RE: Is Matrix dying? (Full Version)

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zakblood -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (9/19/2015 7:36:30 PM)

quote:

bigger bone?


A new game engine called Archon which will be made freely available to developers – and it was mentioned that the first game to use this engine will be called Steel Tigers and is being developed by 2 by 3 Games (i.e. Gary Grigsby, Joel Billings and Keith Brors). The name is also intriguing as it suggests we will be looking at a “spiritual successor” (to use the over used phrase) of Steel Panthers...

http://wargamer.com/Article/10196

i liked the bit about Amazon US and Europe, not to mention steam at all...




IainMcNeil -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (9/19/2015 7:50:18 PM)

I've given up estimating dates! All I can tell you is there is a team working on it, which currently includes Gary Grigsby and Philip Veale. If that doesn't get you excited nothing will :)




operating -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (9/19/2015 7:58:58 PM)

Would be interested to see how this Archon engine works. Any trailers or samples of this? Read zakblood's suggested article (Boy there are some really ugly looking dudes in the associated picture). [:)]




zakblood -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (9/19/2015 8:01:15 PM)

well if it's better than Unity then it's a great engine imo, not that i've seen it yet either




aaatoysandmore -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (9/19/2015 8:10:24 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Iain McNeil

I've given up estimating dates! All I can tell you is there is a team working on it, which currently includes Gary Grigsby and Philip Veale. If that doesn't get you excited nothing will :)


Well, if you could get ole Dave Landrey back that would be a plus too. [:)] Afterall he was your Battles of Napoleon guy and War of the Lance back in the day. [&o]




Erik Rutins -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (9/20/2015 4:01:05 AM)

No estimated date on Steel Tigers yet - but it is 2by3's main project now and we are giving it a lot of our time as well!




wodin -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (9/22/2015 10:30:40 AM)

Excellent news it's 2by3's main project!!




E -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (9/22/2015 12:28:32 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: aaatoysandmore
Well, if you could get ole Dave Landrey back that would be a plus too. [:)] Afterall he was your Battles of Napoleon guy and War of the Lance back in the day. [&o]

I enjoyed many a Kroegel-Landrey (aka: Tactical Design Group) game back in the day... although their Operation Market Garden cost me when it forced me to get a portable color TV set to supplement my green screen.




aaatoysandmore -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (9/23/2015 5:46:17 AM)

If they were programming today can you imagine what kind of games would be out right now? Some of my best hours and days were spent playing the games they developed in the 80's.

I know Dave kinda left but what happened to Kroegel?

Oh I found this: Chuck Kroegel is currently CEO of Las Vegas game developer Petroglyph Games since April 2003. He has been very involved with all the titles developed at Petroglyph, Star Wars: Empire at War (LUCASARTS), Universe at War (SEGA), Panzer General on Xbox live arcade (UBISOFT), Mytheon (TRUEGAMES), and Guardians of Graxia (Petroglyph), End of Nations (TRIONWORLDS), and Rise of Immortals (Petroglyph). He has also been involved in the design and development of four boardgames published by Petroglyph; Panzer General: Russian Assault, Panzer General: Allied Assault, Guardians of Graxia, and Heroes of Graxia.

Guardians of Graxia is really good but they just abandoned it and never tweaked it or anything. wonder why?

Wow I didn't know this: Kroegel played a role in the creation of the Gold Box Dungeons & Dragons games, and of the first graphical MMORPG, Neverwinter Nights on AOL, and the Panzer General series.




RCHarmon -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (5/28/2016 2:00:14 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Iain McNeil

Yes we did talk to Norbsoft about the timing of the release of Waterloo but they said they were going to be ready earlier and we held it back for the Anniversary, we did not bring it forwards. Once we agreed a release due we all worked towards it. We absolutely did not ask them to hit a date they could not meet. That would be ridiculous. Once a date is set by the developer, wheels are put in motion and campaigns booked and other releases planned around it and moving a release at this point is expensive, but again, we never had any request to do so or any thought there was a need to.

The UI was iterated many times with Norbsoft and we want through many versions. This was not imposed by us, we worked with them to make it more approachable to new players. It was not done against their will and they understood the need to make the game more approachable to new players, after all they are the ones who designed the new UI. Now you can argue about how it works and what you prefer but you have to understand there is a fundamental difference between a new players requirements and an advanced player. An advanced player wants to be able to do things in as few clicks as possible. A new player needs a very limited number of options presented at a time so they are not overwhelmed. These requirements are completely at odds. I know the team are still working on a variety of improvements for the game.

The above comments seem to be made on partial information and assumption. Hopefully this has cleared up that particular issue. After all there must be a reason why Waterloo has sold significantly more than Gettysburg did when it first released, so it must have got something right.

Ok whats next…. ;)

This is an older exchange from around September 2015.


I am not sure what partial information and assumption mean, but the series is dead and Matrix killed it.

Sow Waterloo, being very honest, is just an American Civil War game updated with what looks like combined arms. It really is not a Napoleonic game in the true sense. What went wrong? In my estimation, an American Civil war group and a few added individuals with some knowledge of Napoleonics did, in the time frame given, pulled off an incredible feat. They put out a great product. Under the hood though some of the wires got put in wrong or left unhooked because Norb got bad advice and he went with it not knowing any better.

The criticisms were immediate. Jumbled messes with troop movements, artillery that was civil war and not Napoleonics cavalry that stood around and at times with the infantry firing away at it. Where was the order and deliberate movements of the units. For more of the criticisms just do a few searches and you will find plenty.

Norbsoft spent time on a new interface instead of the essential nuts and bolts of combined arms tactics. Complete waste of time.

Now the series is over and who do we have to blame. Well, Matrix is the culprit. Yes we might see some expansions for Waterloo and the SOW Gettysburg community will be around for a long time to come, but any new titles coming? No! Will multiplayer issues dealing with windows 10 be addressed? No! How can you sell a game as multiplayer, when if you have windows 10, you will be faced with chronic connection issues?


So thank you Matrix for knowing what is best when it comes to small developers and wrecking the next versions of the series.




DonCzirr -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (5/28/2016 3:20:58 AM)

I must be missing something - last 3 titles I picked up from Matrix / Slitherine were quite good - DC 3, CMANO and Pike & Shot.

Only problem I have with them is that some older titles are still sold for 29 or 39 dollars and they have not been modernized / optimized / updated to play on modern monitors and OSs.

Otherwise - I think they're doing pretty well with new offerings ....




MrsWargamer -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (5/28/2016 5:17:25 AM)

Dying? Nope.

And even a year later the answer is still dying? Nope.

Matrix Games though is not what it was in 2000-2003. But when I found it in 2000 all Matrix Games was, was a bunch of guys talking about Steel Panthers and the usual patch files. Lots of talk of Mega Campaigns and no sign of all the games currently here. There were a few total duds (like Eric Young Squad Assault.... shudder).

The merger likely is the only reason you still have a Matrix Games. A lot of people seem to be unaware of this truth.
Business is about money and no money means no business.




Zap -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (5/28/2016 8:26:02 AM)

Yes, true Matrix games is not what it used to be. Matrix is only a name now. It is really Slitherine games. There are not many left from Matrix. Maybe. only one person (Eric Rutins.

To get your discount coupon for being a member you now have to have a universal account. Registered to both Matrix and Slitherine. The whole transformation thing is neither good or bad. Its business.

The only indication I use to measure the health of Matrix is the amount of members who comment on the boards. And I believe that is down.




76mm -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (5/28/2016 8:51:06 AM)

I certainly wouldn't say that Matrix is dying, but I can say that I'm buying fewer and fewer of their games; the last games that I bought and enjoyed were Flashpoint, CMANO, Quadriga, and CS Middle East, all of which I consider to be excellent games, but other than CMANO, expansions are very very slow in coming. While I was waiting, I bought a couple of other games but quickly wrote them off, and took a pass on all of their other games I've looked at.

I am looking forward to a few more games, including Steel Tigers, TOAW IV and Combined Arms (hahahahahaha), but don't expect to see any of these for a couple of years at least, and maybe never. The problem seems obvious to me--the types of game I enjoy are only made by hobbyist-developers, and with their day jobs they MIGHT have time to crank out one good game but anything beyond that is really a stretch.

[EDIT] And I NEVER go to the Sliterine forum, not sure why...but also not sure why they even maintain separate forums now, I thought the plan was to "unify" them long ago?




Gilmer -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (5/28/2016 12:59:01 PM)

On the War in the East forums they said they are working on WiTE 2 right now.




CGGrognard -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (5/29/2016 3:55:39 PM)

Matrix dying? Nope, instead it's changing with the times. Consumers now have more choices than ever before that is a challenge for many in deciding which games are actually worth their interest and time (both of which may be in short supply).
There are many sites on the internet where people can discuss the same game. This may create the of traffic on one site, such as Matrix that it is slowing, but on others it may actually be increasing. Matrix and their forums aren't dying. As noted in previous posts, they are changing with the times, and that entails creating sound and logical business connections, and just as important, a place for the consumer to discuss their favorite games.




CGGrognard -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (5/29/2016 4:04:58 PM)

As a foot note to this discussion, I've never have had a bad experience with Matrix, both with their sales, and these forums. Although busy I'm certain, they have found time to reply to questions and ideas (sometime silly) in the forums. And they (Matrix) or those in the forums have provided solutions to some problems with older games.




solops -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (5/29/2016 4:25:38 PM)

Matrix is doing stuff right and left and their boards are active. They have lots of great games and do a great job of keeping gamers up to date on new games and patch development. Eric and crew have done a super job over the years. The only drag I see is Slitherine, though they do have a few good games. Their boards seem morose by comparison and they do a poor job of patch development reporting compared to what I see historically on the Matrix forums (which are also better constructed and prettier :-)
If I were Matrix I'd either absorb Slitherine completely and remake it on the Matrix model or cut it loose.




MrsWargamer -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (5/29/2016 6:22:43 PM)

If I were Matrix I'd either absorb Slitherine completely and remake it on the Matrix model or cut it loose.

The problem with that comment of course is you have it in the wrong direction :)
Matrix won't be absorbing anyone any time soon.




solops -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (5/30/2016 2:26:07 PM)

A pity,that.




wings7 -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (5/30/2016 4:16:44 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: MrsWargamer
Matrix won't be absorbing anyone any time soon.


Do you have inside information? [&:]...or is this more endless speculation? [8|]...





VPaulus -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (5/30/2016 5:11:27 PM)

Guys, Matrix Games and Slitherine are the same company. [:)]




Qwixt -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (5/30/2016 5:55:36 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: VPaulus

Guys, Matrix Games and Slitherine are the same company. [:)]


I think part of the reasoning/confusion behind this thread is that it's not clear the two are the same. Because it looks like the two are trying to carry on as if the merger did not happen in some ways (2 separate forums, 2 stores,...). Then as a long time Matrix customer, you see more and more stuff getting redirected over to Slitherine's site, which gives the impression that Matrix games is going away. Now I am not saying I thought Matrix games was dying, but I understand how someone could get that impression.




VPaulus -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (5/30/2016 6:23:01 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Qwixt

I think part of the reasoning/confusion behind this thread is that it's not clear the two are the same. Because it looks like the two are trying to carry on as if the merger did not happen in some ways (2 separate forums, 2 stores,...). Then as a long time Matrix customer, you see more and more stuff getting redirected over to Slitherine's site, which gives the impression that Matrix games is going away. Now I am not saying I thought Matrix games was dying, but I understand how someone could get that impression.



Matrix Games and Slitherine are just brands of the same company.
All in all we are the same company, with the same board of directors and staff.
Soon we will have only one store, but the 2 separate forums will remain.
It's true that some games on Matrix forum are redirected to Slitherine but the opposite also happens (Victory & Glory, Tiger Hunt, etc.). It's just a question of perception really. :)




Zap -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (5/30/2016 9:24:40 PM)

It could be for legal reason's they keep the two companies (just a guess on my part). When I worked for a company they had two separate companies set up. For protection against lawsuits and legal penalties from the government. So, if one company went bankrupt because of massive fines from the government the other company was not effected and could continue to serve the customers from the bankrupt company. That was the oil tranport business.




RyanCrierie -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (5/30/2016 10:14:44 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Zap
The only indication I use to measure the health of Matrix is the amount of members who comment on the boards. And I believe that is down.


It's not just Matrix, but other forums I've been on are down as well.

I think because of facebook taking over our lives.




MrsWargamer -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (5/30/2016 11:52:21 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: wings7


quote:

ORIGINAL: MrsWargamer
Matrix won't be absorbing anyone any time soon.


Do you have inside information? [&:]...or is this more endless speculation? [8|]...




Well inasmuch as they are the same company on the day in history. But yes, I do know things. And none of them worth any real fuss :)




Qwixt -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (5/31/2016 2:02:55 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Zap

It could be for legal reason's they keep the two companies (just a guess on my part). When I worked for a company they had two separate companies set up. For protection against lawsuits and legal penalties from the government. So, if one company went bankrupt because of massive fines from the government the other company was not effected and could continue to serve the customers from the bankrupt company. That was the oil tranport business.


Long winded way of saying "Never trust the British" [:D]




Pvt_Grunt -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (5/31/2016 11:21:15 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: RyanCrierie


quote:

ORIGINAL: Zap
The only indication I use to measure the health of Matrix is the amount of members who comment on the boards. And I believe that is down.


It's not just Matrix, but other forums I've been on are down as well.

I think because of facebook taking over our lives.



I agree, forums are a very "Pre Social Media" way of using the internet. There is just so many more forms of communication available now.

Example, I dont bother emailing my 2 adult children, they never check emails. AN email is something they give out to get a free sample of something, then quickly forotton about. Also dont even think about calling them on a "gasp" phone! [:D]




IainMcNeil -> RE: Is Matrix dying? (5/31/2016 12:23:46 PM)

The Slitherine site is actually about to be updated to be more in line with the Matrix one. The Matrix forums will probably be brought more in line with Slitherine. We are standardizing things but it takes time and our main focus is on making great games so these things tend to lag behind. Basically we're taking the best of both companies and using that as the standard to go forwards. For example the production process Matrix had established was much more thorough and professional so we're using that as the basis while the marketing team was more structured at Slitherine. Its taken quite a few years but its slowly all coming together :)




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