Why is now that window as opposed to last week or next month, or something?
Always is better
Right now, Midwest and snowbirds are coming inside to find something to do, maybe something different, nostalgia works too, remind them.
Just a thought
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: uptown on October 28, 2025, 09:56:59 PM
Get on YouTube and share those videos Fugi has posted would be a start. :salute
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: AKKuya on October 28, 2025, 10:00:38 PM
The idea I put forth a few weeks ago. It will work with a wider tweak.
We recruit several young, attractive ladies as new players. They are filmed playing the game. They interact with other players in the game, plus here in the forum.
By establishing multiple social media venues, they become influencers for the game. The last piece of the venture will be creating an OnlyFans account to bring in solid revenue for expanding the venture. They interact with the fans to get them as new players.
You have a better idea. Spit it out.
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: DmonSlyr on October 29, 2025, 08:57:26 AM
Ive got a lil a film coming out soon. Won't be anything cinema like, but is a good run from the Bunker Buster scenario. :aok
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: MDStampf93 on October 29, 2025, 05:09:40 PM
I plan to put one together from this scenario as well. Plus I’ve been streaming to TikTok every time I’m on with an average of 100-150 viewers throughout the night, a couple comments saying “wow Aces High is still around? Might have to check that out”.
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: Animl-AW on October 29, 2025, 05:26:15 PM
I plan to put one together from this scenario as well. Plus I’ve been streaming to TikTok every time I’m on with an average of 100-150 viewers throughout the night, a couple comments saying “wow Aces High is still around? Might have to check that out”.
Yep, just put triggers out there on other social medias. Doesn’t have to be a big production.
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: Heller on October 30, 2025, 01:52:00 AM
X
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: waystin2 on October 30, 2025, 01:51:18 PM
I am promoting! Picked up a new player just this week. :aok
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: mustng2 on November 01, 2025, 08:34:21 AM
This has probably been posted before, but I asked google for a list of multiplayer online flight simulators and AH did not show up. I asked why. This is the response. Nothing we did not already know.
why doesn't Aces high show up in the list of flight simulators 8 minutes ago
Aces High was not on the previous list primarily due to its age, niche status, and very low player count compared to more modern and popular flight simulators. It is a long-running World War II combat flight simulator, first released in 2000. While respected for its massive multiplayer battles and realistic flight models for its time, several factors contribute to its lower modern visibility: Dated Graphics and Engine Even with updates, its graphics are not comparable to modern titles like DCS World or War Thunder. Subscription Model Aces High III operates on a monthly subscription model, which is a point of criticism when compared to free-to-play or one-time purchase competitors. Low Player Population Recent data from late 2025 shows an average of only 2-3 concurrent players on Steam, with peaks rarely exceeding a dozen. While the game's servers may host more players directly, these numbers are significantly lower than its competitors. Steep Learning Curve The game is known for being a challenging simulator, which can be a barrier for new players.
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: GOODBYE on November 01, 2025, 09:07:46 AM
Yeah having the steam portion of the game really skews the active player base and makes it look more dead than what it actually is
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: hazmatt on November 01, 2025, 09:47:58 AM
Yeah having the steam portion of the game really skews the active player base and makes it look more dead than what it actually is
Yes, this seems to be a problem across the board for most games. The game I'm currently playing shows 100k player peaks on steam and the numbers are usually 3 to 5 times that number.
It seems it would be possible to send the data of the current number of players playing the game to the steam number reporting system to get accurate numbers. I'm not sure why this isn't done as it seems to be a wide spread problem.
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: Animl-AW on November 01, 2025, 09:58:00 AM
This has probably been posted before, but I asked google for a list of multiplayer online flight simulators and AH did not show up. I asked why. This is the response. Nothing we did not already know.
why doesn't Aces high show up in the list of flight simulators 8 minutes ago
Aces High was not on the previous list primarily due to its age, niche status, and very low player count compared to more modern and popular flight simulators. It is a long-running World War II combat flight simulator, first released in 2000. While respected for its massive multiplayer battles and realistic flight models for its time, several factors contribute to its lower modern visibility: Dated Graphics and Engine Even with updates, its graphics are not comparable to modern titles like DCS World or War Thunder. Subscription Model Aces High III operates on a monthly subscription model, which is a point of criticism when compared to free-to-play or one-time purchase competitors. Low Player Population Recent data from late 2025 shows an average of only 2-3 concurrent players on Steam, with peaks rarely exceeding a dozen. While the game's servers may host more players directly, these numbers are significantly lower than its competitors. Steep Learning Curve The game is known for being a challenging simulator, which can be a barrier for new players.
Sounds accurate to me. All fixable.
I don’t get the higher learning curve compared to DCS and maybe IL-2. I always viewed WT as more a kids game and arcade-ish.
IMO the sub and engine is the key. Subs is an easy fix. The engine swap takes time but totally doable. Basically we keep paying the most for less involvement. The game is ok, the principle is not. This is not ok. When ya hide you have something to hide from.
I’m glad its still running. But taking advantage of the word entertainment is wearing thin. The past work is already paid for. You either want to earn it in the future, or ya don’t, we are in don’t stage.
The only recourse is crap small server games that can’t go above 30-80. Once you experience multiplayer the rest is crap. Small servers are the cheesy crap way out. I did that centuries ago in Counter Strike, it BLOWS CHUNKS. I don’t care how great the graphics are, when you do small servers you are crap. Multiplayer is what keeps us here despite lack of service, graphics and sub.
The customer decides what is ok and what is not. Doing zero is not ok to customers no natter how you twist it. If one no longer wants income do exactly that.
Its great its still running, I pay for it to do so. But I am disappointed in attitude. We are on our own.
Remember this? “…I hope to get back into dev soon…” its now less.
There, I said it out loud.
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: hazmatt on November 01, 2025, 10:09:41 AM
Subscription Model Aces High III operates on a monthly subscription model, which is a point of criticism when compared to free-to-play or one-time purchase competitors.
This has come up all over the place including steam reviews. Most people today expect games to be free or one time pay. Many of the younger people in other games don't have access to credit cards so it's a deal breaker for them. I know I wouldn't agree to pay $576 a year for my 3 kids to play this game, however they are close to talking me into buying them each a 1 time $10 game card for Christmas for Robux in Roblox, which of course is free to play.
I think people can overlook graphics and other such things if the game play is good. I think the sub is the real deal breaker for most and it's be said that the sub part will never change. Most younger players are gong to look at the sub price and compare that to what that amount of money could buy them if spent in other games, buying planes in DCS, buying different theators in IL2, buying golden eagles or premium planes in Warthunder and most are going to consider those to be better options. Spending close to $200 a year can buy you a decent amount of stuff in those games.
Based on my experiences other players in these other games I think the best bet is to trying to recruit previous players that are willing to pay a monthly sub as I don't think you're going to have much success recruiting new players who are younger because of the paradigm shift.
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: CptTrips on November 01, 2025, 10:36:00 AM
.
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: Animl-AW on November 01, 2025, 10:45:30 AM
HTC should seek partnership with Entropy.Aero (Combat Pilot) and marry his stable mature server tech with their modern UE5 front end.
That would accelerate their timeline by years and give HTC a new lease of life and income for the coming couple for decades.
IMHO, 98.0625% of HTC value is it's server tech, not it's client or gameplay design. The server tech is being held hostage by a client that just isn't going to cut it in the current competition for players. And not going to no matter how many player videos you make.
And Entropy.Aero are Americans, not russians. So there is that.
I doubt they would even require he shut down AH. I doubt they would really see it as a competitor to their space. IL2 claims they will someday do Pacific as soon as they are done wasting time with Korea. IF true, that would be their higher threat.
$0.02.
Imagine their front end with a mature server that can handle 650 players.
It'd be a new beginning for the Genre. One dominated by Americans again.
But I do give credit for a good idea. That is a good idea. Work your magic, make it happen. Get him over here to try MMP. He claims he never heard of AH
I expect a report in two weeks
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: The Fugitive on November 01, 2025, 10:48:54 AM
Yes, this seems to be a problem across the board for most games. The game I'm currently playing shows 100k player peaks on steam and the numbers are usually 3 to 5 times that number.
It seems it would be possible to send the data of the current number of players playing the game to the steam number reporting system to get accurate numbers. I'm not sure why this isn't done as it seems to be a wide spread problem.
And these numbers, like the steam numbers are BS too. 300K-500K on how many servers? I think the last time we went around on this the average was 20 players per server for the "game you are currently playing".
If your not going to use ALL the data, why bother using any of the data.
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: Animl-AW on November 01, 2025, 10:51:24 AM
And these numbers, like the steam numbers are BS too. 300K-500K on how many servers? I think the last time we went around on this the average was 20 players per server for the "game you are currently playing".
If your not going to use ALL the data, why bother using any of the data.
Agreed, totally.
Trips has a good idea. Is it possible? <shrug> if he can make that happen he would create a good name for himself.
It would require very organized wording. One voice one message.
I want to put russian IL-2 out of biz.
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: LCADolby on November 01, 2025, 11:10:30 AM
And these numbers, like the steam numbers are BS too. 300K-500K on how many servers? I think the last time we went around on this the average was 20 players per server for the "game you are currently playing".
If your not going to use ALL the data, why bother using any of the data.
I'm talking about the total number of players in a the game for recruiting purposes and I only mentioned the reported numbers of players on steam is far from accurate for all the games reported there, not just this one.
I think you're talking about "match size" (when you're talking about "players per server") which is currently set to a max of 64 with most being 32. Obviously this could be changed.
The game operates across 7 main server locations worldwide. In October 2025 alone, the game had over 508,000 daily active players.(but I have people saying I'm here to recruit new players)
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: Animl-AW on November 01, 2025, 11:21:59 AM
.
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: hazmatt on November 01, 2025, 11:27:12 AM
HTC should seek partnership with Entropy.Aero (Combat Pilot) and marry his stable mature server tech with their modern UE5 front end.
That would accelerate their timeline by years and give HTC a new lease of life and income for the coming couple for decades.
IMHO, 98.0625% of HTC value is it's server tech, not it's client or gameplay design. The server tech is being held hostage by a client that just isn't going to cut it in the current competition for players. And not going to no matter how many player videos you make.
And Entropy.Aero are Americans, not russians. So there is that.
I doubt they would even require he shut down AH. I doubt they would really see it as a competitor to their space. IL2 claims they will someday do Pacific as soon as they are done wasting time with Korea. IF true, that would be their higher threat.
$0.02.
Imagine their front end with a mature server that can handle 650 players.
It'd be a new beginning for the Genre. One dominated by Americans again.
Personally I don't care who makes the sim if it's good. I think the place to go with the server tech would be the games with the highest numbers currently. Image the madness of going from 64 players max per match to 500 players match per max with a base of 500k players starting one match after the other. Maybe they could even use the AH3 maps! For sure they would need larger maps.
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: Spikes on November 01, 2025, 12:52:31 PM
This has probably been posted before, but I asked google for a list of multiplayer online flight simulators and AH did not show up. I asked why. This is the response. Nothing we did not already know.
why doesn't Aces high show up in the list of flight simulators 8 minutes ago
Aces High was not on the previous list primarily due to its age, niche status, and very low player count compared to more modern and popular flight simulators. It is a long-running World War II combat flight simulator, first released in 2000. While respected for its massive multiplayer battles and realistic flight models for its time, several factors contribute to its lower modern visibility: Dated Graphics and Engine Even with updates, its graphics are not comparable to modern titles like DCS World or War Thunder. Subscription Model Aces High III operates on a monthly subscription model, which is a point of criticism when compared to free-to-play or one-time purchase competitors. Low Player Population Recent data from late 2025 shows an average of only 2-3 concurrent players on Steam, with peaks rarely exceeding a dozen. While the game's servers may host more players directly, these numbers are significantly lower than its competitors. Steep Learning Curve The game is known for being a challenging simulator, which can be a barrier for new players.
None of these reasons should bar Aces High from that list. Something very sketchy about that if you ask me. The fact it's basing its #s on steam discredits it because its not using actual player # beyond steam where most of the players did not come from steam.
Subscription model shouldn't remove it from a list of flight sims. Thats irrational and payment model has 0 to do with the type of game.
Graphics doesnt prevent it from being a simulator.
Steep learning curve? Really?... thats a consideration for it to not show up in the list? Even though it uses the term simulator in that very sentence.
AH has real world full scale online multiplayer ww2 battle simulations that literally no other game on the market has out there. The Bunker Buster scenario as we speak...
I think its an outright scheme these AI dont suggest AH, and further AI should be pushed to accept it on that list.
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: Animl-AW on November 01, 2025, 02:44:24 PM
None of these reasons should bar Aces High from that list. Something very sketchy about that if you ask me. The fact it's basing its #s on steam discredits it because its not using actual player # beyond steam where most of the players did not come from steam.
Subscription model shouldn't remove it from a list of flight sims. Thats irrational and payment model has 0 to do with the type of game.
Graphics doesnt prevent it from being a simulator.
Steep learning curve? Really?... thats a consideration for it to not show up in the list? Even though it uses the term simulator in that very sentence.
AH has real world full scale online multiplayer ww2 battle simulations that literally no other game on the market has out there. The Bunker Buster scenario as we speak...
I think its an outright scheme these AI dont suggest AH, and further AI should be pushed to accept it on that list.
Ya, good points.
I think Trips has a good idea to preserve MMP concept if it comes down to it.. Pipe dream? Maybe. Nothing ventured nothing gained. Question is are we at that point?
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: Animl-AW on November 01, 2025, 03:01:57 PM
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: DmonSlyr on November 02, 2025, 11:12:29 PM
My lastest (definitely watch Dolbys though) - my idea though is to give you an idea of what the first engagement is like from a real perspective in the intensity of the moment.
Any editing questions just shoot me PM, I don't have a film on that.
:salute
Well, I was talking more about your shot composition and camera positioning and framing.
The way you pre-position a fixed view at the inflection points of their maneuvers really shows the graceful movement better than a chase or flyby. They almost look like pirouettes.
Putting your camera on the ground level so trees and such are partially in the foreground mixed into the composition while focused on aircraft in the distance, give a nice sense of scale and depth. I've seen that technique described in cinemaphotography tutorials.
You have your style down for sure.
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: Animl-AW on November 03, 2025, 08:26:00 AM
Its not just knowing the mechanics, its more about inventing creative scenes to use it.
He’d make a good cam director if he got the 2 ton chip off his shoulder.
Bashing people for making a video is unbecoming.
That attitude is exclusive.
Ya can’t use a video to ad if the opening shot is more about you than the product. You should be unseen and subtle credit.
Doesn’t remove the skills, but attitude in using them needs a tweak.
Since this is my thread I’ll point that out. He’s mad his video isn’t on home page. I never asked or shamed anyone into using mine. Thats what this tantrum is about. He thinks he is owed that slot.
Make a useable video to replace mine, I won’t lose sleep or bash them. God bless ya.
Good or bad, I made my mark in the world, I seek nothing but more numbers. I don’t care how we get there.
Bash me and I’m punching back, that will not end. I’m not your psss boy.
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: AKIron on November 03, 2025, 09:19:30 AM
Very nice. You do videos from any other sims? Might be able to monetize. I know I can't. I do careful instructional videos and get maybe a couple hundred views. I do something unplanned and silly and get thousands. No where near enough to monetize either way.
My sister took an old pic of her and my other sister's kids then did a retake 20 years later. A million views on instagram or something like that.
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: uptown on November 03, 2025, 09:39:53 AM
Nice videos from both posters but I'm not a big fan of the music. I like the engine and gun sounds in videos along with the music in the background. I like hearing the flaps and wind etc. What impressed me the most was the short bursts of ammo the 109s were using. That was some good gunnery. :salute
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: Animl-AW on November 03, 2025, 10:01:08 AM
If you want to monetize on this stuff you cannot compare any form of payment based on if it were on tv. If it were to hit tv your name cannot be anywhere. Your reward is the growing client list who hire you. The audience should never know you exist.
If your ad is productive you make the big money when a 2nd is in demand. Get foot in door. You must be affordable first round until you prove yourself to actually accomplish a return. Word of mouth is what carries you. Word of mouth comes from skills and attitude. If you’re hard to work with your milage will vary, skills won’t matter. There are 1000 others in line to replace you.
Once your good reputation is established you can talk big money. They come in that order only.
Breaking into the marketing world is about as easy as becoming a rock star, you’re going up against the long established big dogs. Buckle up. Throats will be cut. This battle here is small beans.
Great scenes are expected straight out of the box.
He’s battling someone with no desire, just filing a hole.
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: LCADolby on November 03, 2025, 11:28:50 AM
Animl I have no idea what half of your jabs at me are related to... 90% are whatever the voices are telling and the other 10% are what you're projecting.
I'm not bashing you for you posting a video, nor am I troubled you have a film on the home page. In fact being on the home page has brought your film much less views than I would have imagined for the amount of time it been there.
I don't make films that are suitable for the homepage, because I don't give a toss, and HiTech will tell you that when I had a film on the homepage I blocked it from being viewed. I made my film to celebrate my 15 year milestone, it's a compilation of my films over the years. If you think it's advertising the game or me, you are wrong It's not advertising anything but for the fact I've been at it so long.. I guess at a stretch you could say my films celebrate AcesHigh and that my Compilations celebrate my film-making. Having my YT name up front is because I don't watermark my AH films, because if in the unlikely event someone asks to reuse my footage they can do without a watermark.
I took a shot at you via a YT short for a comment you made you know "11 years old" and "1 player". You know another post on the BBS you've made whereby you're being a "word that rhymes with hunt". If you took your head out of your backside you'd have figured at least half that out.
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: LCADolby on November 03, 2025, 11:32:45 AM
Well, I was talking more about your shot composition and camera positioning and framing.
The way you pre-position a fixed view at the inflection points of their maneuvers really shows the graceful movement better than a chase or flyby. They almost look like pirouettes.
Putting your camera on the ground level so trees and such are partially in the foreground mixed into the composition while focused on aircraft in the distance, give a nice sense of scale and depth. I've seen that technique described in cinemaphotography tutorials.
You have your style down for sure.
I have to admit I just make what I think looks good to me. I've never read anything on the subject of cinematography. But yeah if it's something you want to replicate I'm not going to discourage inspiration.
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: LCADolby on November 03, 2025, 11:41:06 AM
Very nice. You do videos from any other sims? Might be able to monetize. I know I can't. I do careful instructional videos and get maybe a couple hundred views. I do something unplanned and silly and get thousands. No where near enough to monetize either way.
My sister took an old pic of her and my other sister's kids then did a retake 20 years later. A million views on instagram or something like that.
I have made some films with other games but I don't really get on so well without the AH style film viewer. I've never cracked much more than 5k in 15 years on YT, and my non-AH game films very rarely crack 300 and the ones I don't post anywhere on any forum or discord etc. have less than 50 views.
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: Animl-AW on November 03, 2025, 12:37:01 PM
Animl I have no idea what half of your jabs at me are related to... 90% are whatever the voices are telling and the other 10% are what you're projecting.
I'm not bashing you for you posting a video, nor am I troubled you have a film on the home page. In fact being on the home page has brought your film much less views than I would have imagined for the amount of time it been there.
I don't make films that are suitable for the homepage, because I don't give a toss, and HiTech will tell you that when I had a film on the homepage I blocked it from being viewed. I made my film to celebrate my 15 year milestone, it's a compilation of my films over the years. If you think it's advertising the game or me, you are wrong It's not advertising anything but for the fact I've been at it so long.. I guess at a stretch you could say my films celebrate AcesHigh and that my Compilations celebrate my film-making. Having my YT name up front is because I don't watermark my AH films, because if in the unlikely event someone asks to reuse my footage they can do without a watermark.
I took a shot at you via a YT short for a comment you made you know "11 years old" and "1 player". You know another post on the BBS you've made whereby you're being a "word that rhymes with hunt". If you took your head out of your backside you'd have figured at least half that out.
Don’t play squirrel games with me. Go back to films page and the gutless crap you pulled on my video and rallying around “baiting” me. Every time I post a vid your ego head expodes, and you cry mine is on home page over and over and it should b yours.
Did the lithium kick in? You been Fing with me since my first day back, get and keep your punk teeth out my butt. You have severe ego issues
Bust off
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: AKIron on November 03, 2025, 12:58:28 PM
I have to admit I just make what I think looks good to me. I've never read anything on the subject of cinematography. But yeah if it's something you want to replicate I'm not going to discourage inspiration.
Being able to make something you like means others may like it too. Some call that art.
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: CptTrips on November 03, 2025, 01:08:29 PM
I have to admit I just make what I think looks good to me. I've never read anything on the subject of cinematography. But yeah if it's something you want to replicate I'm not going to discourage inspiration.
Well you obviously just have a natural good eye.
I'm currently studying cinemaphotography because I am an engineer not an artist. ;)
But any skill can be learned with effort even if it doesn't come naturally.
(I'm looking at you Blender!)
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: LCADolby on November 03, 2025, 01:25:49 PM
Don’t play squirrel games with me. Go back to films page and the gutless crap you pulled on my video and rallying around “baiting” me. Every time I post a vid your ego head expodes, and you cry mine is on home page over and over and it should b yours.
Did the lithium kick in? You been Fing with me since my first day back, get and keep your punk teeth out my butt. You have severe ego issues
Bust off
Yes Animl, you're right.
Everything you say is right.
You're spot on.
You're never ever wrong.
Even when you are corrected.
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: LCADolby on November 03, 2025, 01:30:04 PM
Well you obviously just have a natural good eye. I'm currently studying cinemaphotography because I am an engineer not an artist. ;) But any skill can be learned with effort even if it doesn't come naturally. (I'm looking at you Blender!)
Effort and a dash of determination :aok Good luck with blender :salute
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: Animl-AW on November 03, 2025, 01:31:07 PM
Kids nowadays. If I have to fly with my thumbs, I might as well use my feet.
Young kids (like uhh 30 yo) could probably perform brain surgery with one.
I'm with you. I can't do it but I've seen some do it and was pretty surprised.
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: AKKuya on November 05, 2025, 09:22:24 PM
Wouldn't Hitech have to make the game adaptable to consoles?
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: Molsman on November 05, 2025, 09:27:50 PM
yes he would plus it may cost alot to do so with todays tech,,,, there are players here that fly with a mouse and keyboard still,,, I think Lazer is one of them not sure :headscratch: but there are so many gaming mouse's out there its almost like using a a xbox controller somehow,,,,, I have a Redragon 16000dpi wireless mouse with 12 side buttons ya could set up and all for different options for the game. I ogt it for free just had to do a review on the product.
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: xanax on November 05, 2025, 09:44:01 PM
yes he would plus it may cost alot to do so with todays tech,,,, there are players here that fly with a mouse and keyboard still,,, I think Lazer is one of them not sure :headscratch: but there are so many gaming mouse's out there its almost like using a a xbox controller somehow,,,,, I have a Redragon 16000dpi wireless mouse with 12 side buttons ya could set up and all for different options for the game. I ogt it for free just had to do a review on the product.
I'd love to see Lazer's setup. You were there a few weeks back when I used the mouse to try and fly. It was a sh%^ show. I use a standard mouse but I doubt I coulda done any better with a fancy mouse. I did manage to ditch though!
Title: Re: Promoting
Post by: Mister Fork on November 24, 2025, 10:55:15 AM
Just a follow-up on this - doesn't need to be Xbox specific, but the Microsoft PC Game pass would be enough.
It would allow millions to access the game - and then see where it goes? You could limit their access to Main arena only.