into a "pay" arena. We use to encourage new players to play off line shooting drones as long as they could handle it coming to the BBS with their questions to get as much a head start as they could BEFORE starting their 2 weeks.

New players today have more options with a number of free arenas as well as being able to open custom arenas on their own.

If they don't understand how to play the game, how in the world are they going to build a custom arena?  Thinking that custom arenas benefit new players in any way is just unrealistic.  They don't know how to select or arm an aircraft or even spawn on the runway at a different field, how on earth will they know how to build an arena?

[The Fugitive]

If they don't understand how to play the game, how in the world are they going to build a custom arena?  Thinking that custom arenas benefit new players in any way is just unrealistic.  They don't know how to select or arm an aircraft or even spawn on the runway at a different field, how on earth will they know how to build an arena?

To build an arena is just point and click. Gamers know all about point and click. Im sure they can figure that out much more easily than how to fly.

I also agree that custom arenas are NOT an answer. For the most part the only thing I have seem them used for is squads be it for training, or a squad get together. It is rare that I see any mixed groups in there.

[Meatwad]

For new players, a walk through training mission type set could/would be offered. Something really simple like prompts in the cockpit for starting engine, flaps, etc. Then take off and follow a line along a pre designed course. Same thing for landing. Code it to where the introductory missions when completed are added into your personal achievements. Maybe a few other introductory missions also with drones. Once those are complete, give the option to either go into the MA, training arena, or continue some more training missions, each one getting a little more in depth of the game. Let them ease into the game rather then throw them straight in and get overwhelmed instantly

[Traveler]

To build an arena is just point and click. Gamers know all about point and click. Im sure they can figure that out much more easily than how to fly.

How would even know that they could build a custom arena?  Where are the instructions to do that?  We are talking about a new player entering the MA for the first time. First time in the game.

[ToeTag]

The path just needs to be narrowed.  The numbers have fallen and the scope is to broad.  Simplify it to a narrow chain of O/D with strategic resources along the path.  Always a furball /TT along the way.  No need for three chess pieces any more.  Take the stale smell of nostalgia out of the game and make it more fast paced.

[The Fugitive]

The path just needs to be narrowed.  The numbers have fallen and the scope is to broad.  Simplify it to a narrow chain of O/D with strategic resources along the path.  Always a furball /TT along the way.  No need for three chess pieces any more.  Take the stale smell of nostalgia out of the game and make it more fast paced.

No, I think the fundamentals of the game are fine, maybe a tweak or two to steer players from unwanted behaviors, but the game it self is fine.

Whats needed is a way to welcome new players. Ease the learning curve either with tech (walk thru missions and tutorials), or a hands on 24/7 trainer/help crew (subsidized free monthly subs, or at least discounts to these helpers). More "squad" incentives to bring back the camaraderie and bring the new players into the fold (maybe a limited sharing of perks with in the squad, added perk multiplier per month they hang on to new players, bonuses added to the scoreboard for keeping new players for the month).

Bringing in new players is all well and good, but not if you cant keep them. It has to be made seamless for a new player to come in and be up and running in 5-10 minutes. Keep the options to use all that we have now, but dumb it down to make it easy to get started. 

[ToeTag]

No, I think the fundamentals of the game are fine, maybe a tweak or two to steer players from unwanted behaviors, but the game it self is fine.

Whats needed is a way to welcome new players. Ease the learning curve either with tech (walk thru missions and tutorials), or a hands on 24/7 trainer/help crew (subsidized free monthly subs, or at least discounts to these helpers). More "squad" incentives to bring back the camaraderie and bring the new players into the fold (maybe a limited sharing of perks with in the squad, added perk multiplier per month they hang on to new players, bonuses added to the scoreboard for keeping new players for the month).

Bringing in new players is all well and good, but not if you cant keep them. It has to be made seamless for a new player to come in and be up and running in 5-10 minutes. Keep the options to use all that we have now, but dumb it down to make it easy to get started.

Ok...I'll go with that but...instant action is the best teacher. Flying around not knowing anything or anyone trying to figure it out alone is kinda the silent killer of the game.

Maybe there should be a map that is small with only the two weekers. That would at least put everyone at an even advantaged.  Maybe some trainers to answer questions without all of the veteran bashing of the newbs.  I would take a free sub to help train on a map like that.  Maybe have three vets per side just running missions to familiarize the new players.

[The Fugitive]

Ok...I'll go with that but...instant action is the best teacher. Flying around not knowing anything or anyone trying to figure it out alone is kinda the silent killer of the game.

Maybe there should be a map that is small with only the two weekers. That would at least put everyone at an even advantaged.  Maybe some trainers to answer questions without all of the veteran bashing of the newbs.  I would take a free sub to help train on a map like that.  Maybe have three vets per side just running missions to familiarize the new players.

No, we need the players IN the MA. I think HTC should use the players they have to ease the learning curve for the new players. Those retirees, medical retirees, and so on that spend many, many hours in the game as it is. Setup a schedule, give them a couple hours a day where they do nothing but help new players. Pay their subscriptions for the effort.

With these "veteran" players to lead the new players by the hand along with a much easier "default" setup for the mouse/controller/stick setup these new players will get through that huge learning curve enough so that they can decide if they wish to subscribe. 

[ToeTag]

No, we need the players IN the MA. I think HTC should use the players they have to ease the learning curve for the new players. Those retirees, medical retirees, and so on that spend many, many hours in the game as it is. Setup a schedule, give them a couple hours a day where they do nothing but help new players. Pay their subscriptions for the effort.

With these "veteran" players to lead the new players by the hand along with a much easier "default" setup for the mouse/controller/stick setup these new players will get through that huge learning curve enough so that they can decide if they wish to subscribe.

You do realize...that was 100% plagiarization of what I just said right....?

[BuckShot]

Optional training tutorials that yield a few perks upon completion.

[caldera]

Optional training tutorials that yield a few perks upon completion.

That is an excellent idea. 

[The Fugitive]

You do realize...that was 100% plagiarization of what I just said right....?

Ya I posted that early in Feb, but I wasn't going to cal you on it 

http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,391491.msg5202478.html#msg5202478