General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: Kazaa on March 16, 2015, 08:17:10 PM
Title: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Kazaa on March 16, 2015, 08:17:10 PM
Since my time away from Aces High, I've developed an interest in game development and marketing. News of the new update has me curious enough to pick some brains. Any HTC Staff member reading this should feel free to answer any of the following questions if they fall within your pay grade: Here goes nothing:
Q: What new features will the update bring? What was the main objective for this update?
Q: Is there any ETA on when the new update will be release?
Q: Will this new update be marketed as Aces High III to increase advertising penetration/hype.
Q: Have you ever considered using Steam as a distribution service? Steam's Greenlight system is the perfect stage for independent developers to get their games seen by a substantial portion of the P.C gaming market.
Q: Is there any particular reason why you haven't introduced a server side match making system to help nurture the competitive scene within Aces High in a more feasible way? On a parallel note. With the huge impact streaming services such as Twitch.TV have had on the gaming scene, games which offer the best structured-competitive format are almost always the ones with the most traffic. The trend is visible from this screenshot I took last night . The games which I've highlighted in green all offer a structured-competitive format (Arena Environment) as one of their main features. The comparison in viewership numbers is rather drastic.
(http://i.imgur.com/LiKPWLn.png)
Q: With the ever growing popularity of free-to-play/micro-transactions monetary model. Have you ever considered moving away from the current subscription only monetary model to attract more customers/income?
Q: Would you agree with the statement that: Aces High doesn't have same reach/popularity as other games in the aviation combat genre or the simulation genre in general? In the other simulation communities which I'm a part of, Aces High feels very much like it's underground in comparison to every other title in the genre. I personally feel that this isn't a reflection on the game's "fun factor" or simulation model(s) and I'm trying to work out the reason why.
I stumbled on these two links quickly. They reinforce my above statement.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Kazaa on March 16, 2015, 08:36:28 PM
I doubt HiTech would be willing to share anything "privately" that he wouldn't be willing to share in a public setting. Just because you send people a "personal message" doesn't automatically make it private. ;)
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: amp on March 16, 2015, 08:45:22 PM
I doubt HiTech would be willing to share anything "private" that he wouldn't be willing to share in a public setting.
Just because you send people a "personal message" doesn't automatically make it private. ;)
Being the Aces High royalty that you are, I bet Hitech would talk to you or trade private emails. Encouraging game development enthusiasts is probably something he would find rewarding if sincere. :aok
:salute FPH Kazaa :rock
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Kazaa on March 16, 2015, 09:00:35 PM
Being the Aces High royalty that you are, I bet Hitech would talk to you or trade private emails. Encouraging game development enthusiasts is probably something he would find rewarding if sincere. :aok
:salute FPH Kazaa :rock
I tried to word my original post with the up most sincerity. I appreciate the kind words but to consider me "Aces High royalty" is a bit of stretch. :)
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: amp on March 16, 2015, 09:12:51 PM
I tried to word my original post with the up most sincerity. I appreciate the kind words but to consider me "Aces High royalty" is a bit of stretch. :)
TOC winner, one of the best fighter pilots here ever, Bruv's self admitted FPH, have videos of you downing 14 virtually by yourself, working the outside of a furball till it was gone, fought you myself a few times and saw how good you were, there is no doubt. None.
There are dozens of people here that know you are among the very best. Not making it up or trying to say anything other than the truth. I'm sure Hitech knows that as well and he would be an awesome person to connect with on this topic. I wish you the best and if you go down the path of game development, from what little I've seen of your spatial reasoning skills and experience and playing skills, you could make some awesome good games, I believe.
Nuff said. :aok
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Changeup on March 16, 2015, 10:07:06 PM
TOC winner, one of the best fighter pilots here ever, Bruv's self admitted FPH, have videos of you downing 14 virtually by yourself, working the outside of a furball till it was gone, fought you myself a few times and saw how good you were, there is no doubt. None.
There are dozens of people here that know you are among the very best. Not making it up or trying to say anything other than the truth. I'm sure Hitech knows that as well and he would be an awesome person to connect with on this topic. I wish you the best and if you go down the path of game development, from what little I've seen of your spatial reasoning skills and experience and playing skills, you could make some awesome good games, I believe.
Nuff said. :aok
Midway is back....anyone need an IP address?
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Kazaa on March 16, 2015, 10:12:25 PM
TOC winner, one of the best fighter pilots here ever, Bruv's self admitted FPH, have videos of you downing 14 virtually by yourself, working the outside of a furball till it was gone, fought you myself a few times and saw how good you were, there is no doubt. None.
There are dozens of people here that know you are among the very best. Not making it up or trying to say anything other than the truth. I'm sure Hitech knows that as well and he would be an awesome person to connect with on this topic. I wish you the best and if you go down the path of game development, from what little I've seen of your spatial reasoning skills and experience and playing skills, you could make some awesome good games, I believe.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: guncrasher on March 16, 2015, 10:32:30 PM
I would like to say if ah ever went to free to play bs, I would quit playing ah as it will end up costing me more than 14.95 a month.
I played wot for 2 years and it was around 12 bucks a month if you wanted to play the higher tier tanks, then it was more if you wanted to upgrade faster. for a fixed 14.95 i can damn play any airplane I want. even if you are in the crappiest of squads, while in wot you had to belong to the top squad so you can really be free to play and even then you had to suck up to the leadership so they could give you gold.
so no, it isnt free to play, it's suckers who think it's free to play while some who are lucky to belong to some clan that is free to play.
semp
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Changeup on March 16, 2015, 11:06:58 PM
I would like to say if ah ever went to free to play bs, I would quit playing ah as it will end up costing me more than 14.95 a month.
I played wot for 2 years and it was around 12 bucks a month if you wanted to play the higher tier tanks, then it was more if you wanted to upgrade faster. for a fixed 14.95 i can damn play any airplane I want. even if you are in the crappiest of squads, while in wot you had to belong to the top squad so you can really be free to play and even then you had to suck up to the leadership so they could give you gold.
so no, it isnt free to play, it's suckers who think it's free to play while some who are lucky to belong to some clan that is free to play.
semp
WTF?? lol.
Step awaaaaaay from the booze...
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Latrobe on March 16, 2015, 11:46:29 PM
I would like to say if ah ever went to free to play bs, I would quit playing ah as it will end up costing me more than 14.95 a month.
I played wot for 2 years and it was around 12 bucks a month if you wanted to play the higher tier tanks, then it was more if you wanted to upgrade faster. for a fixed 14.95 i can damn play any airplane I want. even if you are in the crappiest of squads, while in wot you had to belong to the top squad so you can really be free to play and even then you had to suck up to the leadership so they could give you gold.
so no, it isnt free to play, it's suckers who think it's free to play while some who are lucky to belong to some clan that is free to play.
semp
I play WoT and I haven't spent a penny on it at all. I haven't spent any money on any of the free to play games I play.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: JVboob on March 17, 2015, 01:50:53 AM
Im interested in these questions and what the answers would be. And I dont like the idea of Free-to-play. the steam idea is kinda cool.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Ack-Ack on March 17, 2015, 02:35:39 AM
There does have to be something else to provide the "hook" for people to stay beyond checking out the game. The graphic updates alone will not be enough, there has to be changes to the current game play. That's why I got excited when HiTech hinted at a "Combat Tour Lite" changes to the game.
It is possible that the set up we have now with the Early, Mid, and Late War arenas will be going away with just a single "Main Arena" in its place, which will be feature the same game play we have now. With some of the features of Combat Tour that was kept after its initial development, we can have other arenas that feature PvE type game play using the "Staged Mission" system and flying against AI while advancing our pilot with RPG elements. Other arenas can feature PvP game play with different game modes like Capture The Flag, Team Deathmatch, FFA Deathmatch or even staged PvP missions for those that want quick PvP action outside of the main arena.
The one thing I do hope never happens with the update is that they relax the flight model for any reason.
ack-ack
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: guncrasher on March 17, 2015, 03:08:13 AM
I play WoT and I haven't spent a penny on it at all. I haven't spent any money on any of the free to play games I play.
latrobe if you dont buy gold to get a premium account then you either belong to a squad that hands gold out to you or you play tier 5 or 6 to earn enough credit to play tier 8 thru 10.
but to be honest there's no such thing as a free game, somebody's gotta pay it. you really think the developers and all the other guys invest their time just because they love the game? because if that was true then hitech would just give this game away for free.
we get a game that for 15 bucks you can play almost every airplane for free, only limitation is those that require some perks. on the other hand those "free to play" games, you must work your way up to the top and even then you have the option of "buying" better armament, apc or faster turning turret on some tanks.
been playing wot for a while. you want a faster turret then you either buy gold or earn enough credits to buy one. the poor sucker that ups the same tank that you do doesnt necessarily have the same tank you do. you think I am wrong then I'll tell you about researched the t29 but only had the m176 gun. guess what when I went into battle, i couldnt penetrate anything, it was embarrassing. so either you had to put up with playing 100 or so games to earn enought research credits for the top gun or use gold.
so free to play my azzz. perhaps for some for others they gotta pay to play. and dont even get me started when you get into tier 8 and you find tanks that unless they're by themselves and you flank them you wont penetrate them.
now in ah you pay 15 bucks and as a friend or 2 to go to ew or mw and you will have crdits everyday to fly any plane you want againt another airplane that has the same armament. no such bs as having to buy better armor, fuel, or aiming time. :).
semp
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: MrRiplEy[H] on March 17, 2015, 06:11:01 AM
latrobe if you dont buy gold to get a premium account then you either belong to a squad that hands gold out to you or you play tier 5 or 6 to earn enough credit to play tier 8 thru 10.
but to be honest there's no such thing as a free game, somebody's gotta pay it. you really think the developers and all the other guys invest their time just because they love the game? because if that was true then hitech would just give this game away for free.
we get a game that for 15 bucks you can play almost every airplane for free, only limitation is those that require some perks. on the other hand those "free to play" games, you must work your way up to the top and even then you have the option of "buying" better armament, apc or faster turning turret on some tanks.
been playing wot for a while. you want a faster turret then you either buy gold or earn enough credits to buy one. the poor sucker that ups the same tank that you do doesnt necessarily have the same tank you do. you think I am wrong then I'll tell you about researched the t29 but only had the m176 gun. guess what when I went into battle, i couldnt penetrate anything, it was embarrassing. so either you had to put up with playing 100 or so games to earn enought research credits for the top gun or use gold.
so free to play my azzz. perhaps for some for others they gotta pay to play. and dont even get me started when you get into tier 8 and you find tanks that unless they're by themselves and you flank them you wont penetrate them.
now in ah you pay 15 bucks and as a friend or 2 to go to ew or mw and you will have crdits everyday to fly any plane you want againt another airplane that has the same armament. no such bs as having to buy better armor, fuel, or aiming time. :).
semp
Um.. it's called patience. Either you have it or you pay. Simple as that.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: SkyRock on March 17, 2015, 06:27:53 AM
to consider me "Aces High royalty" is a bit of stretch. :)
I always found you .50 cal fodder when i ran into you... hee hee :rock
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: olds442 on March 17, 2015, 06:28:01 AM
anytime I try to get anyone to play this game they're instantly turned off by the outdated subscription model. It's simply too much to commit to for a game they do not know if they will keep playing. While "pay to win" I think is sucky, it's less sucky then having no players.
EDIT: Question for hitech, will we get proper default sounds this update or stick with those honestly terrible sounding defaults from AH2 which also make the game seem dated.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: DmonSlyr on March 17, 2015, 07:39:11 AM
anytime I try to get anyone to play this game they're instantly turned off by the outdated subscription model. It's simply too much to commit to for a game they do not know if they will keep playing. While "pay to win" I think is sucky, it's less sucky then having no players.
EDIT: Question for hitech, will we get proper default sounds this update or stick with those honestly terrible sounding defaults from AH2 which also make the game seem dated.
1. Before you make accusations about the game. You should probably play and learn the game better before you express your full opinion. You can download other sounds that fellow players in the community have made. Some people really do a great job with them. You do not have to use the default sounds.
2. While I agree with you that the physical detail level does need to be enhanced for new dedicated subscribers, the pay to win game model is a joke. It is not a fair structure to beginning players as well. It limits skill sets and forces the wallet to be your skill decider. It takes competition out of the game and ruins the game for people who believe winning with even measures is what games are all about.
3. The war base wholelistic atmosphere is the best part of AH. Having the freedom to soar the skies and fight where and whenever you want, bomb any city, tank all over the place. It makes it seem more realistic. Being showed into a room with TD and FFA like WT is fun and all, but too me it is not the game model in AH. Personally, I think HTC's strategy for a full map all out war is awesome. All we need are more people to join the game and you will be blown away by how much action there will be.
4. While I do agree that HTC does have some problems to look into, and strategies to consider with these maps, HQ, strats, maps that promote large fights, and the Training aspect ( which should be free so people can learn thr game, they cant actually down a plane and they will be itching for it), the overall game structure on a large map, nor the flight model should be changed.
5. Again, there are other places in AH2 that you can go to and experience FFAs and team death matches. AH2 has a places where you can create your own custom rooms. All it takes is someone to make a FFA room with a smog 8 map, promote the hell out of it on the BBs, and boom you have a 16-32 base FFA or TDM.
6. I agree that promotion, PR, and recognition need some up lifting. I believe the reason this game wasn't on those links you provided is simply because people haven't heard of this game. Also, a 2 weeks free trial is very difficult to learn and understand the game to be willing enough to pay for it monthly. You have to have a super warbird enthousiest who is willing to stay. Most people have to work, 2 weeks doesn't give them enough attachment time. Olds, my friends say the same thing. They are not as enthusiastic about warbirds, so they don't care to pay for a game monthly that isn't up to graphic standards, realizing they wouldn't play that much anyway. It's a fun for time opportunity cash cost.
7. Learn the game better. When you become better at AH, you become better at getting kills and having longer sorties. You have better fights, you help the team better, you have more successful missions. It took me 8-10 years to get to a good level. Many people who complain are new and don't have the slightest clue what's going on. If they practiced more they would get more kills and stay alive longer.. I hope the learning curve never changes because in AH you really get a sense of how scary warbirds really are in the right hands, and flying ain't easy. If you want to be good and become a good pilot in AH, you have to spend years learning it, instead of paying to have better planes and bullets than everyone else, and that is something special about this game.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: mike8318 on March 17, 2015, 07:59:08 AM
This pretty much covers"free to play" games.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CbWr0zO7Ac
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Kazaa on March 17, 2015, 08:10:00 AM
There does have to be something else to provide the "hook" for people to stay beyond checking out the game. The graphic updates alone will not be enough, there has to be changes to the current game play. That's why I got excited when HiTech hinted at a "Combat Tour Lite" changes to the game.
It is possible that the set up we have now with the Early, Mid, and Late War arenas will be going away with just a single "Main Arena" in its place, which will be feature the same game play we have now. With some of the features of Combat Tour that was kept after its initial development, we can have other arenas that feature PvE type game play using the "Staged Mission" system and flying against AI while advancing our pilot with RPG elements. Other arenas can feature PvP game play with different game modes like Capture The Flag, Team Deathmatch, FFA Deathmatch or even staged PvP missions for those that want quick PvP action outside of the main arena.
The one thing I do hope never happens with the update is that they relax the flight model for any reason.
ack-ack
Wise words though out your post.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: SirNuke on March 17, 2015, 08:25:54 AM
free to play does not equal pay to win. The WoT business model is highway robery. That said I don't forsee an aces high where you pay perks to unlock planes and loadouts, and gain perks at a higher rate if you are a paying customer
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Kazaa on March 17, 2015, 08:26:51 AM
After reading everyone's personal experiences with free-to-play monetary model. You need to understand that it can be implemented in many different shapes and forms and not just only pay to win. All though many publishers do go this root because everyone loves truck loads of money, right?
For those of you who're scared for life by free to play games. I wouldn't worry, I highly doubt HTC would switch to that method anytime soon. ;) While I feel like I could go into a more detailed break down of my reasoning why, I'll save myself some time and end this part of the discussion here.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Gman on March 17, 2015, 08:38:47 AM
See rule #4
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Zoney on March 17, 2015, 09:04:44 AM
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Gman on March 17, 2015, 09:37:22 AM
See rule #4
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Copprhed on March 17, 2015, 10:42:57 AM
How about that....another thread demanding answers from HiTech.....whoda thunk......Freemium games are rip-offs, and frankly anyone who wants to just pay money to make believe he's improved in a game.....well, there aren't words insulting enough to accurately relay my thoughts. The same old lame whines and ideas aren't going to improve AH. What compells me to play, and continue to, is:It's the best mix of difficulty and accuracy of flight model, while not being so tough that it runs most people away. All this pay to get better planes, tanks, etc. is not going to do anything but bring more of the kind of people we don't want...those who run rather than engage, those who refuse to do anything but the one discipline that they enjoy, even while they are whining that there's nobody to fight...like a teenager standing in front of a full refrigerator while complaining "there's nothing to eat...". I VERY rarely come in and find that there's nothing in game that is fun to do. Get over it, stop complaining( I know, you're only trying to "improve" the game...well you're not, you're just complaining and it gets old to hear the same old same old.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Gman on March 17, 2015, 11:36:51 AM
Quote
I VERY rarely come in and find that there's nothing in game that is fun to do.
I've said the exact same thing in every thread like these - I've never NOT been able to find something fun to do and be entertained.
Others don't feel the same, if they want to complain about that - HTC can respond to that however they please IMO.
So far as the "complaining". I never complained about any facet of the game - neither was Kazaa with his OP. I made complaints, for better or worse, about HTC policy regarding communication with players, but so far as the game goes, I'm happy with whatever is there, if I wasn't I just wouldn't play it, and move on the the dozens of games I buy that I don't even have time to try, much less play.
I don't quite understand what you're trying to say I suppose, it's very contradictory for being a ball of a giant run together sentence.
One thing that's of particular note, you said "people we don't want". Who exactly do you determine "people" and "we" to be? HTC said the following recently, something I think he is 100% correct about -
Quote
Reality is that for AH to grow again it is all about attracting new customers, and very little to do with keeping the current ones. That simple explanation will be taken out of context at some point, but people who play the same game for many years in a row are not the norm. To maintain viability it is all about inflow rates and out flow rates. At some point (average player life time) trying to slow the out flow rate does not make economic sense.
The "people" "WE" don't want? That's a very arrogant and presumptuous thing to say, especially after berating others for what you labelled as being "complainers". I hate being the bearer of bad news, but the potential crop of "new players" out there may not like, want, or even be offered the type of gameplay YOU want or that YOU consider "good".
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: scott66 on March 17, 2015, 12:06:30 PM
I highly recommend twinbooms sound pack if you're looking to enhance your game play it helps allot. I hear Mitsu and fester has some to
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Ack-Ack on March 17, 2015, 12:23:52 PM
The subscription model isn't "outdated", far from it.
50 cents a day, cheapest entertainment I have ever found, that is really great fun.
Unless you are asking your mom every month for the 15 bucks to pay your AH bill and you haven't done your homework or your chores.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Gman on March 17, 2015, 02:01:43 PM
The sub model is current IMO, even if it has been around a long time. If players don't like it, I'll remind them of the year or two when it cost 29.95, which everyone then thought was an absolute STEAL compared to previous games. @50$ CDN a month then, I thought it was cheap considering what I got for that $. Even at 20$CDN now, it's still a bargain compared to almost everything else out there.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: olds442 on March 17, 2015, 02:11:46 PM
1. Before you make accusations about the game. You should probably play and learn the game better before you express your full opinion. You can download other sounds that fellow players in the community have made. Some people really do a great job with them. You do not have to use the default sounds.
2. While I agree with you that the physical detail level does need to be enhanced for new dedicated subscribers, the pay to win game model is a joke. It is not a fair structure to beginning players as well. It limits skill sets and forces the wallet to be your skill decider. It takes competition out of the game and ruins the game for people who believe winning with even measures is what games are all about.
3. The war base wholelistic atmosphere is the best part of AH. Having the freedom to soar the skies and fight where and whenever you want, bomb any city, tank all over the place. It makes it seem more realistic. Being showed into a room with TD and FFA like WT is fun and all, but too me it is not the game model in AH. Personally, I think HTC's strategy for a full map all out war is awesome. All we need are more people to join the game and you will be blown away by how much action there will be.
4. While I do agree that HTC does have some problems to look into, and strategies to consider with these maps, HQ, strats, maps that promote large fights, and the Training aspect ( which should be free so people can learn thr game, they cant actually down a plane and they will be itching for it), the overall game structure on a large map, nor the flight model should be changed.
5. Again, there are other places in AH2 that you can go to and experience FFAs and team death matches. AH2 has a places where you can create your own custom rooms. All it takes is someone to make a FFA room with a smog 8 map, promote the hell out of it on the BBs, and boom you have a 16-32 base FFA or TDM.
6. I agree that promotion, PR, and recognition need some up lifting. I believe the reason this game wasn't on those links you provided is simply because people haven't heard of this game. Also, a 2 weeks free trial is very difficult to learn and understand the game to be willing enough to pay for it monthly. You have to have a super warbird enthousiest who is willing to stay. Most people have to work, 2 weeks doesn't give them enough attachment time. Olds, my friends say the same thing. They are not as enthusiastic about warbirds, so they don't care to pay for a game monthly that isn't up to graphic standards, realizing they wouldn't play that much anyway. It's a fun for time opportunity cash cost.
7. Learn the game better. When you become better at AH, you become better at getting kills and having longer sorties. You have better fights, you help the team better, you have more successful missions. It took me 8-10 years to get to a good level. Many people who complain are new and don't have the slightest clue what's going on. If they practiced more they would get more kills and stay alive longer.. I hope the learning curve never changes because in AH you really get a sense of how scary warbirds really are in the right hands, and flying ain't easy. If you want to be good and become a good pilot in AH, you have to spend years learning it, instead of paying to have better planes and bullets than everyone else, and that is something special about this game.
I started playing around late 2009. I have more hours in aces high than I'm happy to admit.
Also having downloaded and made my own soundpacks I can say with certainty that it still lacks very far behind most games. I mean we still don't have proper idle engine sounds (someone said this is too hard to implement, mean while arma 2 implements it very well) also lets not forget plane engine positions being incorrect in a 3D space (p39 engine sounds like its from the front, not rear). Also its impossible to get a Hi Fi sound system by only having "engine" sounds. Currently sound pack makers must mix super charger, turbo charger, prop noise, all into the engine sound.
Also 50 cents a day is honestly silly if you don't play during that day. I suggest a system where you would only pay when you played.
Also, I've seen better conduct on the call of duty forums, its honestly saddening. Look already there is rule #4's being thrown around in this thread. Any sort of argument always turns into personal attacks here, and believe it or not that drives a lot of people away.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Zoney on March 17, 2015, 02:39:50 PM
I've said the exact same thing in every thread like these - I've never NOT been able to find something fun to do and be entertained.
Others don't feel the same, if they want to complain about that - HTC can respond to that however they please IMO.
So far as the "complaining". I never complained about any facet of the game - neither was Kazaa with his OP. I made complaints, for better or worse, about HTC policy regarding communication with players, but so far as the game goes, I'm happy with whatever is there, if I wasn't I just wouldn't play it, and move on the the dozens of games I buy that I don't even have time to try, much less play.
I don't quite understand what you're trying to say I suppose, it's very contradictory for being a ball of a giant run together sentence.
One thing that's of particular note, you said "people we don't want". Who exactly do you determine "people" and "we" to be? HTC said the following recently, something I think he is 100% correct about -
The "people" "WE" don't want? That's a very arrogant and presumptuous thing to say, especially after berating others for what you labelled as being "complainers". I hate being the bearer of bad news, but the potential crop of "new players" out there may not like, want, or even be offered the type of gameplay YOU want or that YOU consider "good".
They only good that "runners" provide is the opportunity to post videos of them running away, as was done recently in the "Wow" thread. They detract from gameplay, IMHO, and serve no purpose. I do understand what you're saying GMan, and I will be in the first group to say that anyone who pays should be allowed to play they way they want. That doesn't mean that I believe that they improve overall gameplay. Freemium will definitely detract from the game, as there would end up being more and more people buying their "ability" and then chest thumping that they are AH "gods".
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: DmonSlyr on March 17, 2015, 02:59:16 PM
I started playing around late 2009. I have more hours in aces high than I'm happy to admit.
Also having downloaded and made my own soundpacks I can say with certainty that it still lacks very far behind most games. I mean we still don't have proper idle engine sounds (someone said this is too hard to implement, mean while arma 2 implements it very well) also lets not forget plane engine positions being incorrect in a 3D space (p39 engine sounds like its from the front, not rear). Also its impossible to get a Hi Fi sound system by only having "engine" sounds. Currently sound pack makers must mix super charger, turbo charger, prop noise, all into the engine sound.
Also 50 cents a day is honestly silly if you don't play during that day. I suggest a system where you would only pay when you played.
Also, I've seen better conduct on the call of duty forums, its honestly saddening. Look already there is rule #4's being thrown around in this thread. Any sort of argument always turns into personal attacks here, and believe it or not that drives a lot of people away.
This system might cost you more than 50 cents a day. Some people play for 6-7 hours straight, with over 120 hours a month. I'd assume they are getting their money's worth.
Now I do think the 2 weeks free trial should be 2 months or at least 2 months free TA after 2 weeks free in the MA. Then more players would understand the game and more than likely subscirbe.
You realize that COD and Battlefield cost $60 just to buy, not including the rest of the new version landscapes you need to buy. That right there is 5 months of AH up front. If you get the other package maps that's another 40. So 1 payment for battlefield cost half a years worth of AH.
Now I know nothing about sounds, other than you can find people who made them and find what you like. But other than that I really don't know what to tell you.
Every time I log in at 5pm I normally find decent size fights. All it takes is 5 enemy planes and you got yourself a fight. Most people think there has to be 90 planes in the sky for a fight and that is just the noob mentality. Plus fighting against 90 planes is very difficult so be careful what you wish for, even though that would be sweet.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Oldman731 on March 17, 2015, 03:14:21 PM
Also, I've seen better conduct on the call of duty forums, its honestly saddening. Look already there is rule #4's being thrown around in this thread. Any sort of argument always turns into personal attacks here, and believe it or not that drives a lot of people away.
Agreed.
- oldman
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Slash27 on March 17, 2015, 04:06:03 PM
Also, I've seen better conduct on the call of duty forums, its honestly saddening. Look already there is rule #4's being thrown around in this thread. Any sort of argument always turns into personal attacks here, and believe it or not that drives a lot of people away.
It doesn't have to be a personal attack to be a rule 4.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: blutic on March 17, 2015, 06:37:56 PM
I am confused. (not the first time) If I pay more money, I could gain an advantage? 50 cents for a tank? one dollar for more armor in the AC. How about 5 bucks for a pair? Just pay 14.95 and play, that is what we are all doing. Playing.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: JOACH1M on March 17, 2015, 08:45:58 PM
sad that the players opinion on the game and how it has been conducted over the last couple years just gets edited out for know one to see. If you are trying to capture a generation such as mine 90's generation and early 2000's you are not doing that. Apparently the paying customer doesn't know what is good for the game anymore. :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Ack-Ack on March 17, 2015, 09:37:43 PM
I started playing around late 2009. I have more hours in aces high than I'm happy to admit.
Also having downloaded and made my own soundpacks I can say with certainty that it still lacks very far behind most games. I mean we still don't have proper idle engine sounds (someone said this is too hard to implement, mean while arma 2 implements it very well) also lets not forget plane engine positions being incorrect in a 3D space (p39 engine sounds like its from the front, not rear). Also its impossible to get a Hi Fi sound system by only having "engine" sounds. Currently sound pack makers must mix super charger, turbo charger, prop noise, all into the engine sound.
Also 50 cents a day is honestly silly if you don't play during that day. I suggest a system where you would only pay when you played.
Also, I've seen better conduct on the call of duty forums, its honestly saddening. Look already there is rule #4's being thrown around in this thread. Any sort of argument always turns into personal attacks here, and believe it or not that drives a lot of people away.
funny you talk about sounds. today 3 times I was able to avoid being picked from behing because I heard the airplane behind me before I looked and thus was able to avoid it. and oh yeah found a tank by sound only as he wasnt moving but had engine on. just by turning my airplane engine off for 3 seconds.
I dont know I guess i must be the exception to the sounds.
semp
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: JOACH1M on March 17, 2015, 10:23:13 PM
Not trying to create an argument, but want honest answer.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Gman on March 17, 2015, 10:45:01 PM
I've made nor make no claims on knowing what's best for the game. I don't care as much about any other players opinions or ideas, I'm interested in hearing/reading them of course, but what I truly care about ---
I just want to know what HTC's thoughts and opinions, and most importantly PLANS are in regards to their product, and considering the OP of this thread, I'm not the only one. Not even being given a time frame for answers to very relevant questions by many different members, but a flat out "not discussing it on the forum"...this is what I can't understand.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: JimmyC on March 17, 2015, 11:42:41 PM
I do beleive the questions are quite pertinent. . If an online reporter rang up HTC HQ 'S and said he was doing a review of online games and could HTC fill the gaps.. I'm sure HiTech would not give such a brush off and use the situation to his advantage..eg plug the game and elaborate on the current situation to put the game in favorable light. I feel that Kazaa asked what most of us feel and would like to ask. surely keeping your player base involved and informed has benifical effects. we are not the enemy we are friends. just my 2 pence worth with the deepest of respect. <<S>> JimmyC
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Mongoose on March 18, 2015, 01:00:35 AM
I, too, would like to see more direct posts from Hitech and company. But I understand why they don't post more often. It seems that every time Hitech says something in the forums, several people jump in and tell him he's doing it wrong. Even if the OP was seeking a sincere and honest discussion, any response from Hitech would probably get a very negative response, no matter how right he is.
I remember a couple years ago someone suggested that the players get together and buy the company from Hitech, and then tell him how to run it, since he obviously doesn't know what he's doing. And then people wonder why we don't see Hitech in the forums more often.
In spite of my lack of skill, and my tendency to hit the ground, and other people's bullets, I still find it hard to believe sometimes that I get to have this much fun for only $14.95 a month.
:salute Hitech
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Ack-Ack on March 18, 2015, 01:24:25 AM
Not trying to create an argument, but want honest answer.
joachim, I am curious do you want to hear an honest answer or an answer that you want to agree with? please answer honestly.
semp
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Slade on March 18, 2015, 05:47:01 AM
Traditionally for games and other software the model was to keep everything top-secret. I know I worked in software development shops for years (still do). With regard to the competition "loose lips sink ships" was POUNDED into me. I respect AH for there past decision and privacy in this area. It was the culture.
The times have changed. Now it is common to have companies fully engaged with the owners, i.e. customers. Weekly video updates from the product manager are common (Star Citizen, Steam based games, etc.). New gen gamers are used to a much higher level of communications from most of the companies out there.
This being said...maybe AH could meet us in the middle. A formal monthly news\announcement\update on the web page on the same day each month would be great. Not all of us have to time join the alpha\beta to know what going on.
Thanks AH. :salute
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: olds442 on March 18, 2015, 06:24:13 AM
funny you talk about sounds. today 3 times I was able to avoid being picked from behing because I heard the airplane behind me before I looked and thus was able to avoid it. and oh yeah found a tank by sound only as he wasnt moving but had engine on. just by turning my airplane engine off for 3 seconds.
I dont know I guess i must be the exception to the sounds.
semp
Ok? How does this have anything to do with Hi Fi? Infact it shows how bad the sound system is if you can hear another plan while yours is running. 3D positioning is good in the 3rd person (hear other people around you) but in the first person its broken.
Also, what do new players think (who obviously don't have custom sounds installed) when they hear that farting noise we get now that is supposed to sound like an engine start up? They see bad graphics and hear bad sounds, not very good when you're trying to sell a game.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: JOACH1M on March 18, 2015, 06:31:46 AM
Every time I log in at 5pm I normally find decent size fights.
Yes, the game experiences can differe alot just alone on your location and at what time you are able to log in. Since I hardly can play at late night / early morning anymore (=US primetime), my situation is often more like this:
Screenshot taken a few minuts ago in the Late War arena. Yes, late war not MW. I'm waiting for the first day we have a country with 0 players online ;)
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: DmonSlyr on March 18, 2015, 07:09:54 AM
Yes, the game experiences can differe alot just alone on your location and at what time you are able to log in. Since I hardly can play at late night / early morning anymore (=US primetime), my situation is often more like this:
Screenshot taken a few minuts ago in the Late War arena. Yes, late war not MW. I'm waiting for the first day we have a country with 0 players online ;)
I see your point.
If those players were mapped into a smaller zone or would agree to fight from the same bases to encourage a fight, it would still be fun and everyone would have a good time. If that many players were on a smog8 map, it would be glorious amounts of fun.
The fact that it's a huge map and some may be bombing or tanking and there is no clear direct communication. I'm sure game play would seem stale if you cannot find anyone in the air.
Perhaps you could private message some people on there to see if you can spark a fight in certain fields on the map. That way maybe a small furball could happen. Idk what to tell you lol.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Tilt on March 18, 2015, 08:51:24 AM
To the original post.....
Effectively it was asking for the business marketing model goals going forward.
I still return in such debates to the 4P's (Price,Product,Place,Promotion) as quite often discussion gets dragged down one of them and indeed ends up focussing on just a few elements of one of them whilst ignoring needs and opportunities elsewhere.
Price The debate has ranged above re payment mechanisms. There are many and indeed subscription is not the only model or indeed the "best". I think that the only caveat one would warn against is a payment model that then affects the product or access to the whole of the product in a manner that is detrimental to the features of the product we are trying to market.
Product. Well we are all here, paying for the product, we have found the product and we know how to access it and using it so actually ( for us) the product ( and its further development) is our main area of interest.
The Product is actually "Fun" accessed thru a WWII online air (and ground) combat simulation. In this respect my opinion is in line with AkAK's. Game play is all!. Graphics etc form the back drop and provide an important contribution but must never play 2nd to the actual game play experience. Access to game play is equally important. The balance between the journey to combat and the euphoria of combat (or what ever the mission climax is) is as critical to shaping the perfect gameplay model as is the quality of the combat when it is achieved.
Place. There is only one place to access AH. It is via a PC through to a HTC server. Kazaa suggests some other portals or services but many of these really promote Promotional needs rather than adding real place alternatives. I suppose the ultimate Place would be entry to game play via a plethora of platforms. I would suppose the investment to achieve this to have a significant effect on Price above.
Promotion There is none (IMO) other than Word of Mouth as far as non US markets are concerned. I do not know what happens in the US. Word of Mouth can be powerful but Kazaa is correct in as much as it brings on a somewhat underground feel when we consider it as a promotional tool for a MMOG. If the product, place and price are right and sales are not where they should be..... then Promotion is the only remaining tool.
HTC has data which would help balance the above.
They know how many game down loads there are per annum They know how many two weekers there are. They know how many two weekers end up subscribing They know how many subscribers stay on and ( on average) how long. They know the annual cycle of subscribers They know the effects of various upgrades on subscription.
There is still stuff they don't know and have to speculate about.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Mister Fork on March 18, 2015, 09:01:34 AM
I've made nor make no claims on knowing what's best for the game. I don't care as much about any other players opinions or ideas, I'm interested in hearing/reading them of course, but what I truly care about ---
I just want to know what HTC's thoughts and opinions, and most importantly PLANS are in regards to their product, and considering the OP of this thread, I'm not the only one. Not even being given a time frame for answers to very relevant questions by many different members, but a flat out "not discussing it on the forum"...this is what I can't understand.
Is it fair to say then that perhaps given the response from the administration that it's a sensitive topic and that's been discussed time and time again?
I know I've seen the Steam comment in about a half dozen threads over the past couple of years. But is the problem simpler? Is the problem twofold?
First - back in late 90's early 2000's, we had several mediums in which the programmers could interact with - combat simulation enthusiast websites (i.e. Combatsim/Simhq) which would speak to developers about their product, and where it's headed. Is it now that those sites are not as active anymore with the decline of the combat sims that they've lost their voice?
Second...and that programmers who are also men have a double whammy. Programmers by nature are very reclusive and introverted and not great at public speaking. Plus, that Dale and Doug - well, they are programmers and dudes - let's admit it - all men suck at communicating (at least according to our wives. :))
:D
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: DmonSlyr on March 18, 2015, 09:38:50 AM
Second...and that programmers who are also men have a double whammy. Programmers by nature are very reclusive and introverted and not great at public speaking. Plus, that Dale and Doug - well, they are programmers and dudes - let's admit it - all men suck at communicating (at least according to our wives. :))
:D
This.... The supporting idea that I have is that Hitech nor Skuzzy are really sales or marketing type guys. They are analyst and coaders. I am an analyst who is good with numbers. You wouldn't see me in the sales and marketing department nor would I want to be in the coading or engineering department. With that said, many CEOs have not been able to grow their business fully because they cannot exploit many traits of business by themselves. EI. Trying to be the marketing department when that isn't your best trait. You'd benefit more if you just hired someone who was a professional marketer/ or commercial AD maker. I'm not busting on anyone here, or trying to bring anyone down, becuase I certainly don't have the coading expertise like Hitech. I'm just saying that ignoring those parts of business because it isn't the strong suit of your personality is dampening to the business model.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Kazaa on March 18, 2015, 10:49:23 AM
Strong discussion in this thread. Well, mostly. ;)
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: rvflyer on March 19, 2015, 12:49:04 AM
Ok? How does this have anything to do with Hi Fi? Infact it shows how bad the sound system is if you can hear another plan while yours is running. 3D positioning is good in the 3rd person (hear other people around you) but in the first person its broken.
Also, what do new players think (who obviously don't have custom sounds installed) when they hear that farting noise we get now that is supposed to sound like an engine start up? They see bad graphics and hear bad sounds, not very good when you're trying to sell a game.
Very easy to hear another plane engine closing on you or pulling up along side of you in real life with your engine running. Have done it and heard it many times.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Wiley on March 19, 2015, 01:18:37 AM
Very easy to hear another plane engine closing on you or pulling up along side of you in real life with your engine running. Have done it and heard it many times.
In a high performance aircraft with the throttle firewalled? Seems to me highly unlikely you'd hear him from a half mile away.
Wiley.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: MrRiplEy[H] on March 19, 2015, 03:47:52 AM
In a high performance aircraft with the throttle firewalled? Seems to me highly unlikely you'd hear him from a half mile away.
Wiley.
Users can lower the engine sound so that the ambient sounds overpower the main engine. This could be avoided by chaining ambient sounds to main engine sound so that if you lower the main engine sound also the ambient sounds get suppressed.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: JunkyII on March 19, 2015, 01:36:18 PM
Yes, the game experiences can differe alot just alone on your location and at what time you are able to log in. Since I hardly can play at late night / early morning anymore (=US primetime), my situation is often more like this:
Screenshot taken a few minuts ago in the Late War arena. Yes, late war not MW. I'm waiting for the first day we have a country with 0 players online ;)
I play at some off hours and I never see it like this. Midnight for me is 6 AM EST and I see 70s during that time on the weekends....during the week days i'm not sure(waking up at 0500 isn't fun after playing Aces High until midnight)
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Changeup on March 19, 2015, 07:33:18 PM
I play at some off hours and I never see it like this. Midnight for me is 6 AM EST and I see 70s during that time on the weekends....during the week days i'm not sure(waking up at 0500 isn't fun after playing Aces High until midnight)
Wait until you get out. You'll still be zero five hundred and wont know why. Then, you'll go zero five thirty and think something's wrong, lol.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: guncrasher on March 19, 2015, 08:42:43 PM
Users can lower the engine sound so that the ambient sounds overpower the main engine. This could be avoided by chaining ambient sounds to main engine sound so that if you lower the main engine sound also the ambient sounds get suppressed.
then what would be the point of having ambient sounds? your engine will drown everything. I didnt spend 200 bucks on a headset and another 100 bucks on a sound card so I can hear my own engine :).
semp
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: zack1234 on March 20, 2015, 02:18:40 AM
if i was employed by AH in a social media capacity i would stop complaining about the major problem with AH.....
The devil plane Brewster
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Wiley on March 20, 2015, 11:11:58 AM
then what would be the point of having ambient sounds? your engine will drown everything. I didnt spend 200 bucks on a headset and another 100 bucks on a sound card so I can hear my own engine :).
semp
I get what you're saying, but isn't it moderately cheesy that you can hear and directionally identify another aircraft's engine noises while he's bouncing you from a half mile out? Maybe tie just the enemy engines to the main engine sound? I don't think it's right that you get free warning when someone's bouncing you from a half mile out.
Wiley.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: guncrasher on March 20, 2015, 11:34:32 AM
I get what you're saying, but isn't it moderately cheesy that you can hear and directionally identify another aircraft's engine noises while he's bouncing you from a half mile out? Maybe tie just the enemy engines to the main engine sound? I don't think it's right that you get free warning when someone's bouncing you from a half mile out.
Wiley.
dude, a lot of things are cheese in the game if you think about it. for example, slowing down your airplane, it was rarely done in combat. let somebody get on your six, you really think people who do that like ghi would have lived long in ww2?
all it's done for the good of the game. btw I also get a free warning when I hear the bullets hitting my plane, do you want to remove that sound too? because trust me I have saved myself more than once in middle of furball just by listening.
cheese is pointing that something is cheese in a cartoon game:).
semp
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Wiley on March 20, 2015, 12:42:13 PM
dude, a lot of things are cheese in the game if you think about it. for example, slowing down your airplane, it was rarely done in combat. let somebody get on your six, you really think people who do that like ghi would have lived long in ww2?
Yup. And in that aspect, when you get a multi-on-multi furball in here you get to see that principle in action. :)
Quote
all it's done for the good of the game. btw I also get a free warning when I hear the bullets hitting my plane, do you want to remove that sound too? because trust me I have saved myself more than once in middle of furball just by listening.
cheese is pointing that something is cheese in a cartoon game:). semp
Me too, particularly when someone's under my belly. I track bandits under me by sound as well until I can reestablish sight. I'm rarely surprised at their location when I roll over either.
Not sure what bullets hitting your plane would sound like, I've never been in an aircraft or enclosed space that's been shot. I would expect the impact sounds to be noticeable, though the gunfire is iffy.
You've got the grognards that gravitate toward DCS style sims and want all the realism they can get, but most gamers are just happy with planes that handle somewhat differently from one another, and stall when you get too slow.
Other than that, most gamers are pretty much clueless on what should and shouldn't be. Heck, most RL pilots haven't flown aerobatic planes, which while closer is still a helluva distance from flying a WWII era combat outfitted aircraft.
I remember reading an article about flight sims a long time ago that was talking about giving people the "feeling of realism". It was interesting to me because the vast majority don't want actual realism in their games, but rather something that "feels" realistic. What is the right "feeling of realism" for different people is a pretty broad sliding scale.
I know for myself, I'd love as much realism as possible in the way the plane moves through the air. Updrafts, wind shear, turbulence, clouds, rain, all that good stuff. The more effects we have to contend with the better. I could take or leave engine management though. I don't feel it adds much to the game, but could put up with it if I had to.
There are plenty of guys in here that feel the lack of engine management destroys the game, and without it, it relegates the game to near the level of Space Invaders. Different strokes for different folks. Same with the sounds. I don't feel I should be able to hear the guy behind me. You don't have a problem with it. I just feel it's only slightly less silly than having an icon pop up around the edge of the screen when someone's behind you.
This game exists in a weird twilight having apparently better flight than a lot of the other sim games like WT and whatnot, while being less on the "fiddly" realism than DCS.
Wiley.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: FiLtH on March 20, 2015, 01:41:18 PM
Just my opinion, as Ive seen similar things happen in the past. Whats the first thing you do to a car when you want to sell it? Drop a new tranny in it? No you wash it, polish it, put in a deoderizer hanging from the mirror. Make it look pretty. We've seen no major upgrades in a very long time, and looking at the sneak peeks of pretty new hangar layouts, and cockpit art, and nothing else that really adds to the gameplay, I cant help but think its a possiblity.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: oboe on March 20, 2015, 02:30:04 PM
Just my opinion, as Ive seen similar things happen in the past. Whats the first thing you do to a car when you want to sell it? Drop a new tranny in it? No you wash it, polish it, put in a deoderizer hanging from the mirror. Make it look pretty. We've seen no major upgrades in a very long time, and looking at the sneak peeks of pretty new hangar layouts, and cockpit art, and nothing else that really adds to the gameplay, I cant help but think its a possiblity.
I get what you're saying, and have had similar thoughts too. But in fact, what HTC is doing is dropping a new "engine" (a graphics engine) in the car? So its unlikely he's just washing and polishing before a sale. I've decided it does no good to speculate anyway.
I just worry the HTC crew is just too small to keep up with all the updates and other things (product development, marketing, communication to players, managing community contributions like skins and terrains) that are expected of game developers and producers now. I've played and followed War Thunder (game play not really my cup of tea although the game UI is outstanding IMHO) and watch their development cycle and all the updates and game-related media they put out, and think of Paul Newman in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid saying, "Who ARE those guys?"
Still, for my money, no game ever felt better to play, or belong to the community of, than Aces High (also IMHO).
:salute HTC
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: bustr on March 20, 2015, 02:36:16 PM
Why isn't AH3 considered a major upgrade?
You only have one guy programming all of this. He can keep programming AH2 or he can program AH3. AH3 no longer uses the same video and terrain programing that AH2 does. So there is no longer any point to fixing or creating anything new for the AH2 code. AH2 cannot evolve any farther.
Unless the next major upgrade in this audience's unspoken mind is. Hitech lets you dictate how to create AH3 to save him from being "too out of touch" with 2015 progressive game styles. That kind of filters through as the heart of all this doom, gloom and drive by recriminations with premature obituaries.
This time around he's not making you all partners in the process like he was more willing way back when. So you guys are declaring AH3 dead on arrival because you haven't been consulted.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Kazaa on March 20, 2015, 03:03:33 PM
When was the last time a major gameplay change in AH occurred?
I can only remember when HTC added the new giant cities which pretty much backfired in terms of increasing action.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: bustr on March 20, 2015, 03:22:28 PM
You only have one guy programming all of this. He can keep programming AH2 or he can program AH3. AH3 no longer uses the same video and terrain programing that AH2 does. So there is no longer any point to fixing or creating anything new for the AH2 code. AH2 cannot evolve any farther.
Unless the next major upgrade in this audience's unspoken mind is. Hitech lets you dictate how to create AH3 to save him from being "too out of touch" with 2015 progressive game styles. That kind of filters through as the heart of all this doom, gloom and drive by recriminations with premature obituaries.
This time around he's not making you all partners in the process like he was more willing way back when. So you guys are declaring AH3 dead on arrival because you haven't been consulted.
Is this an official statement from HTC?
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Kazaa on March 20, 2015, 03:50:43 PM
because the "only 1 guy working on it" is misleading. there's actually several working on different parts of the game. unless of course hitech likes to hire people to just sit around and drink his booze.
semp
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Slash27 on March 20, 2015, 05:05:06 PM
Maybe so. I thought Sudz was a programmer as well. Im curious as to where bustr gets all his info.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: bustr on March 20, 2015, 05:46:52 PM
Did you guys think all of those youtube films and screen shots starting last year, of what Hitech has been working on since last year, was just an upgrade to the existing AH2 code? It's all there in his and Skuzzy's words since last year.
What did you think he has been doing all of this time? And the request by Skuzzy for alpha volunteers along with screen shots from the alpha on the HTC front page. No one has to be from HTC to pay attention to all of that.
Or are you guys acting like my cats when they get caught being bad and go through all the face looks starting with "I did whuuuaaat", then "reeeaaally", then "that wasn't me"......"ooooohhh, look, a speck of dust!!".
Must be some speck of dust I guess......
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Lusche on March 20, 2015, 05:58:33 PM
You only have one guy programming all of this. He can keep programming AH2 or he can program AH3. AH3 no longer uses the same video and terrain programing that AH2 does. So there is no longer any point to fixing or creating anything new for the AH2 code. AH2 cannot evolve any farther.
Unless the next major upgrade in this audience's unspoken mind is. Hitech lets you dictate how to create AH3 to save him from being "too out of touch" with 2015 progressive game styles. That kind of filters through as the heart of all this doom, gloom and drive by recriminations with premature obituaries.
This time around he's not making you all partners in the process like he was more willing way back when. So you guys are declaring AH3 dead on arrival because you haven't been consulted.
It's a major upgrade in the sense that a lot of things are getting change, so far all graphic stuff. They may even call it version 3.11 or something when they release it as well, but it is all speculation until it IS released. They are not going to call it Aces High III they learned that mistake when they first called AH2 when that version came out. After you spend time and effort creating a brand you don't go changing it, that is why the game is once again just Aces High.
Given the screen shots and what little is mentioned on the BBS I could come up with a number of possible versions/scenarios as to the future of the game just as bustr seems to do but I won't bother "speculating" and will wait for the new version. As to questioning HTC, I see no problem with that. I think HTC is passing up a HUGE opportunity here. With the interest that the subscribers have already for any little bit of info, HTC could use this with there social media outlet and start dropping info. Each little bit of info/picture will be dissected and discussed generating that much more interest much likr they do when a movie is coming out in 6 months. By the time it finally does come out the frenzy is at a fever pitch and sell a ton of tickets even if the movie sucks :noid
I understand Hitech's reluctance in giving out too much info as it seems maybe he has been burned before in his Warbirds days, but if they are to generate interest now is the time to start...... unless they don't plan on the new version being ready any time soon.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Changeup on March 20, 2015, 07:07:26 PM
HA!
I love all these folks that "know" how many people at HTC are working on "what". Its ridonkulous for anyone to pretend or otherwise claim they "know" about how HTC does anything other than run the playings of this game.
So, which enlightened person here has had a long conversation with Dale about which programmers are working on what parts of the game? Didn't think so.
How about everyone just wait and see OR, jump into a conversation with an Alpha tester and see what they have to say.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Kazaa on March 20, 2015, 07:40:20 PM
@ChangeUp
Do you know if Alpha testers are under NDA or not?
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Slash27 on March 20, 2015, 07:54:10 PM
Did you guys think all of those youtube films and screen shots starting last year, of what Hitech has been working on since last year, was just an upgrade to the existing AH2 code? It's all there in his and Skuzzy's words since last year.
What did you think he has been doing all of this time? And the request by Skuzzy for alpha volunteers along with screen shots from the alpha on the HTC front page. No one has to be from HTC to pay attention to all of that.
Or are you guys acting like my cats when they get caught being bad and go through all the face looks starting with "I did whuuuaaat", then "reeeaaally", then "that wasn't me"......"ooooohhh, look, a speck of dust!!".
Must be some speck of dust I guess......
That's seriously your response?
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: guncrasher on March 20, 2015, 07:55:47 PM
Do you know if Alpha testers are under NDA or not?
From what I've been told I would absolutely assume no. Additionally, it appears that it wasn't mentioned in the solicitation thread either. But, because I have NOT spoken directly to Dale OR to Skuzzy, I cannot be sure.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: oboe on March 21, 2015, 05:17:53 AM
It would be very unusual for alpha tester not to be covered by an NDA I think, and i agree that they should be. If they werent, I think we would have much more knowledge of what's in the new version by now.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Ack-Ack on March 21, 2015, 06:16:04 AM
:uhoh :uhoh :uhoh this is dumb!! :bhead :bhead :bhead
Daddkev's alive! :O
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: ebfd11 on March 23, 2015, 03:59:30 PM
Is that the man the myth and the legend in his own mind.....LOL...Daddkev???
LawnDart
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: rvflyer on March 24, 2015, 03:20:28 AM
Bustr I agree, you and I know from being in the AH3 testing from the very beginning the thousands of hours that have gone in to this upgrade. I am sure the same old whiners will still whine because it does not fit their idea of how the game should be played. :old:
You only have one guy programming all of this. He can keep programming AH2 or he can program AH3. AH3 no longer uses the same video and terrain programming that AH2 does. So there is no longer any point to fixing or creating anything new for the AH2 code. AH2 cannot evolve any farther.
Unless the next major upgrade in this audience's unspoken mind is. Hitech lets you dictate how to create AH3 to save him from being "too out of touch" with 2015 progressive game styles. That kind of filters through as the heart of all this doom, gloom and drive by recriminations with premature obituaries.
This time around he's not making you all partners in the process like he was more willing way back when. So you guys are declaring AH3 dead on arrival because you haven't been consulted.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: bustr on March 24, 2015, 10:48:07 AM
The second most popular activity in Aces High is complaining about Aces High. Reverse fight club...... :O
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: oboe on March 24, 2015, 01:30:14 PM
The HTC team is basically down to Hitech, Skuzzy & Waffle, and it's been like this for a long time now.
Well, long time is subjective...but does anyone know when Sudz left? Hmm...when was the last plane update which Superfly did? I must say that, if I had to choose, I particularly liked the models Superfly did for couple of reasons.
I hadn't caught any news that Superfly and Sudz had gone to other things. I remember when Natedog's departure to form his own business was announched.
Whenever Superfly left that means that the art department's production capacity is essentially halved...
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Gman on March 24, 2015, 02:34:23 PM
I agree to a certain extant WMaker, but I do think that the current art person has done a fantastic job with planes, GVs and cockpit updates, they are the best part of the game in terms of visuals, by FAR. Waffle filled large shoes, and did a great job, like I said, IMO the planes and cockpit art are really good, especially at 1440p with it all cranked.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Lusche on March 24, 2015, 02:54:03 PM
Well, long time is subjective...but does anyone know when Sudz left? Hmm...when was the last plane update which Superfly did? I must say that, if I had to choose, I particularly liked the models Superfly did for couple of reasons.
I hadn't caught any news that Superfly and Sudz had gone to other things. I remember when Natedog's departure to form his own business was announched.
Sudz last 'official' AH postings were in Dec 2012 and subsequently lost his Admin status.
Pyros last post was in Aug 2013. He retained his Admin position, but only logged in once in the past 2 years for a very short time. You may have noticed that Skuzzy seems to have taken over a lot of Pyro's former responsibilites, he's no longer 'just the tech support guy'
Superfly's last 'official' post was in April 2014, he ain't an Admin anymore either.
Unlike in former times, no official announcements were made about any of this.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Wmaker on March 24, 2015, 02:59:21 PM
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: bustr on March 24, 2015, 03:07:12 PM
Now that we are all on the same page to the weight of the burden Hitech is shouldering. Without saying a word, just manning up and doing his code thing to get his next work out the door for us to enjoy. That thar is one fine Hurri IIc cockpit on the front page. And the team in place supporting Hitech is doing one heck of a job.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: Kazaa on March 24, 2015, 04:03:27 PM
Sudz last 'official' AH postings were in Dec 2012 and subsequently lost his Admin status.
Pyros last post was in Aug 2013. He retained his Admin position, but only logged in once in the past 2 years for a very short time. You may have noticed that Skuzzy seems to have taken over a lot of Pyro's former responsibilites, he's no longer 'just the tech support guy'
Superfly's last 'official' post was in April 2014, he ain't an Admin anymore either.
Unlike in former times, no official announcements were made about any of this.
This is very worrying if true.
I wonder if Grebbo is still doing the 2D texturing for the 3D models. That would make it three people attributing to adding content to the game. Still, a very small studio none the less.
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: MrRiplEy[H] on March 24, 2015, 04:21:47 PM
With all the squeaking and complaining most of us love HTC and want the best for it. When the squeaking stops, then it's time to get worried...
Title: Re: Questions for HTC (HiTech/Pyro)
Post by: NatCigg on March 25, 2015, 07:00:20 AM
who wants to go to the DA? Cmon Ripley, kazaa, BUSTER, LUSCHE? Who's ready?