Yet another Infinite Loop scenario. One group says, this is the problem and the Dev’s refuse to implement our solution to it so, we still have the problem.
Well, lets clearly and concisely define the problems because as I see it there are two issues being discussed here.
1/ New people are not joining in large enough numbers.
2/ Players are leaving, some having only played a short period of time.
You need the correct answers to these two questions before you can look at ways to solve them.
Do you guys think AA should have some kind of upgrading Teir System? With other MMO's, that seems to be what people keep hanging around for. The ability to keep upgrading health, stamina, weapons, etc. but if you do that then you have to have equivalent skilled players paired off in a match. Something I suggested before is a random map generator where you never play on the same layout. I know we are some years from that sophistication but it needs to be explored.
Matchmaking systems are hard to add without a *huge* number of players and a large server infrastructure for an FPS. It's easier in RTS games where ping/synchronization issues are much easier to handle or in games with alternate client/server setups.
Grind-to-win is something the Devs have stated they're against in the past; it's why the current unlocks are cosmetic only.
Random maps is an interesting idea with a unique set of challenges. In some other thread I posted a link to a kickstarted single-player game doing procedural levels. I don't know how well it would work with the Unreal engine; imagine having to *build lighting* for every map before playing. Like I said, unique challenges
More maps is not enough because you have already about 30-50 good maps ready to play in the workshop but nothing changed because the majority of admins refused to play with UMM maps. The problem is that the game lack in originality and is too fast and literally burns new maps. Without a massive implementation of UMMs you'll have always lack of new maps.....
My biggest beef is how clunky the user experience is. From install, setup, exploration and navigation, information gathering or communication, the game expects you to either stay away from problem areas, or be a Leet hacktivist to get something like a UMM to run smoothly, or whatever.
NOTHING seems smooth! And yet...these things would be REALLY COOL if they worked!
I'm not a beginning computer user, and I'm not super advanced, but I have a lot of exposure and even I have a tough time sorting out issues that I think would make less stubborn people walk away.
So...just because I say stay positive and move forward doesn't mean I think it's perfect now....just for the record.
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This has been a test of the emergency flame-fest system. Please do not adjust your set.
I've been playing online FPS games since around 1998. I've noticed what keeps me playing a game.
Things that keep me interested:
1. Updates/New Features - The more a game updates and changes, the more it stays fresh and the more I will want to play. I remember with CS, I played the game in beta pretty extensively. When it went retail, the game kind of stagnated for the most part. After that I kind of got bored and started playing other games (including AA). This was also before the competition scene really took off in CS.
2. Friends - Playing with friends is a great way to keep a game interesting and fun. Whether it's real life friends, guys you meet while playing, or a clan. Real life friends always have a larger sway. If a new game comes out that appeals to your friends, you're more likely to try it out and may even enjoy it more than the game you're currently playing.
3. Competition - Competition keeps you coming back for more. Matches, ladders, leagues. Rankings, people doing write-ups on leagues, rivalries, always trying to get better. Whether you're a top or bottom team tier team or somewhere in between. Competition extended the life of AA2 for me quite a bit even after the Dev team started to make bad changes to the game.
Right now, with AAPG, I can say that #1 is kind of limbo. Even the big update from beta to version 1.0 didn't add too much that made things fresh. #2, I've played with a lot of good people and such, but any of my friends who have played the game, stopped after a month or two. #3 I haven't touched comp in this game and never intended to unless the game really got to a place where there was a good amount of teams and such. Haven't seen that and the Dev team doesn't even really support the comp players either.
You joined the world's greatest army to become a graphic artist? Outstanding!
I have been playing AAPG for a while and have played AA2 back at that time as well. All I really have to add to this conversation, is that the game is free! I have more fun playing this game at no charge then playing COD and BF. I plan on sticking around for a while.
I am up for comp mode as well. Even knowing that I am not as good as the most of you but it would be more of a challenge and I am game for that.
Comp mode isn't about having skill..it's about challenging yourself no matter what level you play, we do that by eliminating all the newbie feed me features.
Too many of the most popular servers here are banning good players.
Thats a bad sign. Not any proof but just the "feeling" he cant be that good is enough to ban.
Yup , We decided to remove our clan tag as there was almost no server left to play on .. ( the populated servers that is).. Everytime we play we are getting accused of being cheaters..; Its annoying but [TOS Violation] we got used to it and don't care anymore about it... It is what it is..
I have been playing AAPG for a while and have played AA2 back at that time as well. All I really have to add to this conversation, is that the game is free! I have more fun playing this game at no charge then playing COD and BF. I plan on sticking around for a while.
I am up for comp mode as well. Even knowing that I am not as good as the most of you but it would be more of a challenge and I am game for that.
Comp mode isn't about having skill..it's about challenging yourself no matter what level you play, we do that by eliminating all the newbie feed me features.
Like the training HUD? woot!! speaking my language finally. I would so join a cross hairs only COMP match.. now that would be skill.
More maps is not enough because you have already about 30-50 good maps ready to play in the workshop but nothing changed because the majority of admins refused to play with UMM maps. The problem is that the game lack in originality and is too fast and literally burns new maps. Without a massive implementation of UMMs you'll have always lack of new maps.....
Why do you guys suppose more private servers are not mixing UMM's with official maps to add some variety?
*I am not talking 20 maps on a server, I get that it is a deterrent for some to deal with downloading a file that large when they just want a quick game.....but maybe 4 or 5 good UMM's would help mix it up?
More maps is not enough because you have already about 30-50 good maps ready to play in the workshop but nothing changed because the majority of admins refused to play with UMM maps. The problem is that the game lack in originality and is too fast and literally burns new maps. Without a massive implementation of UMMs you'll have always lack of new maps.....
Why do you guys suppose more private servers are not mixing UMM's with official maps to add some variety?
*I am not talking 20 maps on a server, I get that it is a deterrent for some to deal with downloading a file that large when they just want a quick game.....but maybe 4 or 5 good UMM's would help mix it up?
Just with 2 umm's I have had several issues back and forth. It's a huge pain. Another annoying thing is that logged in as admin connection lost bug errrrrrr. But yeah I can handle some issues but my server randomly keeps not liking UMM's sometimes. It would also be next to impossible for me to get a public server going unless I sat idle in spawn and let people who join kill me over and over again. Then maybe.
LoL.. that's how bad AA3 got at one point.. all IK members had 2nd accounts names after South Park characters.. we used them exactly how Colts described.. to fill our server, by letting guys kill you ..sad
We had a lot of issues with UMMs on our server when they first came out. we used to have a UMM map night Once a week where all we played was UMMs but it got to the point where people couldn't play because the map didn't work for them. And updating issues. It sounds like they might be coming along a little better and it might be time to take a look at using them again.
Do you guys think AA should have some kind of upgrading Teir System? With other MMO's, that seems to be what people keep hanging around for. The ability to keep upgrading health, stamina, weapons, etc. but if you do that then you have to have equivalent skilled players paired off in a match. Something I suggested before is a random map generator where you never play on the same layout. I know we are some years from that sophistication but it needs to be explored.
Matchmaking systems are hard to add without a *huge* number of players and a large server infrastructure for an FPS. It's easier in RTS games where ping/synchronization issues are much easier to handle or in games with alternate client/server setups.
Grind-to-win is something the Devs have stated they're against in the past; it's why the current unlocks are cosmetic only.
Random maps is an interesting idea with a unique set of challenges. In some other thread I posted a link to a kickstarted single-player game doing procedural levels. I don't know how well it would work with the Unreal engine; imagine having to *build lighting* for every map before playing. Like I said, unique challenges
When you see good players get on a new map they move more cautiously and are more direct in their actions instead of running and gunning for a particular "keyhole" shot. I hope the technology gets here soon for random maps.
Scenario: Map is created and uploaded to clients. A satellite view of the battlefield is shown on the loadout screen. The battle begins. When battle is over a new map is generated so never to reproduce.
If it can be done in 60-120 seconds then I think it would be a winner. I know it's a big IF.
Comments
Well, lets clearly and concisely define the problems because as I see it there are two issues being discussed here.
1/ New people are not joining in large enough numbers.
2/ Players are leaving, some having only played a short period of time.
You need the correct answers to these two questions before you can look at ways to solve them.
Matchmaking systems are hard to add without a *huge* number of players and a large server infrastructure for an FPS. It's easier in RTS games where ping/synchronization issues are much easier to handle or in games with alternate client/server setups.
Grind-to-win is something the Devs have stated they're against in the past; it's why the current unlocks are cosmetic only.
Random maps is an interesting idea with a unique set of challenges. In some other thread I posted a link to a kickstarted single-player game doing procedural levels. I don't know how well it would work with the Unreal engine; imagine having to *build lighting* for every map before playing. Like I said, unique challenges
More maps is not enough because you have already about 30-50 good maps ready to play in the workshop but nothing changed because the majority of admins refused to play with UMM maps. The problem is that the game lack in originality and is too fast and literally burns new maps. Without a massive implementation of UMMs you'll have always lack of new maps.....
_________________________
********Bam4D********BE ALL (THAT) YOU CAN BE!
________Army 1980_________
perfect example of why Less is More !! why the comp mode will have less lame features and be more of the raw shooter people are looking for
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#Support Comp Mode
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN4YhM6jUB2MxVj8i3b9rhw
NOTHING seems smooth! And yet...these things would be REALLY COOL if they worked!
I'm not a beginning computer user, and I'm not super advanced, but I have a lot of exposure and even I have a tough time sorting out issues that I think would make less stubborn people walk away.
So...just because I say stay positive and move forward doesn't mean I think it's perfect now....just for the record.
This has been a test of the emergency flame-fest system. Please do not adjust your set.
Things that keep me interested:
1. Updates/New Features - The more a game updates and changes, the more it stays fresh and the more I will want to play. I remember with CS, I played the game in beta pretty extensively. When it went retail, the game kind of stagnated for the most part. After that I kind of got bored and started playing other games (including AA). This was also before the competition scene really took off in CS.
2. Friends - Playing with friends is a great way to keep a game interesting and fun. Whether it's real life friends, guys you meet while playing, or a clan. Real life friends always have a larger sway. If a new game comes out that appeals to your friends, you're more likely to try it out and may even enjoy it more than the game you're currently playing.
3. Competition - Competition keeps you coming back for more. Matches, ladders, leagues. Rankings, people doing write-ups on leagues, rivalries, always trying to get better. Whether you're a top or bottom team tier team or somewhere in between. Competition extended the life of AA2 for me quite a bit even after the Dev team started to make bad changes to the game.
Right now, with AAPG, I can say that #1 is kind of limbo. Even the big update from beta to version 1.0 didn't add too much that made things fresh. #2, I've played with a lot of good people and such, but any of my friends who have played the game, stopped after a month or two. #3 I haven't touched comp in this game and never intended to unless the game really got to a place where there was a good amount of teams and such. Haven't seen that and the Dev team doesn't even really support the comp players either.
I am up for comp mode as well. Even knowing that I am not as good as the most of you but it would be more of a challenge and I am game for that.
Bam4D - GET A MIC!! XD
#Support Comp Mode
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN4YhM6jUB2MxVj8i3b9rhw
Random=skill.
I love this community!
Yup , We decided to remove our clan tag as there was almost no server left to play on .. ( the populated servers that is).. Everytime we play we are getting accused of being cheaters..; Its annoying but [TOS Violation] we got used to it and don't care anymore about it... It is what it is..
_________________________
********Bam4D********BE ALL (THAT) YOU CAN BE!
________Army 1980_________
Like the training HUD? woot!! speaking my language finally. I would so join a cross hairs only COMP match.. now that would be skill.
_________________________
********Bam4D********BE ALL (THAT) YOU CAN BE!
________Army 1980_________
Why do you guys suppose more private servers are not mixing UMM's with official maps to add some variety?
*I am not talking 20 maps on a server, I get that it is a deterrent for some to deal with downloading a file that large when they just want a quick game.....but maybe 4 or 5 good UMM's would help mix it up?
Just with 2 umm's I have had several issues back and forth. It's a huge pain. Another annoying thing is that logged in as admin connection lost bug errrrrrr. But yeah I can handle some issues but my server randomly keeps not liking UMM's sometimes. It would also be next to impossible for me to get a public server going unless I sat idle in spawn and let people who join kill me over and over again. Then maybe.
#Support Comp Mode
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN4YhM6jUB2MxVj8i3b9rhw
and colts If you build it they will come
When you see good players get on a new map they move more cautiously and are more direct in their actions instead of running and gunning for a particular "keyhole" shot. I hope the technology gets here soon for random maps.
Scenario: Map is created and uploaded to clients. A satellite view of the battlefield is shown on the loadout screen. The battle begins. When battle is over a new map is generated so never to reproduce.
If it can be done in 60-120 seconds then I think it would be a winner. I know it's a big IF.