A big holiday Thanks from a lurker!

mikew · Post by **mikew** » Sat Dec 23, 2000 1:45 am

All the folks at Matrix Games,

I have been following the SP:WAW game since you released it many moons ago and have burnt much of my limited free time playing it. I have not been an active participant on this bulletin board but have enjoyed reading many of the post and am continually amazed at the knowledge level & passion present from your "customers". I just felt it was time I posted a message here.

I would like to say that I don't consider myself a hardcore wargamer. I couldn't began to tell you the armor thickness of a Sherman tank or the rated road speed of any given halftrack. I have, however, always enjoyed the strategic and competitive nature of playing board and computer wargames (even back on my old Commodore 64) and have always had a passing interest in all era's of warfare. The best part about this love of gaming is that I have found it incredible easy to form lasting friendships with people based on nothing more that our shared interest in gaming (wargames, poker, CCG, or anything for that matter). Now if I can just get my wife interested....

All that aside I wanted to say that as a Product Manager who often works with software developers and integrators (imaging field - not the gaming field) I am completely in awe of your ability to produce these solid (at least from my standpoint!) and complex software programs and to offer the level of support you do. I’ve never seen these levels of free product IMPROVEMENTS on any commercial product. Just knowing what's involved in the process of coding and debugging software I can certainly appreciate the time and effort you folks must invest in just the patches alone (especially the so called "simple" AI routines).

I guess I just wanted to say thanks for doing what you do for nothing more than the occasional praise you find nestled between the feature requests and potential game improvements found on the board. I think many people forget that even though you all love playing the games yourselves there is absolutely no reason for you to share these freeware games with the cantankerous masses except for very unselfish reasons. I also want to say thanks to all the people and players on this and similar boards who provide that praise.

I hope you guys at Matrix never lose your passion for making great things better and for creating hours of enjoyment out of nothing but a bunch of numbers and letters on a monitor screen.

I'm sure there are hundreds of other "lurkers" like me out here in addition to the numerous vocal fans you see and hear from every day. We truly appreciate what you guys do. I'm looking forward to being able to buy one of your future products since I'm getting guilty because I feel like I owe you guys megabucks for the many hours your work has entertained me!

Thanks again and best wishes for a great and gaming-filled holiday season.

Mike

Fuerte · Post by **Fuerte** » Sat Dec 23, 2000 2:01 am

Amen! I'm not exactly a lurker, but if I could speak English as fluently as Mike, I could have written the same words. A BIG thank you to Matrix Games!

Thanks to Kharan as well for uploading the full 4.5 version (I had 4.x and numerous patches, but I wanted to make clean cds to my friends). I have already burned 4 cds...

Also I want to use this space to mention my PBEM helper application, which you can find here: http://www.sci.fi/~fuerte/pbem.htm

I'm on holiday for the next two weeks, so Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everybody!

Paul Vebber · Post by **Paul Vebber** » Sat Dec 23, 2000 2:06 am

Thanks Mike! We realy appreciate it. We are hard at work on our "own" products and hope to carry this passion for gaming for a loooong time to come.

Letter like yours really help keep the fires burniung!

Thanks and a very Merry Christmas!

Wild Bill · Post by **Wild Bill** » Sat Dec 23, 2000 2:10 am

This is a great encouragement, Mike. All of us echo Paul's words of gratitude to you and all our supporters.

Indeed, "passion" is the word. We are gamers primarily. If we can enhance and improve the hobby, our goal is fulfilled.

We are on it. Happy Holidays to you and the many other "lurkers" out there. We know you are there and we are glad!

Wild Bill

------------------
In Arduis Fidelis
Wild Bill Wilder
Coordinator, Scenario Design
Matrix Games

Dagobert · Post by **Dagobert** » Sat Dec 23, 2000 2:29 am

Yeah this is just vast fun. I haven't spent a dime on computer games for monthes. So hurry up and create a for-profit product so we can cut you a check

. Even if it's a company level simulation of the Chaco War or 3D RTG Manchu Cavalry Strike.
thanks a lot!