Hey Markus!

[jpeters1734]

Originally Posted by dward1

I don't use draft, so not something I'd notice but this is a tiny feature overall

If I'm honest, that's a pretty ignorant thing to say. I am sure that I'm in the majority when I say the draft is a pretty big core feature, lol. To claim that the core game was not changed, just because little ol' you don't use said core game feature, is flat out moronic. The draft pool literally changes the way you play the game.

[HRBaker]

In reference to the OP's question; it WOULD be nice (and a perk to OOTP's customers) to get just ONE item we can expect in the new version.


Feb-Mar is kind of a dead-zone in OOTP finishing up whatever we are doing in the old version and waiting anxiously for word about the new version.


Pick something not earthshaking, and give us something to think about for the last few weeks before the tsunami hits

[BaseballGOAT]

Originally Posted by jpeters1734

If I'm honest, that's a pretty ignorant thing to say. I am sure that I'm in the majority when I say the draft is a pretty big core feature, lol. To claim that the core game was not changed, just because little ol' you don't use said core game feature, is flat out moronic. The draft pool literally changes the way you play the game.

I'd wanted to say something along those lines but tried to be nice lol

[BaseballGOAT]

Originally Posted by HRBaker

In reference to the OP's question; it WOULD be nice (and a perk to OOTP's customers) to get just ONE item we can expect in the new version.


Feb-Mar is kind of a dead-zone in OOTP finishing up whatever we are doing in the old version and waiting anxiously for word about the new version.


Pick something not earthshaking, and give us something to think about for the last few weeks before the tsunami hits

Unless they're not pushing for an opening day release... I would think we should be getting news pretty soon on a lot more than one feature... I'd have to think they should be beta testing real soon if not already

[dward1]

Originally Posted by jpeters1734

If I'm honest, that's a pretty ignorant thing to say. I am sure that I'm in the majority when I say the draft is a pretty big core feature, lol. To claim that the core game was not changed, just because little ol' you don't use said core game feature, is flat out moronic. The draft pool literally changes the way you play the game.

how does it change how you play the game?

of course the draft is a big deal, but I'm saying knowing the pool years out is not a big deal

[Reed]

What one person considers a "core" to the game might be a nothing feature for someone else.
I would say making sure the fielding is more accurate for historical play is core to the game but I realize most don't play historical. (See thread started by Garlon in historical section if interested.). Having animations might be "core" to some and not used by others, etc..

[Mr. Marlin]

Oh WOW, I just saw the news about OOTP being sold. I was deep into Crusader Kings 3 all last fall and winter and completely missed that. I understand that creative direction will remain within the studio (at least so far as OOTP 22 and other projects in progress are concerned) but that certainly does explain the silence from the OOTP team since marketing is handled by the parent company.

Let me say first I'm very happy for Markus and Andreas. It's awesome to see their hard work and dedication over the last 22 years pay off. Well deserved gents!

For us, however, the news might not be so good. OOTP 22, Perfect Team, etc. would have been well into development by then. Com2us would not rock the boat. But going forward they will, as parent companies do, direct the work towards their own ends. That is not a company that values PC gaming. My own prediction is that the focus going forward will likely be a lighter mobile version of the game. Probably dumbed down so it's more for mass consumption to casual fans rather than something seamheads and modern disciples of Bill James would enjoy. I really hope I'm wrong but small studio acquisitions usually lead to a dilution of the product even when coupled with the greater success of the studio. Creative direction is seldom left to the studio long term when there is a parent company. But, time will tell.

Well, I am happy for the guys, they have brought us much joy over the years. And I really hope I'm wrong in my prediction. But if not.... we'll always have OOTP 22!

Speaking of which.... HEY MARKUS! Got anything you want to tell us about????

[BIG17EASY]

Originally Posted by jpeters1734

If I'm honest, that's a pretty ignorant thing to say. I am sure that I'm in the majority when I say the draft is a pretty big core feature, lol. To claim that the core game was not changed, just because little ol' you don't use said core game feature, is flat out moronic. The draft pool literally changes the way you play the game.

Let's keep the name-calling and insults out of these forums. Thanks.

[rudel.dietrich]

Originally Posted by Mr. Marlin

Oh WOW, I just saw the news about OOTP being sold. I was deep into Crusader Kings 3 all last fall and winter and completely missed that. I understand that creative direction will remain within the studio (at least so far as OOTP 22 and other projects in progress are concerned) but that certainly does explain the silence from the OOTP team since marketing is handled by the parent company.

This is what has some of us worried. There has been zero communication and zero marketing so far.
No one from COM2US to my knowledge has come onto these boards.
And they were sold four months ago...

I know it is a South Korean company, but they surely have someone on the marketing or PR staff that speaks English?

Also, here is their website https://www.com2us.com
Beyond the press release back in October, can anyone find one mention of OOTP?

Now this could mean one of two things, Markus is being honest and they do not intend to change anything beyond collecting profit checks.
But I still don't buy that.

You don't purchase a company to make zero changes. Especially a company like COM2US and their parent company Gamevil. Their entire corporate vision is to monetize their games to the fullest extent possible.

When Markus said they sold the company and expect no changes then he is either not being fully honest. Or he was truly born yesterday and fell off the turnip truck all in the same day.

[jpeters1734]

Originally Posted by BIG17EASY

Let's keep the name-calling and insults out of these forums. Thanks.

My comments were a response to his own insults towards the developers. I also did not call him any names. Next time, just report my comment and let the mods handle it instead of playing hall monitor. Thanks.

[jpeters1734]

Originally Posted by dward1

how does it change how you play the game?

of course the draft is a big deal, but I'm saying knowing the pool years out is not a big deal

I disagree. The ability to scout several years of draft classes impacts strategy. If I already think the next 3 draft classes are weak, I’d be less inclined to begin rebuilding. Also with draft classes, the penalty for failing to sign a player is greater since they won’t always be in the draft the next year. A high schooler that goes to college would have to wait 3 years before re entering the draft.

The fact that the draft is so important makes it a core feature improvement.

[Mr. Marlin]

Originally Posted by rudel.dietrich

This is what has some of us worried. There has been zero communication and zero marketing so far.
No one from COM2US to my knowledge has come onto these boards.
And they were sold four months ago...

I know it is a South Korean company, but they surely have someone on the marketing or PR staff that speaks English?

Also, here is their website https://www.com2us.com
Beyond the press release back in October, can anyone find one mention of OOTP?

Now this could mean one of two things, Markus is being honest and they do not intend to change anything beyond collecting profit checks.
But I still don't buy that.

You don't purchase a company to make zero changes. Especially a company like COM2US and their parent company Gamevil. Their entire corporate vision is to monetize their games to the fullest extent possible.

When Markus said they sold the company and expect no changes then he is either not being fully honest. Or he was truly born yesterday and fell off the turnip truck all in the same day.

I expect the parent company probably has a marketing campaign that’s not ready to go yet. They’re not going to allow a developer to preempt their marketing efforts. It’s just how software distributors work. In the past all of that was done in house so if they want to start talking about it before hand they could. As far as changes in the long term I’m sure there will be some. I’ve already outlined what I think those will be. But let’s not lose our optimism. Maybe they will not abandon the PC platform. Maybe OOTP23 or 24 will be a big leap forward with more resources and a bigger team. We don’t know yet. Unfortunately the track record of such acquisitions is not going to inspire much hope. But it does not mean this studio is destined to follow the historical trends. We will just have to see. The only thing I can say for sure is I will be here to see it. If it all goes into the toilet then I’ll spend my $40 a year on something else.

[md40022]

I'm not much of a "gamer". I never heard of com2us. In looking at their website though, they kind of promote themselves specifically as being into mobile gaming..... or am I missing something?

Mobile gaming is (normally) not nearly as in-depth as desktop gaming. Yet what makes OOTP be what OOTP is, is it's depth.

Let's assume com2us is not going to change up their entire business structure for the sake of OOTP.

I don't know. This doesn't strike me as particularly good news and I expect big, big changes that might be good for more OOTP mass-appeal, but bad for the niche group of people who like OOTP in it's current format.

Right now I'm hoping that since OOTP22 was already in the works when this transaction went down that we still get OOTP22 in the same OOTP fashion we expect. That's what I'm really hoping for. But I have a feeling that there is going to be huge disappointment coming at some point. Hoping we can squeeze one more good version of OOTP before that happens though.

[md40022]

Originally Posted by md40022

I'm not much of a "gamer". I never heard of com2us. In looking at their website though, they kind of promote themselves specifically as being into mobile gaming..... or am I missing something?

Mobile gaming is (normally) not nearly as in-depth as desktop gaming. Yet what makes OOTP be what OOTP is, is it's depth.

Let's assume com2us is not going to change up their entire business structure for the sake of OOTP.

I don't know. This doesn't strike me as particularly good news and I expect big, big changes that might be good for more OOTP mass-appeal, but bad for the niche group of people who like OOTP in it's current format.

Right now I'm hoping that since OOTP22 was already in the works when this transaction went down that we still get OOTP22 in the same OOTP fashion we expect. That's what I'm really hoping for. But I have a feeling that there is going to be huge disappointment coming at some point. Hoping we can squeeze one more good version of OOTP before that happens though.

I think the one thing that worries me the most here is OOTP is meant for people who like to park their a$$ in front of the desktop PC for hours on end and look at numbers and stats. Yeah, "we" love that.... but we are a niche group. Big picture says that adding more flash and sparkling lights to the game while eliminating those boring numbers and stats might bring on a larger customer base..... and knowing that com2us seems to specialize in mobile gaming (simplified brain dead games).... yes, I'm concerned.

[Hellenstone]

Originally Posted by Mr. Marlin

For us, however, the news might not be so good. OOTP 22, Perfect Team, etc. would have been well into development by then. Com2us would not rock the boat. But going forward they will, as parent companies do, direct the work towards their own ends. That is not a company that values PC gaming. My own prediction is that the focus going forward will likely be a lighter mobile version of the game. Probably dumbed down so it's more for mass consumption to casual fans rather than something seamheads and modern disciples of Bill James would enjoy. I really hope I'm wrong but small studio acquisitions usually lead to a dilution of the product even when coupled with the greater success of the studio. Creative direction is seldom left to the studio long term when there is a parent company.

I'm afraid I'm with you with your concerns here.
I'm more a passive reader of the forums than a poster but it is noticeable that official statements went down since the joining of Com2Us.
And with Com2Us there's one thing I see coming when looking at their business model with their mobile games:
MICRO PAYMENT!
And the Perfect Team mode is, as the name intended "perfect" for MP because you can already buy card packs with real money. I really don't use PT much, but I do not like the idea of PT in OOTP or FHM.
So the worst thing I could think of, is that some leagues of OOTP could become DLCs, or even the MLB license could possibly go DLC. But that's 100% of panic phantasy...!


But beside that I find it very strange too that there's not a single piece if hint or screens of OOTP22 were shown...

[swoboda]

Part of what I said in December:
.
...... IMO the OOTP team has earned our trust as consumers over the past 20+ years, and I will continue to trust them. Like many of you I do not know their new owners and so I cannot trust the new owners until they also earn my trust, but I am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt as we start this next chapter in the history of this game that we all enjoy so much.

[scott1964]

Originally Posted by Mr. Marlin

Oh WOW, I just saw the news about OOTP being sold. I was deep into Crusader Kings 3 all last fall and winter and completely missed that. I understand that creative direction will remain within the studio (at least so far as OOTP 22 and other projects in progress are concerned) but that certainly does explain the silence from the OOTP team since marketing is handled by the parent company.

Let me say first I'm very happy for Markus and Andreas. It's awesome to see their hard work and dedication over the last 22 years pay off. Well deserved gents!

For us, however, the news might not be so good. OOTP 22, Perfect Team, etc. would have been well into development by then. Com2us would not rock the boat. But going forward they will, as parent companies do, direct the work towards their own ends. That is not a company that values PC gaming. My own prediction is that the focus going forward will likely be a lighter mobile version of the game. Probably dumbed down so it's more for mass consumption to casual fans rather than something seamheads and modern disciples of Bill James would enjoy. I really hope I'm wrong but small studio acquisitions usually lead to a dilution of the product even when coupled with the greater success of the studio. Creative direction is seldom left to the studio long term when there is a parent company. But, time will tell.

Well, I am happy for the guys, they have brought us much joy over the years. And I really hope I'm wrong in my prediction. But if not.... we'll always have OOTP 22!

Speaking of which.... HEY MARKUS! Got anything you want to tell us about????

Found it

[mitchkenn]

There are some things in life you can control. There are other things in life you cannot control even with good intentions.
All you can do is enjoy those you can control and deal with the others best you can. If OOTP goes micro transactions, well, then it'll be time for some of us to stay with older versions, or move onto something else. If it doesn't. then we can jump for joy and keep enjoying a superb product. Being apprehensive is OK. We're all in the same leaky boat right now but until something actually happens - either negative or positive - we're just guessing and that's sort of like throwing darts towards a target we can't see.
Yes, there is concern (a lot of concern) and not knowing how the product is evolving, and not getting ANY info is not helping. But there are things in life a lot worse than if OOTP changes directions. Trust me on this, a lot worse things. end of sermon, the collection plate was stolen so it won't be passed around. - as all of us, i'm waiting for the world to end , or some updated news about OOTP 22, maybe not in that order.

[Benchmark]

It's been 3 Days and radio silence tells you a lot.
In the past Markus, Lukas or Matt would have responded by now to reassure us.
That tells me it's out of their control.
At the Traditional time of Pre-Ordering we are waiting for any news or if OOTP22 is even going to be made. Some reassurance would be nice at this time.

Just a run down of when things might happen, would reassure people.
Your here to sell games and if people don't know when things are going to happen is very odd way to sell your product. Especially knowing that you sold your stake in the company, you would expect a smooth start to reassure your long term customers.

[jpeters1734]

Originally Posted by Benchmark

It's been 3 Days and radio silence tells you a lot.
In the past Markus, Lukas or Matt would have responded by now to reassure us.
That tells me it's out of their control.
At the Traditional time of Pre-Ordering we are waiting for any news or if OOTP22 is even going to be made. Some reassurance would be nice at this time.

Just a run down of when things might happen, would reassure people.
Your here to sell games and if people don't know when things are going to happen is very odd way to sell your product. Especially knowing that you sold your stake in the company, you would expect a smooth start to reassure your long term customers.

All it means is that they are not looking at this thread. The simplest answer is usually the correct answer. They have said that the next version will be made. They said it many many many times in the FAQ thread following the sell.