Chatgpt on the games decline

[mERv]

"Aces High III," the long-running World War II combat flight simulator developed by HiTech Creations, is in decline for a mix of reasons. Here’s a breakdown of the most likely causes:


---

1. Aging Game Engine

Graphics and mechanics haven't kept pace with modern expectations. Despite periodic updates, AH3 still feels dated compared to newer flight sims like War Thunder, IL-2 Sturmovik, or DCS World.

It lacks advanced lighting, weather systems, and cockpit fidelity that modern sims offer.



---

2. Small Developer Team

HiTech Creations is a small indie studio with limited resources. This restricts the rate of development, marketing, and community support.

Larger titles have dedicated dev teams and bigger budgets to innovate and fix bugs faster.



---

3. Niche Appeal

Hardcore WWII sims already appeal to a small segment of gamers.

AH3 is more MMO-style than simulator-focused, which splits its appeal—it’s too arcade for hardcore sim fans and too complex for casual players.



---

4. Lack of Player Base Growth

New players struggle with the steep learning curve and outdated UI, leading to poor retention.

The community is loyal but aging, and without fresh blood, player numbers steadily decline.



---

5. Competition

War Thunder (free-to-play, massive player base, constant updates) and IL-2/DCS (ultra-realistic, VR support) dominate the space now.

AH3 hasn’t innovated enough to carve a competitive edge or new identity.



---

6. Marketing and Visibility

Minimal advertising or influencer engagement means new players don’t even know it exists.

Steam launch in 2016 didn’t result in sustained growth.



---

7. Subscription Model

Monthly subscription in an era dominated by free-to-play or one-time-purchase games is a turn-off.

Especially hard to justify for a dated product

[mERv]

We are in this games final days. A slow death is not an honorable one 

Lower max ENY to 19.9

Remove maps that do not promote action without long flight times between fights.

Remove sunrise, sunset, and brief windows of nightime from the MA and restrict to scenarios only.

Run promotions lasting longer than 2 weeks free subscription. Enable a 90 day trial period allowing new and returning players enough time to learn and get hooked by the success they have and friendships made during this time.

[fudgums]

Lame thread.

[Oldman731]

Lame thread.

Agreed.

- oldman

[captain1ma]

Very lame. if you dont like it, dont play. trash talking the game doesnt help anyone and doesn't produce anything productive.

[Animl-AW]

Well, to be fair , while they usually buried in other post, a few people have been allowed to trash talking the game for the 2.5 yrs I’ve been back. When I said something I got slammed by stray dog feeders., or peeps just stay silent, worse allowed. If we’re going to finally stomp the foot, do it across the board. Most just feed the stray dogs and it turns into pages. You know what I’m talking about.

OTOH, FT wus sumatter you? Don’t do this bro, not good. I get it, you very seriously love the game.

Look people are emotionally attached to the game and give a F. It would be good biz to reciprocate time to time for such loyalty. Its almost cruel not to.  People have devoted much of their life to it. What you’re hearing is hearts breaking coming out in frustration. He doesn’t hate the game, its the opposite.

That said, IMO, posting game bashings and promoting other games (who haven’t played in years) through play on words up to the limit of rules, should be forbidden on the front page. If someone is not doing their job to protect our interest its up to the community to do what they do here. Lets not be selective. Both have very negative effects. Don’t allow one and permit the other.

FT is good people, he means well, its just not coming out right, because showing the love hasn’t worked. Mayhem also stated similar.

Even tho I just added to it, lets let it scroll away. We all know how we feel.


We all need to work as a team, including HT, to right the ship and get things in order. The lack of response or movement drives these emotions. They have resorted to shaming looking for reaction. Throwing an occasional bone is just good biz and appreciation. Lets all get in the saddle and move this beast.

Just my opinion, nothing more, nothing less.

Lets not do post like this on the front page. Its counter productive. But I understand the emotional connection.

HT  (many people) don’t like being shamed into something. Threats and stuff like this is just not the way. Lets ALL find common ground and work as a cohesive team, contribute, or not. Your call.

FT, luv ya and your passion bud

I’m unfortunately used to the beat down. I’ll take the heat.


<S> to all

PEACE

[RELIC]

One fun thing you could do is recognize the difference between things you can and cannot change, and stop these endless whineposts.

[LCADolby]

The game hasn't declined, the players have.

[Banshee7]

The game hasn't declined, the players have.

It hasn't declined, but it hasn't improved either (and I don't expect it to). But you are right about the players. I think a few bad eggs ruin it for the rest...  It still scratches my WW2 itch.

[Randy1]

Aging game engine or more likely, aging game plyers. 

[CAV]

Aging game engine or more likely, aging game plyers.

I am only going to be 68 this year....

Cavalry

[LCADolby]

I am only going to be 68 this year....

Cavalry

The joke here is someone calling you a whipper-snapper 


_{(but not me, I'm 40)}

[thndregg]

Been at this off & on since '04 in my early 30's. Despite its aging technical aspects, the game still resonates with me, especially when I find good quality people to just relax and have a good time playing with. I just filter out the rest of the "bad eggs" - .squelch and detuning the riffraff really helps.

[Randy1]

The joke here is someone calling you a whipper-snapper 


_{(but not me, I'm 40)}

Not quite old enough to vote yet.  Voting should start at 50. 

[AKIron]

Don't blame our new AI overlords for this assessment. He/She/It is just doing a Jack Webb.