Getting New Players To Training

[Mongoose]

  One of the biggest problems that new players face is learning the basics of how the game works.  I think I have a pretty good idea of how to present the material, but I am at a lose as to how to get new players into the class in the first place.  Suggestions?

  Requiring attendance in a training class would not work.  People need to be able to get in the game quickly.  I understand Hitech is considering a way to require a recorded training mission for new accounts, which might work.  As for me, I am looking for ways to get new pilots to attend a specific event.

[Vraciu]

We've discussed this at length.   I have heard Hitech is working on some ideas, but that's second-hand info.

If players can't communicate to ask for help, can't navigate the interface, etc. well...

[turt21]

I never go into the MA if there is anyone in the training arena . I always check in and gently ask if there is something they need a hand with. Im an expert on the basics and always willing to help.

[Vraciu]

I never go into the MA if there is anyone in the training arena . I always check in and gently ask if there is something they need a hand with. Im an expert on the basics and always willing to help.

Well, I've wasted many a sortie flying around a base trying to help some poor soul ground looped in the grass firing his guns into the air.  They eventually Alt+F4 never to be seen again.

[racoon1]

  One of the biggest problems that new players face is learning the basics of how the game works.  I think I have a pretty good idea of how to present the material, but I am at a lose as to how to get new players into the class in the first place.  Suggestions?

  Requiring attendance in a training class would not work.  People need to be able to get in the game quickly.  I understand Hitech is considering a way to require a recorded training mission for new accounts, which might work.  As for me, I am looking for ways to get new pilots to attend a specific event.

+1

I never go into the MA if there is anyone in the training arena . I always check in and gently ask if there is something they need a hand with. Im an expert on the basics and always willing to help.

Good idea turt21 I would be willing to help new players learn the basics to get started. If any new players see me on the roster in the MA please let me know and I will try my best to help <S>

[turt21]

Perhaps a line somewhere on the opening screen that trainers are available in the TA at a set time/day. I would be up for that and being on a schedule. Im retired so time doesnt mean anything anymore as long as Im not required to do anything after the car-lights come on.

[FLS]

+1
Good idea turt21 I would be willing to help new players learn the basics to get started. If any new players see me on the roster in the MA please let me know and I will try my best to help <S>

That's very generous but new players probably aren't going to see this.

For now the best thing you can do is offer to help people you see struggling or suggest they go to the forum and request training. Any player can help a new player with communication, picking a plane, and getting it up in the air.  If you don't know much more than that you can request training too.

[Vraciu]

+1
Good idea turt21 I would be willing to help new players learn the basics to get started. If any new players see me on the roster in the MA please let me know and I will try my best to help <S>

No offense but I think most of us are willing to help new players.   For some reason the help isn't helping.   And if they can't figure out how to chat in the MA how will they see this post offering assistance?

The answer lies elsewhere.

[Ramesis]

If players can't communicate to ask for help, can't navigate the interface, etc. well...

I suspect the word "can't" should be replaced with the word "don't"

[Vraciu]

I suspect the word "can't" should be replaced with the word "don't"

They can't (don't) because they don't know how.   

[whiteman]

They can't (don't) because they don't know how.   

Is that a fact? I’ve communicated with new players by voice and chat, I tune the Help channel and answer when I can. I’d say it’s more a issue of not knowing what to ask and staying silent.

[Vraciu]

Is that a fact? I’ve communicated with new players by voice and chat, I tune the Help channel and answer when I can. I’d say it’s more a issue of not knowing what to ask and staying silent.

For more than a dozen I've encountered it is absolute fact.   

And yeah, it's a matter of not knowing what to do.    That's been my precise point all along.

[ccvi]

Is that a fact? I’ve communicated with new players by voice and chat, I tune the Help channel and answer when I can. I’d say it’s more a issue of not knowing what to ask and staying silent.

Those you did communicate with could. Those would cannot you did not communicate with.

Simple question: Which button opens the chat in other games? Which button opens the chat in AH with default mapping?

[steely07]

Those you did communicate with could. Those would cannot you did not communicate with.

Simple question: Which button opens the chat in other games? Which button opens the chat in AH with default mapping?

This is a good point I think, when I started, I didn't read any instructions, and spent 2 weeks communicating by hitting esc, and clicking "radio" on the clipboard, my check 6's were glacial <G>

[whiteman]

Those you did communicate with could. Those would cannot you did not communicate with.

Simple question: Which button opens the chat in other games? Which button opens the chat in AH with default mapping?

In other games I open up the keybindings to check. Battlefield, Battlefront, Hero’s & Generals, Hell Let Loose, all different. I don’t don’t remain totally helpless.