puresimmer
Posts: 2299
Joined: 7/24/2005 Status: offline
|
Thanks for all the encouragement. I figured I'd update you guys on my current thinking. Some of my first acts as a hobbyist developer will be to focus more on the modding aspects of the game, whether it be discussing how to do stuff, opening up/unprotecting the database, adding more hooks to the game etc... It would be great if we could get a whole community of developers contributing mods. I think the combination of more "modability" and just perpetually, incrementally tweaking the game at my leisure will end up being really fun. No deadlines, no pressure to come up with a "big enough" release to warrant a "2008", no additional fees for you guys and the game stays alive and well. I have also decided that all future updates will be built on the PureSim 2007 v1.51 code base, so folks will still at least need to have purchased that final commercial Matrix version before being able to get any of the free (but not officially supported) updates. This lets me build from a known baseline and also establishes the "line in the sand" on what exactly is officially supported by Matrix and Myself (with PureSim 2007 v1.51 being the last officially supported release). I thought about it, and if I just went ahead and released a full free version it would not be fair to Matrix. Especially in light of how understanding Dave (CEO) was with my 11th hour decision to stop with commercial/retail releases and the fact that they are letting us continue to use these forums. *And* of course the fact that they are still actively selling PS 2007! If a publisher is that cool, then I owe it to them to not diminish any sales potential for PS 2007. In fact my approach may help them sell PS 2007 for a lot longer into the future, which they are entitled to do for a number of years based on our contract. And yes, I still get royalties, so maybe it will be my beer/hockey/golf fund. I think it will be the best of both worlds. If I get an inspiration or want to try something I can put it in and release an update. Modders can constantly add cool stuff and release that. If I want to do nothing for stretches, play World of Warcraft with my sons, go fishing, or do some research or play with other technologies I can do it without the obligation of working on the next commercial release of PureSim 200x gnawing at me. Best of all I can spend more time with my boys. I can't put in words how much better I feel just in these past three days -- my wife nailed it. I was stressed out. Of course I'll miss the annual income that comes with a new 200x release, but hey that's the trade-off. Shaun
_____________________________
Developer, PureSim Baseball
|