Patch News

[spleen1015]

Originally posted by ClassicMLB
"Is there going to be a "fix" for the stolen base issue (i.e., no one steals more than 60-65, if that, a year), or is that a v6 item?"

Being able to steal alot of bases is NOT a problem. As someone who runs a historical league and enjoys historical solo play, I would be rather upset to have my games limited due such a "fix". If you don't like people stealing a bunch of bases then lower the stolen base attempts bar in the Strategy Section but for those of us born prior to the steriod filled 1990s & beyond we would like to enjoy baseball the way it was meant to be played!!! Less home runs and more stolen bases!!!

There is nothing wrong with how the steals work now and great job to all those who work so hard on this game!!!

I think he is saying he wants there to be more stolen bases, not less. His wording is a little confusing. There was some talk a while ago that no one could get anyone to steal 100 bases.

[Ksyrup]

Originally posted by Goody
Ksyrup, I have a guy in the AFBL who has 38 stolen bases after 79 games with 83 left to play.

I have simmed approximately 325 years - using deadball to 70's to present and all eras in between - and have not had one player steal more than 65 bases in a season. In some years, a league leader won't even reach 50. Or the 3rd-leading base stealer will have between 8 and 20 steals, etc. Short of manually setting a player's preferences or managing a team myself, I just haven't seen it happen.

And in OOTP4, I would occasionally get guys over 90 and even 100 once or twice. Now, I never even see 70.

[Go Tribe]

Originally posted by TheRockCT
Sorry to keep killing a dead mule, but I have to make note that PureSim has some very very nice features to it, I've played with it some, and found some of the things about it very appealing in an non-OOTP sort of way. But even with the amount of bug fixes, updates, etc. by a single developer, "my" opinion is that PureSim is not quite there yet. There are things about it that don't capture the sport of baseball for me. To me it's comparing Madden to NFL Gameday (well okay, maybe not that bad, lol).

I suppose that my point is, that if you've "found it" then be my guest to play PureSim more than OOTP5, that's wonderful and entirely up to you. If the PS developer updates more constantly than Markus & .400 does, more power to him. But OOTP has been around for quite a while now, and some of these guys that patrol these boards have seriously got to be tired of questions pertaining to how to create a player, or fix a corrupted file when the person didn't backup their league, or listen to constant whining about patches that aren't even out yet.

And to those of you who are respectfully asking for more information, and critically analyzing the features of the game, and so forth, this rant isn't even intended for you. There is bound to be some uncertainty, and some criticism. But as I said before, there are ways to do it politely, and there are questions that can be answered by doing searches here, and there are other people in the community who can assist you, not just Markus, Steve, Henry, or Scott.

Anyway, I'm done now & this thread should fade like Rick Ankiel.

I think the better comparison is PS to ootp2 - isn't that where PS is in the development cycle?

as for finding "it", someone said good luck finding another sim that was supported as well as or better than ootp - thats what i found - never said it was a better game but it IS supported better than ootp - shaun is on the boards way more than markus and has a much better line of communication going with his customers because of that. trust me, compared to 3do or easports, markus does do a great job of support and patching, however i just wanted to show that what he's doing is not unheard of, nor is it the apex of what's out there in his own genre. IMO the only thing separating the two developers right now is that presence on the boards.

now what i'd LOVE to see is a merger of the two games or at least a bunch of shaun's great ideas incorporated into ootp

while you're at it, hire danger z too!

[Ksyrup]

Originally posted by ClassicMLB
"Is there going to be a "fix" for the stolen base issue (i.e., no one steals more than 60-65, if that, a year), or is that a v6 item?"

Being able to steal alot of bases is NOT a problem. As someone who runs a historical league and enjoys historical solo play, I would be rather upset to have my games limited due such a "fix". If you don't like people stealing a bunch of bases then lower the stolen base attempts bar in the Strategy Section but for those of us born prior to the steriod filled 1990s & beyond we would like to enjoy baseball the way it was meant to be played!!! Less home runs and more stolen bases!!!

There is nothing wrong with how the steals work now and great job to all those who work so hard on this game!!!

Sorry if my wording was confusing. I think there is a problem with stolen bases, at least on the high end. No one steals high numbers of bases per season anymore, and they used to in OOTP4.

I'm not looking for 100+ steals every year - or even 80+ - but if I'd rather have a league that devalues HRs and emphasizes "small ball," then that option is lacking, at least on a global level. I mean, I guess I can manually set every play on my team to the highest SB level possible, but the AI isn't doing that, so it would be totally unrealistic to see a league where my team has 8 of the top 10 SB leaders year in and year out.

I've tried changing the H&R/Bunting settings and lessening the number of extra base hits in the league, but nothing has worked.

I like to auto-simulate a league history by simming 50-100 years before I ever start, and getting those kinds of SB numbers is impossible. It seems like SBs should be an era setting, similar to H&R and Bunting.

[A.J. Holz]

This is just a datapoint, not a disclaimer that says nothing needs to be done with the stolen bases, but in the ORB I've got Rickey Henderson batting leadoff with his steal setting cranked up all the way, and he's on pace to steal 91 for the season. Speed/steal rating is A/B. Era setting is Baseball Boom.

[Spielman]

Originally posted by Markus Heinsohn
OK folks, the patch is almost done and will be tested starting today.

I was able to enhance the trading, and also added two trading options:
- Trade difficulty (ranges from Very Easy to Very Hard)... on Very Easy you will definitely be able to rip off the AI, on Very Hard you'll have a tough time getting value from the player(s) you offer.
- Trade AI preference (ranges from Heavily Favor prospects over neutral to Heavily Favor Veterans. This determines the way the AI values prospects in comparison to veteran regular ballplayers.

Version 5.11 will really please you I think.

As a solo player only (for now) and someone who was very unhappy with the latest patch's trade AI, THANK YOU. I like my odds of finding a setting I consider to be realistic when there are a number of different options. So thanks heaps in advance.

-Spielman

[joshv]

Again; SBs or the lack thereof should be related to the value of an out, not an independant variable itself (just like bunts) just my 2 cents, repeated dogmatically over and over again ilke a worn out mantra that never ends

[jff1515155]

AMAZING !!!!!!! Here is probably the most sophisticated BB sim of all, the best, most responsive customer service in the business, and we are complaining about a patch that hasn't been relesed yet!! And even better, some are complaining about the need to buy a new version every year for $35.00, WOW what a rip off!!!! Please!!!! This is one of the few products available today where the customer gets what he/she pays for. What in the hell do some of you expect???? "something for nothing"? now that is a dream all idiots share. Sorry but it is sooooooo Maddening reading some of these pretentious unrealstic posts by "programmers" and others in "the know". Please try to understand two concepts, VALUE and REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS.

[The Last Word Period]

Wish I had said it!


Not my alias.

[Bohica]

I am sure that Markus understands that he cant please everyone!!! I will continue to buy OOTP 6 when released!!!!

[ey215]

Originally posted by jff1515155
AMAZING !!!!!!! Here is probably the most sophisticated BB sim of all, the best, most responsive customer service in the business, and we are complaining about a patch that hasn't been relesed yet!! And even better, some are complaining about the need to buy a new version every year for $35.00, WOW what a rip off!!!! Please!!!! This is one of the few products available today where the customer gets what he/she pays for. What in the hell do some of you expect???? "something for nothing"? now that is a dream all idiots share. Sorry but it is sooooooo Maddening reading some of these pretentious unrealstic posts by "programmers" and others in "the know". Please try to understand two concepts, VALUE and REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS.

WOW! Someone get this guy a prozac!

***Disclaimer: This post was made in jest! Notice the "wink". Also kids remember, I in no way support a better life through chemicals!***

[Karl Marx]

OOTP6????? When is six coming out? Markus will you be able to steal a 100 bases or can I call you up at home and will you be able to tell me if a trade is fair since I can't figure out....... LOL!!!

[TwinMonster]

You know, no where did I see anyone say this would be the last patch. Robust spring training may yet come as might the financial coefficient (best of luck with that Markus - if it's anything as haenous as balancing a checkbook or paying bills, than I admire you for tackling it, and I don't mean that in a sarcastic manner either.) Personally, I'm looking forward to the next patch/update, whatever it is. Any addition to the game is exciting for me. Bring it on!

[HolyCow98]

Thats how I am....

There have been a few time where I get frustrated about the game and how it handles things or something not being in there when I just don't see how it can get excluded...

In those cases...I'll hammer the Wish List/ Suggestions... until I feel better....lol

[Bohica]

Just curious on how testing is going? Can not wait for this patch. Will I be able to continue my career or is it wise to restart one? Thanks OOTP guys, you make Baseball fun again!!!

[TC Dale]

Yes you will be able to continue your 5.10 saved games just like before.

[Kemp]

In OOTP4, we were able to set the team strategies (for stealing bases) and it would stick. That's how I was able to get players stealing a lot of bases.

However, in OOTP5 the computer controls the team strategies which makes it almost impossible for a non-human controlled player to steal over 70 bases.

I've simmed about 200 test seasons and the most stolen bases I've seen is 66.

I'd really like to see SB's added to the era setting. I mean, if hit and run is there, SB should be there as well as it is much more era dependent.

[fantom1979]

Originally posted by austinm56
I wasent trying to fuel any fire here, but i guess i have learned a lesson at the least. I should of done what i have always done , and just read the posts instead of makeing them.

I will save you guys the section where I put how long I have played OOTP or how many years of computer programming I have. It does not matter. In my opinion, the quoted statement is very sad. Here goes another paying customer who took the road not taken and was beaten badly. I love OOTP and other 400 studios games. For those who know me, you know that I stick up for this company and try my damnest to always find a bright spot in any dark situation.

This customer remarked that the product he paid for did not live up to his expectations of what he thought he was buying. He should not be punched in the mouth for stating this.

Originally posted by Henry

I'm sorry - but I don't see how to take your comments any other way.... if you've been with the game from the beginning, then you should also understand "game in progress" and be willing to accept that. If you have purchased all the versions, you've got about $140 invested for 5 years of entertainment - I don't see how that's a bad investment...

Henry, I have always have had the upmost respect for you. I loved the fact that you earned a position at .400 . But I do not think that you had the customers best interest at heart when posting this. Not everyone that shells out cash for this game realizes that it is a "game in progress". Most of us understand this and except this. But you must understand that some people expect a finished and polished product every year that this game is released. You and I know that this is not how this game is, but not everyone is so ready to except that, and the number of people that are not able to except that will increase with the popularity of the game. $140 for 5 years was worth it to you, and worth it to most of the other people who have been here a while, but obviously, this customer did not feel that his $35 this year were worth the product.

Originally posted by Henry

If, however, you feel I was being overly aggressive, I apologize.

I think that he thought the board in general was aggressive towards him, not just you. He implied in his first post that he thought he was going to get bashed and sure enough it happened. I would think that .400 should feel lucky if they get his $35 again next year.

Originally posted by TC Dale
I know that a lot comes down to perception and personal viewpoints.

.400 does their dead level best to take care of the customer and make the games we produce and promote as the best that the market can offer.

Never let it be said that anyone from .400, from Markus Heinsohn, Steve Kuffrey, Joe Stallings, Scott Vibert, and the programmers of EACH sports simulation do not care for the customers and their positive AND negative comments.

From Henry, Erich, Steve Davis, and myself, who do what we do like so many at .400, do so for a love of the games we lead and all games that this company puts out.

NONE of us only care about the positive comments, we care about the negative ones as well. If we only listen to what we do right, that makes one a very narrow minded person (and company) indeed.

Is it a misconception that causes arguments? Yes sometimes. But to think that none of us at .400 give a darn is wrong.

Personally, I know of MANY times, and situations where we handle things behind the scenes that people don't know about. I cannot tell you how many times Steve and Scott handle the lion's share of complaints, "help me fix, please", and how do I comments.

I can also tell you that many times myself and the other CM's handle requests off the boards for folks that aren't comfortable talking about it publicly. And how many times the programmers themselves have made themselves available to help out when nothing else has worked.

Please, I know frustration can set in when you are waiting for your favorite addon or patch for the latest and greatest to come in, but remember, this is our job to make this the best game(s) possible, and remember that the people you take to task sometimes rashly and harshly have feelings as well.

In closing, we desire your comments, and your opinions about what you see as a shortcomings for the games that all of us care for. Some of the best comments for change has been the ones that we get in our forums and wish lists.

Please, remember we are here for you.

Just remember that all people both on the customer side, and the customer service side have feelings as well.

As always, my email link is at the bottom if you want to talk.

This is well said, and probably should have better said if was posted 3 pages before it was. I think alot of times the regulars on this board forget that not everyone posting here comes to the board every day. I know that there are a great group of people working at .400 and that you guys are doing everything possible to make the best product you possibly can. I know that you guys do everything possible to help with customer service and product support. You guys are good, but there is room for improvement (there is always room for improvement). When someone posts his thoughts about a game in a respectful matter, he should not have to defend his position. He is the customer and he is right. No matter if he is or isnt. IMO he did not post rudely, or insult the employees, or post untrue statements (see jass, for those around a while, you know what i am talking about).

Marcus, the patch sounds great. For the rest of the .400 squad, keep up the hard work. I know it is not easy, I have been in your shoes before. Just remember that these paying customer have friends. How they are treated here will reflect on how they view this company. Just remember that a happy customer will tell 4 people and an unhappy customer will tell 10.

I really hope that this post refects on how I feel and doesnt sound like I am pointed certain people out or talking badly about the company. 400 studios is a great company in my opinion, much better than EA/Maxis/Westwood, Blizzard, Infograms (Atari), or just about any other software company. I just think that there needs to be a little more respect for customers (from employees and other posters) toward people that are not satisfied with their purchase.

This is without a doubt the most outspoken I have been on this board. I am sure there will be plenty that do not agree with me, and that is just fine. I just ask that you really read what I have wrote and think about it before you toast my sorry ass.

[kq76]

fantom, you were always one of my favorite posters, and with that post you just may have taken the top spot. I'm glad you took the time to post that.

[kq76]

Originally posted by TheRockCT
You can't help but feel different emotions when you peruse this messageboard. You have the complainers, and you have the complainers about complainers, you have your patient .400 Studios staff, you have your Mod guys like Teflon, Cato, and Pierre.....you have your purists and your modernists, you have pirating maniacs, and you have the fellow programmers. But it always amazes me that in the end we all load up OOTP5, sim our way into baseball bliss, spend hours crafting our fictional, online, & historical leagues, and dream of OOTP6, OOTP7, and so on, and so on, and so on.

Just some food for thought, it's like a big ol' family.

I just wanted to say, I liked this post also.

I think I probably fall under the "complainer" category myself, but I honestly try to only complain in the hopes of nudging those who have the most influence on the game to making it better. So I like to think of it as constructive criticism, not just complaining.