Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: FLOOB on February 18, 2014, 05:12:05 AM

Title: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: FLOOB on February 18, 2014, 05:12:05 AM
Forty players total, 16 players in flight, less than half that are in planes, and some of those are in buffs. Why do non americans hate good video games?
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Latrobe on February 18, 2014, 05:40:39 AM
The off hours really are getting tough.  :(
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: bozon on February 18, 2014, 06:31:01 AM
Forty players total, 16 players in flight, less than half that are in planes, and some of those are in buffs. Why do non americans hate good video games?
Not many players live in the middle of the pacific. The solution is lots of coffee supplies to the west coast players so they don't go to sleep before the Euroes come back from work.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Bizman on February 18, 2014, 07:45:29 AM
Not many players live in the middle of the pacific. The solution is lots of coffee supplies to the west coast players so they don't go to sleep before the Euroes come back from work.
That was the word I was looking for excuse why I wasn't playing at 1:30 PM! Thanks  :salute

 :t
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Lusche on February 18, 2014, 08:52:02 AM
Forty players total, 16 players in flight, less than half that are in planes, and some of those are in buffs. Why do non americans hate good video games?

They hate it as much as Americans... as far as I can see, prime time numbers went down by a similar percentage...  :P

It is also to some degree an self-increasing effect. When you know it's a huge map like Ozkansas and few players are on anyway, you are reluctant to log in in the first place. The old "if nobody is there, nobody goes there" effect.
Personally, until last month I frequently used to do strat raids when I couldn't find any sustained battles.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Rich46yo on February 18, 2014, 10:16:45 AM
+1. The large maps are so obviously self destructing I really cant believe they are still in rotation. Or still rotating during slow periods.

I quit last night to play BF4 cause I got tired of being able to count all the dots on the map in one minute.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Slate on February 18, 2014, 10:27:59 AM

 Perk the Buffs!  :old:












   AI where are you?  :cry  :cry
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: MrRiplEy[H] on February 18, 2014, 10:28:18 AM
I wish I had time to play. I donated my main gaming rig to my son because I have no time to even think about games.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: lunatic1 on February 18, 2014, 10:56:09 AM
solution:::move to the u.s.--hehehe
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: wpeters on February 18, 2014, 11:39:57 AM


   AI where are you?  :cry  :cry

Great Idea. If there are less than 200 people in arena put 30 AI in per country
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Skyyr on February 18, 2014, 11:46:33 AM
Bluntly, it's the stupid maps. They're made for 10x the amount of players that we have now (I'd wager that even with 10x the amount of players, we'd still have room for more). Fighter Ace suffered the same fate and it went down the exact same path that Aces High is starting down now. It started with decreasing numbers and making it difficult to find fights.

This is why people love War Thunder and WoWP - it's not because of superior gameplay, it's because it's solid, repeatable gameplay. You can find a fight anytime you want.

Decrease the map sizes, compensate for fewer strats with higher defenses and game mechanics. It's fairly simple.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: lunatic1 on February 18, 2014, 12:12:28 PM
Bluntly, it's the stupid maps. They're made for 10x the amount of players that we have now (I'd wager that even with 10x the amount of players, we'd still have room for more). Fighter Ace suffered the same fate and it went down the exact same path that Aces High is starting down now. It started with decreasing numbers and making it difficult to find fights.

This is why people love War Thunder and WoWP - it's not because of superior gameplay, it's because it's solid, repeatable gameplay. You can find a fight anytime you want.

Decrease the map sizes, compensate for fewer strats with higher defenses and game mechanics. It's fairly simple.
ah isn't going down any road--and if you reduce the size of the maps,then you will have people crying that the maps are too crowded---not everybody can play at the same time...mostly the player shortage is due to real life situations...work--family--financial--etc..and not all of the maps are the same size...i said this before--you can find a fight anytime on any of these maps.but you have to good get it and not wait for it to come to you :bolt:
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: SPKmes on February 18, 2014, 12:40:26 PM
Popped in a few times last night (mine, between 10-30pm and 12-30am) and decided to flag it.... when I saw the map knew the main reason.... but ... it has been dwindling for some time....

Not many down here know about this game as there is no advertising other than what we..the people that play pacific time..... add to the likes of facebook etc..

Yet it seems like when I surf the web, even NZ sites, I quite often see a Warthunder banner.... may be an ad sense thing not too sure about that... none the less...it is getting very sad on my end unfortunately

I might have to look at getting a night job so I can get some decent game time during American times...the things you'll do to play AH :lol :lol
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Ack-Ack on February 18, 2014, 12:58:56 PM
ah isn't going down any road--and if you reduce the size of the maps,then you will have people crying that the maps are too crowded---

I remember when all we had were small maps and the cries of how crowded those maps were and how it was nothing but a hoard fest because everyone was crammed into such a small area.

ack-ack
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Randy1 on February 18, 2014, 01:54:57 PM
I keep thinking use the weather to control maps during off hours by weathering in air fields based on the number of players.  It would be a heck of a program but would add a bit of real life.  I guess you could even stop tanks with heavy rain and mud.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Skyyr on February 18, 2014, 02:01:56 PM
ah isn't going down any road--and if you reduce the size of the maps,then you will have people crying that the maps are too crowded---not everybody can play at the same time...mostly the player shortage is due to real life situations...work--family--financial--etc..and not all of the maps are the same size...i said this before--you can find a fight anytime on any of these maps.but you have to good get it and not wait for it to come to you :bolt:

That's the problem - you'll always have complainers, but the fact is that this is a PvP game. Anything that subtracts from that aspect detracts from the appeal to the general player.

In marketing and as a rule of thumb, only 1 in 8 to 1 in 10 people will openly complain - the rest will leave. The numbers alone diminishing over time reinforces this. People will simply become bored and leave.

Those who complain about a map being "too populated" are a minority, as they're complaining about the very mechanic that makes the game what it is (massive WWII air battles). They could always go elsewhere on the map, the fact is they just don't want to. They want to play it "their" way, forcing their style on everyone else. You can always avoid, you can't always choose to engage.

The opposite is not true - those who want more action simply can't find it, and flying 20 minutes for a single fight is quite boring to most players. You can't argue it's not - that's what makes the other F2P games like WT and WoWP popular.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Nath[BDP] on February 18, 2014, 02:11:22 PM
I remember back in the day there were still fights that late.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Wiley on February 18, 2014, 02:16:15 PM
The opposite is not true - those who want more action simply can't find it, and flying 20 minutes for a single fight is quite boring to most players. You can't argue it's not - that's what makes the other F2P games like WT and WoWP popular.

They're kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place.  Round-based instant action like WT is what's popular.  A good number of their current subscribers dislike that style and prefer the sandbox approach that is available here.  This is the only viable WWII sandbox game available.

Wiley.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Gemini on February 18, 2014, 02:46:43 PM
Well, if you want to have some smaller maps that might help the continually dwindling player-base to find some action, you will have to spend hours of free time creating them yourself.

Meanwhile HiTech buys a new plane with profits from the $14.99 a month everyone is paying.

Numbers continue to decrease, gameplay remains stale, changes are not coming *shrug*.

mostly the player shortage is due to real life situations...work--family--financial--etc..

Trying to work out if this ^ denial, delusion, ignorance, or what...it's something of the sort but I can't quite pin down the correct phrase.

I think denial is probably the closest I can get at the moment. To think that AH is losing numbers mostly due to peoples' 'real life situations'  :bhead
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: BluBerry on February 18, 2014, 02:52:04 PM
Well, if you want to have some smaller maps that might help the continually dwindling player-base find some action, you will have to spend hours of free time creating them yourself.

Meanwhile HiTech buys a new plane with profits from the $14.99 a month everyone is paying.

Who gives a damn what he does with his money and where is your proof that the money spent actually came from subscriptions. Oh yeah.. you have none. Nice troll attempt.


(http://i.imgur.com/VyiZsTS.gif)
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Lusche on February 18, 2014, 02:53:02 PM
Well, if you want to have some smaller maps that might help the continually dwindling player-base to find some action, you will have to spend hours of free time creating them yourself.

We have 10 of them in the rotation ;)
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Tinkles on February 18, 2014, 03:01:27 PM
Well, if you want to have some smaller maps that might help the continually dwindling player-base to find some action, you will have to spend hours of free time creating them yourself.



Numbers continue to decrease, gameplay remains stale, changes are not coming *shrug*.

Trying to work out if this ^ denial, delusion, ignorance, or what...it's something of the sort but I can't quite pin down the correct phrase.

I think denial is probably the closest I can get at the moment. To think that AH is losing numbers mostly due to peoples' 'real life situations'  :bhead

I haven't been able to play since November due to financial situation. And others can't play because of moving, school work etc.  So I guess their events and problems don't exist because you haven't encountered a similar scenario?
HTC is one of few gaming companies I've ever heard, and the 1st in this genre, that allows the player to make an arena under specific rules/guidelines (for system purposes), that you can customize to your hearts content.    Yet you still complain because you realize it takes work instead of just copy n paste? 

Great example is Greebo's crater map, or Fester's new map (That I presume is still being reviewed by HTC?).     They give us a great opportunity to make maps and design things of that sort, and yet you still complain?  Put yourself in their shoes, what if you had to update the terrain, make new planes/gvs, AND was requested to fix bugs, make more 'hidden' achievements and make more maps?  I bet many times to HTC it sounds like he has a bunch of 7 yr olds whining to him.

I think HTC is doing a remarkable job, getting the HE-111, yak set, new tanks and the TU-2 with re-done B26, all while still balancing fixing bugs/glitches and updating the terrain with the small team they have. I'd say they are doing a damn fine job  :aok


Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Gemini on February 18, 2014, 03:15:12 PM
Who gives a damn what he does with his money and where is your proof that the money spent actually came from subscriptions. Oh yeah.. you have none. Nice troll attempt.


It wasn't really an attack, and I don't know or care where the money came from. The point is more that we're paying $14.99 a month, but nothing is being done to keep the game alive - be it hiring someone to create maps, maybe placing a bit of advertising to let people know the game exists, or attending air shows with a few AH setups to draw people in who are not typical 'gamers'. I don't know, marketing isn't my thing...but it seems clear to me that if something isn't done then numbers will continue to decrease until either the business model becomes untenable, or the game becomes unplayable/not fun for most.

And I'm not saying we are getting nothing for our money - we get new planes added, we get the servers, and a new graphics upgrade is on the way to bring us up to at least 2008 level visuals...

But the game is dying, and those things won't save it. The more people leave, the more empty the servers get, and the more people will leave.

Some people are happy to bury their heads in the sand and say 'Everything is fine, HTC can do no wrong, nothing should ever change', and that is their prerogative. But some of us like to speak our minds about things we perceive as being not quite right :old:


I haven't been able to play since November due to financial situation. And others can't play because of moving, school work etc.  So I guess their events and problems don't exist because you haven't encountered a similar scenario?

I didn't say those problems don't exist. I was saying that stating 'most of the player shortage' is due to those problems is ridiculous. You're welcome to disagree, but to me it seems pretty obvious  :headscratch:

Yes, perhaps in another 6 months Fester's new MA map will have been approved to appear on the servers. But I have t wonder how many more subscribers we will have lost by that point?
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Wiley on February 18, 2014, 03:33:22 PM
It wasn't really an attack, and I don't know or care where the money came from. The point is more that we're paying $14.99 a month, but nothing is being done to keep the game alive - be it hiring someone to create maps, maybe placing a bit of advertising to let people know the game exists, or attending air shows with a few AH setups to draw people in who are not typical 'gamers'. I don't know, marketing isn't my thing...but it seems clear to me that if something isn't done then numbers will continue to decrease until either the business model becomes untenable, or the game becomes unplayable/not fun for most.

And I'm not saying we are getting nothing for our money - we get new planes added, we get the servers, and a new graphics upgrade is on the way to bring us up to at least 2008 level visuals...

But the game is dying, and those things won't save it. The more people leave, the more empty the servers get, and the more people will leave.

Some people are happy to bury their heads in the sand and say 'Everything is fine, HTC can do no wrong, nothing should ever change', and that is their prerogative. But some of us like to speak our minds about things we perceive as being not quite right :old:


I didn't say those problems don't exist. I was saying that stating 'most of the player shortage' is due to those problems is ridiculous. You're welcome to disagree, but to me it seems pretty obvious  :headscratch:

Yes, perhaps in another 6 months Fester's new MA map will have been approved to appear on the servers. But I have t wonder how many more subscribers we will have lost by that point?

The problem is, for every single player the game has a shelf life.  Any game does.  The fact that there are people still here that played the beta is a rarity.

People keep talking about how 'gameplay is stale'.  That statement confuses me.  No matter what form it takes, gameplay boils down to as a fighter you either launch and try to shoot other aircraft down or carry bombs somewhere and blow something up.  Bombing involves flying somewhere and pushing a button at the right time.  Same with ferrying troops/supplies.  GVing/ground/ship gunning, you launch and try to put rounds into other tanks.

Regardless of what 'goals' there are in place, that is all there is to the game.  Either you find that compelling, or you don't.

Wiley.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Zoney on February 18, 2014, 03:52:44 PM
flying 20 minutes for a single fight is quite boring to most players. You can't argue it's not - that's what makes the other F2P games like WT and WoWP popular.

Actually, I will argue that point as I find this to be quite fun.

Meanwhile HiTech buys a new plane with profits from the $14.99 a month everyone is paying.

Unbelievable

I think denial is probably the closest I can get at the moment. To think that AH is losing numbers mostly due to peoples' 'real life situations'  :bhead

Just judging from only what my fellow squad members have stated that keeps them from playing, it is real life that keeps them from playing, nothing else.

Are you in a squad?  Do you participate in "Scenario" or "FSO's" or "Snapshots" or "This Day" events?
     ^^^
All of these things can keep the game fresh, or at least it does for me.

What handle do you fly under Gemini?
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: RotBaron on February 18, 2014, 03:59:57 PM
It wasn't really an attack, and I don't know or care where the money came from. The point is more that we're paying $14.99 a month, but nothing is being done to keep the game alive - be it hiring someone to create maps, maybe placing a bit of advertising to let people know the game exists, or attending air shows with a few AH setups to draw people in who are not typical 'gamers'. I don't know, marketing isn't my thing...but it seems clear to me that if something isn't done then numbers will continue to decrease until either the business model becomes untenable, or the game becomes unplayable/not fun for most.

And I'm not saying we are getting nothing for our money - we get new planes added, we get the servers, and a new graphics upgrade is on the way to bring us up to at least 2008 level visuals...

But the game is dying, and those things won't save it. The more people leave, the more empty the servers get, and the more people will leave.

Some people are happy to bury their heads in the sand and say 'Everything is fine, HTC can do no wrong, nothing should ever change', and that is their prerogative. But some of us like to speak our minds about things we perceive as being not quite right :old:









I didn't say those problems don't exist. I was saying that stating 'most of the player shortage' is due to those problems is ridiculous. You're welcome to disagree, but to me it seems pretty obvious  :headscratch:

Yes, perhaps in another 6 months Fester's new MA map will have been approved to appear on the servers. But I have t wonder how many more subscribers we will have lost by that point?

Yes it was (a lame troll attempt,) that is one reason WHY YOU mentioned it.

You attacked me in another thread as some financial responsibility god bent with the meanest streak of capitalism anybody has ever seen, now you spout out some obvious jealousy. Wow! He's entitled to do whatever he gd well pleases with his capital and by my account of AH he and his company have worked dang hard for it and deserve every penny.

Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: 68Raptor on February 18, 2014, 04:03:43 PM
Seems to me as with most companies as long as Hitech is keeping the balance of the "sky is falling, game is ending" group with those of the "bury their head in the sand, game is fine" group he is doing just fine.

As this thread clearly shows.. take 10 different players.. you'll get 10 different FACTS of what is most right and what is wrong with the game.  

I subscribe to spend time with my squad, participate in this version of World War II, sim combat air to air and learn some things I didn't know about WWII and flying.

So, from my perspective this game and community are doing just fine.  
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Stampf on February 18, 2014, 04:28:29 PM

Well, if you want to have some smaller maps that might help the continually dwindling player-base to find some action, you will have to spend hours of free time creating them yourself.

Meanwhile HiTech buys a new plane with profits from the $14.99 a month everyone is paying.

Numbers continue to decrease, gameplay remains stale, changes are not coming *shrug*.

Trying to work out if this ^ denial, delusion, ignorance, or what...it's something of the sort but I can't quite pin down the correct phrase.

I think denial is probably the closest I can get at the moment. To think that AH is losing numbers mostly due to peoples' 'real life situations'  :bhead

Perfect game?  No.  Don't know of one...

...but here I am thinking everything is fine...after more than 8 years...my squad has finally hit (32) man max.  Imagine...31 other tards volunteering to fly less than 10% of the available aircraft in the main.  Yes...something is not right.


Oh...WTFG! Hitech on the new ride.  Hope you can afford a warbird someday!   :airplane:



Carry on now here with the entertainment.

Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Lusche on February 18, 2014, 04:36:19 PM
...after more than 8 years...my squad has finally hit (32) man max.  

Hordelings!  :old:   :neener:   :bolt:
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Banshee7 on February 18, 2014, 04:40:58 PM
I remember back in the day there were still fights that late.

I recall about four years ago I logged on at about 0500 CST and caught a few good fights.  That was also the morning that Tec and I were told to check some dudes bomber score because he thought he was so awesome.  :lol

Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: lunatic1 on February 18, 2014, 04:52:56 PM
Well, if you want to have some smaller maps that might help the continually dwindling player-base to find some action, you will have to spend hours of free time creating them yourself.

Meanwhile HiTech buys a new plane with profits from the $14.99 a month everyone is paying.

Numbers continue to decrease, gameplay remains stale, changes are not coming *shrug*.

Trying to work out if this ^ denial, delusion, ignorance, or what...it's something of the sort but I can't quite pin down the correct phrase.

I think denial is probably the closest I can get at the moment. To think that AH is losing numbers mostly due to peoples' 'real life situations'  :bhead
it's a real part
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: phatzo on February 18, 2014, 04:59:54 PM
It's self perpetuating, five years ago there would be a least five guys from my squad on every night at those times. As fights become scarce we log on less making them even scarcer.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: USRanger on February 18, 2014, 05:03:50 PM
The map is just a playground.  It is the children that make it fun or not.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: lunatic1 on February 18, 2014, 05:09:42 PM
Meanwhile HiTech buys a new plane with profits from the $14.99 a month everyone is paying....who cares what hitech does with his money..he owns a company..he's making a little money from it..would you complain if he bought a new car??it's his business and has every right to buy what he wants...and by the way i pay 16.95 a month so i paid more for that plane than you did..and i'm not complaining...have fun del.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: craz07 on February 18, 2014, 05:23:32 PM
Well, if you want to have some smaller maps that might help the continually dwindling player-base to find some action, you will have to spend hours of free time creating them yourself.

Meanwhile HiTech buys a new plane with profits from the $14.99 a month everyone is paying.

Numbers continue to decrease, gameplay remains stale, changes are not coming *shrug*.

Trying to work out if this ^ denial, delusion, ignorance, or what...it's something of the sort but I can't quite pin down the correct phrase.

I think denial is probably the closest I can get at the moment. To think that AH is losing numbers mostly due to peoples' 'real life situations'  :bhead

About 400 players in the MA at peak times recently..
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Gemini on February 18, 2014, 05:41:59 PM
Seems to me as with most companies as long as Hitech is keeping the balance of the "sky is falling, game is ending" group with those of the "bury their head in the sand, game is fine" group he is doing just fine.
 

I would absolutely agree with this!

However, the player numbers are still dropping...so it would seem logical (to me) that if something doesn't change the game will continue to slowly die.

Sad times :(
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: blutic on February 18, 2014, 05:45:30 PM
I have PLAYED this game a long time. I have had the honor to serve with an outstanding squad. And everytime I have asked for help...HTC has responded with immediate action. I have no complaints about this game, except that I suck at it. But it keeps me coming back. I hope it last for another 15 years. This is about having fun. The thrill you had when you were young when you saw a plane in the sky! Remember this, and your love for this game will never die. toejamty game play? Who cares? I will continue to pay my dues! I love it!
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: ReVo on February 18, 2014, 06:15:53 PM

Meanwhile HiTech buys a new plane with profits from the $14.99 a month everyone is paying.


Considering the plane set him back less then the price of a new Mercedes let's put the rotten vegetables away and relax..
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: The Fugitive on February 18, 2014, 06:29:31 PM
About 400 players in the MA at peak times recently..

Which is less than half as many as we had a few years ago at peak. Weekends use to run close to 1000 players on line.


Just judging from only what my fellow squad members have stated that keeps them from playing, it is real life that keeps them from playing, nothing else.

Are you in a squad?  Do you participate in "Scenario" or "FSO's" or "Snapshots" or "This Day" events?
     ^^^
All of these things can keep the game fresh, or at least it does for me.

What handle do you fly under Gemini?

And if none of these things are the reason you play it means your just out of luck? I like fighting in the MA. Defending, attacking, GVs it doesn't matter, I just want to pit my skill against another's when I have time to.

The problem is, for every single player the game has a shelf life.  Any game does.  The fact that there are people still here that played the beta is a rarity.

People keep talking about how 'gameplay is stale'.  That statement confuses me.  No matter what form it takes, gameplay boils down to as a fighter you either launch and try to shoot other aircraft down or carry bombs somewhere and blow something up.  Bombing involves flying somewhere and pushing a button at the right time.  Same with ferrying troops/supplies.  GVing/ground/ship gunning, you launch and try to put rounds into other tanks.

Regardless of what 'goals' there are in place, that is all there is to the game.  Either you find that compelling, or you don't.

Wiley.

What I find compelling is fighting against others. With 600 players playing I could up and climb a bit, level off get some speed and enter a fight. Win lose draw, up and do it again. Now with half the number of people it is that much harder to find a fight. And then once you do half of them are runners fearing for their mortal souls, or hiding with 30 of their closest friends.

Even in it's worst days 5 years ago it was better than it is now. Will it recover with the new graphics? I hope so. I plan on staying until they close the doors and I'm hoping that is a long time from now, but it doesn't look pretty I can tell you that.

Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: VuduVee on February 18, 2014, 06:39:32 PM
the war thunder banners are everywhere on the internet. especially on Facebook. HTC could do that same thing. its worldwide and is surely populated by folks from just about every country on earth. i love playing with the kiwis and aussies, we need more of them playing. why not focus on that timezone with some simple advertising on a show or two. thats how i found out about AH2, i seen it on a show.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: ReVo on February 18, 2014, 07:13:27 PM
the war thunder banners are everywhere on the internet. especially on Facebook. HTC could do that same thing. its worldwide and is surely populated by folks from just about every country on earth. i love playing with the kiwis and aussies, we need more of them playing. why not focus on that timezone with some simple advertising on a show or two. thats how i found out about AH2, i seen it on a show.

I've tried to pull a few people from War Blunder to AH. The response from every single one has been "I can fly this game with a mouse and it takes five minutes to be good. I don't care about simulation and I don't want a joystick."
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Vraciu on February 18, 2014, 09:58:39 PM
ah isn't going down any road--and if you reduce the size of the maps,then you will have people crying that the maps are too crowded---not everybody can play at the same time...mostly the player shortage is due to real life situations...work--family--financial--etc..and not all of the maps are the same size...i said this before--you can find a fight anytime on any of these maps.but you have to good get it and not wait for it to come to you :bolt:

It is going down the road Skyyr mentioned taken by FA.  I will throw in WBs which has slogged this death march to the point that 40 players is considered peak...
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Vraciu on February 18, 2014, 10:01:43 PM
Who gives a damn what he does with his money and where is your proof that the money spent actually came from subscriptions. Oh yeah.. you have none. Nice troll attempt.


(http://i.imgur.com/VyiZsTS.gif)


He's not the only person who thought that.  Chill out.  It is a common reaction.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Redd on February 18, 2014, 10:59:19 PM
Switching to small Maps in off-peak might have helped  (it was raised as an issue a few months back) but I think it might be too late.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: FLOOB on February 18, 2014, 11:20:06 PM
Im surprised gemini isnt png yet after he got that one thread locked.

Anyway.. The aussies and the asians need to get off their asses.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: craz07 on February 19, 2014, 12:44:25 AM
Aces High will attract more players once the new terrain engine is updated.. Some new cockpit art wouldn't hurt either.. Man its like you have the Hurricane (beautifully done).. Then you have the F4f which looks like it was just done to get it done.. It's kind of hard selling the game, in this day and age 2/19/14, when you show a new player the game and right off the bat he tells you the graphics are horrible and loses interest.. Like, lets be honest, thats the one thing that hurts this game the most. 
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: BaldEagl on February 19, 2014, 01:28:25 AM
Aces High will attract more players once the new terrain engine is updated..

I disagree.  The graphics update might retain more people who come to try the game out but that alone won't attract more players.  They've got to find out about it somehow.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: hlbly on February 19, 2014, 01:42:04 AM
I haven't been able to play since November due to financial situation. And others can't play because of moving, school work etc.  So I guess their events and problems don't exist because you haven't encountered a similar scenario?
HTC is one of few gaming companies I've ever heard, and the 1st in this genre, that allows the player to make an arena under specific rules/guidelines (for system purposes), that you can customize to your hearts content.    Yet you still complain because you realize it takes work instead of just copy n paste? 

Great example is Greebo's crater map, or Fester's new map (That I presume is still being reviewed by HTC?).     They give us a great opportunity to make maps and design things of that sort, and yet you still complain?  Put yourself in their shoes, what if you had to update the terrain, make new planes/gvs, AND was requested to fix bugs, make more 'hidden' achievements and make more maps?  I bet many times to HTC it sounds like he has a bunch of 7 yr olds whining to him.

I think HTC is doing a remarkable job, getting the HE-111, yak set, new tanks and the TU-2 with re-done B26, all while still balancing fixing bugs/glitches and updating the terrain with the small team they have. I'd say they are doing a damn fine job  :aok



Brother I have no idea how to fix the problem. There is a problem though. There are always hardships and challenges in life. Five years ago the same problems happened to people that happen today. Yet there were still far more people in the Arenas then there is now. Population has not dropped. Numbers of people using the net has not dropped. Number of people playing online games has not dropped. Number of people flying in AH2 at any given moment has dropped.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 19, 2014, 03:03:00 AM
I have PLAYED this game a long time. I have had the honor to serve with an outstanding squad. And everytime I have asked for help...HTC has responded with immediate action. I have no complaints about this game, except that I suck at it. But it keeps me coming back. I hope it last for another 15 years. This is about having fun. The thrill you had when you were young when you saw a plane in the sky! Remember this, and your love for this game will never die. toejamty game play? Who cares? I will continue to pay my dues! I love it!

Good man. No statistic available to the general public can measure the players who don't have time to play as often as they'd like but maintain their subs anyway because when they have the time this is the game they like.  We could guess at it by age, perhaps ... :D
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Randy1 on February 19, 2014, 06:40:31 AM
One interesting trend is every increasing tablet size.  Could be bigger is better might bring back PCs and large monitors as the tablet generation gets older.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Rich46yo on February 19, 2014, 07:15:12 AM
He's not the only person who thought that.  Chill out.  It is a common reaction.

I didnt think that. What he, or any of you, do with your money is none of my Bizz.

I'd be glad for any of you buying an airplane. Most of us aint spring chickens anymore. The kids are grown and its time to shake the change purse a little for ourselves.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Max on February 19, 2014, 07:15:55 AM

Meanwhile HiTech buys a new plane with profits from the $14.99 a month everyone is paying.


Hitech's worked his butt off and is an avid pilot. So what? He now has a family of 4. If he decides to pack the family off to Disney World, he doesn't have to be at DFW 2 hrs before departure, go thru security, cough up r/t airfare, etc. Well maintained aircraft hold prices well. I'd say he made a great investment with his hard earned money.

Oh yeah, his investment has nothing to do with player numbers.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: BnZs on February 19, 2014, 09:28:09 AM
Aces High will attract more players once the new terrain engine is updated.. Some new cockpit art wouldn't hurt either.. Man its like you have the Hurricane (beautifully done).. Then you have the F4f which looks like it was just done to get it done.. It's kind of hard selling the game, in this day and age 2/19/14, when you show a new player the game and right off the bat he tells you the graphics are horrible and loses interest.. Like, lets be honest, thats the one thing that hurts this game the most. 

But the graphics aren't horrible, cranked up to maximum...
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: R 105 on February 19, 2014, 09:44:42 AM
Hitech's worked his butt off and is an avid pilot. So what? He now has a family of 4. If he decides to pack the family off to Disney World, he doesn't have to be at DFW 2 hrs before departure, go thru security, cough up r/t airfare, etc. Well maintained aircraft hold prices well. I'd say he made a great investment with his hard earned money.

Oh yeah, his investment has nothing to do with player numbers.
Max. Aces High is a for profit company and a new plane is the fruits of HiTechs labor. It was he who invested his time and money and ricked losing both by starting this business. It is called Capitalism and it is the greatest system known to man.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Golden Dragon on February 19, 2014, 09:54:44 AM
Hitech's worked his butt off and is an avid pilot. So what? He now has a family of 4. If he decides to pack the family off to Disney World, he doesn't have to be at DFW 2 hrs before departure, go thru security, cough up r/t airfare, etc. Well maintained aircraft hold prices well. I'd say he made a great investment with his hard earned money.

Oh yeah, his investment has nothing to do with player numbers.

Agreed!  15 dollars a month is nothing.  He deserves some enrichment for his creativity and hard work.  That's how capitalism works and it's a beautiful and perfect thing.  Divide that 15 by the amount of time most of you are logged on per month and I'd say you're getting your money's worth.  Great game Hitech, long may it live.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: matt on February 19, 2014, 10:04:14 AM
I remember when all we had were small maps and the cries of how crowded those maps were and how it was nothing but a hoard fest because everyone was crammed into such a small area.

ack-ack
yep
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Max on February 19, 2014, 11:50:30 AM
Max. Aces High is a for profit company and a new plane is the fruits of HiTechs labor. It was he who invested his time and money and ricked losing both by starting this business. It is called Capitalism and it is the greatest system known to man.

You're preaching to the choir R105. I own my own business and well appreciate the struggles, risks and rewards.  :old:
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Vraciu on February 19, 2014, 01:04:50 PM
I didnt think that.

I never said YOU did.  I never said I did either.  But lay off the guy for thinking that.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: DmonSlyr on February 19, 2014, 01:24:49 PM
Aces High will attract more players once the new terrain engine is updated.. Some new cockpit art wouldn't hurt either.. Man its like you have the Hurricane (beautifully done).. Then you have the F4f which looks like it was just done to get it done.. It's kind of hard selling the game, in this day and age 2/19/14, when you show a new player the game and right off the bat he tells you the graphics are horrible and loses interest.. Like, lets be honest, thats the one thing that hurts this game the most. 

Well the f4f was the older way all the cockpits looked, they have been slowly redoing and adding new planes to list as time has gone on.

I think the graphics and poor advertising, along with only 2 free weeks to see if you like the game is what is killing it.

My roommate who likes airplanes and flying, makes fun of me all the time because of how the graphics look/water is solid ect, and why I keep playing this game.

Honestly, I think even though they aren't the greatest graphics it still blows WT away. WT is sweet chitty.

I honestly think once the new graphics come out I think the game will have a better outlook to new players.

I think their needs to be better advertising for sure!!!! And maybe an ad for 6 months or so (if you sign up now, you get a free month). a promotion of a free month would inherently allow new players to understand the game better. Like I've said before, call me stupid, but I couldn't even type for the first week and looking at the Huge MA was pretty overwhelming, and where the hell do I go??????

Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Gemini on February 19, 2014, 02:16:02 PM
Im surprised gemini isnt png yet after he got that one thread locked.

Anyway.. The aussies and the asians need to get off their asses.

If you are referring to the thread about religion, then I believe you are mistaken sir. None of my comments in that thread were #rule'd.

The entire thread was destined to be locked from the moment it was created, I imagine the only reason it lasted as long as it did was because it was the weekend and Skuzzy was AFK.

Anyway.. The aussies and the asians need to get off their asses.

Why the heck would they want to log in and fly around with just 50-100 people spread out over a gigantic map, when fully half of those people are only there to milkrun or take undefended bases (i.e. NO COMBAT)?

You can't just say 'they need to get off their asses'  (well you can, but it's pretty stupid. You need to think of a way to make the game compelling again for them so that they have the motivation to login/resub.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Gemini on February 19, 2014, 02:17:47 PM
It's kind of hard selling the game, in this day and age 2/19/14, when you show a new player the game and right off the bat he tells you the graphics are horrible and loses interest.. Like, lets be honest, thats the one thing that hurts this game the most. 

Agree

Aces High will attract more players once the new terrain engine is updated

Disagree

We'll see though I guess :)
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: 1stpar3 on February 19, 2014, 03:14:24 PM
I am new here,and love this game. I was stuck on cheesy video games on game platforms like play station. Never knew this game was out there. Saw an add on History channel during a war planes episode, so now I am here. My son loves this game when he is here visiting, but bought a new PS4 To play Call of Duty online with his friends. He has commented that he wished they had this game for PS like they do Call of Duty for Xbox as well. I know each of those are platform specific on line but was still a good thought, maybe? I would hate to try to write that code! I love this game!!! :salute
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: steely07 on February 19, 2014, 05:47:49 PM
Speaking as an Aussie (and only speaking for myself), I tend to go through periods of 6 months at a time where I fly every night (Sydney time, where the 16 players were mentioned by the OP), and 6 months where I only fly FSO.

Up until 8 or 9 months ago, the general numbers were 70/80 on from 7:30 Sydney time, and there was no problem finding a fight most of the time, and if not, it was easy to get 2 mates to up with you and attempt a base take, that would generally stir things up enough so some dogfighting could be done, in fact, the smaller numbers were somewhat of a good thing, as most people flying only wanted to fight, not horde or pick and run (IMHO of course).

I'm in the 6 months where I only fly FSO at the moment, so can't really comment on the current state of the off hours arena, but I also agree that something could be done to attract new players, the only problem being that it's not easy to do, I've shown maybe 35 people the game, and only ever "converted" one person, WW2 flight combat is inherently a niche market.

Personally, I'm here until the doors close, and I'm sure HT is listening to the small map rotation ideas, and probably has some of his own, wait and see is all I can advise.

Salute

Steely

Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Sunka on February 19, 2014, 05:55:29 PM
This is not an inviting community for new players,MA is like sparta with name calling.

 :devil
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: phatzo on February 19, 2014, 05:57:16 PM
This is not an inviting community for new players,MA is like sparta with name calling.

 :devil
ghey boy
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: guncrasher on February 19, 2014, 07:15:48 PM
Agree

Disagree

We'll see though I guess :)

would you care to post the specs for your computer so we know exactly why the game looks terrible to you?


semp
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: BnZs on February 19, 2014, 07:53:54 PM
Problem is not enough players. One can assume Hitech is working on that. In the meantime what can *we* do to help?
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Gemini on February 19, 2014, 08:08:14 PM
would you care to post the specs for your computer so we know exactly why the game looks terrible to you?


semp

I didn't say the game looks horrible. I agreed with the other guys post, when he said it is hard to get other people interested in AH when they immediately say the graphics look horrible.

But just to placate you, I run maxed gfx settings for AH and every other game I play except BF4...3.4 ghz Sandy Bridge i7, GTX560 1GB video card, 16GB DDR RAM...

The graphics do look extremely dated...but that's not really important to me, otherwise I'd be playing War Thunder  :uhoh
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: BluBerry on February 19, 2014, 08:14:28 PM
Maxed gfx settings for AH and every other game I play except BF4...3.4 ghz Sandy Bridge i7, GTX560 1GB video card, 16GB DDR RAM...


With Sandy Bridge, Intel has solidly maintained its historic lock on the worst graphics performance in the industry.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Gemini on February 19, 2014, 08:19:12 PM

With Sandy Bridge, Intel has solidly maintained its historic lock on the worst graphics performance in the industry.

That might be why I have to turn the graphics down a bit for BF4 then :)

Regardless, for AH I get a solid 60 FPS even while recording with FRAPS. Performance really isn't an issue for me. EDIT: EXCEPT FOR MY PLANE FLYING SKILL PERFORMANCE  :cry lolol

The fact that AH is getting an upgrade to ~2008 era graphics is awesome, but sadly I don't think we'll suddenly see the in-game population rise as a result. Would be nice if that did happen though.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: guncrasher on February 19, 2014, 09:42:27 PM
I didn't say the game looks horrible. I agreed with the other guys post, when he said it is hard to get other people interested in AH when they immediately say the graphics look horrible.

But just to placate you, I run maxed gfx settings for AH and every other game I play except BF4...3.4 ghz Sandy Bridge i7, GTX560 1GB video card, 16GB DDR RAM...

The graphics do look extremely dated...but that's not really important to me, otherwise I'd be playing War Thunder  :uhoh


so you say you dont say the graphics look terrible but you do agree with others who say the graphics look terrible.  so which one is it?

and for the record I doubt you play with all the graphics maxed out.  on second thought which resolution are you using?



semp
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: FLOOB on February 19, 2014, 10:08:57 PM
Guncrasher he didn't say he agreed with people who say the graphics look horrible.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: guncrasher on February 19, 2014, 11:38:22 PM
Guncrasher he didn't say he agreed with people who say the graphics look horrible.

so what did he agree with?


semp
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: GScholz on February 20, 2014, 07:28:01 AM

With Sandy Bridge, Intel has solidly maintained its historic lock on the worst graphics performance in the industry.

What?
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Rich46yo on February 20, 2014, 08:37:50 AM
so what did he agree with?


semp

The fact that new players want to see better graphics is a no-brainer. The selling point of the game is the flight model and the team play. But that takes time to appreciate and 2 weeks goes by awfully fast. There is no doubt dated graphics is holding back this game.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Tinkles on February 20, 2014, 09:05:08 AM
It is a shame that many people look at the graphics and don't see the quality of the game 'from the outside store window'. 

Compared to the games of this generation I can easily see how many are turned off by the dated graphics. I can also see how many are turned off by the more challenging gameplay also.  Many games of this generation (if not all of them) are made to make the player feel "badass" where you slaughter supposedly trained enemy soldiers and come out on top. All while being able to tell if they have zits on their faces or not.  :eek:

Personally, I am not concerned of graphics, but the quality of the game.  There are many games out there that have nice graphics but poor or limited gameplay.  I value the quality or the heart of the game over graphics any day. However, to see HTC work on the terrain the way they are now, I am excited to see what the final outcome will be when it's all finished.  :aok

I think the biggest turn off to new players though (if they walk in the door), is the flight model. It is challenging, and many who play games to be 'badass' don't like challenging. At least not on the scale that HTC offers, where it takes years to be good.  However, I would rather play a game like this where you actually need to know what you are doing. Rather than playing Call of Duty and "quickscoping" other players knowing where they most common paths are taken, and calling that skillz.


HTC has kept me here for 6 years. I'd say they are doing something right  :aok

 :salute

Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 01:21:50 PM
It is a shame that many people look at the graphics and don't see the quality of the game 'from the outside store window'. 

Compared to the games of this generation I can easily see how many are turned off by the dated graphics. I can also see how many are turned off by the more challenging gameplay also.  Many games of this generation (if not all of them) are made to make the player feel "badass" where you slaughter supposedly trained enemy soldiers and come out on top. All while being able to tell if they have zits on their faces or not.  :eek:

Personally, I am not concerned of graphics, but the quality of the game.  There are many games out there that have nice graphics but poor or limited gameplay.  I value the quality or the heart of the game over graphics any day. However, to see HTC work on the terrain the way they are now, I am excited to see what the final outcome will be when it's all finished.  :aok

I think the biggest turn off to new players though (if they walk in the door), is the flight model. It is challenging, and many who play games to be 'badass' don't like challenging. At least not on the scale that HTC offers, where it takes years to be good.  However, I would rather play a game like this where you actually need to know what you are doing. Rather than playing Call of Duty and "quickscoping" other players knowing where they most common paths are taken, and calling that skillz.


HTC has kept me here for 6 years. I'd say they are doing something right  :aok

 :salute



^This!  :aok :cheers:
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Sunka on February 20, 2014, 01:51:56 PM
It is a shame that many people look at the graphics and don't see the quality of the game 'from the outside store window'.  

Compared to the games of this generation I can easily see how many are turned off by the dated graphics. I can also see how many are turned off by the more challenging gameplay also.  Many games of this generation (if not all of them) are made to make the player feel "badass" where you slaughter supposedly trained enemy soldiers and come out on top. All while being able to tell if they have zits on their faces or not.  :eek:

Personally, I am not concerned of graphics, but the quality of the game.  There are many games out there that have nice graphics but poor or limited gameplay.  I value the quality or the heart of the game over graphics any day. However, to see HTC work on the terrain the way they are now, I am excited to see what the final outcome will be when it's all finished.  :aok

I think the biggest turn off to new players though (if they walk in the door), is the flight model. It is challenging, and many who play games to be 'badass' don't like challenging. At least not on the scale that HTC offers, where it takes years to be good.  However, I would rather play a game like this where you actually need to know what you are doing. Rather than playing Call of Duty and "quickscoping" other players knowing where they most common paths are taken, and calling that skillz.


HTC has kept me here for 6 years. I'd say they are doing something right  :aok

 :salute


All good points, but graphics do matter way more to any "new" gamers then 10 years ago,no need to give up ,up to date graphics for realistic flight models.
When i started playing 8 years ago this game was a little behind on graphics,but in the last 10 years it has fallen fast.
I have high hopes that the new update will catch us up a little ,but we need way better and  more interesting maps (snow) (desert) better eye candy .I think that's all that will bring in "new" numbers.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 01:56:10 PM
When i started playing 8 years ago this game was a little behind on graphics,but in the last 10 years it has fallen fast.

[Russian interrogator voice] Give secret to 2 year time warp. [/Russian interrogator voice]

This game has had graphic improvements in the last ten years. It has also had non-stop support and updates.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: USRanger on February 20, 2014, 02:07:21 PM
Have you ever looked at Greebo & others' beautiful skins?  Have you ever taken the time to look at the little details like the buildings in towns?  The graphics are just fine.  Stop being a bunch of X-boxers before I Bish-slap ya's.  My household has more members than HTC's staff.  They've done a great job.  Show me another company with so few employees that has pulled off what they've done & been successful at it.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Sunka on February 20, 2014, 02:11:35 PM
[Russian interrogator voice] Give secret to 2 year time warp. [/Russian interrogator voice]

This game has had graphic improvements in the last ten years. It has also had non-stop support and updates.
It has had 1 major update on graphics in this time,which never was up to par with other games.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Sunka on February 20, 2014, 02:12:15 PM
Have you ever looked at Greebo & others' beautiful skins?  Have you ever taken the time to look at the little details like the buildings in towns?  The graphics are just fine.  Stop being a bunch of X-boxers before I Bish-slap ya's.  My household has more members than HTC's staff.  They've done a great job.  Show me another company with so few employees that has pulled off what they've done & been successful at it.
Doing a lot with a little still WONT bring in new players.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 02:20:40 PM
It has had 1 major update on graphics in this time,which never was up to par with other games.

*sigh*

Give me a count on the number of online flight sims that have been around a decade and a half with regular updates (including graphics). There are games out there with deep pockets and high dollar advertising (which is really what brings numbers). Minecraft has sold over 35 million copies and it had little to do with amazing graphics. Get back to me when any flight sim outlasts AH.  :D
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Sunka on February 20, 2014, 02:22:11 PM
*sigh*

Give me a count on the number of online flight sims that have been around a decade and a half with regular updates (including graphics). There are games out there with deep pockets and high dollar advertising (which is really what brings numbers). Minecraft has sold over 35 million copies and it had little to do with amazing graphics. Get back to me when any flight sim outlasts AH.  :D
Im not trying to be right...numbers are falling fast, 16 people in the air don't look like a company that's doing everything right. Im just making suggestions to make game play better.
No worries im sure your right all the way, no need to keep this up. :aok
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Gemini on February 20, 2014, 02:23:05 PM
so you say you dont say the graphics look terrible but you do agree with others who say the graphics look terrible.  so which one is it?

semp

I think you should try reading my comments again. Either you are being deliberately obtuse for some strange reason, in which case I have no wish to engage with you, or you are not able to correctly interpret what I have written.

 :salute
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 02:23:21 PM
Im not trying to be right...

 :headscratch:
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Gemini on February 20, 2014, 02:27:50 PM
Have you ever looked at Greebo & others' beautiful skins?  Have you ever taken the time to look at the little details like the buildings in towns?  The graphics are just fine.  Stop being a bunch of X-boxers before I Bish-slap ya's.  My household has more members than HTC's staff.  They've done a great job.  Show me another company with so few employees that has pulled off what they've done & been successful at it.

I don't think anyone is slamming HTC for not doing a good enough job with the game. I think the reason we are all having this conversation is because we are passionate fans of AH, and therefore of what HTC has achieved.

The conversation began around the current lack of players, continued on to speculations about why the game might be slowly dying out, and then some people (not me) mentioned that they feel the dated graphics are a turn-off for potential new players.

If more people tried reading and discussing with their brains, instead of just engaging 'mindless sycophant' mode when logging in to these forums, it might be a much more interesting place for all who take part :aok
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 02:28:41 PM
Speaking of Minecraft and what it takes to get the word out and bring in players:

"Social media sites such as YouTube, Facebook, and Reddit played a significant role in popularizing Minecraft."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Sunka on February 20, 2014, 02:28:48 PM
I don't think anyone is slamming HTC for not doing a good enough job with the game. I think the reason we are all having this conversation is because we are passionate fans of AH, and therefore of what HTC has achieved.

The conversation began around the current lack of players, continued on to speculations about why the game might be slowly dying out, and then some people (not me) mentioned that they feel the dated graphics are a turn-off for potential new players.

If more people tried reading and discussing with their brains, instead of just engaging 'mindless sycophant' mode when logging in to these forums, it might be a much more interesting place for all who take part :aok
:aok
Some think if your not a brown noser your not for HTC .
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 02:30:56 PM
If more people tried reading and discussing with their brains, instead of just engaging 'mindless sycophant' mode when logging in to these forums, it might be a much more interesting place for all who take part :aok

Or ... if more people didn't just see 'a mindless sycophant' when others insert the pros of this game versus perceived cons then it might be a more honest conversation.  :cool: :cheers:
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: BnZs on February 20, 2014, 02:32:00 PM
So...the concensus is that the game needs more advertising and also needs maximum graphics that impress when used in said  advertising? Of course said graphics may take monstroua computers to run when turned up to 11 as Skuzzy has pointed out, but the game will remain graphically scalable, I see no sign of that changing. Said graphics don`t need to actually be playable on the average system to have attraction value.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 02:32:15 PM
:aok
Some think if your not a brown noser your not for HTC .

Oh, you're one of those thenthitive ones.  :D
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Sunka on February 20, 2014, 02:37:50 PM
Oh, you're one of those thenthitive ones.  :D
Good suggestion for helping the game Arlo ty. :lol
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Gemini on February 20, 2014, 02:41:00 PM
Or ... if more people didn't just see 'a mindless sycophant' when others insert the pros of this game versus perceived cons then it might be a more honest conversation.  :cool: :cheers:

You can't even have a useful conversation (if such a thing is even possible on the internet) when it is de-railed by posts like those made by USRanger + guncrasher

They either have not read the thread properly, or do not understand the points being made. But they still chime in with their irrelevant post, insinuating that anyone who dares to criticize is not appreciative of the many things that make AH great.

We do appreciate those things. That's why we don't want the game to die out because of a lack of players.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 02:42:37 PM
Good suggestion for helping the game Arlo ty. :lol

Hey,you and Gemini deviated to character assessment as a means of furthering the discussion, friend. Don't blame me for ya'll deviating to defensive mode.  :D

P.S. (repeat)

Speaking of Minecraft and what it takes to get the word out and bring in players:

"Social media sites such as YouTube, Facebook, and Reddit played a significant role in popularizing Minecraft."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minecraft
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Sunka on February 20, 2014, 02:45:00 PM
All good suggestions to help this game ty arlo.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 02:56:54 PM
All good suggestions to help this game ty arlo.

You're welcome.

It's honest and forthright. It takes into consideration active participation of the community and individual claims of interest in truly supporting the game versus repeated demands that HTC increase cost in graphic development or other expensive ventures that could also result in impacting the cost of the game (which would be self-defeating when it comes to increasing the customer base).

Lets have some volunteers.  :D
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: GScholz on February 20, 2014, 02:58:55 PM
Arlo, I have great hopes for the GFX update HTC is working on. That said, I cannot understand why you can't recognize just how far GFX quality has come since 1999. In 2001, two years after AH was launched, Il-2 showed up; a WWII sim no one had seen coming of from a tiny developer from Russia no one had heard of. AH2 today looks slightly better than the original Il-2 from 2001. I know HTC has been forced to deliberately hold back on the GFX front due to the complete ineptness of their main consumer base to keep their hardware up to date. Personally I think every computer component should be equipped with a small explosive device with a two-year time fuze, but that's prolly just me...

Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Sunka on February 20, 2014, 03:00:23 PM
I think every computer component should be equipped with a small explosive device with a two-year time fuze, but that's prolly just me...


:lol
+1
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 03:00:50 PM
That said, I cannot understand why you can't recognize just how far GFX quality has come since 1999.

Where'd you imagine that?  :D

I know HTC has been forced to deliberately hold back on the GFX front due to the complete ineptness of their main consumer base to keep their hardware up to date.

And that?  :headscratch:
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Chilli on February 20, 2014, 03:08:36 PM
Popped in a few times last night (mine, between 10-30pm and 12-30am) and decided to flag it.... when I saw the map knew the main reason.... but ... it has been dwindling for some time....

Not many down here know about this game as there is no advertising other than what we..the people that play pacific time..... add to the likes of facebook etc..

Yet it seems like when I surf the web, even NZ sites, I quite often see a Warthunder banner.... may be an ad sense thing not too sure about that... none the less...it is getting very sad on my end unfortunately

I might have to look at getting a night job so I can get some decent game time during American times...the things you'll do to play AH :lol :lol

Tongs, don't do it  :O  I work nights here in the US eastern time zone so I am able to fly with the likes of you and  others  :D  

Other than that, I think that you are on to something about the amount of advertising.  I have always been proud to see the TV ads aired while watching History Channel or the likes.  

The next question is what is the right market to reach???

There are portions of the game (evidence by some of the YouTube videos I have seen) that would boast wonderful graphics and gameplay.  There are portions of the game that display a wonderful community of players and team work (my personal reason for the addiction = my name is ChiLLi, I am an AHaddict).  Then there is the elite class of virtual pilots and trainers, that are a wealth of historical, technical and gaming dynamics that can be challenging, even to seasoned real life pilots.

Spending bucks on expensive ads, as opposed to some sort of physical presence at Air Shows, Museum events, etc. must also be a monumental task for such a small workforce (as USRanger has noted).

Free game download and 2 weeks free is already a great deal, but what kept me long after the 2 weeks was definitely the community and broad choice in gameplay (there was always something new to learn or get better at and someone available to give you tips).

So what SHOULD the focus of future ads be????  Better improved graphics????  Grease monkey tinkering with gun convergence and ACM flight tactics?????  In game online interaction with virtual pilots?????  A 60 second ad would surely be inadequate to get the focus of all 3.  

Possibly, comping a decent hotel room and a marketing booth at local air shows for trustworthy professional volunteers from the AH community, would reach those beyond the xbox gamer, but also include those with specific enough interest in the aircraft and vehicle details to ignore a slightly cornered 3D model here and there.


Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Wiley on February 20, 2014, 03:14:11 PM
So...the concensus is that the game needs more advertising and also needs maximum graphics that impress when used in said  advertising? Of course said graphics may take monstroua computers to run when turned up to 11 as Skuzzy has pointed out, but the game will remain graphically scalable, I see no sign of that changing. Said graphics don`t need to actually be playable on the average system to have attraction value.

Obviously the graphics are an issue.  Graphics are great, as long as you don't need more computer than God to run it.

This part about trying to get people away from WT, from ReVo's post, is the heart of the matter though:

Quote
The response from every single one has been "I can fly this game with a mouse and it takes five minutes to be good. I don't care about simulation and I don't want a joystick."

The gameplay of this game is not for everyone.  You can advertise until you're blue in the face but these factors are all working against it:

- It's a niche genre.  Many of us have friends who might share our interest in aviation, but poll the people you know at your workplace/school, people you know casually, and how many of them would even remotely be interested in a WWII flight sim?

-A huge learning cliff.  It requires either freakish natural talent or a fair bit of dedication and time to succeed.  This means means very, very few people out of the already small subset of people who are interested in flight sims will want to put in the time to get to a point where they enjoy the game.  Look at the rest of gaming in general.  I can think of 2 games off the top of my head that actually qualify as somewhat difficult.  EvE and Dark Souls.  I'm sure there are others, but the vast, vast majority of games have groomed people to expect ease of gameplay and no consequences for screwing up.

- This game is by its very nature hostile to casual gamers.  Apparently some people can play it with a mouse, I doubt there are more than a dozen who play regularly and are any good at the game.  It requires gear and even though it's only $20 for a stick, it's $20 for a stick you don't have to pay if you're going to go play BF4 or whatever.  Also for the most part, it's not a game you can pick up for 15-20 minutes at a time and feel like you've done much of anything.  This is also contrary to the vast majority of other games.

All the graphics and advertising in the world aren't going to change the above 3 points.  I really think the people who will stick with a game like this go looking for it versus people who see an ad on History and think, 'Maybe I'll give it a try.'

Wiley.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: GScholz on February 20, 2014, 03:14:34 PM
And that?  :headscratch:

Take a 5 year old computer, with a built-in Intel video chip, and run todays high end graphic games on anything other than the lowest possible setting.  Not going to happen.

The Intel video chip has 68% of the computer market.

If you look into the beta we have out now, it is a graphics improvement which will still run on that 5 year old Intel video chip.

1/3 of the computer market is not enough to sustain Aces High.

So you want to get rid of Windows XP support?  That would pretty much kill Aces High as Windows XP still has the largest market share of Windows operating systems.

Getting rid of Intel support and Windows XP support would leave about 10% of the computer market available.  That would end Aces High.

Our graphics engine is actually very sophisticated.  Look at our current beta plane models and then consider we are doing all that with a game that still fits on a single CD.  Yes, the size of the download does matter, for several reasons.



Btw, this is what Il-2 looked like back in 2001:

(http://image.gamespotcdn.net/gamespot/images/screenshots/gs/news/010119/sturm_790screen034.jpg)

(http://17f0418678386b4e6860-e4f9fcd924b589d19bf6ccc2802ea9aa.r66.cf1.rackcdn.com/881452f09b555cc03dcf89d892d6f2136e567fda.jpg__576x480_q85.jpg)
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Gemini on February 20, 2014, 03:18:10 PM
Interesting quote about Windows XP, I wonder if the thinking will change now that WinXP is about to become unsupported and therefore (i imagine) very prone to security exploits for users.

edit: to expand upon this for those who don't already know Microsoft is ending support for Windows XP on April 8th, 2014. Beyond this date, there will be no further security updates for XP and it is very likely that a batch of exploits will surface the day after support has ended. This means that those of you who still run Windows XP on your machines will be vulnerable.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: BnZs on February 20, 2014, 03:19:35 PM
Purported ineptness on the part of the customer base (aka as the game runs good enough for my taste and I aint made of money) has nothing to do with it, as AHII like every flight sim I`ve ever tried can turn the graphics way down to get frames on dinosaur machines. This does nothing to stop the top end for those with the machine to run it from being improved.  
Arlo, I have great hopes for the GFX update HTC is working on. That said, I cannot understand why you can't recognize just how far GFX quality has come since 1999. In 2001, two years after AH was launched, Il-2 showed up; a WWII sim no one had seen coming of from a tiny developer from Russia no one had heard of. AH2 today looks slightly better than the original Il-2 from 2001. I know HTC has been forced to deliberately hold back on the GFX front due to the complete ineptness of their main consumer base to keep their hardware up to date. Personally I think every computer component should be equipped with a small explosive device with a two-year time fuze, but that's prolly just me...


Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 03:23:42 PM


Btw, this is what Il-2 looked like back in 2001:

(http://image.gamespotcdn.net/gamespot/images/screenshots/gs/news/010119/sturm_790screen034.jpg)

(http://17f0418678386b4e6860-e4f9fcd924b589d19bf6ccc2802ea9aa.r66.cf1.rackcdn.com/881452f09b555cc03dcf89d892d6f2136e567fda.jpg__576x480_q85.jpg)

Well that thread is active in all it's glory so the quote you farmed can be viewed in context (which is good). Skuzzy is talking about overall potential market (in that 2011 thread) and the business practice of making the game available to the broadest number of potential consumers. He is not talking about this community's ineptitude or limitations when it comes to building the ultimate gaming box (though a small game company like HTC wanting to try to develop a game which requires such makes no fiscal sense on either the promotion or development end).

Shall we list why IL2 is not considered a superior game to AHII?
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: GScholz on February 20, 2014, 03:27:03 PM
Shall we list why IL2 is not considered a superior game to AHII?

No need.  :)
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 03:31:44 PM
No need.  :)

There's lots of old threads with quotes.  :D
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: ink on February 20, 2014, 03:31:59 PM
I agree with most "modern games make it too easy"

I think thats a huge factor that people just dont realize....(well obviously some do)

most younger people have no clue what it is to work for something....
they want to be the best right away....
and they want it to "look" as real as possible...

Skyrim.....awesome graphics.....but no damn way should a guy be able to kill a 90' fire breathing flying dragon.....

with a sword....
yet they are easy to kill.....and its absurd....

AH is the exact opposite... its gonna take work to get good....dedication...

no friggen power ups here :aok


 
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: GScholz on February 20, 2014, 03:35:48 PM
Try beating a pimple-faced teen in a multiplayer first-person shooter. Easy is not how I would describe it.  :lol
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 03:36:56 PM
Well there's the ad angle then (whether it be a YouTube vid, web page banner, Tweet ... whateveah):

Fighter pilots in World War II had to have situational awareness, nerves of steel, technical know-how, good marksmanship and natural flying instinct. It's hard to find a simulation that even approximates the challenges they faced. Maybe it got just a little less hard to find.

Aces High II.

Are you up to the challenge?
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Sunka on February 20, 2014, 03:38:41 PM
I agree with most "modern games make it too easy"

I think thats a huge factor that people just dont realize....(well obviously some do)

most younger people have no clue what it is to work for something....
they want to be the best right away....
and they want it to "look" as real as possible...

Skyrim.....awesome graphics.....but no damn way should a guy be able to kill a 90' fire breathing flying dragon.....

with a sword....
yet they are easy to kill.....and its absurd....

AH is the exact opposite... its gonna take work to get good....dedication...

no friggen power ups here :aok


 
And you and i might be okay with this but,numbers are getting smaller all the time.
So we keep it as is, let the old ways dictate our future road or change ways?
Not such an easy question for anyone.
But one thing is for sure ,this is the ONLY flight sim i love and no matter what comments come we should listen to  all, when dictated by those who care.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: BnZs on February 20, 2014, 03:40:31 PM
I agree with most "modern games make it too easy"

I think thats a huge factor that people just dont realize....(well obviously some do)

most younger people have no clue what it is to work for something....
they want to be the best right away....
and they want it to "look" as real as possible...

Skyrim.....awesome graphics.....but no damn way should a guy be able to kill a 90' fire breathing flying dragon.....

with a sword....
yet they are easy to kill.....and its absurd....

AH is the exact opposite... its gonna take work to get good....dedication...

no friggen power ups here :aok


 
One would think their are plenty of people who actually want to *simulate ACM*, the greatest duel/chess game men have ever engaged in. Swordsmanship is also a hobby of mine...well, I can`t afford to play paintball with P-51 everyday, so I have the computer. I guess it means something that no other form of gaming has ever had long term appeal. As for learning curve...it is just not all that steep as people say if you learn to fly airplanes in sims and study some ACM. Years long learning curves only exist if you try toget it by flying and dying in the MA only.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: GScholz on February 20, 2014, 03:42:11 PM
Wouldn't it be great if AH looked like this three year old game?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tugifv2YIw8


Like I said, I have high hopes for the GFX update in the works.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 03:43:05 PM
You have an unusual fixation with IL2 for a dedicated AHII player.  :D
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Wiley on February 20, 2014, 03:47:27 PM
Try beating a pimple-faced teen in a multiplayer first-person shooter. Easy is not how I would describe it.  :lol

Even still though.  You don't really have to know or understand all that much to do FPS's well, once you've gotten good at one the rest are mechanically identical.

Learn the (usually tiny) maps, and have the twitch skills to point the crosshair at the head of the other guy.  Gunnery is rarely modeled beyond dispersion.  SA is required to a certain degree, but not to the extent it is here.  Rarely in an FPS is there the constant possibility for someone to come in from a position of advantage behind you.

This also has a whole bunch of other factors to take into account.

One would think their are plenty of people who actually want to *simulate ACM*

I am one, and I don't think that at all.  You're here already, so you have the right kinds of interests for this to appeal to you, but consider people you know casually, outside the people you really get along with.  How many of them would want to learn ACM?  We're a rarity.

So we keep it as is, let the old ways dictate our future road or change ways?
Not such an easy question for anyone.

For me, the answer is simple.  This is the kind of gameplay I enjoy when it's good.  If they were to change it to be more like war thunder or any of the other games out there, I would have a pretty good chance of becoming vastly uninterested.

Wiley.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Sunka on February 20, 2014, 03:51:27 PM


For me, the answer is simple.  This is the kind of gameplay I enjoy when it's good.  If they were to change it to be more like war thunder or any of the other games out there, I would have a pretty good chance of becoming vastly uninterested.


For YOU yes ..and maybe for me to ,but numbers are dropping,not because its a great sim.
Then why,with more gamers then ever?
The only only only thing this game lacks is great graphics,assuming we are not talking about the crying 200 community.
We need answers i would think,or just hide our heads in the sand.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: BnZs on February 20, 2014, 03:54:13 PM
But the number of people who actually wanted to simulate ACM was much higher *only* 5-10 years ago but has dropped? Why? Could a sudden spate of flying movies or the 100th anniversary of WWI change that?
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: GScholz on February 20, 2014, 03:55:35 PM
You have an unusual fixation with IL2 for a dedicated AHII player.  :D

Actually I'm playing Il-2 Clod now with the Fusion mod. I just can't justify the expenses of playing AH with the dated graphics. However, like I said, I have high hopes for the GFX update in the works. I also have a huge backlog of purchased games on Steam that I'm trying to get through as well.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Gemini on February 20, 2014, 04:05:40 PM
double post
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 04:06:12 PM
Actually I'm playing Il-2 Clod now with the Fusion mod. I just can't justify the expenses of playing AH with the dated graphics. However, like I said, I have high hopes for the GFX update in the works. I also have a huge backlog of purchased games on Steam that I'm trying to get through as well.

Can't justify the expenses but have a backlog of purchased games? You're that 'pretty picture' type someone was talking about, aren'tcha?  ;)
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 04:07:28 PM
Wow it looks like we might be getting close to being back on topic!  :banana:

We never left the topic, you only thought we did.  :lol
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Gemini on February 20, 2014, 04:08:48 PM
But the number of people who actually wanted to simulate ACM was much higher *only* 5-10 years ago but has dropped? Why? Could a sudden spate of flying movies or the 100th anniversary of WWI change that?

Wow it looks like we might be getting close to being back on topic!  :banana:

My feeling is that there are still the same amount of people who want to simulate ACM, dogfighting, historic planes, etc...but I think a lot of people have unsubscribed from AH because of a lack players/combat (whether that is because of empty arenas, too large maps, too many people running away and not enough fighting, or whatever...).

Whether they have gone to other flight sims, or just hung up their joysticks, I can't say...

Just my opinion.

Can't justify the expenses but have a backlog of purchased games? You're that 'pretty picture' type someone was talking about, aren'tcha?  ;)

Actually, it might be that you are so busy playing only one video game (AH) that you have not encountered the beauty and wonder of Steam and Steam sales :D  If you had, you'd understand GScholz's dilemma heheh
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Wiley on February 20, 2014, 04:14:49 PM
But the number of people who actually wanted to simulate ACM was much higher *only* 5-10 years ago but has dropped? Why? Could a sudden spate of flying movies or the 100th anniversary of WWI change that?

I chalk it up to the particular subset of people who are interested in it, and have the time to throw at it to enjoy it.  Small subset of a small subset.

For YOU yes ..and maybe for me to ,but numbers are dropping,not because its a great sim.
Then why,with more gamers then ever?

Look at the most popular games though.  MMORPG's.  No consequences (yes, EvE... moving on...), no thought required, hit the buzzer get a cookie.  FPS's just require twitch reflexes and a modicum of learning if you want to be competent.  Nowhere near the learning curve here.

This type of game is simply not popular, regardless of how many ads they buy.  Graphics might help some, but it's not like there is a gigantic pool of people sitting out there looking for this kind of gameplay that are either unaware it exists or just can't get past the graphics.


My feeling is that there are still the same amount of people who want to simulate ACM, dogfighting, historic planes, etc...but I think a lot of people have unsubscribed from AH because of a lack players/combat (whether that is because of empty arenas, too large maps, too many people running away and not enough fighting, or whatever...).


I think the majority of the people who are still looking for gaming as a hobby who left for those reasons are in WT.  Round based, instant action.  FM fidelity is ass, but you can find an arcadey fight quickly.

Wiley.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Ack-Ack on February 20, 2014, 04:16:54 PM
For some that don't like the current graphics, you can use SweetFX to drastically improve the look of AH.

ack-ack
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Sunka on February 20, 2014, 04:19:12 PM
For some that don't like the current graphics, you can use SweetFX to drastically improve the look of AH.

ack-ack
So do you feel like this will help Aces High's numbers?
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: GScholz on February 20, 2014, 04:22:36 PM
Can't justify the expenses but have a backlog of purchased games? You're that 'pretty picture' type someone was talking about, aren'tcha?  ;)

AH, or any subscription based game for that matter, is a recurring cost. A game needs to be pretty darn good to justify $14.95 a month. That's close to $180 a year. I can get a lot of AAA titles for that kind of money on Steam sales.

And it's not just the money, but also the time spent.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Ack-Ack on February 20, 2014, 04:25:05 PM
So do you feel like this will help Aces High's numbers?

It might keep those wanting to leave over the graphics a reason to stay.

ack-ack
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Sunka on February 20, 2014, 04:26:49 PM
Maybe HTC should some how promote it with game then.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Oldman731 on February 20, 2014, 04:28:48 PM
AH, or any subscription based game for that matter, is a recurring cost. A game needs to be pretty darn good to justify $14.95 a month. That's close to $180 a year. I can get a lot of AAA titles for that kind of money on Steam sales.


And I think that illustrates one of the changes in AH population.  For many of the oldtimers, AW and AH (and Warbirds and FA) aren't like other games, they aren't even close to other games.  I can't imagine myself, for example, being remotely interested in playing a first-person shooter or a Star Trek "simulation" or a men-in-tights game.  

As others have said, it's a niche market, and it's getting older very quickly.

- oldman
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: BnZs on February 20, 2014, 04:32:52 PM
I could see HTC eventually adding some adjustments to the game like what SweetFX already does. I think a lot of people would like simply turning up the vibrancy of the colors, for instance.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Sunka on February 20, 2014, 04:34:38 PM
a men-in-tights game.  



- oldman
(http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy294/mcspin50/robin-hood-men-in-tights-1-1.jpg) (http://media.photobucket.com/user/mcspin50/media/robin-hood-men-in-tights-1-1.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 04:36:17 PM
Actually, it might be that you are so busy playing only one video game (AH) that you have not encountered the beauty and wonder of Steam and Steam sales :D  If you had, you'd understand GScholz's dilemma heheh

Or it may be I have and am still not as impressed with or have as much fun with them as AHII (if one was to tone down their presumption gland). I found it ironic that G has the disposable cash to enjoy everything but AHII (because of graphics?). Ahem.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: ink on February 20, 2014, 04:39:29 PM
Ive tried to get people to play AH...I did get one who flew for awhile....but his life is too busy to play anymore....

a few who seemed interested I told them sit down....I made them roll....without Auto pilot...and ask them to shoot down a drone.....

how many actually got in the air?

1

my kids friends all think the graphics suck and have zero interest in it.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 04:39:41 PM
AH, or any subscription based game for that matter, is a recurring cost. A game needs to be pretty darn good to justify $14.95 a month. That's close to $180 a year. I can get a lot of AAA titles for that kind of money on Steam sales.

And it's not just the money, but also the time spent.

And AHII ain't good enough for you .... because of graphics and it costs too much. Yes, we live on different planets.  :D
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Sunka on February 20, 2014, 04:41:46 PM


my kids friends all think the graphics suck and have zero interest in it.

We can go over and over what WE THINK is right ,but in the end,this is the fact i see over and over.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: GScholz on February 20, 2014, 04:42:37 PM
I still have to justify my expenses, if only to myself, even if I have disposable funds. Just because I can afford it doesn't mean I will buy it if I don't think it is worth my money or time.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 04:46:55 PM
We can go over and over what WE THINK is right ,but in the end,this is the fact i see over and over.

Don't bother marketing to teens and under (though if HTC was to bother to get the game rated 'mature' they would probably flock hither just out of rebellion). There are more than enough thirty-plus game players to fill the arenas. Appeal to their 'Do you have the attention span/skill/desire/love of WWII planes to play this?' potential ego. Add some sex appeal by having sexy buxom gals interject that they love men who can handle a joystick well.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 04:48:02 PM
I don't think it is worth my money or time.

We thoroughly understand your opinion of Aces High now.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Sunka on February 20, 2014, 04:48:34 PM
Don't bother marketing to teens
Brilliant!!  :lol
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Gemini on February 20, 2014, 04:48:38 PM
G has the disposable cash to enjoy everything but AHII (because of graphics?). Ahem.

This ^ is what makes me presume you don't know what you're talking about with regards to the cost of AH vs titles on Steam sales and the like.

I know it's asking too much to expect you not to comment on things you are uninformed about, judging by your verbal (textual?) diarrhea posting habits, but I can't help myself from correcting you...too much of the pedant in me :)
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 04:52:50 PM
This ^ is what makes me presume you don't know what you're talking about with regards to the cost of AH vs titles on Steam sales and the like.

I know it's asking too much to expect you not to comment on things you are uninformed about, judging by your verbal (textual?) diarrhea posting habits, but I can't help myself from correcting you...too much of the pedant in me :)

Gemini, you're not correcting me, you're reinventing me. If you have a personal issue you want to work out, regarding your perception and feelings about me, pm them in detail and I will .... correct .... you.  :aok
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: GScholz on February 20, 2014, 05:07:55 PM
We thoroughly understand your opinion of Aces High now.

Indeed. However like I said, I have high hopes for the GFX update in the works.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 05:16:13 PM
Indeed. However like I said, I have high hopes for the GFX update in the works.

Well, some of the rest of us may take to discussing other options than that, given we still like this game and wish to promote it.  :D
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: GScholz on February 20, 2014, 05:19:04 PM
Other options than what HTC is working on right now? Like what?
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 05:19:53 PM
Other options than what HTC is working on right now? Like what?

We have been discussing marketing, in case you missed.  ;)
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Sunka on February 20, 2014, 05:24:02 PM
We have been discussing marketing, in case you missed.  ;)
I think marketing is going to work a lot better with new graphics implemented.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 05:28:45 PM
I think marketing is going to work a lot better with new graphics implemented.

Hope the graphics are to your liking .... but (as we've seen) graphic updates are only appreciated so long. A more sustainable marketing plan would be the amount of fun the community is having when playing the game, elements that highlight the immersion factor that don't involve a constantly 'dating' factor. As I brought up, Minecraft is enormously popular and has successfully dodged the graphic trap.

Awareness. Promotion. And,of course, attraction and retention.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Sunka on February 20, 2014, 05:33:53 PM
Hope the graphics are to your liking .... but (as we've seen) graphic updates are only appreciated so long. A more sustainable marketing plan would be the amount of fun the community is having when playing the game, elements that highlight the immersion factor that don't involve a constantly 'dating' factor. As I brought up, Minecraft is enormously popular and has successfully dodged the graphic trap.

Awareness. Promotion. And,of course, attraction and retention.
Im all good with graphics myself but others (younger) then i are not.All that ever drove me away (for breaks) was the less then friendly atmosphere of the players.
I don't think we need the (best) graphics out there,but i DO think we need a major update to the times.
I am not going to any other ACM game,but i have just quit for months at a time with not paying. :salute
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: GScholz on February 20, 2014, 05:38:33 PM
I think marketing is going to work a lot better with new graphics implemented.

+1

Right now it might do more harm than good since marketing is heavily dependent on first impression. The deeper qualities of the AH experience and community is not something easily conveyed in an ad.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 05:38:47 PM
I don't think we need the (best) graphics out there,but i DO think we need a major update to the times.

Well that wish is in the works, apparently. Now, back to arena numbers. Even a graphics update won't take the place of active marketing (even community based).
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Sunka on February 20, 2014, 05:41:52 PM
Well that wish is in the works, apparently. Now, back to arena numbers. Even a graphics update won't take the place of active marketing (even community based).
Nope,but its sure a good first step.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 05:44:48 PM
+1

Right now it might do more harm than good since marketing is heavily dependent on first impression. The deeper qualities of the AH experience and community is not something easily conveyed in an ad.

It isn't? Or nobody's tried? Think of some of the funniest ads you've seen. Those tend to stick with someone. They are often outlandish and exaggerated. First person accounts. Stories of fun times in the game. Relationships that have lasted for years. Events that offer an immersive experience. Fables of lore.

'This game is older than you kid. It's the experience that counts.'
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 05:45:22 PM
Nope,but its sure a good first step.

Again, done. Yay. Next.  :aok
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Sunka on February 20, 2014, 05:46:46 PM
Again, done. Yay. Next.  :aok
Ok next? we covered graphics and marketing.You got something else?
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 05:49:12 PM
Ok next? we covered graphics and marketing.You got something else?

Marketing discussion is over? The graphics  are a done deal. On the way. We've cracked the marketing and it's done? Huh. Where's this thread's think-tank, where's this threads idea-bouncing?
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Sunka on February 20, 2014, 05:51:31 PM
Marketing discussion is over? The graphics  are a done deal. On the way. We've cracked the marketing and it's done? Huh. Where's this thread's think-tank, where's this threads idea-bouncing?
Well lets hope this comment by you switches rails and we get something going.
I got nothing ,im just a gamer with my own opinions ,and know nothing of different marking (that might have successes).
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: pervert on February 20, 2014, 05:57:17 PM
Marketing discussion is over? The graphics  are a done deal. On the way. We've cracked the marketing and it's done? Huh. Where's this thread's think-tank, where's this threads idea-bouncing?

Dirty looking woman with huge breasts and tight shirts that say Aces High on them.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 06:05:58 PM
A 'Match.com' spoof.

Crasher: I first met 'BadAz5' when flying Aces High back in 2003. We've been together ever since.

BadAz5: Crasher just had one of those personalities that attracts other players. You know, that 'I'm drunk when I fly but I'm not a crass or crude drunk' type.

Crasher: I couldn't fly worth a *bleep*

BadAz5: Well, neither could I but we both ended up being pretty good bait.

Crasher: We got better.

BadAz5: Not much.

Crasher: But we still have fun.

BazAz5: Yeah.

Crasher: Good times.

BadAz5: Yeah.

Crasher: Yeah.

Aces High II. 14.99 a month. Good times. You'll get better.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 06:06:52 PM
Dirty looking woman with huge breasts and tight shirts that say Aces High on them.

 :aok
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 06:39:43 PM
A fella dressed in a flashy, over-the-top uniform with medals all over (not remotely historically correct) sits at a desk with a sign on the wall above and behind him that reads 'Free Flying Game.' A young man walks up.

Young man: Free huh?

Mr. Uniform: Yes sir! (salutes)

(Young man starts to salute back and stops half-way through the effort, self-consciously)

Young man: Cool! Sign me up!

(scribble-scribble)

Young man: So everything's free, huh?

Mr. Uniform: Yes, Sir! (salutes) Except for the better planes.

Young man: The better planes?

Mr. Uniform: They go ZOOM!

Young man: Zoom?

Mr. Uniform: ZOOM! Fly faster. (makes 'zooming plane' gesture and swooshing noise).

Young man: How much are those?

Mr. Uniform: $5.00.

Young man: Only $5.00?

Mr. Uniform: Each.

Young man: Oh.

Mr. Uniform: More if you want bullets.

Young man: What?

Mr. Uniform: And fuel.

Aces High II. 14.99 a month. No hidden fees. Zoom-Zoom
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Vraciu on February 20, 2014, 06:55:36 PM
*sigh*

Give me a count on the number of online flight sims that have been around a decade and a half with regular updates (including graphics). There are games out there with deep pockets and high dollar advertising (which is really what brings numbers). Minecraft has sold over 35 million copies and it had little to do with amazing graphics. Get back to me when any flight sim outlasts AH.  :D

I am betting Fighter Ace did.  Well, perhaps not... Probably didn't update graphics as much because it was already  better.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 07:06:27 PM
Setting: Troops in uniform, at attention. One is front and center, receiving a medal.

General: For bravery in the face of the enemy, shooting down a dozen enemy planes, returning in a plane damaged beyond repair while escorting bombers to and from the target and overall panache I award you the medal of valor with three gold stars. (salute)

Recipient returns salute and scene cuts to a devastatingly beautiful redhead in 40s era (but tight) clothing hugging him and planting a kiss while reporters gather (flash bulbs popping).

Reporter: Lieutenant Shooter, to what do you attribute your outstanding accomplishment and superior skill?

Lt. Shooter: Training, boys!

Reporter: Flight training?

Lt. Shooter: Aces High!

Cut to redhead saying 'I love a man who can handle his joystick.'

Aces High II. 14.99 a month. Redheads extra.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 07:07:29 PM
I am betting Fighter Ace did.  Well, perhaps not... Probably didn't update graphics as much because it was already  better.

Fighter Ace outlasted AHII? Well go back.  :D
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Gemini on February 20, 2014, 07:37:48 PM
Wow

Yeah ummm...maybe AH is better off without advertising  :noid
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 07:48:46 PM
Wow

Yeah ummm...maybe AH is better off without advertising  :noid

This is how it works. You got better, you offer it. I'm really good with that. I don't have any hurt feelings or personal issues with you getting in the way of trying to be productive in the thread.  :D
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Gemini on February 20, 2014, 07:58:22 PM
I am hesitant to make any suggestions, I'm not an experienced marketing professional...it's lucky we have you around to entertain us with such gems  :old: :senile:  :banana:
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 08:48:32 PM
I am hesitant to make any suggestions, I'm not an experienced marketing professional...it's lucky we have you around to entertain us with such gems  :old: :senile:  :banana:

Don't worry bout it. You won't look bad for trying.  :aok
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Kazaa on February 20, 2014, 08:54:10 PM
If I was in charge of HTC's marketing and distribution I would:

Get the game on Steam.

Steam has on average 5 million people logged into and playing via their distribution service.
 
I would use Steam's Greenlight service which gives their user base the ability to vote for games that they want on the service.

I'd make Aces High free 2 play with limited access to the arenas. Make scenarios and LWM only available only to subscribes to: 1. Prevent new players from spoiling scenarios, 2. Entice the free players to pay up.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Nathan60 on February 20, 2014, 09:06:16 PM
If I was in charge of HTC's marketing and distribution I would:

Get the game on Steam.

Steam has on average 5 million people logged into and playing via their distribution service.
 
I would use Steam's Greenlight service which gives their user base the ability to vote for games that they want on the service.

I'd make Aces High free 2 play with limited access to the arenas. Make scenarios and LWM only available only to subscribes to: 1. Prevent new players from spoiling scenarios, 2. Entice the free players to pay up.
also what I notice about steam is a lot of the most played games their aren't the greatest in terms of graphics, mount and blade still has a pretty large following if you check the stats on steam.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 20, 2014, 09:13:14 PM
If I was in charge of HTC's marketing and distribution I would:

Get the game on Steam.

Steam has on average 5 million people logged into and playing via their distribution service.

Sure.

I would use Steam's Greenlight service which gives their user base the ability to vote for games that they want on the service.

Meh.

I'd make Aces High free 2 play with limited access to the arenas. Make scenarios and LWM only available only to subscribes to: 1. Prevent new players from spoiling scenarios, 2. Entice the free players to pay up.

If the goal is to populate the EW, MW, AvA, dueling and training arenas with kids then this is the way.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Ack-Ack on February 20, 2014, 11:24:41 PM
If I was in charge of HTC's marketing and distribution I would:

Get the game on Steam.

Steam has on average 5 million people logged into and playing via their distribution service.
 
I would use Steam's Greenlight service which gives their user base the ability to vote for games that they want on the service.

I'd make Aces High free 2 play with limited access to the arenas. Make scenarios and LWM only available only to subscribes to: 1. Prevent new players from spoiling scenarios, 2. Entice the free players to pay up.

If I was HiTech, I don't know if I would put the game on Steam.  Is the loss of 30% of the revenue from each subscription of what would be the Steam version of AH be worth it compared to the 100% of revenue HiTech would see from regular subscriptions of the non-Steam version?  A large MMO company could swallow that loss of revenue from each subscription, can HTC?

Forgot to mention, the 30% cut also levied on all micro-transactions as well.

ack-ack
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Vraciu on February 20, 2014, 11:44:07 PM
Fighter Ace outlasted AHII? Well go back.  :D

The question posed was to name a game that lasted ten years and updated graphics more often.

I dunno how long FA lasted but the graphics were far better.  Prob didn't need an update.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Tinkles on February 20, 2014, 11:55:23 PM
A 'Match.com' spoof.

Crasher: I first met 'BadAz5' when flying Aces High back in 2003. We've been together ever since.

BadAz5: Crasher just had one of those personalities that attracts other players. You know, that 'I'm drunk when I fly but I'm not a crass or crude drunk' type.

Crasher: I couldn't fly worth a *bleep*

BadAz5: Well, neither could I but we both ended up being pretty good bait.

Crasher: We got better.

BadAz5: Not much.

Crasher: But we still have fun.

BazAz5: Yeah.

Crasher: Good times.

BadAz5: Yeah.

Crasher: Yeah.

Aces High II. 14.99 a month. Good times. You'll get better.

Omg all 3 of them are great   :rofl
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 21, 2014, 01:00:30 AM
The question posed was to name a game that lasted ten years and updated graphics more often.

I dunno how long FA lasted but the graphics were far better.  Prob didn't need an update.


Mnooooo ..... a decade and a half is 15 years. I'm sorry you liked FA better but I don't mourn your loss. Having said that, how would YOU bring in more players (please bear in mind that a graphic update is already in the works). ;)
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 21, 2014, 01:01:36 AM
Omg all 3 of them are great   :rofl

Opinions vary ... but thanks.  :D
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: SirNuke on February 21, 2014, 06:13:42 AM
The game should be on steam with a full month trial. Steam does its own marketing.

I stopped playing because of the lack of players. Snowball effect.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Kazaa on February 21, 2014, 06:18:47 AM
If I was HiTech, I don't know if I would put the game on Steam.  Is the loss of 30% of the revenue from each subscription of what would be the Steam version of AH be worth it compared to the 100% of revenue HiTech would see from regular subscriptions of the non-Steam version?  A large MMO company could swallow that loss of revenue from each subscription, can HTC?

Forgot to mention, the 30% cut also levied on all micro-transactions as well.

ack-ack

If the prophesied demise of Aces High is true... I would rather have 70% of something than 100% of nothing. That being said, I can only guestimate HTC's revenue and for all I know they're quite happy making a comfortable living and seek nothing more, and this is what I believe to be the case.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Kazaa on February 21, 2014, 06:22:33 AM
Sure.

Meh.

If the goal is to populate the EW, MW, AvA, dueling and training arenas with kids then this is the way.

Greenlight is a fast track way of getting indi games on Steam. Nothing "meh" about it.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Kazaa on February 21, 2014, 06:24:36 AM
The game should be on steam with a full month trial. Steam does its own marketing.

I stopped playing because of the lack of players. Snowball effect.

I stopped playing for the same reason.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: save on February 21, 2014, 06:51:09 AM
About 150 players when I logged in as rook yesterday evening (CET) on a map with more than 200 airfields.

One CV fight in the north (less than half radar bars) and some action in tank town (low intensity fight), isolated one-man raids around the map.

Spoke on teamspeak with a squaddie, 2 more squaddies logged in to TS, they asked if it was the same !#¤%& map as the day before, they never logged in to game when I was there.

Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Sunka on February 21, 2014, 07:00:52 AM
for all I know they're quite happy making a comfortable living and seek nothing more, and this is what I believe to be the case.
If that's the case ,they are almost half as comfy as they where 8 years ago.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: SirNuke on February 21, 2014, 07:08:27 AM
I'd happily fly into an arena fully loaded with gun blazing teenagers. I'm not here to dicuss tupperware, but fight.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: VuduVee on February 21, 2014, 11:46:44 AM
i was thinking(haha, really i was) that maybe HTC had this conversation: "we need more people, but the graphics are outdated and if we spent the cash for adverts and they come and see the outdated graphics, theyll leave and our advertising money will be wasted. so, lets update these graphics and then we can advertise and that will give us our best chance to broaden and keep a bigger player base"
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: MrRiplEy[H] on February 21, 2014, 12:06:37 PM
They probably need new player base. Many AHers are old farts like me that have way too many private life things to do.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 21, 2014, 01:26:56 PM
If the prophesied demise of Aces High is true...

It's not. Exaggeration.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Chilli on February 21, 2014, 04:39:10 PM
About 150 players when I logged in as rook yesterday evening (CET) on a map with more than 200 airfields.

One CV fight in the north (less than half radar bars) and some action in tank town (low intensity fight), isolated one-man raids around the map.

Spoke on teamspeak with a squaddie, 2 more squaddies logged in to TS, they asked if it was the same !#¤%& map as the day before, they never logged in to game when I was there.



I suspect that any reflection in low numbers should be quantified by a number of different variables. 

I won't dare to scratch upon the many discussions in the past about map rotation but before I dealt out a ton of advertising mullah, I would at least give this some consideration. 

Unless, things have changed, I thought the AvA had already included the AI planes 24 hours a day (another area to beef up, I would be satisfied mixing it up online with players and AI, if the AI didn't dive to the deck so quickly).

IMHO, a slightly different approach to gameplay/gamer recognition might interest a number of veteran players to jump back in to have a look see.  The idea of Combat Tour to have promotion in rank rather than the abundant perks, currently used to further distance elite pilots from their foes, had a number of dedicated players drooling.  Also, even I have to admit the Bf109K4 was a bit overused (I wouldn't mind only 60 players on if it meant less K4 pilots to deal with).

Anyhow, we might be splitting (ho pun intended) hairs about any real decline in players.  The OP spoke of MA numbers during off hours being around 60.  During the times of split arenas they were often in the 30's. :old:
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Overlag on February 21, 2014, 05:07:24 PM
I've not played for about two years now i reckon. For me it was mechanics of the game becoming less and less "fun".  Sure i was a land grabber and the game was heading away from that, but the problem with making it harder to land grab was, instead of thinking smart about attacks, it just ended in MASS hordes which isnt fun.

 Back in 2003-2008 a group of 5-10 of you could easily take a base or create a nice little battle before it fizzled out, but in 2012 it was 30 fighters 10 carpet bombers and 5 goons, and as soon as a few people upped everyone gave up.

If i wanted a quake style flight sim i would play IL2 or whatever it is these days, but i wanted a "war" simulator, something AH become less and less of.

Meh im not important anymore as i dont play it...
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 21, 2014, 05:08:36 PM
I just can't justify the expenses of playing AH with the dated graphics.

All that ever drove me away (for breaks) was the less then friendly atmosphere of the players.

I stopped playing because of the lack of players. Snowball effect.

I stopped playing for the same reason.

Spoke on teamspeak with a squaddie, 2 more squaddies logged in to TS, they asked if it was the same !#¤%& map as the day before, they never logged in to game when I was there.

I've not played for about two years now i reckon. For me it was mechanics of the game becoming less and less "fun". 

I think I see the problem causing low numbers. It's not the game. Not really.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Overlag on February 21, 2014, 05:11:06 PM
I think I see the problem causing low numbers. It's not the game. Not really.

yes and no, if your old school hardcore players have left, and you havent replaced them with new people the game is over. And you have to ask yourself why did the regulars all leave?


PS i have no idea why i signed on to the forum tonight lol.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: The Fugitive on February 21, 2014, 05:14:11 PM
It's not. Exaggeration.

Rather arrogant statement when I can GUARANTY Aces High WILL close it's doors. When, I haven't a clue, and hope its 50 years from now but it will close.

As the numbers continue to drop it WILL have that same effect as when the numbers dropped in MW. less people show up so less people join in. As less people play in LW the numbers drop because people see less and less players playing.

Personally I think we need to see a few things happen here.
 
1. We need to see something done NOW. What that is I can't say, but some action needs to be taken to show the player base that HTC is aware and they are working on it. Maybe the switch to only small maps in the rotation, maybe a mechanism to hinder "hording" and promote more "battles. This would go a long way to help KEEP the players we have. Changing the game up a bit just to make the players learn another way around how to do it right  :noid It may help keeping some even if it's only to see what "tweak" HTC is going to try next month.

2. Graphics update. As someone stated before in another thread, advertising these graphics won't pull players in as well as better graphics would. Finish the upgrade.

3. Advertising. TV ads are great but also cost a small fortune. They need to get around that by looking for cheap ways. Social media is a good start. We as players can spread the word by linking to the Aces High pages. Spring is coming (thank the lord!!!). With spring comes air shows. We have players from all over the world who attend these shows. Whats it cost to rent a table at one and setup a computer? Have a local Aces High player (give him a month free subscription for going) hawk the game at the shows.  

The sky may not be falling today, but it can't be that far off if the number drops we have seen are any indication.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 21, 2014, 05:18:28 PM
yes and no, if your old school hardcore players have left, and you havent replaced them with new people the game is over. And you have to ask yourself why did the regulars all leave?


PS i have no idea why i signed on to the forum tonight lol.

The 'mechanics' of the game are really the same (other than improvements made along the way). HTC keeps a finger on the pulse of it's player base for that very reason. This isn't a division of Microsoft. If players are quitting for reasons other than financial burden or death, they're probably not that hardcore. If they're quitting because of numbers they're admitting they are part of that problem.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 21, 2014, 05:26:33 PM
Rather arrogant statement when I can GUARANTEE Aces High WILL close it's doors. When, I haven't a clue, and hope its 50 years from now but it will close.

You're looking too hard for arrogance in that statement, then. I've already mentioned that the graphics tweak some 'require' to play this game is in the works. I've suggested potential methods of commercial marketing (doesn't have to be TV ads - Minecraft has proven that). But the game is still currently sustainable and players taking the time to post in a forum thread about dwindling numbers and that they liked the game but won't play because of said dwindling numbers (or 'game mechanics' or the graphics suddenly weren't good enough compared to other games,when it was just fine before) is .... ironic.

If this community want's Aces High around .... all THEY have to do .... is play.

Yes,we know Dale isn't immortal. We also know that this is more than a paycheck to him. He's part of this community too. He's hardcore.  :D

Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Overlag on February 21, 2014, 05:34:04 PM
The 'mechanics' of the game are really the same (other than improvements made along the way). HTC keeps a finger on the pulse of it's player base for that very reason. This isn't a division of Microsoft. If players are quitting for reasons other than financial burden or death, they're probably not that hardcore. If they're quitting because of numbers they're admitting they are part of that problem.

the mechanics have changed massively over the years. These days (well 2012 for me) the games are pretty static, simply because unless you got a mass horde going on you couldnt take land/bases meaning you was stuck on the same map for the whole week.  Its almost like when i first started it was WWII and now its like WWI, all dug in and no progress possible.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 21, 2014, 05:38:11 PM
the mechanics have changed massively over the years. These days (well 2012 for me) the games are pretty static, simply because unless you got a mass horde going on you couldnt take land/bases meaning you was stuck on the same map for the whole week.  Its almost like when i first started it was WWII and now its like WWI, all dug in and no progress possible.

Takes numbers? Go figure. Guess we could all dogfight instead of land grab. I've always said I don't play this game enough (and I obviously need dogfighting practice).  :D
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: The Fugitive on February 21, 2014, 05:39:15 PM
The 'mechanics' of the game are really the same (other than improvements made along the way). HTC keeps a finger on the pulse of it's player base for that very reason. This isn't a division of Microsoft. If players are quitting for reasons other than financial burden or death, they're probably not that hardcore. If they're quitting because of numbers they're admitting they are part of that problem.

Correct, the game mechanics are the same, if not better with the addition of the ground element it's how the player base uses those things.

I've not played for about two years now i reckon. For me it was mechanics of the game becoming less and less "fun".  Sure i was a land grabber and the game was heading away from that, but the problem with making it harder to land grab was, instead of thinking smart about attacks, it just ended in MASS hordes which isnt fun.

Back in 2003-2008 a group of 5-10 of you could easily take a base or create a nice little battle before it fizzled out, but in 2012 it was 30 fighters 10 carpet bombers and 5 goons, and as soon as a few people upped everyone gave up.

If i wanted a quake style flight sim i would play IL2 or whatever it is these days, but i wanted a "war" simulator, something AH become less and less of.

Meh im not important anymore as i dont play it...


What changed? The player base. We all admit the game is the same, if not better with all the additions. The land grab became the ONLY thing for the majority of the players and so they have gone about and grabbed as many bases as quickly and easily as they could. They have searched out the best way to grab bases, and none of them involve fighting for them.

Up a large group, roll the base. If you capture it GREAT! if not, move off some place else and try again. While the minority chases them around try to get them to engage.

This gets the minority frustrated and they quit, and the majority get bored doing the same over and over so we lose more players faster than we bring in players. Add to that the "learning curve" and were do you see the game going?

You're looking too hard for arrogance in that statement, then. I've already mentioned that the graphics tweak some 'require' to play this game is in the works. I've suggested potential methods of commercial marketing (doesn't have to be TV ads - Minecraft has proven that). But the game is still currently sustainable and players taking the time to post in a forum about dwindling numbers that they liked the game won't play because of dwindling numbers (or 'game mechanics' or the graphics suddenly weren't good enough compared to other games,when it was just fine before) is .... ironic.

If this community want's Aces High around .... all THEY have to do .... is play.

Yes,we know Dale isn't immortal. We also know that this is more than a paycheck to him. He's part of this community too. He's hardcore.  :D



You quoted this part of Kazaa post...

"If the prophesied demise of Aces High is true... " and you said it was "Exaggeration" the comment has nothing to do with "helping" that is what I was posting to. Aces High will die...... some day. It's NOT an exaggeration.

Yes it would help if players "played" but if the game play has changed to the point that these people no longer like the game play why should they play? OverLag posted he liked playing war, but now that we have nothing but hordes it isn't fun any more. It's tough to play war when your being rolled by 30+ guys who don't fight.

So they stop playing..... and the numbers drop. Euro players look to log in and see 80 players. In an even split world that is less than 15 players fighting each other per front. Odds are more likely that 25+ guy hordes are avoiding each other trying to grab bases faster than the other hordes.... so they don't log in..... and the numbers drop.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Overlag on February 21, 2014, 05:39:23 PM
Takes numbers? Go figure.

and thats the problem, needing MASSIVE hordes which arent "fun" to fight against or fight IN.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: craz07 on February 21, 2014, 05:44:12 PM
Anyone here play Il2 1946? I played it for a while and I have to say it was a great game.   Two reasons I abandoned it, framerate issues due to considerably better graphics, and the "online arenas" that you used to play in (using hyperlobby and teamspeak).. wasn't as simple and fullfilling as the Aces High arenas..
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: The Fugitive on February 21, 2014, 05:45:00 PM
the mechanics have changed massively over the years. These days (well 2012 for me) the games are pretty static, simply because unless you got a mass horde going on you couldnt take land/bases meaning you was stuck on the same map for the whole week.  Its almost like when i first started it was WWII and now its like WWI, all dug in and no progress possible.

Small crews can still take bases, it takes skill, something that is lacking in most of todays players. 2 guys in B24s, 5 guys in fighters and a couple goons with cover and a plan and you can grab a base. Todays missions are all about brute strength, no planning, no teamwork other than getting there at the same time. Why learn to dive bomb and hit in the 80% area when the three guys behind you are going for the same target. Even if you miss, one of two of those following you will get lucky and hit something before they lawndart into the ground.  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: ink on February 21, 2014, 05:48:27 PM
the mechanics have changed massively over the years. These days (well 2012 for me) the games are pretty static, simply because unless you got a mass horde going on you couldnt take land/bases meaning you was stuck on the same map for the whole week.  Its almost like when i first started it was WWII and now its like WWI, all dug in and no progress possible.

Aces High...never tried to replicate WW2.

not even close.....

hence the spit VS spit....51 vs 51......


Anyone here play Il2 1946? I played it for a while and I have to say it was a great game.   Two reasons I abandoned it, framerate issues due to considerably better graphics, and the "online arenas" that you used to play in (using hyperlobby and teamspeak).. wasn't as simple and fullfilling as the Aces High arenas..


Nope no one here ever played Il2....

never heard of it....what is it :headscratch:





 :rofl


I kill me sometimes





and that game suked arse. ;)
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 21, 2014, 05:48:36 PM
and thats the problem, needing MASSIVE hordes which arent "fun" to fight against or fight IN.

There's no 'need.' I still see 3-4 guys take a base ..... unless it's defended by 3-4 guys. Then ... ummm ... a fight ensues. I see people complaining that the maps are too big. Then again, when a horde actually forms somewhere on them there's other places where 3-4 guys may try to 'steal a base' (for the love of baseball terminology) ... 3-4 guys may up there .... and a fight ensues.

It's not the 'game' .... it's the player base.

I've got a potential answer. It doesn't involve new players as much as vets.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: craz07 on February 21, 2014, 05:54:45 PM
Aces High...never tried to replicate WW2.

not even close.....

hence the spit VS spit....51 vs 51......



Nope no one here ever played Il2....

never heard of it....what is it :headscratch:





 :rofl


I kill me sometimes





and that game suked arse. ;)


So obviously you played it..  Hey your opinion.. I thought it was fun.. If it had Aces High's concept tho it would be..  dare i say a winner?
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: guncrasher on February 21, 2014, 06:12:20 PM
About 150 players when I logged in as rook yesterday evening (CET) on a map with more than 200 airfields.

One CV fight in the north (less than half radar bars) and some action in tank town (low intensity fight), isolated one-man raids around the map.

Spoke on teamspeak with a squaddie, 2 more squaddies logged in to TS, they asked if it was the same !#¤%& map as the day before, they never logged in to game when I was there.



there was almost 300 when I logged in yesterday evening pacific time.  I was just too tired to play so I flew 2 sorties and went to sleep.  been working way too many hours.

tonight there's gonna be over 500 split in the ma and fso.

semp
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: ink on February 21, 2014, 06:57:26 PM
So obviously you played it..  Hey your opinion.. I thought it was fun.. If it had Aces High's concept tho it would be..  dare i say a winner?

I don't look at it like that...

to me Aces High is the winner.....

far above all the rest. :salute


and yes...once I got a PC and found AH I got heavy into combat sims and got them all....played them all....deleted them all....except Aces High.... :D
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: craz07 on February 21, 2014, 07:13:55 PM
Hey I'm with you... you touched on what i think is the main thing... Aces High is the best of all... I already believe I stated that before.. but don't be too narrow minded or afraid to go out on a limb.. that can hurt the game too
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: FLOOB on February 21, 2014, 11:20:51 PM
Look at all the mofos who post in the forums who don't have a subscription to aces high. I bet half of them would be willing to pay to have access to the forums, and that's why HTC should restrict forum access to Aces High account holders.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 22, 2014, 04:12:31 AM
Look at all the mofos who post in the forums who don't have a subscription to aces high. I bet half of them would be willing to pay to have access to the forums, and that's why HTC should restrict forum access to Aces High account holders.

While I noticed the same, I disagree. There are players who are inactive that still have positive things to contribute to the forum and are likely eager to return given whatever circumstance keeping them from playing abates or ceases entirely.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 22, 2014, 04:21:49 AM
Another marketing promotion idea.

HTC surely must have a database containing email info on all inactive players. Have a 'Come back and see what you're missing' month when the new terrain rolls out. Give them an entire free month (specific start and end dates). HTC gives up a month of return account revenue and in return not only does the house get packed for a month, maybe it'll stay that way for a bit. If that works out there could be a promotion code for new players to double that free two weeks the following month (again, specific dates). After all, the learning curve is steep. Encourage vets to adopt new players by giving perks in exchange for films showing a vet taking at least 30 minutes or more to help a new player.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: craz07 on February 22, 2014, 05:09:13 AM
Update - 405 in main arena last night...
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Sunka on February 22, 2014, 08:55:22 AM
Update - 405 in main arena last night...
405 on peek hours means nothing, on a Friday night.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: The Fugitive on February 22, 2014, 08:58:15 AM
Update - 405 in main arena last night...

Update, a few years ago we had 405 players in BOTH main arenas on a Friday night.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Sunka on February 22, 2014, 08:59:56 AM
Update, a few years ago we had 405 players in BOTH main arenas on a Friday night.
I miss the need for split Main arenas.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: FLOOB on February 22, 2014, 09:10:25 AM
Update - 405 in main arena last night...
Yeah at it's peak. I just wish that the trough wasn't so far from the peak. When the uk and north america are asleep it's empty. Save for a dozen aussies and euros, nobody between california and the english channel play aces high. Eurasia Australia Africa and Iceland need to get crap together!
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: craz07 on February 22, 2014, 11:54:53 AM
Reading this post. I can certainly say that the military channel advertisement brought in lots of folks.. so that seems like THE way to get more prospects...  However, I think like mentioned before.. have a few updates before throwing it out there.. becuase it won't help much if the first impression new players get is these graphics are subpar compared to whats out there..
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Vraciu on February 22, 2014, 04:56:01 PM

Mnooooo ..... a decade and a half is 15 years. I'm sorry you liked FA better but I don't mourn your loss. Having said that, how would YOU bring in more players (please bear in mind that a graphic update is already in the works). ;)

Never played it. I am a Warbirds guy.

Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Vraciu on February 22, 2014, 05:00:17 PM
It's not. Exaggeration.

Part ostrich?

Denial ain't a river in Egypt...
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Vraciu on February 22, 2014, 05:03:58 PM
I've not played for about two years now i reckon. For me it was mechanics of the game becoming less and less "fun".  Sure i was a land grabber and the game was heading away from that, but the problem with making it harder to land grab was, instead of thinking smart about attacks, it just ended in MASS hordes which isnt fun.

 Back in 2003-2008 a group of 5-10 of you could easily take a base or create a nice little battle before it fizzled out, but in 2012 it was 30 fighters 10 carpet bombers and 5 goons, and as soon as a few people upped everyone gave up.

If i wanted a quake style flight sim i would play IL2 or whatever it is these days, but i wanted a "war" simulator, something AH become less and less of.

Meh im not important anymore as i dont play it...

Yeah, base grabs in Warbirds were much more fun.  A single -38L could de-ack a small field in one pass.  The smoke billowing up from the dead ack pits was awesome to see.

Here a puffy ack can kill you with one ping at 15k and more than a dozen miles.  Kinda ridiculous.

And ENY kills good fights in off-peak hours.   We had a great furball in tank town.  Even though my squadron was outnumbered 20:3 In our area, ENY took all the rides away and it got boring...   Mass log offs after that from both sides.  Dead arena.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 22, 2014, 05:06:05 PM
Part ostrich?

Denial ain't a river in Egypt...

I'll just say this. My last visit to the HTC office wasn't that long ago. There is no great concern there.  ;)
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Vraciu on February 22, 2014, 05:07:35 PM
I'll just say this. My last visit to the HTC office wasn't that long ago. There is no great concern there.  ;)


The Romans weren't too concerned either.  Have more wine!
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 22, 2014, 05:07:47 PM
Never played it. I am a Warbirds guy.

ShruG. You still didn't provide a good answer.  ;)
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Vraciu on February 22, 2014, 05:08:24 PM
ShruG. You still didn't provide a good answer.  ;)

Didn't need to because you already have them all.  /sarcasm
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 22, 2014, 05:09:44 PM
The Romans weren't too concerned either.  Have more wine!

Hey, I get it. You're the 'Chicken Little' type and you're really into self fulfilling prophesy. Guess I'm the 'It ain't over til it's over' type and I'm into a different version.  :aok
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 22, 2014, 05:10:58 PM
Didn't need to because you already have them all.  /sarcasm

Trying to be an answer guy isn't as much fun as trying to be a problem guy, I guess.  :D
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: guncrasher on February 22, 2014, 05:13:29 PM

The Romans weren't too concerned either.  Have more wine!

you registered a year ago and now are whining that the game is gonna be gone soon.  I registered 7 years ago and been hearing the same whine since then.  the game will be over soon  :cry :cry :cry :cry :cry.

I guess the two players left (cant find sarcasm font) are enough to pay the bills for the staff and still plan for an upgrade to the game within two weeks.


semp
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Vraciu on February 22, 2014, 05:16:14 PM
Trying to be an answer guy isn't as much fun as trying to be a problem guy, I guess.  :D

You have rejected all the good suggestions offered by others.  No point in parlaying with you.  Go play your fiddle (cithara).
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Vraciu on February 22, 2014, 05:18:28 PM
you registered a year ago and now are whining that the game is gonna be gone soon.  I registered 7 years ago and been hearing the same whine since then.  the game will be over soon  :cry :cry :cry :cry :cry.

I guess the two players left (cant find sarcasm font) are enough to pay the bills for the staff and still plan for an upgrade to the game within two weeks.


semp

I was here in 2008.  I left and came back.  If Warbirds was viable I would still be THERE.  HTC won by default being the last of the Mohicans....

Warbirds already did this.  When I started there it had better numbers than AH has now.  Less than a decade later it is effectively gone.  That which has been is that which shall be...

Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: craz07 on February 22, 2014, 05:19:28 PM
Yeah, base grabs in Warbirds were much more fun.  A single -38L could de-ack a small field in one pass.  The smoke billowing up from the dead ack pits was awesome to see.

Here a puffy ack can kill you with one ping at 15k and more than a dozen miles.  Kinda ridiculous.

And ENY kills good fights in off-peak hours.   We had a great furball in tank town.  Even though my squadron was outnumbered 20:3 In our area, ENY took all the rides away and it got boring...   Mass log offs after that from both sides.  Dead arena.

I have to disagree umm Vraciu.. warbirds was nasty.. but the graphics definitely wasn't
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 22, 2014, 06:01:33 PM
I was here in 2008.  I left and came back.  If Warbirds was viable I would still be THERE.  HTC won by default being the last of the Mohicans....

Warbirds already did this.  When I started there it had better numbers than AH has now.  Less than a decade later it is effectively gone.  That which has been is that which shall be...



"It happened to Warbirds! It happened to Warbirds! Warbirds! Warbirds! Warbirds!"   ;)
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: BnZs on February 22, 2014, 08:12:26 PM
Okay, this neatly shows the good and bad of what Aces High is up against in the competition.
The good is obvious, spectacular graphics.
The bad is less obvious-If you listen to the commentary, the guy is clearly saying the 109 was adjusted for "balance" to make things more fair in the latest patch. This is the sort of crap you will never, ever have to worry about from HTC. Hitech and team will do their damndest to model their planes and let "balance" take care of itself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjJIjAhhs4U (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjJIjAhhs4U)
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: guncrasher on February 22, 2014, 09:36:26 PM
I was here in 2008.  I left and came back.  If Warbirds was viable I would still be THERE.  HTC won by default being the last of the Mohicans....

Warbirds already did this.  When I started there it had better numbers than AH has now.  Less than a decade later it is effectively gone.  That which has been is that which shall be...



out of curiosity why dont you use your id from 2008?


semp
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 22, 2014, 10:44:02 PM
out of curiosity why dont you use your id from 2008?


semp

I like 'Vraciu.'  :D
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: MADe on February 22, 2014, 10:52:10 PM
I trolled thru half the thread and saw nothing new when it comes to peeps and their critiques and solutions for AH. It was the same stuff in FA. I'll bet its the same stuff in any game that has been around the block a few times.

AH is about ww2 air combat, that in itself can be a limiting factor, note I said can be. You must like the idea of propeller driven aircraft in the first place, advertising or not. This is the modern world, starting to push 100 years since ww2. Todays kids grew up with jets and nuclear ICBM's. Todays schools only teach a minimum of WW2 lore. Todays military use different tactics and teach such.

I once offered some suggestions, to AH, on places to advertise, I was promptly told, who was I to tell HiTech how to operate their business. Not by AH staff mind you but by some forum troll. You just cannot win with some types of peoples.

What is the majority of AH client base? I will hazard a guess, older people the baby boomers, military service men. I state this as a generality, there are young'ins, but they are few. In case no one noticed, there was in the recent past, a world wide economic fiasco, people lost their jobs, homes etc...

New games come out everyday, Android phones are gaming platforms.............the fact that AH is still viable as a game platform says a lot. The fact that its an MMO says a lot. War Blunder, last time I checked, I was a beta tester briefly, is not a true MMO, max server number is what 32? Even if its 64 players, ptuey. I stopped beta testing when I discovered the server numbers, this is the reason the graphics are so good, way fewer real time objects to render, arcade physics.

So stop worrying about the games end, its gonna happen eventually, but not today, or tomorrow, or this year, enjoy and have fun. The community needs to recruit new players. Get your friends and family involved. Instead of looking for fast and furious game play, consider real war tactics and employ them. Change what your game goals are and what your end game is.

How many in this thread stated they still paid for a sub, but rarely play.................play damit! Paying a sub so you can participate in a forum, tsk, tsk, play the dam game again, play even if its only an hour at a time. I could careless about other games as well, BF3, ptuey. WoW, yuk.

I grew up as an Air Force brat, I read all the books before I was 12. I luv ww2 aircraft. Its a great game, only one left like it. I suk at it, I'm a lousy pilot, I cannot hit chit, but as long as I can pay for it, I will play it. Like FA, I will be flying the game the night the plug is pulled.
 
So get the diddly in game, or you have nothing to say.

Oh and Hitech, loosen up your skin restrictions a bit. Let peeps come up with something other than historical reality, as long as they are quality skins, allow it. The more personal investment a player has in the game, the longer that player will be around.

 :salute

Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: grizz441 on February 22, 2014, 11:03:02 PM
Need to turn marketing into a pyramid scheme concept. You get a friend to join you get a percentage, if he gets someone you get a percentage of that and so on.  Soon you won't be selling aces high but rather, the opportunity to make cash moneys.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Vraciu on February 22, 2014, 11:05:25 PM
I have to disagree umm Vraciu.. warbirds was nasty.. but the graphics definitely wasn't

WBs had some advantages over this place in graphics.  Don't lie to yourself.

The persistent smoke here is non-existent.   Be real.  <S>
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Vraciu on February 22, 2014, 11:06:34 PM
"It happened to Warbirds! It happened to Fighter Ace! Air Warrior! Warbirds! Aces High!"   ;)

FIFY.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Vraciu on February 22, 2014, 11:07:11 PM
out of curiosity why dont you use your id from 2008?


semp

I do.  Might have been 2009.  I forget.  Always been Vraciu in AH best I recall.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Vraciu on February 22, 2014, 11:08:19 PM
Oh and Hitech, loosen up your skin restrictions a bit. Let peeps come up with something other than historical reality, as long as they are quality skins, allow it. The more personal investment a player has in the game, the longer that player will be around.

 :salute



This is so right on.  I would love to see CONFEDERATE AIR FORCE schemes in here.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: BnZs on February 22, 2014, 11:31:18 PM
Il2 is the competition, not War Blunder I'd say
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Vraciu on February 22, 2014, 11:48:14 PM
Il2 is the competition, not War Blunder I'd say


My teen and pre-teen kids are all over the WT thing.  My oldest still loves AH and WBs but...
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: SirNuke on February 23, 2014, 04:01:21 AM
There is no great concern there.  ;)

cool now we can leave in peace, knowning that nothing will be done.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Vraciu on February 23, 2014, 04:03:21 AM
cool now we can leave in peace, knowning that nothing will be done.

 :rofl

 :cheers:

 :salute
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: MADe on February 23, 2014, 08:52:38 AM
This is so right on.  I would love to see CONFEDERATE AIR FORCE schemes in here.

Brilliant, that's all HiTech needs is 1 law suit that would break the company.
Not what I am suggesting by any means or would allow myself. Germany has outlawed the nazi swastika for a reason. This game would be outlawed in Germany if the nazi symbol was in game. The confederate flag represents something that is un-American and against the spirit of our Constitution.
Long live the "United States of America"!
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 23, 2014, 10:24:38 AM
cool now we can leave in peace, knowning that nothing will be done.

Well that was a stupid conclusion.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Changeup on February 23, 2014, 05:20:14 PM
I wonder which will die first, the game or this thread
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Chilli on February 23, 2014, 05:37:41 PM
Brilliant, that's all HiTech needs is 1 law suit that would break the company.
Not what I am suggesting by any means or would allow myself. Germany has outlawed the nazi swastika for a reason. This game would be outlawed in Germany if the nazi symbol was in game. The confederate flag represents something that is un-American and against the spirit of our Constitution.
Long live the "United States of America"!

Easily understood your misunderstanding of the reference to Confederate Air Force CAF, which has nothing to do with the Civil War Confederates.  It is an present day organization that puts on awesome air shows with loads of privately owned WW2 aircraft.

So Vraciu shouldn't be assumed to be un American....  :uhoh oh wait a minute ... did see him slacking off at work just about siesta time.  :headscratch:
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: guncrasher on February 23, 2014, 08:40:40 PM
This is so right on.  I would love to see CONFEDERATE AIR FORCE schemes in here.

you mean commemorative air force?



semp
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Skyyr on February 23, 2014, 10:14:55 PM
The confederate flag represents something that is un-American and against the spirit of our Constitution.
Long live the "United States of America"!

Ummm... no.

The "Confederate flag" that you're referring to and that we know it today is nothing more than the Confederate Battle Flag. It is not the flag that represented the Confederacy nor does it have any innuendo of racism or inequality.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flags_of_the_Confederate_States_of_America#Battle_flag

Most people have no idea what the actual Confederate flag, the "Stars and Bars," even looks like.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Vraciu on February 24, 2014, 05:58:30 AM
you mean commemorative air force?



semp


Nope.   Confederate Air Force.  Harlingen, Texas.  Not that thing in Midland.

Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Vraciu on February 24, 2014, 06:01:02 AM
Ummm... no.

The "Confederate flag" that you're referring to and that we know it today is nothing more than the Confederate Battle Flag. It is not the flag that represented the Confederacy nor does it have any innuendo of racism or inequality.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flags_of_the_Confederate_States_of_America#Battle_flag

Most people have no idea what the actual Confederate flag, the "Stars and Bars," even looks like.


Don't confuse them with facts, Skyyr.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Rich46yo on February 24, 2014, 06:19:44 AM

Nope.   Confederate Air Force.  Harlingen, Texas.  Not that thing in Midland.



I belonged back in my USAF days.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 24, 2014, 07:16:32 AM

Nope.   Confederate Air Force.  Harlingen, Texas.  Not that thing in Midland.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commemorative_Air_Force
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Sunka on February 24, 2014, 07:18:08 AM
I love these arguments.
 :lol
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Megalodon on February 24, 2014, 09:35:07 AM
Il2 is the competition, not War Blunder I'd say


Absolutely,

It is very interesting to listen to the steps they make to build the game.
The last DD #53 at around 10 min show how they are working out searchlights and in #54 he mentions the Stuka  :x

http://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/168-developer-diary/page-2#entry87345 (http://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/168-developer-diary/page-2#entry87345)

 :cheers:

Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: BnZs on February 24, 2014, 09:40:43 AM
Skins should be kept historical IMO, but you are being silly. The reason AHII does not have swastikas on the German planes is so that our German friends can play. It is bad that a nation has a silly oppressive law that keeps a plane in a cartoon game from having its historic paint scheme, but that is what they deal with. If there were a plane that had a Confederate flag as part of its paint scheme, there would be no valid basis for a law suit. Actually no one has had a fit over the nude girl on 2Big 2Heavy, so I doubt anyone is immature enough to try something like that.

Brilliant, that's all HiTech needs is 1 law suit that would break the company.
Not what I am suggesting by any means or would allow myself. Germany has outlawed the nazi swastika for a reason. This game would be outlawed in Germany if the nazi symbol was in game. The confederate flag represents something that is un-American and against the spirit of our Constitution.
Long live the "United States of America"!
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Arlo on February 24, 2014, 10:12:58 AM
BnZs, your Red Baron Pizza avatar looks remarkably like Tom Selleck in High Road To China.

(And apparently I'm not the only one to think so)

(https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/2037758720/hF93CA0C5/)
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: BnZs on February 24, 2014, 11:39:39 AM
Yeah, he does, and nothing like the real Red Baron. However, I always loved that pizza brand as a kid :aok
BnZs, your Red Baron Pizza avatar looks remarkably like Tom Selleck in High Road To China.

(And apparently I'm not the only one to think so)

(https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/2037758720/hF93CA0C5/)
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Vraciu on February 24, 2014, 12:34:54 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commemorative_Air_Force


Like I said, Confederate Air Force schemes.   I don't like tramp stamps on warbirds.   
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Vraciu on February 24, 2014, 12:37:35 PM
I belonged back in my USAF days.


I used to work on Devil Dog when it was based in Harlingen.   The good old days.  People only go to Midland when they're lost...
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: guncrasher on February 24, 2014, 12:43:33 PM
Ummm... no.

The "Confederate flag" that you're referring to and that we know it today is nothing more than the Confederate Battle Flag. It is not the flag that represented the Confederacy nor does it have any innuendo of racism or inequality.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flags_of_the_Confederate_States_of_America#Battle_flag

Most people have no idea what the actual Confederate flag, the "Stars and Bars," even looks like.

sure and the swastika is used all over the world but if you ask around 90% will say it represent the nazis.



semp
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: guncrasher on February 24, 2014, 12:44:12 PM

I used to work on Devil Dog when it was based in Harlingen.   The good old days.  People only go to Midland when they're lost...

and you didnt notice of the name change?


semp
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Brooke on February 24, 2014, 12:54:01 PM
My roommate who likes airplanes and flying

He doesn't, or he'd play the air-combat game with the best flight modeling.  He's just a poser and an airplane weakling.  ;)  We have former fighter pilots who play Aces High.  They don't mince around fretting about what the grass looks like.  They are there to shoot you out of the sky in a sim where the planes fly like the real thing.  You should tell him that.  :aok
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Brooke on February 24, 2014, 12:59:39 PM
They probably need new player base. Many AHers are old farts like me that have way too many private life things to do.

You have to make some time to play!  You can do it.  :aok
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: USRanger on February 24, 2014, 03:19:29 PM
He doesn't, or he'd play the air-combat game with the best flight modeling.  He's just a poser and an airplane weakling.  ;)  We have former fighter pilots who play Aces High.  They don't mince around fretting about what the grass looks like.  They are there to shoot you out of the sky in a sim where the planes fly like the real thing.  You should tell him that.  :aok

(http://i57.tinypic.com/o0tpav.jpg)
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Vraciu on February 24, 2014, 04:33:39 PM
and you didnt notice of the name change?


semp


I reject it.  There's a difference.   Although it is prob good they did as this bunch is so far removed from the Harlingen days as to be unrecognizable.
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: guncrasher on February 24, 2014, 05:18:38 PM

I reject it.  There's a difference.   Although it is prob good they did as this bunch is so far removed from the Harlingen days as to be unrecognizable.

would you care to explain as to why?  I have never heard of either one.  would like to know a bit more.


semp
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Vraciu on February 24, 2014, 09:12:48 PM
would you care to explain as to why?  I have never heard of either one.  would like to know a bit more.


semp


I probably shouldn't.  It is a business now and they make bad decisions for pocket lining--like moving to Midland.  You can probably find out more by searching Warbird Information Exchange (WIX). 
Title: Re: Only 16 players inflight in the MA right now.
Post by: Skuzzy on February 25, 2014, 03:44:19 PM
This one has gone off the rails.