State of the game and future plans (?) May 2015.

[Viktor_Kormel_slith]

After near 18 months after the game was launched, I wonder where we stay? Where we go?

I read Steve is working in Netplay, in AI in extra rules… and I feel very frustrated, concerned and worried because the games keeps very important bugs and malfunctions in several key things. I can´t understand the strong words about things like opt rule 47 or IA when basic things like naval movement, naval combat, return to base, air combat, production and repair factories doesn´t works. I was decided to report all these bugs I have detected but there are so many and it would take me a lot of time. I am very surprised that other people don ´t report them.

Here is a brief summary of the some important IMO:

Naval Movement:
a) you can´t (in naval impulse) split forces like you want
b) you can´t embark units in port thru

Naval Combat:
a) I suspect but I can´t confirm it that search modifiers are not counting good because in the same situation I have seen different results!
b) Air units in transports are detected like air naval units driving the game a total crash in the air units return to base subphase.

Return to base and interception combats:
a) It is a complete disaster, used air units in range can fly to the combat, this is a serious bug.
b) The unit aboard the transports must be faced down and I think that the program ignores that.

Air Combat:
a) Many times, when carrier units planes are involved in the combats the games stops.

Production:
a) In my last game, Mexican and Brazilian units can´t rebuilt by USA, there are not in the force pools.
b) Damaged factories and oil can´t be repaired most of the times so you can´t play with strategic bombing if you want to be fair with the axis side.
c) And I don´t want to talk too much about the resource assignment system but I think is very obvious that is very complicated and slow and sometimes a really nightmare.

Well, after this exercise of a MWIF lover player frustration I just want to add a calling:

Matrix, I need some kind of hope for the game, some explanations and the commitment to fix the basics in it. After 18 months the game is not playable in a competitive way, not even in the most basic configuration, it´s sad to say but is the truth. I don´t ask miracles just the basic, something that works, I paid 100 € for it.

[Centuur]

I'm going to add some things to this list.

ORIGINAL: Viktor_Kormel

After near 18 months after the game was launched, I wonder where we stay? Where we go?

I read Steve is working in Netplay, in AI in extra rules… and I feel very frustrated, concerned and worried because the games keeps very important bugs and malfunctions in several key things. I can´t understand the strong words about things like opt rule 47 or IA when basic things like naval movement, naval combat, return to base, air combat, production and repair factories doesn´t works. I was decided to report all these bugs I have detected but there are so many and it would take me a lot of time. I am very surprised that other people don ´t report them.

Here is a brief summary of the some important IMO:

Naval Movement:
a) you can´t (in naval impulse) split forces like you want

Bug is on the task list.

b) you can´t embark units in port thru

Bug is on the task lists.

Naval Combat:
a) I suspect but I can´t confirm it that search modifiers are not counting good because in the same situation I have seen different results!

Bug is not known. I have not noticed any faults in the search modifiers (weather, presence of aircraft and convoy points in the area). If these are wrong, we need saved games for this.


b) Air units in transports are detected like air naval units driving the game a total crash in the air units return to base subphase.

Bug is not known. What happens? May we have a saved game please? According to the rules, you may rebase aircraft in the rebase phase and during the naval return to base phase, I haven't seen any air unit staying behind at sea. Everything seems to work correct there.

Return to base and interception combats:
a) It is a complete disaster, used air units in range can fly to the combat, this is a serious bug.

I don't see this bug in the list either. Do we have a saved game for this bug? I can't fly disorganised planes into any sea area.

b) The unit aboard the transports must be faced down and I think that the program ignores that.

What do you mean? Which unit should be transported face down? Are those OOS units which have been picked up? Can you give us some more information?

Air Combat:
a) Many times, when carrier units planes are involved in the combats the games stops.

There is a annoying bug here which can be worked around by pressing the F10 button and than close this form. Other than this, I haven't seen a carrier planes bug at the moment. Or is this happening with the air component of the carriers? Again: more information is needed, especially since bugs in that area should have been fixed...

Production:
a) In my last game, Mexican and Brazilian units can´t rebuilt by USA, there are not in the force pools.

Did you include these units by pressing the button "add minor countries units" on the production form? If so, a saved game is needed, since this bug is not on the list.

b) Damaged factories and oil can´t be repaired most of the times so you can´t play with strategic bombing if you want to be fair with the axis side.

This one is on the bugs list

c) And I don´t want to talk too much about the resource assignment system but I think is very obvious that is very complicated and slow and sometimes a really nightmare.

Agreed

Well, after this exercise of a MWIF lover player frustration I just want to add a calling:

Matrix, I need some kind of hope for the game, some explanations and the commitment to fix the basics in it. After 18 months the game is not playable in a competitive way, not even in the most basic configuration, it´s sad to say but is the truth. I don´t ask miracles just the basic, something that works, I paid 100 € for it.

The only thing I would add to this is that bugs are still being fixed. That's still the first priority. Netplay is second. However, I'm also worried, since it takes far to long to fix bugs. But it's for Matrix to decide what they want to do about this.
Furthermore, I'm a little astonished that a promise to say something about how things are going was made quite some time ago by Matrix and nothing since then. That's unprofessional behaviour, I believe.

[Jagdtiger14]

When a Matrix big wig (Erik Rutins) tells us he well get back to us "in a few weeks" about this (April 7)...and now its 7 weeks later...I find he has very low credibility and character. If this was my company, I would fire him.

The new person I hire in his position would be instructed to give at least monthly updates on MWiF's "state of the game". How difficult can it be to do this?

[Cataphract88]

ORIGINAL: Centuur

I'm going to add some things to this list.

ORIGINAL: Viktor_Kormel

After near 18 months after the game was launched, I wonder where we stay? Where we go?

I read Steve is working in Netplay, in AI in extra rules… and I feel very frustrated, concerned and worried because the games keeps very important bugs and malfunctions in several key things. I can´t understand the strong words about things like opt rule 47 or IA when basic things like naval movement, naval combat, return to base, air combat, production and repair factories doesn´t works. I was decided to report all these bugs I have detected but there are so many and it would take me a lot of time. I am very surprised that other people don ´t report them.

Here is a brief summary of the some important IMO:

Naval Movement:
a) you can´t (in naval impulse) split forces like you want

Bug is on the task list.

b) you can´t embark units in port thru

Bug is on the task lists.

Naval Combat:
a) I suspect but I can´t confirm it that search modifiers are not counting good because in the same situation I have seen different results!

Bug is not known. I have not noticed any faults in the search modifiers (weather, presence of aircraft and convoy points in the area). If these are wrong, we need saved games for this.


b) Air units in transports are detected like air naval units driving the game a total crash in the air units return to base subphase.

Bug is not known. What happens? May we have a saved game please? According to the rules, you may rebase aircraft in the rebase phase and during the naval return to base phase, I haven't seen any air unit staying behind at sea. Everything seems to work correct there.

Return to base and interception combats:
a) It is a complete disaster, used air units in range can fly to the combat, this is a serious bug.

I don't see this bug in the list either. Do we have a saved game for this bug? I can't fly disorganised planes into any sea area.

b) The unit aboard the transports must be faced down and I think that the program ignores that.

What do you mean? Which unit should be transported face down? Are those OOS units which have been picked up? Can you give us some more information?

Air Combat:
a) Many times, when carrier units planes are involved in the combats the games stops.

There is a annoying bug here which can be worked around by pressing the F10 button and than close this form. Other than this, I haven't seen a carrier planes bug at the moment. Or is this happening with the air component of the carriers? Again: more information is needed, especially since bugs in that area should have been fixed...

Production:
a) In my last game, Mexican and Brazilian units can´t rebuilt by USA, there are not in the force pools.

Did you include these units by pressing the button "add minor countries units" on the production form? If so, a saved game is needed, since this bug is not on the list.

b) Damaged factories and oil can´t be repaired most of the times so you can´t play with strategic bombing if you want to be fair with the axis side.

This one is on the bugs list

c) And I don´t want to talk too much about the resource assignment system but I think is very obvious that is very complicated and slow and sometimes a really nightmare.

Agreed

Well, after this exercise of a MWIF lover player frustration I just want to add a calling:

Matrix, I need some kind of hope for the game, some explanations and the commitment to fix the basics in it. After 18 months the game is not playable in a competitive way, not even in the most basic configuration, it´s sad to say but is the truth. I don´t ask miracles just the basic, something that works, I paid 100 € for it.

The only thing I would add to this is that bugs are still being fixed. That's still the first priority. Netplay is second. However, I'm also worried, since it takes far to long to fix bugs. But it's for Matrix to decide what they want to do about this.
Furthermore, I'm a little astonished that a promise to say something about how things are going was made quite some time ago by Matrix and nothing since then. That's unprofessional behaviour, I believe.

+1

[WarHunter]

Viktor_Kormel, Thank you for posting this heart felt message. Go play some games that are fun and stop being a play tester. Your mind needs a break.

I say this because your post reminds me of where I was over a year ago. No matter how much you may like the game. Step away and just forget your login info. Don't post anything more. Become a patient gamer and lurker. Just read the AAR's and other things that interest you. Make notes and never forget this could be a great game. Someday maybe.

Today is not that day.

Was contacted in a private mail to play the game again. My reply, wait until after the next official update is out for about 2 weeks before taking any side.

Viktor, Maybe in another year or 2 we can play. Until then take a break and let me pull play tester time while you get some good gaming in. We shall see how long the frustration can be held at bay.

btw, On my break I've taken time to play the following games, World of Warcraft (horde Orc hunter RP server), World of Tanks KV-1 is still my fav tank late night before bed, Wasteland2, Warlock2, Sid Meier's Civ 5, Ace Patrol, Pacific Skies, Grim Dawn, Age of Wonders 3, Battle world Kronos, Call of Cthulu Wasted Lands, Fallout Las Vegas, FTL, X-com enemy within, King's Bounty Dark Side. Total War Empire, Shogun, and more.
Those are just the games off the top of my head.

Go play a game. Take a break from play testing.

As far as a report of the state of the game and the future. Let me fill in the blank.

MWiF is coming along slowly as the bugs are found and squashed. The words of the past pertaining to the game you paid for is the same game you will be getting when we first announced back when we released the game.
Don't let the single player mode fool you that the game is finished. Much is left to do and the timetable is a work in progress as bugs are prioritized to allow for netplay, AI, Single map, and beyond.
Thank you for helping us realize how far we have fallen and hope you continue to support us as we support MWiF. Wargamers have to stick together you know. Keep posting those bugs and allow us to let you know when we know how well the game is coming along while patiently waiting for a playable multiplay game as advertised. Until then workarounds are the key. Keep your spirits up and keep gaming.

[Orm]

a) In my last game, Mexican and Brazilian units can´t rebuilt by USA, there are not in the force pools.

Did you remember to add the Mexican and Brazilian units to the US force pool?

[bo]

Dear Viktor, Jadgtiger, Cataphract88, and a person I consider a cyber friend Warhunter. I heard your pain as has centuur, I am not a home boy or a fanboy of Steve or Matrix neither do I believe that centuur is, but he has to answer that not me if he cares to, as he is the only one left on the general and the beta forums that I truly respect his opinion and judgement. One other who has seemed to vanished is my trusted friend Cad908 who got fed up with the bullcrap.

There is no one more concerned about this project then centuur and myself. We have both stretched our NDS to the point of breaking. We have both fought direction of what was most needed for the general public to enjoy the game in the beta forums sometimes very loud and clear but with total respect for each others and all views. My passion was first a workable AI that players could enjoy while net play and other problems could be solved, I earnestly felt that Barbarossa could have a decent AI because there is so little complexity with that scenario. To my fellow AI people I let you down because I was not loud enough.

I have said in another post that if Matrix was a brick and mortar store a lot of people would have been fired on Nov 7th 2013 including me. Erik made a promise that he should not have made about an update on April 7th 2015 on the state of the game post, but that is his only error because he needs information from the programmer which to my knowledge he is not getting or the information is not what he would like to air.

I have strongly urged the powers that be to release the Fascist Tide half map, IMO very playable and not as hectic as the Global war game which I never play. The answer I am getting is that some options must be added so that the game can be defined like the board game. IMO what is killing this project [half map] is the word "Defined" Undefine the Fascist Tide scenario let the people who have paid good money play it, if things are not right I am sure they will let us know.

I will not be very popular in the beta forums but I never thought I really ever was because I had never played the board game which meant I could not find some of the bugs that they could and I spoke out about some of the directions we were heading into which made no sense to me at all but then again what does a MWIF tyro like me know.

I had some recent health changes and it has put me in a very sour mood about this game. Not crying the blues but I need to step back a little, if I can.

Bo

[Centuur]

I just want this game to be finished, because I'm a fan of World in Flames. There ends my "fan" status. So I respect anyone who is involved in this game. But that doesn't mean I will not say what has to be said.

I'm addicted to MWIF, I'm afraid, as I once was with WiF itself...

[warspite1]

ORIGINAL: bo

Erik made a promise that he should not have made about an update on April 7th 2015 on the state of the game post, but that is his only error because he needs information from the programmer which to my knowledge he is not getting or the information is not what he would like to air.

warspite1

Sorry bo but I do not agree on this point. It does not matter (or shouldn't) where the fault is for the information (if indeed that is even the issue).

- Erik said that there would be an announcement soon - that was his promise as a representative of Matrix.

- There have been a number of reminders posted and at least one person has sent a PM to this effect.

- Even of there is NOTHING to report, NOTHING NEW to be said or NOTHING NEW in terms of a way forward agreed, at the least a holding post should have been made.

- Given the way this game was released, and the problems it has had combined with the not inconsiderable cost, keeping on top of basic customer service to long-suffering, out of pocket customers, is a MINIMUM requirement surely?

- This lack of service just helps to alienate those who try and remain positive and support the game development, let alone those who feel bitter or disappointed about the product they have forked out for.

[Viktor_Kormel_slith]

Thanks boys for your comments.

I am very stubborn so I´ll keep testing and playing the game but I needed to express and share my worries and my frustrations with you.
I´ll report some of the bugs in tech forum, at least the main important ones. In fact, some of them (air combat for example) I have reported but is not completely fixed.

By other way, I keep thinking the first priority must be the basic mechanisms of the game and don´t disperse the scarce resources in other things. [:-]

[bo]

ORIGINAL: warspite1

ORIGINAL: bo

Erik made a promise that he should not have made about an update on April 7th 2015 on the state of the game post, but that is his only error because he needs information from the programmer which to my knowledge he is not getting or the information is not what he would like to air.

warspite1

Sorry bo but I do not agree on this point. It does not matter (or shouldn't) where the fault is for the information (if indeed that is even the issue).

- Erik said that there would be an announcement soon - that was his promise as a representative of Matrix.

- There have been a number of reminders posted and at least one person has sent a PM to this effect.

- Even of there is NOTHING to report, NOTHING NEW to be said or NOTHING NEW in terms of a way forward agreed, at the least a holding post should have been made.

- Given the way this game was released, and the problems it has had combined with the not inconsiderable cost, keeping on top of basic customer service to long-suffering, out of pocket customers, is a MINIMUM requirement surely?

- This lack of service just helps to alienate those who try and remain positive and support the game development, let alone those who feel bitter or disappointed about the product they have forked out for.

I see no real disagreement between us warspite you are correct that some information should be given out as promised by Erik but what information, by the way what information do we get on the beta forums, now that is where our focus should be, maybe nothing said on the general forum about our problems but I do not hear any protests on the betas forum about lack of progress or where we really are.

Some honesty would be appreciated for testers who have worked long and hard without compensation which they never asked for. It is called common courtesy!

In all cases silence leads to frustration no matter where it lies.

Bo

[bo]

ORIGINAL: Viktor_Kormel

Thanks boys for your comments.

I am very stubborn so I´ll keep testing and playing the game but I needed to express and share my worries and my frustrations with you.
I´ll report some of the bugs in tech forum, at least the main important ones. In fact, some of them (air combat for example) I have reported but is not completely fixed.

By other way, I keep thinking the first priority must be the basic mechanisms of the game and don´t disperse the scarce resources in other things. [:-]

Your worries and frustration shared with us is what it is all about Viktor, thank you for the "boys" quote, wow was that a long time ago. First priority is the basic mechanisms but should they have been cleared up prior to release.

Bo

[bo]

ORIGINAL: Centuur

I just want this game to be finished, because I'm a fan of World in Flames. There ends my "fan" status. So I respect anyone who is involved in this game. But that doesn't mean I will not say what has to be said.

I'm addicted to MWIF, I'm afraid, as I once was with WiF itself...

I am addicted also centuur, by the way it was with your help to me with this brilliant game over the years that brought on my addiction.

Bo

[rkr1958]

ORIGINAL: bo

ORIGINAL: Centuur

I just want this game to be finished, because I'm a fan of World in Flames. There ends my "fan" status. So I respect anyone who is involved in this game. But that doesn't mean I will not say what has to be said.

I'm addicted to MWIF, I'm afraid, as I once was with WiF itself...

I am addicted also centuur, by the way it was with your help to me with this brilliant game over the years that brought on my addiction.

Bo

I'm not addicted ... I can stop at any time ... but choose not to ... I need to get back to my game ... [:D]

[Centuur]

ORIGINAL: rkr1958

ORIGINAL: bo

ORIGINAL: Centuur

I just want this game to be finished, because I'm a fan of World in Flames. There ends my "fan" status. So I respect anyone who is involved in this game. But that doesn't mean I will not say what has to be said.

I'm addicted to MWIF, I'm afraid, as I once was with WiF itself...

I am addicted also centuur, by the way it was with your help to me with this brilliant game over the years that brought on my addiction.

Bo

I'm not addicted ... I can stop at any time ... but choose not to ... I need to get back to my game ... [:D]

I've just finished my working day. Guess what, before dinner time it's MWIF time. After dinner time too... OMG [:D]

I've to go into rehab (that's the right word, isn't it...) [:D]

[Rosseau]

Anyone who hints that Erik Rutkins (should) be fired simply hasn't been around very long. My real "join" date is when Uncommon Valor came out, and Erik's skills over the decades speak for themselves.

Fix some bugs yes. But as a clueless newbie, most of the bugs mentioned here do not throw me. Also, I save the game a lot. However, Netplay problems are the most inexcusable for the veterans, although I will probably never play MP. Beyond that, it's all about cash flow, so my plan would be offer something that works (AI, half-maps, rules and new scenarios - take your pick) and offer a $20 expansion. I may be very wrong, but it seems like the dev is faced with "whack a mole" right now.

[Cataphract88]

ORIGINAL: warspite1

ORIGINAL: bo

Erik made a promise that he should not have made about an update on April 7th 2015 on the state of the game post, but that is his only error because he needs information from the programmer which to my knowledge he is not getting or the information is not what he would like to air.

warspite1

Sorry bo but I do not agree on this point. It does not matter (or shouldn't) where the fault is for the information (if indeed that is even the issue).

- Erik said that there would be an announcement soon - that was his promise as a representative of Matrix.

- There have been a number of reminders posted and at least one person has sent a PM to this effect.

- Even of there is NOTHING to report, NOTHING NEW to be said or NOTHING NEW in terms of a way forward agreed, at the least a holding post should have been made.

- Given the way this game was released, and the problems it has had combined with the not inconsiderable cost, keeping on top of basic customer service to long-suffering, out of pocket customers, is a MINIMUM requirement surely?

- This lack of service just helps to alienate those who try and remain positive and support the game development, let alone those who feel bitter or disappointed about the product they have forked out for.

Wise words from Warspite.

[bo]

ORIGINAL: cataphract88

ORIGINAL: warspite1

ORIGINAL: bo

Erik made a promise that he should not have made about an update on April 7th 2015 on the state of the game post, but that is his only error because he needs information from the programmer which to my knowledge he is not getting or the information is not what he would like to air.

warspite1

Sorry bo but I do not agree on this point. It does not matter (or shouldn't) where the fault is for the information (if indeed that is even the issue).

- Erik said that there would be an announcement soon - that was his promise as a representative of Matrix.

- There have been a number of reminders posted and at least one person has sent a PM to this effect.

- Even of there is NOTHING to report, NOTHING NEW to be said or NOTHING NEW in terms of a way forward agreed, at the least a holding post should have been made.

- Given the way this game was released, and the problems it has had combined with the not inconsiderable cost, keeping on top of basic customer service to long-suffering, out of pocket customers, is a MINIMUM requirement surely?

- This lack of service just helps to alienate those who try and remain positive and support the game development, let alone those who feel bitter or disappointed about the product they have forked out for.

Wise words from Warspite.

Good lord what part of "Erik is not the main problem here" don't you people get. I am not his keeper here, he can and should answer these Erik downers right to their face. Erik and I have had some strong words with each other over the last several years about the direction of MWIF, but always with respect and courtesy to each other.

I am really at the end of my wits, what little I have left, what the hell do you want him to say "If I do not get some information soon such as a huge download fix from a certain programmer I am going to close down MWIF for good" It might come to that people, and I would not blame Matrix for doing just that.

In my wildest dreams I never thought I would be defending Erik, but he needs to speak up one way or the other to defend himself and Matrix if they actually need defending. This project IMO has already cost Matrix a ton of prestige in the war gaming computer world and if it was costing out of pocket money this project would have been kaput a long time ago.

My dear fellow posters I am so frustrated right now with not only the direction that was taken by MWIF powers that be but also by where we are right now other than solo play. No one to blame just the way it is, or as I see it, right or wrong.

Bo

[AlbertN]

The problem that Matrix possibly do not realize is that how they handle their products mirrors often in how customers relate to their future products - in terms of interest of buying more products from them or not, for example.

[brian brian]

We have this same basic discussion every few months, going back to a few years before release even. All you can really conclude is something that will become the 800 lb gorilla of kicking the can down the road of cliches of the past by this time next year - "It is what it is."

But yet I think MWiF reminds me of a famous old children's song about an ant and a rubber tree plant. When I look in the AAR threads, I see rubber tree plants moving...