*** OOTP joins Sports Interactive! *** - Page 11

Antonin · 05-05-2004, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Andreas Raht
Yup, that's a huge issue currently here in Germany, too. But they merge companies to "save money" (which will probably not pay out in the end, but they're looking only until the next shareholder meeting) and to kick clerks and workers...

But don't worry, what OOTP Development does when it joins Sports Interactive is completely different! We want to make OOTP even better. Nothing else. And the SI team is such a great team that we're absolutely sure that this is a very positive development for OOTP and the OOTP community!

When a smaller organization "joins" a bigger one, the bigger one usually takes the ideas of the smaller one and screws them up, destroying the smaller organization in the process. Sorry, that is my personal, bitter experience.

Still, my hope is for only good things for the OOTP people.

RedRob · 05-05-2004, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by HH20xx convert
My three concerns----

1-- The press release makes clear that OOTP6 remains a project of the predecessor organization. Will it receive the care and feeding we've come to appreciate, or will it quickly become an orphan because everyone is working on the next (SI) version? This is especially critical since we'll be waiting 18 months or more for the next version.

3--Communication. The enthusiast boards will need lots of feedback and communication as the next version evolves. This is the place for that to happen, and OOTP/SI will regret it if they ignore this fine group, or force a mass transfer to SI boards where OOTP will be the tiny American newcomer. Not to mention the countless members here who only work on free e-mail accounts and could not even access SI boards under current default policies.

OOTP has proven itself to me over the years, so I bet all these issues will work out well, and I'll be watching with great interest.

I've been a CM fan since it first began, and will continue to buy the fm games. In my opion one of the best aspects of the company is their constuimer service, it really is second to none.

If the community aren't happy with something, they'll release a patch, and the developars are regular visitors to the site and post in many of the idea threads that are produced. I really don't think you'll be dissapointed with their customer service, it's the best of any comapny I know :thup:

p.s. use www.37.com for free e-mail that you can use to register on si messageboards :thup:

Antonin · 05-05-2004, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marc Vaughan
They can be unfortunately - the si boards have a huge amount of users (around 40,000 frequent users) and because a lot of them have played the game for years their patience isn't always what I would like (although we do try and guide the 'chaos').

The smart-aleck jerks who populate the CM boards are the main reason I don't play CM any more. It just got too frustrating to try to become better at playing the game (i.e., lasting more than one season before getting fired) and not being unable to get basic advice from fellow CM players.

The people at the CM boards win the "rudeness" title, hands down.

gialloneri · 05-05-2004, 07:38 PM

We're not all bad over there! Like Marc said, check out the EHM boards, and there's plenty of baseball fans kicking around here and there - looking forward to seeing some more over there, as my knowledge is patchy at best.

scooter · 05-05-2004, 07:41 PM

Maybe it was because you refered to them as smart-aleck jerks. While I know that there are some posters there that can be rude (just as there are in any forum), refering to 40,000 people collectively as jerks is what I call "generalizing". Give it a try again, it might surprise you. If not, it's your loss.

budsticky · 05-05-2004, 07:53 PM

One thing I'm a little worried about is the games availability here. Will it still be a download via elicense? All the other SI stuff, including the new hockey game coming out are available as CD Rom only, and furthermore, only in the UK. Correct me if I'm wrong there. I can't see offering a baseball game and not having an easy way for the USA market to get it.

Eckstein 4 Prez · 05-05-2004, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by budsticky
One thing I'm a little worried about is the games availability here. Will it still be a download via elicense? All the other SI stuff, including the new hockey game coming out are available as CD Rom only, and furthermore, only in the UK. Correct me if I'm wrong there. I can't see offering a baseball game and not having an easy way for the USA market to get it.

That's one thing I don't think you have to worry about. That would be like making a cricket sim and selling it only in the U.S. No business, not even the stupid ones, would do anything like that. Rest assured that future OOTP editions will be available in the States.

Deitrus · 05-05-2004, 07:56 PM

Will OOTP (the game) change?
I only ask this because since OOTPD and SI have now merged, I fear that the depth of customizability in OOTP (the series) will either do 3 things:

1)- come to a halt (not good. very...very bad).
2)- stay the same (which would be good)
3)- get even better (which also would be good)

I fear that the "open source" customizability will suffer and the likes of Catobase and the Exporter (to name just a few) will die away. I also fear that game customizability (skin mods, logos, roster mods ect or whatever our hearts desire) will also suffer.

Listen, I am new to OOTP and the main reason I bought OOTP6 was because it offered an unprecedented amount of customizability by way of in game mods (see "mods section") and open source utilities. I dont want to leave this sim as I just fell in love with the thing.

Markus, please keep this (as read above) alive and well. I congratulate you and SI both for the business venture. I hope that your strong and most important parts do not wash away.

gialloneri · 05-05-2004, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by budsticky
All the other SI stuff, including the new hockey game coming out are available as CD Rom only, and furthermore, only in the UK.

I'll be very surprised if EHM isn't released over the pond - I can think of a number of Canadians who'd march on London if they didn't!

Antonin · 05-05-2004, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gialloneri
We're not all bad over there! Like Marc said, check out the EHM boards, and there's plenty of baseball fans kicking around here and there - looking forward to seeing some more over there, as my knowledge is patchy at best.

On this board you'll find lots of friendly and knowledgeable people who will be more than happy to explain everything you want to know about baseball and baseball management sims.

kingpin1976 · 05-05-2004, 08:05 PM

RIP OOTP been fun

Eckstein 4 Prez · 05-05-2004, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Deitrus
Listen, I am new to OOTP and the main reason I bought OOTP6 was because it offered an unprecedented amount of customizability by way of in game mods (see "mods section") and open sourse utilities. I dont want to leave this sim as I just fell in love with the thing.

I agree wholeheartedly - the only difference is, I got addicted two incarnations ago. And Catobase and the other mods are a large part of the reason why I've stayed addicted for the last two years.

Deitrus · 05-05-2004, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Eckstein 4 Prez
I agree wholeheartedly - the only difference is, I got addicted two incarnations ago. And Catobase and the other mods are a large part of the reason why I've stayed addicted for the last two years.

Im glad someone else feels the way I do.

swampdragon · 05-05-2004, 08:24 PM

OOTP has two things going for it that set it apart from its competitors:
1. Career mode
2. The capacity for infinite user addons that increase the enjoyment (logos, photos, rosters, etc., etc.)

Take away either of those properties and OOTP will lose a lot of its present following. I think Markus knows what he has and will try to maintain OOTPs personality. Only time will tell how much control Markus will actually retain. Then there's always SEGA to worry about. Bad sign: If OOTP7 is first made available on a console. Then we know we've lost, and it's back to DMB on a permanent basis.

GoldenGlove · 05-05-2004, 08:30 PM

This is disappointing news. I don't know the reasons for trying another marriage of companies, but I believe OOTP has more to offer than any other company addition can bring. Unfortunately, OOTP6 may be my last purchase.

redmarkYankees · 05-05-2004, 08:30 PM

I don't think graphical/interface customisability will suffer at all, it will probably be enhanced, as CM4 and CM03/04 are XML interfaces with a strong 'modding' community.

There is also a strong tradition with CM of 3rd party editors and player updates, though these have not been as integrated into the game itself as in OOTP. Hopefully (perhaps overly optimistic), SI will be the ones who learn something in this respect.

After a little consideration, I think the main innovations will be deeper gameplay, with player personalities and interaction (players complaining to the press about your strategy, players disliking each other), some layout/graphical enhancements (e.g. graphical depth chart, even customisable situational defenses/shifts etc).

i.e. more of a "management" experience, which may not be to the liking of those who like to sim rapidly, or online leagues.

Deitrus · 05-05-2004, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by swampdragon
Then there's always SEGA to worry about. Bad sign: If OOTP7 is first made available on a console. Then we know we've lost, and it's back to DMB on a permanent basis.

Oh ya, I forgot about SEGA. Ya, this could eventually suck.

Man, I really hope not.

TheRockCT · 05-05-2004, 08:40 PM

I personally wouldn't worry yet.....even though I haven't engaged in the CM series past a demo or two in the last several years. Sounds like I'll need to brush up on it and perhaps even purchase it to get a feel for how SOME things may be eventually. But OOTP is Markus's baby, I don't imagine he signed away the series to create a game that's going to be so indiscernable from the past versions of the game that it'll drive away all the customers.

I'd say we're looking at a blending of some of the SIMULATION and EXTRA features that I've seen advertised with CM, and some here & there ideas about coding thrown in. I have every faith in Markus that he wouldn't have done this if the heart & soul of the series (customization, license-less appeal, and game utilities) were going to become moot afterwards.

Paul Dejyothin · 05-05-2004, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marc Duffy
We have two Marcs, a Mark and a Markus now ... eek

not forgetting 3 Paul's, and 2 lots of brothers!

It's getting complicated!

Steve Kuffrey · 05-05-2004, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by swampdragon
OOTP has two things going for it that set it apart from its competitors:
1. Career mode
2. The capacity for infinite user addons that increase the enjoyment (logos, photos, rosters, etc., etc.)

Take away either of those properties and OOTP will lose a lot of its present following. I think Markus knows what he has and will try to maintain OOTPs personality. Only time will tell how much control Markus will actually retain. Then there's always SEGA to worry about. Bad sign: If OOTP7 is first made available on a console. Then we know we've lost, and it's back to DMB on a permanent basis.

I just don't see this changing much so don't see why all the "worry" and concern being voiced.

Also, you may or may not know that CM is out for console now and I think that game is still "doing ok".

05-05-2004, 07:56 PM	#208
Deitrus All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: United States Posts: 535	Will OOTP (the game) change? I only ask this because since OOTPD and SI have now merged, I fear that the depth of customizability in OOTP (the series) will either do 3 things: 1)- come to a halt (not good. very...very bad). 2)- stay the same (which would be good) 3)- get even better (which also would be good) I fear that the "open source" customizability will suffer and the likes of Catobase and the Exporter (to name just a few) will die away. I also fear that game customizability (skin mods, logos, roster mods ect or whatever our hearts desire) will also suffer. Listen, I am new to OOTP and the main reason I bought OOTP6 was because it offered an unprecedented amount of customizability by way of in game mods (see "mods section") and open source utilities. I dont want to leave this sim as I just fell in love with the thing. Markus, please keep this (as read above) alive and well. I congratulate you and SI both for the business venture. I hope that your strong and most important parts do not wash away. Last edited by Deitrus; 05-05-2004 at 08:11 PM.

05-05-2004, 08:30 PM	#215
GoldenGlove Major Leagues Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 339	This is disappointing news. I don't know the reasons for trying another marriage of companies, but I believe OOTP has more to offer than any other company addition can bring. Unfortunately, OOTP6 may be my last purchase. __________________ ISBL - New York Yankees B.I.G. - Oakland Athletics TheMLB - Cleveland Indians

05-05-2004, 08:30 PM	#216
redmarkYankees All Star Starter Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 1,283	I don't think graphical/interface customisability will suffer at all, it will probably be enhanced, as CM4 and CM03/04 are XML interfaces with a strong 'modding' community. There is also a strong tradition with CM of 3rd party editors and player updates, though these have not been as integrated into the game itself as in OOTP. Hopefully (perhaps overly optimistic), SI will be the ones who learn something in this respect. After a little consideration, I think the main innovations will be deeper gameplay, with player personalities and interaction (players complaining to the press about your strategy, players disliking each other), some layout/graphical enhancements (e.g. graphical depth chart, even customisable situational defenses/shifts etc). i.e. more of a "management" experience, which may not be to the liking of those who like to sim rapidly, or online leagues. __________________ In times of universal deceit, telling the truth will be a revolutionary act. George Orwell

05-05-2004, 08:40 PM	#218
TheRockCT All Star Starter Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: TN Posts: 1,083	I personally wouldn't worry yet.....even though I haven't engaged in the CM series past a demo or two in the last several years. Sounds like I'll need to brush up on it and perhaps even purchase it to get a feel for how SOME things may be eventually. But OOTP is Markus's baby, I don't imagine he signed away the series to create a game that's going to be so indiscernable from the past versions of the game that it'll drive away all the customers. I'd say we're looking at a blending of some of the SIMULATION and EXTRA features that I've seen advertised with CM, and some here & there ideas about coding thrown in. I have every faith in Markus that he wouldn't have done this if the heart & soul of the series (customization, license-less appeal, and game utilities) were going to become moot afterwards. __________________ GM, Vermont Emperor Penguins - POTD POTD Champions: 2011, 2012, 2013 GM, Monterrey Aztecs* - NABA *NABA Champions: 2013

05-05-2004, 07:38 PM	#204
gialloneri Bat Boy Join Date: May 2004 Location: London, UK Posts: 7	We're not all bad over there! Like Marc said, check out the EHM boards, and there's plenty of baseball fans kicking around here and there - looking forward to seeing some more over there, as my knowledge is patchy at best.

05-05-2004, 07:41 PM	#205
scooter Minors (Single A) Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 89	Maybe it was because you refered to them as smart-aleck jerks. While I know that there are some posters there that can be rude (just as there are in any forum), refering to 40,000 people collectively as jerks is what I call "generalizing". Give it a try again, it might surprise you. If not, it's your loss.

05-05-2004, 07:53 PM	#206
budsticky Bat Boy Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 18	One thing I'm a little worried about is the games availability here. Will it still be a download via elicense? All the other SI stuff, including the new hockey game coming out are available as CD Rom only, and furthermore, only in the UK. Correct me if I'm wrong there. I can't see offering a baseball game and not having an easy way for the USA market to get it.

05-05-2004, 08:05 PM	#211
kingpin1976 Major Leagues Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 402	RIP OOTP been fun

05-05-2004, 08:24 PM	#214
swampdragon Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Lonely Mountain Posts: 2,509	OOTP has two things going for it that set it apart from its competitors: 1. Career mode 2. The capacity for infinite user addons that increase the enjoyment (logos, photos, rosters, etc., etc.) Take away either of those properties and OOTP will lose a lot of its present following. I think Markus knows what he has and will try to maintain OOTPs personality. Only time will tell how much control Markus will actually retain. Then there's always SEGA to worry about. Bad sign: If OOTP7 is first made available on a console. Then we know we've lost, and it's back to DMB on a permanent basis.