Something needs to be done about SPWAW

[Steely Glint]

I don't post much, but I've been playing SPWAW since it came out.

SPWAW needs an update from Matrix. It needs to be Windows-7-compatible and high-resolution-capable. (It could also use a lot more terrain height levels, etc.)

Time and technology are marching on, and SPWAW is standing still technology-wise.

The cancellation of Combat Leader (which was very disappointing!) means that SPWAW will continue to be Matrix's tactical WW2 game for the foreseeable future.

Matrix needs to give it a technology makeover and do essentially what WinSPWW2 does: have a free, low-res version and a forty dollar high-res version. We'd buy it.

Otherwise the march of technology is going to eventually force a migration to WinSPWW2 whether we like it or not.

Matrix usually shows pretty good sense, which is why I am one of its best customers. It's time to show some of that sense here and now.

[Oldguard1970]

I'd be happy to buy a new version.  I am having trouble getting the game to open.  DirectDraw or something like that is unhappy now that I am using Win 7.  (I went to the Depot to download and try the windowed fix for the problem, but I'm still out of luck.) 
 
I remember reading about an agreement that the code was free and could never be sold, so MATRIX could face some legal trouble if it were to try to sell the game.  I also seem to remember hearing that one can't even find anyone left who would be in a position to release the restriction.
 
 I suppose an update of the code could still raise some legal questions.  Fine.  Update the code so it will work with a newly designed scenario.  I'll pay for the scenario!
 
This is such a grand game.  It would be a major loss if it fades away because people are not allowed to sell a new version that would work with the new systems.

[Arctic Blast]

The problem is that Matrix doesn't have any ownership of the code on which SPWAW is based...all of that old SSI catalog is owned 100% by Ubisoft. From what I understand, Matrix had permission to use the SP3 code base to build SPWAW, but that's it...they don't have any long term rights to it beyond that initial development.

So the only option left is to completely remake an entirely new game from the ground up, with a new engine and enough new changes that Ubi can't come around and say "Wait a minute...you're completely ripping off the Steel Panthers system that we own."

[JEB Davis]

I'm sorry, but this is what's going to happen to this discussion.

The Depot has a "beating a dead horse" smiley for all the dozens of threads full of discussions about updating the code, but I couldn't find one here so the toilet will have to do.

There will be no updates to the code. Search and you will find many discussions, some of which will contain the various reasons why there will be no updates to the code. Version 8.403 is it. If only someone would prove me wrong, what a joyful day that would be.

[Steely Glint]

Well, in that case it's goodbye to SPWAW.

That's a real shame. I'll miss it. But that's what happens when the technology advances and games don't keep up.

Playing SPWAW in 1900x1200 would have been perfect. Alas, it is not to be.

[JEB Davis]

While sometimes the lack of support gives me a bad attitude,
I will not be giving up SPWAW and will always do my best to
have an old computer around to play it on without any hassles.

They are cheap on eBay and I'd imagine will be available for
many years to come.

SPWAW still can't be beat, and WinSPWW2 can't hold a candle to it.

So for now it's even more of a shame that you're giving up.

[Steely Glint]

I didn't give up on it. It gave up on me.

[planner 3]

MATRIX customer: "Revise game...."

MATRIX CEO.......: "OK"

MATRIX Engineer.. "What's my budget ?"

MATRIX Proj Mgr "10K"

MATRIX CEO "Whats our profit/loss on this ?

MATRIX Auditor "11K Loss...."

and so on and on to infinity.......I'm sure we will never see any improvements on a game that they can't sell..........MHO

[Steely Glint]

Isn't it odd that Shapnel Games keeps updating WinSPWW2 and WinMBT and making money off of them, yet everyone here is somehow convinced - at the same time - that yes, SPWaW is a better game than other one of them, but that somehow SPWaW just wouldn't make any money if it went that route.

Balderdash.

[junk2drive]

The Camo duo is not making their living from WinSP, Matrix makes it's living from profitable wargames. That's the difference.

[KG Erwin]

As long as my old PC (with Win XP) is running, SPWAW will remain on my HD. We should be thankful that a group of dedicated fans keeps the game alive.

If you wanna keep playing, simply buy a used PC with Win XP strictly for SPWAW and other old games.

Matrix is finished with the SP engine. You may as well get over it.

[Wild Bill]

This is a game in which I invested nearly 10 years of my life to develop and improve it. Without a doubt, it was worth every minute. For me it is the greatest tac-level game ever to see the light of day.

Now to see it slipping away is sad, very sad. But then I think of so many things in life and war that have slipped away with time. For me it is timeless, but then neither the game nor I are that. I began with scenario design and testing for the first Steel Panthers, back in when...1994? That was a long time ago! Since then, retirement from my work, divorce, remarriage and a lot of other things have transpired.

I hope someday another tactical level game of this caliber will appear. So far it has not. So like others, I'll keep an XP computer just for the game if nothing else. Hundreds of scenarios, campaigns and 3 mega campaigns later, and it is still my favorite. I think it is the only game I never tire of.

Thanks to all of you loyal SPWAW players! You kept me going at it even in the hardest of times.

[Alby]

It's not slipping away just yet.......[;)] (wink wink)


BTW thanks for all your work Bill!
[&o]

[NCrawler]

Long time no see Bill. How are things? You're right about the SP series, it keeps pulling me back in as well. It's the *ONLY* game that I will consistently play at 800x600 and ever since I found what was causing the palette corruption, I don't even have to maintain an XP machine to play it anymore. Hey, have you seen or heard from Scott Grasse lately? I've been trying to get back in touch with everyone that I knew back in the early SP:WaW days...



NC

[Wild Bill]

Hello my fellow warriors! No, you are right. After I wrote this tear jerker, I went and tried the new patch for Windows 7. It works...great! I can't tell you how thrilled I was. With all that has gone on in my life and that of my lovely wife, gaming has taken a back seat...I mean nose bleed back seat. Things are better now. She is cancer free and we are now working on getting her back to full health. She still has the stomach tube for sufficent nourishment but we are getting there. And thanks fro the kind words. When something is as much fun as SPWAW, it hardly seems like work. The ability to create and recreate in such a fine game system is still a thrill for me.

I remember all of you that worked with me so hard on these projects. We do have an unbreakable bond. I appreciate every one of you....WB

[Steely Glint]

ORIGINAL: junk2drive

The Camo duo is not making their living from WinSP, Matrix makes it's living from profitable wargames. That's the difference.

So you do understand that Shrapnel is at least making money off of WinSPWW2 and WinMBT, right? Which means that same approach would, logically, make money for Matrix as well, right?

[junk2drive]

Shrapnel probably makes a little bit off of the few sales of the CD version and loses a little on the downloads of the free version and updates.

The updates are done by Don and Andy because of their commitment to that version of SP, not for the money. If Matrix paid a programmer to do what Don and Andy do, Matrix would probably never see a return on their investment.

All of that said, if Matrix had some volunteers and could sell a CD like Shrapnel/Camo does it could be a win/win.

Things may change with the merger too.

[Steely Glint]

Exactly. It would be a win-win and a moneymaker.

And it needs to be done.

[Alby]

ORIGINAL: Wild Bill

Hello my fellow warriors! No, you are right. After I wrote this tear jerker, I went and tried the new patch for Windows 7. It works...great! I can't tell you how thrilled I was. With all that has gone on in my life and that of my lovely wife, gaming has taken a back seat...I mean nose bleed back seat. Things are better now. She is cancer free and we are now working on getting her back to full health. She still has the stomach tube for sufficent nourishment but we are getting there. And thanks fro the kind words. When something is as much fun as SPWAW, it hardly seems like work. The ability to create and recreate in such a fine game system is still a thrill for me.

I remember all of you that worked with me so hard on these projects. We do have an unbreakable bond. I appreciate every one of you....WB

Great news Bill, it is really good to see you around again!!
[:)]

[osiris_slith]

Hi All

I really dont understand the thinking by Matrix because if a small company can reproduce WinSPWAW and Win MBT and that company collected about a $100+ from me it would make sense to upgrade the old games. If Matrix would refurbish and rebuild JTCS I would gladly give them $200 for it!!!! I just dont see that kind of thinking here.

Instead they produce Panzer Command Kharkov which is a complete waste of time (and my money) or strategic level games which few people play (because I really want to play economics and politics when Im invading Russia or conquering Europe) maybe its time for Matrix to either give up JOhn Tillers and SPWAW and give it to company who will refurbish and rebuild those games.

There easy to play and easy to learn by all ages.. I still cant play Kharkov and I dont see what the big hoopla about it was since the graphics are sub par (companred to JTCS and SPWAW, Panzer Command Kharkov graphics just plain suck!!! and its suppose to be a brand new game) If thats what Matrix is producing thats very scary and not to mention playing Panzer Command Kharkov is tedious and boring and has a steep learning curve.

In the past 3 years other then SPWAW JTCS and OAOW I have not found a single game by Matrix that I would consider buying after my experience with Panzer Command Kharkov.

Rene

There you go..dont expect much from this company. The best best is lobby the producers of WinSPWAW to rebuild OAOW

Rene