what are the pros and cons of going with stream--I know it's none of my business..was just wondering.
Pro: some more exposure.
Cons: Time to create the the stuff that talks to steam, and % of revenue they take.
HiTech
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Phast12 on May 22, 2017, 05:04:04 PM
Done
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Toad on May 22, 2017, 05:15:21 PM
Can I get a bit more info before I pull the lever?
I understand getting more exposure and thus more players in the arena. Generally more players in the arena is regarded as a "good thing" for gameplay. Got it. (May or may not be great, depending upon the kind of players we get, no? Right now, I suspect most players have an interest in WW2 aviation and ground action. That may not be the case...or it might.)
I understand more players may or may not work as for an increase in income for HTC. $ from New players - $ to Steam is a variable equation that depends on how many new players and how much Steam charges. I view more income for HTC as a "good thing" for all of us and the game though.
Now, what would going on Steam change for current players? Subscription rate goes up? Any kind of Steam restrictions? Would game login/play be just as it is now?
I admit I know nothing of how Steam operates. Last thing I heard about them was YEARS ago and people complained about Steam putting a bunch of non-essential crap on the players computer.
Thanks for any info on these questions from anyone, especially about playing games on Steam.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Molsman on May 22, 2017, 05:17:26 PM
Tried to Vote but Steam wont let me says my account does not have voting privs
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Rodent57 on May 22, 2017, 05:21:24 PM
Tried to vote, they demanded that I establish an account with them to do so.
I killed my steam account looong ago because of the extraneous stuff they load onto our machines.
anyone know of an alternate way to give this input without having to be a Steam member?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: hitech on May 22, 2017, 05:22:27 PM
Can I get a bit more info before I pull the lever?
I understand getting more exposure and thus more players in the arena. Generally more players in the arena is regarded as a "good thing" for gameplay. Got it. (May or may not be great, depending upon the kind of players we get, no? Right now, I suspect most players have an interest in WW2 aviation and ground action. That may not be the case...or it might.)
I understand more players may or may not work as for an increase in income for HTC. $ from New players - $ to Steam is a variable equation that depends on how many new players and how much Steam charges. I view more income for HTC as a "good thing" for all of us and the game though.
Now, what would going on Steam change for current players? Subscription rate goes up? Any kind of Steam restrictions? Would game login/play be just as it is now?
I admit I know nothing of how Steam operates. Last thing I heard about them was YEARS ago and people complained about Steam putting a bunch of non-essential crap on the players computer.
Thanks for any info on these questions from anyone, especially about playing games on Steam.
To the steam user, they would simply have a different login and payment method. But they would be playing in the same world as non steam users. The game would still be available able just as it is now.
End user price would have to be the same across all venues.
HiTech
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: morfiend on May 22, 2017, 05:22:36 PM
Wanted to vote but need to sign up! :furious
Not a big deal but they always want an Email addy and then it gets spammed. Personally I'm neutral on all of this,would like to see more players and the game grow but not sure what is best to do this.
Then again my workload will increase........ :rofl
Dale is that check still in the mail??? :devil
:salute
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: horble on May 22, 2017, 05:26:50 PM
Done.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: lunatic1 on May 22, 2017, 05:30:09 PM
so we won't be playing AH3 anymore.. it will be Stream's AH3? we will have to log into stream--will have to pay stream and AH3?
No.
Steam users will just be able to use steam to pay for and play AH3 in the same arena as everyone else.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: save on May 22, 2017, 05:46:42 PM
Voted !
I think this could be the injection of new players we want. If this happens AH need to keep trainers online to help newbies, like we did in WB, where there was a "get help from a trainer" button, with setup and ACM.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: blutic on May 22, 2017, 05:52:23 PM
To the steam user, they would simply have a different login and payment method. But they would be playing in the same world as non steam users. The game would still be available able just as it is now.
End user price would have to be the same across all venues.
I vote yes if I could, Steam wont let me.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Rodent57 on May 22, 2017, 05:55:18 PM
I think this could be the injection of new players we want. If this happens AH need to keep trainers online to help newbies, like we did in WB, where there was a "get help from a trainer" button, with setup and ACM.
Save, (NOT HIJACKING ...just responding one time since I've seen this suggestion before) Trainers are already here. Methods for contacting are established. Perhaps we should reevaluate contact options however, what we really need is qualified and dedicated Trainers from parts of the world other than the US/Canadian Time Zones. Know any volunteers? Please have them PM me. - Rodent57 Lead Trainer
We now return you to our regular thread topic ...
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ack-Ack on May 22, 2017, 06:08:37 PM
Poor skuzzy will have additional workload monitoring the forum on Steam if AH goes that route.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Gman on May 22, 2017, 06:16:25 PM
^^ LOL AkAk.
Quote
To the steam user, they would simply have a different login and payment method. But they would be playing in the same world as non steam users. The game would still be available able just as it is now.
End user price would have to be the same across all venues.
HiTech
That was my only question, asked and answered.
Voted.
I don't know how much, if any, of a risk this is for HTC, I really hope it works out, if only a fraction of the sim players on Steam try the game out and then only a fraction of those stay, it could mean full arenas pretty quickly IMO.
If this does happen, the current players need to do our best to welcome and help new players that show up from Steam. Many players have been asking HTC to make "moves", and this is a big one, in order to increase the player numbers, so we should do our best to support it if it goes down.
Favorite, follow, and share this on Steam, the more attention it gets, the better.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Rodent57 on May 22, 2017, 06:23:43 PM
Concur
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Kanth on May 22, 2017, 06:39:22 PM
I have not defiantly decided to publish on steam but the first step is to get it approved. Then all will depend if a deal can be made.
So please go to the green light and vote.
Please Vote on this green light page (http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=931022855)
HiTech
When you have a deal and that part you can share with us as to how it effects us is made clear, you may have to make decisions we won't like for the future of the game regardless of Ack-Ack's assurances. Then I will be happy to vote, at which point you will know if this is a good venture for you and the game by the deal you will have in hand. And I won't need to vote. This vote is a bit of a Catch-22 at this point. Until then we won't know about things like terrain creation and other content if steam will force you to restrict it to a single controlled source employed by HTC for quality control, limit your arena offerings, or place restrictions on special events to protect their image of quality control. You will be the only person who will know these once you have a framework to sign a deal upon.
After all of these years you already know you have players who want this game on steam and have lobbied rabidly in POSTS when they come up for you to move to steam. Throwing out a vote here in the forums is singing to a small choir of people who expend more effort in the gaming world than many in the MA. I will venture you will get more go for it votes than don't go for it votes out of these forums. Will you throw out a vote in the MA, and how much will that scare some of your older players who may be a larger group than these forums denizens? Will they understand you moving to steam when they have just been thrown into turmoil with AH3?
It's not an issue of moving to steam if that will get more players signed up, it's an issue of how you do it.
And how much steam will be able to impact the larger core group of customers who don't come to these forums perception of what they pay for to be entertained by. I'm more interested in seeing how this is sold to them to see how they will take it. Moving to steam is not a bad thing if you Hitech is handling it, I just don't want that transition to end up as a cricket farm during prime time. Right now this game is not populated in the MA by a bunch of 11-30 years olds who love and demand change for the chaos of it all. Granted if handled right, it may well move into that direction at steam of repopulating Aces High. The game won't crank them up and pull them into it's addiction if you don't have all those vets in the arena now doing the Aces High thing that hooks people like it did them. Back when all of those older vets a decade ago were doing the Aces High magic thing that hooked the current vet generation.
Keep your vets and this has a good chance of working, scare them in all the ways they always can be scared, and unfounded rumors on 200 and greifers on range seeing a chance to get rid of the old rednecks with the transition is all it will take. There will be no core group of vets to keep the Aces High magic alive. Because this game and that magic is a generational thing no matter how much the gamers want all the old vets to eat it and die or go away and stop turning the place into an old redneck guys home.
Listened to alot of that during the closed alpha by younger players who signed up just so they could get a peak at what was going on. In their opinion AH had to many redneck sounding geezers. What a Catch-22 for that Aces High Magic that makes it unique and how it gets generated.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Zoney on May 22, 2017, 07:03:15 PM
It's not an issue of moving to steam if that will get more players signed up, it's an issue of how you do it.
And how much steam will be able to impact the larger core group of customers who don't come to these forums perception of what they pay for to be entertained by. I'm more interested in seeing how this is sold to them to see how they will take it. Moving to steam is not a bad thing if you Hitech is handling it, I just don't want that transition to end up as a cricket farm during prime time. Right now this game is not populated in the MA by a bunch of 11-30 years olds who love and demand change for the chaos of it all. Granted if handled right, it may well move into that direction at steam of repopulating Aces High. The game won't crank them up and pull them into it's addiction if you don't have all those vets in the arena now doing the Aces High thing that hooks people like it did them. Back when all of those older vets a decade ago were doing the Aces High magic thing that hooked the current vet generation.
Keep your vets and this has a good chance of working, scare them in all the ways they always can be scared, and unfounded rumors on 200 and greifers on range seeing a chance to get rid of the old rednecks with the transition is all it will take. There will be no core group of vets to keep the Aces High magic alive. Because this game and that magic is a generational thing no matter how much the gamers want all the old vets to eat it and die or go away and stop turning the place into an old redneck guys home.
To the steam user, they would simply have a different login and payment method. But they would be playing in the same world as non steam users. The game would still be available able just as it is now.
End user price would have to be the same across all venues.
HiTech
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ack-Ack on May 22, 2017, 07:05:45 PM
When you have a deal and that part you can share with us as to how it effects us is made clear, you may have to make decisions we won't like for the future of the game regardless of Ack-Ack's assurances. Then I will be happy to vote, at which point you will know if this is a good venture for you and the game by the deal you will have in hand. And I won't need to vote. This vote is a bit of a Catch-22 at this point. Until then we won't know about things like terrain creation and other content if steam will force you to restrict it to a single controlled source employed by HTC for quality control, limit your arena offerings, or place restrictions on special events to protect their image of quality control. You will be the only person who will know these once you have a framework to sign a deal upon.
Valve will not force HTC to limit arena offerings or place restrictions on special events, or any content such as player created skins, sounds or tools like the terrain editor. They haven't done so with the games the studio I work for has on Steam. When we put our games on Steam, we just had to make sure that the Steam version of the game was able to "talk" to the Steam client so it can use stuff like Steam achievements, Steam community overlay, etc., and never tried to impose any restrictions to the core game development.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Toad on May 22, 2017, 07:21:58 PM
Valve will not force HTC to limit arena offerings or place restrictions on special events, or any content such as player created skins, sounds or tools like the terrain editor.
Ok, that's a good thing and a good question answered.
If I don't have to subscribe to Steam and put their software on my machine, if I can just keep paying and playing the way I always have.....I'm for it.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: The Fugitive on May 22, 2017, 07:34:24 PM
Voted
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Blade on May 22, 2017, 08:04:57 PM
nice idea voted
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: puller on May 22, 2017, 08:18:57 PM
Don't have an account to vote but if HTC thinks it will draw more targets for us, we can't be against it :aok
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: streakeagle on May 22, 2017, 08:23:33 PM
I generally don't mind buying Steam games, but when I can get them directly from the developer without the hassles of Steam, I almost always do. I know the developer benefits financially while at the same time I don't have to start Steam and deal with its constant updates and advertisements every time I want to fly.
Unfortunately, many people almost exclusively buy and play games through Steam or its various competitors. Steam is getting paid for access to their very large user base and its captive advertising channel. But are there a significant (profitable) number of Steam users that will play Aces High for any length of time? It is a gamble.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Goat1 on May 22, 2017, 08:32:52 PM
I'm not that internet savvy, what is steam and why would that help AH3?
Thanks; Goat
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: The Fugitive on May 22, 2017, 09:01:00 PM
Save, (NOT HIJACKING ...just responding one time since I've seen this suggestion before) Trainers are already here. Methods for contacting are established. Perhaps we should reevaluate contact options however, what we really need is qualified and dedicated Trainers from parts of the world other than the US/Canadian Time Zones. Know any volunteers? Please have them PM me. - Rodent57 Lead Trainer
We now return you to our regular thread topic ...
I whole heartily agree that we need trainers from time zones other than U.S./ Canada. I would also like some way to let people know that there is a trainer available in the TA. There are times when I have a spare hour or so when I wouldn't normally be available.
:salute Sik
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: APDrone on May 22, 2017, 11:11:12 PM
Voted.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: oboe on May 22, 2017, 11:34:39 PM
Voted, and wish HTC and AH the best. Its a big step, I think.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: TequilaChaser on May 23, 2017, 12:28:20 AM
I would also like some way to let people know that there is a trainer available in the TA. There are times when I have a spare hour or so when I wouldn't normally be available.
:salute Sik
Sik, the Training corps could use the CM cross arena message bwana/privs, to announce whenever any one of you log on to the TA.... just need to make sure all Trainers use it when they are the first in.... no need for a message if the first Trainer has sent one when he logged in
Just a suggestion
TC
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: JunkyII on May 23, 2017, 01:03:56 AM
1000s of people is a understatement for Steam users...CSGO generally has 100,000 players online at a time and probably closer to a million different players a month and that is just one of the bigger games on Steam...
When people look for MMOs, FPS, Air Combat simulators for any kind on steam they have a chance of seeing Aces High 3 on steam....
I may be wrong but it actually might help HTC more if you set up your accounts via steam because that helps its placement at the top of the list for advertisement spot.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ack-Ack on May 23, 2017, 02:13:56 AM
I may be wrong but it actually might help HTC more if you set up your accounts via steam because that helps its placement at the top of the list for advertisement spot.
If someone did that, they'd lose all progress (perks, achievements, etc) since you would have to create a new account for the Steam version.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: stabbyy on May 23, 2017, 02:16:34 AM
i up voted...i think this might actually be a great thing for the game.. even if only a small % stays we will have people trying the game.. on a daily basis which would help a lot assuming it gets approved..reading over the comments.. to clarify a few things
Steam(not stream) is much more then "1000" players.. the community as a whole is right around 13 million people it is a program you simply download and it gives you access to browse all the games on steam very simple and user friendly with features built in like "steam overlay" to talk to people outside of a game while in the game.. and other various little things..as for the "weighs your machine down with needless programs" well.. not really it just installs steam but none the less current players don't need to worry about it.. if your not going to play through steam..and some random numbers.... you figure if only 2% stay that is.. 260k players so going for low end 0.25% is 32k so even if only 0.05% stay that is 6500 players and just because.. why not 0.025% is 3250 and.. 0.0125% is going to be.. 1625 much more then we currently have now of course that is using the whole player base as a number.. realistically it is split against different game types but.. it just shows you how much more people we could potentially reach(you might actually have to spam click to get into an arena again) nothing will change.. short of new players coming in steam does not limit content or anything in game.. but this is the best post I've seen in.. a long time
the best post i seen comments wise is the fact.. we need to welcome new players if this works...that being said upping the "free trial" to 30 days... would help people with this as well as most people can barely land after 2 weeks
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: SirNuke on May 23, 2017, 03:13:52 AM
excellent :aok we need to do some lobbying, can someone post a thread on reddit? https://www.reddit.com/r/steamgreenlight/
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Bruv119 on May 23, 2017, 03:23:48 AM
I generally don't mind buying Steam games, but when I can get them directly from the developer without the hassles of Steam, I almost always do. I know the developer benefits financially while at the same time I don't have to start Steam and deal with its constant updates and advertisements every time I want to fly.
Unfortunately, many people almost exclusively buy and play games through Steam or its various competitors. Steam is getting paid for access to their very large user base and its captive advertising channel. But are there a significant (profitable) number of Steam users that will play Aces High for any length of time? It is a gamble.
the way i see it the game currently has the lowest population in recent years these guys will continue to play until they croak or hell freezes over.
the steam guys can play and DIE alot. whether they get addicted and hang around is another matter either way its a win win. hopefully HTC gets enough new blood to cover all the costs of integrating the platform and then its all good. if they all leave then we will still remain.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on May 23, 2017, 06:17:34 AM
It's the first time i ever voted for something to be on steam, All of my yes
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Lusche on May 23, 2017, 06:43:00 AM
I think there's much exaggerated expectation within the remaining AH community about this move.
I voted YES, because I absolutely want you to go forth and prove me wrong :old:
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: bozon on May 23, 2017, 07:07:28 AM
Do steam users gey a "try before you buy" equvallent to the current 2-weeks trial?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: TheBug on May 23, 2017, 07:28:00 AM
Will vote yes when I get home tonight. :aok
Make sure while you are there to vote yes for ShinePipi too. It looks like an awesome game. :confused:
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: SirNuke on May 23, 2017, 08:54:19 AM
excellent :aok we need to do some lobbying, can someone post a thread on reddit? https://www.reddit.com/r/steamgreenlight/
error, it looks like the proper reddit for lobbying is this https://www.reddit.com/r/greenlightquality
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Krupinski on May 23, 2017, 09:23:08 AM
There has to be a better player made video of AH3 than the one that starts playing when you open the Steam page... That video is going to drive people away not invite them.
No offense to anybody, that's just how I see it...
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: ACE on May 23, 2017, 09:41:03 AM
Paging Dolby. He's the best filmmaker I have ever seen in this game.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Delirium on May 23, 2017, 09:41:16 AM
A couple of years ago Steam announced that they had 125 million users and now they are suggesting they have 11-13.5 million concurrent users.
http://store.steampowered.com/stats
As crazy as it sounds, I am not in favor of a steam move. From what I can see, instead of paying a sum for advertising, Hitech will have to pay much more over a longer period of time with Steam supporting some of the burden. Worse yet, Hitech will have to abide by policies that Steam demands, including returns. So, does HTC want to pay a large sum now or pay a larger sum over a longer period of time? I'm not in the game building business, and I am not qualified to decide.
Regardless of the decision, I would recommend deciding before the new Band of Brothers series based on the 8th AF is released. There will be a fervor, a resurgence if you will, in interest in WWII and particular in WWII aviation. Just like the original interest in the genre when Band of Brothers was released, in fact it may have made the Call of Duty franchise successful. I would strongly urge that advertising and/or Steam subscriptions be started just before interest in this genre is at it's zenith.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Wiley on May 23, 2017, 09:45:44 AM
There has to be a better player made video of AH3 than the one that starts playing when you open the Steam page... That video is going to drive people away not invite them.
No offense to anybody, that's just how I see it...
I thought the same thing.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Shuffler on May 23, 2017, 10:18:03 AM
I don't use steam and know nothing about it. I did not vote for that reason.
As long as there is no possibility it will close the doors on AH.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: oboe on May 23, 2017, 10:26:28 AM
Paging Dolby. He's the best filmmaker I have ever seen in this game.
Dolby is very talented and made great videos. NirosAH2 made some great ones too - I think this promo was one of the best and even though is about AH2 not AH3, still has some great shots and sequences:
LePape also contributed an all-time great one:
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Copprhed on May 23, 2017, 10:42:56 AM
Sorry, I've tried Steam and can't stand it. I vote no.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Zoney on May 23, 2017, 10:45:27 AM
Copperhead, you don't have to play through steam.
And "Hunt or Prey" is my favorite, it's the video I show to people whom I want to come play.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Lusche on May 23, 2017, 10:55:56 AM
I think there's much exaggerated expectation within the remaining AH community about this move.
I voted YES, because I absolutely want you to go forth and prove me wrong :old:
I hope we are both wrong, but I view it pretty much like you and my expectations are not very high.
HiTech
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: JimmyD3 on May 23, 2017, 11:06:16 AM
Wishing the best for Aces High. :rock
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Dobs on May 23, 2017, 11:39:30 AM
Previous software you wrote just went the steam route, Hitech.
It didn't do well because 1) the graphics were dated, 2) the write-up was misleading, and 3) they didn't have the logistical tail in place to support the new steam community.
Hopefully you will do better:) I would also consider a "instant action" arena with a limited plane set....so you won't have guys in zeke's fighting runstangs and uber jugs right off the bat.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: cav58d on May 23, 2017, 11:39:46 AM
I hope this move to steam isn't a sign of how bad things actually are and this isn't the last ditch effort. Please have more life AH, please!
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: oboe on May 23, 2017, 12:03:47 PM
Previous software you wrote just went the steam route, Hitech.
It didn't do well because 1) the graphics were dated, 2) the write-up was misleading, and 3) they didn't have the logistical tail in place to support the new steam community.
Hopefully you will do better:) I would also consider a "instant action" arena with a limited plane set....so you won't have guys in zeke's fighting runstangs and uber jugs right off the bat.
Dobs,
How do you think the graphics compare between AH3 and Warbirds 2016? And, in what way did you think the write-up was misleading? I'm concerned also about your #3.
I read some of the bad reviews of Warbirds on Steam, and the negative review voted 'most helpful' actually named Aces High as a better alternative, which is great.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ack-Ack on May 23, 2017, 12:18:09 PM
Previous software you wrote just went the steam route, Hitech.
It didn't do well because 1) the graphics were dated, 2) the write-up was misleading, and 3) they didn't have the logistical tail in place to support the new steam community.
Hopefully you will do better:) I would also consider a "instant action" arena with a limited plane set....so you won't have guys in zeke's fighting runstangs and uber jugs right off the bat.
We don't even need An arena. He can just open the match play arena up to suite a few more modes ?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: lunatic1 on May 23, 2017, 12:54:44 PM
i just don't want this to hurt Aces High and i don't want Aces High to go away. i tried WOT and i didna like it.. this is the only game i want to play. i just want to be able to log in and play with no problems other than my stupid internet cutting off when I'm right in the middle of something. which i hope to change in july or august.. i have viewed War Thunder and Armoured Warfare on youtube and they look stupid.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: bustr on May 23, 2017, 12:58:20 PM
If steam will not allow a 2 week trial, Dob's suggestion for a quick action arena with a limited plane set may take the place of that. Some of the down sides would be it becoming it's own community like the DA furball lake became, the MA would suffer from that or, too many vets taking advantage of the newbies in that arena to pad their egos driving them away. The MA will be tough enough with all the vets jumping on an influx of neophytes they can mindlessly slaughter after all these years of facing mostly other vets.
What will happen to the current AH 2 week trial and free to play with a Steam gateway to our game?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: hitech on May 23, 2017, 01:00:55 PM
I have not seen anything that would prevent Aces High from being free to play on steam like it is now.
HiTech
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vraciu on May 23, 2017, 01:04:26 PM
Hunt is certainly clear but Prey is ambiguous as in "to prey upon" or "to be prey"
Then I would suggest "Hunter or Prey" to be correct. I will put my grammar nazi uniform away now. Lol
The all-time best film is IL-2's "Come With Me" from years back. I've never seen anything come close. Wish someone could do something like that for AH3.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jyClg6rkGhg
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: cav58d on May 23, 2017, 01:39:04 PM
Then I would suggest "Hunter or Prey" to be correct. I will put my grammar nazi uniform away now. Lol
The all-time best film is IL-2's "Come With Me" from years back. I've never seen anything come close. Wish someone could do something like that for AH3.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jyClg6rkGhg
My ears! Yuck that's audio suicide.
There used to be a video about ten years ago set to the music of "praise the lord and pass the ammunition". Always enjoyed that one, wish I could find it.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: lunatic1 on May 23, 2017, 01:41:55 PM
I think the arenas should stay as they are. the MA/Melee arena is just fine. a quick action arena with limited plane choice is a bad idea.. besides I hear you can and somebody as started one already--but do not limit the types of planes. current players already have their favorite rides and may not want to play in it if they can't get it.
Plus to HiTech-we need more terrains/maps AH2 had 14 AH3 only has 8 is there a chance we can see more soon? and I'm talking about originals as Baltic-Beta-esp Compello-mesa view-ozkansas etc. player made terrains are fine but seem to take to long.
plus if you do go with Steam-and you/we get more players, I already the whine maps are to small for amount of players or too big etc.
well enough for now, legs hurt must rest see you all later. <S> to all AH players.. P.S. ^^ just my thoughts^^
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ack-Ack on May 23, 2017, 01:50:07 PM
That is not up to Steam to decide, it is up to HTC.
Quote
What will happen to the current AH 2 week trial and free to play with a Steam gateway to our game?
It wouldn't go away unless HiTech decides to up the free trial from 2 weeks to 30 days.
Things will not change for the current players that wish to continue to play on the non-Steam version. Things wouldn't change for those that decide to play the Steam version. As HiTech pointed out, the Steam version will not replace the existing version of the game.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Mister Fork on May 23, 2017, 01:50:15 PM
We also have the under-utilized AvA which offers historical match-up's. Still, if it gets green-lighted, we may see a significant bump in our membership. :pray
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vraciu on May 23, 2017, 02:15:07 PM
There used to be a video about ten years ago set to the music of "praise the lord and pass the ammunition". Always enjoyed that one, wish I could find it.
I love that song--because of the video. It fits perfectly.
This video is great. Tells a story. Has some suspense. Impending doom. A classic.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: NatCigg on May 23, 2017, 02:35:11 PM
Then I would suggest "Hunter or Prey" to be correct. I will put my grammar nazi uniform away now. Lol
The all-time best film is IL-2's "Come With Me" from years back. I've never seen anything come close. Wish someone could do something like that for AH3.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jyClg6rkGhg
the water we nave now looks better. the clouds in il2 are better. at a distance, our new clouds look good, the transition to higher detail is not so good. what i like about the il2 cloud is how it remains diffuse from distance to up close. at close range the "white" fades to a misty fog well like in real life. you know, get real close to a cloud and it is not there. seems to me the high detail/close up clouds in aces high are two dense, like splattered paint vs. sprayed paint. much else looks the same, minus the 1 vs. one thing. ;)
:salute
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Wraith_TMS on May 23, 2017, 02:43:28 PM
Voted. I think it's worth exploring and getting Greenlit doesn't mean you have to go through with it if you change your mind.
Then I would suggest "Hunter or Prey" to be correct. I will put my grammar nazi uniform away now. Lol
The all-time best film is IL-2's "Come With Me" from years back. I've never seen anything come close. Wish someone could do something like that for AH3.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jyClg6rkGhg
I'd add that the best produced IL-2 videos I've personllay seen came from a guy who goes by SixtyGallons on his Youtube channel. He hasn't done anything new from in a few years, but each machinima video he did was excellent--each was an epic little saga, really. Maybe look him up and hire him to do some video promo work on contract? (IMO, he's got to have some professional video production/editing experience). Here's the link to his YT channel--it's worth watching these: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-0d3UcocatSP2rJU8VD7RQ (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-0d3UcocatSP2rJU8VD7RQ)
BTW, don't forget Steam user reviews/ratings folks. Bad reviews from new players could be detrimental if they think AH or the AH crowd stinks, so everyone play nice with the new kids.
FWIW
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Krupinski on May 23, 2017, 02:58:49 PM
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Zoney on May 23, 2017, 03:28:12 PM
I love that song--because of the video. It fits perfectly.
This video is great. Tells a story. Has some suspense. Impending doom. A classic.
The song from Led Zeppelin is Kashmir, which is wonderful, but that crap is just that, crap. you cannot improve on perfection, should have just used the original, not the rip off.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Lusche on May 23, 2017, 03:29:12 PM
the water we nave now looks better. the clouds in il2 are better. at a distance, our new clouds look good, the transition to higher detail is not so good. what i like about the il2 cloud is how it remains diffuse from distance to up close. at close range the "white" fades to a misty fog well like in real life. you know, get real close to a cloud and it is not there. seems to me the high detail/close up clouds in aces high are two dense, like splattered paint vs. sprayed paint. much else looks the same, minus the 1 vs. one thing. ;)
:salute
That video is about ten years old.
We need a storyline like this one in a video for AH3.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vraciu on May 23, 2017, 03:41:00 PM
The song from Led Zeppelin is Kashmir, which is wonderful, but that crap is just that, crap. you cannot improve on perfection, should have just used the original, not the rip off.
That's all Puff Diddly does. Ripoffs.
It's still better than any AH video I've seen. Well thought out. Well put together.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vraciu on May 23, 2017, 03:42:36 PM
Voted. I think it's worth exploring and getting Greenlit doesn't mean you have to go through with it if you change your mind.
I'd add that the best produced IL-2 videos I've personllay seen came from a guy who goes by SixtyGallons on his Youtube channel. He hasn't done anything new from in a few years, but each machinima video he did was excellent--each was an epic little saga, really. Maybe look him up and hire him to do some video promo work on contract? (IMO, he's got to have some professional video production/editing experience). Here's the link to his YT channel--it's worth watching these: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-0d3UcocatSP2rJU8VD7RQ (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-0d3UcocatSP2rJU8VD7RQ)
BTW, don't forget Steam user reviews/ratings folks. Bad reviews from new players could be detrimental if they think AH or the AH crowd stinks, so everyone play nice with the new kids.
FWIW
I will check it out. Thanks for the suggestion.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Wraith_TMS on May 23, 2017, 03:49:16 PM
Here's the direct link to the videos page of his channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/sixtygallons/videos (https://www.youtube.com/user/sixtygallons/videos)
Have fun; they're good!
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: JimmyC on May 23, 2017, 04:13:15 PM
We do need great vids on that stream page That's the hook...the bait should be BIG and shtinky
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: ACE on May 23, 2017, 04:36:00 PM
I would gladly donate said films for a video. I got a hours worth of match play matches. And some ma action. Plenty of ACM
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Devil 505 on May 23, 2017, 04:43:36 PM
The real problem is that the learning curve for using our film view for cinematic films is steep.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Spikes on May 23, 2017, 04:56:02 PM
Steam is a gamers site. You log in for free and using their "software" you can buy/play lots of games. They have 1000s of people using the service.
If HTC can get their game added to the list of games available it is possible 1000s of people will be able to see it and may try it.
Try like 140 million :)
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Gman on May 23, 2017, 05:09:24 PM
HT, I think I can understand being skeptical, and you and others aren't wrong, however neither are others pointing out the possibilities. There are millions of players on Steam, and every hour there are hundreds of thousands playing various combat related games. Getting a tiny fraction of them - very small traction, could bring a lot of players, and be of great benefit to the game and your company.
Krup is right, a MUCH better video, or set of videos, is needed to draw interest. Some of these already exist, but from AH2. Need some updated ones with a great soundtrack, some great narration, and great action, showing off AH3 in hi res/etc.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: lunatic1 on May 23, 2017, 05:12:00 PM
will it matter which E-mail I use-my main one is used for almost everything normal and this game--2nd one is used for other stuff
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: JVboob on May 23, 2017, 05:14:01 PM
Our squad fly alot of formation stuff I could take some videos from 49r missions and email them
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Wiley on May 23, 2017, 05:21:20 PM
Krup is right, a MUCH better video, or set of videos, is needed to draw interest. Some of these already exist, but from AH2. Need some updated ones with a great soundtrack, some great narration, and great action, showing off AH3 in hi res/etc.
This is all there is to it. If I were HT, I'd be throwing whatever I am considering doing for a TV ad at the online videos. The first video people see on Steam is their first impression of the game. It's your ad.
Wiley.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Wraith_TMS on May 23, 2017, 05:25:08 PM
HT, I think I can understand being skeptical, and you and others aren't wrong, however neither are others pointing out the possibilities. There are millions of players on Steam, and every hour there are hundreds of thousands playing various combat related games. Getting a tiny fraction of them - very small traction, could bring a lot of players, and be of great benefit to the game and your company.
Krup is right, a MUCH better video, or set of videos, is needed to draw interest. Some of these already exist, but from AH2. Need some updated ones with a great soundtrack, some great narration, and great action, showing off AH3 in hi res/etc.
+1, especially the bolded paragraph.
I've pointed out SixtyGallons' work on Youtube. His stuff seems historically oriented but his skills putting such videos together are unquestionable--they're very professionally done. Humbly suggest that he be sought out and hired:
Also, aside from some of the other skilled AH video makers previously mentioned, I often show off Brooke's Battle of Britain (2013, frame 4) video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk9V66e88eI) when appropriate, as a showcase of how nervy AH can get at times. So perhaps Brooke could update/re-edit that same video using AH3's engine/film editor (he'd need an updated scenario map, new clouds, etc)?
FWIW,
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: SirNuke on May 23, 2017, 05:26:05 PM
well aces high has been insta greenlighted, well done guys :D
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on May 23, 2017, 05:33:42 PM
I've pointed out SixtyGallons' work on Youtube. His stuff seems historically oriented but his skills putting such videos together are unquestionable--they're very professionally done. Humbly suggest that he be sought out and hired:
Indeed. That FT video is very attractive! Definitely worth contacting that guy!
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: JVboob on May 23, 2017, 06:46:08 PM
I've pointed out SixtyGallons' work on Youtube. His stuff seems historically oriented but his skills putting such videos together are unquestionable--they're very professionally done. Humbly suggest that he be sought out and hired:
His last video is 7 years old. Safe to say he's no longer active.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Volron on May 23, 2017, 07:51:40 PM
You'll know if AH gets greenlit. It'll have a green border around it with a check mark on the bottom R. At least from my PoV. Not sure about the one who submitted it for greenlight. :)
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Wraith_TMS on May 23, 2017, 08:27:27 PM
His last video is 7 years old. Safe to say he's no longer active.
No he isn't--I pointed that out in my first post about him. But then again, he could just be busy putting his skills to money-making uses--he does seem to have professional skills. A emailed inquiry from HTC--as a prospective client--to find out if he's available costs nothing.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: ariansworld on May 23, 2017, 08:39:31 PM
No he isn't--I pointed that out in my first post about him. But then again, he could just be busy putting his skills to money-making uses--he does seem to have professional skills. A emailed inquiry from HTC--as a prospective client--to find out if he's available costs nothing.
You seem to be missing the obvious here: he has never made a film from our game. Sure he has editing skills and an eye for attractive shots, but he has never used our film viewer, with it's steep learning curve.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Gman on May 23, 2017, 08:48:32 PM
Considering some of the crap that has been green lit over the years, I would bet that Aces High, which has a near 20 year track record and a recent huge update, with very regular fixes/etc to that update, will get the Green Light. It comes down IMO to how much attention that can be grabbed, and how many players from Steam can be attracted to try the game, NOT if it gets "in" or not.
I'd really love this to work. Something to work. It's hard to accept that the game had such full arenas (I remember loudly swearing nightly trying to join orange or blue when my squad was in there and the server was full - 1st world problems right) not that long ago, and that the game is vastly better now, with great VR implementation, etc. With even MORE players interested in WW2 gaming - look at all the WW2 multiplayer games out there - the thing I keep circling back to is these players just don't KNOW about Aces High. Yes, IL2 is great, yes DCS is great, but AH is still a unique experience and game, which can offer a larger sandbox/environment and a scoring system those other sims don't have. A lot of gamers are competitive, and it's that competition and how it can be expressed which should be hammered on to the potential Steam gamers.
Just my opinions, I understand it's easy to have low expectations from Steam, and everything else, but I still strongly believe there are more WW2/Sim gamers out there than ever right now, and that AH can capture enough to bring back those Titanic Tuesday type numbers, and reasonably quickly too. The word - the right word/videos/whatever - just needs to get out to these potential players.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: JVboob on May 23, 2017, 09:26:56 PM
Considering some of the crap that has been green lit over the years, I would bet that Aces High, which has a near 20 year track record and a recent huge update, with very regular fixes/etc to that update, will get the Green Light. It comes down IMO to how much attention that can be grabbed, and how many players from Steam can be attracted to try the game, NOT if it gets "in" or not.
I'd really love this to work. Something to work. It's hard to accept that the game had such full arenas (I remember loudly swearing nightly trying to join orange or blue when my squad was in there and the server was full - 1st world problems right) not that long ago, and that the game is vastly better now, with great VR implementation, etc. With even MORE players interested in WW2 gaming - look at all the WW2 multiplayer games out there - the thing I keep circling back to is these players just don't KNOW about Aces High. Yes, IL2 is great, yes DCS is great, but AH is still a unique experience and game, which can offer a larger sandbox/environment and a scoring system those other sims don't have. A lot of gamers are competitive, and it's that competition and how it can be expressed which should be hammered on to the potential Steam gamers.
Just my opinions, I understand it's easy to have low expectations from Steam, and everything else, but I still strongly believe there are more WW2/Sim gamers out there than ever right now, and that AH can capture enough to bring back those Titanic Tuesday type numbers, and reasonably quickly too. The word - the right word/videos/whatever - just needs to get out to these potential players.
This i agree with!!!!!!
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: horble on May 23, 2017, 09:39:54 PM
Considering some of the crap that has been green lit over the years, I would bet that Aces High, which has a near 20 year track record and a recent huge update, with very regular fixes/etc to that update, will get the Green Light. It comes down IMO to how much attention that can be grabbed, and how many players from Steam can be attracted to try the game, NOT if it gets "in" or not.
I'd really love this to work. Something to work. It's hard to accept that the game had such full arenas (I remember loudly swearing nightly trying to join orange or blue when my squad was in there and the server was full - 1st world problems right) not that long ago, and that the game is vastly better now, with great VR implementation, etc. With even MORE players interested in WW2 gaming - look at all the WW2 multiplayer games out there - the thing I keep circling back to is these players just don't KNOW about Aces High. Yes, IL2 is great, yes DCS is great, but AH is still a unique experience and game, which can offer a larger sandbox/environment and a scoring system those other sims don't have. A lot of gamers are competitive, and it's that competition and how it can be expressed which should be hammered on to the potential Steam gamers.
Just my opinions, I understand it's easy to have low expectations from Steam, and everything else, but I still strongly believe there are more WW2/Sim gamers out there than ever right now, and that AH can capture enough to bring back those Titanic Tuesday type numbers, and reasonably quickly too. The word - the right word/videos/whatever - just needs to get out to these potential players.
Wisdom.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Kanth on May 23, 2017, 09:41:59 PM
+1 on what Gman said.
I was never here for the big numbers era of Aces High. Hoping for the best.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Dundee on May 23, 2017, 10:01:19 PM
I voted..... :salute
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on May 24, 2017, 03:05:14 AM
Maybe the steam greenlight could be posted on the front page of the website news? More people would see it also probably
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: SirNuke on May 24, 2017, 04:50:48 AM
Considering some of the crap that has been green lit over the years, I would bet that Aces High, which has a near 20 year track record and a recent huge update, with very regular fixes/etc to that update, will get the Green Light. It comes down IMO to how much attention that can be grabbed, and how many players from Steam can be attracted to try the game, NOT if it gets "in" or not.
I'd really love this to work. Something to work. It's hard to accept that the game had such full arenas (I remember loudly swearing nightly trying to join orange or blue when my squad was in there and the server was full - 1st world problems right) not that long ago, and that the game is vastly better now, with great VR implementation, etc. With even MORE players interested in WW2 gaming - look at all the WW2 multiplayer games out there - the thing I keep circling back to is these players just don't KNOW about Aces High. Yes, IL2 is great, yes DCS is great, but AH is still a unique experience and game, which can offer a larger sandbox/environment and a scoring system those other sims don't have. A lot of gamers are competitive, and it's that competition and how it can be expressed which should be hammered on to the potential Steam gamers.
Just my opinions, I understand it's easy to have low expectations from Steam, and everything else, but I still strongly believe there are more WW2/Sim gamers out there than ever right now, and that AH can capture enough to bring back those Titanic Tuesday type numbers, and reasonably quickly too. The word - the right word/videos/whatever - just needs to get out to these potential players.
True story.
The challenge with Aces High is letting all gamers out there play the game as it's not cross-platform compatible ...i.e. XBox or Playstation. Then again, playing any flight simulator with a xbox controller is almost impossible.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: JunkyII on May 24, 2017, 10:15:37 AM
Anyone been around long enough to remember what AOL? did for AW when it was only Genie? If I recall it was a big boost but the Genie guys hated it
PS or was it Gamestorm?
I never played on Genie because I just couldnt afford that. I got AOL only after they picked up AW, and it was the only reason I did get AOL. The few arenas were alway full and you had to wait to get it in due to the big bump it got.
Exposure is whats its all about. Whether its social media, tv and magazine adds, or getting on Steam, that is the biggest thing HTC needs these days. They already have a great game, it is well maintained with frequent updates, most of which are geared toward moving the game forward and not cleaning bugs as there are very few that crop up.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Kanth on May 24, 2017, 11:04:22 AM
I never played on Genie because I just couldnt afford that. I got AOL only after they picked up AW, and it was the only reason I did get AOL. The few arenas were alway full and you had to wait to get it in due to the big bump it got.
Exposure is whats its all about. Whether its social media, tv and magazine adds, or getting on Steam, that is the biggest thing HTC needs these days. They already have a great game, it is well maintained with frequent updates, most of which are geared toward moving the game forward and not cleaning bugs as there are very few that crop up.
I didn't play on Genie either I used to watch Mute play on Genie, I got in at the beginning of AOL or Gamestorm. It is amazing how few people / places know about AH
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Zoney on May 24, 2017, 11:06:34 AM
I had a $600 phone bill once :bolt:
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Wiley on May 24, 2017, 11:15:19 AM
I have not defiantly decided to publish on steam but the first step is to get it approved. Then all will depend if a deal can be made.
So please go to the green light and vote.
Please Vote on this green light page (http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=931022855)
HiTech
This Game rocks. It's a shame so few play it. If the steam team is rolled in and the common price has to move up a bit, I support it. It's been 14.95 for 8 years now?
My biggest fear in this game is not new plane, or strat change, or eny or other such small ball. It's that this will stop generating enough revenue to keep going. Sign 'em up, and good luck! :salute
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Dace on May 24, 2017, 11:38:42 AM
Voted! :aok
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vraciu on May 24, 2017, 11:39:30 AM
This Game rocks. It's a shame so few play it. If the steam team is rolled in and the common price has to move up a bit, I support it. It's been 14.95 for 8 years now?
My biggest fear in this game is not new plane, or strat change, or eny or other such small ball. It's that this will stop generating enough revenue to keep going. Sign 'em up, and good luck! :salute
If the revenue stream increases the price could be lowered and HTC will still make more money. This type of product doesn't enjoy much price inelasticity. In the end it's all about subscriber numbers...
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vinkman on May 24, 2017, 12:05:00 PM
If the revenue stream increases the price could be lowered and HTC will still make more money. This type of product doesn't enjoy much price elasticity. In the end it's all about subscriber numbers...
a lack of elasticity implied that you can change the price and it will not effect the demand. I'm not sure you meant it that way, But I agree your statement. If the price goes up, I keep playing. I have more invested in my rig than I will ever spend on a subscription at ~15/month. For players that play many games this may not be the case, but I bet if the price were to go up, most would keep playing. Heck they spend more hours on-line than they do watching TV. I'd bet they're cable bill is way bigger than thier HTC bill. :salute
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: JunkyII on May 24, 2017, 12:30:29 PM
Might need to start a wishlist thread for custom non historic skins which can only be viewed by the person in the plane....Skin Markets draw big crowds just like competitive games on Steam.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Lusche on May 24, 2017, 12:36:28 PM
One of the things I'd really recommend would be cranking up the overhaul of the remaining AH1 models. You really don't wanna show the Steam folks the current cockpit of the Tempest...
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vraciu on May 24, 2017, 12:40:23 PM
a lack of elasticity implied that you can change the price and it will not effect the demand. I'm not sure you meant it that way, But I agree your statement. If the price goes up, I keep playing. I have more invested in my rig than I will ever spend on a subscription at ~15/month. For players that play many games this may not be the case, but I bet if the price were to go up, most would keep playing. Heck they spend more hours on-line than they do watching TV. I'd bet they're cable bill is way bigger than thier HTC bill. :salute
Autoincorrect strikes again. I tried to rephrase the sentence and I got clobbered. Let me fix it. Damned cell phones.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: lunatic1 on May 24, 2017, 12:49:38 PM
I just set up an account. Unable to vote for some reason. Maybe I have to wait 24 hours???
Anyone else?
I did as well would not let me vote-something like I did not qualify
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: lefty2 on May 24, 2017, 01:04:38 PM
Do you have any kind of restructuring plan in place?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: DubiousKB on May 24, 2017, 01:10:37 PM
added comment, voted yes, and Favorited.
And so they came.. From all walks of life; squeekers, manned-gun enthusiasts, bomb-n-bailers, Ho-tards, bomb****s, Alt-monkies, and film-viewer peekers!....
And the veterans of AH3 will smite them back unto the tower whence they came! :salute
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: cav58d on May 24, 2017, 01:17:56 PM
Ima vuuuuuuuuuulch them sooooo bad.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: ImADot on May 24, 2017, 01:29:12 PM
Yeah, good idea. HTC working to bring in new players, and you working to drive them away. Hopefully, you're just joking. I would hope all the players who have been around a while will not only play nice, but also welcome the new players and actually try to help them. Clubbing baby seals only serves to stroke one's ego; after everyone leaves the game, all that's left is to stroke yourself.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: JunkyII on May 24, 2017, 01:32:47 PM
One of the things I'd really recommend would be cranking up the overhaul of the remaining AH1 models. You really don't wanna show the Steam folks the current cockpit of the Tempest...
+100000000
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: ariansworld on May 24, 2017, 01:36:20 PM
Yea I was thinking what if I play it as a non steam game through steam
I know this is going to sound like crap, but war thunder has it setup to where you can link your account to steam, you dont have to have steam to play the game as it gives you an icon on desktop that you can use to launch regular. You can also launch VIA steam, and in the game menu where you can login, it gives you the option for a regular login or steam login for the same account. As far as I have seen, the account stays the same across both platforms.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ack-Ack on May 24, 2017, 01:41:03 PM
I never played on Genie because I just couldnt afford that. I got AOL only after they picked up AW, and it was the only reason I did get AOL. The few arenas were alway full and you had to wait to get it in due to the big bump it got.
Exposure is whats its all about. Whether its social media, tv and magazine adds, or getting on Steam, that is the biggest thing HTC needs these days. They already have a great game, it is well maintained with frequent updates, most of which are geared toward moving the game forward and not cleaning bugs as there are very few that crop up.
AW4W was also free in AOL, the primary reason why it was always full.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: AKIron on May 24, 2017, 01:47:22 PM
I never played on Genie because I just couldnt afford that. I got AOL only after they picked up AW, and it was the only reason I did get AOL. The few arenas were alway full and you had to wait to get it in due to the big bump it got.
Exposure is whats its all about. Whether its social media, tv and magazine adds, or getting on Steam, that is the biggest thing HTC needs these days. They already have a great game, it is well maintained with frequent updates, most of which are geared toward moving the game forward and not cleaning bugs as there are very few that crop up.
I did play on GEnie for a couple of years starting in '90 but switched to playing Red Baron on what later became The Sierra Network because of the flat rate. Was like 30 hours for $20/mo or something like that. Made the wife ack much less threatening.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: bustr on May 24, 2017, 03:35:09 PM
Will the only effect the current core community that does not live in the AH forums be an increase in new names to shoot at? Or, are there things that might surprise them negatively they will have to adjust to, to make this work?
None of you appear to be advocating for those masses, just your personal desires about gaming, and they can go pound sand if they don't get the tingle up their leg you are about this. If this is benign and they won't see anything but new easy to kill targets, then tell them that. If there are adjustments and compromises to their current expectations for their $14.95, someone better have a good PR story before ch200 and word of mouth ticks them off. Unless this becomes an opportunity for people to try and get rid of the older core group thinking Steam will refresh the herd with a more like minded demographic to take their place.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nrshida on May 24, 2017, 04:00:07 PM
You do worry a lot don't you Bustr. Relax.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Hungry on May 24, 2017, 04:00:36 PM
Emergency power to the shields Scotty!! The Romulans are de-cloaking off the starboard bow!!!
I don't think that's what were saying here if I get that right, had a few? Please reread your post
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: ACE on May 24, 2017, 04:08:15 PM
I did as well would not let me vote-something like I did not qualify
Yep, I created an account to vote, would not let me. Looked into it and it said you must put $5 into your account to prove your not a bot, spammer or other new world cybro entity.... I have not done it, as I don't use steam ,, maybe I should dabble... Some games do look mighty shexy... There is only one game for me..please let this bring in subscribers so I don't have to cheat on my mistress.... If it gets close and needs more votes 'holler' and I'll spend that $5 and vote. Good luck with this..bring in the new blood.!
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: The Fugitive on May 24, 2017, 05:18:58 PM
It was AOL/Kesmei first after Genie, then it went to Gamestorm, then EA bought it and shut it down.
Yep, but the point I think I was trying to make is neither AOL or Gamestorm hurt AW, took some adjustments but it helped, until some player came along with his own games and then EA finished it off
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: bustr on May 24, 2017, 05:24:22 PM
Not anxiety issues, this forum population is not the community who never comes in here and has no clue you are voting for something they have not been asked to vote for. Or are your less than cordial remarks how you really feel about them being in the game or, is this like the health care sales pitch about being able to keep your Doctor?
Most of you are not asking questions because you don't care other than this is a change. I'm not hearing many answers other than "peer borg" only wanting to hear "change is here". This blows up, all of you will just find another game and go Hitech, hmmmm, yes I knew him before he blew it. And I told him so all the time in his forums.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nrshida on May 24, 2017, 05:40:57 PM
I didn't understand this to be a democratic decision Bustr. You do seem rather worked up over the possible outcomes. The infuence of this forum is very feint on anything meaningful, is my impression. Like all things I'm sure there's positives and negatives.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: cav58d on May 24, 2017, 06:14:54 PM
Yeah, good idea. HTC working to bring in new players, and you working to drive them away. Hopefully, you're just joking. I would hope all the players who have been around a while will not only play nice, but also welcome the new players and actually try to help them. Clubbing baby seals only serves to stroke one's ego; after everyone leaves the game, all that's left is to stroke yourself.
Extra letters in vuuuuuuuuuuuuuuulch imply that i'm joking, derrrr...
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: gflyer on May 24, 2017, 06:22:40 PM
Really need a better video on the steam voting site. The one there does nothing to show off how good this game really is.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: bustr on May 24, 2017, 06:37:14 PM
I suspect this is really about needing the votes at Steam to get past the stage at the beginning of April when Hitech "decided" to put a version on Steam. As I pointed out in my first response, this post is a Catch-22. If we want to see what will happen at Steam, Hitech needs a group he is pretty sure will up vote AH3, to vote for it at Steam. These kinds of things have unintended consequence without something already in place to address them. Hence my concern for the community who will never come in here but, are prey to gossip on 200 and range. And I can think of a number of players who enjoy stirring that pot any way they can just to screw with the MA.
Change for the sake of change is not a foundation to build anything upon no matter how strong the tingle running up your leg gets over it. This is not a bad idea to increase the community numbers, I applaud the decision and the potential. How this can go wonky "innocently" during prime time USA time in the MA is something to be a bit concerned for and the borg fingers in the ears attitude here in the forum. Getting happy has a side effect of hearing only what keeps you happy.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Rich46yo on May 24, 2017, 07:54:04 PM
I suspect this is really about needing the votes at Steam to get past the stage at the beginning of April when Hitech "decided" to put a version on Steam. As I pointed out in my first response, this post is a Catch-22. If we want to see what will happen at Steam, Hitech needs a group he is pretty sure will up vote AH3, to vote for it at Steam. These kinds of things have unintended consequence without something already in place to address them. Hence my concern for the community who will never come in here but, are prey to gossip on 200 and range. And I can think of a number of players who enjoy stirring that pot any way they can just to screw with the MA.
Change for the sake of change is not a foundation to build anything upon no matter how strong the tingle running up your leg gets over it. This is not a bad idea to increase the community numbers, I applaud the decision and the potential. How this can go wonky "innocently" during prime time USA time in the MA is something to be a bit concerned for and the borg fingers in the ears attitude here in the forum. Getting happy has a side effect of hearing only what keeps you happy.
Well maybe HTC can add a message of the day for when you login to the game. This way EVERYONE knows whats going on and those that wish, can vote.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: guncrasher on May 24, 2017, 10:41:33 PM
you need to create an account on steam first and deposit 5 bucks.
semp
That is true, but there are plenty of us who already use steam.
And if you just don't want to dump 5 bucks into steam but still want to vote, you can just purchase a game which you wanted for a long time, perfect excuse ! ;)
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: salt101 on May 25, 2017, 12:49:38 AM
I voted for it. I am very active on steam. I cancelled by AH account because the numbers were so low. Once they get back up I'll be back and steam is the perfect way to do it IMO.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on May 25, 2017, 12:56:23 AM
I voted for it. I am very active on steam. I cancelled by AH account because the numbers were so low. Once they get back up I'll be back and steam is the perfect way to do it IMO.
:aok yep steam is the way to go :aok
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nrshida on May 25, 2017, 01:12:42 AM
Hence my concern for the community who will never come in here but, are prey to gossip on 200 and range.
Well that's noble of you, of course forum access is free if they cared to share a broader discussion about the game. Perhaps they just play casually...
Change for the sake of change is not a foundation to build anything upon
Equally not changing in a crisis or adapting to a changing environment is not a good response. Trust to the experts. I'm imagining it is fault-tolerant.
This is not a bad idea to increase the community numbers, I applaud the decision and the potential. How this can go wonky "innocently" during prime time USA time in the MA is something to be a bit concerned for and the borg fingers in the ears attitude here in the forum. Getting happy has a side effect of hearing only what keeps you happy.
A lot of the Eurpoean / far-eastern players might be instrumental as growth there would be healthy for AH in general. An influx of international players would be good and there wouldn't be the tumble-weed phenomenon in the Eurpoean daytime. This observable pushed by the 'start time' of AH which is a bad thing for a persistant arean MMOG. It was truly awful at the end of AH2. Couple of hours of no joy every day really makes you turn it off.
The Borg Bustr, the BORG! (http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k526/rwrk2/Coaxborg_zpse72fcb85.gif)
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: JunkyII on May 25, 2017, 02:30:15 AM
Well that's noble of you, of course forum access is free if they cared to share a broader discussion about the game. Perhaps they just play casually...
Equally not changing in a crisis or adapting to a changing environment is not a good response. Trust to the experts. I'm imagining it is fault-tolerant.
A lot of the Eurpoean / far-eastern players might be instrumental as growth there would be healthy for AH in general. An influx of international players would be good and there wouldn't be the tumble-weed phenomenon in the Eurpoean daytime. This observable pushed by the 'start time' of AH which is a bad thing for a persistant arean MMOG. It was truly awful at the end of AH2. Couple of hours of no joy every day really makes you turn it off.
The Borg Bustr, the BORG! (http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k526/rwrk2/Coaxborg_zpse72fcb85.gif)
I actually think there are more euro/asia players on steam then US because most US gamers are console gamers....maybe The Few will tunr back into The Many :aok
bustr is straight up paranoid for no reason....first it was everyone is out to get Hitech next it's everyone is trying to run out the people who have been here a while....Look around bustr they are already gone and it for sure wasn't because someone ran them off.
All the issues in game stem from numbers...steam doesn't guarantee it but it's worth a shot.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on May 25, 2017, 04:08:43 AM
All the issues in game stem from numbers...steam doesn't guarantee it but it's worth a shot.
Yep and some gameplay changes would be welcome also, like rolling plane set, a real life map (europe seems like the best theatre), war 1939-1945 and 2 sides, axis vs allies
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nrshida on May 25, 2017, 04:40:55 AM
I actually think there are more euro/asia players on steam then US because most US gamers are console gamers....maybe The Few will tunr back into The Many :aok
bustr is straight up paranoid for no reason....first it was everyone is out to get Hitech next it's everyone is trying to run out the people who have been here a while....Look around bustr they are already gone and it for sure wasn't because someone ran them off.
All the issues in game stem from numbers...steam doesn't guarantee it but it's worth a shot.
only if we vote labour :uhoh
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: DR7 on May 25, 2017, 06:29:20 AM
We need to do something. I've been playing for almost 20 years. Changes and updates are good to keep the game current. But the question is why are we where we are. Low player community. In my opinion game play has taken a secondary seat through the years. I wont attempt to list what I think some of those changes are but most of you will have you own list as well.
Question, with the Steam community being listed in the millions just shear number of players trying the game could we be closed out of the game?
dr7
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: KrzyIvan on May 25, 2017, 06:45:01 AM
Quote
Tried to Vote but Steam wont let me says my account does not have voting privs
Me too
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: NatCigg on May 25, 2017, 06:46:57 AM
I think someone already mentioned it too. Would hi-tech be able to handle all the "good problems" that come from a mass community. For them, I think they want those problems. The price should limit numbers so I would not worry till that happens. The risk imo is this takes away from revenue and players. This is htc's gamble, is it really getting with the times or another internet business that undermines the original business.
Me, I voted and went to play another steam game I have that I gave up on last year.
I say go for it HTC. Looks like your green Light to me and the comment section is getting rich with flavor. :eek:
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Max on May 25, 2017, 07:34:23 AM
Will the only effect the current core community that does not live in the AH forums be an increase in new names to shoot at? Or, are there things that might surprise them negatively they will have to adjust to, to make this work?
None of you appear to be advocating for those masses, just your personal desires about gaming, and they can go pound sand if they don't get the tingle up their leg you are about this. If this is benign and they won't see anything but new easy to kill targets, then tell them that. If there are adjustments and compromises to their current expectations for their $14.95, someone better have a good PR story before ch200 and word of mouth ticks them off. Unless this becomes an opportunity for people to try and get rid of the older core group thinking Steam will refresh the herd with a more like minded demographic to take their place.
briefest post in bustr history :devil
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: The Fugitive on May 25, 2017, 07:46:00 AM
Yep and some gameplay changes would be welcome also, like rolling plane set,
Never going to happen. It is rumored it was one of the things that killed Warbirds...... Hitech first WWII flight game.
Quote
a real life map (europe seems like the best theatre), war 1939-1945 and 2 sides, axis vs allies
Already have this in the Axis vs Allied arena, they have an even worst numbers problem there. Could be due to the early plane set, or could be because its only 2 sides, but that arena has never really taken off.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Krupinski on May 25, 2017, 07:58:07 AM
Its been said multiple times in this thread, but people keep missing it.
If you want to vote, but have never used Steam before, you have to put $5 into your account through the Steam wallet, or a game purchase. It's their security method to ensure you're not a bot/spammer, etc.
Also just an idea, if somebody wants to they can set up an Aces High Steam group, and anyone can put their steam ID's here to be added.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: NatCigg on May 25, 2017, 08:17:05 AM
Never going to happen. It is rumored it was one of the things that killed Warbirds...... Hitech first WWII flight game.
Already have this in the Axis vs Allied arena, they have an even worst numbers problem there. Could be due to the early plane set, or could be because its only 2 sides, but that arena has never really taken off.
There is no war. That is why.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vraciu on May 25, 2017, 08:42:17 AM
Never going to happen. It is rumored it was one of the things that killed Warbirds...... Hitech first WWII flight game.
Already have this in the Axis vs Allied arena, they have an even worst numbers problem there. Could be due to the early plane set, or could be because its only 2 sides, but that arena has never really taken off.
The map has nothing to do with it where AvA is concerned. There are many other variables in play that make it a ghost town. This is not an apples vs apples comparison.
Two sides was awesome in Warbirds. It died with two sides. We are dying with three. The causes are similar--except that Wild Bill was a tool and terribly short-sighted. Three sides at our level of participation only dilutes the fight and stagnates th fronts. Stagnant fronts are boring.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Shuffler on May 25, 2017, 09:09:22 AM
The map has nothing to do with it where AvA is concerned. There are many other variables in play that make it a ghost town. This is not apples vs apples comparison.
When it was the Combat Theatre, we had daily numbers of 30-50 players and it was two sided historical match-up's based on various events and time periods from 1939-1945. And it worked.
We currently just don't have the numbers anymore to fill it. Heck, with 110-150 players on a night in the MA, we barely have the #'s to fill and make the main arena work, let alone our historical one.
I'm hoping for a Greenlight from Steam. It'll give our game the attention it needs and hopefully rebuild our player base.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: JunkyII on May 25, 2017, 09:16:47 AM
Yep and some gameplay changes would be welcome also, like rolling plane set, a real life map (europe seems like the best theatre), war 1939-1945 and 2 sides, axis vs allies
Not a fan for a rolling plane set in the MA but if we had more numbers Im sure the AvA would go back to how it was when it pretty much had a rolling planeset.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: DubiousKB on May 25, 2017, 10:02:55 AM
Excited about potential injection of players, disappointed in actual presentation of this game on the page for a person that's never played... I don't think that first video shows off what's great about the game...
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: cav58d on May 25, 2017, 10:12:06 AM
Yep and some gameplay changes would be welcome also, like rolling plane set, a real life map (europe seems like the best theatre), war 1939-1945 and 2 sides, axis vs allies
Already exist in special events. The next FSO is mid war Europe and looks awesome!
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: EskimoJoe on May 25, 2017, 10:14:09 AM
Excited about potential injection of players, disappointed in actual presentation of this game on the page for a person that's never played... I don't think that first video shows off what's great about the game...
The description is kinda the same as it has always been, too. They may wish to tell potential customers that this is a game in constant development as a work of passion for how long it has been. They may also want to note how small their team is, and how roughly how often potential customers might expect to see updates because of this.
I only hope the small group at HTC is prepared for the potential influx of customers this may bring. There may be lots of steam forum posts asking questions or asking for help that I hope get answered.
Don't expect a whole lot at the onset without some extra advertising. We as a community may need to ask some popular Youtube flight sim enthusiasts to do some reviews.
It's a risk, but the reward may be great.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: cav58d on May 25, 2017, 10:18:30 AM
Excited about potential injection of players, disappointed in actual presentation of this game on the page for a person that's never played... I don't think that first video shows off what's great about the game...
It reminds me of the soldiers from "Toy Story". I would pass if all I had was that video to make my decision.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: DmonSlyr on May 25, 2017, 11:34:41 AM
Might I suggest,
I think Steam would work out fine to at least bring more attention to the game. At this point, any type of mass marketing would work, especially going into the summer.
I do agree that all the cockpits need to be finished before you do that. Make sure little bugs and kinks are worked out, maybe even make the water more distinguishable.
I believe there needs to be more of an emphasis to promote special events. An arena message every week updated with special events would bring a lot more players to these events.
remember, this game isn't soooo much great because of the graphics, but because of the flight model, open air combat, and special events. Those need to be highly emphasized when marketing on steam.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: AAIK on May 25, 2017, 12:12:46 PM
I think Steam would work out fine to at least bring more attention to the game. At this point, any type of mass marketing would work, especially going into the summer.
I do agree that all the cockpits need to be finished before you do that. Make sure little bugs and kinks are worked out, maybe even make the water more distinguishable.
I believe there needs to be more of an emphasis to promote special events. An arena message every week updated with special events would bring a lot more players to these events.
remember, this game isn't soooo much great because of the graphics, but because of the flight model, open air combat, and special events. Those need to be highly emphasized when marketing on steam.
If they ran special events inside the MA, that would add a lot as well.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: cav58d on May 25, 2017, 12:19:58 PM
If they ran special events inside the MA, that would add a lot as well.
We have an extremely well organized special events CM team + arena. Not necessary in the MA.
Best way to get more people involved in special events is a weekly arena message and schedule.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Karnak on May 25, 2017, 12:21:08 PM
Voted and posted a favorable comment.
Good luck, HiTech.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Shuffler on May 25, 2017, 12:34:06 PM
Last night there were 2 instant action rooms opened by users and they each had 12 players in them.
I went into TOAD's setup and had a lot of fun.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: VanceVP on May 25, 2017, 12:35:52 PM
First off, like many others that have commented here, I know nothing about steam, but being a huge fan of Aces High, I am going to throw my 2 cents in.
My involvement goes back to the days of AW and once that got shut down I found AH and absolutely loved the game. I would spend hour after hour online playing the game. I should state that I am a hardcore gv'er and that is the aspect of the game that I enjoy most.
Back in the day of AH2, as already mentioned, there were many times that I had to wait my turn to get into the game. That means that there were 600 players on and the pattern was full. When HT decided to go with AH3 and the new design, I feel that he shot himself in the foot and the crew did not think things through enough. The decision to release AH3 has cost HT a good portion of their revenue stream. With the intensified graphics, I feel that HT showed little or no loyalty to us long-time members as that drove many, many members away who could not justify the cost of a new gaming rig just to play the game. I feel the overall design of the maps in AH3 favors the pilots and shows little regard for gv'ers. There are a boat load of other problems that I see with AH3 that could have been avoided, along with the drastic drop in paying members and reduction of its revenue stream.
Personally, I am completely disappointed in AH3. Having to drive for 10 minutes to go from a spawn point to a town, base or field is to much. Not being able to find a decent fight due to the fact that there are typically only 30 - 40 players per country makes for a boring night of gaming. With AH3, I find the game to be boring and frustrating for the most part.
Trying to increase the number of paid members would be smart move. Going the route of steam may or may not be the right way to do it. I would love to see the game get back to having 500-600 players at most any time, but I feel that with the maps and the graphics (might not be the right word), potential players may not find the game as enjoyable as things were with AH2. I feel that AH may be breathing its last few breaths. Releasing AH3, in my opinion, signed the game's death certificate.
In my opinion, AH may not be able to sustain the loss in revenue for much longer and we are going to lose our beloved game. I hope that I am wrong on this. I hope that HT will wake up and realize the mistakes made with AH3 and will correct them so that potential new players will WANT to play the game and become regulars. I hope that AH will be around until I am one of the old-timers that croaks playing this game.
Again, these are just my opinions and will have absolutely no bearing on what gets decided with this game. I can only hope that whatever decisions are made, I hope they are what will benefit the game and it loyal members.
Over and out . . .
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Flossy on May 25, 2017, 12:49:42 PM
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Rich46yo on May 25, 2017, 01:03:12 PM
I believe this game has delivered. Ive been thru what? Two major updates and in the world of computer gaming, especially MMOGs, especially niche MMOGs, thats saying a lot. Even online games with massive budgets have put out some real turds as far as new, or re-written/updated, games go. In contrast AH has been smooth as silk.
Its almost like were to expect a turd so the game maker can cash in on the market while still developing the game to even pre-release status. Even huge companies like AE have crapped out some real turds and dont even get me started on the Russian and his IL2 series when he still had it. It tooks years of player Devs themselves doing the work for IL2 BOB to become a decent game. It was released as a giant turd if you remember.
I think the gaming world itself has changed. The serious flight gamer was always a bit older and more PC orientated. And many of us aint spring chickens anymore. I have nothing but time on my hands now and feel myself becoming like my old friend ET in that I can only play an hour or two at a time now.
But I love MMOG war games. I'm even going to go back to WW2OL cause they are running a special at $9.99 a month to get the old crowd back keeping their old rank. While nowhere near as good or as inclusive as AH WW2OL had a very good crowd that used to fly there. A lot of AH screen names hung out there too and now that they are running specials and are about to be greenlit I figure why not?
These two game have meant the most to me in my life then any others. I see both getting green lit as nothing but good because all either game needs are the players and its "on".
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Lusche on May 25, 2017, 01:05:17 PM
Back in the day of AH2, as already mentioned, there were many times that I had to wait my turn to get into the game. That means that there were 600 players on and the pattern was full. When HT decided to go with AH3 and the new design, I feel that he shot himself in the foot and the crew did not think things through enough. The decision to release AH3 has cost HT a good portion of their revenue stream. (...)as that drove many, many members away who could not justify the cost of a new gaming rig just to play the game
If I knew nothing of AH, this would read as if there was a busy, well populated AH2, a switch to AH 3 and all of a sudden most of the players are gone.
This is far from reality. The 600+ days were gone for years already before AH3 even went into alpha. There never was any sudden decline, specifically not after going to AH3. That the numbers now are as they are (and making the gameplay options extremely limited for many of us) ain't a direct result of AH3.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Rich46yo on May 25, 2017, 01:11:16 PM
There was no choice but to upgrade the graphics. If anything they waited to long and players left for more immersive games with fancy damage engine. Even this last update allows pretty old computers to still play as long as you dial down. You cant expect a flight game maker to keep a 8yo notebook current.
These have been reasonable updates and as Lusche says have not in themselves driven anyone away. Maybe a very few with rigs so old the player cant expect them to operate forever. I thought lll was a very well thought out update.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vraciu on May 25, 2017, 01:19:32 PM
There was no choice but to upgrade the graphics. If anything they waited to long and players left for more immersive games with fancy damage engine. Even this last update allows pretty old computers to still play as long as you dial down. You cant expect a flight game maker to keep a 8yo notebook current.
These have been reasonable updates and as Lusche says have not in themselves driven anyone away. Maybe a very few with rigs so old the player cant expect them to operate forever. I thought lll was a very well thought out update.
Yeah, AH has been very easy on upgrades. Other games cost me a new vid card every couple of years. It's a balancing act and I would say HTC has been pretty good at it--albeit perhaps a TAD too conservative at worst.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: shppr01 on May 25, 2017, 01:23:19 PM
This may have been brought up before and please excuse me if it has. Would putting the game through steam allow players with older pcs to run the game? There was a lot of worries when AH III came out. I'm just wondering since I pretty much know diddly about graphics.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: hitech on May 25, 2017, 01:25:30 PM
This may have been brought up before and please excuse me if it has. Would putting the game through steam allow players with older pcs to run the game? There was a lot of worries when AH III came out. I'm just wondering since I pretty much know diddly about graphics.
The ONLY thing that steam would change is how steam users log in, and payments would be threw steam. People would still be able to download from HTC, and billed just like they are now.
HiTech
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: DynaE on May 25, 2017, 01:27:56 PM
Hello to everyone,
Wanting to express a point of view, that the community would see in a positive way,for everyone that is invested here (myself included)about the future of this great idea called Aces High.
First, HiTech Sir,Please rethink that horrible video on the steam greenlight page as representative of the current state of play.I mean only this...When you want to make a great first impression, one would want to put their best foot forward.The seriousness of the perception of which you are showing,is not what is actually the latest view of the game.Displaying a current view of Aces imho surely would go a long way of providing that idea.
Second,Here I might on this subject,be blowing hot air,but at one time i believe there was discussion about Aces growing into a empire(for the lack of a better word).The answer was that HiTech did not want to get too big,end of discussion.Now down the dusty ol' road ,a new crossroad. Whatever Dale decides,I will support that decision,he has been doing this along time,doing a great job (with a lot of help).
Third,and I admit,being in the Harvest years of my life,and enjoying it with my beautiful bestfriend,my wife,I tend to resist change.Big and small changes happen in this lifetime,no stopping that fact.Since I started Aces many moons ago,I have enjoyed the whole spectrum full circle,and hope the future is bright.
Dyna
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: hitech on May 25, 2017, 01:38:33 PM
DynaE:
I am amazed how many people criticize the commercial video, I assume this one.
yet not one person has posted a link to something they think is better.
Also the note wanting to become a big company has always been miss under stood. That statement relates to no wish to branch into other products, nor have a large number of employees. It had nothing to do with how many players I would like to have.
HiTech
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: caldera on May 25, 2017, 01:46:59 PM
Please update all the old AH1 models. Many of the AH2 models look antiquated compared to the more recent stuff. If 10 year old terrain graphics were not a good selling point, 10 year old plane graphics aren't either.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: AAIK on May 25, 2017, 01:48:40 PM
I am amazed how many people criticize the commercial video, I assume this one.
yet not one person has posted a link to something they think is better.
Also the note wanting to become a big company has always been miss under stood. That statement relates to no wish to branch into other products, nor have a large number of employees. It had nothing to do with how many players I would like to have.
HiTech
The video isn't bad, it just doesn't show the greatest novelty that the game has to offer: Large battles on a large, persistant map.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: hitech on May 25, 2017, 02:00:42 PM
Please update all the old AH1 models. Many of the AH2 models look antiquated compared to the more recent stuff. If 10 year old terrain graphics were not a good selling point, 10 year old plane graphics aren't either.
Hmmm seems to me we just release an updated model last week.
HiTech
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: ImADot on May 25, 2017, 02:05:15 PM
Hmmm seems to me we just release an updated model last week.
HiTech
I think most people have no idea what is involved with updating a model, and expect that you should be able to release 100 updated models within a month.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Wiley on May 25, 2017, 02:07:32 PM
Hmmm seems to me we just release an updated model last week.
HiTech
Yes, you did. But a gaming community that is used to seeing something new to them having better graphics than the last one they saw is going to absolutely tear you apart over the AH1 models. I'd go as far as to say from the standpoint of making a good first impression you'd almost be better pulling them until they're reworked.
I think most people have no idea what is involved with updating a model, and expect that you should be able to release 100 updated models within a month.
No, I've got a decent idea what's involved. What I'm saying is I don't believe HT gives the old models enough credit for how big of a blemish they put on a first impression.
Wiley.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Skuzzy on May 25, 2017, 02:09:24 PM
One day, when Waffle is not doing anything (hehe), and when HiTech is amendable, Waffle should write up a step-by-step procedure of what it takes to get a model into the game.
By the time you guys hit line item #982, you would give up and never mention it again.
I just do not know if we can afford to have Waffle off updating art for the 3 days it might take to write that up. :D
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: caldera on May 25, 2017, 02:14:26 PM
I think most people have no idea what is involved with updating a model, and expect that you should be able to release 100 updated models within a month.
I understand there is much to do and a limited staff with which to do it. That doesn't change the fact that it needs to be done.
Yes, you did. But a gaming community that is used to seeing something new to them having better graphics than the last one they saw is going to absolutely tear you apart over the AH1 models. I'd go as far as to say from the standpoint of making a good first impression you'd almost be better pulling them until they're reworked.
No, I've got a decent idea what's involved. What I'm saying is I don't believe HT gives the old models enough credit for how big of a blemish they put on a first impression.
Wiley.
There should be a reasonably close degree of quality on all the models.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Skuzzy on May 25, 2017, 02:16:22 PM
I am amazed how many people criticize the commercial video, I assume this one.
yet not one person has posted a link to something they think is better.
But you did have many offer ideas that would better showcase Aces High - because your ad is truly awful.
Just look at the trailer for the Italian Air Force expansion for War Thunder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nhkYIfC06c This is a great model of an add for a flight game. It shows a variety of planes and actually demonstrates air combat - all with nice cinematic feel.
Even though I know what a steaming pile of crap War Thunder is, I still find their trailer captivating.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: AAIK on May 25, 2017, 02:24:25 PM
But you did have many offer ideas that would better showcase Aces High - because your ad is truly awful.
Just look at the trailer for the Italian Air Force expansion for War Thunder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nhkYIfC06c This is a great model of an add for a flight game. It shows a variety of planes and actually demonstrates air combat - all with nice cinematic feel.
Even though I know what a steaming pile of crap War Thunder is, I still find their trailer captivating.
Not inspired at that video, but it does present a different way of doing it.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: DynaE on May 25, 2017, 02:30:58 PM
HiTech,
Sir, didnt mean to upset the applecart.That is the video i was referring to.I guess because im used to alot better gameplay the video should be different.Shocking, might have been to strong a word,and I apologize for not suggesting a alternative.
Yes it is easy to criticize,that one is on me,but I only want the best for the game.I will make a suggestion on the video,for what its worth,Carrier strike force, attack a nmy airfield,with said airfield attacked simultaneously by ground forces on their flank. Just a suggestion thats all.
Dont taze me bro,:) Dyna
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: oboe on May 25, 2017, 02:34:15 PM
I'm sorry, but I found the AH commercial confusing. I recognized the terrain and the Me110C and the M18 from AH3, but the soldiers inside the M18 made me second-guess and think I had missed a big update. Also, I didn't feel like I was part of the target audience; to me it had sort of a juvenile vibe to it. But maybe that'll play well to a Steam audience. I hope so.
If it helps, here are a couple of game trailers that I think are very good. The first shows massive space fights with players working together to accomplish a goal, and also has a cutaway to a player on a solo mission, showing the game supports multiple styles of play. Real player voices are used and the sound track is epic and builds great tension:
I've rarely been so psyched by a game trailer - but the research I did on Eve and the negative reviews I read of it combined with a monthly subscription fee, made me pass on it.
The second also has dramatic music and does a great job of showcasing the variety of vehicles the game has and its graphics and especially all the special damage and explosion effects.
What it doesn't show is player cooperation and communication-- the player community-- which AH has in spades, and why your game is so much more enjoyable to play. <S>
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: thrila on May 25, 2017, 02:39:07 PM
I didn't get the impression the game was even about aircraft from that trailer- it looked like World of Tanks imitation.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: SirNuke on May 25, 2017, 02:48:07 PM
Yep, I created an account to vote, would not let me. Looked into it and it said you must put $5 into your account to prove your not a bot, spammer or other new world cybro entity.... I have not done it, as I don't use steam ,, maybe I should dabble... Some games do look mighty shexy... There is only one game for me..please let this bring in subscribers so I don't have to cheat on my mistress.... If it gets close and needs more votes 'holler' and I'll spend that $5 and vote. Good luck with this..bring in the new blood.!
you could also buy a 5$ game, lots of good ones at that price actually
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Zoney on May 25, 2017, 02:49:29 PM
Ok, the EVE trailer is fantastic.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: AAIK on May 25, 2017, 02:50:21 PM
Yea, but I keep hearing that the action isn't as fun as it is watching it.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Skuzzy on May 25, 2017, 02:53:03 PM
It is amazing what you can do when you are given 3 or 4 minutes of time for a video. Yes, those videos very seldom reflect the actual pace of any game play.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: SirNuke on May 25, 2017, 02:59:35 PM
Yea, but I keep hearing that the action isn't as fun as it is watching it.
Its an excellent game and deep game that is much more than just battle. Don't expect it to master the game in a month. The combats in it are different of what you would expect, bu the thrill you get in a pvp battle is comparable to aces high. Id suggest to try the free month just so you know what it is about.
The videos you guys linked are produced by big companies with PR departments etc. Maybe we should hold a contest of the best short video? The winner gets to fly santa on next christmas !! :banana:
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nrshida on May 25, 2017, 03:03:59 PM
Just commision Dolby. He has a talent for the dramatic mini-story arch and spledid camera tracking to the point where your imagination transcends graphics and plane modelling.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: oboe on May 25, 2017, 03:11:08 PM
Its an excellent game and deep game that is much more than just battle. Don't expect it to master the game in a month. The combats in it are different of what you would expect, bu the thrill you get in a pvp battle is comparable to aces high. Id suggest to try the free month just so you know what it is about.
The videos you guys linked are produced by big companies with PR departments etc. Maybe we should hold a contest of the best short video? The winner gets to fly santa on next christmas !! :banana:
OK I chuckled out loud at that.
Seriously I think they did a player competition for videos for AH2, and that is why NirosAH2 created "Fly to Live": https://youtu.be/Oh9FOD463cg (https://youtu.be/Oh9FOD463cg) Dunno if he got to pilot Santa's sleigh for it though!
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: hitech on May 25, 2017, 03:18:36 PM
Just commision Dolby. He has a talent for the dramatic mini-story arch and spledid camera tracking to the point where your imagination transcends graphics and plane modelling.
Tried that, after waiting for something for a month and a half, he backed out and left me hanging. Then when I put some of his vids on our video page, he pulled all his aces high videos down.
He is very talented at burning his bridges.
HiTech
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: ariansworld on May 25, 2017, 03:26:02 PM
It is amazing what you can do when you are given 3 or 4 minutes of time for a video. Yes, those videos very seldom reflect the actual pace of any game play.
Yes, indeed it is amazing what you can do in 3-4 minutes with a killer video. I know I have bought games solely based on what a video looked like because it intrigued my interest. If it sells your product it would be worth it yes?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: hitech on May 25, 2017, 03:33:04 PM
Tried that, after waiting for something for a month and a half, he backed out and left me hanging. Then when I put some of his vids on our video page, he pulled all his aces high videos down.
He is very talented at burning his bridges.
HiTech
I can try to mediate. I have his private email address. Realistically he's the most likely to make an analogue of the Eve video. There'd be a heap of good ahf raw material supplied I'm sure. It's just a professional transaction.
Willing to help, let me know.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: hitech on May 25, 2017, 03:39:05 PM
I can try to mediate. I have his private email address. Realistically he's the most likely to make an analogue of the Eve video. There'd be a heap of good ahf raw material supplied I'm sure. It's just a professional transaction.
Willing to help, let me know.
I also have his email. No mediation needed. Like I said he has complete burnt all his bridges. And after leaving me hanging there is no way I would trust him again.
HiTech
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vinkman on May 25, 2017, 03:44:32 PM
Tried that, after waiting for something for a month and a half, he backed out and left me hanging. Then when I put some of his vids on our video page, he pulled all his aces high videos down.
He is very talented at burning his bridges.
HiTech
:rofl
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: AAIK on May 25, 2017, 03:47:27 PM
I also have his email. No mediation needed. Like I said he has complete burnt all his bridges. And after leaving me hanging there is no way I would trust him again.
HiTech
Artsy types are sometimes like that, moody and unpredictable; sometimes you just gotta work with them.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: ariansworld on May 25, 2017, 03:48:21 PM
Artsy types are sometimes like that, moody and unpredictable; sometimes you just gotta work with them.
Actually, no you don't. There are plenty of creative people who can be civil and down right professional.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Fletcher on May 25, 2017, 03:50:24 PM
I just got the news about AH going to Steam, now this is exciting for the game! However, everyone seems to be in consensus about the trailer video. I have the appropriate software and capabilities to come up with a decent cinematic video. I'd be willing to contribute to the cause for a month or two of free subscription, a far cry from $200,000.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: AAIK on May 25, 2017, 03:50:48 PM
Actually, no you don't. There are plenty of creative people who can be civil and down right professional.
*sigh* I guess I am trying to be a bit too positive.
Otherwise, a friend of mine paid about 5k for a music video (3 and a bit minutes long). I am sure you can find fresh new talent out there what wants to make a name for themselves without losing an arm over it.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Lusche on May 25, 2017, 03:51:57 PM
I could hum out of tune for a decent soundtrack :noid
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: JOACH1M on May 25, 2017, 03:55:23 PM
One day, when Waffle is not doing anything (hehe), and when HiTech is amendable, Waffle should write up a step-by-step procedure of what it takes to get a model into the game.
By the time you guys hit line item #982, you would give up and never mention it again.
I just do not know if we can afford to have Waffle off updating art for the 3 days it might take to write that up. :D
Maybe hire another waffle like person and speed up output?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: DynaE on May 25, 2017, 04:01:24 PM
Dale,
I just wanted to bring a point of view,to which this game deserves better than this video (in my view only).The video is way better than I could ever do and the horrible word that i used was probably to strong.
Is there any way to get off the (insert word here) list? suggestions,advice or just plain avoidance.
Dyna
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: hitech on May 25, 2017, 04:05:48 PM
I just wanted to bring a point of view,to which this game deserves better than this video (in my view only).The video is way better than I could ever do and the horrible word that i used was probably to strong.
Is there any way to get off the (insert word here) list? suggestions,advice or just plain avoidance.
Dyna
I was not offended in anyway by your post. I know our video is not the world greatest. If i could find one better suited I would use it.
But I was simply trying to point out ideas are a dime a dozen. Whats hard is implementing ideas.
HiTech
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Rodent57 on May 25, 2017, 04:08:52 PM
Amen!
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Wraith_TMS on May 25, 2017, 04:30:33 PM
The above-linked page contains company descriptions and their locations, work samples and quote request capability for several companies.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Becinhu on May 25, 2017, 04:53:42 PM
Vudu does a lot of AH videos on you tube. They are mostly 1st person from the cockpit though. No trying to volunteer him or anything....
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: cav58d on May 25, 2017, 05:12:02 PM
I am pretty damn amazed that we have Hitech, Skuzzy and Waffle all contributing to this thread. We're not just renting a room in the guest house, we're in their living room and having drinks.
As much as I stir the pot and provide useless content with bad grammar on the bbs, I just want to throw out a <S> to the devs and say thank you.
This is what makes AH awesome and makes me feel validated after taking a ten year break and buying a $1,500 rig for the sole purpose of coming back to play AH.
PS- That space game looks dope. I wonder if they have sheep and RV's?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: horble on May 25, 2017, 05:41:48 PM
For what it's worth, this is the very video that got me excited to try out Aces High 2 for the first time.
I think Blade made it.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: DynaE on May 25, 2017, 05:44:13 PM
HiTech,
Looking at the response of the community and from what you have expressed,you certainly must be looking at all avenues.There are quite a few talented and capable people here in this community that by playing this game, knowing this game,could do a 1min.or less video.
Maybe I should challenge this talented group to make a video, and then submit that to Aces.I know that I will be flamed for this idea,easy for me to say,so be it,flame on. Do the video.Shoot,Lusche already volunteered to hum the background music.I certainly dont know all the details surrounding the topic of this post,time constraints,money,etc.,etc.So if you can set some parameters for the videos,see what happens,if its not good enough,ok we all just want the best,we will go from there.
I've said way to much,so I will quit now,just my two cents.
All the best Dyna
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: hitech on May 25, 2017, 05:50:29 PM
Yep and some gameplay changes would be welcome also, like rolling plane set, a real life map (europe seems like the best theatre), war 1939-1945 and 2 sides, axis vs allies
-1
Keep the 3 countries as is.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vraciu on May 25, 2017, 08:59:51 PM
With 600 player in the arena there is no dilution even on the large maps.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: gflyer on May 25, 2017, 09:52:43 PM
Our squadron has a guy that likes making films, will see if he is willing.
On another note, Warbirds is still going if you want rolling plane sets and two sided wars. With that you will have 12 of your closest friends to fight with on a busy night. And Bill is great about updating the game about once a year to change the splash screen. Oh and I think they brought EZ mode back on an attempt to gain new players.
AH is following the path that Warbirds has already walked (Free play, Steam etc.) and WBs failed. My hope - and belief is that the crew at AH can actually pull it off. They actually seem to care about the product and it shows.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: BoilerDown on May 25, 2017, 10:00:36 PM
Added my vote, yes.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vraciu on May 25, 2017, 10:21:09 PM
With 600 player in the arena there is no dilution even on the large maps.
How many players do we have in the arena?
Rhetorical question. We both know it isn't 600.
50 players split three ways = YAWN.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: AceHavok on May 25, 2017, 10:22:54 PM
I'm voting yes as I type this. If this ends up on steam, I will most certainly be re-subscribing. :aok
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: gflyer on May 25, 2017, 11:00:14 PM
Quantity of players is only real solution to the Yawn. With quantity you will have enough people that will want to fight. Warbirds for the last two years was spent chasing the fight. Soon as a challenge developed the enemy would just up as far away as possible to take the next undefended bases. Two sides didn't change the game play.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vraciu on May 25, 2017, 11:22:02 PM
Quantity of players is only real solution to the Yawn. With quantity you will have enough people that will want to fight. Warbirds for the last two years was spent chasing the fight. Soon as a challenge developed the enemy would just up as far away as possible to take the next undefended bases. Two sides didn't change the game play.
You won't get quantity if noobs check on and see a three-sided contest with no fight to speak of.
And if they see the Buzzkill map? Forget it. DISASTER.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: cav58d on May 25, 2017, 11:24:06 PM
Must. Pork. Strats with GV.
Must. Resuppy. Town with M3
Aces High 3 in a nutshell.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Kingpin on May 26, 2017, 12:35:01 AM
I'd contact this player and ask for permission to post or use this or another one of his AH III game play videos. This one is a 1v1 in the clouds and it looks pretty good.
Personally, I like the engine noise, but if you get permission to use it, or get the original file, perhaps you could get one of the volunteers in here to add dramatic music to it to make it more "cinematic".
The only "drawbacks" of this video in my opinion are 1) it only shows one fight, but it is realistic AH gameplay and 2) the HUD is on, which I personally think detracts from the historical nature of the game genre (note the video's comments section on YouTube has similar comments). That said, anything showing air combat and actual game-play from a first person perspective would be far better to the current commercial.
<S>
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on May 26, 2017, 02:11:19 AM
I wonder what are the current numbers and how many more are needed for the game to be green lit? Judging by the comments on steam page game is already popular, because other indie 'green lit' titles don't even have 30 comments.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: JunkyII on May 26, 2017, 02:14:15 AM
The video should be shot in the best quality the game has to offer and with zero cinematics because the game itself has zero cinematics.
It should also incorporate land sea and air because that is your domain on steam Hitech...not sure if you looked yet but you have the middle ground of War Thunder(MMO), IL2(Flight Model), World of Tanks(GVs) and that war ship game(BG/CV)....the guys who want all of those things are the ones you should be hunting for....which Im sure you already know.
Some will say Im crazy for saying this but the fact that Aces High has built in spectator and match play makes this game have a huge potential on steam....Esports potential...like Dreamhack 2019 potential, a championship being streamed in front of nearly 100K people....
I'm betting on a winner just like Rick Flair....I wager casting rights if Aces High gets that big like I think it can. :aok
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: TWCAxew on May 26, 2017, 02:34:24 AM
Voted yes ofc.
<S> DutchVII
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Kanth on May 26, 2017, 10:20:01 AM
If anyone hasn't seen this, it looks like Cheech did a nifty film editing tutorial. I don't know how to use the shot tool so this might help others as well.
I understand the Film Viewer and tool maybe a little different than 2011 but hopefully still helpful in understanding the different views and concepts.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: salt101 on May 26, 2017, 01:21:27 PM
One thing that needs to be considered if the game goes on steam is the amount of players may explode to well over current arena limits. A game I play the most current called Elite Dangerous is far from the most popular game but it still has 11k-5k active players at any given time on steam ALONE, not counting off steam players. Iv seen it peak over 30k several times. Once AH goes on steam your server might get overwhelmed very quickly if you suddenly find yourself with 30000+ new sign ups.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: PanosGR on May 26, 2017, 01:38:17 PM
Voted for more realistic engine management (asxeto) :noid
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vraciu on May 26, 2017, 01:45:52 PM
Voted for more realistic engine management (asxeto) :noid
No. No. No.
Keyboards are a poor substitute for a throttle quadrant and various other levers used to manage an engine. It's fine like it is.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: lunatic1 on May 26, 2017, 01:56:28 PM
whoa whoa whoa horsey, HiTech hasen't made up his mind to go with Steam yet, and here you'all are saying I want this I want that, he should do this or he should do that. why don't you all just wait and see what happens.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: oboe on May 26, 2017, 02:14:39 PM
If anyone hasn't seen this, it looks like Cheech did a nifty film editing tutorial. I don't know how to use the shot tool so this might help others as well.
I understand the Film Viewer and tool maybe a little different than 2011 but hopefully still helpful in understanding the different views and concepts.
One thing that needs to be considered if the game goes on steam is the amount of players may explode to well over current arena limits. A game I play the most current called Elite Dangerous is far from the most popular game but it still has 11k-5k active players at any given time on steam ALONE, not counting off steam players. Iv seen it peak over 30k several times. Once AH goes on steam your server might get overwhelmed very quickly if you suddenly find yourself with 30000+ new sign ups.
This is totally illusory. The conditions aren't even remotely comparable between those two games. Elite had a way older legacy than AH. Old gamers had been waiting for a resurrection for many years. It had big media coverage. A big publicity campaign. A kickstarter campaign which brought 1.5 Million Ł. A high profile CEO. And so on.
For comparison, AH's twitter announcement about Steam Greenlight has by now been retweeted 4(!) times... Just putting AH on steam doesn't suddenly give you "30000+ new sign ups"
But IF it really did, I will eat my words and volunteer for extended TA service in the EURO time window (though unofficially, this time). :old:
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: AAIK on May 26, 2017, 02:18:04 PM
This is totally illusory. The conditions aren't even remotely comparable between those two games. Elite had a way older legacy than AH. Old gamers had been waiting for a resurrection for many years. It had big media coverage. A big publicity campaign. A kickstarter campaign which brought 1.5 Million Ł. A high profile CEO. And so on.
For comparison, AH's twitter announcement about Steam Greenlight has by now been retweeted 4(!) times... Just putting AH on steam doesn't suddenly give you "30000+ new sign ups"
But IF it really did, I will eat my words and volunteer for extended TA service in the EURO time window (though unofficially, this time). :old:
...and I'll rejoin the AvA to get some good setups and rolling planesets going! :aok
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Bruv119 on May 26, 2017, 04:13:10 PM
One thing that needs to be considered if the game goes on steam is the amount of players may explode to well over current arena limits. A game I play the most current called Elite Dangerous is far from the most popular game but it still has 11k-5k active players at any given time on steam ALONE, not counting off steam players. Iv seen it peak over 30k several times. Once AH goes on steam your server might get overwhelmed very quickly if you suddenly find yourself with 30000+ new sign ups.
if that happens ill fly 30 ENY German aircraft all month.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: ACE on May 26, 2017, 05:03:20 PM
Count me in for a month of sea hurricanes and C202's
:rofl
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Wolfala on May 26, 2017, 06:32:07 PM
I've been around for a long time. Like many of you I was introduced to this through the flight simulator sewing circle. I never heard of it before that. We face a generational gap problem right now. The crusty old fks that I knew (earl, dukemskt, etc) are now all dead (literally). The way I see it is we are now that generation.
If we want AH to remain viable - we need new blood. It's a simple as that. Think of this place like the airport old guys go to because they lost their wives and then will go crazy if they stay in the house. And quite frankly it does good for returning combat vets.
So it's really simple, we either increase the promotion level through other means like this or it dies.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vraciu on May 26, 2017, 06:35:34 PM
Let players play with EW rides for free after their two week trial expires. Then we will see more EW rides and eventually they'll upgrade.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: salt101 on May 27, 2017, 12:00:43 AM
This is totally illusory. The conditions aren't even remotely comparable between those two games. Elite had a way older legacy than AH. Old gamers had been waiting for a resurrection for many years. It had big media coverage. A big publicity campaign. A kickstarter campaign which brought 1.5 Million Ł. A high profile CEO. And so on.
For comparison, AH's twitter announcement about Steam Greenlight has by now been retweeted 4(!) times... Just putting AH on steam doesn't suddenly give you "30000+ new sign ups"
But IF it really did, I will eat my words and volunteer for extended TA service in the EURO time window (though unofficially, this time). :old:
That is possible but Elite has over a million registered users, I just mean 5k min are usually active even during the slow times. Steam promotes accepted games as well so I think 30000 players in a short amount of time would be quite possible. It just might make it similar to AOL in the 90s.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: FLOOB on May 27, 2017, 12:10:23 AM
What did steam do for warbirds? Did the population explode? Because ah and wb are for all practical purposes the same game.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on May 27, 2017, 01:21:41 AM
Steam promotes accepted games as well so I think 30000 players in a short amount of time would be quite possible. It just might make it similar to AOL in the 90s.
Yes i think the biggest promotion would be if Steam made Aces High front page news on the store when they green lit it...... this means 135 million players would instantly see Aces High
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vraciu on May 27, 2017, 01:56:14 AM
Yes i think the biggest promotion would be if Steam made Aces High front page news on the store when they green lit it...... this means 135 million players would instantly see Aces High
Two weeks free, EW rides free after that.
Bring on the baby seals!
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: FLOOB on May 27, 2017, 02:57:46 AM
Not early war planes, the most fun part of the game. Instead, allow things that need to be done for the war effort, but are not much fun. This leaves more time for fun things for paying players, without causing a bad concience of not helping the war effort - it wouldn't be needed when there's masses of non-paying players doing the boring jobs. C47, M3, Fiesler, manned guns (aircraft and fields).
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vraciu on May 27, 2017, 03:35:55 AM
Not early war planes, the most fun part of the game. Instead, allow things that need to be done for the war effort, but are not much fun. This leaves more time for fun things for paying players, without causing a bad concience of not helping the war effort - it wouldn't be needed when there's masses of non-paying players doing the boring jobs. C47, M3, Fiesler, manned guns (aircraft and fields).
If it is not much fun then why pay for it?
Not a good idea, my friend.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on May 27, 2017, 05:18:35 AM
Any news what are the current numbers on greenlight ?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nrshida on May 27, 2017, 05:26:32 AM
Any news what are the current numbers on greenlight ?
HTC, make Nugetx the CEO of publicity, marketing and new player generation, stat. He's got a lot of energy! :banana:
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: gflyer on May 27, 2017, 08:40:05 AM
Free rides, steam .. all done by WBs. When WBs went to steam there was no great influx, as I recall people did join and soon left after they saw the game play and graphics. The free ride thing doesn't make people want to stick around or upgrade. Haven't heard an original thought on here that WBs hasn't already tried.
My guess is the subscription based pricing scares people off - easy to ask mom to buy a new game on the credit card at one time cost than it is to tell her you are getting charged 15 bucks a month. WBs also didn't do a good job of promotion. Small teams don't have much in way of marketing savvy. Last, the learning curve is very steep, if you came into a game to try it out, saw iffy eye candy, poor gameplay, 10 minutes between action, you sure wouldn't stick around for countless hours to master it. Just move on to the next cool game to try out.
Still hoping for a great outcome just hope lessons are learned and not repeated.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: JOACH1M on May 27, 2017, 09:12:39 AM
One thing that needs to be considered if the game goes on steam is the amount of players may explode to well over current arena limits. A game I play the most current called Elite Dangerous is far from the most popular game but it still has 11k-5k active players at any given time on steam ALONE, not counting off steam players. Iv seen it peak over 30k several times. Once AH goes on steam your server might get overwhelmed very quickly if you suddenly find yourself with 30000+ new sign ups.
if this happened to AH I'd be out of this world happy
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on May 27, 2017, 09:21:06 AM
My guess is the subscription based pricing scares people off - easy to ask mom to buy a new game on the credit card at one time cost than it is to tell her you are getting charged 15 bucks a month.
That's where steam comes in, those without credit card can buy a voucher for cash and pay with it on steam.
Quote
Small teams don't have much in way of marketing savvy
That's where we come in, if everyone one of us can bring 1 more person, the numbers will double.
Quote
saw iffy eye candy,
Today there is a trend for games with 'old' graphics, see minecraft or other pixel wonders like 'Terraria'. Graphics are not the problem.
Quote
poor gameplay,
:headscratch:
Quote
10 minutes between action, you sure wouldn't stick around for countless hours to master it.
With more people the action is faster, but flight sims in general are for more patient people, you can't do anything about it.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: gflyer on May 27, 2017, 09:31:15 AM
The Warbirds forums are available for anyone to read, they did archive the old ones because of how bad it got but there is still a link available to them. There is even a discussion on "retro graphics" being a selling point.
Anyone that wants to see history repeat itself should take a gander, can be educational and somewhat entertaining.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on May 27, 2017, 09:33:23 AM
The Warbirds forums are available for anyone to read, they did archive the old ones because of how bad it got but there is still a link available to them. There is even a discussion on "retro graphics" being a selling point.
Anyone that wants to see history repeat itself should take a gander, can be educational and somewhat entertaining.
I doubt AH will have the same fate..... look at warbirds steam page, there are 5 review comments....... AH is not even out on steam yet and there are 69 comments on the greenlight page
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: gflyer on May 27, 2017, 09:54:49 AM
Disregard on the old forum, it's locked unless you were previously a member. Unfortunate.
Optimism is a great thing. Nuget was your name in WBs too yes?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on May 27, 2017, 10:03:23 AM
If EW rides are free at least that won't scare everyone averse to subscriptions away. You'll hook some who will pay. The rest are targets.
I don't know if HTC is planning anything on gameplay changes with steam...... but if they are, when the game goes to steam it is the best time to do them, there are plenty of good ideas on the forum to help with the changes.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: stabbyy on May 28, 2017, 09:31:29 AM
If EW rides are free at least that won't scare everyone averse to subscriptions away. You'll hook some who will pay. The rest are targets.
and then AH will get flagged as a "P2W"(pay to win) game amongst steam and many other game communities this would be a very bad choice as this can quickly result in a dead game as many.. other companies have learned not to mention the comments that would be posted on steam would quickly turn people away and also not leave "hitech creations" as a company name in good standing with a few communities as they would associate it with being unfair and all about money.. which.. they are neither
as well the same with the "the rest are targets" logic.. so you want new people to be in slow targets for all the la-7 "ho tards" the P51 "runstangs" and your general high alt pick tards and spits and the invincible yak 3(just a guess no one has chosen to fly anything else yet) not to mention most.. EW planes can hardly catch up to set of buffs(this was a problem EW) so.. bringing new guys in purely as fodder to convince them to pay.. brilliant(though i think this is what got us in this current situation) lets repeat!...not really... this.. is what drives people away from a game(key word) not simulation(also this game would be classed as a MOBA"massive online battle arena")
reality is subscription wont scare people off it never has with a subscription people get guarantees vs games that are "Free to play" that are currently struggling from key things.. like support,bug fixes,new content,server maintenance and performance, in that same aspect a lot of new games are going the subscription based route so they have a steady income to be able to provide the above better
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: hitech on May 28, 2017, 10:00:27 AM
Many of you seem to miss that match play, and user created arenas are completely free. Hitech
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: The Fugitive on May 28, 2017, 10:07:25 AM
(...) user created arenas are completely free. Hitech
I'd say 'almost free', as it takes a paying user to create one. And there is never one up when I check the arenas, so my unpaid account could hardly use this 'free feature'.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nrshida on May 28, 2017, 10:45:29 AM
I'd say 'almost free', as it takes a paying user to create one. And there is never one up when I check the arenas, so my unpaid account could hardly use this 'free feature'.
Same here, otherwise I'd be running a CET ACM-session :banana:
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: DmonSlyr on May 28, 2017, 11:17:36 AM
The steal the sheep map would be a great FFA map. Maybe add a couple more bases. Small maps like this might attract players in the F2P area. I wish AVA was like that. Small, simple, playable. All of the tank bases are just too much, you can roll a tank from the air bases just as easily. I think the biggest reason why AvA hasn't gained traction is becuase of too much focus on Tanks, and still too big a map for the amount of players that normally check it out.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: hitech on May 28, 2017, 11:43:19 AM
I'd say 'almost free', as it takes a paying user to create one. And there is never one up when I check the arenas, so my unpaid account could hardly use this 'free feature'.
I don't believe that is true any longer. At least I meant to change that, but would have been only a few minutes work so I can not 100% say i did, or only looked.
HiTech
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Lusche on May 28, 2017, 11:50:04 AM
I don't believe that is true any longer. At least I meant to change that, but would have been only a few minutes work so I can not 100% say i did, or only looked.
I tested it just before I wrote above post to make sure I'm not going to embarrass myself :D
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: lunatic1 on May 28, 2017, 12:10:08 PM
I'd say 'almost free', as it takes a paying user to create one. And there is never one up when I check the arenas, so my unpaid account could hardly use this 'free feature'.
cant you pm cybro from the lobby and get him to set one up?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Lusche on May 28, 2017, 02:58:46 PM
cant you pm cybro from the lobby and get him to set one up?
No idea if he would actually answer me :headscratch:
But it wasn't about me - it was about new players looking for a free feature. I was just testing if they could actually use the custom arena feature. Personally, I have no interest in such things. For me it's MA or none. :old:
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vraciu on May 28, 2017, 03:28:02 PM
Many of you seem to miss that match play, and user created arenas are completely free. Hitech
They're also empty.
You need to drive a critical mass to them if it is going to attract much attention. Hopefully Steam will do that. But your jewel is obviously still the OMA.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: guncrasher on May 28, 2017, 04:29:10 PM
think somebody hacked into my acccount. you quoting a post I never posted.
Swines! :rofl :aok
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: JVboob on May 28, 2017, 05:32:02 PM
I want to say that this is awesome! Seeing everybody pitch in like a team!!! I <3 you all even though we havent accomplished anything WE'RE trying though and that say a lot. :rock :rock :rock :rock :x :x :x :x :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :banana: :salute
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Gray on May 28, 2017, 09:16:13 PM
Looks like the geezers will have to stick together. I'll be back. Soon. :airplane: :salute. Gray
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on May 29, 2017, 12:59:59 AM
I wonder how more for green lit ?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Volron on May 29, 2017, 10:22:29 AM
Celsius Studios, creators of recently Greenlit game Drifter, posted some insight into the topic in a recent blog post. Among the myriad of other useful information listed in the post, the studio points out that, by their measures, approximately 16,000-17,000 votes are needed to crack the top 100, and 50,000 are needed to reach the top ten.
"The post also points out that the top 50 games only have a 60:40 ratio of yes-to-no votes. After doing a few simple calculations, it appears that about 28,000 total votes will be necessary for a good game to be accepted onto Steam."
Roughly 28,000 votes, but at least 16,000.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: gflyer on May 29, 2017, 10:32:32 AM
There is no way Warbirds got that many votes and they are on steam. Something doesn't seem quite right, unless they got that many votes and only a few actually showed up to play.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Volron on May 29, 2017, 11:37:44 AM
It's not "set it stone", but it DOES greatly increase the chance of being green lit. :)
What I meant is for AH to have a very high chance of being green lit, it would want at least 16,000 votes. 28,000 and up would give it the highest chance.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on May 29, 2017, 05:14:45 PM
I doubt some of those 2d scrollers with 20 comments that got green lit got 16,000 votes lol
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: BowHTR on May 29, 2017, 05:21:46 PM
I doubt some of those 2d scrollers with 20 comments that got green lit got 16,000 votes lol
As well as Grass Simulator 2014
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ack-Ack on May 29, 2017, 08:01:56 PM
Part of the problem that legitimate developers have with Greenlight on Steam is the inconsistency of the approval process.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: TheChief on May 30, 2017, 12:18:42 PM
It takes forever to log on and play a game in Steam. You have too many entry barriers and that is why I don't enjoy playing there. You cannot just respawn like we do in AH3. The download for War Thunder there was like 20 gigs for Steam and there was no effective interface for mapping controllers and keyboards. The game felt much different than AH3 and with external views and gun sights more like a cheap arcade game.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Lusche on May 30, 2017, 12:21:28 PM
The download for War Thunder there was like 20 gigs for Steam and there was no effective interface for mapping controllers and keyboards. The game felt much different than AH3 and with external views and gun sights more like a cheap arcade game.
Because it IS a different game. And steam has nothing to do with that. Steam would be just another kind of gateway, a different door to enter AH. It would not impact respawns or anything. Absolutely the same gameplay.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: EskimoJoe on May 30, 2017, 12:26:57 PM
Because it IS a different game. And steam has nothing to do with that. Steam would be just another kind of gateway, a different door to enter AH. It would not impact respawns or anything. Absolutely the same gameplay.
This is true.
If you think War Thunder had a terrible interface, you should have tried to play it on a PlayStation 4 using the touch pad as a crude mouse. It was awful. Different game, though.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Delirium on May 30, 2017, 12:54:07 PM
It takes forever to log on and play a game in Steam. You have too many entry barriers and that is why I don't enjoy playing there. You cannot just respawn like we do in AH3. The download for War Thunder there was like 20 gigs for Steam and there was no effective interface for mapping controllers and keyboards. The game felt much different than AH3 and with external views and gun sights more like a cheap arcade game.
Having just tested it, it takes just over 9 seconds to launch an online game with a shortcut on the desktop and that is with Steam not currently running on my PC. Not sure why it takes you so long to get through Steam.
Aces High won't change, some will log in through Steam and some won't. It should not change any of the settings for the game, nor will it change anything but the community through new blood (you can decide if that is good or bad).
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vraciu on May 30, 2017, 12:57:59 PM
Having just tested it, it takes just over 9 seconds to launch an online game with a shortcut on the desktop and that is with Steam not currently running on my PC. Not sure why it takes you so long to get through Steam.
Aces High won't change, some will log in through Steam and some won't. It should not change any of the settings for the game, nor will it change anything but the community through new blood (you can decide if that is good or bad).
It will be a statistical bell curve. Some new players will be bad. Some will be great. Most will be average/acceptable. But if numbers increase there is really no downside overall.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Delirium on May 30, 2017, 12:58:25 PM
One of the things that Aces High lacks is the near absence of treadmill like activities. I personally don't care for them, but having in game things to work towards tends to keep the masses busy and happy provided it is not too tedious. The achievements help this limitation, but more is needed to maintain the younger generation that has too much time on their hands.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: bozon on May 30, 2017, 01:04:45 PM
I am trying to reach 25,000 perks. I'll finally be able to fly a Mirage IIIc!
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Wiley on May 30, 2017, 01:13:18 PM
If I knew nothing of AH, this would read as if there was a busy, well populated AH2, a switch to AH 3 and all of a sudden most of the players are gone.
This is far from reality. The 600+ days were gone for years already before AH3 even went into alpha. There never was any sudden decline, specifically not after going to AH3. That the numbers now are as they are (and making the gameplay options extremely limited for many of us) ain't a direct result of AH3.
My thoughts exactly. AH III hardly takes a gaming computer. This game is easy on the computer. It might run rough on a 10 year old machine that has not been upgraded any. If you run an ancient machine it is time to update some. If it was cutting edge 10 years a go then it will not run as well as a 300 dollar machine today.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Lusche on May 30, 2017, 02:20:34 PM
It might run rough on a 10 year old machine that has not been upgraded any.
I have an old I3-2120 (LGA 1155), which was a low-middle class CPU even 8 years ago. My GPU is a more recent but budget one, a GTX 950. Removing some eye candy I had no trouble holding 60fps in most situations.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: LocoMoto on May 30, 2017, 08:56:24 PM
Steam is a tricky and dangerous thing to consider if your not ready for the huge influx of potential players that comes with it. I can promise it will be the death of Hitechcreations as we have all known it. Whether that is a good thing or not will entirely be up to HiTech. It will force Dale to expand tremendously if it takes off the way it should. The shear man power alone to control that kind of chaos will break the small company setup that exists today. Thing is this product deserves the opportunity. So does its owner and employees :salute
Only HiTech knows whether its make or break time for Aces High. I trust he will make the right decision and will have his back regardless of whatever he decides. You know why?
Because this is the best damn combat flight sim in the world. No matter how frustrated I have got over the years its his game, its still going, and im just a paying customer along for the ride.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vraciu on May 30, 2017, 09:01:37 PM
Steam is a tricky and dangerous thing to consider if your not ready for the huge influx of potential players that comes with it. I can promise it will be the death of Hitechcreations as we have all known it. Whether that is a good thing or not will entirely be up to HiTech. It will force Dale to expand tremendously if it takes off the way it should. The shear man power alone to control that kind of chaos will break the small company setup that exists today. Thing is this product deserves the opportunity. So does its owner and employees :salute
Only HiTech knows whether its make or break time for Aces High. I trust he will make the right decision and will have his back regardless of whatever he decides. You know why?
Because this is the best damn combat flight sim in the world. No matter how frustrated I have got over the years its his game, its still going, and im just a paying customer along for the ride.
You're suggesting we will be deluged with new players. Oh to have that as our biggest problem. Yes please.
If he hires the right people to manage such an event things will be fine. I'm not worried. This is still a niche game with a steep learning curve. Managing the influx--if it happens--will be doable. We're not talking "Call of Duty: Black Ops" numbers here.
My hope is a return to something approximating max numbers for one arena with a sustainable churn rate to keep it viable for another decade or two. If we get HALF that it will be a base hit. Batter up!
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: The Fugitive on May 30, 2017, 09:10:40 PM
Steam is a tricky and dangerous thing to consider if your not ready for the huge influx of potential players that comes with it. I can promise it will be the death of Hitechcreations as we have all known it. Whether that is a good thing or not will entirely be up to HiTech. It will force Dale to expand tremendously if it takes off the way it should. The shear man power alone to control that kind of chaos will break the small company setup that exists today. Thing is this product deserves the opportunity. So does its owner and employees :salute
Only HiTech knows whether its make or break time for Aces High. I trust he will make the right decision and will have his back regardless of whatever he decides. You know why?
Because this is the best damn combat flight sim in the world. No matter how frustrated I have got over the years its his game, its still going, and im just a paying customer along for the ride.
Im not sure that we will see this huge influx of people, tho I do hope so. HTC has proven they can handle large numbers of players, as well as large fluctuations of numbers. Back in the hey day we had 600+ players login in on week nights, and I hear we hit over 1000 a few times on the weekends. These numbers fluctuated pretty heavily from US prime to Euro prime time and HTC added a way to drop from 2 large arenas, to a single arena to keep that magic number of players in an arena to make it viable.
Adding 2,3, or 4 arenas wouldn't be a chore, and even having the ability to drop it down in the less populated times is a plus. I have a lot of confidence in HTC's ability to adapt.
oh and btw, Who are you?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Spikes on May 30, 2017, 09:16:52 PM
My thoughts exactly. AH III hardly takes a gaming computer. This game is easy on the computer. It might run rough on a 10 year old machine that has not been upgraded any. If you run an ancient machine it is time to update some. If it was cutting edge 10 years a go then it will not run as well as a 300 dollar machine today.
Yep, they have done quite well catering to the "masses" if you will. When AH3 went into alpha/beta there were many posts saying how people couldn't play anymore, but it really doesn't take much. Not only that, but PC parts are fairly cheap and a decent system can be had for as little as the price of a console with a bit of planning and execution.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vraciu on May 30, 2017, 09:17:23 PM
Im not sure that we will see this huge influx of people, tho I do hope so. HTC has proven they can handle large numbers of players, as well as large fluctuations of numbers. Back in the hey day we had 600+ players login in on week nights, and I hear we hit over 1000 a few times on the weekends. These numbers fluctuated pretty heavily from US prime to Euro prime time and HTC added a way to drop from 2 large arenas, to a single arena to keep that magic number of players in an arena to make it viable.
Adding 2,3, or 4 arenas wouldn't be a chore, and even having the ability to drop it down in the less populated times is a plus. I have a lot of confidence in HTC's ability to adapt.
oh and btw, Who are you?
Who are you? Why is this always a question? Are you attempting delegitimization of his comment?
Who he is isn't relevant. Agree or disagree and leave it there.
Focus on what he says not who he is. :salute
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: BaronVonDeath on May 30, 2017, 09:34:18 PM
Unless your thinking of retiring or maybe profiting (which is good, good luck) DON'T do it. Air Warrior was ruined and failed when EA took over. I fear the same for this game. It's not a modern days kids game. To slow and boring for them, they want fast spawn to action, and kill zombies, they don't like WWII (if they even know anything about it!) Hell, I'd like faster spawn areas but I understand the tactics. They want the respawn where you last died spots. Whatever you decide, good luck in your venture.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: JimmyC on May 31, 2017, 12:42:09 AM
I have full faith in the upper management.. No such thing as problems..only solutions Good luck with it all.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on May 31, 2017, 04:11:50 AM
waiting patiently
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Delirium on May 31, 2017, 09:01:37 AM
Why do people insist on making a game everything to everyone?
The beauty of this game is we all get access to the same equipment in game to work with.
Ok, I will be blunt. There is a cycle seen repeatedly in Aces High and most of us fit that mold.
New to AH: Everything is new and great, taking part in missions in the MA. Experienced: Starting to get the hang of this, attempts to perfect base taking. This player begins to understand concepts in the virtual air. Veteran: Realizing that base taking is boring after a while, the vet takes part in more dueling and events. Old stick: Compares the current day Aces High to the "good old days" when everyone took part in the game the way you remember. At this point the old stick either gives back to the community or does nothing but complain about it. Sunset stick: Moving on to other games, or flies much less skipping months at a time.
Personally, I don't like the treadmill but the longer the game can keep the interest of subscribers, the bigger the online population and revenue for HTC. Even if it causes them to stay 2-3 months longer it would be worth the investment.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: The Fugitive on May 31, 2017, 09:13:12 AM
Who are you? Why is this always a question? Are you attempting delegitimization of his comment?
Who he is isn't relevant. Agree or disagree and leave it there.
Focus on what he says not who he is. :salute
Because there are a number of trolls on these boards as well as in the game. Many of them you couldn't pay me to believe what they say/post. I would hate to see what these guys who hide behind an alise have their posts taken as gospel.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: hitech on May 31, 2017, 09:37:11 AM
Even if it causes them to stay 2-3 months longer it would be worth the investment.
That all depends on the size of the investment, in both time of implementation, what else could be created in stead, and making sure the change does not adversely effect the people in the first 3 categories.
HiTech
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Delirium on May 31, 2017, 10:05:22 AM
That all depends on the size of the investment, in both time of implementation, what else could be created in stead, and making sure the change does not adversely effect the people in the first 3 categories.
HiTech
That is why I made no suggestions as what to implement. I do not own a gaming company and have no experience with this business. I do have experience as a player, and that is all I base my opinion on.
If I had to suggest something, have you considered allowing players to build stockpiles or even refineries? They would have an impact on the game, but not catastrophic enough to change gameplay globally.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: save on May 31, 2017, 10:29:01 AM
if the cash flow get big enough, maybe hire a 3d modeller to speed up implementation of old and new models / variants.
That's how War thunder tanks try to keep, and attract new players.
I understand it's more complicated than that, but offloading some work can't be all that bad.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Wiley on May 31, 2017, 10:55:07 AM
Ok, I will be blunt. There is a cycle seen repeatedly in Aces High and most of us fit that mold.
Personally, I don't like the treadmill but the longer the game can keep the interest of subscribers, the bigger the online population and revenue for HTC. Even if it causes them to stay 2-3 months longer it would be worth the investment.
I agree with your list of the stages. I'm somewhere between the last two, especially with the low number of planes I see in the air when I log in.
There's really only 2 ways I could see implementing a treadmill. Grinding for planes (which would likely cause a current player mass exodus) or grinding for cosmetics. Personally I think it would rub the vast majority of longtime players wrong, although there aren't THAT many of them still around and it might bring in more than they'd lose. Historical skins be damned, they want their personalized purple planes.
The flipside to that coin is the kind of gamer who'd come in and want to get all the things they can grind for, once they've gotten all the things they either sit around and demand new content to grind for, or they leave. At the rate HTC turns out new content, they'd leave.
Wiley.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Delirium on May 31, 2017, 10:59:49 AM
There's really only 2 ways I could see implementing a treadmill. Grinding for planes (which would likely cause a current player mass exodus) or grinding for cosmetics. Personally I think it would rub the vast majority of longtime players wrong, although there aren't THAT many of them still around and it might bring in more than they'd lose. Historical skins be damned, they want their personalized purple planes.
As I suggested, you can grind to create as well. I suggested stockpiles and maybe factories, but they could gain token to repair hangers faster and so on.
The flipside to that coin is the kind of gamer who'd come in and want to get all the things they can grind for, once they've gotten all the things they either sit around and demand new content to grind for, or they leave. At the rate HTC turns out new content, they'd leave.
That's the beauty of it, when people have done the treadmill, they are much less apt to cancel their accounts and delete their effort. Heck, I have already heard that from players in AH that don't want to lose their achievements. Right now, the game is so relaxed that you can come and go without missing anything. I personally don't like grinding games, but it appeals to some. This is one of the reasons I was so disappointed with the Combat Theater being shelved as it could have addressed this need.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Traveler on May 31, 2017, 02:23:47 PM
War Birds and IL2 are already on Steam for a while now, looking at the Reviews provides mixed results. Wall Street Journal online again is mixed not much of a performance stock wise for the companies owning the code.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: ccvi on May 31, 2017, 02:28:17 PM
Adding 2,3, or 4 arenas wouldn't be a chore, and even having the ability to drop it down in the less populated times is a plus. I have a lot of confidence in HTC's ability to adapt.
Cycling areans sounds interesting, not only to handle different numbers of players, but to offer persistence for the individual player. For example, if different areans are up for ~4 hours a time, and continue to run every day at the same time, one could schedule personal game times to an arean, and don't suffer from what the nightshift usually failes to do. In-game time could run as fast as needed to run one day (SR to SS or civil twilight) through the daily up-time of an arena.
Like a daily mini-scenario. Get organized, and make the best of the time available, or try again on another day.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Wiley on May 31, 2017, 02:31:16 PM
As I suggested, you can grind to create as well. I suggested stockpiles and maybe factories, but they could gain token to repair hangers faster and so on.
Ah. Apologies. Missed that. I suppose so. Not quite sure how I feel about it, but I get what you're saying.
Quote
That's the beauty of it, when people have done the treadmill, they are much less apt to cancel their accounts and delete their effort. Heck, I have already heard that from players in AH that don't want to lose their achievements.
Could be. I don't know how much pressure that feeling would apply in here. Certainly for some people that might be the case, but I don't know what percentage. I know in World of Warcraft we used to see people sitting at highly populated areas posing with their stuff all the time. Waitaminute... Possible explanation for Cybro?! Force of habit from other games? :O
Wiley.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Wraith_TMS on May 31, 2017, 07:19:30 PM
Respectful suggestion... please remove the AH III "commercial" video that is presently on the HTC Greenlight page and substitute it with this one for the new Wildcats:
Even though it's not a true game trailer, IMO, the video for the incoming new Wildcats is more compelling and representative of the game (and how it is being continuously updated); it is technically better made, and ultimately, I think it creates more excitement for AH III than what is currently on the Greenlight page.
:salute FWIW,
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: MWL on May 31, 2017, 08:08:50 PM
That is good. I got goose bumps . . .
Once I move into my new house, get my Track IR back on line, I (in the words of the evile terminator) will be back . . . . :banana:
Regards,
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Wiley on May 31, 2017, 08:36:57 PM
Respectful suggestion... please remove the AH III "commercial" video that is presently on the HTC Greenlight page and substitute it with this one for the new Wildcats:
Even though it's not a true game trailer, IMO, the video for the incoming new Wildcats is more compelling and representative of the game (and how it is being continuously updated); it is technically better made, and ultimately, I think it creates more excitement for AH III than what is currently on the Greenlight page.
:salute FWIW,
I concur. Looks great too.
Wiley.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Kanth on May 31, 2017, 08:44:55 PM
+1 that short video was good quality and a nice representative of the actual in game look.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Karnak on May 31, 2017, 09:49:05 PM
Yes, put the Wildcats are coming video on Steam.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 01, 2017, 12:43:36 AM
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 01, 2017, 04:19:47 AM
Quote
Grinding for planes (which would likely cause a current player mass exodus) or grinding for cosmetics. Personally I think it would rub the vast majority of longtime players wrong, although there aren't THAT many of them still around and it might bring in more than they'd lose.
That's why there needs to be a solution to satisfy many players.
There are people who want
1) All planes unlocked 2) RPS 3) Ability to fly their 'favourite plane' 4) Grind 5) No Grind
It's hard to combine all those things because they are contradicting each other.
A possible solution is:
RPS (for those that want RPS) + perks in one here is an example, as they say 1 picture is worth thousand words:
(http://i.imgur.com/SFQvWJ6.jpg)
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: SirNuke on June 01, 2017, 05:54:30 AM
+1 on the wildcat video it's great!
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Wiley on June 01, 2017, 09:50:13 AM
When things are mutually exclusive, replace "hard" with "impossible".
No really guys! This time the RPS will work! Really!
Wiley.
So what do you propose? Surely you see the numbers are dwindling
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Shuffler on June 01, 2017, 10:37:12 AM
You have to admit, unless we can stop the failing of the past several years, our greatgrandkids will be watching the hit series "Ow My Balls" on network TV.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 01, 2017, 10:46:10 AM
You have to admit, unless we can stop the failing of the past several years, our greatgrandkids will be watching the hit series "Ow My Balls" on network TV.
:rofl
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Wiley on June 01, 2017, 11:52:06 AM
So what do you propose? Surely you see the numbers are dwindling
If it were my game, the first thing I'd do is update all the AH1 models, priority 1.
Then, I would implement a graduated damage model so the part doesn't work factory fresh when it's been hit 19 times, then completely fail on bullet 20. If I understand the system right, the information's available, they've just chosen not to use it this way in the current model. Damage would also affect how much G force you could apply to the plane. Damaged wing, best not pull too hard.
I'd also consider reworking the damage model to add more things to break in the vehicle, stuff like control surface cables, possibly the ability to detonate ammo boxes, things of that nature. Maybe twice as many "zones" of damage, as an example maybe have the current wing bits able to break in half.
I'd also consider changing the map system to allow for overhangs. I've often wanted to build a map that looked like the Badlands with all the funky rock formations.
I'd also hire someone to produce maps, or put out the word that we were willing to pay for maps. Not "if you send us some POS we'll buy it" but "if we like it, we'll buy it".
As far as the actual "game" of the Melee arena, nerf resupply and make a run at incentivizing aggressive behavior. More score/perks if you died with more guys getting assists on you, or something along those lines. Time between kills factoring into points/perks... Not entirely sure how I'd go about it, but possibly have the game detect when you've done something good like a BRD and killed the guy that came in from advantage.
Keeping the game as-is, that's where I'd stop.
If I wanted to really make it popular, I'd set up a game mode that had 2 teams, 4 bases, and the first team to take one of the other side's bases wins the round. Or, have different scenarios, bomb the ships or save them. Destroy the train or save it. Sweep the enemy team from the sky. Bombers incoming, kill them before they hit the factory. Have these come in early, mid, and late war varieties. You'd queue for whichever game style you wanted, and once it had enough players the round would begin. Possibly with airstarts.
For the ADD and wannabe pro gamer crowd, 1-10 man versus deathmatch arenas, FFA every man for himself arenas, CTF, etc. Because lord knows we need to make this an ESport.
Winning would earn you points toward upgrades to your plane like 150 octane fuel, bigger guns, skins, and all the other blahblahblah that the grinders want. It would completely crush the Melee arena and the Melee arena would die, but it would be popular.
And I wouldn't play it.
Wiley.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 01, 2017, 11:57:25 AM
Quote
Winning would earn you points toward upgrades to your plane like 150 octane fuel, bigger guns, skins, and all the other blahblahblah that the grinders want. It would completely crush the Melee arena and the Melee arena would die, but it would be popular.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: bustr on June 01, 2017, 12:40:16 PM
Wiley,
For genX and genY and now some genZ, games are like the problem here in California with wine. There is so much wine available that you can drink wine all the time because of the huge market in sub $10 a bottle availability. You go to the local 7\11 or QuickiMart or Food Outlet, and they have a wine list starting at $10 down to $2.99, so very few people actually know what a good wine is like. They just know wine is always available, has alcohol often at 13-14% because of the short aging cycle with cheap wines, and the weekend is here for partying.
And in the off chance they get to taste a higher priced wine which tastes a universe of difference, unless they have the money, all they are left with is the memory. So back to the sub $10 bottles everywhere and constantly trying new cheap wines that are never going to taste like an expensive wine. In most cases all they really want and won't admit to is a cheap buzz for $2.99. So two modern and very Hip food stores here in California cater to genX-Y with well packaged but elcheapo wines. Trader Joe's started it with their in-house 2Buck-Chuk which had those hipster gens buying it by the case loads. Then Whole Foods brought out their own version to compete for the hipster market.
And then the local Food Outlet that caters to the lower income crowd has isles full of three and four year old name brand wines picked up in clearance lots at $2.99 a bottle. And where do the hipsters go for that weekend buzz? And none of them know an industry secret about table wines. By three years old they will taste like crap, at four, you may have alcoholic vinegar. So at year one through half of two, depending on the company name, they sell full price $10-15 because they only taste like a $10-15 dollar wine while the sugars are still there. Most table wine in super markets in the $10 range at the oldest is 2 years at full price. By the third year they are sale items because the clock is ticking on the sugar running out.
If the AH3 package is good from A-Z when the first Steam customers pop in for a look, it may well sell itself by it's differences from all the other games nuget wants Hitech to castrate it into.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ack-Ack on June 01, 2017, 12:40:49 PM
Thankfully, those that want a RPS system are in the minority and the majority of the players (including the creator) do not wish to have such a system for the game.
BTW- Your idea of having a RPS system coupled with perks will actually negate the entire RPS system and punish those (especially new players) that don't have the perks to spend. Bad for game play, bad for business.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Wiley on June 01, 2017, 12:46:40 PM
Bustr- Could be. I still see AH vs the F2P alternatives is similar to Planetside 2 vs Counterstrike. PS2- ~3000 people a day. Counterstrike-700k. And PS2 has the advantage of being F2P.
I want to believe there's a bunch of people on Steam that just don't know about this game and are just dying to play something like it. I think what's actually there are a bunch of people who are looking for better graphics than everything that's gone before, and will freak out because they have to use DX9 to get smooth gameplay when they want to use DX11 because DX11 is 2 numbers higher.
I'd love to be wrong. I would love to log in and see 600 people in an arena.
Wiley.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 01, 2017, 01:07:20 PM
How expanding on what is currently is castrating? I would agree with you, if I said that 20 planes should be removed and we should play on 5 meter map with 1 plane...... but i'm saying the opposite.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: oboe on June 01, 2017, 01:19:00 PM
Re: Wiley's post -
When we talk about upgrading models from AH1 to AH3 standards, there is something that often never gets mentioned - the damage graphics.
The only plane I can think of that has these graphics is the P-39, but there may be others I'm not aware of. In other planes, if a control surface is damaged, it is deleted from the shape and all you see is empty space where the part should be. But in the P-39, a graphical representation of the damaged part is used instead of empty space. Instead of nothing, you get to see twisted & torn metal, exposed rib structures, etc. Its very effective and I wish more planes had this as part of the new standard. But it wasn't included with the Ki.61. Not sure about the 110.
I do wish AH3 planes would include damaged part graphics as part of the damage model.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: bustr on June 01, 2017, 01:33:37 PM
That's not expanding, it's castrating it down to a generational expectation of $2.99 a bottle cheap buzz on demand.
And I suspect would make it easier for you to survive the over developed skill sets of a core of players who have been in this game a decade or longer. You seem inordinately focused on Hitech dumming the game down to being something like a cross between War Thunder and WWIIOnline for people with short attention spans. That would make this audience wonder if you had a bad experience at the hands of those vets during your 2 Week free trial period. Have you even played our game?? What you are encouraging Hitech to do to the game will castrate it down. It also appears like you don't believe Hitech knows what he is doing in his industry.
From the title of this post by Hitech, he did not decide to get a green light at Steam because of your wishlist post, you just happened to make a post about Steam at the same time he was thinking about Steam. And green lighting at steam appears to require a vote by registered members of steam, so it was a given members of this forum would help Hitech out if he posted about Steam. Your wish list post was never needed, just capricious.
I still wonder if you are a shade for some vet, your argument structure reminds me of a few players who drop back in and throw this up on the wall from time to time ad nauseam to let us know they are still around.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: lunatic1 on June 01, 2017, 01:57:50 PM
no Rps, leave things as they are as to planes, gvs-quit tryin to change things--AH3 isn't on Steam yet are you are already tryin to changes things
from what I read Rps's don't work-if I half to fly certain planes for a week or month whatever I will be looking for a new game. AND I DON'T THINK NEW PLAYERS WILL LIKE IT EITHER.
NO ROLLING PLANES SETS PERIOD.
ALL PLANES ARE UNLOCKED UNTIL ENY SETS IN THEN YOU SHOULD CHANGE SIDE TO ACCOMADATE ENY THERE ARE ONLY A FEW PERKED PLANES TO TRY TO AQUIRE.
I WONDER HOW MUCH STEAM IS PAYING NUGETX- because he sure sounds like a salesman before. oh and he's good, this community didn't rip into him like they did the other people tryin to get HTC to go to Steam.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Wiley on June 01, 2017, 02:01:12 PM
When we talk about upgrading models from AH1 to AH3 standards, there is something that often never gets mentioned - the damage graphics.
The only plane I can think of that has these graphics is the P-39, but there may be others I'm not aware of. In other planes, if a control surface is damaged, it is deleted from the shape and all you see is empty space where the part should be. But in the P-39, a graphical representation of the damaged part is used instead of empty space. Instead of nothing, you get to see twisted & torn metal, exposed rib structures, etc. Its very effective and I wish more planes had this as part of the new standard. But it wasn't included with the Ki.61. Not sure about the 110.
I do wish AH3 planes would include damaged part graphics as part of the damage model.
That too. Sorry, I consider that a bug. ;) Not expecting bullet decals to be in their actual impact locations, that's just way too much info going back and forth, I'm mostly concerned with behavior.
Wiley.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: AAIK on June 01, 2017, 02:05:39 PM
Opt-in RPS with perk bonus is the best idea to deal with the situation by far. Please make it so!
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Shuffler on June 01, 2017, 04:14:18 PM
Somehow I do not think we have helped HiTech in his thoughts going forward.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Brooke on June 01, 2017, 04:23:44 PM
You have to admit, unless we can stop the failing of the past several years, our greatgrandkids will be watching the hit series "Ow My Balls" on network TV.
:rofl :aok . . . :( . . . :cry . . . :pray
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ack-Ack on June 01, 2017, 05:38:03 PM
It's a terrible idea and thankfully one that we won't be seeing added to the game.
Ok, back to the topic at hand; will deal with your reply: http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,387412.0.html
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: lunatic1 on June 03, 2017, 11:51:30 AM
ok, where in the heck do I find on Steam to vote for Aces High--step by step please- and I do have an account with steam and just paid $5.00 dollars, please
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Lusche on June 03, 2017, 12:01:09 PM
ok, where in the heck do I find on Steam to vote for Aces High--step by step please- and I do have an account with steam and just paid $5.00 dollars, please
Klick on the link HiTech has provided in the very first post of this thread. It takes you to the AH Greenlight page. You will be asked somethink like "Would you buy this game if availabe".
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: lunatic1 on June 03, 2017, 01:20:13 PM
duhhh why didna I think of that. ty very much.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Drex on June 03, 2017, 06:37:48 PM
LOL at Hitech and crew having to have Aces High green lit! With it's history there should be an automatic entry and some velvet red carpet rolled out for these pioneers.
Drex
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Estes on June 03, 2017, 07:17:17 PM
LOL at Hitech and crew having to have Aces High green lit! With it's history there should be an automatic entry and some velvet red carpet rolled out for these pioneers.
Drex
Damn a drex sighting. How you been man?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Brooke on June 03, 2017, 10:19:22 PM
Klick on the link HiTech has provided in the very first post of this thread. It takes you to the AH Greenlight page. You will be asked somethink like "Would you buy this game if availabe".
It won't let you vote, though, unless you have money in the Steam system (like having bought something or have an account with at least $5 of credits in it).
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 04, 2017, 12:44:59 AM
Valve reveals Steam Direct fee
$100 fee, which will be returned if the game makes $1000.
It won't let you vote, though, unless you have money in the Steam system (like having bought something or have an account with at least $5 of credits in it).
You have to pony up money if you don't have any games registered through Steam.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: BuckShot on June 04, 2017, 07:51:43 AM
Nugetx is AAIK?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: lunatic1 on June 04, 2017, 07:55:10 AM
yesterday I paid the $5.00 and I voted yes and I even left comments.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Traveler on June 04, 2017, 09:17:55 AM
Be very careful what you wish for. Last night Saturday at 9PM EDST I went onto STEAM and checked on the numbers of the only two other WWII Air Combat Sims on STEAM. WarBirds had a total of just under 50 players, IL2, did better with 80, Aces High at that time had 151 in the main arena. Instead of perfecting shadowing on rivets and sun sets, the authors might have better spent their time improving the strategy of the game. The game is 20 years old and it’s still capture the flag. No real improvement in the road system, no improvement in the river system, no destroyable bridges, no improvement in the type of troops, no artillery. Most of the players that I knew that left the game were perfectly happy with AH2 but wanted to see an improvement in the game strategy. When AH3 was forced on them, with all the eye candy, they left
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: JimmyD3 on June 04, 2017, 09:39:44 AM
Be very careful what you wish for. Last night Saturday at 9PM EDST I went onto STEAM and checked on the numbers of the only two other WWII Air Combat Sims on STEAM. WarBirds had a total of just under 50 players, IL2, did better with 80, Aces High at that time had 151 in the main arena. Instead of perfecting shadowing on rivets and sun sets, the authors might have better spent their time improving the strategy of the game. The game is 20 years old and it’s still capture the flag. No real improvement in the road system, no improvement in the river system, no destroyable bridges, no improvement in the type of troops, no artillery. Most of the players that I knew that left the game were perfectly happy with AH2 but wanted to see an improvement in the game strategy. When AH3 was forced on them, with all the eye candy, they left
@icth @icth @icth, everyone seems to know better than Hitech how to run his business. :rofl :rofl
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Spikes on June 04, 2017, 10:05:30 AM
Be very careful what you wish for. Last night Saturday at 9PM EDST I went onto STEAM and checked on the numbers of the only two other WWII Air Combat Sims on STEAM. WarBirds had a total of just under 50 players, IL2, did better with 80, Aces High at that time had 151 in the main arena. Instead of perfecting shadowing on rivets and sun sets, the authors might have better spent their time improving the strategy of the game. The game is 20 years old and it’s still capture the flag. No real improvement in the road system, no improvement in the river system, no destroyable bridges, no improvement in the type of troops, no artillery. Most of the players that I knew that left the game were perfectly happy with AH2 but wanted to see an improvement in the game strategy. When AH3 was forced on them, with all the eye candy, they left
Steam cannot take into account total numbers playing a game, only total numbers playing a game through steam.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Toad on June 04, 2017, 10:57:39 AM
LOL at Hitech and crew having to have Aces High green lit! With it's history there should be an automatic entry and some velvet red carpet rolled out for these pioneers.
Drex
Drex! Great to see ya!
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vraciu on June 04, 2017, 12:07:04 PM
@icth @icth @icth, everyone seems to know better than Hitech how to run his business. :rofl :rofl
No man is infallible, not even a business owner. I am sure he will be the first to tell you that.
Traveler made a perfectly reasoned post with valid points. That doesn't strike me as telling Hitech how to run his business.
It would be nice to see some tweaks to the gameplay. What they should be I have no clue. If Steam can bump the average population by a modest percentage that will be YUGE.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: lunatic1 on June 04, 2017, 12:14:09 PM
@icth @icth @icth, everyone seems to know better than Hitech how to run his business. :rofl :rofl
my thoughts exactly jimmyd3
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: CAV on June 04, 2017, 12:57:37 PM
Quote
the authors might have better spent their time improving the strategy of the game. The game is 20 years old and it’s still capture the flag. No real improvement in the road system, no improvement in the river system, no destroyable bridges, no improvement in the type of troops, no artillery. Most of the players that I knew that left the game were perfectly happy with AH2 but wanted to see an improvement in the game strategy.
BINGO!
Back in the days playing Airwarrior on GEnie we talked about that someday we would be able "War" 24/7 on a multiplayer combat simulator........
At is 2017..... If you put the old AW "BIG PAC" map up in AH, we still playing the same game.
Cav
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: bustr on June 04, 2017, 02:20:34 PM
CAV,
After 20+ years of constant experience with this venue, why has Hitech not been able to see a solution to interesting customers in playing a 24x7 war? When all they really want to do is shoot each other a few hours each evening and not take orders from anyone? Better yet, even in AW the customers had a tolerance for it just like here in AH of about once a week for three hours. If there were a raging demand for 24x7 war, after 15 years of being here, the Melee arena would be the 24x7 war arena.
We have AI missions, steal the sheep, real capture the flag where your plane carries a flag, and the AvA and special events arenas. All mechanisms by which players over the years could test the waters of something different while using the AH3 toys. They keep voting for the Melee arena or something similar in the AvA and WW1 arenas about once a week.
The only thing Hitech has not tried is the Combat Tour of Duty AH version that was never finished. If I'm not mistaken that would have been a mixed AI human 24x7 war arena played as an RPG. It probably would have had all the bridges, roads, trains and depots war fans would have ever wanted as their target for today. I was in the AH3 testing from the beginning in 2014 until it went live last year. I helped test giant AI bomber missions over Europe with massive numbers of AI defenders and a huge continent spanning weather system. I flew escorts, bombers and all the different axis defense forces. Visually it was thrilling and I wish everyone in this audience could have been there. It was like playing WW2.
Then I started listening to vets talk about it who were testing with me. To them it got boring and they preferred real people in the Melee arena. Maybe Hitech can put it up in the Mission tab for you so you can see what I'm talking about, it has an immersion quality to it because of the massive numbers. To this day I don't see many players in the AI missions just like there were not that many during the testing period for AH3.
Instead of pointing fingers at Hitech as being inept at his craft or a selfish egotistical meenie. Help answer the question of why after all of these years do customers keep voting for shooting at each other in the Melee arena over all the other offerings Hitech has coded? Why is it that versus your dream of the perfect AH game?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Rich46yo on June 04, 2017, 03:14:33 PM
@icth @icth @icth, everyone seems to know better than Hitech how to run his business. :rofl :rofl
Yeah Ive always avoided telling the guy how to run his business, unlike some.
But my opinion is AH3 would do well on Steam. Its well balanced, fairly easy to learn, can be very exciting, the game "looks" good, its very stable. I think it would do well.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: guncrasher on June 04, 2017, 03:16:49 PM
if it brings players then welcome steam.
semp
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 04, 2017, 04:55:46 PM
Why is it that versus your dream of the perfect AH game?
There is a very easy solution for this. When game goes to steam...... keep 1 OMA arena, and 1 WW2 arena, that of what you speak Bustr, and see where more people are.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Mister Fork on June 05, 2017, 10:50:08 AM
Cough....guys.... Value is retiring the Greenlight program and introducing a small fee for the Steam Direct (http://steamcommunity.com/games/593110/announcements/detail/1265921510652460726) program.
I'm not sure how much longer the Greenlight program is going to be active, I assume it'll be retired pretty soon.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 05, 2017, 11:36:21 AM
Steam Direct seems like the better option because a developer can put their game instantly
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vraciu on June 05, 2017, 11:37:53 AM
I agree. I will cough up the $100 for HTC. Just put it back in my subscription account after you make your first $1000. Lol :)
Yea the $100 is sorta low, I would much rather see it in the 1 to 2k range, and refunded with payments. 100 was what it took top put your first game on green light.
HiTech
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vinkman on June 05, 2017, 01:09:52 PM
I don't know why so many think the game format is the problem. Other game formats exist. You can easily load a small map in a private arena and play what ever game you want. The duelling arena is now like a call of Duty match room. There's capture the flag!
The eye candy needed to be upgraded because new generation players would pass this game up based in its old graphics. I continue to believe that the issue is accessibility due to hardware. Steam will help reach a wider audience of PC gamers that have the hardware to play this game effectively. That's good. If IL2 and warbirds have 130 people at the same time, and we had 150, it's only a matter of time before we steal those folks and have 280 at a time.
then there should be a console version that lets console gamers play as well. Those would be big numbers, :salute
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vraciu on June 05, 2017, 03:11:10 PM
Yea the $100 is sorta low, I would much rather see it in the 1 to 2k range, and refunded with payments. 100 was what it took top put your first game on green light.
HiTech
Ah. Interesting. Yeah, maybe $1000 would separate the wheat from the chaff a tad.
Good luck with it. My offer stands. (Not that you need it.)
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: JimmyD3 on June 05, 2017, 09:29:47 PM
Yeah Ive always avoided telling the guy how to run his business, unlike some.
But my opinion is AH3 would do well on Steam. Its well balanced, fairly easy to learn, can be very exciting, the game "looks" good, its very stable. I think it would do well.
I have no problem with Hitech going to Steam, and as you stated, I also "avoided telling the guy how to run his business, unlike some." :cheers:
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: DmonSlyr on June 06, 2017, 01:27:45 AM
In my fair opinion, I believe that there is a big difference between running a business, and undertsanding the gameplay inorder to make small adjustments that make the game more actionable. Time is just a huge factor and one sortie takes a long time. AH needs to work on picking up the pace of the game play so that people who try the game actually find the action. That's why maps are the most important part to AH. Steam will bring in a lot of players new players at first. But my fear is that the hole in the bucket (time per kills/sorties/interaction) will not be filled, and players will leak out eventually.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: FLOOB on June 06, 2017, 08:45:06 AM
See rule #4
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: FLOOB on June 06, 2017, 09:15:42 AM
See Rule #2
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vraciu on June 06, 2017, 11:34:20 AM
In my fair opinion, I believe that there is a big difference between running a business, and undertsanding the gameplay inorder to make small adjustments that make the game more actionable. Time is just a huge factor and one sortie takes a long time. AH needs to work on picking up the pace of the game play so that people who try the game actually find the action. That's why maps are the most important part to AH. Steam will bring in a lot of players new players at first. But my fear is that the hole in the bucket (time per kills/sorties/interaction) will not be filled, and players will leak out eventually.
It does help to be an end user of your own product or have staff members who are. I say this generally (not pointing fingers at anyone here).
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: AAIK on June 06, 2017, 11:38:15 AM
It does help to be an end user of your own product or have staff members who are. I say this generally (not pointing fingers at anyone here).
You know for a fact that no one at HTC plays the game? You know for a fact that they don't have a shade account that they use so they can play without being bombarded with questions?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ack-Ack on June 06, 2017, 12:37:42 PM
then there should be a console version that lets console gamers play as well. Those would be big numbers, :salute
Developing a console version is a rather expensive endeavor, though doable. Personally, when I hear of a developer saying that cross platform play is not technically feasible, to me that's just a developer that doesn't want to spend the money to do it. Square Enix has proven that cross platform play is doable when Final Fantasy XI was released over 15 years ago and again with Final Fantasy XIV. However, there are some issues relating to developing for a console and cross platform play.
The game would have to be scaled down to take into account the limitations of the consoles. Yes, the XB1 and PS4 are more technically advanced then previous console generations but there are still limitations that have to be taken into account, especially when the plan is cross platform play. The other stumbling block is some of the console makers (*cough* Microsoft) tend to not be so enthusiastic for some reason about cross platform play for all consoles, and tend to just support cross platform play between their console and PC. Sony tends to be more embracing of the concept and usually do not place any barriers on the developer, unlike Microsoft, which usually wants a lot of money and a lot of restrictions. We had to pay a lot of money to Microsoft when we added cross platform support to the Xbox 360 for Final Fantasy XI and we're still in negotiations with Microsoft to add cross platform support for Final Fantasy XIV.
As I mentioned already, it's also a rather expensive endeavor development wise, since you need to develop three versions of the game, whether the plan it is to have cross platform play or separate servers for each platform. Console players will also be at a disadvantage because of the lag difference, which is why you usually don't see cross platform play between different platforms in first person shooters.
There are many more issues, such as the the popularity (or lack of actually) of flight sim games like Aces High with the console crowd. Arcade type flight sims (like Aces Combat) are far more popular, while flight games that tend to be more on the realistic side aren't as popular.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Vraciu on June 06, 2017, 01:11:01 PM
You know for a fact that no one at HTC plays the game? You know for a fact that they don't have a shade account that they use so they can play without being bombarded with questions?
Where did I assert such a thing? You quoted the wrong person.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 06, 2017, 01:12:47 PM
Greenlight is retired, Steam direct launches june 13
Be very careful what you wish for. Last night Saturday at 9PM EDST I went onto STEAM and checked on the numbers of the only two other WWII Air Combat Sims on STEAM. WarBirds had a total of just under 50 players, IL2, did better with 80, Aces High at that time had 151 in the main arena.
Much as I hate the way they do business, the way they run their game with utter arbitrary values and modeling, you should also look at War Thunder. It's a bigger draw than IL2 these days, and as of the moment I type this they have over 16,000 players logged in.
So... yeah... Just sayin'.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Krusty on June 06, 2017, 01:52:41 PM
"As of June 6, 2017 Greenlight is no longer accepting new submissions and voting has been suspended.
Starting June 13, Steam Direct will be the new path for developers to bring their game to Steam"
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Mister Fork on June 06, 2017, 01:53:33 PM
Hitech - you can now add Aces High directly into Steam starting June 13th.
The good news: "Over the next week, a team here at Valve will be reviewing the list of titles that have not yet been Greenlit and will be selecting the final batch of titles to pass through the Greenlight process. Our goal is to Greenlight as many of the remaining games as we have confidence in. "
The better news: If Aces High is not Greenlit before next week, the lads Dale and Doug can just pay the $100 to get the game going into Steam Direct.
So the question is, if it's not Greenlight'ed' - are you going to add it to Steam Direct?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Lusche on June 06, 2017, 01:58:36 PM
Developing a console version is a rather expensive endeavor, though doable...
Hasn't HTC done the same Oculus? My understanding was that these are more like platforms than peripherals. true? XBOX is windows based I think so it may be not too far a stretch, and the effort/customer-base ratio might be the best of the consols.
I've been lead to believe from "anecdotal interweb expertz" that gaming consoles are very capable platforms which out perform many PCs. I'm too dumb to know what the big hang up is with cross platform MMO gaming. Seems to me that only position vectors are being transmitted and received. If that is standardized I wonder what the technical difficulty is? :headscratch:
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 06, 2017, 03:05:13 PM
Cross-platform play with consoles would be the best thing for player base for sure, but only if the game is not dumbed down to accomodate the console players.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: LocoMoto on June 06, 2017, 03:07:15 PM
Im not sure that we will see this huge influx of people, tho I do hope so. HTC has proven they can handle large numbers of players, as well as large fluctuations of numbers. Back in the hey day we had 600+ players login in on week nights, and I hear we hit over 1000 a few times on the weekends. These numbers fluctuated pretty heavily from US prime to Euro prime time and HTC added a way to drop from 2 large arenas, to a single arena to keep that magic number of players in an arena to make it viable.
Adding 2,3, or 4 arenas wouldn't be a chore, and even having the ability to drop it down in the less populated times is a plus. I have a lot of confidence in HTC's ability to adapt.
oh and btw, Who are you?
I would venture to say the game could see a large influx of new players. My whole premises for that is based on the fact steam supports games like Microsoft Flight Simulator and the likes. When you think about it AH and MSFS are similar in some ways. I find it hard to believe that the majority of players playing a game like that dont mind the constant non-combat environment it presents. I would like to think this game would attract players like that and others.
Very quick response just jumped on best I can do at the moment I could go deeper but no time right now :cheers:
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: hitech on June 06, 2017, 03:08:16 PM
Cross-platform play with consoles would be the best thing for player base for sure.
ROFL: One scenario
Step 1 HTC invest money in console. Step 2 The game does not recover the investment from consoles. Step 3 HTC out of business, and no more aces high. Step 4 No more player base.
Not exactly a good thing for the "Player base".
HiTech
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Lusche on June 06, 2017, 03:09:21 PM
Just skip step 2 :old:
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Wiley on June 06, 2017, 03:10:44 PM
Step 1 HTC invest money in console. Step 2 The game does not recover the investment from consoles. Step 3 HTC out of business, and no more aces high. Step 4 No more player base.
Not exactly a good thing for the "Player base".
HiTech
That could never happen. More exposure and options always makes money rain from the skies, doesn't it? :(
Lusche is right.
Wiley.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: bustr on June 06, 2017, 03:12:25 PM
Hitech,
Are you ever invited by any colleges or tech schools to teach classes in Econ101: How the economics of online game creation really works.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: hitech on June 06, 2017, 03:13:13 PM
That could never happen. More exposure and options always makes money rain from the skies, doesn't it? :(
In my experience 9 out of 10 times it does not create a positive return on investment.
HiTech
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: FLS on June 06, 2017, 03:35:08 PM
The big reason for not trying AHFREE now seems to be hardware requirements. Hopefully the "average" PC will soon catch up to the minimum recommendations.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ack-Ack on June 06, 2017, 03:46:44 PM
Hasn't HTC done the same Oculus? My understanding was that these are more like platforms than peripherals. true?
VR is nothing more than a peripheral and not a separate platform like a console is.
Quote
XBOX is windows based I think so it may be not too far a stretch, and the effort/customer-base ratio might be the best of the consols.
Actually, for cross play the PS4 would be the better choice as there are more PS4 users out in the world than XB1 users and you don't have to worry about MS trying to stick it to you with their outrageous fee and restrictions. How many customers would HTC lose because their PCs were still running Windows 7 or XP? Microsoft only allows cross platform play with PCs using Windows 10
Quote
I've been lead to believe from "anecdotal interweb expertz" that gaming consoles are very capable platforms which out perform many PCs. I'm too dumb to know what the big hang up is with cross platform MMO gaming. Seems to me that only position vectors are being transmitted and received. If that is standardized I wonder what the technical difficulty is? :headscratch:
Consoles have closed the gap with PCs in terms of game performance and quality but the PC is still a superior gaming machine.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: AAIK on June 06, 2017, 04:00:44 PM
If he had ported it to java during the high-time, he could of been on all the platforms.
(I know java; yuck, but it worked for minecraft).
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: hitech on June 06, 2017, 04:11:24 PM
Right there. Maybe not a direct assert. But it seems like you are assuming. Which you know what assuming does :)
Wrong again. Read the disclaimer.
Someone else made the assumption not me. Pick a fight with him. All I did was make a general observation. NOWHERE did I imply ANYTHING about HTC. I, in fact, specifically stated I was NOT pointing fingers at ANYONE.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ack-Ack on June 06, 2017, 04:37:40 PM
Funny thing is that Valve is big enough and has enough money to buy out EA if they want, not the other way around.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Gman on June 06, 2017, 05:04:12 PM
I alluded to what Drex said earlier as well, it's insulting that a game with AH's record and time having to jump through some "green light" or any light, process, in order to be allowed on to the Steam platform, seems crazy to me. I don't understand the process or anything really, just figured they'd have someone checking to see how old a game is, and what it's about, and for established products well up and running, would want to fast track them on to the Steam platform instead of some other way.
I'm still hopeful whatever the case may be - I truly believe that with the right moves made, this game has the stones to attract, and KEEP, large numbers of the current WW2/Sim/MM gamers out there right now playing other inferior products. I'm willing to help anyone with good ideas on how we can help HTC to do this. I've helped Dolby in the past making his vids as a target dummy or whatever, but there are lots of great video creators, and there has to be other ways to find, fix, and attack other gamers out there who don't know about AH.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Mister Fork on June 06, 2017, 05:20:14 PM
I alluded to what Drex said earlier as well, it's insulting that a game with AH's record and time having to jump through some "green light" or any light, process, in order to be allowed on to the Steam platform, seems crazy to me. I don't understand the process or anything really, just figured they'd have someone checking to see how old a game is, and what it's about, and for established products well up and running, would want to fast track them on to the Steam platform instead of some other way.
I'm still hopeful whatever the case may be - I truly believe that with the right moves made, this game has the stones to attract, and KEEP, large numbers of the current WW2/Sim/MM gamers out there right now playing other inferior products. I'm willing to help anyone with good ideas on how we can help HTC to do this. I've helped Dolby in the past making his vids as a target dummy or whatever, but there are lots of great video creators, and there has to be other ways to find, fix, and attack other gamers out there who don't know about AH.
I'm with you GMAN - kinda stupid the hoops an established business like Hitech Creations has to jump through when small one-man shops can get greenlit who quickly take their sales from the fad their game had and bolt.
I think that Valve realized the same thing and hence why they're closing the system down. The only caveat is that they need to properly screen everyone who has $100 in their back pocket. And then how to we get noticed?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ack-Ack on June 06, 2017, 06:11:56 PM
I'm with you GMAN - kinda stupid the hoops an established business like Hitech Creations has to jump through when small one-man shops can get greenlit who quickly take their sales from the fad their game had and bolt.
I think that Valve realized the same thing and hence why they're closing the system down. The only caveat is that they need to properly screen everyone who has $100 in their back pocket. And then how to we get noticed?
The reason why Valve has done away with Greenlight is because how easy it was for some developers to shovel their POS games onto Steam and to also improve the pipeline for developers to get their games onto Steam that would better direct customers to the product they want.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ack-Ack on June 06, 2017, 06:13:40 PM
I alluded to what Drex said earlier as well, it's insulting that a game with AH's record and time having to jump through some "green light" or any light, process, in order to be allowed on to the Steam platform, seems crazy to me.
If HiTech was a large development studio, they'd just pony up the large amount of money Valve wants instead of going through the old Greenlight process. The Greenlight process was put in to help smaller development and indie studios to get their game on Steam when other distribution avenues were closed to them.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: lunatic1 on June 06, 2017, 09:10:54 PM
If HiTech was a large development studio, they'd just pony up the large amount of money Valve wants instead of going through the old Greenlight process. The Greenlight process was put in to help smaller development and indie studios to get their game on Steam when other distribution avenues were closed to them.
With steam direct though they can do that now also from june 13
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Gman on June 07, 2017, 02:44:08 PM
Thanks Akak, like I said, I didn't know Valve's policies for getting on their platform. Heh, I can understand the reluctance from HTC a bit better now, I think. If I understand what you're saying correctly, Valve "allowed" (prior to the changes now) creators to bypass the greenlight deal by charging a large fee, after which they then charge more large fees somewhere around 1/3 of the proceeds of sales...heh. Isn't monopoly a grand thing...
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 08, 2017, 12:48:17 AM
GREEN LIT GREEN LIT
'' THIS GAME HAS BEEN GREEN LIT ' :aok
Houston, we have lift off :airplane:
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ack-Ack on June 08, 2017, 02:14:02 AM
Thanks Akak, like I said, I didn't know Valve's policies for getting on their platform. Heh, I can understand the reluctance from HTC a bit better now, I think. If I understand what you're saying correctly, Valve "allowed" (prior to the changes now) creators to bypass the greenlight deal by charging a large fee, after which they then charge more large fees somewhere around 1/3 of the proceeds of sales...heh. Isn't monopoly a grand thing...
That was the case with us when we put FFXIV on Steam.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nrshida on June 08, 2017, 02:17:36 AM
Will there be a new pyschology section of the forum for the incoming culture shock to long-term AH players? :old:
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 08, 2017, 02:18:03 AM
Now the only last step is for HTC to make his move......... will we see some gameplay changes to go along with Steam? :x
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: JimmyC on June 08, 2017, 03:17:13 AM
Why change the game nugget..your relentless...chill out ...go earn all your achievements .. Land 3 kills..land 6..land 16 Do it in a mid war plane Do it in an early war plane.. Bomb some stuff.. Take some bases.. Form a squad Fly fighter sweeps.. Get your rank high in all 3 disciplines.. Play the ferkin game before spouting about game changes.. Chocs away..
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Flossy on June 08, 2017, 03:26:16 AM
Will there be a new pyschology section of the forum for the incoming culture shock to long-term AH players? :old:
Yeesh... Can we set the forum to somehow funnel all posts mentioning HOs to a subforum, or at least for individuals can we filter out same? There's going to be a lot of em.
Wiley.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: hotcoffe on June 08, 2017, 10:36:42 AM
well in addition to steam if you can get a server in europe as well if the numbers are big enough I and lots of other people might come back.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: waystin2 on June 08, 2017, 11:09:31 AM
OMG the 2 week squeak is killing my ears.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Volron on June 08, 2017, 01:07:12 PM
Why change the game nugget..your relentless...chill out ...go earn all your achievements .. Land 3 kills..land 6..land 16 Do it in a mid war plane Do it in an early war plane.. Bomb some stuff.. Take some bases.. Form a squad Fly fighter sweeps.. Get your rank high in all 3 disciplines.. Play the ferkin game before spouting about game changes.. Chocs away..
This :aok
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Bruv119 on June 08, 2017, 01:56:47 PM
im in wales right now on vacation do we know where david wales lives? ill pop in for a brew.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: lunatic1 on June 08, 2017, 02:45:40 PM
I can't believe this guy is still at it.. enhancing the game as you call it is still changing it, you can't enhance something without changing something
HiTech if I'm correct has already said GIVE IT UP!
your preaching to a choir that's not listening.
AND HiTech STILL HASEN'T MADE THAT DECISION YET
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Mister Fork on June 08, 2017, 04:03:20 PM
im in wales right now on vacation do we know where david wales lives? ill pop in for a brew.
He's easy to spot. Dressed in white, good book in hand, followed by hundreds of simple fisherfolk, farmers, and carpenters, hanging on every word. Imagine Forrest Gump running across England And David will come to you.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nrshida on June 09, 2017, 12:46:07 AM
Yeesh... Can we set the forum to somehow funnel all posts mentioning HOs to a subforum, or at least for individuals can we filter out same? There's going to be a lot of em.
A HO sub-forum. Great idea! I think the first shot I ever took in AH was a HO, probably at about 3000 yards. Then I got indoctrinated and held fire. Then I transcended all of that in ACM. I wonder if the AH conservatives can indoctrinate the incomming Steam horde though. Fousands of em.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Kirin on June 09, 2017, 06:38:35 AM
AH on Steam. Who would have thought...
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Meatwad on June 09, 2017, 07:03:11 AM
He's easy to spot. Dressed in white, good book in hand, followed by hundreds of simple fisherfolk, farmers, and carpenters, hanging on every word. Imagine Forrest Gump running across England And David will come to you.
David Wales is secretly Tommy the Pinball Wizard
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Elfie on June 09, 2017, 05:38:14 PM
If AH goes on Steam, HiTech will most likely have to honor a players payment through the end of the 30 day payment period instead of closing an account immediately. That is industry standard after all.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Becinhu on June 09, 2017, 06:59:52 PM
If AH goes on Steam, HiTech will most likely have to honor a players payment through the end of the 30 day payment period instead of closing an account immediately. That is industry standard after all.
It may be the industry standard except when Ye Ole Ban Hammer falls from on high.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ack-Ack on June 09, 2017, 10:34:05 PM
If AH goes on Steam, HiTech will most likely have to honor a players payment through the end of the 30 day payment period instead of closing an account immediately. That is industry standard after all.
I believe that most subscription based games will immediately stop your access if you close your account and have your billing information removed. Usually when you close your account, the billing info remains in case you decide to open your account later on.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Karnak on June 10, 2017, 01:23:05 AM
I believe that most subscription based games will immediately stop your access if you close your account and have your billing information removed. Usually when you close your account, the billing info remains in case you decide to open your account later on.
Blizzard did not remove my access to WoW when I did that not too long ago.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 10, 2017, 08:27:23 AM
You rent a car for 24 hours and turn it in in 20 hours you don't get a refund for the time unused.
You buy a ticket to the baseball game and leave in the 7th inning, you don't get a refund for the unused 2 innings.
You enter a 30 lap motorcycle race and crash on lap 15, you don't get half your entry fee money back.
You subscribe to Aces High for 30 days and quit in 20...........well, I think you can figure out the rest.
I'm afraid this analogy doesn't hold up. This is a subscription service, not a singlar event. When you cancel a subscription, it usually means at the end of the current cycle it won't be rebilled, and your subscription will be terminated then (and only then). Other than Aces High, I have never encountered any kind of subscription (magazine, newspaper, Netflix, bus ticket, other games and so on) which immediately terminated the service even though you have payed in advance.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Zoney on June 10, 2017, 02:30:43 PM
I'm afraid this analogy doesn't hold up. This is a subscription service, not a singlar event. When you cancel a subscription, it usually means at the end of the current cycle it won't be rebilled, and your subscription will be terminated then (and only then). Other than Aces High, I have never encountered any kind of subscription (magazine, newspaper, Netflix, bus ticket, other games and so on) which immediately terminated the service even though you have payed in advance.
Well then sir, we disagree <S>.
Cancel your paid in full 1 year membership to the gym in 6 months and see if you get half your money back.
Cancel your paid 1 year subscription to a magazine in 6 months, tell them you don't want it anymore and see if you get half your money back.
If I cancel my Annual racing license in 6 months, I don't get half my money back.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Lusche on June 10, 2017, 02:41:20 PM
Cancel your paid 1 year subscription to a magazine in 6 months, tell them you don't want it anymore and see if you get half your money back.
Same here. I don't get my money back, but I will get the issues I paid for in advance.
In AH, you instantly lose access. See the difference?
AH needs a terminate subscription option, not just terminate account. Especially as you know have the ability to play arenas with an account but without subscription.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Zoney on June 10, 2017, 02:47:11 PM
Again sir, we disagree <S>, I'll drop it.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: guncrasher on June 10, 2017, 02:56:40 PM
actually you have control on when to cancel. if you cancel on the 30th day, you get to use ah for the full 30 days. but if you delete your account on the 10th day dont start crying that you still have 20 days left. YOU DELETE THE ACCOUNT, NOT AH.
semp
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Elfie on June 10, 2017, 03:29:37 PM
See Rule #4
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: guncrasher on June 10, 2017, 03:41:14 PM
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: DmonSlyr on June 10, 2017, 05:30:03 PM
My thing, and I know it's a bitter issue. Is the $15 a month subscription after only 2 weeks of "testing" the game. IMO, 2 months free and a $9.99 per month would capture so many more players that your heads will spin, and you will make more money in the long run. If the price drop is just too much to handle, at least 2 months free would be better grab. Getting the marketing from steam will greatly help, but there isnt a long enough span of time to understand the game before the subscription hits and you are left with a quick choice. The question is, what is the ratio of players who pay after the trial period, and how can you increase that. The psychology is that $15 a month sounds expensive, even though in realty it isn't. Most people on steam will be sub par happy with the graphics, and won't really have time to even learn the flight model before it's time to pay up. Just something to think about. I really do want this to be a success for you Hitech and there's a very very big opportunity here.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Lusche on June 10, 2017, 05:32:30 PM
My thing, and I know it's a bitter issue. Is the $15 a month subscription after only 2 weeks of "testing" the game. IMO, 2 months free and a $9.99 per month would capture so many more players that your heads will spin, and you will make more money in the long run.
If this was true it would be a no-brainer, but alas, it is just a wild guess.
My guess is $10 or $15 a month makes no difference except for how much income HiTech generates.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: DmonSlyr on June 10, 2017, 05:39:36 PM
Do you know for how long the average AH player keeps his subscription before moving on?
No, I haven't seen any real #s and anything I would say would be pure speculation. I think for most its the level of frustration per time spent in the air that eventually gets to people. It's an incredibly challenging game and takes a generous amount of time to learn to shoot people down in the MA. That's one reason why I wanted a faster type arena, but that's another story.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: DmonSlyr on June 10, 2017, 05:45:18 PM
If this was true it would be a no-brainer, but alas, it is just a wild guess.
My guess is $10 or $15 a month makes no difference except for how much income HiTech generates.
Well Zoney, if you were able to get 3x more players at 10 dollars. You would be making more revenue. An economical scale would tell you that because #s (demand) has dropped, lowering prices might actually increase the economy of scale by supposedly getting a much bigger increase in demand. Maybe once the demand excels passed a point, you could begin to slowly raise the cost again.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Lusche on June 10, 2017, 05:51:47 PM
No, I haven't seen any real #s and anything I would say would be pure speculation.
So easy to come up with 'guaranteed working proposals' when you don't have to take any actual data into account :devil
Of course I don't have that kind of AH business data either, but I remember at one point in the past a typical subscription duration for online games was given as 2-5 months. When you now make 2 months free (and reduce the subscription fee to boot), you are really cutting into your income, possibly making even a loss per player in the long run.
I think for most its the level of frustration per time spent in the air that eventually gets to people. It's an incredibly challenging game and takes a generous amount of time to learn to shoot people down in the MA.
I do agree with your premise. But I also would think that very few players would be willing to suffer frustration for a whole two months before finally getting hooked. 1 month maybe? Perhaps. But then again you need to have some data first do make an assessment.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: DmonSlyr on June 10, 2017, 05:55:14 PM
So easy to come up with 'guaranteed working proposals' when you don't have to take any actual data into account :devil
Of course I don't have that kind of AH business data either, but I remember at one point in the past a typical subscription duration for online games was given as 2-5 months. When you now make 2 months free (and reduce the subscription fee to boot), you are really cutting into your income, possibly making even a loss per player in the long run.
I do agree with your premise. But I also would think that very few players would be willing to suffer frustration for a whole two months before finally getting hooked. 1 month maybe? Perhaps. But then again you need to have some data first do make an assessment.
Yeah, I was thinking one month would probably be better. Also, I just thought a good promotion out of the gate on steam would a good thing. I don't know how long it will take, but we are going to into summer, and it would be a great opportunity to get a lot of people involved in the game, and to hopefully keep them there.
I just logged on to the game. 107 players at 7pm eat on a Saturday, with a new (but old) map. Thanks for bringing this one back Hitech, Btw! I'm just saying... We need a big promo..
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: lunatic1 on June 10, 2017, 07:13:43 PM
an eggscellent movie- one of my favorites, !!! BLONDIE!!!
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: lunatic1 on June 10, 2017, 07:36:48 PM
if you quit playing and cancel your subscription, why should HTC keep your information, you made a conscious decision to quit. you Quit, for whatever reason you quit, I lost my job, my home, was living in my truck for 3 months, fortunes changed got help, got back on my feet, was gone for a total of 7 months, had to start over again, I have now, more perks in all 3 catagories and more achievements in 1 year than I did before I had to give up game. it wasn't HTC's fought, I was lucky that no one took my call sign, but had to start perks and achievements all over I almost have 4 stars now, wasn't HTC's fought.
I had to leave call, that's on me not HTC.
you quit, that's on you, not HTC's fought.
and if you won't play because HTC did not save your info perks, achievements, sounds childish to me that's on YOU not HTC.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Shuffler on June 10, 2017, 08:58:09 PM
My thing, and I know it's a bitter issue. Is the $15 a month subscription after only 2 weeks of "testing" the game. IMO, 2 months free and a $9.99 per month would capture so many more players that your heads will spin, and you will make more money in the long run. If the price drop is just too much to handle, at least 2 months free would be better grab. Getting the marketing from steam will greatly help, but there isnt a long enough span of time to understand the game before the subscription hits and you are left with a quick choice. The question is, what is the ratio of players who pay after the trial period, and how can you increase that. The psychology is that $15 a month sounds expensive, even though in realty it isn't. Most people on steam will be sub par happy with the graphics, and won't really have time to even learn the flight model before it's time to pay up. Just something to think about. I really do want this to be a success for you Hitech and there's a very very big opportunity here. [/quote
I don't think Skuzzy or any of the other HTC people would like standing on the street pan handling.
funny how some people are always ready to give away other peoples money or stuff
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: zack1234 on June 11, 2017, 08:05:27 AM
Why has this thread turned in to if i leave what happens to me thread? :)
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: LocoMoto on June 11, 2017, 08:09:03 AM
Why has this thread turned in to if i leave what happens to me thread? :)
It will be a thread about pies and why the colonials are all silly
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: oboe on June 11, 2017, 10:43:42 AM
I just checked, and WWII Online appears as "Free to play" on Steam. How does Steam take a $ cut of Free to Play games? Are they all micro-transaction based, and Steam takes their cut from those?
And War Thunder, DCS WWII, IL-2, WWII Online - they're all on Steam. Aces High needs to be there too, I think. Pricing? I have no clue, and while 1 month free and $9.99/mo thereafter appeals to me as a consumer, I don't know about most Steam users. They may be too used to free-to-play to be willing to fork over a significant monthly sub?
If a typical subscription duration really is 2-5 months, then it seems pretty close to someone paying $50 for a title and playing on free online servers until they tire of the game and move on to something else (averaging the 2-5 months to 3.5 months, * $14.95/month = $52.33). I prefer the security and predictability monthly subscriptions provide to the game developer though. Especially if its a small shop that concentrates on evolutionary enhancements to a single title.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Lusche on June 11, 2017, 11:20:04 AM
I just checked, and WWII Online appears as "Free to play" on Steam. How does Steam take a $ cut of Free to Play games?
The 'free to play' mode of WWII online is very limited. If you want anything more than that, you have to chose either the 'Starter ' ($7.99) or 'Premium' subscription ($14.99). Like always, "free" is just a hook. EVE online went a similar path recently.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: oboe on June 11, 2017, 11:23:17 AM
The 'free to play' mode of WWII online is very limited. If you want anything more than that, you have to chose either the 'Starter ' ($7.99) or 'Premium' subscription ($14.99). Like always, "free" is just a hook. EVE online went a similar path recently.
Maybe AH will have to look into pricing in tiers, so they can be competitive and add "Free-to-Play" to their Steam description as well...
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Lusche on June 11, 2017, 11:30:07 AM
Blizzard did not remove my access to WoW when I did that not too long ago.
It depends on the company's policy. With ours, if you request to have your billing (credit card) information deleted when you close your account then you lose access to whatever remaining game time you have, the only exception is if you pay with a game card.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ack-Ack on June 11, 2017, 12:30:51 PM
Well Zoney, if you were able to get 3x more players at 10 dollars. You would be making more revenue. An economical scale would tell you that because #s (demand) has dropped, lowering prices might actually increase the economy of scale by supposedly getting a much bigger increase in demand. Maybe once the demand excels passed a point, you could begin to slowly raise the cost again.
I am glad that you don't run HTC. Your business model leaves something to be desired.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: AAIK on June 11, 2017, 12:39:49 PM
I am glad that you don't run HTC. Your business model leaves something to be desired.
It is yet too early to tell if HTC's model of staying small will work out in the end. Many businesses have had very long and slow death spirals and such events are not new to the world.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: puller on June 11, 2017, 12:41:21 PM
It is yet too early to tell if HTC's model of staying small will work out in the end. Many businesses have had very long and slow death spirals and such events are not new to the world.
:rofl :rofl :rofl
20 years later :rofl
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: AAIK on June 11, 2017, 12:43:15 PM
Steam is too expensive. We would have to double our monthly subscription rates to make any money. Steam is suited for one time charge games or fremium/free games.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 11, 2017, 01:50:32 PM
Does it matter? What's important it will be on steam now.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 11, 2017, 03:34:12 PM
It's time to open the gates!
(http://i.imgur.com/TxfKJjJ.gif)
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: DmonSlyr on June 11, 2017, 05:43:57 PM
I am glad that you don't run HTC. Your business model leaves something to be desired.
I was just presenting an economical theory for a new marketing and promotion opportunity that Steam will bring. There's going to be tons of reviews . The biggest disconnect is the time to try the game before you have to sign up. Most of my friends can't believe I pay $15 a month for this game. People like us who have a passion for this game are different than brand new customers. We actually understand the game. So either only super passionate people will stick around, or you can fill up the arenas quickly by creating a promo, and allowing players to stay in the game longer, before paying a full premium.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: LocoMoto on June 11, 2017, 07:56:51 PM
Over the years I have desired nothing more than to see this game surpass its golden days of old and be optimized to its fullest potential. AH3 is here release the gates! :banana:
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Brooke on June 12, 2017, 02:17:42 AM
I just checked, and WWII Online appears as "Free to play" on Steam. How does Steam take a $ cut of Free to Play games? Are they all micro-transaction based, and Steam takes their cut from those?
And War Thunder, DCS WWII, IL-2, WWII Online - they're all on Steam. Aces High needs to be there too, I think. Pricing? I have no clue, and while 1 month free and $9.99/mo thereafter appeals to me as a consumer, I don't know about most Steam users. They may be too used to free-to-play to be willing to fork over a significant monthly sub?
If a typical subscription duration really is 2-5 months, then it seems pretty close to someone paying $50 for a title and playing on free online servers until they tire of the game and move on to something else (averaging the 2-5 months to 3.5 months, * $14.95/month = $52.33). I prefer the security and predictability monthly subscriptions provide to the game developer though. Especially if its a small shop that concentrates on evolutionary enhancements to a single title.
Warthunder is a freemium game where you can purchase time to get a higher rate of xp.
I personally like freemium because it encourages content creation on the developers (stuff to buy), and you will generally see many more players in the game than if had a pay wall. For a game thats claim to fame is large players counts, you have to have "large player counts" to really stand out (thats why ww2 online went f2p).
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: LocoMoto on June 12, 2017, 10:57:01 AM
Warthunder is a freemium game where you can purchase time to get a higher rate of xp.
I personally like freemium because it encourages content creation on the developers (stuff to buy), and you will generally see many more players in the game than if had a pay wall. For a game thats claim to fame is large players counts, you have to have "large player counts" to really stand out (thats why ww2 online went f2p).
For an arcade style game freemium works! WT is a good example.
For a knock down-drag out war simulator like AH3 the only true investment is time. The more time a player invests in the game the more successful a player will be. From length of time played to how a player flies his/her aircraft investing time is the #1 factor imo.
When I am patient in a fighter and take my time during engagements I dont make mistakes. Mistakes are usually what gets me shot down. When flying bombers that extra 10-20 minutes of climb out can make all the difference in defending against multiple aircraft. Im sure the same can be said with gv's but im at a disadvantage when it comes to that.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: LocoMoto on June 12, 2017, 11:04:57 AM
One of those rare times im totally in agreement with the infamous spy agent AKA... AKAK :salute
That's funny because Fidelity just lowered their commission price from $7 to $4.99, due to being more competitive and maybe trying to increase demand. The same concept that lowering the tax rate will actually get more people to pay taxes and more people working to pay taxes, but that's another story. Doing fairly little to improve MA gameplay, or lowering the price to pick up demand, 2 very different approaches, is why AH is left with 107 players on a Saturday evening. On a new map non the less.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ack-Ack on June 12, 2017, 09:05:37 PM
That's funny because Fidelity just lowered their commission price from $7 to $4.99, due to being more competitive and maybe trying to increase demand. The same concept that lowering the tax rate will actually get more people to pay taxes and more people working to pay taxes, but that's another story. Doing fairly little to improve MA gameplay, or lowering the price to pick up demand, 2 very different approaches, is why AH is left with 107 players on a Saturday evening. On a new map non the less.
Does lowering the subscription price or even getting rid of the subscription business model offset the cost of getting the game on Steam? Keep in mind, its not only the cost of getting AH distributed on Steam but also the cost of developing the Steam version and keeping it updated along with the non-Steam version. A couple of key things you seem to leave out of your "business model"
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: LocoMoto on June 12, 2017, 09:36:19 PM
Does lowering the subscription price or even getting rid of the subscription business model offset the cost of getting the game on Steam? Keep in mind, its not only the cost of getting AH distributed on Steam but also the cost of developing the Steam version and keeping it updated along with the non-Steam version. A couple of key things you seem to leave out of your "business model"
+1
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: DmonSlyr on June 12, 2017, 09:48:04 PM
Does lowering the subscription price or even getting rid of the subscription business model offset the cost of getting the game on Steam? Keep in mind, its not only the cost of getting AH distributed on Steam but also the cost of developing the Steam version and keeping it updated along with the non-Steam version. A couple of key things you seem to leave out of your "business model"
That is true. I have not considered the cost of steam. The cost from steam is, well an extra cost. That's a risk. I guess htc would pay them a % of subs, so that's already a price decrease per subscription. I can see why lowering it even more would seem like too much, it may not even be enough to support the unit cost. Not sure the calculations for a system type per unit cost.
That being said there are probably 100 ways to price AH. Clearly the "grab" isn't strong enough. 1 way I like is something like 4.99 for early war only planes. 9.99 for midwar planes, 14.99 for all the planes. I'm only saying that this would work better than just 1 price. You could create a promo for AH, 7.99 limited time for the first 3 months. Spotify got me on that one, but theirs was 99cents, lol. These are just examples. Some money is better than no money, and more subscribers are better than none/decreasing. If you got even 3000 new subs. You would immensely create a much better fighting atmosphere and overall more people would end up paying the 14.99 in the long run, with a hell of a lot more people in the MA.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: 10thmd on June 13, 2017, 01:18:22 AM
Steam greenlight is now dead, valve is spooling up Steam Direct to take it's place.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ack-Ack on June 13, 2017, 02:50:04 AM
That is true. I have not considered the cost of steam. The cost from steam is, well an extra cost. That's a risk. I guess htc would pay them a % of subs, so that's already a price decrease per subscription. I can see why lowering it even more would seem like too much, it may not even be enough to support the unit cost. Not sure the calculations for a system type per unit cost.
That being said there are probably 100 ways to price AH. Clearly the "grab" isn't strong enough. 1 way I like is something like 4.99 for early war only planes. 9.99 for midwar planes, 14.99 for all the planes. I'm only saying that this would work better than just 1 price. You could create a promo for AH, 7.99 limited time for the first 3 months. Spotify got me on that one, but theirs was 99cents, lol. These are just examples. Some money is better than no money, and more subscribers are better than none/decreasing. If you got even 3000 new subs. You would immensely create a much better fighting atmosphere and overall more people would end up paying the 14.99 in the long run, with a hell of a lot more people in the MA.
Your business model would leave a company out of business.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 13, 2017, 04:03:28 AM
True, I'd like to see Aces High expansions with large ammounts of content which you purchase one time.
A nuget of an idea.... Keep the monthly fee at the reasonable rate it is, but get paid to generate the content... It brings it's own set of challenges to the table but interesting thought..
Concern, all players in arena would need the assets as to be displayed on all FrontEnds, but only the paying subscriber has access to "use" the content? Might not work with our game as well as the mind's eye predicts.
Example, Content Pack $100,000: 10 New Aircraft, 6 new maps, All New Mission Queuing system (prompt player in flight to join the "queued" mission), New weather content pack...
In the above example, how does the non-paying subscriber see this? Are they not allowed to join the Main Arena when a purchased map is in rotation? Do they not see the new aircraft in flight? Do they not experience the "weather content". If there was a complete road/train network with new destructible support structures, does the new player just not see them in game? See the challenges there? Just spit-ballin...
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: DmonSlyr on June 13, 2017, 10:56:32 AM
I guess what Dmonslayer is saying, that some people just don't want to pay 15$ monthly today to play a game.
My point is that I wouldn't have subscribed to steam for 9.99 right off the bat. It took a risky a 99 cent for 3 months to get me hooked. Since I was able to get a good understanding of their service. I thought it was worth it. AH does not have a good strategy in this regard. I honestly at the age of 15 probably would not have subscribed to AH after only 2 weeks, if it weren't for the H2H that really allowed me to learn the game. Now Ive been here for over 11 years. Now that the #s have died and squads aren't there to bring as much learning and excitement for fights. The MA doesn't have as good of a grab as it use to for new players.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: 10thmd on June 13, 2017, 11:42:12 AM
I have a question. Can non subscribers set up their own arena's in FTP section?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Lusche on June 13, 2017, 11:43:43 AM
A nuget of an idea.... Keep the monthly fee at the reasonable rate it is, but get paid to generate the content... It brings it's own set of challenges to the table but interesting thought..
Concern, all players in arena would need the assets as to be displayed on all FrontEnds, but only the paying subscriber has access to "use" the content? Might not work with our game as well as the mind's eye predicts.
Example, Content Pack $100,000: 10 New Aircraft, 6 new maps, All New Mission Queuing system (prompt player in flight to join the "queued" mission), New weather content pack...
In the above example, how does the non-paying subscriber see this? Are they not allowed to join the Main Arena when a purchased map is in rotation? Do they not see the new aircraft in flight? Do they not experience the "weather content". If there was a complete road/train network with new destructible support structures, does the new player just not see them in game? See the challenges there? Just spit-ballin...
I see folks all the time blow money on those ripoff games setup like that. They play off folks who have gambling issues and such.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 17, 2017, 01:33:34 AM
ETA?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ack-Ack on June 17, 2017, 03:37:22 AM
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: 327thBS on June 17, 2017, 11:23:14 PM
Here's a thought. AH3 does not have the numbers it needs for the sand box that it is; when you log on there is no direction besides what you decide on. What if you allowed the game to be free to play with a limited aircraft selection and no skins !?if nothing else you get people playing it...and more potential subscribers to that want to fly the P51D/Me262/B17
Also, I firmly believe 2 weeks is not enough time to get hooked on this game. The first 3 months of this game your absolute bellybutton at it and end up being a ball of flame for 90% of it. You have to learn the match ups, advantages and disadvantages of each aircraft, general mechanics and lingo plus a hundred other small details that win/loss a fight. Furthermore, it takes longer to find quality fights than it use too. Extend it to a month.
Should a steam deal be made I think changes should be at least attempted.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Oldman731 on June 17, 2017, 11:41:19 PM
Also, I firmly believe 2 weeks is not enough time to get hooked on this game. The first 3 months of this game your absolute bellybutton at it and end up being a ball of flame for 90% of it. You have to learn the match ups, advantages and disadvantages of each aircraft, general mechanics and lingo plus a hundred other small details that win/loss a fight. Furthermore, it takes longer to find quality fights than it use too. Extend it to a month.
While I agree with this, it looks like HTC is trying to accomplish the same goal with the multiple new free arenas - where you could probably bring people who are also noobs.
- oldman
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Volron on June 18, 2017, 01:58:28 AM
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: ACE on June 18, 2017, 05:13:53 AM
I'd pay 15$ a month to anything that brought me enjoyment for endless hours on a computer any time, especially AH.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: morfiend on June 18, 2017, 01:26:02 PM
15 bucks a month.....wow!
Thats like what 2 coffees at some shop,or 1/3 the payment of the data plan for your phone! Everyone has a phone right,and data plans.... except I dont,and likely never will!
I pull 15 bucks outta my pocket in change almost every week!
What I'm saying is 15 bucks isnt much,and we have FREE play once again but people still complain about the cost... :rolleyes:
Something I think that might help is to include an extra 2 weeks free in the TA,when your time is up a message popsup and says something like "your free time has expired,but you can still access the free arenas and the the training arena,the TA is limited to another 2 weeks free"!
This might get players to come to the TA and actually learn something then get them hooked. I have done my best to retain players who get fed up,most just need someone to be kind to them and show them a couple simple things,instead they get abused and told they are terrible players.
IMHO it's not the cost,the learning curve or anything else,most get fed up from the constant berating. I still dont understand why a player can tune to you and yell at you over vox,same county I can see but cross country,we have 200 for that!
:salute
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 18, 2017, 01:30:33 PM
I hope you are aware that 15$ is not 15$ in every country...... there are countries where 15$ costs 4 or 6 times more than 15$ in usa, because that is the change of 1 $.
So a country might be poorer and someone has to pay 6 times more...... suddenly 15$ doesn't seem so cheap, but more like 120$ in usa.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: morfiend on June 18, 2017, 01:59:39 PM
I hope you are aware that 15$ is not 15$ in every country...... there are countries where 15$ costs 4 or 6 times more than 15$ in usa, because that is the change of 1 $.
So a country might be poorer and someone has to pay 6 times more...... suddenly 15$ doesn't seem so cheap, but more like 120$ in usa.
Nice assumption!
FYI I dont live in the USA,my dollar is only 3/4 of a US buck.
Way back when,it cost me over 20 bucks an hour to play,ya 20 bucks and hour in 1990's dollars at that! I had the hourly fee and a long distance charge for my phone connection.
I pay a kid 20 bucks to cut my lawn....... The point is it's not the money IMHO,if you're having fun and enjoying yourself for 50 cents a day it's money well spent! If you're not then the cost doesnt matter one bit!
:salute
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Lusche on June 18, 2017, 02:03:11 PM
I quit going to the coffee shop,was spending about 5 bucks a day there..... you do the math! I bought a machine and pay about 50 cents a cup instead of 2 bucks or so!
I need to find that country where 15 bucks is equal to 120 bucks,I might be rich then!!!! :rofl :rofl
Actually Lusche,now that I think about it,it's fathers day and my family loves me so I am rich!!! Oh and happy fathers day to you Sir!
:salute
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Brooke on June 18, 2017, 03:00:05 PM
Back in the days of Air Warrior on GEnie, it was $12/hour, then $6/hour.
I knew people who ran up $700/month bills playing it in the early 1990's. That is $1200 in today's money. (Yeah, we don't have much inflation. I got a Baconator at Wendy's a couple days ago. It was $7.40.)
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 18, 2017, 03:27:11 PM
Back in the days of Air Warrior on GEnie, it was $12/hour, then $6/hour.
I knew people who ran up $700/month bills playing it in the early 1990's. That is $1200 in today's money. (Yeah, we don't have much inflation. I got a Baconator at Wendy's a couple days ago. It was $7.40.)
Here's a thought. AH3 does not have the numbers it needs for the sand box that it is; when you log on there is no direction besides what you decide on. What if you allowed the game to be free to play with a limited aircraft selection and no skins !?if nothing else you get people playing it...and more potential subscribers to that want to fly the P51D/Me262/B17
Also, I firmly believe 2 weeks is not enough time to get hooked on this game. The first 3 months of this game your absolute bellybutton at it and end up being a ball of flame for 90% of it. You have to learn the match ups, advantages and disadvantages of each aircraft, general mechanics and lingo plus a hundred other small details that win/loss a fight. Furthermore, it takes longer to find quality fights than it use too. Extend it to a month.
Should a steam deal be made I think changes should be at least attempted.
Sooo... u would rather have people get adicted to the game rather than play the game for enjoyment?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 18, 2017, 04:10:44 PM
Those 2 weeks come into the equation at a later date TBD.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Hungry on June 19, 2017, 10:44:41 AM
With the exchange rate I think Canadians are paying about $20. for the US $15
Bank of Canada this am shows .7533 Canadian to the US dollar, wonder if that's what Nug was referring to as I believe he's out of the US, not sure where
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 19, 2017, 11:09:13 AM
Bank of Canada this am shows .7533 Canadian to the US dollar, wonder if that's what Nug was referring to as I believe he's out of the US, not sure where
Yes
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: hitech on June 19, 2017, 11:28:37 AM
Well I meant the exchange rate, $15 is $15 everywhere, but some pay more for $1 than others.
So your saying I would be paying more to buy a dollar if I use 100 pennies instead of 10 dimes? Because the exchange rate is different between pennies and dimes?
HiTech
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: DubiousKB on June 19, 2017, 11:33:32 AM
So your saying I would be paying more to buy a dollar if I use 100 pennies instead of 10 dimes? Because the exchange rate is different between pennies and dimes?
HiTech
He's describing the exchange rate but also perceived value. even if I exchange my CA$ into american dollars, trust me we're not paying the same amount for the same items... Your smokes and beer are stupid cheap compared to your friends in the great white north. So there is a perceived value shift. Little off the mark, but perception is reality. :bolt:
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 19, 2017, 03:08:03 PM
So your saying I would be paying more to buy a dollar if I use 100 pennies instead of 10 dimes? Because the exchange rate is different between pennies and dimes?
HiTech
1 dollar for example costs 6,63 in Croatia as of today.
If someone is from Croatia he has to pay HRK99,45 for $15. Now if a person in USA earns $3000 and person in Croatia HRK3000. Person in Croatia pays 6 times more, they both pay $15, but the person in Croatia to buy the $15 needs to pay 99,45 of his currency.
Just saying things like they are......
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: hitech on June 19, 2017, 03:37:51 PM
He's describing the exchange rate but also perceived value. even if I exchange my CA$ into american dollars, trust me we're not paying the same amount for the same items... Your smokes and beer are stupid cheap compared to your friends in the great white north. So there is a perceived value shift. Little off the mark, but perception is reality. :bolt:
We are paying the same if we are purchasing the exact same thing like purchasing AH. Your simply describing that some items are priced differently at different locations. Just as I would pay a different price for a beer at a gas station vs a grocery store.
1 dollar for example costs 6,63 in Croatia as of today.
If someone is from Croatia he has to pay HRK99,45 for $15. Now if a person in USA earns $3000 and person in Croatia HRK3000. Person in Croatia pays 6 times more, they both pay $15, but the person in Croatia to buy the $15 needs to pay 99,45 of his currency.
Just saying things like they are......
Each is paying the same, they simply don't have the same income. By your logic a person who earns more pays less for something then a person who income is less.
HiTech
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: bustr on June 19, 2017, 03:44:41 PM
1 dollar for example costs 6,63 in Croatia as of today.
If someone is from Croatia he has to pay HRK99,45 for $15. Now if a person in USA earns $3000 and person in Croatia HRK3000. Person in Croatia pays 6 times more, they both pay $15, but the person in Croatia to buy the $15 needs to pay 99,45 of his currency.
Just saying things like they are......
I wish you had just answered this back in the wish list which would have helped your audience. I just looked at Croatian rates on many financial services, it's understandable why you transact with Steam in the manner you outlined in your very first wish list posting. Given that you are located in Croatia??. Croatia has an emerging tech sector and a very "literate" population. All of this makes sense now.
Good luck with your wishes, search in the forums is your friend to learning about Hitech on many subjects.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: thrila on June 19, 2017, 03:45:19 PM
Hitech does however give the Brits a discount in order to allow us to save money to get our teeth fixed.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Zoney on June 19, 2017, 03:47:32 PM
1 dollar for example costs 6,63 in Croatia as of today.
If someone is from Croatia he has to pay HRK99,45 for $15. Now if a person in USA earns $3000 and person in Croatia HRK3000. Person in Croatia pays 6 times more, they both pay $15, but the person in Croatia to buy the $15 needs to pay 99,45 of his currency.
Just saying things like they are......
Are you in Croatia?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: TequilaChaser on June 19, 2017, 03:51:18 PM
I once when in Rota, Spain back in early 1987, spent 2 days with a squaddie getting plastered on just $2.00 American dollars...... one of the best times of my life
heh
TC
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 19, 2017, 04:12:22 PM
No i'm not in Croatia, but i'd like to point out one fact..... steam in russia has its national currency, the russian ruble just because of this.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: DubiousKB on June 19, 2017, 04:29:32 PM
We are paying the same if we are purchasing the exact same thing like purchasing AH. Your simply describing that some items are priced differently at different locations. Just as I would pay a different price for a beer at a gas station vs a grocery store.
Like direct from supplier vs through a distributor like steam? :devil
I'm just glad there's no border tax! :rock I'd pay in maple syrup and Crown Royal if I had too... Better get some taps in those maple trees!
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Drano on June 19, 2017, 04:39:27 PM
I'd pay in maple syrup and Crown Royal if I had too...
Right? I just bought a stick from VKB. They decided that PayPal, my preferred method of payment, didn't work for them. They had their business reasons for it I guess. So if I wanted the stick I'd have to pay for it how they wanted me to pay for it. No problem. I have alternatives. What was I supposed to send them a nasty gram about it? Maybe troll their forums?
Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ramesis on June 19, 2017, 04:54:13 PM
Right? I just bought a stick from VKB. They decided that PayPal, my preferred method of payment, didn't work for them. They had their business reasons for it I guess. So if I wanted the stick I'd have to pay for it how they wanted me to pay for it. No problem. I have alternatives. What was I supposed to send them a nasty gram about it? Maybe troll their forums?
Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
Drano... call me paranoid but in light of all the hacking of web sights lately, I prefer, as much as possible, to limit my exposure... I will not use PayPal To those that do, its ur choice :noid
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Drano on June 19, 2017, 05:47:33 PM
Drano... call me paranoid but in light of all the hacking of web sights lately, I prefer, as much as possible, to limit my exposure... I will not use PayPal To those that do, its ur choice :noid
I don't tie PayPal to anything critical for that reason.
Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: bustr on June 19, 2017, 06:58:09 PM
Is all of this about currency exchange rates and buying Steam Wallet codes with cash from local game stores?
I couldn't find any stores in Croatia or Russia based on Steam's FAQ for store locations world wide. There are a number of WEB sites dedicated to helping you find the best exchange rate price for boxed and downloadable games based on exchange rates and Steam store locations in real time. A monthly subscription fee game price for a none USA resident will be at the mercy of the exchange rates against the US $1.00 rate. So it's possible the price you pay in cash at a store each month outside of the USA for your Steam Wallet may fluctuate a bit depending on currency rate fluctuations. If Steam is a voluntary marketplace and you are not being charged a monthly subscription fee for access and your Steam Wallet, it's not a bad market model. Reminds me a bit of facebook focused on games in some respects.
The EU, Briton and Ireland have stores to pay cash for Steam Wallet codes. As of now Eastern Europe the only countries are Bulgaria, Macedonia, Greece, and Romania. And as I pointed out, no stores in Croatia or Russia.
Quote
Steam Wallet Codes and Steam Gift Cards are sold all over the globe. You can buy them in thousands of retail stores or online shops using your local payment methods.
Quote
1 dollar for example costs 6,63 in Croatia as of today.
If someone is from Croatia he has to pay HRK99,45 for $15. Now if a person in USA earns $3000 and person in Croatia HRK3000. Person in Croatia pays 6 times more, they both pay $15, but the person in Croatia to buy the $15 needs to pay 99,45 of his currency.
Just saying things like they are......
Croatia is not yet on the Euro which is projected for 2019.
Gold per gram today:
EU - 35.87 US - 39.98 Cr - 264.80 HRK
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 20, 2017, 02:54:38 AM
Sure, one can use a steam wallet card or steam gift card, i'm using a paysafecard which can be also used on the steam wallet.
Steam gives a lot of options for everyone from around the globe, that's partly of why it is so popular.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Shuffler on June 20, 2017, 10:01:16 AM
Drano... call me paranoid but in light of all the hacking of web sights lately, I prefer, as much as possible, to limit my exposure... I will not use PayPal To those that do, its ur choice :noid
So you give them your card number instead?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: bustr on June 20, 2017, 12:11:10 PM
I can see why Paysafe is a good option for European players, and in your payment methods options from the Steam dashboard it is one of the listed options. And the Euro generally does good against the $1.00usd. So if Hitech gets the deal he wants from Steam, nugetx gets his payment plan, Win-win. I don't understand why the last few weeks of mystery, this is pretty straight forward for all concerned if they are part of the Steam Market place. Paysafe paper receipts are even being used between Steam players to transact things like mods for some games. But, Steam has support calls about players who use it as a scam to accumulate pin numbers from other players offering bogus mods for games. Guess that can be a down side of a market place community for online gaming and virtual currency.
The more research I do to understand the Steam market place, the more I find external player driven services dedicated to helping players not pay full price for anything at the Steam market place if possible. The most sophisticated will allow you to compare game titles across countries and what the currency rate real time is for that title in each country. The worst outright tell you how to make your PC look like it's coming from the given country to make the purchase in the virtual store for that region or, the common last ditch solution from those sites, call up a friend who lives there and give him a Steam Wallet gift card.
Steam seems to understand this urge to not pay full price for anything if possible in the online gaming community and tries to leverage it. There is a constant carrot and stick undertone of dangling special offers of many kinds that knock off the cost on game titles. In all of the reading I've done related to Steam and the player driven support services, at times I couldn't tell if it wasn't more important to beat the full price of the game in question let alone even play it.
From Steam 2010:
Valve Welcomes paysafecard to Steam
Valve today announced that Steam, a leading worldwide platform for PC and Mac games, has added paysafecard to its collection of payment options for customers in many European countries. In celebration, customers who spend 20€ / ₤20 on Steam using paysafecard will receive a free copy of Portal™, the ground-breaking title that earned over 40 Game of the Year Awards, when they shop before August 25th.
Supported countries include: Austria, Belgium, The Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and The United Kingdom.
The addition of paysafecard makes it easier than ever to purchase and play any of the 1,200-plus games available via Steam from leading publishers and developers around the world.
For more information about this promotional offer, please visit www.steamgames.com/paysafecard.
About paysafecard group The paysafecard group, founded in 2000 in Austria and Germany, operate in 25 countries worldwide with offices in Vienna, London, Bern and Buenos Aires. With their successful online prepaid vouchers, the group have established themselves as Europe’s leading provider for prepaid payment solutions. In 2009 the group won awards for being the ‘Leading Prepaid Organisation’ and the ‘Best Prepaid Company outside USA.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: AAIK on June 20, 2017, 12:21:18 PM
bustr is onto something, steam does seem to take pride in all the discounts it provides its users, so much so that is a meme.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ack-Ack on June 20, 2017, 12:33:20 PM
bustr is onto something, steam does seem to take pride in all the discounts it provides its users, so much so that is a meme.
So? Here's something that bustr hasn't mentioned. Steam does not discount any games in their marketplace unless the developer of the game agrees to the discounts.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: bustr on June 20, 2017, 01:39:52 PM
So? Here's something that bustr hasn't mentioned. Steam does not discount any games in their marketplace unless the developer of the game agrees to the discounts.
I'm getting tired of reading about Steam to figure out all the mystery nugetx could have just shared with us. Steam as a single stop market place for the game player(consumer) is a sound concept, I was focused on the consumer side and not sure where I would have found that info. It appears Steam customers and player driven 3rd party sites are used to finding ways to not pay full price for Steam products. So now I suspect I have an answer to why it felt like part of the Steam conversations with nuget were like talking around getting a discount at a flea market over pennies. Who knows maybe nuget enjoys the process of getting things for less than the asking price as much as he enjoys playing online games. Nothing wrong with negotiating in your own favor when it comes to money.
After you fit the bits and pieces together about Steam, payment methods, and the whole culture surrounding not paying full price for Steam products. OK, so are we playing AH3 or should we hold seminars on how to not pay full price on the Internet? I'm sooo confused....
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 20, 2017, 01:59:22 PM
Quote
I'm getting tired of reading about Steam to figure out all the mystery nugetx could have just shared with us
What mystery lol, i've been talking about paysafecard from my 1st post in the first thread I made, go back and read it.
There are plenty of people who use other payment options on steam, like bitcoin, skrill, the steam gift cards, those are just from top of my head, but there are plenty more. Everyone can use what they are most comfortable with.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ack-Ack on June 20, 2017, 02:36:31 PM
I'm getting tired of reading about Steam to figure out all the mystery nugetx could have just shared with us. Steam as a single stop market place for the game player(consumer) is a sound concept, I was focused on the consumer side and not sure where I would have found that info.
No, you're not focused on the "consumer side" at all. You are just trying to use another method do show you're displeasure with the prospect of AH going on Steam. So much so that you'll make an opinion about the whole process based on nothing more than ignorance and misunderstandings and also to try and show nugetx is some type of troll bent on destroying AH.
Quote
It appears Steam customers and player driven 3rd party sites are used to finding ways to not pay full price for Steam products.
Part of Steam's success have been the sales they've offered but again, Steam will only discount or put a product on sale with the approval of the developer. Here are the two methods that are used. I will simplify it for you.
Method 1: Developer: "Hey Steam! I want to put my game on sale with XX% discount. Make it happen!" Steam: "Okay, done!"
Method 2: Steam: "Hey developer, we're running a summer sale and we'd like to put your game up on sale. Do you agree?" Developer: "Hell yes!"
These sales/discounts though tend to be for "box sales" and not free to download subscription games like Aces High.
There are 3rd party sites that do sell Steam product keys (Steam will disable the product if these keys are found to be used) in violation of the Steam EULA, that do target those that want to buy cheap games. However, these sites also focus on "box games" and game time (through the use of game cards) and AH is immune to this. How is AH immune? AH is a free do download game with a subscription model that does not use game cards, so these sites will not impact HTC at all.
Quote
So now I suspect I have an answer to why it felt like part of the Steam conversations with nuget were like talking around getting a discount at a flea market over pennies. Who knows maybe nuget enjoys the process of getting things for less than the asking price as much as he enjoys playing online games. Nothing wrong with negotiating in your own favor when it comes to money.
Sometimes it is difficult for a player in a foreign country to have access to certain payment options. I've never seen his argument for another payment option as someone trying to get AH for cheap, just someone that wants another method to pay for the game. There isn't a boogeyman under every bed.
Quote
After you fit the bits and pieces together about Steam, payment methods, and the whole culture surrounding not paying full price for Steam products. OK, so are we playing AH3 or should we hold seminars on how to not pay full price on the Internet? I'm sooo confused....
Your conclusion is waaaayyyyyyyyy off the mark, maybe that's the cause of your confusion.
We also understand that you're not in favor of the possibility of adding Aces High to Steam but please, do not try to use chicken little worst case scenarios based on fear and ignorance.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ramesis on June 20, 2017, 03:15:10 PM
What do u not understand about the phrase "as much as possible" :cheers:
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: bustr on June 20, 2017, 03:47:04 PM
I think adding AH3 to the Steam market place is a good thing if Hitech can get a deal favorable to his needs especially for the broad spectrum of payment methods offered to it's community that Steam will have to mange. Depending on age demographics, some players need an ability to change hard currency into virtual currency which is often true for younger people in any first world country. Everyone in the Melee arena will be AH3 regardless of their virtual origin. I don't want the Steam portal to cause new players from that virtual origin to think they are being effected lag wise by the active filter program in the Portal. We see what simply talking about lag does in our forums to peoples perceptions of the game.
I do not know if the existence of Steam has evolved part of it's community to not want to pay full price for everything they can expend effort to find a way around. Or, if that is the nature of a portion of the beast called Internet gamer's and the Steam market place portal concentrates and supports them while they constantly validate themselves as that culture in the Steam community world wide.
I did say Steam reminds me of FaceBook focused only on computer games. I used to work for one of the early E-commerce companies out of Richmond California that IBM had a partnership with called Quick Response Service\QRSI\QRS Corp.. Market place portals are a good thing, back then they were the holy grail of B to B business and mostly unreliable due to the technology of the day. Now, an indispensable tool for running a global virtual market place.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Shuffler on June 20, 2017, 04:08:42 PM
I'm getting tired of reading about Steam to figure out all the mystery nugetx could have just shared with us. Steam as a single stop market place for the game player(consumer) is a sound concept, I was focused on the consumer side and not sure where I would have found that info. It appears Steam customers and player driven 3rd party sites are used to finding ways to not pay full price for Steam products. So now I suspect I have an answer to why it felt like part of the Steam conversations with nuget were like talking around getting a discount at a flea market over pennies. Who knows maybe nuget enjoys the process of getting things for less than the asking price as much as he enjoys playing online games. Nothing wrong with negotiating in your own favor when it comes to money.
After you fit the bits and pieces together about Steam, payment methods, and the whole culture surrounding not paying full price for Steam products. OK, so are we playing AH3 or should we hold seminars on how to not pay full price on the Internet? I'm sooo confused....
First mistake.... You listened to someone who does not even play the game.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 20, 2017, 04:16:00 PM
Agreed but as you so aptly pointed out earlier 2 weeks means nothing. :D
Gameplay decisions and systems can be seen in a matter of minutes in a game like this...... it's not a single player game where the game unveils all its secrets in the span of 20 hours, and some do not even do that.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: JimmyD3 on June 20, 2017, 04:36:09 PM
Amazing a game that has such a steep learning curve ( your words ) and you have the answers in 20 hours? My hat is off to you.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: JimmyC on June 20, 2017, 05:09:23 PM
See Rule #4
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: JunkyII on June 20, 2017, 06:24:08 PM
I think adding AH3 to the Steam market place is a good thing if Hitech can get a deal favorable to his needs especially for the broad spectrum of payment methods offered to it's community that Steam will have to mange. Depending on age demographics, some players need an ability to change hard currency into virtual currency which is often true for younger people in any first world country. Everyone in the Melee arena will be AH3 regardless of their virtual origin. I don't want the Steam portal to cause new players from that virtual origin to think they are being effected lag wise by the active filter program in the Portal. We see what simply talking about lag does in our forums to peoples perceptions of the game.
I do not know if the existence of Steam has evolved part of it's community to not want to pay full price for everything they can expend effort to find a way around. Or, if that is the nature of a portion of the beast called Internet gamer's and the Steam market place portal concentrates and supports them while they constantly validate themselves as that culture in the Steam community world wide.
I did say Steam reminds me of FaceBook focused only on computer games. I used to work for one of the early E-commerce companies out of Richmond California that IBM had a partnership with called Quick Response Service\QRSI\QRS Corp.. Market place portals are a good thing, back then they were the holy grail of B to B business and mostly unreliable due to the technology of the day. Now, an indispensable tool for running a global virtual market place.
1. Steam will only have to manage the people paying for Aces High through steam
2. 18-25 year olds have debit cards...so hard currency and virtual currency is a non factor....(this is the majority age group you will get with steam.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: DmonSlyr on June 20, 2017, 06:25:52 PM
As much as I agree with you all about the game play experience and undertsanding of the game. For some reason it seems to not matter when a person who does have close to 6K hours of AH, makes a suggestion about game play. I'm sure Lazer has even close to 10K hours or more. So if we aren't accepting game play adjustments, or ideas from well talented/long time players. Who are we suppose to take advice from, in order to increase the #s, and make the game more enjoyable?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: TheBug on June 20, 2017, 06:48:49 PM
Who are we suppose to take advice from, in order to increase the #s, and make the game more enjoyable?
HTC
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 21, 2017, 01:09:24 AM
Quote
See Rule #4
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: TWCAxew on June 21, 2017, 01:33:53 AM
I'm just gonna say many Europeans do not own a creditcard. Besides PayPal there are not allot of options for us to pay HT. I used to have a creditcard just for the reason to pay HT. PayPal is a hazel i always forget to pay and my account gets locked XD We mainly use debit cards.
Steam would fix this issue for Europeans and for many new potential players who do not wanna give HT there creditcard info.
Ps: the insta creditcard info that's being asked always scares me when i try a new product. I usually just don't do it.
DutchVII
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on June 21, 2017, 04:20:16 AM
It would be welcome if on Steam there would be a 1 month 3 month and a whole year pricing plan, with according prices ofcourse.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: lunatic1 on June 21, 2017, 08:44:53 AM
I like the month by month pricing plan HTC has, works just right for me. :rock
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Shuffler on June 21, 2017, 09:24:23 AM
They already have a yearly plan.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: TequilaChaser on June 21, 2017, 09:54:57 AM
HTC offers monthly, quarterly, semiannual, and yearly subscription pay plans....
They have offered this for well over a decade if my memory is serving me right.....
Also, if you use payment options of paying quarterly, semiannual or yearly, you will get a discounted rate....that is if it hasn't changed... Been a long time since I've looked at the options
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: lunatic1 on June 21, 2017, 09:55:20 AM
This is not entirely true, I played for 2 weeks. :old:
HTC should make a category for people who play this game for 2 weeks and feel they are qualified to suggest changes to this game after such a short time. Nugetx is not the 1st and probably won't be the last. there are a lot of Know It All's in this world. Lets see, 2 weeks 14 days approx. 6 to 10 hrs a day game play maybe every day maybe not.
Call it (The 2 Weeker Know it All Category)
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Hungry on June 21, 2017, 10:04:36 AM
What do you need to give up to be listed on Steam? (I'm cringing on that answer)... :confused:
30% of all the sheep... :cry
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: bustr on June 23, 2017, 03:27:46 PM
Guys, years ago some time before the O'Club stopped being the flame cauldron from heck by strict rule# enforcement on things, Skuzzy suggested nicely a change of course. I wonder if Skuzzy being the nice guy he always is, is giving us another opportunity here to change course.
Quote from: Skuzzy on Today at 10:27:02 AM
Quote
One never knows where the next good idea might come from.
He has been very gracious in the face of an adversarial community. I find the negative treatment of any new person to be disappointing.
Sure, I can edit those negative posts, but that does not fix the issue. And no, the issue is not a new person making suggestions about the game.
The calls and emails I get with the phrase, "I am not posting on that board so they can brow beat me" is quite frustrating.
Do any of you see us at HTC verbally beating up people for posting ideas?
Hitech answering he is not sure about going with Steam is kind of cryptic, I don't know if Skuzzy's quote has some bearing on Hitech's decision. Can you imagine what the average Steam player will say about these forums on twitter or other venues once the name Aces High gets into those places. In a surreal way, nuget being a test of our forum community and how we would handle an influx of Steam players is frighteningly coincidental. We failed the test by being ourselves.
So an honest question, how long before this observation gets turned into an opportunity for acrimonic recriminations by one party or another instead of an opportunity for sides of the observation to move on? The old O'Club episode required Skuzzynation of it's denizens. Aces High needs new customers and they will be nuget's age demographic and guys, just multiply nuget x100 going forward. They will bring questions and observations and all the baggage that goes with their demographic along with having no experience in our game while "sharing" :bhead. The forum membership has many old issues queued up people want to air out in our traditional manner at any juncture with blow torches and knee cappings because it's too good of an opportunity before the rule# fly. After all, people probably have other forums to return to if they catch a Skuzzyfication here and in the end it's just a game played in forums costing you nothing.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: lunatic1 on June 23, 2017, 04:24:48 PM
Ok so how do I cancel my Forum Account without canceling my subscription to the game?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Skuzzy on June 23, 2017, 04:25:59 PM
Ok so how do I cancel my Forum Account without canceling my subscription to the game?
You just stop using it.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: lunatic1 on June 23, 2017, 04:32:02 PM
thankyou
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: bustr on June 23, 2017, 04:37:24 PM
Lunatic,
I think Skuzzy is just asking us to use the benefit of our superior experiences to play nice in the public waiting room. I know it can be hard to bite our tongs when we want to set things straight, even if it's questionable that the recipient isn't playing nice at our expense. We are supposed to be a thicker skinned generation who do not melt like a snowflake.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ack-Ack on June 23, 2017, 05:28:25 PM
Guys, years ago some time before the O'Club stopped being the flame cauldron from heck by strict rule# enforcement on things, Skuzzy suggested nicely a change of course. I wonder if Skuzzy being the nice guy he always is, is giving us another opportunity here to change course.
Quote from: Skuzzy on Today at 10:27:02 AM
Hitech answering he is not sure about going with Steam is kind of cryptic, I don't know if Skuzzy's quote has some bearing on Hitech's decision. Can you imagine what the average Steam player will say about these forums on twitter or other venues once the name Aces High gets into those places. In a surreal way, nuget being a test of our forum community and how we would handle an influx of Steam players is frighteningly coincidental. We failed the test by being ourselves.
So an honest question, how long before this observation gets turned into an opportunity for acrimonic recriminations by one party or another instead of an opportunity for sides of the observation to move on? The old O'Club episode required Skuzzynation of it's denizens. Aces High needs new customers and they will be nuget's age demographic and guys, just multiply nuget x100 going forward. They will bring questions and observations and all the baggage that goes with their demographic along with having no experience in our game while "sharing" :bhead. The forum membership has many old issues queued up people want to air out in our traditional manner at any juncture with blow torches and knee cappings because it's too good of an opportunity before the rule# fly. After all, people probably have other forums to return to if they catch a Skuzzyfication here and in the end it's just a game played in forums costing you nothing.
The Steam forums make our forums look extremely tame by comparison and Skuzzy is going to have his hands full with just the AH Steam forum.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Shuffler on June 23, 2017, 05:36:05 PM
The Steam forums make our forums look extremely tame by comparison and Skuzzy is going to have his hands full with just the AH Steam forum.
That brings up a question.... Does steam host those forums or does the game operator?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Mister Fork on June 23, 2017, 06:09:50 PM
Steam does under Steam's rules
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: bustr on June 23, 2017, 06:35:40 PM
Looking around in the Steam forums for a number of games, they are an equivalent to our Help&Training combined with Technical Support forums.
There are PO'd people letting it rip about how bad the forum's product runs for them. There are semi strong answers to questions that appear to question the fanboy orthodoxy's of the diehards. I'm still looking for outright BFG9000 scorching language like: "hope you eat a wookie, die and go to where ever" type fights. That may require subscribing to the Steam community forums and going deeper. I did see fanboy loyalty to a fault like we have and not letting a negative image of a given game stand. I saw players trying to help solve the reported problem for the person registering a complaint. We can be nice but, there seems a nice air to the place.
It is possible the BFG9000 scorchings take place at the other end of a jump link to the external forums of the game while those community's Skuzzy has let them know better about the Steam help forum for their game.
This warning is posted prominently at the Steam discussions forum in the open and not a sticky:
Do not start flame wars! If someone has engaged in behavior that is a detriment to the message board -- spamming, flaming people, etc -- contact one of the forum moderators or report the post. Flaming the offensive user will only increase the problem. Harassment is not tolerated.
Our business as usual would not make it in the Steam product help and discussion forums.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Brooke on June 23, 2017, 06:53:22 PM
Looking around in the Steam forums for a number of games, they are an equivalent to our Help&Training combined with Technical Support forums.
There are PO'd people letting it rip about how bad the forum's product runs for them. There are semi strong answers to questions that appear to question the fanboy orthodoxy's of the diehards. I'm still looking for outright BFG9000 scorching language like: "hope you eat a wookie, die and go to where ever" type fights. That may require subscribing to the Steam community forums and going deeper. I did see fanboy loyalty to a fault like we have and not letting a negative image of a given game stand. I saw players trying to help solve the reported problem for the person registering a complaint. We can be nice but, there seems a nice air to the place.
It is possible the BFG9000 scorchings take place at the other end of a jump link to the external forums of the game while those community's Skuzzy has let them know better about the Steam help forum for their game.
This warning is posted prominently at the Steam discussions forum in the open and not a sticky:
Do not start flame wars! If someone has engaged in behavior that is a detriment to the message board -- spamming, flaming people, etc -- contact one of the forum moderators or report the post. Flaming the offensive user will only increase the problem. Harassment is not tolerated.
Our business as usual would not make it in the Steam product help and discussion forums.
I really don't think you've delved too deep into Steam's community, other than just a curious glance to satisfy your already made up mind.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: zack1234 on June 24, 2017, 01:14:00 AM
I play rise of flight and BOS on steam and never had a sausage to do with the community on steam
I have Elite but not played it for a year its dull
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: BuckShot on June 24, 2017, 05:49:57 AM
Will playing games through steam make an already bad internet connection even worse?
Will I need to keep a dehumidifier in the room if I use steam?
(The 1st question is serious)
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Skuzzy on June 24, 2017, 06:15:51 AM
Will playing games through steam make an already bad internet connection even worse?
I used to play Skyrim all the time, and had to launch it through Steam. Not sure about now, but back then I could run the Steam client in offline mode and use it just to launch the game. I didn't care about the Steam achievements or its built in social connections, so offline was fine. I would assume it would work the same for AH3...but I could be wrong.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: bustr on June 24, 2017, 12:38:03 PM
I really don't think you've delved too deep into Steam's community, other than just a curious glance to satisfy your already made up mind.
You are going to have to make up your mind, I'm not trying to sink going with Steam. Who we are in our forums is exactly what Skuzzy posted and even worse. Pretty well dominated by grown men from the high end of gen-X and past who don't appreciate questions seen as frivolous or regressive to our institution\orthodoxy. Going deeper into Steam's Community, I don't have the time to research farther into the individual game community specific forums. I spent enough time reading the available Steam game forums that I didn't have to create a Steam account to get at. Those as Help Desks are well behaved versus our forums and put Steam in a good light, so to would happen for our game. We look like fire breathing trolls who will eat the innocent casual gamer compared to them. And if they use the Steam AH3 Help forum then pop into ours, I can see what Skuzzy is unhappy about.
No one is going to warn them that the hardcore Steam game forums make the AH3 BBS blow torch forums look like a kiddie carnival. They will have only a first impression of us as we blow torch anything they offer just like we did to nugetx. Even if they are worse than us in one of their other Steam game forums, they have the right to not be blow torched for what they bring to our forum like we did to nugetx.
Just like with TV programing where your wife tells you "honey you can change the channel or turnoff the TV if you don't like the show". Instead you just stay on the couch and yell at the program for being stupid. When nugetx was grating our nerves, we could have ignored him and not read his posts, and refused to respond. Instead we sat on the couch and yelled at him for being stupid. I don't get the impression the person using the nugetx ID is a stupid person, but we gave it a good try at convincing him he was where our institution\orthodoxy is concerned.
That is the crux of Skuzzy's problem with us and this whole nugetx scenario. These forums are not our institution\orthodoxy, we invented that over nearly 20 years as the common ground of our player driven community. And today we defend it reflexively and blindly with our blow torches locked at crispy critter.
Look at Skuzzy's response again and wonder just how much we defending our institution\orthodoxy helped to shrink our community and loose HTC opportunities for new customers. The only reason a group defends an institution\orthodoxy with as unified a front as we organically muster, is to tell outsiders they don't fit in with us as they are presenting themselves. Just a species of the same social dynamics problem which caused Hitech to split the MA into two arenas once. And why we treated nugetx so badly.
Quote
One never knows where the next good idea might come from.
He has been very gracious in the face of an adversarial community. I find the negative treatment of any new person to be disappointing.
Sure, I can edit those negative posts, but that does not fix the issue. And no, the issue is not a new person making suggestions about the game.
The calls and emails I get with the phrase, "I am not posting on that board so they can brow beat me" is quite frustrating.
Do any of you see us at HTC verbally beating up people for posting ideas?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Shuffler on June 24, 2017, 06:07:51 PM
You are going to have to make up your mind, I'm not trying to sink going with Steam. Who we are in our forums is exactly what Skuzzy posted and even worse. Pretty well dominated by grown men from the high end of gen-X and past who don't appreciate questions seen as frivolous or regressive to our institution\orthodoxy. Going deeper into Steam's Community, I don't have the time to research farther into the individual game community specific forums. I spent enough time reading the available Steam game forums that I didn't have to create a Steam account to get at. Those as Help Desks are well behaved versus our forums and put Steam in a good light, so to would happen for our game. We look like fire breathing trolls who will eat the innocent casual gamer compared to them. And if they use the Steam AH3 Help forum then pop into ours, I can see what Skuzzy is unhappy about.
No one is going to warn them that the hardcore Steam game forums make the AH3 BBS blow torch forums look like a kiddie carnival. They will have only a first impression of us as we blow torch anything they offer just like we did to nugetx. Even if they are worse than us in one of their other Steam game forums, they have the right to not be blow torched for what they bring to our forum like we did to nugetx.
Just like with TV programing where your wife tells you "honey you can change the channel or turnoff the TV if you don't like the show". Instead you just stay on the couch and yell at the program for being stupid. When nugetx was grating our nerves, we could have ignored him and not read his posts, and refused to respond. Instead we sat on the couch and yelled at him for being stupid. I don't get the impression the person using the nugetx ID is a stupid person, but we gave it a good try at convincing him he was where our institution\orthodoxy is concerned.
That is the crux of Skuzzy's problem with us and this whole nugetx scenario. These forums are not our institution\orthodoxy, we invented that over nearly 20 years as the common ground of our player driven community. And today we defend it reflexively and blindly with our blow torches locked at crispy critter.
Look at Skuzzy's response again and wonder just how much we defending our institution\orthodoxy helped to shrink our community and loose HTC opportunities for new customers. The only reason a group defends an institution\orthodoxy with as unified a front as we organically muster, is to tell outsiders they don't fit in with us as they are presenting themselves. Just a species of the same social dynamics problem which caused Hitech to split the MA into two arenas once. And why we treated nugetx so badly.
I usually pretty much agree with you... but not this time. Many things can be found with a simple search of the boards. Any person, specially a person who had only played 2 weeks some time a go, can learn a lot by doing a search.
Granted that good ideas can come from some of the newest folks. In my business I will listen to the newest hire about pretty much anything. The difference comes when you tell that person it does not work and why, then they want to argue that it does...... let them start their own business and try it again. I say again because it has already been tried and failed.
A smart person new or old can have good ideas. A smart person takes into consideration the answer to why a certain idea will not or does not work. He or she will take that at face value and move on to another idea.
When a person just wants to argue that a round hole is not round, I pretty much write them off.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: bustr on June 24, 2017, 07:44:25 PM
It appears Skuzzy wants us to suffer new players because who is going to pay the light bill after we get done chasing all the baby seals off the grass for not acting the way we want them to in Hitech's house. We almost never simply ignore them and let them hold court in their post until they get the message that we old ferts are not interested. We quickly blow torch them out of here for not shutting up and getting with "our" program.
These two salient points from Skuzzy illustrate how much we think these forums are "our" house and the nuget's of the world have to be dealt with in no uncertain terms. Yes they are irritating at times, but we rarely ever see Hitech or Skuzzy treat them like we do. This is their business and those are their potential new customers no matter how irritating we decide they are acting. Yes I know, then how do you keep them from spamming the place with their opinions no matter how many times you show them 2+2=4 and to stop reaching for the 5. You will have to ask Skuzzy about that, it do appear Skuzzy is not as worried about them reaching for the 5 as we are.
The calls and emails I get with the phrase, "I am not posting on that board so they can brow beat me" is quite frustrating.
Do any of you see us at HTC verbally beating up people for posting ideas?
You can parse the meaning of Skuzzy's use of the word "ideas" to argue with him the sanctity of 2+2=4. But, at that point we are reaching for our own "5".
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ack-Ack on June 24, 2017, 08:01:11 PM
That brings up a question.... Does steam host those forums or does the game operator?
Steam host the forums for their game communities but allow developers to moderate the forums how they see fit. Most developers just stick to basic tech support/bug reporting sticky posts, while others are more involved with their Steam game community and will be pro-active on the forums. Big companies like Activision and EA tend to be more hands off, just using sticky posts as the only interaction due to these companies not wanting to make the Steam forums an avenue for support.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Rich46yo on June 25, 2017, 02:07:37 PM
I went on Steam and recommended the game even tho I myself quit it.
I dont think Aces High ever let me down. Its always been a stable, very well playing game and any kind of technical issue has been solved by them pronto. AH3 , I think, has been one of the best updates of any game Ive seen. In every way.
These are just tough times for MMPG's. Most of all computer ones. Most of all computer ones of a genre that traditionally relied on older players. Even for games that did everything right like AH has.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on July 03, 2017, 01:43:32 AM
I used to play Skyrim all the time, and had to launch it through Steam. Not sure about now, but back then I could run the Steam client in offline mode and use it just to launch the game. I didn't care about the Steam achievements or its built in social connections, so offline was fine. I would assume it would work the same for AH3...but I could be wrong.
I never had issues either.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Rich46yo on July 04, 2017, 02:29:11 PM
Aces High has a better chance then most to benefit from Steam.
Its not a hard game to learn. It has a fresh very good looking build out. It runs very well with few issues and can accommodate a pretty good range of computers.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Mister Fork on July 04, 2017, 04:48:41 PM
Any update Hitech on this?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Petey on July 04, 2017, 06:33:13 PM
Hitech? are we there yet?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ack-Ack on July 04, 2017, 06:55:15 PM
and there you have 8.2 hours spent past 2 weeks in a game called 'spacewar' ......... 'spacewar' is a steam codename for a game which is not currently listed on steam...... which you know what it is ;).
So yea, looks like HTC is already testing AH :P
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: lunatic1 on July 05, 2017, 11:58:34 AM
Mr. Nugetx I owe you a large apology for coming down on you so hard. for posting you ideas and suggestions, It just bugs me when players esp. the new ones, come into this game and start making suggestions and ideas for changes to this game I LOVE so much. I tend to forget that it's just suggestions and ideas. so I apologize
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Ack-Ack on July 05, 2017, 12:09:36 PM
and there you have 8.2 hours spent past 2 weeks in a game called 'spacewar' ......... 'spacewar' is a steam codename for a game which is not currently listed on steam...... which you know what it is ;).
So yea, looks like HTC is already testing AH :P
It doesn't mean HTC is testing an AH version on Steam. Spacewar is an actual game on Steam, though unlisted. It was created by Steam as a tool for developers to test out Steamwork features and the Steam Workshop.
This is how you download spacewar and play it yourself. Enter “steam://run/480" in Windows’ “run” dialogue box, which you can access by pressing Windows key + R. At that point, you should get a prompt from Steam asking if you want to install Spacewar.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on July 06, 2017, 03:27:24 AM
Mr. Nugetx I owe you a large apology for coming down on you so hard. for posting you ideas and suggestions, It just bugs me when players esp. the new ones, come into this game and start making suggestions and ideas for changes to this game I LOVE so much. I tend to forget that it's just suggestions and ideas. so I apologize
No problem man, I like the game also, but I also believe it can play even better, wouldn't you want to play a even better version of current game ?
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: BowHTR on July 06, 2017, 05:53:52 AM
No problem man, I like the game also, but I also believe it can play even better, wouldn't you want to play a even better version of current game ?
I like the game as is. we not need a huge actual WWII strategy replica technical game simulating actual WWII war 1939-1945. that's too long, and can get boring, and require players to stay logged on longer, players ignore their jobs family/friends, lose their jobs, homes, family/friends, lol. that's what we have other arenas for. the game as it stands now is great for quick action and quick fights and quick deaths (me). log get into a couple of fights, play a couple hours, log out. that's it bye. :bolt:
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Zoney on July 06, 2017, 10:29:23 AM
No problem man, I like the game also, but I also believe it can play even better, wouldn't you want to play a even better version of current game ?
That's a loaded question nuggy. Of course we all want to play a better version of the game, that version is not necessarily what you suggest sir. I do thank you for your suggestions, but your assumptions do not fit in with how I want to play the game at all.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: OldBull on July 06, 2017, 04:28:07 PM
This has been a truly interesting and eye opening discussion and I am grateful to Hi Tech for soliciting our opinion and here is mine. I have been with AH about 13 years or so when we as a squad, The Avengers, left War Birds. In that time I have seen many come and go, such is the nature of our game. Aside from AH & War Birds I have no knowledge of on line gaming, steam or anything else going on out there but I have enjoyed and hope to continue to enjoy AH and the many friends I have made here, both past and present. I am thrilled with AH III and it is my greatest hope that it be successful, but the truth is with the shrinking base that we all know we have, frankly it is not encouraging so it is with a cautious optimism that I think I would like to see what Steam can do for our game. I have no doubt that an increase in the player base that some predict will not be an easy adjustment for many of us but it may be time to pick your poison, accept some new attitudes and some change or die on the vine. IMHO it is up to us to do our part to reach out to the new faces that pass thur AH as much as is possible if you want to see your game survive and prosper. My 2 cents worth OldBull[ XO Avengers
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on July 07, 2017, 01:32:49 AM
That's a loaded question nuggy. Of course we all want to play a better version of the game, that version is not necessarily what you suggest sir. I do thank you for your suggestions, but your assumptions do not fit in with how I want to play the game at all.
I'm not pushing for the version which was suggested...... it was only a suggestion, the thread title starts with 'WHAT IF'...... but in general AH gameplay should be evolving under HTC supervision, because like the wise person said 16 years ago in this forum in a post about air warrior.
'maintenance mode' = game death.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: JimmyC on July 07, 2017, 03:42:22 AM
It's always been progressing...slowley and with pupose.. Every upgrade adds loads .i have been playing for 10 Years or so.. The game I started playing is the same but so so different.. Every upgrade ups the game.. often at times you realise the depth of upgrade a way down the road.. Every added item is thought through way beyond our understanding of the game..you get it...but depth and vitality shine through in time I respect the devs for seeing more than I can see in the game and giving me more than my expectations.. It's like a fine wine..plenty of depth and body to appreciate <<S>> hitech and crew Cheers.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: lunatic1 on July 07, 2017, 10:59:57 AM
I'm not pushing for the version which was suggested...... it was only a suggestion, the thread title starts with 'WHAT IF'...... but in general AH gameplay should be evolving under HTC supervision, because like the wise person said 16 years ago in this forum in a post about air warrior.
'maintenance mode' = game death.
I disagree with your statement (I'm not pushing for the version which was suggested) you have made a couple of threads and a ton of posts trying to suggest and /or wishing for this game to change to your liking. you keep bring up what happened to air warrior and warbirds, and what I understand and can tell those 2 games didn't fail because of lack of players they failed because of ownership/management issues. I never owned a computer until 2006, never knew there was so many online games, I was watching tv and saw the commercial for Aces High, and got hooked right then and there, busted my butt to get a computer as fast as I could, a friend gave me a bunch of Jane's games, but they wouldn't play because Jane's was shut down. so here I am with only the 2nd computer I have ever owned.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on July 08, 2017, 02:48:45 AM
wow they must have a great security system to catch and identify cheaters 40,000 wow, well we don't want them in here that's for sure.
:devil If those 40k subscribe for month and pay for development of trains, convoys, and/or clouds, i don't mind. :D :bolt:
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: ACE on July 11, 2017, 10:53:00 AM
To be fair, I could be wrong but I think that "vac wave" was mainly targeted at CSGO. But yes if AH gets on steam I'll bet your bottom dollar someone will start hacking. It's just part of it. You can say it won't or can't happen but it will. Still I'm all for steam! :)
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Shuffler on July 11, 2017, 11:10:00 AM
HA!! They have a system for catching the cheaters. Read the article. It is not new cheaters, it is the returning cheaters that are being burned at the stake again. The trick is the big summer sale they have.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: EskimoJoe on July 12, 2017, 11:01:14 AM
Yeah, someone will probably try, and someone might succeed. But with film and HTC, they likely will never be able to connect online again.
That's really part of the growing pains of any videogame. The more popular a game becomes, the more attention (both good and bad) it receives. It's nothing new.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: Shuffler on July 12, 2017, 12:44:49 PM
Yeah, someone will probably try, and someone might succeed. But with film and HTC, they likely will never be able to connect online again.
That's really part of the growing pains of any videogame. The more popular a game becomes, the more attention (both good and bad) it receives. It's nothing new.
So very true.
We have a really good tool to help combat that issue. Film anything questionable. HiTech and crew can get a lot of background info from an AH film than what we see.
Title: Re: I have been considering steam since the beging of april.
Post by: nugetx on July 13, 2017, 01:11:24 AM