3. We got 30 or so of our like-minded friends to try this idea out. We tossed one guy that didn't fit the gung-ho profile.
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The sample was the best I could get. It included many players who were originally sceptical that the format could work.
What choice did I have? I could only ask for volunteers. But I did try to recruit from both hardcore and casual player elements.
As for the one guy who was booted, this would not have been necissary on an automated system.
Because we had no automation, we had to rely on the honour of the participants to abide by the limitations of the test. None of the system's rules were incorporated into the server architecture, so anyone who wanted to cheat could very easily get away with it - most of the time.
If the rule system was innate to the gaming environment, it would not have been possible to cheat (without hacking into the server). Our only recourse, to maintain the integrety of the system, was to eliminate players who I suspected of cheating (there was only one).
For the record, the one guy who got booted actually did enjoy the game. I think his problem was that he was only about 11 years old! :-) (though he was good pilot, he lacked the maturity to abide by the honour system)
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4. We played by these rules a few missions at certain predetermined times/dates.So the 24/7 environment hasn't been tested at all?
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No. But again, I am not a robot. I had ZERO automation capabilities at my disposal. All records were TRACKED BY HAND - with a pencil and calculater. I could only run the test on a limited basis - as my employer wished to see my face at the office from time to time.
Are you suggesting that unless a TEST recreates 100% of the conditions of actual use it has NO value??? The test has enourmous value if only for the fact that it was the first time anyhting like it had been tried!!!
Let me ask you this. If all the players had quit in disgust, boredom or frustration, would you then suggest their reaction was no indication of the validity of the system???? Of course not!
But when the players rave about the game and it attracts attention from people who once said it would never work; when others start to copy its format - many of whom once swore they'd never play under such conditions; when other players make new rules to further enhance the OAE concept; THIS....THIS you say has no value???
Your motives are clearly suspect.
You can easily find holes in this test large enough to drive an elephant through. But it's the possabilities it indicates that are intriguing to those with open minds. It does in fact lend support to an innovative concept that has a real shot at making the online experience more fun and exciting for us all.
If the test can be improved on - then improve it!!! I dare YOU to prove me wrong! Adopt the Historical War rules wholesale and try it.
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5. We played a game on service that is free of charge.
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So....Aces High's own Beta Test will also be initially free. You gotta start somewhere. It's on the BASIS of such a test that a decision is made on whether an idea is commercially viable.
It also provides a "hook" to get players involved before asking for money. Had I asked for money (impossible of course under RB3D) to test an untried concept, I would have had maybe two volunteers. :-)
But if you asked the participants NOW if they would pay for a 24/7 OAE war - I'd be surprised if 100% of them did not say yes.
Yet was it this test that convinced me my idea would work?
No.
I was already convinced.
The test was performed to provide some measure of emperical evidence to support my convictions.
I encountered all the arguments from the naysayes prior to the test. I've heard all the arguments before. But after the test, the stories completely changed - because the skeptics heard the first hand reports from the participants and knew the participants as respectable and trustworthy members of the community.
I don't feel the need to convince you - because I know you are beyond convincing. Not until you have actually played under this system on a 24/7 automated environment will you change your point of view - and only then with the utmost reluctance.
I could have argued till I was blue in the face on Delphi. It wouldn't have changed one opinion. Not until I actually made it happen and showed how exciting and fun MMP could really be did anything change.
I have answered your questions to the best of my ability - but I have no further interest in debating this subject (I'm sure you will be relieved to hear) ;-)
If anyone has a real interest in UNDERSTANDING the system (rather than "proving" why it won't work) I welcome your questions. If anyone has any ideas on how an OAE system might be implemented on the server architecture without requiring a major financial investment, please post! If you have any proposals on how the OAE system might be best applied to achieve an ideal balance, please offer this up for consideration.
But I'm through with the debate. The skeptics will not be swayed by words on a page, and the question is settled in my mind.
ISHMAEL
