Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (Full Version)

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el cid again -> Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/5/2019 6:22:04 PM)

I have been asked to demonstrate that an update for AE "would generate more money than it costs."
As a preliminary indicator, I am asking for people to indicate interest.

I specifically proposed a very slight update to the game to facilitate a somewhat expanded
version of Andrew Brown's Extended Map System. Apart from adding a few hexes and a few
off map locations on the off map movement track, it would facilitate using seasonal maps
which feature construction (and rarely, deconstruction) throughout the war. The basic
system is working in RHS, but requires manually changing the pwhexe.dat file and some
map art files every season of the war. I want to automate that process.

The new map system shows things like the deconstruction of the East Malaya RR and the
Baikal Amur RR at the end of the first Winter season, as well as many construction projects.
It also shows considerable construction of roads and rail lines throughout the war. And
trails change seasonally where mud, ice or other natural events "erase" or create them.
The construction comes in two flavors - a strictly historical set - and an alternative
history set which includes numbers of actual projects not implemented (or not fully
implemented during WW2). In Australia, for example, narrow gage RR were surveyed, but
not built, in favor of primary roads. [As issued, AE provides neither.] The upgrade
would allow original AE, strictly historical enhanced AE, and alternative history AE
versions of the pwhexe.dat files, which are where this "construction" is coded. All of that
now exists and there is no cost for Matrix to use it.

As well, the ice on the ocean and on rivers and lakes considerably changes navigation on
an annual cycle. Numbers of major river systems have been considerably developed.

The upgrade might be software only to avoid the cost of disks, boxes and physical package
art. The AE editors would permit any mod to use any version including the original files.
One simply selects the right scenario to modify.



btd64 -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/5/2019 6:39:20 PM)

Yes, being as I've used your maps and find them appealing. On another note maybe they could add in the 1126b beta update. It's a small update....GP



hernanyork -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/5/2019 6:42:16 PM)

yes, very interesting



wernerpruckner -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/5/2019 7:53:06 PM)

Yes!



BillBrown -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/5/2019 8:00:40 PM)

Yes I am in.



Zorch -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/5/2019 8:02:00 PM)

A better question is, "How much would you pay to upgrade WitP:AE"?
Like a kickstarter.



Lovejoy -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/6/2019 1:25:45 AM)

Yes!



NigelKentarus -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/6/2019 2:32:26 AM)

Definately.



sanderz -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/6/2019 2:22:20 PM)

Yes



Big B -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/6/2019 3:38:57 PM)

Of course



durnedwolf -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/6/2019 7:22:09 PM)

Just to upgrade maps? No.

Now if there are a list of game "repairs" that correct problems within the current game then I'm interested. A comprehensive revision to the player's manual is a must. If there are additions to units, air groups, and ships that were left out then I'm totally happy. And including the 1126b beta update would be a must. And if they'd like to toss in some modifications to the map that'd be cool.

Throw in all of that and I'll be a paying customer.

One last comment to this subject: I think you should re-post this in the general forum if you are seeking input towards funding an update. [:)]




GI Jive -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/7/2019 12:08:49 AM)

I would evaluate a purchase based on what the version actually offers that is an improvement over the current version. But I've stuck with the game so long already I'd probably want to try the new version.



Big B -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/7/2019 2:47:15 AM)

I would imagine any update for AE would include game mechanic improvements, for substantial improvements of game play, as was done with AE for Air Combat back in 2009.
I would consider a primarily air/naval game simulation as this - to finally include some control/condition-settings for naval combat as the most warranted are of improvement.
We can already set ranges for ship-to-shore bombardment, and wether or not escorts can attack a shore target....which was not in the original WitP.
We need to be able to set some sort of conditions for naval engagements now.
Desired gun ranges, perhaps even formations - which would allow for torpedo/gun tactics, etc.

Land combat, as subjective as it is - actually kinda works for a 40 mile hex scale (though that might be improved), and air combat is not perfect but is satisfactory on the whole.

Naval combat needs the make-over more than anything else.

EDIT: But oh yes - AE as-is, is light years ahead of any other similar sim out there...just saying.


B



CaptBeefheart -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/7/2019 5:04:22 AM)

Yes.

Cheers,
CB



Ginetto -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/7/2019 5:21:12 AM)

Absolutely. Not in dribs and drabs, though. Gather together all the update work that is ready but hasn't been issued yet and put it into one package. Especially important, indispensable actually, is to make the download and installation USER-FRIENDLY. None of that "create a file here, unzip this there, overwrite this folder, back up that other one". Most of us don't have the time and technical know-how to spare an entire evening fiddling around with this. Take CMANO as an example of hassle-free updating.



inqistor -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/7/2019 10:17:05 AM)

Seasonal map would be great. I would also like to see:

1. Triggered events, so Thais don't disappear on set date, and British fleet won't have to evacuate, if Japan hardly sinks any of their ships.
2. Same model as in original WITP for ships needed at ETO. If you lose BB, which should be send to Europe, you have to send there other one.
3. Rewriting bombing code, so accuracy wouldn't be based on number of bombs. I want to see FBs, and Light Bombers as main Ground Support Planes (and fraking REALLY suppressing enemy AA), not 4Es best for everything. 4Es have over 100% accuracy during Port Attacks, it's ridiculous. Even heard about Scharnhorst?



jakla1027 -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/7/2019 11:35:42 AM)

Yes I would be interested in an updated. Even if I had to pay for the update I wouldn't mind. After 7+ years of playing the game, paying for an update is a small cost to extend that 7+ years for an indefinite amount of more playing time.



cdnice -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/7/2019 2:43:36 PM)

Definitely yes!



Mike Solli -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/7/2019 2:55:49 PM)

Conditionally, yes. That would be dependent on the changes. Just maps, probably not.

I do like the idea of a Kickstarter.



pmelheck1 -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/7/2019 3:44:37 PM)

For me it would depend on price and what it includes. A map update talked about above would be great. All updates rolled into the game including the OOB/Scenario updates would be a must, into one installer that would be updated if a patch was released for those of us who move or install WITP.



NormS3 -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/8/2019 8:24:49 PM)

Yes, I would be interested.

Any chance some of the vacant nation slots might become useful?



Ian R -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/9/2019 9:02:00 AM)

I would be willing to pay reasonable $ for that.



Moltrey -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/9/2019 8:57:02 PM)

I would say that your first paragraph would seem to indicate a Kickstarter Campaign by Matrix would fit the bill perfectly.

Matrix Games risk would be minimal; some startup costs in manpower and time to produce and then maintain the KS campaign.
Lay out the KS WITP goals clearly and concisely (probably based on some research and forum feedback, etc.).
Announce the KS campaign and ask for contributions here and in all the normal channels for wargamers.
Sit back and wait to see just how much interest there really is in a AE update.
If it doesn't meet the 30 day KS $ goal the project stops and Matrix is off the hook.

For me the short answer is Yes.
My personal thoughts are that map updates are not enough to warrant even discussing it. We need some dialogue from the forumites to ascertain what improvements are valued by the players, vetted for feasibility by Matrix and Co.
Good luck!



Korvar -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/9/2019 9:38:48 PM)

I second Moltrey that a crowdfunding campaign is the perfect setup for updates to AE. Asking opinions on the matter is fine, but nothing beats knowing exactly how much cash the community is willing to put behind such an effort. That way any developer(s) will know up front that they'll be paid a fair wage for their services, with clear goals to prevent scope creep (or at least any scope creep will require commensurate additional funding).

Don't package it as a massive update for a large amount of money. As much as is feasible, atomize the scope of work so the simpler tweaks can be had for a smaller goal, escalating the labor of the tweaks with the larger stretch goals.

To get the ball rolling, we'll need to brainstorm ideas for changes. We'll no doubt come up with a long 'Christmas List', so once enough ideas have been collected, we'll need to prune them down. Developer input will probably be needed at some point to eliminate any which are unfeasible due to coding restrictions/considerations. We'll need to keep realistic expectations throughout and realize that our goal is to tie up any loose ends as well as grab any low hanging fruit - NOT to produce a full sequel to the game.



BeirutDude -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/10/2019 5:54:03 AM)

So my take is, I really don't want to play campaign games of WITP:AE, and I'm really not interested in micromanaging aircrew training down to the 2nd class Petty officer level from 1937-1945! And IMHO there just aren't enough decent "smaller" scenarios to attract my interest (unless they're hiding somewhere I don't know about). Now a patch with a significant number of battle scenarios, alternative battle scenarios (full Kido Butai at Coral Sea, Full Kido Butai at Midway with no Coral Sea, etc.) and even some month/2 month mini campaigns (Mid-April to Mid-June 1942 for example) and I'd be in for decent bucks, Like $30-40.

My $0.02



modrow -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/10/2019 6:23:04 AM)

The idea sounds great to me, count me in as well - even if it is "only" the addition of these new map functionalities.



WingCmdr -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/10/2019 9:10:16 AM)

Hi,

I think you have overlooked the most important issue. Demand.
In several days no one has stepped up to take over my game. Of the last ten people to post on this forum looking to start a game I have take on four of them. I do not see any demand for a product that is very difficult to get anything done in less than several hours. We love the detail and accuracy of the simulation, but a much better and smoother product can be designed with more recent code.

The game AI is there and its good, you just need a better more streamlined way to handle all the detail.



ReadyR -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/10/2019 2:10:24 PM)

I would be interested in the new map features described, and in any other update features that are feasible. Would pay to purchase. Would also contribute to a Kickstarter campaign.



el cid again -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/11/2019 2:54:09 PM)

A "better" product will never be able to be more detailed and not take many hours per turn. It depends on
what a player is interested in? Failure to require hours of input means that the game would not permit
adequate player control - it would automate too much.

Nevertheless, I am certain many share your view and it IS germane to if people are willing to pay for an improvement.

So thank you.


quote:

ORIGINAL: WingCmdr

Hi,

I think you have overlooked the most important issue. Demand.
In several days no one has stepped up to take over my game. Of the last ten people to post on this forum looking to start a game I have take on four of them. I do not see any demand for a product that is very difficult to get anything done in less than several hours. We love the detail and accuracy of the simulation, but a much better and smoother product can be designed with more recent code.

The game AI is there and its good, you just need a better more streamlined way to handle all the detail.




WingCmdr -> RE: Is anyone interested in an update for AE? (6/11/2019 3:58:10 PM)

You miss my point completely. The thread is anyone interested, not what I want.

I purchased WITPE and I had no idea what was inside.

The question is will you pay $79.99 for WITPE 2020?



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