Matrix Games Forums

ORIGINAL: Soulhex

Hi Everybody!

I lurk this forum for several years now, checking it every few months ... not because I want to play the game (although I was an avid player of military board games for around 20 years, which brought me to Matrix Games doorstep, but I have lost the patience and time for them) - no, I am also a Software Developer and can’t tear myself away from this unmitigated mess.

I don’t question the enthusiasm of everybody directly involved in the creation of this – or even their talent, for that matter. But even with the limited information that is available here (although, if all true, it gives a pretty clear picture) I have to seriously question the motivation and competence of anybody involved on the business side of this project … and also the delusion and blind kamikaze faith on the side of the few hopefuls expecting to ever play this.

Even a cursory overview of the monthly reports and other messages show staggering problems, amounts of bugs, changes and redesigns that clearly show serious basic design flaws tracing back to the very beginning of this (8 years now is it?), obsolete technology, stagnant, clunky presentation, overdependence on a single person for everything from idea to execution, beta testers that have managed to produce a constantly big number of bugs over at least the last three years (no exact numbers before that), numerous and near constant failure to keep any resemblance of a schedule (and yes, I even really believe there was a good reason for it every time), and so much more …

I witnessed such projects before.

The people directly involved don’t have a way out - that ship has sailed. They have seemingly melted into the work, try their very best to cope and often manage an heroic effort to keep things afloat, often at the cost of private life, finances, health, …

People here often point out that posts should be productive. Okay, so let me answer the question of this thread … When? Never! I don’t mean that in a childish “I WANT THIS” kind of way, neither in a cynical “HA, YOU FAILED” kind of way … I am simply begging you to stop this insanity.

For those that are involved in the business side of this … shame on you to let this go on, check out the meaning of the word “management” and then give it a try.

For those that want to play this, want to support this, have done so over the years, are invested and passionate, love this and helped … take a step back and look at what is happening here. Let go … I know it’s hard, but it’s for the better.

Maybe a new start is possible, but please don’t let this go on … no small steps will help here, think more “gordian knot”.

And so ... Merry Christmas Everybody!

Can't ... look ... away ...

ORIGINAL: tigercub

what rock did you come from under....

I lurk the forum for several years, checking every few months

I am also a Software Developer and can’t tear myself away from this unmitigated mess.

I don’t question the enthusiasm of everybody directly involved in the creation of this – or even their talent

I have to seriously question the motivation and competence of anybody involved on the business side of this project … and also the delusion

ORIGINAL: CrusssDaddy

Basically Steve says, "Hey guys, just checking in to let you know I am dying. I am literally suffering a new systemic failure on a monthly basis and these, my final days of life, are miserable. I hope you understand why there's no game, or even any updates."

And then the community responds with: "Sorry to here you feel bad buddy!!! tAke a couple day off and then get back to work to feeel bettr!!!!! [&o][:'(][;)][;)][:)][8D]"

"You are doing great, a little break to get your energy up again will do you wonders. [&o][&o][&o][&o]"

"You are LITERALLY a madman for continuing with this project! A madman!!! But yes, take a short break then get right back to it. Can't wait for game!!!!![:'(][:'(][:'(]"

"This thing is crazy!!!!!!!! But hard work is the right thing, is summer 2013 a possable?!?!?!?!?"

It's shameful. You should be saying, "Steve this is insane, and not in a good way. Give it up. You were sabotaged from the beginning, there is no dishonor in leaving this mess behind. Quit this silliness so you can recover your health. Enjoy your family. Live."

ORIGINAL: warspite1

ORIGINAL: tigercub

what rock did you come from under....

warspite1

From the content of his post I suspect either this is someone's sock puppet or a "freind" of one of the games detractors who has been asked to go on and troll, to stir up trouble.

Why would I think that? Well just look at the clues:

1.

I lurk the forum for several years, checking every few months

- Yes that's likely isn't it? Who would waste their time doing that? What? This person knew from the start it was going to be a "disaster"? Really? Never felt the need to mention anything before - only now, short on the heels of the recent unpleasantness.

2.

I am also a Software Developer and can’t tear myself away from this unmitigated mess.

First real dig to get people going.

3. Then the not-very-subtle give-away: He starts with the voice of reason

I don’t question the enthusiasm of everybody directly involved in the creation of this – or even their talent

Great, so that shows there is no troll at work here - just a reasonable guy right? Er....

4. .....then goes and blows it with this little number that directly contradicts what he just said and is designed to raise the temperature

I have to seriously question the motivation and competence of anybody involved on the business side of this project … and also the delusion

Classic Trolling.

So yes, I will react to this post:

[>:][>:][>:][>:][>:][>:][>:]

I’m investigating getting a tattoo “ER Bloods” and wearing gangland colors of scrubs green and latex white.

ORIGINAL: warspite1


1.

I lurk the forum for several years, checking every few months

- Yes that's likely isn't it? Who would waste their time doing that?

ORIGINAL: Le Grand Condé

ORIGINAL: warspite1


1.

I lurk the forum for several years, checking every few months

- Yes that's likely isn't it? Who would waste their time doing that?

Very likely. I for one have been following this forum on a monthly basis since the day ADG announced Matrix would take over Computer WiF.
Not every one is from an English speaking country, not everyone has time to commit to beta testing, and not everyone is knowledgeable enough to help with unit descriptions (plus, you take a chance on being blasted by a diehard Wiffer for a missing coma [:-]), still there are some people outside the "regular posters" who are truly interested in this game, follow the discussions, and are absolutely entitled to different opinions about how this project is managed.
On a personal note, I am waiting for a playable computer version of WiF since '96 (the first time I heard about it) so I am used to the wait [;)] - but I can understand people wondering if the game will ever be released.

ORIGINAL: Steely Glint

Guys, this has gone on way, way, way too long. Years and years too long.

The ship has sailed and you don't seem to realize it. It's time to cut your losses and move on.

ORIGINAL: Shannon V. OKeets

Yes, but you joined the forum in 2005. The other poster joined on the day of his one post; he also provided zero background information on himself. I agree with Warspite's insightful analysis.

ORIGINAL: Shannon V. OKeets

ORIGINAL: Joseignacio

Steve, sorry to come up with the dreaded question but, after so many months from a predicted date, I cannot see the end close.

I know you wont give a date. Could you speak about a certain year as a prospective date?

I am pretty shy to ask this, and I totally understand if you are still not prone to do so. Just I was wondering, in order to check the advances of the game as frequently or less frequently (if it's going to last for several yers still).

Glad to hear your health improves, I hope Red Prince is also 100% recovered.

I'll go out on a limb here and say before July 1 of this year. As to what will be included in the first release - I will not comment on that at this time.

ORIGINAL: CrusssDaddy

ORIGINAL: Shannon V. OKeets

ORIGINAL: Joseignacio

Steve, sorry to come up with the dreaded question but, after so many months from a predicted date, I cannot see the end close.

I know you wont give a date. Could you speak about a certain year as a prospective date?

I am pretty shy to ask this, and I totally understand if you are still not prone to do so. Just I was wondering, in order to check the advances of the game as frequently or less frequently (if it's going to last for several yers still).

Glad to hear your health improves, I hope Red Prince is also 100% recovered.

I'll go out on a limb here and say before July 1 of this year. As to what will be included in the first release - I will not comment on that at this time.

Hey-hey, it's almost time for the 2012 Year in Review post. Can't wait! Learning why another year has gone by with no progress toward a completed game is now a January tradition almost a decade old. Here's an idea for a drinking game: do one shot of bourbon every time Steve says "Nothing new." I know some of you guys are in frail health, you can substitute carrot juice and just act drunk.