Guest Dick Trickle Posted March 23, 2000 Report Posted March 23, 2000 Thanks Remo Williams. After a bit of searching I found the MP handbook (thought the product info page was the only info on it). The adventure continues...The hand book answered my questions about other players under your command. I must say that I like how it looks in print at least.Now, about my question about the dynamic universe. I will try to rephrase it again, and I will use small words as not to confuse anyone. I guess the best way to handle it is to give an example: Is the game (BC online) open enough, dynamic if you will, that one fleet could end up taking over the entire BC universe, wiping out everyone else in the game? OR will there be checks and balances put in the game to keep something like that from happening?Another question is: How will the server handle players who are offline? In EQ (and I only use EQ as a reference because it is one of the only MMOLG'S I have played) when you log off your character disappears and all stats stay stagnant unitl you rejoin the server. Will BC online use this kind of model or will it use one more like 10six, where your assets are at risk 24/7 no matter if you are on the server or not?
GHighnote Posted March 23, 2000 Report Posted March 23, 2000 I can't be the only one feeling that Dick's questions about the evolution of BC have moved from interesting to near-insulting. After bringing this game back from its "coffee-mug-coaster" days of Ver 1.0 to give us the most versatile & engrossing game to ever grace a hard drive, how could the SC ever let a "doomsday fleet" take over the universe & spoil BC Online? Besides, even if the SC was too busy telling us newbies to RTFM to stop something like that from getting out of control, I'm sure there would be enough Commanders in BC Online who would come together to deal their own brand of justice to such a fleet! I think that is going to be one of the joys of BC Online--given the calibre of developer support AND players that I've experienced in this game and in the forum, we're going to have a well built, Dynamic (with a capital D, like Dick) universe, populated with players that will carry out the spirit of the game. Looking at the RPG & Fleet forums, I can't believe that any those EQ dogpilers or spoilers are going to be able to bring down BC Online. We and the SC wouldn't let it happen!Given the SC's comments about BC3020 possibly getting "absorbed" into BC Online, it sounds like the BC Online universe will be the source of the evolution of BC, just like the real universe (and its SC) are the source of our own. Poetry, baby, poetry!------------------ Commander Greg 'Hosehead' Highnote UCV Hosehead "Be warned, or be Hosed!"
Supreme Cmdr Posted March 23, 2000 Report Posted March 23, 2000 Let me explain a little about why, as far I'm concerned, BCM will be the final single-player BC3K title.Go look at the version control file for BC3K v2.0. In doing that, count the number of bug fixes and enhancements. You will see that even though the game has been released 3 times and by 3 different distributors worldwide, up until the final v2.09 version, I continued to put in enhancements - without getting a dime for those enhancements.So, think about this. I can BC:3020AD (which I've pretty much done, but is not yet official) and focus its content on BC Online. Then, it gets released as a $45 retail product, maybe with an offline ACM scenario (dunno) for practicing only. Not much gameplay there, if any. Then, you log on to www.galcom.net (which was just registered 3 days ago btw), register and pay, say, $10/month or $110/year to log on and play. Of course, you'll get the regular glitch fixes, but, you will also get the pleasure of probably getting enhancements each time you log on to play. New galaxy, models, play modes, scenarios etc. Since I control the servers, what Asheron's Call is currently doing by having gamers play against a storyline, is child's play compared to what BC3K already offers by way of a dynamic universe. Sure, we could have a primary world wide war scenario running for a certain period in which all manner of race and caste entities, engage in combat, trade, diplomacy, alliances etc - on planets, in space, in ships, in vehicles (space, land, sea, air) in first person mode (space, planet) etc. And then one day, I upload an augmented script that, say, a new galaxy has been discovered, rip for the picking or say a mission profile for a massive fleet attack etc. For one thing, all those RPG stories that you are reading about, can be played and re-enacted in the game world, without any scripting whatsoever. eg if Tac and his gang of misfits decide they're going to take on Rattler and his entrenched minions in Rinaal, all they have to do is long and do it. Of course, if Rattler and his crew aren't online, they can always rely on the kick-ass AI to handle the defense of their station etc. And if all GALCOM members collectively gain enough money, they can build another starstation or starbase, where they feel like. Even the very act of objects being destroyed and rebuilt, is already present in the engine and presents a serious level of persistence.So, if I have, just the BC3K fans (not a single new user), pay $10/month, with that kind of revenue, tell me, why the hell would I want to do a single-player title again - when I can just continue building, updating and enhancing my online world? Why do you think most companies are moving to MMPOG games?
Gallion Posted March 23, 2000 Report Posted March 23, 2000 Sure would save $$ on marketing and hehehe...legal fees IMO, cut the middle men right out of the picture. TO hell with sell box version, have players D/L required Software (fer whatever price) and then they can install and proceed to have a near out-of-body experience. But then if VR ever gets mainstream, hooty-hoot move and scooot 'Course reality may vary dependant upon which flashback is pressed into service in the frontal lobe TTFN[This message has been edited by Gallion (edited 03-23-2000).]
Chaos Posted March 23, 2000 Report Posted March 23, 2000 You're going to get my $10 a month. I can't wait to be able to give it to you =).------------------ Cmdr Chaos Spectre Fleet ICV Banshee "Do it with a smile and a mad gleam in your eye."
ShoHashi Posted March 23, 2000 Report Posted March 23, 2000 Ditto, Chaos! Especially with games like Aces High charging $29.95 a month, BC Online will be a bargain at $10.00! ------------------ Cmdr ShoHashi Spectre Fleet Chief Security Officer, PreComm Crew, StarStation New Frontier ICV Aries ICQ 484321"Attack With Effectiveness"
Parias Posted March 24, 2000 Report Posted March 24, 2000 My Everquest account is as good as gone ------------------ Cmdr. Parias Spectre Fleet Cheif Engineer, Starstation SSF ICV-Galatae ICQ:1293359 Staff member at HardNews "I took this job because I just really love to blow sh*t up!"
Guest Dick Trickle Posted March 24, 2000 Report Posted March 24, 2000 While explaining why this will be the last SP BC game is not the topic of this thread, I appreciate you answering my question about the state of one's ASSets while not online. Thanks.I think my question about being able to completely dominate the BC universe is a valid question. While it maybe impossible/improbable to do that in this vast gaming arena, it lets us know how truly dynamic (there's that word again) the BC universe will be. I for one think that it would be the only way to handle a game of this magnitude, but hey that's just little old me. What do youz guyz think?
Supreme Cmdr Posted March 24, 2000 Report Posted March 24, 2000 The BC universe is not about domination - its about survival of the fittest. This premise will never change.
Guest Dick Trickle Posted March 24, 2000 Report Posted March 24, 2000 So are you saying that the universe will be set up so that this will not be possible, or the gameplay will just be geared away from that?I am not trying to say that this is something I want to do, but wouldn't it be cool if someone did. Imagine a year or so into the game, and a dark horde starts massing its forces in an attempt at world/galaxy domination (kinda like those shadow guys from Babylon 5), and it would be up to the fleets to put aside their petty squabbling, and band together for survival's sake.
Guest aramike01 Posted March 24, 2000 Report Posted March 24, 2000 Dick, that would go against the game's premise. It would make for an interesting ACM scenario, maybe. But to pull off what you are suggesting would mean that quite a few "regulars" would have to put aside a lot of RP bad blood! Anyway, I like the game the way it is. The universe is based upon your perception of it, not some game developer's.------------------ Cmdr. Michael Kristophers Spectre Fleet Commanding Officer, Spectre StarStation ICV-Intrepid Recruitment Officer "You won't get the Purple Heart hiding in a foxhole!"
Guest Dick Trickle Posted March 24, 2000 Report Posted March 24, 2000 True, but if it is too be a Massively Multiplayer game then it will be many people's differed perceptions of it, wouldn't it.
MerfGlurf Posted March 24, 2000 Report Posted March 24, 2000 I don't mean to b*tch here, but I will miss SP! Where I live, the fastest the phone line speed gets is about 32.3 and we don't have cablemodems (or anything else high-tech for that matter). Doesn't look like changing any time soon either. ACK! I wouldn't be able to play!Maybe I misunderstood. You did say that BC3020ad will have NO single player (not even freeflight) right?[This message has been edited by MerfGlurf (edited 03-24-2000).]
Ben Zwycky Posted March 24, 2000 Report Posted March 24, 2000 What he said was that BC3020 will probably never happen- he will just keep on advancing BCOnline.I too fear that until BT sorts itself out (or OFTEL sorts itself out and makes BT sort itself out) and implements ADSL (which they can do relatively easily and cheaply but are dragging their heels because they're still making loads of money upgrading people to ISDN ), my phone line may not come up to the standards required for MP, even in BCM (I'm told that ADSL will work on any normal phone line even mine that's a few miles away from the nearest small town.)BCM SP will look like being my (and a few others') limit until then (but what a limit! )------------------ Cmdr. Ben Zwycky GCV Svoboda, ISS07 Adjutant to the Fleet Commander ISS Fleet Recruiting Officer Director, CIOPS Directorate of Training and Administration Commandant, ISS Fleet Academy Initiate - Order of Jade Dragon http://www.watson-jones.swinternet.co.uk/Svoboda "Nakonec pravda vitezi" (in the end the truth wins)[This message has been edited by Ben Zwycky (edited 03-24-2000).]
Parias Posted March 24, 2000 Report Posted March 24, 2000 *pats his cable modem and cackles evily*UWA HAHA! UWA HAHAHAAHHA! UWA HAAHA *hack* *cough* *wheeze* ------------------ Cmdr. Parias Spectre Fleet Cheif Engineer, Starstation SSF ICV-Galatae ICQ:1293359 Staff member at HardNews "I took this job because I just really love to blow sh*t up!"
Supreme Cmdr Posted March 24, 2000 Report Posted March 24, 2000 Yes, thats what I said. BCM and my console game, will probably be the last single-player BC3K title that I do. I'm sorry, but the few people who don't have proper internet access or who are afraid to pay for usage over the net (you can always send in a check or money order, like most people do with online transactions), don't pay the bills that keep BC3K going. And considering the amount of time it takes to do a SP game these days, coupled with the fact that it is now a hit or miss industry, as a small development house, I can't afford to take risks anymore.Yes, its not good news, but unfortunately, thats how it is.
Guest aramike01 Posted March 25, 2000 Report Posted March 25, 2000 quote:True, but if it is too be a Massively Multiplayer game then it will be many people's differed perceptions of it, wouldn't it.Uhmm, did I say anything to the contrary, Dick? I'm at a loss as to what in the world you are trying to say. Perhaps you are confused. When I said your perception, I meant each player. We all percieve the universe in a slightly different way. We create our own goals, and accomplish them via our own means. What you are asking for is a more linear type of game. A game in which goals are defined. I personally believe that what makes BC3K great is the lack of predetermined goals. Any further questions? ------------------ Cmdr. Michael Kristophers Spectre Fleet Commanding Officer, Spectre StarStation ICV-Intrepid Recruitment Officer "You won't get the Purple Heart hiding in a foxhole!"
Parias Posted March 25, 2000 Report Posted March 25, 2000 Heh, I'm definately gonna look forward to bossing OTHERS around, even if it's the AI, instead of having some nameless commander spew random crap in my face and expect me to follow orders, no questions asked.. that's what the AI is for damnit! But seriously, a game where you can be your own boss is certainly something I'll enjoy. Now if I could just finish building this damned time machine..*waves a wrench in the air menacingly*------------------ Cmdr. Parias Spectre Fleet Cheif Engineer, Starstation SSF ICV-Galatae ICQ:1293359 Staff member at HardNews "I took this job because I just really love to blow sh*t up!"
Guest aramike01 Posted March 25, 2000 Report Posted March 25, 2000 Parias, do me a quick favor. In your sig, you have SSF denoted as a StarStation...it's actually a StarBase. Ammend: Actually, my records indicate you are assigned to Destiny SS. Change it to that, please. Thanks! ------------------ Cmdr. Michael Kristophers Spectre Fleet Commanding Officer, Spectre StarStation ICV-Intrepid Recruitment Officer "You won't get the Purple Heart hiding in a foxhole!" [This message has been edited by aramike01 (edited 03-24-2000).]
MerfGlurf Posted March 25, 2000 Report Posted March 25, 2000 Hey SC, thanks for the reply I understand (somewhat, heh). And you better believe that if I ever get a better connection(and a better computer incidentally...still on a pc120) you'll have my money for sure
Parias Posted March 25, 2000 Report Posted March 25, 2000 Gotcha Mike.. changed it when the confusion went on with Destiny, then I forgot to change it back when it was decided it would stay ------------------ Cmdr. Parias Spectre Fleet Chief Engineer, Starstation Destiny ICV-Galatae ICQ:1293359 Staff member at HardNews "I took this job because I just really love to blow sh*t up!"
Charles Lindsey Posted March 25, 2000 Report Posted March 25, 2000 I'll take the blame for this one. I'm the one who told Parias to edit his sig when Destiny was in limbo. He was just following me and it's entirely my fault.
Guest Dick Trickle Posted March 25, 2000 Report Posted March 25, 2000 No mike, that is not what I am saying at all. When I was talking about someone trying to take over the galaxy, I was just giving an example of what could happen if someone decided to try to do that. I was not saying that I wanted someone to write that into the game. On the contrary I was asking if the game would be open enough that someone could attempt that if they wanted.What it sounds like you are saying is that you want the universe defined so that everyone knows exactly what is going on, and there are really no surprises. Is that true, or am I reading you wrong?
Guest aramike01 Posted March 25, 2000 Report Posted March 25, 2000 Dick, that's the exact opposite of what I'm saying. Sure, I do believe some boundaries are needed to keep that little demon known as balanced play. Not to mention keeping the RP aspect in line with what has been created. Sorry that offends you.If you want to have the all-out invasion feel free to host your own server. Hell, I may join in that if you'd allow.The thing is: with stats and all being kept on BC Online, something so outlandish would be disruptive. Also, where and who would this invasion come from? I mean, no new races are being established (as far as I can recall) and alliances between the independants isn't allowed for obvious reasons.Anyway, I'm not going to glorify your insinuations and insulting comments any further on this board. I don't believe it's neccessary. I've read through this thread and frankly, this debate has gotten quite out of hand.If you wish to continue this discussion, first read up on everything within the BC3K universe, and then contact me via ICQ. ------------------ Cmdr. Michael Kristophers Spectre Fleet Commanding Officer, Spectre StarStation ICV-Intrepid Recruitment Officer "You won't get the Purple Heart hiding in a foxhole!"
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