I thought HT had stated that newbies aren't sticking around for the 2 week trial now where all planes are free..
I think he thinks that proves free to play planeset will not help keep newbies...
I think it's too hard and compared to il2 and dcs too ugly for new subs these days..
Keep shrinking the maps to match the lowering numbers and go two sides when numbers are too low for 3 is my suggestion to help gameplay..
Eagler
Getting them to stick around would be easier if AH had preset controls for multiple control sticks and types. The current defaults sometimes don't make any sense making plug in and play an impossibility. Spending 3 hours; click, set function, repeat is work and not fun.
Also, being new and your failure (death) being broadcast to the whole arena is an absolute mistake. Shaming people while they are learning is never going to make people want to stick around in their early days.
AH isn't too hard, it's certainly not too ugly, but there are issues with the graphics, especially the unrealistic horizon following the player up to alt is a noticeable and OCD inducing annoyance. As well as the outdated models still waiting their $30,000 a pop replacements.
The game's coded around 3 sides and maps break without 3 countries. Evidence can be found in any special event arena; each side has requirements that must be met one being 3 sides..