Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: Traveler on January 02, 2019, 10:05:22 AM
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Evidently the STEAM free to play aces High game is not attracting the flood of players that everyone was hoping for. Taking a look around at other subscription based games that also altered their models to attract new members by offering a free to play account appear to be doing a bit better. The difference as far as I can see is that they allow new free to play accounts to be in the mix with the others subscribers, thus adding much needed numbers to their sandbox. WWII Online is a good example. The free to play accounts are basic riflemen and can be nothing else. While the subscribers have two levels of subscriptions a monthly 14.99 and a monthly 7.99. The 7.99 has fewer game options available, with the 14.99 account having everything available. Bottom inline they allowed the free to play account in their main arena to bolster numbers. Perhaps HTC might consider doing the same for AH3. Created different levels of subscriptions. Basic first generation fighters for the free to play account and an unlimited selection for subscriptions. Just a thought.
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They can achieve this by adding the following:
Free account: Limited to a certain amount of perks points in reserve and a restrictive but no to restrictive perm ENY for non paying accounts. They could also disable certain gun packages for free accounts.
They could also dangle the golden carrot in front of the free accounts by offering perk storage tiers as well as ENY tiers for those willing to shell out cash monthly for the game.
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Evidently the STEAM free to play aces High game is not attracting the flood of players that everyone was hoping for. Taking a look around at other subscription based games that also altered their models to attract new members by offering a free to play account appear to be doing a bit better. The difference as far as I can see is that they allow new free to play accounts to be in the mix with the others subscribers, thus adding much needed numbers to their sandbox. WWII Online is a good example. The free to play accounts are basic riflemen and can be nothing else. While the subscribers have two levels of subscriptions a monthly 14.99 and a monthly 7.99. The 7.99 has fewer game options available, with the 14.99 account having everything available. Bottom inline they allowed the free to play account in their main arena to bolster numbers. Perhaps HTC might consider doing the same for AH3. Created different levels of subscriptions. Basic first generation fighters for the free to play account and an unlimited selection for subscriptions. Just a thought.
I really hope this happens in the near future.
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I think this is a bad idea and I dont think the game would ever recover.You might improve your numbers initially but squads and events would die . Ive been playing with some form of this game for at least 20 yrs and never had a problem w the subscription rates. A fighter free-for-all wouldnt work for me . Ive played WOT for a while and thats exactly what that has become. A shootemup for 14 yr olds. This game sense of realism is unmatched unlike any platform Ive ever seen
my$0.02
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The biggest obstacle to new players is the 1-2 punch of $14.95/month and the difficulty of starting fresh against very experienced players, in a game that's far from easy to learn.
When they get vulched or ganged over and over - if they even figure out how to get off the ground, is it really any wonder?
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According to HTC, new players often don't last past 20 minutes -- and those are 20 minutes of a free and unrestricted 2 week trial period. During the initial Steam trial I saw many newbies sit on the runway, or in the hangar, for 10 minutes then quit -- never to be seen again. So, it's not just about the price.
No matter what the price, new players need some kind of a "check ride" to sort out their controls and get them off the ground.
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There were 4 of us assisting a new player last night. He was enjoying himself immensely.
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Is there a way to create an offline mission that would allow for a basic "check ride" for new gamers?
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I think this is a bad idea and I dont think the game would ever recover.You might improve your numbers initially but squads and events would die . Ive been playing with some form of this game for at least 20 yrs and never had a problem w the subscription rates. A fighter free-for-all wouldnt work for me . Ive played WOT for a while and thats exactly what that has become. A shootemup for 14 yr olds. This game sense of realism is unmatched unlike any platform Ive ever seen
my$0.02
If they did do the OP suggestion they should allow any player to participate in Special Events with whatever plane the event is using...the restrictions should only be for main arena play.
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Is there a way to create an offline mission that would allow for a basic "check ride" for new gamers?
Not sure but I can tell you one thing.... I was enjoying the new person's excitement. Makes you remember how you felt a long time ago.
I will be looking for more to help.
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There were 4 of us assisting a new player last night. He was enjoying himself immensely.
When you can identify the new player this is a great way to get them started. Its usually very hard to do so. I would like to see a way to get into contact with them better.
And +1 to the OP
DutchVII
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If they did do the OP suggestion they should allow any player to participate in Special Events with whatever plane the event is using...the restrictions should only be for main arena play.
Whiles that sounds like a good idea initially i think it would be bad for the scenario itself. New players tend not to know whats actually going on or dont give a crap and ignore the set rules. This can lead to much frustration during the scenario for the ones who organische it, the ones who would be a GL of a new player and just the general scenario player who understands there are certain rules to keep the scenario "fair".
DutchVII
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I think this is a bad idea and I dont think the game would ever recover.You might improve your numbers initially but squads and events would die . Ive been playing with some form of this game for at least 20 yrs and never had a problem w the subscription rates. A fighter free-for-all wouldnt work for me . Ive played WOT for a while and thats exactly what that has become. A shootemup for 14 yr olds. This game sense of realism is unmatched unlike any platform Ive ever seen
my$0.02
Please re-read what I proposed. I didn't propose a fighter free-for-all. Just allowing the free to play accounts access to the main arena.
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The biggest obstacle to new players is the 1-2 punch of $14.95/month and the difficulty of starting fresh against very experienced players, in a game that's far from easy to learn.
When they get vulched or ganged over and over - if they even figure out how to get off the ground, is it really any wonder?
There is much in the way of formal training that could have helped this game and that never happened. HTC decided we didn't need that level of training. What they have is the training arena and the offline arena. But adding numbers to all sides would benefit everyone, even the baby seals, safety in numbers.
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According to HTC, new players often don't last past 20 minutes -- and those are 20 minutes of a free and unrestricted 2 week trial period. During the initial Steam trial I saw many newbies sit on the runway, or in the hangar, for 10 minutes then quit -- never to be seen again. So, it's not just about the price.
No matter what the price, new players need some kind of a "check ride" to sort out their controls and get them off the ground.
You are correct, they should be guided to the training either video or a trainer in the training arena. There is no formal training available and but that is not the subscriber's fault it's just our burden. HTC is the only one that can create a mandatory training boot camp but I doubt that will happen. I'm wondering if the new WOP will have a formal training arena? If not then the new player there won't last past 20 minutes either.
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If they did do the OP suggestion they should allow any player to participate in Special Events with whatever plane the event is using...the restrictions should only be for main arena play.
I was really only thinking about allowing free accounts access to the main arena, did not consider special events and I would keep that for subscription accounts only. Kind of like a marketing tool. a reason to upgrade from free to subscription.
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You are correct, they should be guided to the training either video or a trainer in the training arena. There is no formal training available and but that is not the subscriber's fault it's just our burden. HTC is the only one that can create a mandatory training boot camp but I doubt that will happen. I'm wondering if the new WOP will have a formal training arena? If not then the new player there won't last past 20 minutes either.
What game have you played that forced you through a session with a formal trainer? That would actively irk me.
What they need is something automated that walks you through the basic operations when you first start up. "Press E to start engine." "Pull back on the stick/move the mouse downward to take off." "If your plane goes too slowly it will stall." the first time it happens. Stuff like that.
Actually if it were me, I'd have it walk you through setting up your main controls on the first time through. "What do you want to use to make the plane go up and down?" "What do you want to use to make the plane roll?" "What do you want to use to fire all guns?" etc.
A video is not going to cut it. They need to have the information smashed in their faces repeatedly ingame.
Wiley.
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Aces High was one of the few games I've ever played that had no Tutorial or walk-through mission. Thankfully, people like Mathman, and several others taught me how to get around in Aces High 19 years ago.
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Aces High was one of the few games I've ever played that had no Tutorial or walk-through mission. Thankfully, people like Mathman, and several others taught me how to get around in Aces High 19 years ago.
There is an extensive Help section on the website. It just isn't formally presented as the place to start. It contains many videos and help sections on set up and game play. But you are 100% correct there is no formal boot camp or required training to teach the basics.
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Read the steam reviews on AHIII. This is one of the biggest complaints that people have.
It should say 'Free To Try'.
(https://i.imgur.com/iHWsMDW.jpg)
Coogan
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What game have you played that forced you through a session with a formal trainer? That would actively irk me.
What they need is something automated that walks you through the basic operations when you first start up. "Press E to start engine." "Pull back on the stick/move the mouse downward to take off." "If your plane goes too slowly it will stall." the first time it happens. Stuff like that.
Actually if it were me, I'd have it walk you through setting up your main controls on the first time through. "What do you want to use to make the plane go up and down?" "What do you want to use to make the plane roll?" "What do you want to use to fire all guns?" etc.
A video is not going to cut it. They need to have the information smashed in their faces repeatedly ingame.
Wiley.
That's all available through the Help on the main web page. One of the games that had formal training was WWII Online, another was Eve, another was, or what's the point.
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I've actually seen an increase in #s recently. There have been some huge fights out there. There's a lot of doom and gloom on these boards but most of the time you can easily find fights. Unfortunately not too many Europeans or Asians and Japs play for the off #s to pick up in "the off hours". I really think it just comes down to maps that are more suitable for 100-200 players. Consolidating the fights in smaller rehlms makes the fights seem bigger and more exciting. A few small maps recently really had some great fights. Smaller maps with closer bases 15-16 miles really makes for the best action and most fun.
Is there a way to create an offline mission that would allow for a basic "check ride" for new gamers?
This would be a great way to help them learn the controls. Should be a tutorial on how to access clip board to change flight controls. How to use radio. And how to change views. Personally, noobs would have a much easier time at 112 FOV and looking straight forward (home key) than them looking down in the cockpit. They dont know how to change that.
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not sure why FOV isn't set to 114 by default
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Read the steam reviews on AHIII. This is one of the biggest complaints that people have.
It should say 'Free To Try'.
I hear what you are saying, and don't disagree necessarily. I also raised an eyebrow when I first saw that.
However, the WWI and custom arenas ARE free-to-play. In addition to those free-to-play arenas, there are some additional premium Melee, AvA and Special Event arenas behind a subscription paywall.
Perhaps too fine a point, but not completely inaccurate.
:salute,
CptTrips
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I hear what you are saying, and don't disagree necessarily. I also raised an eyebrow when I first saw that.
However, the WWI and custom arenas ARE free-to-play. In addition to those free-to-play arenas, there are some additional premium Melee, AvA and Special Event arenas behind a subscription paywall.
Perhaps too fine a point, but not completely inaccurate.
:salute,
CptTrips
I'm just relaying what I have read on Steam. Some folks read that 'free to play' and think that this game is free to play.
Coogan
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I'm just relaying what I have read on Steam. Some folks read that 'free to play' and think that this game is free to play.
Coogan
Yep, I read those too.
Their complaint has some merit, but also HTC was not totally untruthful. A bit more careful wording could have avoided a lot of hard feeling. Maybe:
"Premium and Free-to-Play Arenas!"
:salute
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Yep, I read those too.
Their complaint has some merit, but also HTC was not totally untruthful. A bit more careful wording could have avoided a lot of hard feeling. Maybe:
"Premium and Free-to-Play Arenas!"
:salute
I don't think HTC was untruthful. A lot of those people probably thought the game was free is all. (they didn't read the fine print.)
Coogan
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HTC is the only one that can create a mandatory training boot camp but I doubt that will happen.
Voluntary but with rewards would be better IMHO. Maybe do all the training stuff and get an extra week free in addition to 2 weeks, or perk points or sth.
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If there is any true way to increase numbers, then it will take a personal interaction in a public setting with a computer setup and an experienced player being a spokesperson and trainer to the public. It would take dozens of them spread throughout the cities and towns across the globe.
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Read the steam reviews on AHIII. This is one of the biggest complaints that people have.
It should say 'Free To Try'.
(https://i.imgur.com/iHWsMDW.jpg)
Coogan
These folks have obviously never downloaded free apps and free download software.
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Does anyone recall when H2H was cancelled?
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Does anyone recall when H2H was cancelled?
Yes, I do. :old:
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There is much in the way of formal training that could have helped this game and that never happened. HTC decided we didn't need that level of training. What they have is the training arena and the offline arena. But adding numbers to all sides would benefit everyone, even the baby seals, safety in numbers.
HTC actually wanted an "Aces High Air Combat Training Academy", even asked for it from the AH Training Corps, but HiTech and Skuzzy couldn't find or get any of them to even try attempting to make it happen....
3+ years later (around 2003/2004), the request was brought back to the current forefront and only 3 of us, 1 left to be in a Rock N'Roll Band, so 2 of us trying to get it going along with HTC's blessing, but it never came to pass.... All of the ones who was 100% in and thought it should be, are either gone from the game, retired or.... Well, it's been so long ago now, that it seems like a long forgotten attempt, to even bring it up anymore....
Aces High at least needed "Scheduled Informal Training Sessions" held at set times during the day/week and weekend....the same way AW, WB, FA and some others at the time had.... It was very surprising to see AH to not keep with the traditional way of doing/offering Training, not even counting having a fully functional training academy....
Yes, you can make "Check-Ride tutorials", Training Videos, etc.... But who is available to answer a question at the given moment that new player has one to ask, while doing said Check-Ride or watching said Training Video?
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HTC actually wanted an "Aces High Air Combat Training Academy", even asked for it from the AH Training Corps, but HiTech and Skuzzy couldn't find or get any of them to even try attempting to make it happen....
If HTC wanted a training academy, they would have invested in it with paid professionals to develop his training and not been dependent on volentary help. Looks to me like when HTC couldn't get the labor for free the idea was dropped.
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I don't think HTC was untruthful. A lot of those people probably thought the game was free is all. (they didn't read the fine print.)
Coogan
WWI, Match Play , Mission Play, Steal the sheep, Custom user arenas all are 100% free.
HiTech
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If HTC wanted a training academy, they would have invested in it with paid professionals to develop his training and not been dependent on volentary help. Looks to me like when HTC couldn't get the labor for free the idea was dropped.
I'll leave you with your assumptions of what you think HTC might would have done....
And will only say one final thing regarding it....
I never said that HTC wanted "free labor"... I never said nor mentioned that HTC, going in never offered to pay for it/pay anyone involved with it extra money for doing it....but it is not my place to discuss this further (actually discuss any of it) with anyone, outside of those who know anything about it... If HiTech/HTC wants anybody to know, then he/they will tell it..... I've most likely already said more than I should have....my apologies for that!
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I don't think HTC was untruthful. A lot of those people probably thought the game was free is all. (they didn't read the fine print.)
Coogan
You're right. I think they felt it was a bait and switch. I don't think that was HTC's intention, but the "Free-to-Play" blurb may have been overly broad.
And nobody ever reads the fine print. ;)
:salute
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You're right. I think they felt it was a bait and switch. I don't think that was HTC's intention, but the "Free-to-Play" blurb may have been overly broad.
And nobody ever reads the fine print. ;)
:salute
Agreed. :salute
Coogan
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WWI, Match Play , Mission Play, Steal the sheep, Custom user arenas all are 100% free.
HiTech
Obviously, an accurate statement.
The problem is, I think the new players, like most of your customers, mistakenly only think of the Main Arena as "The Game". So they felt like the 2-week trial was a bait-and-switch.
But even with WOP, they will complain they have to pay or grind for the better stuff.
<shrug> What are you going to do? People just don't compile. ;)
:salute,
CptTrips
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Obviously, an accurate statement.
The problem is, I think the new players, like most of your customers, mistakenly only think of the Main Arena as "The Game". So they felt like the 2-week trial was a bait-and-switch.
But even with WOP, they will complain they have to pay or grind for the better stuff.
<shrug> What are you going to do? People just don't compile. ;)
:salute,
CptTrips
I don't imagine that people will complain about the grind.
I foresee a whole new breed of soapbox warrior being born as I type this message.
There is a unique opportunity being placed in front of us, even though it will have been indirect from HItech and crew, that will allow us to possibly blend the two games users into one massive community.
The way I see it is this:
Those insta-action cats will pretty much live in WOP and those that prefer a very loose living campaign game style will be separate for a time and we will most likely have a few players go AFK from AH3 and set up camp in WOP. However, events will most likely get a player boost as players from both camps are offered something from scenarios that neither WOP and AH3 offer.
I imagine it being like that dude who starts playing guitar. he buys his first electric ('el cheapo guitar), learns it and decides that he needs more so he buys his first legit gitfiddle (Fender) after a time he starts eyeballing that old Les Paul and makes the plung headlong in to it. next thing he knows he owns a 4k amplifier and 15k worth of guitar pedals.
It all starts somewhere and I think that somewhere is WOP for the newer gen of gamer.
Just my 2 cents.
:salute
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HTC actually wanted an "Aces High Air Combat Training Academy", even asked for it from the AH Training Corps, but HiTech and Skuzzy couldn't find or get any of them to even try attempting to make it happen....
3+ years later (around 2003/2004), the request was brought back to the current forefront and only 3 of us, 1 left to be in a Rock N'Roll Band, so 2 of us trying to get it going along with HTC's blessing, but it never came to pass.... All of the ones who was 100% in and thought it should be, are either gone from the game, retired or.... Well, it's been so long ago now, that it seems like a long forgotten attempt, to even bring it up anymore....
Aces High at least needed "Scheduled Informal Training Sessions" held at set times during the day/week and weekend....the same way AW, WB, FA and some others at the time had.... It was very surprising to see AH to not keep with the traditional way of doing/offering Training, not even counting having a fully functional training academy....
Yes, you can make "Check-Ride tutorials", Training Videos, etc.... But who is available to answer a question at the given moment that new player has one to ask, while doing said Check-Ride or watching said Training Video?
Scheduled training classes would be a great idea.
The arena message needs to be utilized more. It's an easy marketing opportunity for events and training sessions. Not sure why only the forums are used to market....
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Leo preferred the L&G over the Fender...
am surprised you didn't mention an old(or new even) quality made Silvertone ....
As far as WO:P, am I correct in that we don't have to go through Steam, to play it?
I sure hope so... I don't care to have anything to do with Steam nor have it on any of my computers...
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Scheduled training classes would be a great idea.
The arena message needs to be utilized more. It's an easy marketing opportunity for events and training sessions. Not sure why only the forums are used to market....
Wish List forum is your friend! Make a wish and see how many others agree with you / want it also :D
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I imagine it being like that dude who starts playing guitar. he buys his first electric ('el cheapo guitar), learns it and decides that he needs more so he buys his first legit gitfiddle (Fender) after a time he starts eyeballing that old Les Paul and makes the plung headlong in to it.
Or like how ball clubs use the minor leagues to farm players and pick the cream of the crop to transfer to the majors.
And like I said, the genius of basically repackaging a sub-set of AHIII with a slightly different play and pay model means there is very little effort that won't also benefit AHIII. If damage model improvements are made for WOP, AHIII gets them too. If a new Pacific war fighter or Japanese bomber is added for WOP, then AHIII gets it too.
Even the little bit of extra menu and pay system coding will be amortized across multiple games in the WO series. All of those permutations feed revenue to HTC and code improvements and possibly new players back to AHIII. It could turn out to be a very elegant and efficient system.
It may not catch on, but I see it as a relatively low cost, low impact thing to try. It gives HTC a venue to try different things without impacting their main meal ticket AHIII. If it does catch on, I don't see it as anything but beneficial for everyone, including AHIII players.
:salute,
CptTrips
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It bowls down to the needs of the player base.
OJT is needed for most players to get up and running in this game. If you expect a player to embark on a magical quest just to learn how to get off of the ground, you've probably already lost them.
I get that auto-take off is enabled but how many people don't see the message (yes, the color and presentation is poor) and move their mouse either on purpose or on accident?
a pop up should be displayed stating that you are in auto take off and it should require a user input of "Ok", or add two buttons 1: use auto-take off or 2: no disable auto-take off and a secondary message after selection that states "you can enable or disable this feature by going to blah blah blah".
At this point it really comes down to the polishing of the GUI, and connecting all of the dots of the convoluted clipboard menu system. The core of the game is there and works rather well and is hampered by the dated UI and the flow of the UI.
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Leo preferred the L&G over the Fender...
am surprised you didn't mention an old(or new even) quality made Silvertone ....
As far as WO:P, am I correct in that we don't have to go through Steam, to play it?
I sure hope so... I don't care to have anything to do with Steam nor have it on any of my computers...
Steam is not required per HT.
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WWI, Match Play , Mission Play, Steal the sheep, Custom user arenas all are 100% free.
HiTech
But none of that numbers in the main arena. Please allow the free accounts with limited plane sets to play in the main arena to increase numbers, more numbers, more fights, more options for game play.
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But none of that numbers in the main arena. Please allow the free accounts with limited plane sets to play in the main arena to increase numbers, more numbers, more fights, more options for game play.
-1
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I really dont see folks using a free MA platform for more than a few months. At that point, most would become more competitive, and pay the small fee once hooked, and not getting clubbed like a seal, to get full access to the game.
I think the short retention rate now may be logging in, and realizing two weeks isnt nearly enough to learn a deep game.
And then, the lack of apparent action on the clipboard map, in relation to map size, and what country they start on. "There is nothing going on in here, why would i bother with this game and the upcoming fee?"
The smaller maps like mindano, where all three countries can interact help this. Two countries would help this situation, but I wont beat that horse anymore.
Just some conclusions that can be drawn from logging into the game a few times a week, and paying attention to the things mentioned above. And then of course stepping back and looking from a new guys point of view, who is likely overwhelmed just learning flight characteristics. Let alone, things that may need to be done to find action. Reading the map, switching countries, tactics to kick up a fight, like porking.. etc etc..
I assume htc has some exit interview type data with the real answers. Im not sure if its been shared before, but it could be a good thing to do that. You are sure to get plenty of opinions on ways to relsove issues here. Some good, some bad.
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you guys seem to forget that new players only stick around for 20 minutes or so.
semp
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I think the short retention rate now may be logging in, and realizing two weeks isnt nearly enough to learn a deep game.
I'd say it's more likely they can't figure out how to do anything, get no direction, and leave, over looking at what's in front of them and thinking it's too deep.
Listing it as F2P on Steam was a positively horrible decision IMO. Yeah, all the unoccupied arenas are free, but at the end of the day the melee is what pretty much everybody will see as "the game".
Wiley.
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you guys seem to forget that new players only stick around for 20 minutes or so.
semp
The increase in numbers from free accounts is not reflected in the main arean. Which is losing subscription players because of the lack of numbers. With the free accounts allowed in the main arena we might retain more subscription and perhaps convert some of the free accounts to subscription so they could join a squad or fly better equipment.
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The increase in numbers from free accounts is not reflected in the main arean. Which is losing subscription players because of the lack of numbers. With the free accounts allowed in the main arena we might retain more subscription and perhaps convert some of the free accounts to subscription so they could join a squad or fly better equipment.
You have not flown in awhile I bet.
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I'd say it's more likely they can't figure out how to do anything, get no direction, and leave, over looking at what's in front of them and thinking it's too deep.
Yeah, I watched a video which the author after I complained about it said "isn't a review video" but pretty much was a lazy review video. I'm not going to link to it because I assume views rank it more positive and it was just a trashing of the game. The guy was trying to fly with a mouse and kept crashing and squeaking about it, basically he wanted to just jump into the game and be able to play. He liked War Thunder.
Most people want to play a video game they don't want simulation and they are confused by it, it seems broken to them.
The problem as always is where do you find the customers for this niche in a cost effective way.
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The increase in numbers from free accounts is not reflected in the main arean. Which is losing subscription players because of the lack of numbers. With the free accounts allowed in the main arena we might retain more subscription and perhaps convert some of the free accounts to subscription so they could join a squad or fly better equipment.
Also with the "free" players being allowed in the MA it would also provide a much easier "help" setup. If new players are in a free arena or custom arena who are they going to ask for help? At least in the MA once they figure out the radio there are many players willing to take the time to help them out.
You have not flown in awhile I bet.
He was on last Saturday with his squad. Always in a bunch of P38s :D
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Yeah, I watched a video which the author after I complained about it said "isn't a review video" but pretty much was a lazy review video. I'm not going to link to it because I assume views rank it more positive and it was just a trashing of the game. The guy was trying to fly with a mouse and kept crashing and squeaking about it, basically he wanted to just jump into the game and be able to play. He liked War Thunder.
Most people want to play a video game they don't want simulation and they are confused by it, it seems broken to them.
The problem as always is where do you find the customers for this niche in a cost effective way.
Funny how he liked WarThunder..... just had a stupid War Thunder Sponsored Ad pop up on my FB, after reading through the 20 or so comments ( more than 1/2 were trashing the game, btw) there was some Greyed Out Text at the bottom.
here is my reply/comment:
Tequila Chaser: I looked through the comments, then greyed out text at the bottom of the comments, it says "Most Relevant is selected, so some comments may have been filtered out." .......yep, that is what you call "Sponsored Advertising".... when the Game Developer is paying FaceBook to remove most all of the negative comments......ROFL
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Short of convincing Hitech to reduce the MA to 5x5 terrains to create the illusion of numbers and activity, there is another way. Each of my three terrains was an experiment in understanding how to use what Hitech restricts the MA to with his building rules, and help players produce activity. After riftval I could not see anything more I could do inside of the rules but, I still see possibilities without I think a large change on Hitech's part.
We have capture the flag objects you are required to capture from each country to achieve 20% of that country's territory for a map reset. That has been fixed for over a decade and ongoing complaints have shown it to be stale. I tried to spice it up with my terrains and to a point succeeded by adjusting field distances, spawn paths, and adding new objects. My ongoing goal of trying to make more real world looking terrain features didn't hurt either. It only lasted as long as I was willing to produce new terrains since you get a "novelty" effect with the community that lasts for a few months. It's not enough to solve the underlying "novelty" effect problem which contributes to the complaints about time to fight and being bored.
The assertions are new potential players log in and don't see activity on a scale to make them believe the game is worth investing, and customers are leaving due to same old same old nothing going on. Activity of that sort is concentrated groups from two countries battling over an area of real estate for long periods of time and consistently from login to login. My three terrains point to that. Hitech won't change to a two country game in the MA. How do you concentrate players willingly for long periods of time? Change the capture method\focus to something new but, it stays within the existing framework.
This will probably result in faster flipped maps but, the lynch pin capture object will concentrate air and land combat probably for the whole prime time window. If Hitech can generate a second city object(copy of the original) that will be seen as a field object in the capture order needing a map room object. Then require 60-75% of it to be destroyed to allow troop capture. It can be set as part of a new map win capture requirement, "own it" and 10-12% of a country's feilds. Allow the nearest airfield to be minimum 13 miles. The terrain builder would see the value in placing it in easy attack distance or Hitech can require that, so it's not hidden in the rear of each country next to the 163 field making it impossible to capture. Then require a minimum of GV spawns to it since at this point capturing feilds with GV spawns to it will collect most tank players into that new city. The new city object will only have it's ack tower and auto ack(maybe more added by Waffle) while the surrounding friendly feilds provide it's defense land and air. Hitech would probably allow M3\C47 to resupply the destroyed buildings like with towns. Then smart groups would drop all vehicle hangers and ordinance bunkers to this new city object's defending spawn connected feilds, when they capture their first enemy field with a spawn to it. Or I would like to think so versus they will all spawn in with tanks first thing and get carpet bombed from those feilds.
One or two of this in rotation would address the "novelty" problem and there are probably some terrains sitting around that would make good candidates for a modification. I could do this given access to the project files and permission to change "all" the field layouts, local micro terrain, add paths\bridges and clutter painting. With this change in capture percentages, the combat radius on a 10x10 could be shrunk to a 5-6 sector diameter to shorten transit time and condense activity. From my recent experiences, unless Hitech will create a "total new capture system" with smaller MA terrains, 2 country or 5x5 3 country terrains. It's a matter of small modifications using the existing backend code to address "novelty" while maintaining the traditional look and feel of the MA as a large sand box.
Some of this came from experiences on buzzsaw with my squad all in tanks taking down a city while defending tanks and aircraft were hammering us as a coequal force. In all the time buzzsaw has been in rotation, it's happened only twice with my squad. The rest of the time we just flatten the town in tanks unopposed. If the spawn points had been closer so the drive was 1\2 mile from the city, the place would have filled up with tanks. If we had the option to capture the city, we probably would have been carpet bombed and our spawns camped which would have brought in more of our fighters and theirs. I suspect that is what Waffle thought would happen but he placed the spawns too far away turning getting to the fight into a chore not worth doing. Time to the fight has been my most important experiment with all three of my terrains since bored customers have made that factor quite clear over the years. And the next issue was "novelty".
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This is a great thread.
My 0.02 fwiw
Two key things happened when AH3 came about.
1. Old players that left simply couldn't afford to upgrade or get new PCs to meet the game requirements.
2. New players trying it out have a rough time affording basic equipment to play the 2 weeks for free and likely don't have a good enough system to support what AH3 has to offer.
There are some new players that just don't know. We need to be helping them.
Example:
Ran into a new player the past few days that was getting ready to quit the game citing graphics. I then walked him through the settings I have set up for myself and he couldn't believe the difference. Needless to say, he is deciding to stick around.
Talk to them. Get them involved. Get them in squads so they get that camaraderie many of us enjoy. I love working with new players. Like Shuffler said. Reminds us of the excitement we experienced when we started playing.
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One way to attract more players into the MA is to play in the MA and not wait for things to get better. Make them better. ;) It`s like people expect someone else to do all the work for them.
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One way to attract more players into the MA is to play in the MA and not wait for things to get better. Make them better. ;) It`s like people expect someone else to do all the work for them.
I tried that, it did not work. ;)
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Short of convincing Hitech to reduce the MA to 5x5 terrains to create the illusion of numbers and activity, there is another way. Each of my three terrains was an experiment in understanding how to use what Hitech restricts the MA to with his building rules, and help players produce activity. After riftval I could not see anything more I could do inside of the rules but, I still see possibilities without I think a large change on Hitech's part.
We have capture the flag objects you are required to capture from each country to achieve 20% of that country's territory for a map reset. That has been fixed for over a decade and ongoing complaints have shown it to be stale. I tried to spice it up with my terrains and to a point succeeded by adjusting field distances, spawn paths, and adding new objects. My ongoing goal of trying to make more real world looking terrain features didn't hurt either. It only lasted as long as I was willing to produce new terrains since you get a "novelty" effect with the community that lasts for a few months. It's not enough to solve the underlying "novelty" effect problem which contributes to the complaints about time to fight and being bored.
The assertions are new potential players log in and don't see activity on a scale to make them believe the game is worth investing, and customers are leaving due to same old same old nothing going on. Activity of that sort is concentrated groups from two countries battling over an area of real estate for long periods of time and consistently from login to login. My three terrains point to that. Hitech won't change to a two country game in the MA. How do you concentrate players willingly for long periods of time? Change the capture method\focus to something new but, it stays within the existing framework.
This will probably result in faster flipped maps but, the lynch pin capture object will concentrate air and land combat probably for the whole prime time window. If Hitech can generate a second city object(copy of the original) that will be seen as a field object in the capture order needing a map room object. Then require 60-75% of it to be destroyed to allow troop capture. It can be set as part of a new map win capture requirement, "own it" and 10-12% of a country's feilds. Allow the nearest airfield to be minimum 13 miles. The terrain builder would see the value in placing it in easy attack distance or Hitech can require that, so it's not hidden in the rear of each country next to the 163 field making it impossible to capture. Then require a minimum of GV spawns to it since at this point capturing feilds with GV spawns to it will collect most tank players into that new city. The new city object will only have it's ack tower and auto ack(maybe more added by Waffle) while the surrounding friendly feilds provide it's defense land and air. Hitech would probably allow M3\C47 to resupply the destroyed buildings like with towns. Then smart groups would drop all vehicle hangers and ordinance bunkers to this new city object's defending spawn connected feilds, when they capture their first enemy field with a spawn to it. Or I would like to think so versus they will all spawn in with tanks first thing and get carpet bombed from those feilds.
One or two of this in rotation would address the "novelty" problem and there are probably some terrains sitting around that would make good candidates for a modification. I could do this given access to the project files and permission to change "all" the field layouts, local micro terrain, add paths\bridges and clutter painting. With this change in capture percentages, the combat radius on a 10x10 could be shrunk to a 5-6 sector diameter to shorten transit time and condense activity. From my recent experiences, unless Hitech will create a "total new capture system" with smaller MA terrains, 2 country or 5x5 3 country terrains. It's a matter of small modifications using the existing backend code to address "novelty" while maintaining the traditional look and feel of the MA as a large sand box.
Some of this came from experiences on buzzsaw with my squad all in tanks taking down a city while defending tanks and aircraft were hammering us as a coequal force. In all the time buzzsaw has been in rotation, it's happened only twice with my squad. The rest of the time we just flatten the town in tanks unopposed. If the spawn points had been closer so the drive was 1\2 mile from the city, the place would have filled up with tanks. If we had the option to capture the city, we probably would have been carpet bombed and our spawns camped which would have brought in more of our fighters and theirs. I suspect that is what Waffle thought would happen but he placed the spawns too far away turning getting to the fight into a chore not worth doing. Time to the fight has been my most important experiment with all three of my terrains since bored customers have made that factor quite clear over the years. And the next issue was "novelty".
Nice work. You sent me to sleep quicker than a 15 minute climb out. You are without a doubt the most verbose person I have ever encountered.
Now whilst I do not wish to step on your efforts to create maps, it is certainly a factor, I think you need to consider other factors are at play and not one of us can solve them.
You cannot make a map that makes people fight. No matter how small you make it the runners will run. No matter how much people want others to fight we cannot make them do it, the runners will run.
Consider this also, the community applauds those that land multiple kills even though we know they did nothing but high speed passes and by default snagged a few kills. As soon as they have to actually “fight” for the kill they are running to ack or wirbs or 5 friends quicker than you can imagine.
The problem with AH3 is an over abundance of runners and a lack of fights. It is not just the fighters either. Those that claim to want to move mud would rather move undefended mud than fight for a base. Sneak attacks resulting in a capture get whoops and hollers and we all want them right?
Agreed, maps help create action and there are some that need to be culled, however IMO the issue lies in the lack of combat and the truth is MOST of the current player base want kills over combat. I am not sure anyone can fix that.
Personally I would adopt a system more like world of warships and I think that is where HTC is headed.
Get in a room and fight. Determined outcome based on combat.
Respectfully
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I tried that, it did not work. ;)
I saw 170 folks.... cool
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I saw 170 folks.... cool
I saw 30. Now what :P
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Yes, I do. :old:
When? :headscratch:
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When? :headscratch:
The old H2H was finally scrubbed in September 2007.
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That coincides with my recollection as well but I wasnt't positive.
That's about the same time period, give or take a few months, that numbers in the MA peaked, no?
I understand the reason for discontinuing H2H but it fed a lot of paying players to the MA.
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That coincides with my recollection as well but I wasnt't positive.
That's about the same time period, give or take a few months, that numbers in the MA peaked, no?
I understand the reason for discontinuing H2H but it fed a lot of paying players to the MA.
According to HiTech, subscription numbers peaked late 2008/early 2009. And he 's the only one here who really could say if H2H really fed 'a lot' players to the MA, we players don't have any data.
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You have not flown in awhile I bet.
You would be wrong, I fly weekly with my squad. Wouldn't you like to see 600 in the main arena on a Saturday night again?
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Short of convincing Hitech to reduce the MA to 5x5 terrains to create the illusion of numbers and activity, there is another way.
Yes, get more people, why just create an illusion, why not have more players, by allowing the free account players access to the MA with a limited plane set. No matter what aircraft the free player pics when he spawns on the airfield he ends up in a Pxxx.
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People crying about being ganged by 4 or 5 people...how about get ganged by 20 or 30 like used to happen when there were 600+ players on??? :headscratch:
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You would be wrong, I fly weekly with my squad. Wouldn't you like to see 600 in the main arena on a Saturday night again?
Of course we would all like to see 600 in the mains. I never fought 600 at a time. I fought folks around me.... just like I do now.
I understand the low number issue for our European friends though.
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Of course we would all like to see 600 in the mains. I never fought 600 at a time. I fought folks around me.... just like I do now.
I understand the low number issue for our European friends though.
It's not just the European subscribers that have left because of low numbers in the main arena, a lot of my squad have left, stating that the numbers were the main issue they had. we did have a few based in England but the majority of my squad was Eastern Standard time zone. They saw it as paying for a game that was not being maintained and was losing players left and right. That was prior to AH3.
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leaving a game because numbers are dropping only perpetuate the problem.
It creates a domino effect... .
How many folks do you estimate left this game because of low numbers?
How many folks left because game mechanics changed and they refused to adapt and find a way?
seems to me that this is a community of "I" and not a community of "we".
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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I find it pretty easy to adapt to chasing down runners. Put the 38 in the hangar and get out the Mjug or 51. A little situational awareness will keep you alive longer. People have ran and picked in this game since it was introduced, its just more noticeable with lower numbers. The smaller maps keeps people in the same general areas though, rather than trying to milkrun one of 12 options on each front.
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I have an idea. For new players or any players for that matter could you have a popup as soon as they log in to an arena that asks the player if he wants help that would broadcast the request to the country, without having anything to do but click OK on this window. My skills are limited but I would gladly show what I know and get them off the ground if I knew they were asking. I think once they really see whats there they might stay more than 20 min.
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leaving a game because numbers are dropping only perpetuate the problem.
It creates a domino effect... .
How many folks do you estimate left this game because of low numbers?
How many folks left because game mechanics changed and they refused to adapt and find a way?
seems to me that this is a community of "I" and not a community of "we".
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
we all agree that players are leaving. why they are leaving is pretty irrelevant, unless it's some major game flaw, which AH doesn't really have. The biggest problem is little or nothing is being done to bring in new players and working to keep them.
Letting free players into the MA with a limited plane set will add numbers, and being in the MA new players will have access to players willing to help them to learn the game.
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So if the MA is free and thats the only place we fly do the rest of us get a refund?
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So if the MA is free and thats the only place we fly do the rest of us get a refund?
Did you read the part about the limited plane set? 4 mid war fighter, a buff, a goon, a panzer and an M3. You want to use anything else, subscribe.
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So if the MA is free and thats the only place we fly do the rest of us get a refund?
If you really want to save 15 bucks a month, you could fly the 4 plane free subsciption tier. Something tells me you wouldnt.
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Did you read the part about the limited plane set? 4 mid war fighter, a buff, a goon, a panzer and an M3. You want to use anything else, subscribe.
To be honest, with that selection like that for a free account I would have freeloaded for years. :uhoh
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AH for me is a time commitment. When I don't have an hour or so to play I will just up a tank in WOT for some quick fun. I think WO-pacific may attract some to AH that want more.
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To be honest, with that selection like that for a free account I would have freeloaded for years. :uhoh
But not everyone is like you. Some want their favorite plane, some want an uber plane, some want what gramps flew. There are many different people out there. At this point, even if every new player that comes in IS like you HTC wouldnt be any worst off than they are now and the arena would have more numbers. What's wrong with that?
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Did you read the part about the limited plane set? 4 mid war fighter, a buff, a goon, a panzer and an M3. You want to use anything else, subscribe.
That would cover my requirement just fine.
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To be honest, with that selection like that for a free account I would have freeloaded for years. :uhoh
Yet, even then, you would not be truly "free-loading". You would be providing the arena an important value: content. The death of a MMOG is an empty server. There is a critical mass you must maintain, even if you do it with free access. 50 paying customers in a mostly empty arena is way worse value for the paying customer than 50 paying customers and 50 "free-loaders". Body count must be maintained at ALL costs. The trick then is to work out how to incentivize the migration from free to pay. In the meantime, you are at least providing your paying customers with action and targets.
There is only so small you can shrink the maps and watch the player count dwindle before players start to wonder if they are really still playing a "massive multiplayer" game. At some point players wonder why they are paying a monthly bill for something similar to what they could get for a one time box purchase and play on the free servers.
The REAL product HTC sells is not the flight model or graphics. The REAL product is providing lots of real people to shoot at. I can play plenty of offline sims that have great flight models and graphics. The less targets HTC provides their paying customers, the less REAL value they are delivering.
Companies used to give away shavers. They wanted to sell you razors for life. I know it is counter intuitive to give away any part of your product for free, but you have to learn and adapt when the old way of doing things is no longer working. I think that is what WO:P is about. If it has some success, maybe they will eventually try free access with incentivized upgrade in AH.
:salute,
CptTrips
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But not everyone is like you. Some want their favorite plane, some want an uber plane, some want what gramps flew. There are many different people out there. At this point, even if every new player that comes in IS like you HTC wouldnt be any worst off than they are now and the arena would have more numbers. What's wrong with that?
It is a really amazing coincidence how often those two are one in the same.
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It is a really amazing coincidence how often those two are one in the same.
mhh... :headscratch:
1. Me 262 7319
2. Tempest 7105
3. Ta 152H 5898
4. Tiger I 5741
5. Bf 109K-4 5430
6. Me 163B 5215
Oh crap, you are talking about me :uhoh :bolt:
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Did you read the part about the limited plane set? 4 mid war fighter, a buff, a goon, a panzer and an M3. You want to use anything else, subscribe.
I'm guessing that quite a few current subscribers would be happy to play for free with that set.
Now, if only paying customers got their kills announced "in lights".... :D
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mhh... :headscratch:
1. Me 262 7319
2. Tempest 7105
3. Ta 152H 5898
4. Tiger I 5741
5. Bf 109K-4 5430
6. Me 163B 5215
Oh crap, you are talking about me :uhoh :bolt:
Mea Culpa. I'm just as guilty. :D
(https://i.postimg.cc/DftTLcjK/p40.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
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I'm guessing that quite a few current subscribers would be happy to play for free with that set.
Now, if only paying customers got their kills announced "in lights".... :D
And maybe only subscribers get scores and stats recorded.
And maybe only subscribers can use rearm pad.
And maybe only subscribers can use GV resupply.
And maybe only subscribers get access to skins.
And maybe only subscribers get access to scenarios.
And maybe only subscribers can be added to squads.
And maybe only subscribers get to xmit on vox and text. They can listen and read but not xmit.
A lot of ways to incentivize. :D
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What if WarOnline is also an experiment in determining what customers are willing to pay for, short of $14.95 each month that can be incorporated into the MA revenue structure? When he first went with Steam he was not convinced it was worth the trouble. Is WarOnline an experiment in making the Steam decision profitable since many of the games at Steam make money on the micro transaction model? That reflects the primary demographic who uses Steam in some ways versus AH3. Until now Hitech has refused to do free and micro transactions in place of a monthly subscription for anything.
When Hitech makes changes they are either, today becasue he liked an idea in someone's post which tends to have immediate repercussions in the MA. Or he does something small with better testing and observes it for 3-6 months, a year or, many years to see how it changes game play. The same can be said for ideas he is looking to incorporate down the road while watching us to work them out.
WarOnline goes live this month, probably by June it will show if it's a winner while Hitech gains more feed back from it. The MA is still there and works like it always has if you want to login and play. If this is another session trying to tell Hitech he has to scrap the MA and do anything but MA under the guise of not directly stating it to his face. Start a post saying to Hitech, you need to scrap the MA and do anything but MA as your solution to saving your company and bringing in more customers.
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And maybe only subscribers get scores and stats recorded.
And maybe only subscribers can use rearm pad.
And maybe only subscribers can use GV resupply.
And maybe only subscribers get access to skins.
And maybe only subscribers get access to scenarios.
And maybe only subscribers can be added to squads.
And maybe only subscribers get to xmit on vox and text. They can listen and read but not xmit.
A lot of ways to incentivize. :D
If you don't care to have your points recorded, about the only thing there that IMO is meaningful is access to scenarios/FSO. The rest is of questionable importance/can be solved by discord.
GV supply for subscribers only would be a necessity. Otherwise there'd be a ton of 2 boxing going on I'd bet.
Wiley.
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The rest is of questionable importance/can be solved by discord.
I think you underestimate the leverage of reserving text and vox to subscribers. Look how ape-sh*t everyone went when they were denied chan 200 for a week. :D
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New players would absolutely need to be able to xmit on text and vox to get help from other players.
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New players would absolutely need to be able to xmit on text and vox to get help from other players.
Good point.
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Mea Culpa. I'm just as guilty. :D
(https://i.postimg.cc/DftTLcjK/p40.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
It's people like you who destroyed AH by giving players like me a feeling of shame and guilt :P :banana: :airplane:
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We already have a bunch of subscribers who don't rearm, survive long enough for supplies, don't use skins, don't go to scenarios, don't belong to squads and maybe text once in awhile. And we have members of squads who do the same. Then if you limit a free player in the MA to garbage rides, do they upgrade one ride at a time with micro transactions until $14.95 seems cheap in the face of $$x120 rides over time? One year of AH3 = $180 so then is he selling AH3 at $180 one time and no more revenue? Split 120 rides up over $180 or a buck fifty per ride. Even add in skins and it still does not meet a monthly income because there are just so few micro aspects in our game to transact. Does Hitech have a free night a week to try all the rides they are missing? Then they just arrange their week of other FtP games around that night through Discord.
How does Hitech get people to stay versus challenge them to game his largess to see how free they can always play his game? Yes and everyone means well and will play nice becasue Hitech is a good guy while our community will guide them to be good citizens.......brings a tear to your eye don't it.... :rolleyes:
Most of our ideas are the business models from other games which Hitech is well aware of becasue he is a business owner in the Egame industry. Our general ideas sound too much like players trying to help Hitech give them friends by giving away his business.
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And maybe only subscribers get scores and stats recorded.
And maybe only subscribers can use rearm pad.
And maybe only subscribers can use GV resupply.
And maybe only subscribers get access to skins.
And maybe only subscribers get access to scenarios.
And maybe only subscribers can be added to squads.
And maybe only subscribers get to xmit on vox and text. They can listen and read but not xmit.
A lot of ways to incentivize. :D
None of that would have irked me but the stats. But even that would have probably been worth the saved 15$. I already kept my own bomber stats apart from the game since 2012, I probably would have come up with something similar for the other modes. :)
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None of that would have irked me but the stats. But even that would have probably been worth the saved 15$. I already kept my own bomber stats apart from the game since 2012, I probably would have come up with something similar for the other modes. :)
In my opinion, that would be ok. You'd be working off your access in other ways.
Your helping to fill up a server so paying customers don't get the impression the game is collapsing.
The limited plane set means you'd be adding variety to the arena by flying planes that don't get much use by paying customers by choice.
Every day you play the game instead of uninstalling, is another day they have to convince you to convert to subscription.
Even if you don't convert, every free player is a walking advertisement to tell other people about the game. Some of them might convert.
Other things could be done like throttle available free-access openings depending on time or server population. Maybe less free slot during US prime. That could be used to smooth out population variances between US and EU prime-times. Or even US prime-time vs US off-hours.
:salute
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we all agree that players are leaving. why they are leaving is pretty irrelevant, unless it's some major game flaw, which AH doesn't really have.
I think the way field capture works is a major flaw. It works instantaneous with a kind of time limit by rebuild, and that way favors a quick take and not fights. In the past this was concealed by large player numbers.
Another flaw is how forward spawns work. Fights don't move the fronts, but happen at the towns of two adjacent fields at the same time. No map layout seems to be possible to avoid this (except possible extreme cases that would violate half of the MA map rules).
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It's people like you who destroyed AH by giving players like me a feeling of shame and guilt :P :banana: :airplane:
"Choose the form of the Destructor"
- Look out - It's a giant blanket! With sleeves! :devil
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Let's paint everything white and give everyone the same name.
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So if the MA is free and thats the only place we fly do the rest of us get a refund?
NO, but you as a subscriber get to fly anything you want, the free account is limited to one or two planes.
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AH for me is a time commitment. When I don't have an hour or so to play I will just up a tank in WOT for some quick fun. I think WO-pacific may attract some to AH that want more.
What makes you think HTC will continue to support AH3?
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What makes you think HTC will continue to support AH3?
What makes you think he won't?
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What makes you think he won't?
I believe it will be "status quo" for now until they decide if the "War Online " series is worth the effort. I highly doubt you will see ANY work done on AH other than bug fixes, if that, depending on the bug.
AH will take a back seat to the new game for awhile. 3-6 months to see if there is interest in War Online, if there is , you may see other versions come out ... Europe, Eastern front, and so on. Figure a month to setup each, another 3-6 months to see if it warrents a new addition.
I dont hold anything against HTC for expanding their business model, but I dont think it bodes well for AH. I think, being a small company, HTC will be busy putting all of their time and energy into making the new game work. Should the new series of games prove to be a good money maker I dont see ANY time or effort being put into AH. HTC has NEVER been big on making changes in AH. Small changes here and there, but for now I dont see anything coming along to work on tweaking game play, or adding new players to AH. AH will limp along until HTC decides not to bother hosting it any more. Should the new series do well it may be sooner than later.
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What makes you think HTC will continue to support AH3?
How about this:
AH Is not a hobby. It has been mine and many others full time employment for almost 20 years.
I'm sure I can find more.
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Honestly AH is great the way it is.
What happens a lot is folks want change then complain when it does. Just the same is folks wanting to run AH on a Tandy computer.
Humans are never satisfied. :rofl
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I noticed about a 30-50 player drop for the buzzsaw map being up this Friday night compared to recent fridays. That's saying something.... I knew it to when I saw the #s on the clipboard. Just sayin....
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What makes you think he won't?
Because this, no longer applies:
"HiTech Creations was founded with a simple philosophy, by Dale "HiTech" Addink, in 1999. It's not to create a large corporation, a vast gaming network, or a line of online games. It's just to create one game, but one that is better than any other like it. Contrary to most companies, our goal is to keep the company small. We know that with a singular focus and an experienced cohesive team that enjoys its work, the production, service, support, and overall level of satisfaction will be unmatched."
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How about this:
I'm sure I can find more.
remember this one:
"HiTech Creations was founded with a simple philosophy, by Dale "HiTech" Addink, in 1999. It's not to create a large corporation, a vast gaming network, or a line of online games. It's just to create one game, but one that is better than any other like it. Contrary to most companies, our goal is to keep the company small. We know that with a singular focus and an experienced cohesive team that enjoys its work, the production, service, support, and overall level of satisfaction will be unmatched."
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Because this, no longer applies:
"HiTech Creations was founded with a simple philosophy, by Dale "HiTech" Addink, in 1999. It's not to create a large corporation, a vast gaming network, or a line of online games. It's just to create one game, but one that is better than any other like it. Contrary to most companies, our goal is to keep the company small. We know that with a singular focus and an experienced cohesive team that enjoys its work, the production, service, support, and overall level of satisfaction will be unmatched."
Goals change. Companies ebb and flow. That is how they survive. Lest they become like Sears and so many other poorly run has beens.
In actuality the new game is much like the old with multitudes of limits to force quick action and simplify use for today's type of player.
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Goals change. Companies ebb and flow. That is how they survive. Lest they become like Sears and so many other poorly run has beens.
In actuality the new game is much like the old with multitudes of limits to force quick action and simplify use for today's type of player.
Yep. Hitech made an arcade game for the kids, and kept the flight simulator for the grown ups.
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Re: Attracting more players in the main arena or what ever it's called today.
« Reply #61 on: Yesterday at 06:03:30 AM »
Quote
Quote from: Lusche on Yesterday at 05:05:01 AM
I tried that, it did not work. ;)
I saw 170 folks.... cool
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S.A.P.P.- Secret Association Of P-38 Pilots (Lightning In A Bottle)
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Re: Attracting more players in the main arena or what ever it's called today.
« Reply #62 on: Yesterday at 06:35:18 AM »
Quote
Quote from: Shuffler on Yesterday at 06:03:30 AM
I saw 170 folks.... cool
I saw 30. Now what :P
looks like Shuffler's count was prime time and Lusche's count early morning 12am to 9am. why do people when talking about low numbers in the arena never say I saw 30 players but it was in the early morning-with the total numbers playing everyday or night early morning player count will always be low. if you look at most post's about low numbers 20-30 people will never say it was an early morning player count, my give some players the idea the arena is almost always empty no matter what time it is.
Apparently Lusche thinks people stay on 12-16 hours straight
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Apparently Lusche thinks people stay on 12-16 hours straight
No. I believe the point Lusche was trying to make, is that during EU prime-time, there are insufficient numbers to be viable.
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No. I believe the point Lusche was trying to make, is that during EU prime-time, there are insufficient numbers to be viable.
Yes... not many Europeans playing.... because not many Europeans are playing.
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I noticed about a 30-50 player drop for the buzzsaw map being up this Friday night compared to recent fridays. That's saying something.... I knew it to when I saw the #s on the clipboard. Just sayin....
Yeah, its ridiculous to see how hard the numbers drop when that map is up.
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Yeah, its ridiculous to see how hard the numbers drop when that map is up.
It's hurting bad. The fact that we had to fly for almost 2 sectors just to try to take a base with 5 people shows why it's such a poor design.
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Down with Buttsaw!
I logged off when I saw it was up...
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Get rid of Buzzaw, and the big maps, at least at Euro TZ.
To let players play for free with limited set of planes/vehicles - it's a way of introducing new blood and get numbers up, like Warthunder have using players steam account, you can get premium tanks / planes / skins / load-out by paying.
To introduce new planes / vehicles is a way of keeping the interest up and keep old farts playing, 4 years with no new planes does not cut it, VR or not.
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Attracting more players in the main arena or what ever it's called today. The thread topic says it all.
If there is any true way to increase numbers, then it will take a personal interaction in a public setting with a computer setup and an experienced player being a spokesperson and trainer to the public. It would take dozens of them spread throughout the cities and towns across the globe.
As I stated before in the thread. All your suggestions don't have any weight without face to face communication. A person to effectively explain all the nuances of a complicated flight simulator game. They have the potential to be great, however, they require the aforementioned setting.
For anyone reading this, retired individuals with free time, business owners who have a small place for a setup, and financial backers who can support a public setting game setup. Try setting up a booth venue in a public setting and showcase this game. Be informative of the material, helpful in explaining the game dynamics, and encourage local residents to play and form local squads (strength in numbers for new players).
This will be the watershed event for bringing the game back to previous levels. Don't wait on HTC. This will be a player initiative.
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Get rid of Buzzaw, and the big maps, at least at Euro TZ.
To let players play for free with limited set of planes/vehicles - it's a way of introducing new blood and get numbers up, like Warthunder have using players steam account, you can get premium tanks / planes / skins / load-out by paying.
To introduce new planes / vehicles is a way of keeping the interest up and keep old farts playing, 4 years with no new planes does not cut it, VR or not.
As of this month, it's been five years since the TU-2 was introduced. July was five years since a new fighter, the Yak-3 and Yak-7.
And +1 on scrapping Buzzsaw.
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I have flown the 38 since it was pretty much available. What plane are you wanting?
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I have flown the 38 since it was pretty much available. What plane are you wanting?
You want the whole list?
It is typical for online games to offer new content. You may like flying only one bomber, but most people prefer a selection. And in that regard, more is better.
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1) Adding more planes and vehicles are great. That will appease the veteran players especially for Special Events in creating more accurate showdowns. New players with no knowledge of WW2 will be unable to know the difference. For the most part, the new aircraft may become the additional hangar queens in the MA.
2) Having HTC create a complicated free play with limited planes and vehicles based on specific arena use system, that falls on HTC marketing to implement and most importantly keeping the program going with a 24/7 information phone line. Talking person to person.
3) Removing the large maps from rotation, that will help tremendously with low numbers. No argument there.
It's easy for us to point out issues and offer suggestions.
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You want the whole list?
It is typical for online games to offer new content. You may like flying only one bomber, but most people prefer a selection. And in that regard, more is better.
So the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence for you.
That must be tough.
Really only need a few planes to flesh out scenarios. Any other time they would be mostly hanger queens.
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The fact is HTC cannot please everyone and it is actually hopeless to try. In fact it is folly to try. He will end up like a pinball bouncing all over the place.
My personal take on the game is going to be different from many and the same as many. My $0.02 for what it is worth.
- There are enough planes and GV’s. Adding more is a bonus not a requirement
- The graphics are ok. Sure there are better out there but they are fine.
- The flight model is ok. It is point and shoot and middle of the road to learn. Others need more engine management, others are more basic. AH has a good balance for fun. Easier to fly when drunk as well :).
- Learning curve is steep. No more steep than others to be honest, even the ‘basic’ games you all scoff at have steep learning curves. Don’t believe me? Go fly in those games that you hate so much with their ‘simple’ flight model and top the charts. Truth is you will struggle. You will blame it on a crap flight model etc etc etc, but the fact is you are just not used to it and unwilling to go through the learning curve to get good at it.
- The maps are not great. They seem to take a lot of effort to create and there are many in rotation that suck balls. Well, certainly from a fighter pilots perspective.
- What is it with the invisible ground vehicles? That one confuses the crap out of me.
- The game IMO has become lost in trying to cater for everyone and has ended up being the bridesmaid instead of the stunning bride it should be.
- The scoring system promotes combat avoidance. Your name in lights means nothing IMO if it took you 2 hours and 20 high speed passes to get those 2 kills. They gain points for this. Others however, work hard and fight aggressively to land hits on 5 enemy but are shot down without getting a kill and are rewarded with no points at all. I prefer the World of Warships model.
- AH has become more about the outcome than the fight. Take the base, get the kill, score the points all while avoiding the fight. The fight avoiders will come up with many reasons as to why their way is justified etc. I am sure they believe it. For me, 1 high speed pass, a loop and then run to ack or a wirb is not fun.
- I left the game after a tirade of abuse from a player just because he took exception at my country of birth and if this sort of stuff is aimed at new players no wonder they do not stay.
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So the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence for you.
That must be tough.
Really only need a few planes to flesh out scenarios. Any other time they would be mostly hanger queens.
What grass is greener? :headscratch: I don't fly in scenarios and hangar queens are my bread and butter.
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The fact is HTC cannot please everyone and it is actually hopeless to try. In fact it is folly to try. He will end up like a pinball bouncing all over the place.
My personal take on the game is going to be different from many and the same as many. My $0.02 for what it is worth.
- There are enough planes and GV’s. Adding more is a bonus not a requirement
- The graphics are ok. Sure there are better out there but they are fine.
- The flight model is ok. It is point and shoot and middle of the road to learn. Others need more engine management, others are more basic. AH has a good balance for fun. Easier to fly when drunk as well :).
- Learning curve is steep. No more steep than others to be honest, even the ‘basic’ games you all scoff at have steep learning curves. Don’t believe me? Go fly in those games that you hate so much with their ‘simple’ flight model and top the charts. Truth is you will struggle. You will blame it on a crap flight model etc etc etc, but the fact is you are just not used to it and unwilling to go through the learning curve to get good at it.
- The maps are not great. They seem to take a lot of effort to create and there are many in rotation that suck balls. Well, certainly from a fighter pilots perspective.
- What is it with the invisible ground vehicles? That one confuses the crap out of me.
- The game IMO has become lost in trying to cater for everyone and has ended up being the bridesmaid instead of the stunning bride it should be.
- The scoring system promotes combat avoidance. Your name in lights means nothing IMO if it took you 2 hours and 20 high speed passes to get those 2 kills. They gain points for this. Others however, work hard and fight aggressively to land hits on 5 enemy but are shot down without getting a kill and are rewarded with no points at all. I prefer the World of Warships model.
- AH has become more about the outcome than the fight. Take the base, get the kill, score the points all while avoiding the fight. The fight avoiders will come up with many reasons as to why their way is justified etc. I am sure they believe it. For me, 1 high speed pass, a loop and then run to ack or a wirb is not fun.
- I left the game after a tirade of abuse from a player just because he took exception at my country of birth and if this sort of stuff is aimed at new players no wonder they do not stay.
I agree with 99% of your thinking Fess. So sorry to hear you've left. In my book you've always been a gentlemen, a fun countryman and a feared opponent.
<S>
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This discussion has become derailed, here is what I originally said:
Evidently the STEAM free to play aces High game is not attracting the flood of players that everyone was hoping for. Taking a look around at other subscription based games that also altered their models to attract new members by offering a free to play account appear to be doing a bit better. The difference as far as I can see is that they allow new free to play accounts to be in the mix with the others subscribers, thus adding much needed numbers to their sandbox. WWII Online is a good example. The free to play accounts are basic riflemen and can be nothing else. While the subscribers have two levels of subscriptions a monthly 14.99 and a monthly 7.99. The 7.99 has fewer game options available, with the 14.99 account having everything available. Bottom inline they allowed the free to play account in their main arena to bolster numbers. Perhaps HTC might consider doing the same for AH3. Created different levels of subscriptions. Basic first generation fighters for the free to play account and an unlimited selection for subscriptions. Just a thought.
The discussion should be about bring in additional numbers by allowing the free to play accounts access to the MA in a limited plane/vehicle set. Something that if done now, today, would increase numbers, today, the discussion is not about training or lack there of, not about maps or map size or design.
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So this should be in the wish list.
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Apparently people don't know how to play AH....
You do not need 600 people to play...we were in the DA Saturday night for like 5 hours with 4 of us and it was the most fun we had in years...
On top of that we were in the MA against like 8 or 10 guys and had a great time...if you can fight 100 people at one time and have fun have at it...
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The fact is HTC cannot please everyone and it is actually hopeless to try. In fact it is folly to try. He will end up like a pinball bouncing all over the place.
My personal take on the game is going to be different from many and the same as many. My $0.02 for what it is worth.
- There are enough planes and GV’s. Adding more is a bonus not a requirement
- The graphics are ok. Sure there are better out there but they are fine.
- The flight model is ok. It is point and shoot and middle of the road to learn. Others need more engine management, others are more basic. AH has a good balance for fun. Easier to fly when drunk as well :).
- Learning curve is steep. No more steep than others to be honest, even the ‘basic’ games you all scoff at have steep learning curves. Don’t believe me? Go fly in those games that you hate so much with their ‘simple’ flight model and top the charts. Truth is you will struggle. You will blame it on a crap flight model etc etc etc, but the fact is you are just not used to it and unwilling to go through the learning curve to get good at it.
- The maps are not great. They seem to take a lot of effort to create and there are many in rotation that suck balls. Well, certainly from a fighter pilots perspective.
- What is it with the invisible ground vehicles? That one confuses the crap out of me.
- The game IMO has become lost in trying to cater for everyone and has ended up being the bridesmaid instead of the stunning bride it should be.
- The scoring system promotes combat avoidance. Your name in lights means nothing IMO if it took you 2 hours and 20 high speed passes to get those 2 kills. They gain points for this. Others however, work hard and fight aggressively to land hits on 5 enemy but are shot down without getting a kill and are rewarded with no points at all. I prefer the World of Warships model.
- AH has become more about the outcome than the fight. Take the base, get the kill, score the points all while avoiding the fight. The fight avoiders will come up with many reasons as to why their way is justified etc. I am sure they believe it. For me, 1 high speed pass, a loop and then run to ack or a wirb is not fun.
- I left the game after a tirade of abuse from a player just because he took exception at my country of birth and if this sort of stuff is aimed at new players no wonder they do not stay.
All valid points Fess. With regard to your last point, hopefully the tirades were reported and that player is no longer in the game. Hope you’ll reconsider and come back. :salute
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Apparently people don't know how to play AH....
You do not need 600 people to play...we were in the DA Saturday night for like 5 hours with 4 of us and it was the most fun we had in years...
On top of that we were in the MA against like 8 or 10 guys and had a great time...if you can fight 100 people at one time and have fun have at it...
Monday night madness is a blast too.
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Monday night madness is a blast too.
Ditto! Come git some!
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Apparently people don't know how to play AH....
You do not need 600 people to play...we were in the DA Saturday night for like 5 hours with 4 of us and it was the most fun we had in years...
On top of that we were in the MA against like 8 or 10 guys and had a great time...if you can fight 100 people at one time and have fun have at it...
The problem with low numbers is that HTC will not continue to support a project that isn't profitable and 10 people in the DA just won't cut it.
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The fact is HTC cannot please everyone and it is actually hopeless to try. In fact it is folly to try. He will end up like a pinball bouncing all over the place.
My personal take on the game is going to be different from many and the same as many. My $0.02 for what it is worth.
- There are enough planes and GV’s. Adding more is a bonus not a requirement
- The graphics are ok. Sure there are better out there but they are fine.
- The flight model is ok. It is point and shoot and middle of the road to learn. Others need more engine management, others are more basic. AH has a good balance for fun. Easier to fly when drunk as well :).
- Learning curve is steep. No more steep than others to be honest, even the ‘basic’ games you all scoff at have steep learning curves. Don’t believe me? Go fly in those games that you hate so much with their ‘simple’ flight model and top the charts. Truth is you will struggle. You will blame it on a crap flight model etc etc etc, but the fact is you are just not used to it and unwilling to go through the learning curve to get good at it.
- The maps are not great. They seem to take a lot of effort to create and there are many in rotation that suck balls. Well, certainly from a fighter pilots perspective.
- What is it with the invisible ground vehicles? That one confuses the crap out of me.
- The game IMO has become lost in trying to cater for everyone and has ended up being the bridesmaid instead of the stunning bride it should be.
- The scoring system promotes combat avoidance. Your name in lights means nothing IMO if it took you 2 hours and 20 high speed passes to get those 2 kills. They gain points for this. Others however, work hard and fight aggressively to land hits on 5 enemy but are shot down without getting a kill and are rewarded with no points at all. I prefer the World of Warships model.
- AH has become more about the outcome than the fight. Take the base, get the kill, score the points all while avoiding the fight. The fight avoiders will come up with many reasons as to why their way is justified etc. I am sure they believe it. For me, 1 high speed pass, a loop and then run to ack or a wirb is not fun.
- I left the game after a tirade of abuse from a player just because he took exception at my country of birth and if this sort of stuff is aimed at new players no wonder they do not stay.
The running and people not wanting to fight is more indicative of the abundance of the easy planes. Players who feel like they have to fly far to a base will take the fastest plane they can and stay alive as long as possible. It's not the scoring. You have to realize that most people don't want to die in a war game. That's just the nature. Being able to escape the the fight is the #1 greatest advantage. It's not the score that creates this, it's the easy access of super planes by anyone. The more people flying in P51Ds. The more people who have to fly P51Ds just to compete to catch them. This means more players in timod planes. For some reason, it's just too big of a deal to put a tiny perk on more planes that are eating up 90% of the kills in AH. Flying timidly is actually worse for your rank in AH. It's more about getting kills every sortie than it is about dying. The game starts people off in a disadvantage on the runway. That makes it hard for most people.
Its an online game. Don't quit just because someone says something mean. No one can stop anyone from being mean. Report them and call then out. Don't let these players get away with it. There will always be dingbats in online gaming.
This discussion has become derailed, here is what I originally said:
Evidently the STEAM free to play aces High game is not attracting the flood of players that everyone was hoping for. Taking a look around at other subscription based games that also altered their models to attract new members by offering a free to play account appear to be doing a bit better. The difference as far as I can see is that they allow new free to play accounts to be in the mix with the others subscribers, thus adding much needed numbers to their sandbox. WWII Online is a good example. The free to play accounts are basic riflemen and can be nothing else. While the subscribers have two levels of subscriptions a monthly 14.99 and a monthly 7.99. The 7.99 has fewer game options available, with the 14.99 account having everything available. Bottom inline they allowed the free to play account in their main arena to bolster numbers. Perhaps HTC might consider doing the same for AH3. Created different levels of subscriptions. Basic first generation fighters for the free to play account and an unlimited selection for subscriptions. Just a thought.
The discussion should be about bring in additional numbers by allowing the free to play accounts access to the MA in a limited plane/vehicle set. Something that if done now, today, would increase numbers, today, the discussion is not about training or lack there of, not about maps or map size or design.
I too wish for a tierd system. Unfortunately from what I gather in recent threads, the cost per player just wouldnt cut it.
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I too wish for a tierd system. Unfortunately from what I gather in recent threads, the cost per player just wouldnt cut it.
Wouldn't cut what? They already allow free accounts, they just don't grant them access to the MA so the subscribers don't benefit from any of the increased numbers.
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WWI, Match Play , Mission Play, Steal the sheep, Custom user arenas all are 100% free.
HiTech
Yeah, but the Main Arena is where the people and fun are. I can understand that potential new recruits feel deceived. Better to be more forthright. You might get more new people to try the game out your way, but many leave with a bad taste in their mouth and communicate it to others.
It reminds me a little of letters I receive in the mail which look important, but once they've gotten you to open them up and read what they have to say, you find out that they were deceiving you just to get you to open that letter up. I would never do business with someone like that. Maybe some of these Steam guys feel the same.
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New potential customers have the 2 week free trial(24 hours x 14 days) with all rides available in the MA. They are not kept out of it during those 14 days. So far the problem has been them leaving before the first 30 minutes of their very first of 14 free days is reached. A tiered system is not addressing anything at this point since there are few new potential customers to be attracted by it. It's the first 30 minutes that have to be cracked in the MA. If players want Hitech to scrap the MA as the open world capture the flag model it's been since 1999, you have the Wish List or contacting him privately to present him with an alternative that he can buy into to keep his doors open.
Outside of USA 4pm est to 12:00pm est there is less than 50 players on at each end of that time spectrum with up to 170 at the peak of the window. At peak time with any MA terrain in rotation you can find fights, the capture the flag side of the game dominates most players attention for their $14.95. They are not interested in being fighter pilots and the whole game culture that goes with it. Aces High is not Fighter Ace and I've met transplants from when FA closed it's doors who have never been happy with the MA capture the flag dominate culture. They have never had much nice to say about AH since AH is not FA, and that is what they longed for and didn't get out of AH. The only thing I could do for them and the AH ACM players was produce terrains with the majority of airfields laid out at the minimum distance from each other Hitech would allow me to do. Other wise, you need to present Hitech with a new MA model that will support all of his customers play preferences that will not drive away his core base. Sadly most are long on criticism and short on doing anything themselves to try and help Hitech achieve that.
I was born in Morocco on a US Military installation, not telling people that tiny fact after 9\11 has been interesting at times. Who cares about rants and naughty names on the Internet. I've had almost 20 years of nasty from these forums and in the game becasue the Internet is anonymous and full of people looking to take offense so they can burn people with their huge manly key boards. These forums get more like 4chan every year with all the overly sensitive grown men in here.
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Its the presentation of any help information and the lcm of a quick hands on tutorial prior to being turned lose in the MA.
This much is apparent. Why something tangible hasn't been created yet is beyond me and rests with HitechCreations.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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New potential customers have the 2 week free trial(24 hours x 14 days) with all rides available in the MA. They are not kept out of it during those 14 days. So far the problem has been them leaving before the first 30 minutes of their very first of 14 free days is reached. A tiered system is not addressing anything at this point since there are few new potential customers to be attracted by it. It's the first 30 minutes that have to be cracked in the MA. If players want Hitech to scrap the MA as the open world capture the flag model it's been since 1999, you have the Wish List or contacting him privately to present him with an alternative that he can buy into to keep his doors open.
Outside of USA 4pm est to 12:00pm est there is less than 50 players on at each end of that time spectrum with up to 170 at the peak of the window. At peak time with any MA terrain in rotation you can find fights, the capture the flag side of the game dominates most players attention for their $14.95. They are not interested in being fighter pilots and the whole game culture that goes with it. Aces High is not Fighter Ace and I've met transplants from when FA closed it's doors who have never been happy with the MA capture the flag dominate culture. They have never had much nice to say about AH since AH is not FA, and that is what they longed for and didn't get out of AH. The only thing I could do for them and the AH ACM players was produce terrains with the majority of airfields laid out at the minimum distance from each other Hitech would allow me to do. Other wise, you need to present Hitech with a new MA model that will support all of his customers play preferences that will not drive away his core base. Sadly most are long on criticism and short on doing anything themselves to try and help Hitech achieve that.
I was born in Morocco on a US Military installation, not telling people that tiny fact after 9\11 has been interesting at times. Who cares about rants and naughty names on the Internet. I've had almost 20 years of nasty from these forums and in the game becasue the Internet is anonymous and full of people looking to take offense so they can burn people with their huge manly key boards. These forums get more like 4chan every year with all the overly sensitive grown men in here.
Ya dweeb. :D
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The downfall of AH is the chest thumping ego maniacs. Plain and simple.
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The downfall of AH is the chest thumping ego maniacs. Plain and simple.
They don't add much, it's true.
- oldman
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The downfall of AH is the chest thumping ego maniacs. Plain and simple.
Because that is unique to AH and does not exist in any other Online PvP game.
:rolleyes:
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They don't add much, it's true.
- oldman
How dare you!
If i was in charge i would envoke rule #123.45
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The downfall of AH is the chest thumping ego maniacs. Plain and simple.
Most chest thumpers chest would cave in at the slightest hint of a fight. :aok
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New potential customers have the 2 week free trial(24 hours x 14 days) with all rides available in the MA. They are not kept out of it during those 14 days. So far the problem has been them leaving before the first 30 minutes of their very first of 14 free days is reached.
The problem with the 2 week free trial is the player knows that at the end of the two weeks if they wish to continue to play they must pay 14.99 a month and that stops many dead in their tracks.
Outside of USA 4pm est to 12:00pm est there is less than 50 players on at each end of that time spectrum with up to 170 at the peak of the window. At peak time with any MA terrain in rotation you can find fights, the capture the flag side of the game dominates most players attention for their $14.95.
Again I'm talking about increasing numbers by allowing the already free to play accounts that HTC offers it's customer base access to the MA with a limited plane set. That does three things, 1. removes the limited time frame in which new players must learn the game, which everyone admits has a steep learning cure. 2. removes the stigma associated with Aces High that the developer is not truthful in the use of the term "Free to Play". 3. Adds additional players to the MA, which everyone that has left my squad stated was the lack of numbers that lead to their decision to leave the game.
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The problem with the 2 week free trial is the player knows that at the end of the two weeks if they wish to continue to play they must pay 14.99 a month and that stops many dead in their tracks.
Again I'm talking about increasing numbers by allowing the already free to play accounts that HTC offers it's customer base access to the MA with a limited plane set. That does three things, 1. removes the limited time frame in which new players must learn the game, which everyone admits has a steep learning cure. 2. removes the stigma associated with Aces High that the developer is not truthful in the use of the term "Free to Play". 3. Adds additional players to the MA, which everyone that has left my squad stated was the lack of numbers that lead to their decision to leave the game.
It wouldn't hurt. Having 2 or 3 free planes would really allow players have some time to learn the MA. They would be early-mid late war planes that would make for better fights in the MA. It would attract a lot more subscriptions in the long run because eventually they would want to try that P51D. That's how many games work. It would attract a lot more players and keep them in the door rather than kicking them out. I know people like me for example who A. Didnt know the MA well enough to want to subscribe after 2 weeks (thank goodness for H2H), B. Only get to play on the weekends, thus really only having 2 weekends If lucky to try the 2 week trial. So really id only have 2-3 days to try AH if I were to start the game today. Unfortunately, match play doesn't mimic H2H very well, and no one it seems can make a decent FFA that can stay up all day like there was in the old H2H. TA makes his, but that's at 1am on a Saturday. We seriously need more custom arenas, but I guess no one really has the time or know how to open them.
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If some deadbeat does not want to pay for anything that is their problem. I do not want to pay for their insurance either.
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If some deadbeat does not want to pay for anything that is their problem. I do not want to pay for their insurance either.
You are already paying for the free accounts and now for the development of War Online: Pacific. None of the subscribers gain any benefit. We all agree that increased subscriber members is the only way to save Aces High X. By allowing the free accounts into the MA, they may enjoy the game get addicted and become a subscriber. The way it is right now, the subscriber base gets no benefit from the free accounts.
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You are already paying for the free accounts and now for the development of War Online: Pacific. None of the subscribers gain any benefit. We all agree that increased subscriber members is the only way to save Aces High X. By allowing the free accounts into the MA, they may enjoy the game get addicted and become a subscriber. The way it is right now, the subscriber base gets no benefit from the free accounts.
Utter BS. No one is paying for any development of anything HTC does except my investors and me. And the last time I check you did not own any stock.
HiTech
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2 weeks free
Try before you buy.
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If some deadbeat does not want to pay for anything that is their problem. I do not want to pay for their insurance either.
I think that view is short-sided.
* They provide body count so it looks like a fully populated MMOG.
* They provide variety because they are forced to fly non-popular planes. That way paying customers aren't forced to fight the same 3 plane models every day.
* They can be used to fillout time of normally lower population like US non-prime time and EU prime.
* They are a walking advertisement to others about the game. Floating their access is WAY cheaper than buying air time on History Channel.
* every day they fly for free, they are seeing other stuff in the game that they don't have access too that looks fun. Every day is a little more pull to get them to subscribe. "Man, those historical scenarios look fun. I'd like to try one of those." Every day you maintain contact with them is another chance to make a sale. If they try a two week and uninstall, you probably lose the chance forever.
Many programs offer a free level access with premium content for pay. It isn't a whacky, off the wall idea. It is a widely used model for good reasons.
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Exactly what 2 weeks does except they can keep playing and not join.
Folks will just complain they can't fly other planes or drive other vehicles.
As always there is no way to satisfy everyone.
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Exactly what 2 weeks does except they can keep playing and not join.
Folks will just complain they can't fly other planes or drive other vehicles.
As always there is no way to satisfy everyone.
If they can figure out how to keep people past that first 20 minutes, this idea makes some sense.
It's very little skin off HTC's nose to allow them limited access to the MA in a couple midwar planes. Something along the lines of 109F, KI61, P40, F4F, B25, C47, maybe Panzer 4 and M3 troop loadout only.
My main concern is they'd just get discouraged and quit after being constantly hammered by uber planes being flown by more experienced players vs paying the sub.
I think it would also create an uptick in "The only reason you won is because you paid to have a P51" blahblah whining. Not like that doesn't exist now, I just think it'd create more of it.
Wiley.
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If they can figure out how to keep people past that first 20 minutes, this idea makes some sense.
That is a legitimate point, but could be partially related. If I thought this is a game I could continue to play for a long time, I might be more willing to figure it out. If I know it is a limited trial, and I believe at that time I probably wouldn't want to pay, I might just not be motivated. But they need to improve the 20 minute thing in any case. But if it took 6 weeks to turn a skeptical player into a log-term subscriber instead of two weeks, wouldn't it be worth it? How much does it actually cost HTC to float a free player vs advertising costs?
As to Shuffler's point, a two week trial does not increase target variety. Two-weekers are not required to fly unpopular planes. Two-weekers are not funneled into off-time slots. Free players could be regulated by providing different numbers of opening at different times, encouraging them to play at times you need back fill.
The two near-model competitors (Warbirds, WWIIOnline) to AHIII both have free level access to the main play area with limited planeset/weapons.
More importantly, I'd say about 90% of the software in the mobile app stores have adapted the model of a feature limited free version you can use forever, with a paid version upgrade. There are some that a pay up front and some that have one time limited trials, but the VAST majority have a free version you can use forever, but a paid version that has more stuff (or no ads). That has proven to be the most productive model. And more importantly, I'd guess the mobile app stores are where the current generation if forming it's expectations of software pay models.
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But none of that numbers in the main arena. Please allow the free accounts with limited plane sets to play in the main arena to increase numbers, more numbers, more fights, more options for game play.
-1 :old:
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We have folks flying what they want hollering about being hammered by uber planes......
New folks in limited planes are not going to be a happy few.
Please understand.... I would love to have more folks join. I am just not seeing anything different to change what has been going on.
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The increase in numbers from free accounts is not reflected in the main arean. Which is losing subscription players because of the lack of numbers. With the free accounts allowed in the main arena we might retain more subscription and perhaps convert some of the free accounts to subscription so they could join a squad or fly better equipment.
:old: yeah and then the subscription players who have paid to played for years will quit, asking why should they continue to pay when the newbies get to play for free-even with a limited plane set.
and the newbies will quit asking why they have a limited plane set when others can fly what they want.
you say--->[convert some of the free accounts to subscription so they could join a squad or fly better equipment]<---that's the main complaint when the players from Steam, they don't want to pay to play.
this subscription based game is Dales pay check-it houses him and family, feeds them its his employer, it pays his employees, utilities etc, without us paying they would be in the unemployment line-for a very short time I'm sure, but still, how would you feel if you're employer said he's going to give a piece of you're paycheck to someone else to make your job easier? I don't think you would like that.
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Please understand.... I would love to have more folks join. I am just not seeing anything different to change what has been going on.
The cost of trying new approaches is probably less that the ultimate cost of riding a downward trajectory in to the dirt.
If what you are doing has not been working, you either try something different or you have to believe in magic to save you.
I do not believe in magic.
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I agree that HiTech should think about changing the words free to play to free to try. unless that's a big problem he may have to reapply to steam to do that, make a small introduction video on frt page to explain the difference. carrie can narrate it, she has a nice voice. make it mandatory to watch video :D
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We have folks flying what they want hollering about being hammered by uber planes......
New folks in limited planes are not going to be a happy few.
Please understand.... I would love to have more folks join. I am just not seeing anything different to change what has been going on.
I totally disagree. If they don't choose to pay, they already know they will be flying in an inferier plane. Infact the inferior plane will make them better at the game. I don't go into Battlefield 4 expecting to have the same guns as the vets who have been playing hardcore for years. I don't see people complaining that it's not fair. It actually keeps players around because they like unlocking new guns and equipment.
:old: yeah and then the subscription players who have paid to played for years will quit, asking why should they continue to pay when the newbies get to play for free-even with a limited plane set.
and the newbies will quit asking why they have a limited plane set when others can fly what they want.
you say--->[convert some of the free accounts to subscription so they could join a squad or fly better equipment]<---that's the main complaint when the players from Steam, they don't want to pay to play.
this subscription based game is Dales pay check-it houses him and family, feeds them its his employer, it pays his employees, utilities etc, without us paying they would be in the unemployment line-for a very short time I'm sure, but still, how would you feel if you're employer said he's going to give a piece of you're paycheck to someone else to make your job easier? I don't think you would like that.
They would get all the planes for the first 2 weeks, and then only have access to a 109F and a spit5 after the 2 weeks. This would keep them in the game if they want to continue to play with friends.
Completely disagree. More players actually playing the game are more than likely to subscribe in the long run. These players know that they are flying in inferior planes. Paying members know that if they stop paying, they will only fly inferior planes. A paying sub isn't going to do that more than likely. Like I said, keeping players in the door is much more beneficial than kicking them out and having to decide after that if they want to buy.
I will say that I do think Hitech having the 2 weeks free is great because it let's people try the game. I did not have that opportunity for IL-2, so I decided not to buy it at this time.
I just think players need a longer chance in the MA once they figure out what the heck they are doing. People just aren't gonna pay $15 a month for something they don't really have a strong grasp on.
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So much software is free download.... but to keep using it will cost you money.
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you guys seem to forget that new players only stick around for 20 minutes or so.
semp
he speaks the truth. new players come in I ask them if them need help just ask, no reply, I ask them if their headset has a mic no response, if they use a mouse or joystick no response. it's hard to help, if no one asks or help or won't answer you.
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I totally disagree. If they don't choose to pay, they already know they will be flying in an inferier plane. Infact the inferior plane will make them better at the game. I don't go into Battlefield 4 expecting to have the same guns as the vets who have been playing hardcore for years. I don't see people complaining that it's not fair. It actually keeps players around because they like unlocking new guns and equipment.
Completely disagree. More players actually playing the game are more than likely to subscribe in the long run. These players know that they are flying in inferior planes. Paying members know that if they stop paying, they will only fly inferior planes. A paying sub isn't going to do that more than likely. Like I said, keeping players in the door is much more beneficial than kicking them out and having to decide after that if they want to buy.
I will say that I do think Hitech having the 2 weeks free is great because it let's people try the game. I did not have that opportunity for IL-2, so I decided not to buy it at this time.
I just think players need a longer chance in the MA once they figure out what the heck they are doing. People just aren't gonna pay $15 a month for something they don't really have a strong grasp on.
You are talking about completely different folks than the bunch we are speaking of. These folks do not play to get better. If they cannot dominate from their first step, they leave and go to another game. These are folks who give 20 minutes or less. They expect to be given everything and then whoever did all the work... pay their way. B>)
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The increase in numbers from free accounts is not reflected in the main arean. Which is losing subscription players because of the lack of numbers. With the free accounts allowed in the main arena we might retain more subscription and perhaps convert some of the free accounts to subscription so they could join a squad or fly better equipment.
if you look at roster you will see new players, and you will see some returning players, Teerex is back-twoshay is back, Medic341,homeboy, a few others. there are more players returning or trying the game out then there are leaving.
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So much software is free download.... but to keep using it will cost you money.
And even more software is free download and free to use....but you have to pay to get betters stuff and more features.
Like Warbirds. Like WWIIOnline.
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Re: Attracting more players in the main arena or what ever it's called today.
« Reply #161 on: Today at 01:02:17 PM »
Quote
Quote from: Shuffler on Today at 12:25:38 PM
We have folks flying what they want hollering about being hammered by uber planes......
New folks in limited planes are not going to be a happy few.
Please understand.... I would love to have more folks join. I am just not seeing anything different to change what has been going on.
I totally disagree. If they don't choose to pay, they already know they will be flying in an inferier plane. Infact the inferior plane will make them better at the game. I don't go into Battlefield 4 expecting to have the same guns as the vets who have been playing hardcore for years. I don't see people complaining that it's not fair. It actually keeps players around because they like unlocking new guns and equipment.
I totally disagree with you're disagreement, flying inferior planes as you call it will not make them better-the step down platform works better here start with the uber planes, learn how to fly them then step down to the lower class planes. as a former player and friend of mine said a faster plane will always beat a slower plane, in the right world maybe, I don't agree with his assessment, factors play here, type of planes player skill-1v1 or 4v1 etc. but when in a older class plane it is possible to kill uber class planes, depends on the skill of the player.. but it all really don't matter, as soon as a vet identifies a new player in a plane or gv the newbie doesn't stand a chance. I saw it yesterday a newbie killed 3 or 4 times by the same player-logged off, the vet should have pm'd him or talked direct vox to offer ideas, but he didn't.
and I thought the trial period players got to fly anything they wanted except the perked planes. if not then that should change.
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You want the whole list?
It is typical for online games to offer new content. You may like flying only one bomber, but most people prefer a selection. And in that regard, more is better.
the game we all love and play, is pretty much a reality based game as planes and gv's have real life real war history-all with real war records. I see a lot of players flying planes with the default skins, they don't care about squad skins and such, our inventory of planes and tanks are the most popular and most used in WWII.
if you want more and different planes fly warthunder they have planes and tanks I've never evan heard of, and dam sure weren't used in WWII, I think they were plans in the starting stages of building but the war ended. example ever hear of a P43-A1 looks like a precursor to the P-47, 1940-1941 only 272 built. but warthunder has it.
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The problem with low numbers is that HTC will not continue to support a project that isn't profitable and 10 people in the DA just won't cut it.
what is a DA-DUALING ARENA-is used for DUALING-to settle who is better than you-to get 1v1 2v2 etc to settle disputes. it's not meant to be a Melee arena, it's not meant to be full all the time, that's what Melee arena is for. people don't want to get pounded by uber pilots in the DA they get enough of that in the MElee. the main reason I don't fly KOTH is because most of the time its filled with UBER pilots, people who fly better than I do. after 10yrs playing the only maneuver I know is ? I can't even think of what its called, where you dive down turn over to go back the other way, whatever. you sure have a lot of complaints for one who don't play much.
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Wouldn't cut what? They already allow free accounts, they just don't grant them access to the MA so the subscribers don't benefit from any of the increased numbers.
the 2 week free trial is a temporary free account and I believe they can fly what they want except the perked planes.
and it is in the MA/MELEE arena
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the 2 week free trial is a temporary free account and I believe they can fly what they want except the perked planes.
and it is in the MA/MELEE arena
And after that 2 weeks, they only get access to the deserted non-pay arenas. Pretty sure they can fly perk planes if they earn enough perks, though it's been a looooooooooong time since my trial.
What this thread's proposing (really should be on wishlist) is to let them in to be able to fly a limited planeset in the Melee indefinitely. I really don't think it's a terrible idea, Violator had a good point about 2 weeks being a good amount of time if you can play every day, not so much if your time is limited to a couple days a week which is a lot of people. If a person can only play weekends, is something like 4 1 hour play sessions enough time to set the hook to get them to subscribe? These days, I'm not convinced it is.
A lot of us are outliers. I was looking for a good stick and rudder flight sim, and here I am after a while in WBs. Unless this game had actively ticked me off, it was unlikely I wasn't going to subscribe. That is an extremely rare attitude these days in gaming.
Wiley.
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the game we all love and play, is pretty much a reality based game as planes and gv's have real life real war history-all with real war records. I see a lot of players flying planes with the default skins, they don't care about squad skins and such, our inventory of planes and tanks are the most popular and most used in WWII.
if you want more and different planes fly warthunder they have planes and tanks I've never evan heard of, and dam sure weren't used in WWII, I think they were plans in the starting stages of building but the war ended. example ever hear of a P43-A1 looks like a precursor to the P-47, 1940-1941 only 272 built. but warthunder has it.
The bolded line is the one you should pay attention to, because more people ARE playing warthunder!
The point here is what has worked before ....$15 subscription... doesnt work any more. A vast majority of games these days has a "Free to Play" but limits what players can use and gets their money from selling other equipment, skins and so on.
Todays players come in, download the game, start it up and after 20 minutes have decided that they havent got a chance to learn this game in under the 2 weeks they have free in the MA and so they will never know if they could have fun trying to compete. So instead of wasting the time they uninstall and move on.
Giving them full access with a few "free" planes and vehicles takes that stress of learning the game in less than 2 weeks away. It gives them unlimited time to really check out the game, meet other players, make friends, get HELP! and finally get hooked into the game.
Times have changed in the gaming industry, its time HTC changes as well.
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The bolded line is the one you should pay attention to, because more people ARE playing warthunder!
The point here is what has worked before ....$15 subscription... doesnt work any more. A vast majority of games these days has a "Free to Play" but limits what players can use and gets their money from selling other equipment, skins and so on.
Todays players come in, download the game, start it up and after 20 minutes have decided that they havent got a chance to learn this game in under the 2 weeks they have free in the MA and so they will never know if they could have fun trying to compete. So instead of wasting the time they uninstall and move on.
Giving them full access with a few "free" planes and vehicles takes that stress of learning the game in less than 2 weeks away. It gives them unlimited time to really check out the game, meet other players, make friends, get HELP! and finally get hooked into the game.
Times have changed in the gaming industry, its time HTC changes as well.
They are not supposed to learn the game in 2 weeks. Just see if it interest them and go with it. If they learned it in 2 weeks it would be one dull game.
Everything changes. Some for the better , some for the worse. Some of those games are playing off the same mental issues that gambling does. Things may change drastically if they come under any kind of government scrutiny in the future.
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Re: Attracting more players in the main arena or what ever it's called today.
« Reply #161 on: Today at 01:02:17 PM »
Quote
Quote from: Shuffler on Today at 12:25:38 PM
We have folks flying what they want hollering about being hammered by uber planes......
New folks in limited planes are not going to be a happy few.
Please understand.... I would love to have more folks join. I am just not seeing anything different to change what has been going on.
I totally disagree. If they don't choose to pay, they already know they will be flying in an inferier plane. Infact the inferior plane will make them better at the game. I don't go into Battlefield 4 expecting to have the same guns as the vets who have been playing hardcore for years. I don't see people complaining that it's not fair. It actually keeps players around because they like unlocking new guns and equipment.
I totally disagree with you're disagreement, flying inferior planes as you call it will not make them better-the step down platform works better here start with the uber planes, learn how to fly them then step down to the lower class planes. as a former player and friend of mine said a faster plane will always beat a slower plane, in the right world maybe, I don't agree with his assessment, factors play here, type of planes player skill-1v1 or 4v1 etc. but when in a older class plane it is possible to kill uber class planes, depends on the skill of the player.. but it all really don't matter, as soon as a vet identifies a new player in a plane or gv the newbie doesn't stand a chance. I saw it yesterday a newbie killed 3 or 4 times by the same player-logged off, the vet should have pm'd him or talked direct vox to offer ideas, but he didn't.
and I thought the trial period players got to fly anything they wanted except the perked planes. if not then that should change.
Lunatic, I died relentlessly over and over again when I first started AH. like most people do in most games. Infact im a total noob in BF4... still. You are forgetting that having a plane like the 109f for free would only be there to allow them to experience the game longer, thus bringing in more #s overall. Them flying that inferior plane would actually encourage them to buy the subscription. Eventually they will sub and be subs for a long time. Dying over and over again is part of gaming. You either learn how to be better or you quit. That simple.
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Lunatic, I died relentlessly over and over again when I first started AH. like most people do in most games. Infact im a total noob in BF4... still. You are forgetting that having a plane like the 109f for free would only be there to allow them to experience the game longer, thus bringing in more #s overall. Them flying that inferior plane would actually encourage them to buy the subscription. Eventually they will sub and be subs for a long time. Dying over and over again is part of gaming. You either learn how to be better or you quit. That simple.
Yup.. big differnce between being slaughtered for free or for 14.95. They will get into situations where they say, "damn, i had a chance in a p51 there, or, that p38 really tore me up, id like to see what thats all about", and thats when the realise they will pay 14.95 for a game they are now hooked on.
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... or they can say... oh well... it's free... LOL :D
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I really wish Hitech would post his thoughts on this. To me it seems like any easy test to put up to see if it generates more interest in players which transition over to subscribers.
What do you say Hitech?
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I really wish Hitech would post his thoughts on this. To me it seems like any easy test to put up to see if it generates more interest in players which transition over to subscribers.
What do you say Hitech?
Seems like WOP is the test.
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You guys ever see the grief players get in the WT forums for wanting more realistic cockpit only air combat like our game? It's the reverse of here where we roast people for wanting aimbots, F3, and easy mode flying. Over there they say if WT forces real cockpit centrist flying they will all quit becasue they love using their mouse and seeing 360 at all times so no one can sneak up on them. They also won't give up how the exterior pilot mode helps them perform lead shooting at all angles including really low under the nose. Some say if they wanted realism they would play IL2.
This might be some of the real reason many leave inside of their first 20 minutes in our game these days. Wonder if we have any way to attract those poor guys getting lynched at WT for being heretics?
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This might be some of the real reason many leave inside of their first 20 minutes in our game these days.
Exactly! People want to play a video game.
AH is sort of like a simulation of hunting with rocks, those people over at WT want to play a game about hunting with rocks so they play baseball.
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The more hardcore realists go to DCS. The more game oriented people go to WT and like such as.
The people seemingly closest to our niche I think are IL2 players. From what I've seen they seem to think engine management, no icons, eye candy, and paying once for the game are more attractive than this game. Larger maps and capacity for more people just don't seem to be as important to them.
People keep talking as though there's this giant untapped horde of people that would play this game if only they advertised enough to reach them. I sincerely don't think that's the case. I think IL2 has grabbed most of the people who would be inclined to play this game.
Wiley.
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Larger maps and capacity for more people just don't seem to be as important to them.
Capacity only matters when it is used. When actual player numbers online are lower than what the server of a boxed game can manage, capacity loses its relevance.
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Seems like WOP is the test.
I doubt that. AH may be more of a test bed for War Online. Game style is the main difference. It is set up to be a fast dirty game. "Grind" your way to more planes and such. Generate action for Dueling contest to win real prizes and such. None of which would be put into the "Sandbox" style game that is AH.
War Online is a separate entity to be used as a separate income to pay off investors in the new game.
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I doubt that. AH may be more of a test bed for War Online. Game style is the main difference. It is set up to be a fast dirty game. "Grind" your way to more planes and such. Generate action for Dueling contest to win real prizes and such. None of which would be put into the "Sandbox" style game that is AH.
War Online is a separate entity to be used as a separate income to pay off investors in the new game.
I wasn't talking about the gameplay.
I was suggesting WOP might end up as a test bed for HTC to prove if feature-limited F2P accounts and paid upgrade to premium access is the key to attract a new generation of players. If it attracts good numbers and holds them, and if there is a sufficient percentage of conversion to premium to show profitability, it would add much weight to the argument that AHIII would benefit from a planeset limited F2P account access with upgrade path.
But much better to try it out on a separate title, that is reasonably easy to put together from mostly existing code and art assets, than to roll the dice like that on their main bread and butter game. WOP might provide an elegant proof for an evidence based business decision.
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I wasn't talking about the gameplay.
I was suggesting WOP might end up as a test bed for HTC to prove if feature-limited F2P accounts and paid upgrade to premium access is the key to attract a new generation of players. If it attracts good numbers and holds them, and if there is a sufficient percentage of conversion to premium to show profitability, it would add much weight to the argument that AHIII would benefit from a planeset limited F2P account access with upgrade path.
But much better to try it out on a separate title, that is reasonably easy to put together from mostly existing code and art assets, than to roll the dice like that on their main bread and butter game. WOP might provide an elegant proof for an evidence based business decision.
I hope your right but I really doubt it. I dont see the F2P stuff in War Online transferring over to a totally different game like AH. "war cash", buying skins, dueling/competition for cash I just dont see it crossing over.
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I hope your right but I really doubt it. I dont see the F2P stuff in War Online transferring over to a totally different game like AH. "war cash", buying skins, dueling/competition for cash I just dont see it crossing over.
I could see F2P accounts grinding away getting kills and bombing stuff to earn war cash in AHIII and then using it to purchase the use of a premium plane until they die in it, the way subscribers use perks fpr perk planes. That will keep them playing and occasionally getting a little taste. Of course they can have that pony whenever they want if they subscribe. Or they maybe can earn/buy some war cash to purchase a slot in a scenario.
Mainly, the question is if F2P turns out the be the cheapest advertising HTC could buy, and if a sufficient number convert to make it worth it. Compared to buying national media time, the bandwidth cost of floating a percentage of F2P accounts is probably trivial. Especially with the secondary benefits they provide by providing targets, numbers, something to shoot at other than Yak 3's. ;)
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I could see F2P accounts grinding away getting kills and bombing stuff to earn war cash in AHIII and then using it to purchase the use of a premium plane until they die in it, the way subscribers use perks fpr perk planes. That will keep them playing and occasionally getting a little taste. Of course they can have that pony whenever they want if they subscribe. Or they maybe can earn/buy some war cash to purchase a slot in a scenario.
Mainly, the question is if F2P turns out the be the cheapest advertising HTC could buy, and if a sufficient number convert to make it worth it. Compared to buying national media time, the bandwidth cost of floating a percentage of F2P accounts is probably trivial. Especially with the secondary benefits they provide by providing targets, numbers, something to shoot at other than Yak 3's. ;)
LOL!!! NEVER! Hitech could have done that ten years ago, or anytime since then when all these other games were going with that full F2P, buy to get ahead stuff.
No I think if that happened you'd see most of the "oldtimers"..... those that have kept the game solvent these past 5-10 years gone in weeks. Hitech has to come up with "the next big thing" in pay/subscriptions to make AH worth the time and effort players need to put into it to become competitive. Thats why I think the F2P with a few planes and tanks/or a full subscription is a good hybrid payment setup. It give the new players a chance to get going, over a few months if thats what it takes, for them to get comfortable and say, "ya, I really need a mustang" and subscribe.
HTC has never been big on advertising. They have tried it a number of times, a number of ways and they have never seen a good return on it. I think its due to the game its self. The game is not welcoming to new players. It has a steep learning curve and very little help forced on new players. Be it videos or training tutorials BEFORE you can play or what ever, players come into this game looking to compete, and get eaten alive over and over. The game has never been setup to "welcome" new players as most new player USE to come from other flight games and so knew a bit already. Today we get gamers. Gamers expect things to be genaric from game to game "A,S,W,D" and a certain controls to the mouse and so on. AH only recently has started bring these settings into play.
No, War Online is going to have very little in common with AH. Its like apples and oranges.
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LOL!!! NEVER! Hitech could have done that ten years ago, or anytime since then when all these other games were going with that full F2P, buy to get ahead stuff.
By premium aircraft, I'm not talking about an F-86. I'm talking about a P-51. Premium, as in not normally available the the F2P account unless they spend a pile of their war cash on it. That is no different than a subscriber earning enough perk points to buy a life in a Tempest. It would have no detrimental effect on the arena. You wouldn't even notice it. It would be just another pony, or just another P-38. It is ridiculous to say that would cause a mass exodus of "oldtimers". What will cause an exodus is when a MMOG is whittled down to 40 players on a Fri night.
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This is very much in the "for what it's worth category." Since I've just completed my two week trial it seems appropriate for me to toss in my two cents (or less). This thread has generated many reactions for me. I'll just try to address a few of them.
I had to chuckle a little and also check the dates on the thread to see it if was 2019, 2009, or even 1999 as I have seen these types of threads across that period. I'm not meaning to criticize as I think it's healthy for everybody to discuss how to make the game better for everyone and how to invite new players. I've been gone for over ten years and am amazed to find AH still hanging in where Air Warrior, Warbirds, and a WW1 MMOLG (that I can't for the life of me remember the name of) have disappeared (as far as I know). HTC is obviously doing something right even if subscriptions have dropped off.
This is a difficult game to get into. I am trying to imagine if these last two weeks had been my first exposure to AH. I feel quite certain that I would probably have given up in frustration by now. For starters, is it a WW2 simulator (why are P51s fighting P51s?)? A dogfighting game? A tank and vehicle game? A sea battle game? Think about it, this is truly a remarkable game as it is ALL of that; and more! On top of all that, there is virtually no documentation; just a bunch of mostly ancient help documents here and there that I've been seeing for twenty years. Then there's the Training Arena. This is a really well designed place where people can come to learn/practice dogfighting, dive and level bombing, etc. Trouble is, those new to the game will find it pretty much empty and even if it's not, they would find it difficult to make any sense of what's going on in there. I don't mean for this to come across as negative as it might sound. I point these things out because there is no getting around it, this is a very complex game that requires huge commitment. One of the primary reasons I quit playing ten years ago was because it became obvious that if I was ever going to get any better I was going to have to invest huge amounts of time. I was not willing to do that because I had a career, family, etc. I just retired so I now have the time. That's why I'm back. What saddens me the most concerning a new player is they will likely leave without ever finding out what fantastic people there are here who are willing to spend gobs of time helping anyone who asks.
There are lots of complaints that the size of the community as dropped off so much. Understandable. Since AH began, we've had an entire generation come up that didn't grow up watching WW2 footage on tv and shows glorifying the war. I'm 66 years old, I've known what a P51 looks like since I was eight years old and spent most of my childhood building Revel models of them and all the other WW2 planes. That world is gone. Frankly, it is remarkable that AH still attracts so many people. That's a testament to the excellent work of HTC. It truly is a remarkable thing. I would love to know the demographic for this game. I would guess that the population under about 40 is pretty small indeed.
But, the purpose of this thread is on how to attract more players. From my recent experience, here are a few ideas I've thought about: some up-to-date documentation like maybe a series of Youtube videos about what the game is about, the incredible knowledge the community has, how accessible the players are, etc. The TA is key. Maybe a Basic Training that a new player would "enlist in such that they choose a "military career": fighter pilot, tank driver, heavy bomber, etc. Maybe they watch the appropriate videos and schedule appointments with volunteers who might want to recruit them into their squad. By the time they enter the MA, they at least have some idea what is going on and they'll be flying with squad members they've met and have been training with already. I don't know, maybe this is pie in the sky.
Like I said, for what it's worth.
-hb
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This is very much in the "for what it's worth category." Since I've just completed my two week trial it seems appropriate for me to toss in my two cents (or less). This thread has generated many reactions for me. I'll just try to address a few of them.
I had to chuckle a little and also check the dates on the thread to see it if was 2019, 2009, or even 1999 as I have seen these types of threads across that period. I'm not meaning to criticize as I think it's healthy for everybody to discuss how to make the game better for everyone and how to invite new players. I've been gone for over ten years and am amazed to find AH still hanging in where Air Warrior, Warbirds, and a WW1 MMOLG (that I can't for the life of me remember the name of) have disappeared (as far as I know). HTC is obviously doing something right even if subscriptions have dropped off.
This is a difficult game to get into. I am trying to imagine if these last two weeks had been my first exposure to AH. I feel quite certain that I would probably have given up in frustration by now. For starters, is it a WW2 simulator (why are P51s fighting P51s?)? A dogfighting game? A tank and vehicle game? A sea battle game? Think about it, this is truly a remarkable game as it is ALL of that; and more! On top of all that, there is virtually no documentation; just a bunch of mostly ancient help documents here and there that I've been seeing for twenty years. Then there's the Training Arena. This is a really well designed place where people can come to learn/practice dogfighting, dive and level bombing, etc. Trouble is, those new to the game will find it pretty much empty and even if it's not, they would find it difficult to make any sense of what's going on in there. I don't mean for this to come across as negative as it might sound. I point these things out because there is no getting around it, this is a very complex game that requires huge commitment. One of the primary reasons I quit playing ten years ago was because it became obvious that if I was ever going to get any better I was going to have to invest huge amounts of time. I was not willing to do that because I had a career, family, etc. I just retired so I now have the time. That's why I'm back. What saddens me the most concerning a new player is they will likely leave without ever finding out what fantastic people there are here who are willing to spend gobs of time helping anyone who asks.
There are lots of complaints that the size of the community as dropped off so much. Understandable. Since AH began, we've had an entire generation come up that didn't grow up watching WW2 footage on tv and shows glorifying the war. I'm 66 years old, I've known what a P51 looks like since I was eight years old and spent most of my childhood building Revel models of them and all the other WW2 planes. That world is gone. Frankly, it is remarkable that AH still attracts so many people. That's a testament to the excellent work of HTC. It truly is a remarkable thing. I would love to know the demographic for this game. I would guess that the population under about 40 is pretty small indeed.
But, the purpose of this thread is on how to attract more players. From my recent experience, here are a few ideas I've thought about: some up-to-date documentation like maybe a series of Youtube videos about what the game is about, the incredible knowledge the community has, how accessible the players are, etc. The TA is key. Maybe a Basic Training that a new player would "enlist in such that they choose a "military career": fighter pilot, tank driver, heavy bomber, etc. Maybe they watch the appropriate videos and schedule appointments with volunteers who might want to recruit them into their squad. By the time they enter the MA, they at least have some idea what is going on and they'll be flying with squad members they've met and have been training with already. I don't know, maybe this is pie in the sky.
Like I said, for what it's worth.
-hb
Great write up. I definitely think some training reading material would be great as a manual. I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard for someone around here to write. It would be useful. I know there use to be a website (maybe Gonzo?) That had all the strengths and weaknesses of the planes. It was great when I was learning the planes. When I started this game, I was blown away by the complexity and challenge of fighting people online rather than computers. You definitely have to do some reading, get your stick and views set up properly, and be very interested in learning air combat if you want to succeed. I'd also recommend finding a player that you know is good, and asking if you can join their plane to see how they play. I love the world atmosphere a lot which is why I am still here. I love the flight model a lot too, but Hitech needs to work on not giving planes so much zoom climb capability. I've noticed that in a lot of new planes since the spit16. The far bases are what really makes it challenging and slow for most new players. That was biggest issue with the MA for a long time. Hitech has finally worked with me on that. (still think they should be 15 miles apart though).
I totally agree with you about the training arena. There needs to be a timed schedule on the message board arena and forums, but most importantly in the actual game that has set scheduled times per week so that people can plan on being there. An empty training arena is worthless. If they see a timed training event then they can prepare and go to the event to learn the game as a class with a trainer for that session. It would be the best and most easiest option to help players without having to change anything or do much work at all.
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Pretty much agree with everything Homeboy posted....especially him checking dates and mentioning whether it was 1999, 2009 or 2019....( btw...that WW] MMOG? Was it something like "First Dawn" or maybe "Red Barron", their were 2 or 3 I remember...and still have my "Fighter Duel" cd...hehe)
Done posted my thoughts regarding the Training materials and Scheduled Training, etc...no need to keep rehashing how I feel about this particular needed part of the game... I'll leave that up to the players themselves to tell HTC and company, what they think or feel is needed....
But, nothing is new under the sun.... and History always repeats itself, sums it all up in a nutshell
~S~
TC
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Very much true, IL2 is the closes thing to AH3, albeit harder with engine management, and in case of IL2 CLOD early birds, over-revving the prop/engine.
The more hardcore realists go to DCS. The more game oriented people go to WT and like such as.
The people seemingly closest to our niche I think are IL2 players. From what I've seen they seem to think engine management, no icons, eye candy, and paying once for the game are more attractive than this game. Larger maps and capacity for more people just don't seem to be as important to them.
People keep talking as though there's this giant untapped horde of people that would play this game if only they advertised enough to reach them. I sincerely don't think that's the case. I think IL2 has grabbed most of the people who would be inclined to play this game.
Wiley.
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Utter BS. No one is paying for any development of anything HTC does except my investors and me. And the last time I check you did not own any stock.
HiTech
I pay you $15 per month, whatever you choose to invest that in is up to you, but the guys who have been loyal and continued through many years to pay their subs each month have made an investment in your company.
Others may say "thank you for your support"
You scream "utter bs, you don't own any stock"
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since I was eight years old and spent most of my childhood building Revel models of them and all the other WW2 planes.
The air battles I had in my back yard after building them were epic! Corsairs, Hellcats, 109's & Zeros, those poor planes were beat to bits but I used every bit of the imagination they had in them. Thanks for reminding me why I came here!
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I pay you $15 per month, whatever you choose to invest that in is up to you, but the guys who have been loyal and continued through many years to pay their subs each month have made an investment in your company.
Others may say "thank you for your support"
You scream "utter bs, you don't own any stock"
A loyal customer is not an investor in the sense of having any control over a company. They may feel that they have invested their time and money in the game but all they have done is invested in the development of a peculiar skill and a trove of memories. People are social animals so we tend to have loyalties and the circumscribed relationships that we have in consumer society don't necessarily feel right so we often pretend that more is going on than a financial transaction Look at the poor deluded fans of a team that ups stakes or the gazillions of dollars that are thrown into branding.
It might be impolitic for Hitech to not pretend that we are all in this together but I find it at least honest. All we do is plunk down a commitment-less bit of subscription money, he does all the work and takes all the risk and hopefully reaps the reward.
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I could see F2P accounts grinding away getting kills and bombing stuff to earn war cash in AHIII and then using it to purchase the use of a premium plane until they die in it, the way subscribers use perks fpr perk planes. That will keep them playing and occasionally getting a little taste. Of course they can have that pony whenever they want if they subscribe. Or they maybe can earn/buy some war cash to purchase a slot in a scenario.
Mainly, the question is if F2P turns out the be the cheapest advertising HTC could buy, and if a sufficient number convert to make it worth it. Compared to buying national media time, the bandwidth cost of floating a percentage of F2P accounts is probably trivial. Especially with the secondary benefits they provide by providing targets, numbers, something to shoot at other than Yak 3's. ;)
AHIII will not stand letting folks buy code...... it is the same thing as the C word.
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AHIII will not stand letting folks buy code......
What are you talking about?
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What are you talking about?
Any game that lets you buy yourself better.
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Any game that lets you buy yourself better.
You mean like how players now can buy a tempest with their perk points?
You mean letting them buy war cash with real money that can be used to buy a p-51 life?
How would that give them more of an advantage that anyone else flying a p-51 in the arena?
All it would be is a piece-meal way of paying access to subscription level aircraft instead of a running subscription. If the player only occasionally wants to fly one. As soon as they die they lose it. Just like a perk plane. Subscription level planes would just be a F2P level perk plane.
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HTC has never been big on advertising. They have tried it a number of times, a number of ways and they have never seen a good return on it.
For some reasons statements like this really get under my skin. Mostly because they are completely false. I have spent well over a million dollars on advertising for Aces High.
HiTech
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People orta know that TV/cable TV commercials don't come cheap....
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People orta know that TV/cable TV commercials don't come cheap....
You would think. :rolleyes:
In fact, I'd find it hard to believe that for a narrow, niche, boutique game like this, it could ever be profitable. It won't work to just blindly throw money at it hoping for magic. That is a good way to advertise yourself into bankruptcy.
A small, lean company like HTC needs to utilize cheap "guerrilla marketing" strategies.
Like leveraging F2P accounts to drive increased traffic to their game and increase exposure and mind-share for the low cost of some extra bandwidth.
:salute
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For some reasons statements like this really get under my skin. Mostly because they are completely false. I have spent well over a million dollars on advertising for Aces High.
HiTech
Maybe that first part ...."HTC has never been big on advertising." should have been "HTC has never seen a good return on advertising".
But the rest of the statement is true. After spending over a million dollars on advertising, you "have tried it a number of times, a number of ways and you have never seen a good return on it. The reason I said "your not big on it" is because the return isnt worth what you spend. I NEVER said you dont like to advertise. Im sorry if there was a misunderstanding.
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You mean like how players now can buy a tempest with their perk points?
You mean letting them buy war cash with real money that can be used to buy a p-51 life?
How would that give them more of an advantage that anyone else flying a p-51 in the arena?
All it would be is a piece-meal way of paying access to subscription level aircraft instead of a running subscription. If the player only occasionally wants to fly one. As soon as they die they lose it. Just like a perk plane. Subscription level planes would just be a F2P level perk plane.
A better plane is one thing..... being able to pull more Gs is all together different.
If correct, what I am reading is that the planes are dumbed down. If so that means they will react slower so that new pilots do not get into trouble as easy. It also means you can't react any quicker.... unless you pay. You can't turn at higher speeds... unless you pay.
hat else will be added to milk the cow..... cloaking devices, super guns?
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A better plane is one thing..... being able to pull more Gs is all together different.
If correct, what I am reading is that the planes are dumbed down. If so that means they will react slower so that new pilots do not get into trouble as easy. It also means you can't react any quicker.... unless you pay. You can't turn at higher speeds... unless you pay.
hat else will be added to milk the cow..... cloaking devices, super guns?
I never said that in my suggestion.
I suggested what might be carried over to AHIII from WOP was the concept of limited planeset F2P accounts and maybe they could use earned/purchased war cash to buy 1 life of subscriber plane (p-51, p-38, etc) similar to how subscribers can purchase perk planes with earned points. For subscriber planes, I'd allow the F2P to purchase war cash to fly them like a temp-subscription as well as earn the cash. Why not.
I do not think F2P accounts should be able to buy true perk planes with either earned or purchased war cash. They can only buy subscriber planes. And I do not think subscribes should ever be able to buy true perk planes with real cash. True perk planes should be earned and only by subscribers.
I also suggested F2P could use earned/purchased war cash to buy a slot in a scenario.
I never said anything about laser blasters.
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I never said that in my suggestion.
I suggested what might be carried over to AHIII from WOP was the concept of limited planeset F2P accounts and maybe they could use earned/purchased war cash to buy 1 life of subscriber plane (p-51, p-38, etc) similar to how subscribers can purchase perk planes with earned points. For subscriber planes, I'd allow the F2P to purchase war cash to fly them like a temp-subscription as well as earn the cash. Why not.
I do not think F2P accounts should be able to buy true perk planes with either earned or purchased war cash. They can only buy subscriber planes. And I do not think subscribes should ever be able to buy true perk planes with real cash. True perk planes should be earned and only by subscribers.
I also suggested F2P could use earned/purchased war cash to buy a slot in a scenario.
I never said anything about laser blasters.
possibly a good idea or 3 in there..... sounds interesting anyway
TC
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The air battles I had in my back yard after building them were epic! Corsairs, Hellcats, 109's & Zeros, those poor planes were beat to bits but I used every bit of the imagination they had in them. Thanks for reminding me why I came here!
Exactly my experience too. I ran a string from a tree and sent a Mitchell down the string after setting it on fire with some gasoline. My mom came and caught me. Not too interested in the drama I was trying to create!
The thrill is still alive and well!
:salute
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I used to heat the bottom of the tyres up and mould them so they looked lik they had weight on them and not just pure round tyres.
When I could afford it I bought a radio controlled plane and lived my dream.....for a couple of weeks and the president asked me to leave because 'the low level showboating is not what we do'. LoL I did go through a few wings :)
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I suggested what might be carried over to AHIII from WOP was the concept of limited planeset F2P accounts and maybe they could use earned/purchased war cash to buy 1 life of subscriber plane (p-51, p-38, etc) similar to how subscribers can purchase perk planes with earned points.
Usually F2P/P2W games provide two pathes. Either spending massive amount of time to farm, or spending massive amounts of money. The average payment matters. This doesn't work well in combination with a subscription flat rate, because the few willing to pay insanely large amounts of money would simply get the cheap(er) subscription instead.
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Exactly my experience too. I ran a string from a tree and sent a Mitchell down the string after setting it on fire with some gasoline. My mom came and caught me. Not too interested in the drama I was trying to create!
The thrill is still alive and well!
:salute
LOL Don't forget firecrackers! I thought I was the only firebug on the block! :rofl
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And Testors model glue, worked like Napalm! :banana:
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And Testors model glue, worked like Napalm! :banana:
Exactly... green army men, jeeps, tanks, all out by the fire pit. Set them up with a few dobs of glue. Thump matches at them and the war is on.
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:rofl Launching bottle rockets off them or putting them in exhaust...was even pretty cool when they "Popped". Yes, I forgot about that. Eh, was all good...he got shot down :devil Gi Joe's and Green army men HATED ME :rofl Also,No Sis...no idea what happened to your RC Barbie Jeep :bolt: My love of bombing GVs was Early Onset AH Addiction :rofl
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Laughing and remembering this stuff is great! :rofl
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Laughing and remembering this stuff is great! :rofl
This could be the biggest reason the game has such low numbers. That kind of "activity" just isnt the norm any more. I know my kids never bothered to build models.... just the one time when we made it a family fun day... even tho I have been building models for years and even have a specially built "closet" that opens to become a "work station" for building models. The kids never took it up.
Today is more video games for kids "living" those adventures where we spent our time making those adventures. Once the computer game came along we dove in and have made it a part of our lives. The next generation has always had that opertunaty to disappear INTO those worlds.
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This could be the biggest reason the game has such low numbers. That kind of "activity" just isnt the norm any more. I know my kids never bothered to build models.... just the one time when we made it a family fun day... even tho I have been building models for years and even have a specially built "closet" that opens to become a "work station" for building models. The kids never took it up.
Today is more video games for kids "living" those adventures where we spent our time making those adventures. Once the computer game came along we dove in and have made it a part of our lives. The next generation has always had that opertunaty to disappear INTO those worlds.
I have an S-3A Viking AMT/Ertl Wings Aviation Collection Model, I have had for nearly 30 years, been sitting and waiting to build, but now with my physical condition with Cervical Spinal Stenosis at the C7 & T1 Vertbra, my motor skills/hands would make it very hard for me to put together the way I used to build them... also, need to find the decals of the VS-24 squadron I was in, to make it like I want it....it has VS-35 decals
got any ideas? or want to assemble it for me.....I still have my air brush setup but figured all my paints, et have long been dried up/ruined.... first model car was age 4 50 Ford Tudor, then came B-17G, P-40, P-51, F6f-3 and about a 4' x 4' x 4' cardboard box loaded to the top with model planes ...that's where they ended up after setting on fire, army men blowed up, tanks and stuff blowed up, set on fire....
Dad told at 9 yrs old, that if I wanted anymore models, I would have to use my Tobacco priming/tractor driving money to get them....that he did not buy them for me to build, then destroy playing war..rofl
TC
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Dad told at 9 yrs old, that if I wanted anymore models, I would have to use my Tobacco priming/tractor driving money to get them....that he did not buy them for me to build, then destroy playing war..rofl
LoL. It's funny what first hooks us.
For me it was seeing the movie "The Great Waldo Pepper". I loved that movie and became fascinated with WWI aircraft and read everything in the library I could find on WWI air combat. I built a big cool model of a Sopwith Camel. Rigging those dang bracing wires was a B*TCH! I wouldn't dare destroy it. It hung from my ceiling until probably maybe my sophmore/junior year in high school. Then I noticed girls and lost interest in that airplane stuff for many years. :cool:
About a year or so later, "Baa baa Blacksheep" came on tv and I like that too.
I guess that's why my first love was always WWI, but WWII is a close second.
:salute
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I used to stage battles with my plastic models also which usually culminated in burning one or two. In the winter I would do it in the basement where my mom hanged the laundry to dry. Guess where all the soot particles ended up. My backside still hurts thinking about it more than 60 years later. :e
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You get some Snap Tite ships. Once built, place in a bathtub filled with water for them to float. Then, get a BB gun and take turns playing "Battleship" for real.
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You get some Snap Tite ships. Once built, place in a bathtub filled with water for them to float. Then, get a BB gun and take turns playing "Battleship" for real.
But... then nothing burns :headscratch:
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But... then nothing burns :headscratch:
Only way for naval battles is glue on ship for fire. Bottle rockets fired in water. Makes explosions and creates fog/most on water.
Must be done outside on quite day, no wind.
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Only way for naval battles is glue on ship for fire. Bottle rockets fired in water. Makes explosions and creates fog/most on water.
Must be done outside on quite day, no wind.
Used sisters "baby Pool"...DID NOT KNOW an M 80..depth charges, would blow holes in bottom and sides :uhoh I do now...Mom and Dad BOTH got me for that one :rofl Missed every boat I had in it too. Was still fun, blistered back side heals and I had a short memory span :devil I found one of my planes, an F5 TigerShark(still have several been moved 100 times since built) both engine and exhaust areas are melted! Missing part of wing underside panel also. Figure the bottle rocket must have went pop and took it out :rofl If memory serves, I put Model Rocket engines in that one? The "Chute Charge" in them caused the front engine melting? Pretty sure that one flew for a bit :devil
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I had a lot of model rockets and liked to experiment with the motors. Took one rocket and jammed it full of motors and ignited it. Went up and went poof in a glorious way, motors went shooting all over the place in the air. Still not sure of what they hit
Out of rockets (for some reason) and found a nice D motor. Being smart I found a metal pipe and decided to play ICBM. It did fly......went up slow, turned to the side, and shot straight into the garage. Put a hole right through the wall :bolt:
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Maybe that first part ...."HTC has never been big on advertising." should have been "HTC has never seen a good return on advertising".
Once again you are incorrect. We saw a good return on TV and were running adds continually for many years. I have posted previously about advertising that didn't work, only to point out that find something that does works is not a simple task. We tried many forms of advertising before we found something that worked.
HiTech
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Once again you are incorrect. We saw a good return on TV and were running adds continually for many years. I have posted previously about advertising that didn't work, only to point out that find something that does works is not a simple task. We tried many forms of advertising before we found something that worked.
HiTech
That's excellent to hear. But the question here is, would HTC be willing to allow the free to play Aces High accounts access to the main arena in a limited plane/vehicle set. When I was working the two week free trial is really only access on weekends, and that time is very limited to most working adults with family. Allowing this would expose the new player to subscribers who might take the opportunity to get them to join squads and fly as part of a squad and do much of the very needed training that a game with a steep learning curve needs. The new player would benefit from being exposed to many more players that could help instead of being in a room with a bunch of other noobs. The entire game would benefit from the increased numbers. What do you think?
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What do you think?
That you have been trying to inject your same idea in to many different threads.
HiTech
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That you have been trying to inject your same idea in to many different threads.
HiTech
Bazinga!
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A forum is a stupid way to communicate. Maybe we need a bugzilla or something.
Then dupes can be formally marked as such, and rejected ones marked as WONTFIX, to avoid they come up again?
Most repetitions are probably simply caused by lack of any feedback.
But then, we wouldn't even need to complain about low numbers in the arena, but also message board.
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That you have been trying to inject your same idea in to many different threads.
HiTech
This is the only place in the Aces High III BBS that I suggested this idea. But I guess you just don't think it is a good idea or worth the cost to increase the numbers in the MA.
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The key is getting the people who start their two week trial to stick around once they begin to play. If they get past their first 20 minutes (or whatever it was HT said most of them normally last) they're still noobs and are going to die over and over and over again, given the steep learning curve and the number of experienced players they'll have to face. That's discouraging, and a lot of the 20min+ people likely leave the game when they decide they simply can't compete.
It seems to me two things can be done.
1) The players need to be more willing to help noobs. The community is better than it used to be in that regard but still falls far short of what's needed. HT has very little control over that. But he can...
2)...have new subscribers have a way to ask for help even before they start playing. It would be best if they could click on a button or something when they began their subscription that indicated an interest in having someone walk them through the simpler aspects of the game (and then having someone actually do it!). Lacking that, maybe simply giving them the option to have their names appear highlit on the roster lists if they are new might encourage veterans to lend a helping hand.
In a small-yet-worldwide game like this, a sense of community and camaraderie helps keep people playing (and paying). Accentuating this by making noobs feel welcome is important.
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Instead of asking for free AH Traveler, I suggest you start encouraging your friends to play AH. Paying customers is what keeps AH going.
Free everything will make the game go away. Economics 101. I am not flaming you, just pointing out that all of us can ask our friends to give the game a try. This is the best WWII sim period. Nothing else comes even close IMHO. I will do my best to help new players by answering their questions.....even though there is always that temptation to simply say Alt F-4 :D I have helped many new players recently and will continue to do so.
:salute
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2)...have new subscribers have a way to ask for help even before they start playing. It would be best if they could click on a button or something when they began their subscription that indicated an interest in having someone walk them through the simpler aspects of the game (and then having someone actually do it!). Lacking that, maybe simply giving them the option to have their names appear highlit on the roster lists if they are new might encourage veterans to lend a helping hand.
Or alternately, improve the in-game automated help to the point they have the help they need immediately and don't have to rely on another humanoid to be available to give them the help they need.
Wiley.
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Instead of asking for free AH Traveler, I suggest you start encouraging your friends to play AH. Paying customers is what keeps AH going.
Free everything will make the game go away. Economics 101.
Hey look, I don't blame HT a bit for not wanting to comment on something like that. It is a complete a no-win situation for him, no matter what he says.
But please don't mischaracterize people's positions. Not even Traveler, who I have had to roll my eyes at repeatedly over the last few weeks, suggested free everything.
What has been discussed is free access to the main play area with a limited planeset to increase traffic, with a paid upgrade path to get additional planes and generate revenue.
BTW, exactly what they are doing in WarOP.
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CptTrips, do you have an active player account that allows access to the MA? I don't recall seeing your forum handle in there.
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CptTrips, do you have an active player account that allows access to the MA? I don't recall seeing your forum handle in there.
I reactivated my account several months ago.
I'm currently working on the offline Staged Mission Editor and Terrain Editor waiting for WarOP to get up and running to fly more and get my wings back under me.
I used to fly as AKWabbit and have flown here off and on for 17 years.
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ive been playing since 2008 and pay for my main account and my shade account. I also occasionally buy subscription time for people less fortunate then me. YAY! ok carry on!
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Or alternately, improve the in-game automated help to the point they have the help they need immediately and don't have to rely on another humanoid to be available to give them the help they need.
Wiley.
This time when I did a full install with this most recent patch, there was only a single help film on auto-play or for selection. It's an intro youtube film to the game. At the main web site selecting any film in Windows media format does not link anything to play. In the past when someone would raise heck over something like that, Hitech had something in the works about to be released to replace it. We usually jump the gun badly on these things.
A better question might be to ask if an updated Help film library linked through the new Chrome browser is in production? The Help links in the browser right now are limited like the site is not fully enabled. I seem to remember more help films were available with the last browser engine in the clip board pop out Help page. Hitech changed from awesonium to chrome with update 3.04 patch1 along with Visual Studio 2017 for compilations. And he has been busy coading and testing the new offering WO:P to meet a release date 1\15 or 1\19. He's one guy coading it all by himself.
Wiley,
Sometimes I think some people take advantage of Hitech's generosity to be lazy and publicly bust his chops as the quick and dirty way to try and force him to spill company info to defend his image. Or win\win by getting away with publicly busting his chops while he has to worry about his public image in how he responds. Guess it's the lazy way to get around having to look in the change.txt for patterns in the activity and a little sleuthing like noticing the help film change. Remember how the mob howled at him just before those youtube help films showed up in the pop out window in the awesonium browser with the release of AH3 over these kinds of things? There is a site tree for the Help but most of it is inactive at this point. Maybe the switch to chrome is to address making the Help site run better in AH3. Meh...but once the mob gets ginned up after Hitech, not much can be done but let them do their damage and burn out. Even if he defends himslef with facts, they seem to have their own they like better that make him look like an old meanie. It's often amazing how these forums mirror real life with the absurdities you see in the broader popular culture.
I remember some years back when pulling an occupy wall street kind of stunt was tried in these forums. That is out of fashion in the popular culture these days. Think anyone is going to don strange pink hats while accusing Hitech of being an old meenie? :rolleyes:
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Instead of asking for free AH Traveler, I suggest you start encouraging your friends to play AH. Paying customers is what keeps AH going.
Free everything will make the game go away. Economics 101. I am not flaming you, just pointing out that all of us can ask our friends to give the game a try. This is the best WWII sim period. Nothing else comes even close IMHO. I will do my best to help new players by answering their questions.....even though there is always that temptation to simply say Alt F-4 :D I have helped many new players recently and will continue to do so.
:salute
Nobody suggested "everything free". A few mid planes and vehicles free IN THE MA. If they want to fly "ponies"+" spits" then they sign up for a $15 a month subscription. Flying with others in the MA will bring them help more easily, build more community and get numbers up. As these "free" players start getting the hang of the game they are either going to become VERY good in a few midlevel planes or they will pony up and subscribe.
Hey look, I don't blame HT a bit for not wanting to comment on something like that. It is a complete a no-win situation for him, no matter what he says.
But please don't mischaracterize people's positions. Not even Traveler, who I have had to roll my eyes at repeatedly over the last few weeks, suggested free everything.
What has been discussed is free access to the main play area with a limited planeset to increase traffic, with a paid upgrade path to get additional planes and generate revenue.
BTW, exactly what they are doing in WarOP.
I think he copped out.
Of course there are people that aren't going to be happy with his answer, but at least everyone would HAVE an answer. I have a link folder called "Hitech says". In it I have 15 links to answers Hitech has posted to 15 questions. Should someone post that question again I just post the link. No need to "get into it" again. You can read it from the man himself.
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ive been playing since 2008
Noob. ;)
and pay for my main account and my shade account. I also occasionally buy subscription time for people less fortunate then me. YAY! ok carry on!
Heck, I've carried an account for a year sometimes without even playing it. Just to support a home-town company. I guess we've both earned the right to post here. :rolleyes:
And I've had many shades over the years. We are legion. :cool:
Look on the bright side. You can soon tell your less fortunate friends to go play WarOp for free. I guess you could tell them to fly in the free WWI arena, but that might be kinda lonely. :O
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I think he copped out.
I don't really think so. You might as well start asking him "when" questions. :t
Look at what he does, not what he says.
They are trying an F2P model in WarOP. Would you expect them to try in in AHIII before seeing how that goes?
If WarOP at some point starts pulling in larger numbers than the nightly count in AHIII, do you think they would refuse to consider leveraging some level of F2P in AHIII?
WarOP proves they are at least willing to experiment with different revenue models. But I wouldn't expect them to go further than that until they have collected lots of real data. HTC is very disciplined about sticking to evidence-based business decisions. They are not just going to shoot from the hip with what pays their light bill.
:salute
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It is another game... not AHIII. It will stay another game.
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Are you guys defending your positions about something Hitech has made no recent judgement or announcement just to defend your identity against others doing the same thing back at you? Or, do any of you know what Hitech will be doing next? Hitech does not owe us any explanation to how he runs his company. Many of you have spent years trying to shame Hitech into doing what you want by making baseless statements to what his motivations are over almost every decision he makes.
Many have accused Hitech of things over the years as though they have been victimized by Hitech's decisions and are owed some personal reparation becasue they are unhappy. Some of the older members of this forum are sounding like they should start a #Metoo Hitech page at Twitter along with wearing funny pink hats and chanting "Hitech Meenied Me Too". Heck, look at all the adhoc forum hearings the vets start these days specifically over Hitech's fitness to run his company anymore. With people like that, who needs enemies.
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It is another game... not AHIII. It will stay another game.
Well, that's brilliant. Of course it will stay another game. It has a different name. :rolleyes:
Are you now today, Jan 14 2019, going on record and stating categorically that Aces High will NEVER introduce any level of limited planeset F2P account into the Aces High Melee arena under any circumstances?
Remember, the interweb is written in ink. :rofl
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Just thinking about all the different suggestions others have posted in this thread....and the following questions and suggestion came to me....
If HTC allowed the Training Arena to be "Free to Play" so new players could go in there and ask for help, how many of you would willingly log in to the Training arena just to see if that one player showing to be in the Training Arena might be a new player? And would you help them?
If possible, since there's no AH Trainers available 24/7, could HTC possibly code a key/clipboard button for the Training Arena...so new players can click on the button to send a System Message across all "Subscription based Arenas", letting players know that a new player is in the Training Arena and needs/is asking for help....
How many of you, would be willing to try and answer that new player's request for help?
Just a thought....
The Training Arena has no score and you can't shoot anyone down...so I think it's a possibility that it might help keep new players around longer.....
Also, 1 more possibility is if a new player subscribes, make it known (maybe by a having to check a box) to the new players that their 2 weeks will not start until they are ready to log into the Melee Arena, AvsA arena or SEA arenas
Just thought I'd throw that out there and see what everyone else thought
TC
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Well, that's brilliant. Of course it will stay another game. It has a different name. :rolleyes:
Are you now today, Jan 14 2019, going on record and stating categorically that Aces High will NEVER introduce any level of limited planeset F2P account into the Aces High Melee arena under any circumstances?
Remember, the interweb is written in ink. :rofl
.... and being a different game, it is going to attract DIFFERENT players. In this case you would be comparing apples to oranges, so what works in WOP, isnt going to work in AH because it is a DIFFERENT game.
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Well, that's brilliant. Of course it will stay another game. It has a different name. :rolleyes:
Are you now today, Jan 14 2019, going on record and stating categorically that Aces High will NEVER introduce any level of limited planeset F2P account into the Aces High Melee arena under any circumstances?
Remember, the interweb is written in ink. :rofl
I do not think it will ever drop to that level.
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.... and being a different game, it is going to attract DIFFERENT players. In this case you would be comparing apples to oranges, so what works in WOP, isnt going to work in AH because it is a DIFFERENT game.
What works in WarOP may, or may not work in AHIII. I can't say it will. You can't say it won't. You can't know that. No one can, not even Hitech. They could get some experience with the model in WarOP, and decide if they ever want to try it in AH. Only then would they know.
I will say feature limit F2P accounts are not a new concept. It has proven to be a productive model in many games across many genre. Many apples, many oranges.
Their two nearest rivals, both persistent world, WWII sims, have permanent F2P account levels, not just trials. (I won't provide the link here but I assume you know how to use the interweb.)
"Play Online Forever (Limited Plane Set)"
"Rifleman: Free"
Never say never.
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seems to me maybe he should be working on CUSTOMER RETITON. seems there is a vacuum sucking players out of here very quickly and not being addressed.
the old saying stands true here, its cheaper to keep her. in just the two years I played I can see a decline in the numbers. maybe with WOP hes trying to keep both ends of the candle burning inviting guys that want to fight in to that game and sand box players in to the MA of AH.
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I do not think it will ever drop to that level.
Well, I never thought I'd log into the main arena and see 160 players on prime time Friday night. And then see players bragging about what a great turn out there was that night.
I remember when there were enough planes to blot out the sun. :uhoh
Seriously. What is your real beef with the possibility? I honestly want to understand. I'm assuming you are not just an old fart "you kids get off my lawn!" who can't stand to see any change what-so-ever and everything needs to stay exactly like it was in 1999. I'm assuming you have a thought out problem that you just haven't articulated. Can you spell it out?
Assuming no laser blasters. That is a red-herring.
Assuming this does not involve buying better G-tolerance than other players.
Assuming that they can't by extra horse-power that anyone flying that plane doesn't already have.
Assuming we are just talking about a base F2P level account that only has access to planes no one else flys in the main anyway.
Is putting more bodies in the main arena a bad thing?
Is flying planes in the main arena that no one has seen flown there for years a bad thing?
Is have more people out there telling there friends about this cool game a bad thing?
Is attracting more numbers possibly increasing the numbers that convert to pay a bad thing?
Can you state simply and clearly what the "bad" thing is you see?
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seems to me maybe he should be working on CUSTOMER RETITON.
The cost of retaining a customer is about 1/10 the cost of acquiring a customer in most industries.
However, Hitech has said himself that players eventually burnout and leave no matter what you do. People get married. People start careers or school. People just get freakin bored or find a new game.
This sim has a fairly unique problem where a scary number of the base are dying off from old age every year. Think about that.
Without new blood being infused constantly, the existing player base with continue to evaporate until an event horizon is reached.
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I do not think it will ever drop to that level.
Well they have to do something. The only time the MA hit a sustainable player number is US prime time. All other times have such low numbers that it never really gets the game play rolling.
Heck last Saturday there were so many fights going on that you spent half the night in a gun :rolleyes:
seems to me maybe he should be working on CUSTOMER RETITON. seems there is a vacuum sucking players out of here very quickly and not being addressed.
the old saying stands true here, its cheaper to keep her. in just the two years I played I can see a decline in the numbers. maybe with WOP hes trying to keep both ends of the candle burning inviting guys that want to fight in to that game and sand box players in to the MA of AH.
Retention is the only thing that has saved this game. ALL games have player turn over. What keeps things going is new players coming in to replace those that leave. When we were running at 600 players a night new incoming players matched or exceeding the number of players calling it quits and moving on.
The numbers started dropping because AH wasnt attracting new players as fast as they were losing them. Now we have gotten to a point where number seem to have stabilized a bit. These are the hard cord players that will stick it out through thick and thin. These hardcore player are what have kept AH going.
Now we need new players. We need these players to be able to spend the time necessary to get hooked on this game, 2 weeks wont cut it any more. With all the options available out there why bother if your first day/hour is getting your bellybutton handed to you. Why invest any more time in it? You KNOW your never going to learn the game enough to be competitive in two weeks, why bother?
What works in WarOP may, or may not work in AHIII. I can't say it will. You can't say it won't. You can't know that. No one can, not even Hitech. They could get some experience with the model in WarOP, and decide if they ever want to try it in AH. Only then would they know.
I will say feature limit F2P accounts are not a new concept. It has proven to be a productive model in many games across many genre. Many apples, many oranges.
Their two nearest rivals, both persistent world, WWII sims, have permanent F2P account levels, not just trials. (I won't provide the link here but I assume you know how to use the interweb.)
"Play Online Forever (Limited Plane Set)"
"Rifleman: Free"
Never say never.
LOL!!!! lets see....
WOP
air spawn, small area fast action furball, timed matches with options to play challenge match/tournaments
AH
continual world with multiple fields, towns, vehicle bases, all of which are capturable to an end game of win the war. 100s of fighter, bombers, and vehicles available as well as ships. Mission editor and team play. Air, sea, and ground battles avialable at all times, no waiting for a que to fill, just launch and have at it.
Thats like having a bunch of pick-up available and seeing hundreds of people come in to use them. If it works so well with trucks, lets give them the same deal with priuz's!
Totally different player base. WOP isnt a test ground for AH, nor is AH a test ground for WOP. the only thing they have in common is art and code. Even the flight dynamics are different.
Nope, the only thing I see transferring over from WOP to AH is those players that get bored furballing and are looking for something more. Sadly, I see more players moving from AH to WOP. Too many player are looing for a furball, fewer and fewer are looking to wage war.
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LOL!!!! lets see....
WOP
air spawn, small area fast action furball, timed matches with options to play challenge match/tournaments
Completely irrelevant.
Nothing about what you said affects whether the limited planeset F2P account concept might prove to generate sufficient traffic to warrant trying something similar in AHIII.
Bringing over the limited planeset F2P account model from WarOP to AHIII doesn't required you bring any of the rest of it. You get that part right?
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I reactivated my account several months ago.
I'm currently working on the offline Staged Mission Editor and Terrain Editor waiting for WarOP to get up and running to fly more and get my wings back under me.
I used to fly as AKWabbit and have flown here off and on for 17 years.
A very familiar name. There was also a Rabbit that flew AW/Macintosh and AH1&2...with The Damned, as I recall
Silly wabbits
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A very familiar name. There was also a Rabbit that flew AW/Macintosh and AH1&2...with The Damned, as I recall
Silly wabbits
I remember a Wabbit (not an AK) in here many moons ago. We used to rib each other about stealing each others name. Nice guy. Sadly I believe he passed away a few years ago.
:salute
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Just thinking about all the different suggestions others have posted in this thread....and the following questions and suggestion came to me....
If HTC allowed the Training Arena to be "Free to Play" so new players could go in there and ask for help, how many of you would willingly log in to the Training arena just to see if that one player showing to be in the Training Arena might be a new player? And would you help them?
It's a nice idea, and I'm sure you have no shortage of players who would be willing help a new person, even if they had to leave the main arena.
I doubt though that many noobs would go in there first. Unless you forced them I guess. I reckon most would just want to go straight into the main arena and give it a try. Thus starting their two week trial ticking.
:salute
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Their two nearest rivals, both persistent world, WWII sims, have permanent F2P account levels, not just trials. (I won't provide the link here but I assume you know how to use the interweb.)
"Play Online Forever (Limited Plane Set)"
"Rifleman: Free"
Never say never.
BTW, just so there is no confusion, I am not suggesting AHIII should do away with the subscription model.
HTC's closest model rival, the old game Hitech used to own, has a two-week trial that gives you access to the full planeset. Then you can either subscribe, or continue on forever with a F2P account with a very limited planeset. You can upgrade to subscription at any time.
That is the model that I think, IMHO, would best suit AHIII.
:salute
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Here's something that might solve several problems at once; and, while it's offered humorously, there aren't many criticisms that aren't easily answered:
HiTech announces a new game!
It's called 'Greatest Generational Bomber Command'.
It is completely free to play including C-47's and perk bombers players can earn.
The players are divided into three sides named after random chess pieces.
The goal is to conquer territory by bombing enemy bases and strategic targets. ("But watch out for enemy fighters!")
One only needs a mouse to play and fly. The bomber heroes are given remote airstarts, solving issues of learning curve and dead-time climbouts.
HOST messages are lavish in praise, promotions and medals.
[Friendly fire does not register hits, nor kill shooter.]
The free game bomber-players only slowly realize (through rumor or deduction) that the enemy fighters are not really AI, but actual paying customers in some other game called 'Aces High'. Of course, there is no voice or text cross-over between games.
There's an allure to a secret 'other-world'. ...and a game within an even bigger game!
'Aces High' remains the same except there are a lot more bomber formations in a war that is even more strategically authentic.
regards,
Airman T. E. Shaw
PS We all remember when 'Confirmed Kill' was free, right?
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Attract "otaku" to the ranks :devil
"Otaku" are the weaponized form of the geek/nerd-dom
Also there is a an anime featuring ww2 planes airing right now... and oh boy they came out of the closet with all that knowledge and experience (probably in other sim games just not aces high)
https://desuarchive.org/a/thread/183286686/
https://desuarchive.org/a/thread/183268242/
https://desuarchive.org/a/thread/183304938/
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BTW, just so there is no confusion, I am not suggesting AHIII should do away with the subscription model.
HTC's closest model rival, the old game Hitech used to own, has a two-week trial that gives you access to the full planeset. Then you can either subscribe, or continue on forever with a F2P account with a very limited planeset. You can upgrade to subscription at any time.
That is the model that I think, IMHO, would best suite AHIII.
:salute
I like that plan, but what does the F2P plane set consist of? It has to be subpar rides that they won't freeload, but not so subpar that they have no chance.
P47D-25 and SpitV
Lanc and Il2
T-34/76 and M-16
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Numbers do seem to be climbing again.
I only flew in MNM last night but we had a ball. If we had 10,000 in there it would not have changed a thing.
Some like to fight 100 players at a time I figure.
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Numbers do seem to be climbing again.
I only flew in MNM last night but we had a ball. If we had 10,000 in there it would not have changed a thing.
Some like to fight 100 players at a time I figure.
Don't get fixated on the primetime only. Other times only feature a fracture of prime numbers (as they only have). When I checked in during noon yesterday (that's when I usually did start my 'AH day' in the past), there were 9 Bishops, 9 Knights and 1 (!) Rook online. Euro 'prime' had 40-60 online, all sides combined.
And yes, more players do have a positive effect. More variety in combat opportunities (no, not everybody is here for dueling-style dogfights.) Big raids. Bomber missions, with escorts and a lot of interceptors. There are lots of things that just aren't happening anymore, just because there is not the population to sustain them.
When I was new, we had big Sunday (Euro) afteroon bombing raids organised by Kazaa. Nowadays, AH lacks the players for this. Even the country channel is often silent for long periods.
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I like that plan, but what does the F2P plane set consist of? It has to be subpar rides that they won't freeload, but not so subpar that they have no chance.
P47D-25 and SpitV
Lanc and Il2
T-34/76 and M-16
I don't know what the F2P planeset in that "other" sim is. Maybe it would be worth reconnoitering that.
But you are right. The trick to a F2P model is find the right mix that is just enough to keep them playing and not quitting, but missing enough that there is always an incentive pressure to consider upgrading.
But once the infrastructure is in place it doesn't have to be written in stone. The F2P planeset could be dynamic and HTC could adjust it each tour until they reach what they consider the optimal balance point based on gathered metrics.
:salute
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BTW, just so there is no confusion, I am not suggesting AHIII should do away with the subscription model.
HTC's closest model rival, the old game Hitech used to own, has a two-week trial that gives you access to the full planeset. Then you can either subscribe, or continue on forever with a F2P account with a very limited planeset. You can upgrade to subscription at any time.
That is the model that I think, IMHO, would best suite AHIII.
:salute
Are their numbers increasing?
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Are their numbers increasing?
Right now, they show 3 players in "Legacy Gameplay" Arena. :noid
AH has 48.
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Are their numbers increasing?
I don't know. They are still alive. That alone shocked me. Maybe F2P helped stem the bleeding?
I'd say limited planeset F2P should be considered a possibility worth thinking about. I'd wait until WarOP has been live for 6 months to a year and see how that goes. If it goes well, it might be worth trying a limited planeset F2P level in AHIII. It shouldn't negatively effect the current subscribers. It could be turned off later if it isn't useful. Or it could be turned back on for special F2P Weeks coinciding with holidays when people would have time off work. Like how HBO occasionally has a free weekend when anyone can watch.
It seems like a reasonable thing that could be tried.
But let me ask you. What do you see as a better alternative to increase numbers?
The leading alternatives I've seen so far:
1. Blindly throw wads of cash at national media market advertising with questionable ROI and hope you get some return before you go bankrupt?
2. Take your computer to the local mall and setup a folding table and show random shoppers the game and tell them how great it is?
3. Convince yourself that everything is awesome and it wouldn't matter to you if numbers dwindled down to 60 players a night on prime time?
4. Be more nice to noobs. (Always a good idea. I'm not sure if that would put 600 players in to the Main again.)
Did I miss one?
[edit] Oh yeah. 5. Add another Italian fighter. Sounds like fun, but I am skeptical on it adding numbers to the player base.
Anything else?
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Honestly I don't believe there is much that can be done to increase numbers. Look at the Air Warrior thread and see what they are fondly reminiscing about, you can't bring that back by programming or marketing. This game was made for people with a different mindset then what is now becoming the majority of WWII "gamers". This game lost its feel of role-playing as a WWII pilot to becoming just a game. And when it is judged as "just a game" there appears to be better opportunities out there for people.
I watched a microcosm of this devolution in the Combat Theater years ago. The gamers driving out the enthusiasts and it never recovered. But I do enjoy the irony that one of the buddies of the so called "gamers" is one of the people working hardest at repopulating that arena. :rolleyes:
But of course these are just all my opinions. I have no background at all in game development and couldn't even venture a guess as to what would generate increased numbers. I only know what would have a chance at getting me to come back, other than making the FSO start two hours earlier :D, and that would be game content. Not just more planes and tanks, but solid content. More maps( and no Bustr I'm not gonna make them), a revamped strategic play that works to unite the different styles of play and add immersion. But I'm not sure if that even would do it as I find my interest in any computer game waning more and more the older I get.
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But of course these are just all my opinions. I have no background at all in game development and couldn't even venture a guess as to what would generate increased numbers. I only know what would have a chance at getting me to come back, other than making the FSO start two hours earlier :D, and that would be game content. Not just more planes and tanks, but solid content. More maps( and no Bustr I'm not gonna make them), a revamped strategic play that works to unite the different styles of play and add immersion. But I'm not sure if that even would do it as I find my interest in any computer game waning more and more the older I get.
Fair points. You always have to stroke your current base too. Because of inevitable player attrition, the game can't survive forever without bringing in new players, but you have to still remember to dance with the one that brung ya. ;) An Italian fighter may not bring in new players, but it is a bone to the existing base. New maps keep the game feeling fresh.
I don't see anything wrong with a game being fun. I think AH should support a range of experiences. I wouldn't want to fly 15 minutes to action every flight in the Main Arena, but I'd be happy to fly a 45 min scouting flight off a carrier in a scenario. I don't think it needs to be all casual or all hardcore. It's nice to have variety.
:salute
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Just to clarify, the role-playing I am referring to is just in the mind of the individual player not something the game forces. I feel the planes just became more the Mortal Kombat character a player decided to pick rather than having an interest in the history of it. It was that love of the history of WWII air combat that drove the player base years ago. As they become the minority the numbers dropped. Again, just my opinion.
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I think HTC remodeling the P-51D will generate interest and bring back some old timers. It seems to be kind of popular.
On a side note, I really like the way the radar works now. That was a change for the better. :cheers:
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STOP THE PRESSES, PUT YOUR PENCILS DOWN!! { little bit of a tangent but he brought it up :P } Only on P12 but need to reply.
lets give lunatic a chance to get his credibility back. So...
<SNIP> the main reason I don't fly KOTH is because most of the time its filled with UBER pilots, people who fly better than I do. <SNIP>
Never in my mind would I have thought I'd be considered an 'UBER' pilot, and I really can't be considered one by ANY definition { Lets be clear on that!! } So be careful what you say lunatic or those nice young men in the clean white coats will come and take you away Ha-ha .
Care to retract that statement? Now I do have KOTH experience having flown way back in it's glory days of Air Warrior, but that sure does NOT seem to translate to success. I got to wabbit status and made the TOC last year and I bet if we went to Match Play and went a few rounds we'd both confirm what we both assume, you can beat me in a dogfight. Can't ever recall fighting you but in my mind your above me. On a good day I consider myself slightly above average.
I'll make a post in KOTH or Special Events General forum and throw up my cogitations on KOTH there.
RESTART THE PRESSES, PICK UP YOUR PENCILS!!
On to P13
Edit- At P17
TA is free and every hour or lesson spent with an official Trainer earns them a timed access to other parts of game. Finish a lesson they have full access for 20 hours or some amount of time that gets the addiction going :evil:
Back to P17
Maybe even register for and attend a special event, have to be a multi-stage one here, and you have access for length of that FSO or scenario.
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Right now, they show 3 players in "Legacy Gameplay" Arena. :noid
AH has 48.
Question was about decreasing. I think when I checked the numbers a year ago or so (they are on the web), it was about the same. So they are not decreasing.
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Question was about decreasing. I think when I checked the numbers a year ago or so (they are on the web), it was about the same. So they are not decreasing.
:rofl
Coogan
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1. Blindly throw wads of cash [...]
2. Take your computer to the local mall [...]
3. Convince yourself that everything is awesome [...]
4. Be more nice to noobs. [...]
Did I miss one?
[edit] Oh yeah. 5. Add another Italian fighter. [...]
Anything else?
Make it so easy to configure, with a guided configuration wizard, a configuration mini-game, or whatever, and before joining any arena, that the 20 minutes the typical noob spends does not consist of sitting on the runway in a typical best-case situation.
e.g. A little model plane on stick, that follows movements of the inputs depending on the configuration. Asking you how you want to control what, selecting an input device automatically when it sees input changes on an axis. Clearly display what input is seen, suggestion pop-ups of some logic determines that the problem might be on windows/calibration side.
(last sunday, scenario practice, some new player joins the h2h-room. It seemed to take quite a while to talk him through the setup to get flying. it seems to be a real issue.)
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Not a bad idea ccvi since simplified visual feedback versus pushing buttons until something breaks is more to the learning style of the generations after the baby boomers. In a way it's a lot more hand holding than my generation would suffer and grouse about treating them like kids in an arcade game. But, if it's suddenly available, who cares. The controller setup GUI in the clip board has been what Hitech has stayed with from baby boomers through GenZ today. Personally I can see the efficacy of direct visual results to help orient people to their inputs. I keep modifying my offline test terrain just so I can receive visual feedback equal to playing in the MA for adjusting things. Right now I'm working on a direct fire over lay to shoot tanks with 88. I had to first create a circumstance that I could see all 6 drone tanks at long range.....yes visual feed back for real time testing is a good thing. 99.8% of new and existing customers won't invest the effort I do to get visual feed back. I think I now know why Hitech didn't give us a direct fire reticle for the 88 against tanks.
It would probably be too much fluff to show a 3D image as you setup each of the four modes and how your controller effected the object in question. The AH3 GUI's follow a pattern of giving you only what you need as though programing for the game world is far more important than how good the tower goodies feel and look. Looking around WT, Gaijin seems convinced the younger generations of players require a tower\menu experience that competes with the in game environment experience for glitz and whizbang to keep them coming back.
Seems the two gentlemen in charge of the AH versus WT vision have two different visions of what their customers need to immerse into their visions. Or Hitech is only one guy versus teams and has to focus his efforts to get the most by one programmer.
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Don't get fixated on the primetime only. Other times only feature a fracture of prime numbers (as they only have). When I checked in during noon yesterday (that's when I usually did start my 'AH day' in the past), there were 9 Bishops, 9 Knights and 1 (!) Rook online. Euro 'prime' had 40-60 online, all sides combined.
And yes, more players do have a positive effect. More variety in combat opportunities (no, not everybody is here for dueling-style dogfights.) Big raids. Bomber missions, with escorts and a lot of interceptors. There are lots of things that just aren't happening anymore, just because there is not the population to sustain them.
When I was new, we had big Sunday (Euro) afteroon bombing raids organised by Kazaa. Nowadays, AH lacks the players for this. Even the country channel is often silent for long periods.
Yup I fly US late in the evening only. Those numbers are rising.
Maybe some Europeans been reading about low numbers and do not realize that someone has to be the first one in. They need leaders.
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i fly in europe evening times. Numbers usually are between 60-80 which isn't bad. But on some maps, even with those numbers i have trouble finding a2a action in any sense of the word. After strafing ack or two, i log.
I'm still convinced that numbers aren't a problem, maps are. Games such as Il2/DCS can have 30 people on the server and be full of action. Here we have 80 and tumbleweeds...
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Yup I fly US late in the evening only. Those numbers are rising.
Maybe some Europeans been reading about low numbers and do not realize that someone has to be the first one in. They need leaders.
Europe?? Leadership??? are you making fun? :D
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lead by example bruv!! :banana: :D
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Outside of CptTrips, no-one else even bothered to reply or answer my questions or comment on my last reply to this thread...
That in itself tells me alot about what players saying/posting what they think HTC should do to get more players in the AH3 game verses what they are really interested in or thinking/wanting.... "Self-serving" comes to mind....
TC
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Outside of CptTrips, no-one else even bothered to reply or answer my questions or comment on my last reply to this thread...
That in itself tells me alot about what players saying/posting what they think HTC should do to get more players in the AH3 game verses what they are really interested in or thinking/wanting.... "Self-serving" comes to mind....
TC
I believe that is a sign of how beat the horse is. Everyone would like to see more folks back here. Many have their own ideas. Hitech owns the company and is at any meetings they have. He is also privy to many things we are not.
Suggestions are better placed in a letter to Hitech. On the boards they become one of hundreds/thousands.
There was over 160 players on last night. Seems to be rising numbers.
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Europe?? Leadership??? are you making fun? :D
On the flip side they seem to be doing what Germany couldn't in WWII... take Brittain. :D
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Suggestions are better placed in a letter to Hitech.
I'm shocked, shocked to find out there are discussions occurring on the Discussion Forum!
:rolleyes:
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I'm shocked, shocked to find out there are discussions occurring on the Discussion Forum!
:rolleyes:
They happen... alot of them over and over and over and over and over and over and over.... etc. :D
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today is "Tell a friend about Aces High" Day!!! get to it!!!! we all benefit!!
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They happen... alot of them over and over and over and over and over and over and over.... etc. :D
You should turn in to the police who ever it is that is holding a gun to your head and forcing you to read them. :D
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You should turn in to the police who ever it is that is holding a gun to your head and forcing you to read them. :D
I try to let people know that we have seen this before. Some get it, some don't, and some don't care.
We can all just keep on like they have in the past........
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Well, I've just been bored lately...normally I would have read a few replies then moved on
Because I have seen it before for the 10,000th time
:D
TC
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Outside of CptTrips, no-one else even bothered to reply or answer my questions or comment on my last reply to this thread...
If no-one replies that means no-one disagrees. That's as much an achievement as being called a cheater.
What was the idea? Free access to the TA? That's the case. A way to call for some help, and not only dedicated trainers but anyone willing to help? Sounds good to me.
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i fly in europe evening times. Numbers usually are between 60-80 which isn't bad.
There is a difference of MMOS to normal games. People pay, there is a community, they want to be there. People are online for the purpose of being online. Sitting in tower. Check country status.
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Well, I've just been bored lately...normally I would have read a few replies then moved on
Because I have seen it before for the 10,000th time
:D
TC
LOL of course! :salute