Update on TCP/IP/LAN and next patch

[Joel Billings]

After much investigation and deliberation, we’ve decided to commit to adding TCP/IP/LAN to a future patch. Although we think that GGWaW is an ideal PBEM game, we can’t deny that a significant number of customers and potential customers would like to get their WaW fix via TCP/IP/LAN. WaW was designed from the beginning with flexibility in mind. It is possible through the use of various game options to set up games that won’t take more than a few hours to play. Longer games can be played using the save game capability. With the advent of cheap headsets and the technologies that have made them much easier to integrate into gaming, it’s hard to deny that computer wargaming can be a social activity rivaling any boardgaming experience. Since one of our primary goals with WaW was to attract a wider audience, it makes sense to devout some resources to make TCP WaW a reality.

For those that have argued against this due to the resources that will be taken from other WaW improvements (or future 2by3 games), our counter is that this effort should help to bring more gamers to WaW. Since some percentage of them will try PBEM, this means more PBEM players. Who knows, you might even find a way to get some of your friends into a quick TCP/IP game someday (you’ll have to bring your own beer & pretzels). In the meantime, we will continue with periodic improvements to the AI and the rest of the game while the TCP/IP work goes forward.

It’s too early to give you a timeframe on when a TCP/IP/LAN patch will be available. We will give you updates, as we have information worth passing on.

[Tac2i]

Cool beans! This is great news for a great game. Very much look forward to this patch.

Thanks Matrixgames!

[Scott_WAR]

Excellent news. Thank you very much.

[Jombee]

Awesome News!

Thanks so much for listening, and caring about your customers!

[SeaMonkey]

Joel,

Will it be possible to play in TCP mode and then revert the unfinished game to PBEM and vice versa at players' discretion? SC was able to accomplish it.

[Damien Thorn]

This is great news. So, when is TCP/IP going to be added to WitP? (Just kidding) [:)]

[Regent9]

Woo Hoo!

Gonna head out to EBgames to buy the game right now.

Thanks!

[craigcarlson]

Thanks for the information Joel. And big thanks to Matrix Games/2By3 for listening to their customers. I've spent wayyyy too much time on this very addictive game and TCP/IP will be the thing to allow me to play this with a wider base of players.

Thanks!

[Espejo]

Very good news and thank you very much

[Reiryc]

Great to hear!

Thanks much....

[Glabro]

Hm. While personally this won´t be an option for me - no-one´s going to wait for me to finish my turns, I take ages - I hope others get joy out of this.

Since I don´t care about AI patching anymore anyways....well, the only thing I´d want would be a scenario editor.

[Espejo]

Funny I can´t really get into PBEM. ah right this game again... Hmmm ....

Well lets hope for 4 Palyers at the same time timer options etc. ...

Well I am happy. I hope this will draw new players to WAW

[Franky513]

Thanks, I can't wait playing the game online with TCP/IP.

Ciao Frank

[5cats]

Yes, TCP/IP will be a great option
Even better than PBEM! Woo Hoo!
Of course half teh players are in Europe & half in North America... lol!
Some late nights, some wasted afternoons

[nukkxx5058]

Great news ! thanks guys !

[MantisMan]

That's great new guys! Now, if you guys had a demo of some sort, I could show it to my mates, and start them salivatating [:D]

[dobeln]

Just a feature request for TCP/IP: A turn timer. (Customizable, of course, preferably on a per-side-basis)

[nukkxx5058]

ORIGINAL: dobeln

Just a feature request for TCP/IP: A turn timer. (Customizable, of course, preferably on a per-side-basis)

Yes I agree, that's absolutely necessart ...

[MButtazoni]

yes that feature is in the functional spec

[MantisMan]

Good news all: On hearing about the Lan/TCPIP impliminatation, I purchased the game, and had 2 of my 4 game buddies over last night.

Cudos on a great rulebook! No scimping there; nice and thick and complete. It took us a while to understand the game basics; we still don't, but that's a GOOD thing [:)]

Plenty of settings to change; that was smart of you guys to add so many; my mates love to tweek our games. Graphics and music are pretty good too, except the battle graphics are a bit "primative"; but I doubt we will be watching those much. The music is great, but a little short, so it can become repitisious; maybe there's a way to add our own music?

When the LAN patch comes out, I can pretty much guantee you 4 entire more sales (that will pay for all your extra work, right guys [;)]). But my mates are waiting for a funtional patch; they've been burnt over and over by games like Might & Magic 4; Civilization 3; Starfleet Command 3; all of which pretty much buggered us as far as multiplayer was concered.