General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: mERv on June 11, 2025, 01:57:38 AM
Title: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: mERv on June 11, 2025, 01:57:38 AM
"Aces High III," the long-running World War II combat flight simulator developed by HiTech Creations, is in decline for a mix of reasons. Here’s a breakdown of the most likely causes:
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1. Aging Game Engine
Graphics and mechanics haven't kept pace with modern expectations. Despite periodic updates, AH3 still feels dated compared to newer flight sims like War Thunder, IL-2 Sturmovik, or DCS World.
It lacks advanced lighting, weather systems, and cockpit fidelity that modern sims offer.
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2. Small Developer Team
HiTech Creations is a small indie studio with limited resources. This restricts the rate of development, marketing, and community support.
Larger titles have dedicated dev teams and bigger budgets to innovate and fix bugs faster.
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3. Niche Appeal
Hardcore WWII sims already appeal to a small segment of gamers.
AH3 is more MMO-style than simulator-focused, which splits its appeal—it’s too arcade for hardcore sim fans and too complex for casual players.
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4. Lack of Player Base Growth
New players struggle with the steep learning curve and outdated UI, leading to poor retention.
The community is loyal but aging, and without fresh blood, player numbers steadily decline.
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5. Competition
War Thunder (free-to-play, massive player base, constant updates) and IL-2/DCS (ultra-realistic, VR support) dominate the space now.
AH3 hasn’t innovated enough to carve a competitive edge or new identity.
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6. Marketing and Visibility
Minimal advertising or influencer engagement means new players don’t even know it exists.
Steam launch in 2016 didn’t result in sustained growth.
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7. Subscription Model
Monthly subscription in an era dominated by free-to-play or one-time-purchase games is a turn-off.
Especially hard to justify for a dated product
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: mERv on June 11, 2025, 01:59:07 AM
We are in this games final days. A slow death is not an honorable one :cheers:
Lower max ENY to 19.9
Remove maps that do not promote action without long flight times between fights.
Remove sunrise, sunset, and brief windows of nightime from the MA and restrict to scenarios only.
Run promotions lasting longer than 2 weeks free subscription. Enable a 90 day trial period allowing new and returning players enough time to learn and get hooked by the success they have and friendships made during this time.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: fudgums on June 11, 2025, 06:03:11 AM
Lame thread.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Oldman731 on June 11, 2025, 07:48:14 AM
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: captain1ma on June 11, 2025, 08:01:34 AM
Very lame. if you dont like it, dont play. trash talking the game doesnt help anyone and doesn't produce anything productive.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Animl-AW on June 11, 2025, 10:13:58 AM
Well, to be fair , while they usually buried in other post, a few people have been allowed to trash talking the game for the 2.5 yrs I’ve been back. When I said something I got slammed by stray dog feeders., or peeps just stay silent, worse allowed. If we’re going to finally stomp the foot, do it across the board. Most just feed the stray dogs and it turns into pages. You know what I’m talking about.
OTOH, FT wus sumatter you? Don’t do this bro, not good. I get it, you very seriously love the game.
Look people are emotionally attached to the game and give a F. It would be good biz to reciprocate time to time for such loyalty. Its almost cruel not to. People have devoted much of their life to it. What you’re hearing is hearts breaking coming out in frustration. He doesn’t hate the game, its the opposite.
That said, IMO, posting game bashings and promoting other games (who haven’t played in years) through play on words up to the limit of rules, should be forbidden on the front page. If someone is not doing their job to protect our interest its up to the community to do what they do here. Lets not be selective. Both have very negative effects. Don’t allow one and permit the other.
FT is good people, he means well, its just not coming out right, because showing the love hasn’t worked. Mayhem also stated similar.
Even tho I just added to it, lets let it scroll away. We all know how we feel.
We all need to work as a team, including HT, to right the ship and get things in order. The lack of response or movement drives these emotions. They have resorted to shaming looking for reaction. Throwing an occasional bone is just good biz and appreciation. Lets all get in the saddle and move this beast.
Just my opinion, nothing more, nothing less.
Lets not do post like this on the front page. Its counter productive. But I understand the emotional connection.
HT (many people) don’t like being shamed into something. Threats and stuff like this is just not the way. Lets ALL find common ground and work as a cohesive team, contribute, or not. Your call.
FT, luv ya and your passion bud
I’m unfortunately used to the beat down. I’ll take the heat. :)
<S> to all
PEACE
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: RELIC on June 11, 2025, 11:43:40 AM
One fun thing you could do is recognize the difference between things you can and cannot change, and stop these endless whineposts.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: LCADolby on June 11, 2025, 12:07:37 PM
The game hasn't declined, the players have.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Banshee7 on June 11, 2025, 12:11:30 PM
It hasn't declined, but it hasn't improved either (and I don't expect it to). But you are right about the players. I think a few bad eggs ruin it for the rest... It still scratches my WW2 itch.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Randy1 on June 11, 2025, 12:46:23 PM
Aging game engine or more likely, aging game plyers. :old:
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: CAV on June 11, 2025, 01:15:35 PM
Quote
Aging game engine or more likely, aging game plyers.
I am only going to be 68 this year....
Cavalry
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: LCADolby on June 11, 2025, 02:31:07 PM
The joke here is someone calling you a whipper-snapper :D
(but not me, I'm 40)
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: thndregg on June 12, 2025, 03:58:55 PM
Been at this off & on since '04 in my early 30's. Despite its aging technical aspects, the game still resonates with me, especially when I find good quality people to just relax and have a good time playing with. I just filter out the rest of the "bad eggs" - .squelch and detuning the riffraff really helps.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Randy1 on June 12, 2025, 04:00:16 PM
Well, to be clear, current AI doesn't have any separate understanding on it's own. It is only do a search and summary of the available related web content.
Since I'm pretty sure no one else on this planet knows about Aces High except for the current and former player base, you are basically just seeing a well formatted summary of the posts he found here. So it is jsut echoing what you've already been reading here. ;)
On my interface there is often a link symbol next to each assertion. That should show the sources it based those statements on. Do you see any of those? Any not from the BBS? I guess it could be pulling from the Steam reviews. Yeah. That would explain a lot. ;)
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Animl-AW on June 24, 2025, 03:30:13 PM
Well, to be clear, current AI doesn't have any separate understanding on it's own. It is only do a search and summary of the available related web content.
Since I'm pretty sure no one else on this planet knows about Aces High except for the current and former player base, you are basically just seeing a well formatted summary of the posts he found here. So it is jsut echoing what you've already been reading here. ;)
On my interface there is often a link symbol next to each assertion. That should show the sources it based those statements on. Do you see any of those? Any not from the BBS? I guess it could be pulling from the Steam reviews. Yeah. That would explain a lot. ;)
Everyone on the bbs knows You are a problem. No wool pulled over eyes, skimmer. You think this us our first bbq? If HT charged you 5$ fir advertising speaking of dcs, at. LEAST 2000 times you’d own him $10k for dcs afs here. Pay up
Firmer AH players who moved to dcs say AHers are not interested in unsupported dcs. Lets think about that. YOU ALL are a former AHer, skimmer
Ma few of you talk outta both sides of your mouths, poorly
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: AKIron on June 24, 2025, 04:08:23 PM
Everyone on the bbs knows You are a problem. No wool pulled over eyes, skimmer. You think this us our first bbq? If HT charged you 5$ fir advertising speaking of dcs, at. LEAST 2000 times you’d own him $10k for dcs afs here. Pay up
Firmer AH players who moved to dcs say AHers are not interested in unsupported dcs. Lets think about that. YOU ALL are a former AHer, skimmer
Ma few of you talk outta both sides of your mouths, poorly
Trips lives rent free in your head
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Animl-AW on June 24, 2025, 04:19:24 PM
Ah we have half the crew here. Like puppies on leashes, “help me”
Woodwork isn’t welcome by any either. Mi said what I said, here’s your rusty hook back
Amateurs
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: CptTrips on June 24, 2025, 04:40:18 PM
Is "Baby Jesus Super Star Savior of Aces High" loosing it on "Heathens" or is he still trying to sell his used blow up doll? I put him on ignore for peddling unsanitary products.
Well, to be clear, current AI doesn't have any separate understanding on it's own. It is only do a search and summary of the available related web content.
Since I'm pretty sure no one else on this planet knows about Aces High except for the current and former player base, you are basically just seeing a well formatted summary of the posts he found here. So it is jsut echoing what you've already been reading here. ;)
On my interface there is often a link symbol next to each assertion. That should show the sources it based those statements on. Do you see any of those? Any not from the BBS? I guess it could be pulling from the Steam reviews. Yeah. That would explain a lot. ;)
Well to be clear…er, that’s not how AI answers questions. It uses intermodal learning based on a data set. It’s not a live search of the web when you talk. It doesn’t know current events for example. Some of that was sourced for what you’re calling the “web” and the rest is publicly available sources and code. It’s read possibly millions of books in its data sets.
It is probably about a year behind so if it’s happened in here since it has no idea. EXCEPT FOR THE FACT THAT THE SAME FOUR THINGS ARE TALKED ABOUT HERE EVERY SINGLE DAY FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS!!!
You can bet steam reviews were part of its data sets. Well, some of its reference probably came from this forum that I could access. I would guess it would only be a third or less.
I talk to GPT about AH a lot. I have a project set up at up for AH with chats for plane types and it helps me tremendously. I feed it pics of the screen and the E6B for really great feed back.
GPT has a research function that will search sources based on your prompting but that’s limited use and not how it works out of the box so to speak.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: CptTrips on June 24, 2025, 05:51:00 PM
Well to be clear…er, that’s not how AI answers questions. It uses intermodal learning based on a data set. It’s not a live search of the web when you talk. It doesn’t know current events for example. Some of that was sourced for what you’re calling the “web” and the rest is publicly available sources and code. It’s read possibly millions of books in its data sets.
It is probably about a year behind so if it’s happened in here since it has no idea. EXCEPT FOR THE FACT THAT THE SAME FOUR THINGS ARE TALKED ABOUT HERE EVERY SINGLE DAY FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS!!!
You can bet steam reviews were part of its data sets. Well, some of its reference probably came from this forum that I could access. I would guess it would only be a third or less.
I talk to GPT about AH a lot. I have a project set up at up for AH with chats for plane types and it helps me tremendously. I feed it pics of the screen and the E6B for really great feed back.
GPT has a research function that will search sources based on your prompting but that’s limited use and not how it works out of the box so to speak.
I didn't say it is doing a live search.
This BBS was just prolly one of the only sources for that part of it's LLM.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Animl-AW on June 25, 2025, 04:48:45 AM
Good, two-face
Ya, crapping me while my GF died of brain cancer is a life sentence.
Your words are as dependable as a wet book of matches
No, I didn't fail like you. Ya EA was the way to go. Seem you have a habit of bad decisions. Wtg savior Have anymore brilliant thoughts?
Can’t imagine why you changed your id
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Animl-AW on June 25, 2025, 05:01:20 AM
Exactly... In my opinion a contributer to the games downfall. "Darn you for wanting the game to progress and do well", says the minority market audience of boomers... Gotta evolve with the times or get left behind. I just accepted the fact that there is no plan for further development and that is their choice to make. They have moved on and so will the player base.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Animl-AW on June 26, 2025, 03:58:57 PM
Exactly... In my opinion a contributer to the games downfall. "Darn you for wanting the game to progress and do well", says the minority market audience of boomers... Gotta evolve with the times or get left behind. I just accepted the fact that there is no plan for further development and that is their choice to make. They have moved on and so will the player base.
Good, move on. Complaining about your ex-wife again? You do you, we do us. Get over it. #8?
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: CptTrips on June 26, 2025, 04:08:53 PM
Exactly... In my opinion a contributer to the games downfall. "Darn you for wanting the game to progress and do well", says the minority market audience of boomers... Gotta evolve with the times or get left behind. I just accepted the fact that there is no plan for further development and that is their choice to make. They have moved on and so will the player base.
Hi #8.
Welcome to Animl's Columbine list.
There's popcorn on the table and cold beer in the fridge.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Animl-AW on June 26, 2025, 04:14:40 PM
Right on time
P….y
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: CptTrips on June 26, 2025, 04:16:00 PM
sorry was busy lookin at red brick homes, home shopping, I love red brick,.. what were you sayin?
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: JimmyD3 on June 26, 2025, 04:28:01 PM
I can't believe this thread hasn't been locked yet. :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: captain1ma on June 26, 2025, 04:30:16 PM
i find it interesting that you people will post all kind of junk in a thread like this but wont help try to support the game and the people trying to keep it alive. FSO and the CM team...crickets, Myself with monday night madness and molsman with thursday night tank fights. if you people put as much effort into trying to help us help hitech as you do with crap threads like this, we'd probably have 500 players a night. but NOOOO we have to run out and tell people why this game sucks cause chatgpt says so! thats because people are too mindless to use their own brains.
stop your whining and help us make the game better!! otherwise just shut up!!
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Animl-AW on June 26, 2025, 04:33:37 PM
i find it interesting that you people will post all kind of junk in a thread like this but wont help try to support the game and the people trying to keep it alive. FSO and the CM team...crickets, Myself with monday night madness and molsman with thursday night tank fights. if you people put as much effort into trying to help us help hitech as you do with crap threads like this, we'd probably have 500 players a night. but NOOOO we have to run out and tell people why this game sucks cause chatgpt says so! thats because people are too mindless to use their own brains.
stop your whining and help us make the game better!! otherwise just shut up!!
Love ya man.
But this is ex-wife syndrome. Ever hear someone praise their ex-wife?
BTW, you’re 100% correct,… ok wait, 110%
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Oldman731 on June 26, 2025, 05:27:02 PM
i find it interesting that you people will post all kind of junk in a thread like this but wont help try to support the game and the people trying to keep it alive. FSO and the CM team...crickets, Myself with monday night madness and molsman with thursday night tank fights. if you people put as much effort into trying to help us help hitech as you do with crap threads like this, we'd probably have 500 players a night. but NOOOO we have to run out and tell people why this game sucks cause chatgpt says so! thats because people are too mindless to use their own brains.
stop your whining and help us make the game better!! otherwise just shut up!!
"Eh, 'arry, didja see old Jaeger's outburst today?"
"Aye."
"'e's got the twitch, y'think?"
"Aye. 's all those hours settin' up arenas, listnin' to blokes complain about 'em. Been doin' that for some years now, 'asn't he?"
"Aye. 'tis a shame, it is."
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Skyguns MKII on June 26, 2025, 05:43:07 PM
You ain't kidding! If this is what I get for popping in once in a great while I cant imagine what happens to newbies when they decide to pitch in with constructive criticism for the first time. :bolt:
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Dadtallica on June 26, 2025, 07:48:30 PM
You ain't kidding! If this is what I get for popping in once in a great while I cant imagine what happens to newbies when they decide to pitch in with constructive criticism for the first time. :bolt:
It can get ugly fast! Watch your inbox!
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: JimmyD3 on June 26, 2025, 08:20:06 PM
i find it interesting that you people will post all kind of junk in a thread like this but wont help try to support the game and the people trying to keep it alive. FSO and the CM team...crickets, Myself with monday night madness and molsman with thursday night tank fights. if you people put as much effort into trying to help us help hitech as you do with crap threads like this, we'd probably have 500 players a night. but NOOOO we have to run out and tell people why this game sucks cause chatgpt says so! thats because people are too mindless to use their own brains.
stop your whining and help us make the game better!! otherwise just shut up!!
Dead on Jaeger!!
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: JimmyD3 on June 26, 2025, 08:24:52 PM
Just added another one to my Ignore list. :D
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Skyguns MKII on June 26, 2025, 09:01:28 PM
i find it interesting that you people will post all kind of junk in a thread like this but wont help try to support the game and the people trying to keep it alive. FSO and the CM team...crickets, Myself with monday night madness and molsman with thursday night tank fights. if you people put as much effort into trying to help us help hitech as you do with crap threads like this, we'd probably have 500 players a night. but NOOOO we have to run out and tell people why this game sucks cause chatgpt says so! thats because people are too mindless to use their own brains.
stop your whining and help us make the game better!! otherwise just shut up!!
Suggestions and wishes for that matter fall on deaf ears. Why is it the customers job to keep a game alive? If you want that then make it community/open source based more so than just making maps.That has been suggested before.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: hazmatt on June 26, 2025, 09:04:26 PM
Suggestions and wishes for that matter fall on deaf ears. Why is it the customers job to keep a game alive? If you want that then make it community/open source based more so than just making maps.That has been suggested before.
Better stop with that logic nonsense. The natives are restless and they don't like to hear from any non-natives.
On a serious note, that's the only reason WWII online is still around. (not that I agree with what they're doing over there)
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Animl-AW on June 26, 2025, 09:14:55 PM
Awe man! You didn't have to. I can be nice sometime.
No, you’re a very weak con. You weirdos need to be something besides lame sexless degenerates disgruntle crybaby players the immaturity repulses vultures. But please, carry in ,… ya know. Like children do
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: CptTrips on June 26, 2025, 09:18:17 PM
No, you’re a very weak con. You weirdos need to be something besides lame sexless degenerates disgruntle crybaby players the immaturity repulses vultures. But please, carry in ,… ya know. Like children do
That was a short date.
Did your little blue pill not work again?
Was Brad terribly disappointed?
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Animl-AW on June 26, 2025, 09:18:41 PM
Suggestions and wishes for that matter fall on deaf ears. Why is it the customers job to keep a game alive? If you want that then make it community/open source based more so than just making maps.That has been suggested before.
Awww, skittles?
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Skyguns MKII on June 26, 2025, 10:36:37 PM
Intentionally violating the rules like this repeatedly is grounds for being banned according to the rules. Just a friendly fyi.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Animl-AW on June 27, 2025, 09:18:34 AM
All we have to do is go back in time to my very first lane vid when I used clips from another former player. None of had anything to do with trips, they followed me around bashing me fir months with 16-50 page rants. Since then, that had zero to do with trips, every single vid i released negative titled threads in general on top, DCS convos ramped up in oclub. Partly to troll and bash me, then stand on report button, then have dcs at the top in oclub to grab sny players it might draw in to push dcs. His tribe even doxxed me and still today that info remains on bbs.that didn’t chase me iff so they troll and report at every opportunity. Then if course olay victim.
Dame group says i think I’m gods gift to AH. All I do is make vids. But its total projection. Trips wants to be famous as the holy grail of knowledge of all sims. He hates when someone gets 5 min of notority. AND in inhibits his effort to bust the game down and get the migration to dcs. He literally loses his mind on this stuff. He becomes obsessed with getting me gone and stated so recently in a thread. So when I post s vid expect negative threads and dcs threads on top.
Lets not forget the 128 page thread during MotA which was our biggest draw, literally mentioning dcs 5 times in a MotA announcement. He literally hijack that announcement to be about dcs.
I can go on until the world goes flat there is so much evidence proving my point. But because for what ever stranger than logic, its allowed which ruins every single effort we make to increase numbers. We make an accomplishment and we are pummeled with things like ykw when we were up to 200 from 112.
And thats why I drop wasted effort. Every time I do something it just restarts the sick cycle.
That group gas obsessive issues that are not normal mentality its a personality order and s nuclear ego explosion. Go to dcs he us everything he THINKS i claim about myself. He wants to be god.
Think as you will, but anyone who lives the game and tries, your top enemy us Cot. Trips snd anyone he cons to help do his dirty work. He plays people he thinks are foolish enough to do it. So he doesn’t get banned or silenced. Yet stands on the report button on me. He has reported every single post I made at dcs, none if which have any sakes nor conflict convos. He wants me gone because he thinks I can help. And his ego diesn’t want anyone to get mire attension than him. This is no doubt a personality disorder, and us dustroying our population, and that IS his true intent, worse off its allowed. This is why I pulled back, even though that bliws his skirt up and exactly what they want
You could not gave a worse enemy. Take note, it was reported to me that ge encouraged ykw in discord to cause as much havoc as possible. If anyone thinks he’s your pal then you still have wisdom to learn in life. He tosses you a few crumbs to get you to not call him out. Its bait and switch in its purest form.
You will nit recover numbers as long as his tribe is allowed here, period.
This tx crew will not be stopped. Yes I say tx because every one if them are in tx, a very weird reality
Trips is no diff than YKW. He encouraged and provided info yo dixx me.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: CptTrips on June 27, 2025, 09:20:46 AM
Trips is no diff than YKW. He encouraged and provided info yo dixx me.
I figure you get your self dixxed plenty all all your own.
All I did was ask you a question creepy stalker guy.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: CptTrips on June 27, 2025, 09:27:40 AM
You are incorrect.
This all started when you were bragging how you were going to produce some promo vids and turn AH's fortunes around.
I told you that is great if you like expressing your creative side but explained that it is unlikely to have any beneficial success until the underlying problem of the conversion RATE is solved.
The problem isn't eyeballs on product. The problem is the eyeballs once captured, are rejecting the product. Until you fix the conversion rate problem, you are whizzing in the wind. The 40k trial downloads during the Steam launch is an object lesson in that math.
At that point you started accusing me of trying to destroy AH and being involved in "posting 40-50 times in a thread bashing Aces High." And you have the link. I've asked you to provide this link or retract that accusation. You know you were lying and have never withdrawn the accusation or provided the link of me bashing Aces High in a DCS thread 40-50 times.
There is no such link and you know that, stalker-boy.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Shane on June 27, 2025, 09:42:47 AM
Seems some people don't read the rules as they continually violate them. People used to get banned for that sort of thing. Maybe not anymore?
Considering how many locked threads you've been involved with (4 locked threads out of 9 on the first two pages of O'club) you seem like you could use a good skuzzification. :aok :rofl :ahand
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: AKIron on June 27, 2025, 10:33:01 AM
Considering how many locked threads you've been involved with (4 locked threads out of 9 on the first two pages of O'club) you seem like you could use a good skuzzification. :aok :rofl :ahand
At least I know what a head on is.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Shane on June 27, 2025, 10:39:33 AM
Your comment about participation in closed threads reveals a fundamental lack of discernment. Because I participate in no way means I contributed in violation of the rules. In fact I currently have no points against me. You should work on your judgement.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Skyguns MKII on June 27, 2025, 11:19:57 AM
Ya know, it is so discouraging these days. A number of us are doing everything we can to promote the game as a good, fun game even if the graphics are a bit old. Yet the boards are full of this crap like this thread which Im sure shines such a beautiful light on our community, and it is always the same 4-5 guys.
When will it be time for you guys to grow up, and thanks for helping out around here.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: AKIron on June 27, 2025, 11:55:35 AM
He mentions it more than anyone here. I don't start threads on it. Don't feel like I should have to avoid commenting though even if some hate it.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Meatwad on June 27, 2025, 11:56:14 AM
A developmently dead game with a very outdated subscription system isnt going to attract anybody. When there is no hope for anything ever to be done again for the game to attract new players, people are going to look elsewhere. Its not rocket science. The only thing that keeps this game going is the memories of how it used to be when there was 500 to 800 people online.
A limited FTP planeset will attract new players so they can learn on their own and not be kicked out after 2 weeks WILL help numbers. But you have to make that change and then readvertise that there is a new FTP aspect of the game. Call it AH 3.1. But since the owner doesnt care about even remotely trying to increase the player base, what do you expect to happen to the game? It will wither and die. If you dont adapt or change to how things are done now, you are left in the dust while others prosper which is what is happening right now between this game and the other competition.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: AKIron on June 27, 2025, 12:17:28 PM
When I started playing AH more than 25 years ago I enjoyed it a lot. For me it was always about having fun with friends. I never cared much about score and as Shane likes to point out my scoring was mediocre. Since I had no delusions of grandeur or imagined I was or could be somehow equivalent to the great pilots of WWII this didn't and doesn't bother me at all. I have flown several different single engine light planes and so I do know the difference between this computer game and real life. There used to be more friendly faces here. Now, not so much.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Skyguns MKII on June 27, 2025, 12:21:17 PM
A developmently dead game with a very outdated subscription system isnt going to attract anybody. When there is no hope for anything ever to be done again for the game to attract new players, people are going to look elsewhere. Its not rocket science. The only thing that keeps this game going is the memories of how it used to be when there was 500 to 800 people online.
A limited FTP planeset will attract new players so they can learn on their own and not be kicked out after 2 weeks WILL help numbers. But you have to make that change and then readvertise that there is a new FTP aspect of the game. Call it AH 3.1. But since the owner doesnt care about even remotely trying to increase the player base, what do you expect to happen to the game? It will wither and die. If you dont adapt or change to how things are done now, you are left in the dust while others prosper which is what is happening right now between this game and the other competition.
I dont understand how the die hards dont understand this concept. At the end of the day its a business and nobody cares if you treat it like your social club. If the business wishes to shut its doors so be it but dont pretend its up to the player base to keep it alive unless you make drastic changes...
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: uptown on June 27, 2025, 12:36:09 PM
DCS isn't all it's cracked up to be. Aces High is more fun and wayyyyyy less expensive. If a person can get pass all the player generated drama here, this is a great game....in my opinion.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: CptTrips on June 27, 2025, 12:38:50 PM
I dont understand how the die hards dont understand this concept. At the end of the day its a business and nobody cares if you treat it like your social club. If the business wishes to shut its doors so be it but dont pretend its up to the player base to keep it alive unless you make drastic changes...
I agree with a slight refinement.
I believe it would take significant changes to attract any material number of new players and we all know that is not going to happen so that fantasy should just be let go. Anything customers can do won't make any real impact on that.
I don't expect AH to close it's doors anytime soon. I think the current state is stable as long as HT wants to run it in his closet and population will continue to decline but only at demographic mortality rates which you can't do anything about.
I think it would be possible to pull in former players with a concerted, organized, email outreach to former account holders with maybe a 3-month welcome back free trial offer to former customers (who have been gone at least 6 months). That wouldn't be spam because they are former customers not random internet email spamming.
I get them all the time from WWIIOL, Netflix, NR, etc. They always offer some special sweetener to come back. Fair enough, but no thanks. There is an unsubscribe link at the bottom.
But new customers? I don't see it. Even if there is a mutiny of WWII players annoyed at 1C moving away from WWII dev, I don't think AH would get them.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Skyguns MKII on June 27, 2025, 12:52:10 PM
Ya know, it is so discouraging these days. A number of us are doing everything we can to promote the game as a good, fun game even if the graphics are a bit old. Yet the boards are full of this crap like this thread which Im sure shines such a beautiful light on our community, and it is always the same 4-5 guys.
When will it be time for you guys to grow up, and thanks for helping out around here.
More than 4-5 people and im not for bashing on the game in a unconstructive way but again... Why is it the customers job to keep the game alive you pay monthly for? Suggestions, wishes, options fall on deaf ears to keep this game alive. Why would a gamer want to invest in a game that doesnt invest back? Also, old graphics is just one factor nowadays if you can appeal in different ways. There are games that do well with graphics that dont come close to AH. Aces high is not being killed by its own player base, Its being left to die while the player base is trying to keep it alive. At the end of day its a business first, not some hobby/social club with its regulars as some people treat it. That business has the right to close its doors. I still think aces high has huge potential but that is what it will remain as, potential...
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: hazmatt on June 27, 2025, 12:58:17 PM
DCS isn't all it's cracked up to be. Aces High is more fun and wayyyyyy less expensive. If a person can get pass all the player generated drama here, this is a great game....in my opinion.
The forum is FTP and might be more entertaining then the game these days.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: hazmatt on June 27, 2025, 01:04:55 PM
I believe it would take significant changes to attract any material number of new players
I disagree here. I think a FTP plane set would bring back older players and bring in newer players. One of the most common complaints on steam was that it's not really "free to play" and that pretty blocks out any younger players that don't have a credit card or access to one. I know I don't give my kids a credit card number for robux or whatever they want to buy in a free to play online game. They do keep playing it though even thought I don't give them the CC number.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: uptown on June 27, 2025, 01:12:30 PM
Agreed. Seems what's left is mostly toxic and bitter.
I've been back a week, and my side thinks I'm a spy :rolleyes: and I haven't switched countries once. Maybe 2 players have responded to me on vox, and chat questions go unanswered. If I were a new player, I'd of given up by now. It's pretty silly behavior from what's supposed to be grown men.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Skyguns MKII on June 27, 2025, 01:13:06 PM
I believe it would take significant changes to attract any material number of new players and we all know that is not going to happen so that fantasy should just be let go. Anything customers can do won't make any real impact on that.
I don't expect AH to close it's doors anytime soon. I think the current state is stable as long as HT wants to run it in his closet and population will continue to decline but only at demographic mortality rates which you can't do anything about.
I think it would be possible to pull in former players with a concerted, organized, email outreach to former account holders with maybe a 3-month welcome back free trial offer to former customers (who have been gone at least 6 months). That wouldn't be spam because they are former customers not random internet email spamming.
I get them all the time from WWIIOL, Netflix, NR, etc. They always offer some special sweetener to come back. Fair enough, but no thanks. There is an unsubscribe link at the bottom.
But new customers? I don't see it. Even if there is a mutiny of WWII players annoyed at 1C moving away from WWII dev, I don't think AH would get them.
I believe it will be left up as long as long as there is profit to be made. If the game structure and payment system changed in a drastic way i believe we could see new players. Plenty of games with lesser graphics than aces high do well because of various factors keeping the gameplay engaging and dynamic and Aces high is oozing with untapped potential in that. I as a gamer have made skins, maps ect for games and it helps. I personally wouldnt mind modeling new vehicles but I believe that means of doing so is kept to their own.
The only way i see aces high staying alive is if they either sold/gave it to some (young) ambitious game developer or make it more open community/source based where the community can model new vehicles, can share and beta test developments and changes and see what works in MA ect and see what people like.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: RichardDarkwood on June 27, 2025, 01:17:36 PM
I've been back a week, and my side thinks I'm a spy :rolleyes: and I haven't switched countries once. Maybe 2 players have responded to me on vox, and chat questions go unanswered. If I were a new player, I'd of given up by now. It's pretty silly behavior from what's supposed to be grown men.
What country? Usually don’t see that crap on Knights other than the 3 geriatrics shrieking on range about how everyone that kills them is cheating.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: RichardDarkwood on June 27, 2025, 01:21:54 PM
In my RL experience the guys most worried about getting cheated will be the first to cheat you so I always assume anyone who is habitually complaining about cheating are just mad that their gaming the game/exploit/whatever didn’t work. I have still yet to see something in game that I couldn’t reproduce after checking film but I dont bother with GV’s and those are the guys that some the most wound up about it.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Mayhem on June 27, 2025, 01:41:22 PM
When I started playing AH more than 25 years ago I enjoyed it a lot. For me it was always about having fun with friends. I never cared much about score and as Shane likes to point out my scoring was mediocre. Since I had no delusions of grandeur or imagined I was or could be somehow equivalent to the great pilots of WWII this didn't and doesn't bother me at all. I have flown several different single engine light planes and so I do know the difference between this computer game and real life. There used to be more friendly faces here. Now, not so much.
Never said anything about your score... (who even uses that as a metric? :rofl)
I inferred your lack of abilities behind the stick of these cartoon airplanes - and a definite propensity of being involved with locked threads.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: hazmatt on June 27, 2025, 01:51:24 PM
Never said anything about your score... (who even uses that as a metric? :rofl)
I inferred your lack of abilities behind the stick of these cartoon airplanes - and a definite propensity of being involved with locked threads.
How else would you know about my lack of skill? I doubt we've ever fought in any arena. Don't blame me because others refuse to observe the rules. Well, blame me if it makes you feel better. I'm okay with that.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Mayhem on June 27, 2025, 02:29:03 PM
I've been back a week, and my side thinks I'm a spy :rolleyes: and I haven't switched countries once. Maybe 2 players have responded to me on vox, and chat questions go unanswered. If I were a new player, I'd of given up by now. It's pretty silly behavior from what's supposed to be grown men.
That's too bad. Kind of like folks shooting themselves in the foot.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: The Fugitive on June 27, 2025, 03:14:38 PM
More than 4-5 people and im not for bashing on the game in a unconstructive way but again... Why is it the customers job to keep the game alive you pay monthly for? Suggestions, wishes, options fall on deaf ears to keep this game alive. Why would a gamer want to invest in a game that doesnt invest back? Also, old graphics is just one factor nowadays if you can appeal in different ways. There are games that do well with graphics that dont come close to AH. Aces high is not being killed by its own player base, Its being left to die while the player base is trying to keep it alive. At the end of day its a business first, not some hobby/social club with its regulars as some people treat it. That business has the right to close its doors. I still think aces high has huge potential but that is what it will remain as, potential...
Its not our job, true , but a bunch of us who still enjoy the game as it is and have no issue with paying our $15 a month WANT to help. There have been a few changes made to the game recently as well as a couple fixes, not to mention the skins and maps that many keep putting their time in to HELP the game.
No, the guys that im talking about hurting the game are NOT players/subscribers, they are just here to cause trouble. Mudslingers that dont help this game/community at all, but new players that may have stumbled in here dont know that. All they see is the toxic BS they spew.
Yes, its business, Hitech seems happy to keep the power on for those of us still here and enjoying the game. Some of us go above and beyond to help out here on the boards, discord, in game with tech help, skins, maps, and even getting a few exploits fixed. I know of a number of people that have joined up due to the YouTube videos and some action on social media. However, if we bring in a few new players and a few players get chased away because of the crap we have here from these few ex players it certainly doesnt help much does it.
Sure some minor changes might bring in more players but none of us know what Hitech is up to, or what he is willing to do. He may be just keeping the lights on for us who are still here. Who knows, but what I do know is this is still a great game with a ton of depth, more so than many games. I for one will continue to help where I can and play when I can for as long as I can. It is just very discouraging that while so many of us work to keep this ship afloat, we have these 4-5 people come in here punching holes in our ship.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Skyguns MKII on June 27, 2025, 03:52:40 PM
It is just very discouraging that while so many of us work to keep this ship afloat, we have these 4-5 people come in here punching holes in our ship.
Cant speak on the 4-5 people but i think your captain is already on a lifeboat watching you sink. Nothing wrong with your passion of the game but the owners have washed their hands and its going to take more than a few patches, skins, maps and a discord to "keep your ship afloat". Major changes that will not happen will have to occur for even the slightest taste of its former success. I do respect your efforts though.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Oldman731 on June 27, 2025, 03:57:22 PM
Cant speak on the 4-5 people but i think your captain is already on a lifeboat watching you sink. Nothing wrong with your passion of the game but the owners have washed their hands and its going to take more than a few patches, skins, maps and a discord to "keep your ship afloat". Major changes that will not happen will have to occur for even the slightest taste of its former success. I do respect your efforts though.
And this is what some of us see as a dog-in-the-manger sort of thing. You suggest that only major changes will save the game, but that major changes will never happen. So what's the point of your post? Raining on the parade?
- oldman
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: AKIron on June 27, 2025, 03:59:02 PM
What would you have to talk about here if us "4 or 5" outsiders didn't rain on your parade?
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Meatwad on June 27, 2025, 04:05:46 PM
And this is what some of us see as a dog-in-the-manger sort of thing. You suggest that only major changes will save the game, but that major changes will never happen. So what's the point of your post? Raining on the parade?
- oldman
Speaking the truth that nobody wants to hear?
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Skyguns MKII on June 27, 2025, 04:06:15 PM
And this is what some of us see as a dog-in-the-manger sort of thing. You suggest that only major changes will save the game, but that major changes will never happen. So what's the point of your post? Raining on the parade?
- oldman
No sir, its just what i believe to be my realistic opinion and you are welcome to disagree. I would love to see AH3 thrive again and believe that it can. But do you believe the changes/Authority will be given that will allow it the possibility to do so? Or did this business stop devopment in it full right to do so? Enjoy the game while you can. If you like it the way it is so be it. But not everybody will agree...
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Meatwad on June 27, 2025, 04:09:44 PM
I also believe that this game can thrive again with numbers, but when the only person in power doesnt care about doing anything to support the game other then leaving it on life support so he can still collect income, its never going to happen. He specifically said that changes will never happen. So if the owner doesnt care about promoting his own game, why should anyone else care
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Skyguns MKII on June 27, 2025, 04:11:57 PM
I also believe that this game can thrive again with numbers, but when the only person in power doesnt care about doing anything to support the game other then leaving it on life support so he can still collect income, its never going to happen. He specifically said that changes will never happen. So if the owner doesnt care about promoting his own game, why should anyone else care
+1
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Dadtallica on June 27, 2025, 04:30:52 PM
I also believe that this game can thrive again with numbers, but when the only person in power doesnt care about doing anything to support the game other then leaving it on life support so he can still collect income, its never going to happen. He specifically said that changes will never happen. So if the owner doesnt care about promoting his own game, why should anyone else care
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Mayhem on June 27, 2025, 04:46:59 PM
You suggest that only major changes will save the game
To be blunt the game could probably triple the active player base by just Turning ENY off and/or The side change lock off and drop the subscription fee to under 10 bucks with maybe some long term commitment subscriptions with discounts like $55/6 months and $100/1 year subscriptions.
The biggest reason I don't play AH3 anymore is I'm tired of getting locked out of the planes I want to fly when I'm playing with my squad-mates/friends and most of those squad-mates/Friends left (some even passed away), at least I was lucky enough to NOT be in the game the same time Ole Jon Ray was.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: hazmatt on June 27, 2025, 05:04:21 PM
I agree with you guys. I think some really simple changes would make a big difference. I think making some planes FTP and adding a basic membership with limited planes and tanks would make a big difference. (Like WWII online)
That's really simple stuff and wouldn't require much coding. Take whatever the current login is and modify it to change what planes/tanks are available based on the subscription and set up one with planes/available available for free. I would bet it's already coded into the game and all you would have to do is change the variables.
I think smaller maps and all the stuff with the ENY would be simple too. (Arena settings)
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: uptown on June 27, 2025, 05:13:20 PM
Smaller maps would be better as it would keep everyone close to the action.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: DmonSlyr on June 27, 2025, 05:54:59 PM
Gotta wonder if these types of threads adds or removes days HT will continue tolerate the hassle...
Hoping here it sticks around for a while..with or without any changes..as I enjoy it much more than il2 or dcs..
Eagler
I'm personally Hoping he reads these post, sees people (Not Animl-AW) honestly defending promoting or attempting to come up with ways to save the game and thinks maybe he can toss the community a bone by "Turning ENY off and/or The side change lock off and drop the subscription fee to just under 10 bucks with maybe some long term commitment subscriptions with discounts like $55/6 months and $100/1 year subscriptions."
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: Lazerr on June 27, 2025, 07:19:29 PM
What would you have to talk about here if us "4 or 5" outsiders didn't rain on your parade?
I've already came to the realization that this place is for you and a couple other guys trying to creep under the skin of someone even more mental then yourselves.. not by much.
I can imagine nothing or minimal to talk about would be better than the small narrow stream of piss you guys manage to dribble on eachother daily..
But the context of this singular post says enough. One wouldn't have to dig far to find evidence of you jabronis using this as your litter box.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: AKIron on June 27, 2025, 08:44:59 PM
I've already came to the realization that this place is for you and a couple other guys trying to creep under the skin of someone even more mental then yourselves.. not by much.
I can imagine nothing or minimal to talk about would be better than the small narrow stream of piss you guys manage to dribble on eachother daily..
But the context of this singular post says enough. One wouldn't have to dig far to find evidence of you jabronis using this as your litter box.
You'd just berate each other more than you already do. Yes, you too. We're doing you a service. No thanks needed.
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: uptown on June 27, 2025, 09:42:26 PM
I love all flight sims and have played most of them, but this one is special. That's why I slapped the credit card down for 6 more months. It's a great game with great players. I've never cared or took the time to know people in other games. I've seen several old players returning this week, so maybe things are turning around? Be nice to one another. We're all the same. I went to WW1 arena tonight with a dozen other players, all on same vox and we had a blast! That's what it's all about. Good times. Fri & Sat nights at 8 :salute
This AI chat bot thing that this thread mentions is evil.....least that's what Alex Jones says. :noid
Title: Re: Chatgpt on the games decline
Post by: hazmatt on June 27, 2025, 09:56:58 PM