OOTP joining SI : Q&A

Markus Heinsohn · 05-06-2004, 12:25 PM

As expected, the announcement of our joining with SI has created lots of feedback, good reactions and some speculations. I'll try to answer the most common questions/concerns in this thread. OK, let's go

Q: Now that OOTP has joined SI, what does this do to OOTP 6?
A: OOTP 6 will still be supported and updated, until the new SI version of OOTP is released, which will be the end of 2005.

Q: The release date is mentioned being late 2005, does that mean that there will be no OOTP 7 in spring 2005?
A: There will be no OOTP 7 released by OOTP Developments. The next version will be the one produced by us with SI, and that will be released when it's ready, which will likely be at the end of 2005.

Q: One of the strengths of OOTP is it's customiziation abilities. CM has always gone a different direction. Does that mean that we will lose all the customization in OOTP?
A: The goal is to adapt the best parts of CM (multiple leagues, media, player interaction/personalities and so on), and keeping all the features of OOTP. That included online league play, customization, historical leagues and so on. We have total creative freedom, and we are no big fans of losing features!

Q: Obtaining an MLB/MLBPA license will put many restrictions on the game! How will that work?
A: It is far too early to comment on that yet. But I am very certain that we will find a way to avoid any restrictions caused by licenses.

Q: What happens to ITP?
A: ITP will be updated/patched in the future. Although it is too early to tell if there will be an ITP 2 this year.

Q: Being assimilated by a bigger company spells doom on any small developer! Why in the world did you do that?
A: The biggest reason was that we still have the same development team that produced the OOTP games in the past, and we have absolutely no restriction from SI in terms of game design. It is a win-win situation. We benefit greatly from their experience and superior technology, while they may learn a little bit from us as well and they add another great product to their line of games. Also, this move will make OOTP available to a much bigger audience, and hopefully finally put text-based sports games on the map in the US.

Q: What features will the new OOTP have?
A: It is far too early to comment. Development has just begun, but it's safe to say that all the OOTP 6 features will be in there in some kind of form.

Q: What will happen to the OOTP Developments forums?
A: As long as OOTP Developments exists, these forums will exist as well. Remember, OOTP Developments didn't get bought by SI, only the OOTP Baseball team joined them. I expect that the OOTP Baseball community will slowly shift over to the SI board once the new release gets closer... but that will not happen until the end of next year.

Q: Will there be a download version of the new OOTP?
A: We do not know yet. But there will definitely be a retail version.

Q: How is the english beer?
A: Worse that the german beer. I'm glad that I prefer wine.

I hope this helped to clear up any confusion that this move may have caused. I have to say that I am very happy with the way things have worked out so far, the SI guys are very nice and easy to work with! I am looking forward to producing the best baseball management game possible, and I hope that you will be there to support us with suggestions/feedback and ideas!

rdklein · 05-06-2004, 12:29 PM

They have beer in England?

I thought they just drank tea.

Treches · 05-06-2004, 12:36 PM

Q: Will we be able to convert V6 leagues smoothly?

bosunmate · 05-06-2004, 12:41 PM

Markus i have enjoyed OOTP since Season Ticket Baseball, and I just want to wish you all the best. I hope this move will enable you to realize your dream.

redmarkYankees · 05-06-2004, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rdklein
They have beer in England?

I thought they just drank tea.

Only at 4pm with cream cakes.

Markus Heinsohn · 05-06-2004, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Treches
Q: Will we be able to convert V6 leagues smoothly?

I will make sure that it'll work

LivnLegend · 05-06-2004, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Markus Heinsohn
I expect that the OOTP Baseball community will slowly shift over to the SI board once the new release gets closer... but that will not happen until the end of next year.

Ugh

Thanks for the Q&A. We all wish you the best, I'm sure!

playball335 · 05-06-2004, 01:05 PM

"We benefit greatly from their experience and superior technology"

Can you say 2D graphics and maybe even custom ballparks??

Well, these boards sure will be less hectic come next March.

Gromit · 05-06-2004, 01:42 PM

Nice! Markus works 70 miles from me now.

Might have to buy him lunch one of these days to say thanks!

Joe Canadian · 05-06-2004, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Markus Heinsohn
Q: What will happen to the OOTP Developments forums?
A: As long as OOTP Developments exists, these forums will exist as well. Remember, OOTP Developments didn't get bought by SI, only the OOTP Baseball team joined them. I expect that the OOTP Baseball community will slowly shift over to the SI board once the new release gets closer... but that will not happen until the end of next year.

Why can't they just link the forums to over here... If I have to live without OT, life will truly suck.

D'artagnan · 05-06-2004, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Markus Heinsohn
I will make sure that it'll work

AWESOME!!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!

Eckstein 4 Prez · 05-06-2004, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LivnLegend
Ugh

Thanks for the Q&A. We all wish you the best, I'm sure!

The Mayor speaks for me on both counts.

I also notice the MLB license discussed as though it were a foregone conclusion. Is it then decided that OOTP will be getting (or trying to get) an MLB license for the next version?

Joe Canadian · 05-06-2004, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Eckstein 4 Prez
The Mayor speaks for me on both counts.

I also notice the MLB license discussed as though it were a foregone conclusion. Is it then decided that OOTP will be getting (or trying to get) an MLB license for the next version?

I would expect that's how SI works... they'll at least try to get the MLB licence. But I also expect that if Markus feels hindered by any restrictions they put on him... he'll be against it.

Eckstein 4 Prez · 05-06-2004, 02:17 PM

I suspect many of us would like a direct answer from Markus or SI to this question:

If, when trying to get an MLB license, they try to put a bunch of restrictions that would limit such things as freedom to do finances in dollars rather than points or customizability, what will be done? What's the priority here?

I want to hear someone say, 100%, unequivocally, that if OOTP7 (or whatever it is to be called) cannot get the license without restrictions, then it will be released without a license.

Sorry, this is kind of a line-in-the-sand issue with me.

Joe Canadian · 05-06-2004, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Eckstein 4 Prez
I suspect many of us would like a direct answer from Markus or SI to this question:

If, when trying to get an MLB license, they try to put a bunch of restrictions that would limit such things as freedom to do finances in dollars rather than points or customizability, what will be done? What's the priority here?

I want to hear someone say, 100%, unequivocally, that if OOTP7 (or whatever it is to be called) cannot get the license without restrictions, then it will be released without a license.

Sorry, this is kind of a line-in-the-sand issue with me.

As it is with most of us... I'd think this is a "deal breaker" issue. If there are restrictions then most people here will stick with OOTP6 or move on to PureSim.

Hank Greenberg · 05-06-2004, 02:48 PM

I will not buy a game on "points" systems.

Eckstein 4 Prez · 05-06-2004, 03:04 PM

I'll pay 34.95 points for a game with a points system.

rogmax11 · 05-06-2004, 03:50 PM

Will we have to use "Europoints" with the new game?

Markus Heinsohn · 05-06-2004, 03:51 PM

Me not like point. $$ much better are.

PotatoPeeler · 05-06-2004, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rdklein
They have beer in England?

I thought they just drank tea.

Newcastle Brown and Bass Ale are pretty good.

Mmm.. that sounds good. I'll have to pick up a sixer on the way home.

I've never bought or played CM or anything else from the company so I'm wondering... how much do their games typically cost and what is this points system you speak of? Oh, is it safe to assume that v6 will continue to be patched for the next year and a half?

Edit: I just figured out what the points system is. Duh... I'm wicked retahded. The other two questions still stand, however.

05-06-2004, 12:25 PM	#1
Markus Heinsohn Developer OOTP Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Germany Posts: 24,803	OOTP joining SI : Q&A As expected, the announcement of our joining with SI has created lots of feedback, good reactions and some speculations. I'll try to answer the most common questions/concerns in this thread. OK, let's go Q: Now that OOTP has joined SI, what does this do to OOTP 6? A: OOTP 6 will still be supported and updated, until the new SI version of OOTP is released, which will be the end of 2005. Q: The release date is mentioned being late 2005, does that mean that there will be no OOTP 7 in spring 2005? A: There will be no OOTP 7 released by OOTP Developments. The next version will be the one produced by us with SI, and that will be released when it's ready, which will likely be at the end of 2005. Q: One of the strengths of OOTP is it's customiziation abilities. CM has always gone a different direction. Does that mean that we will lose all the customization in OOTP? A: The goal is to adapt the best parts of CM (multiple leagues, media, player interaction/personalities and so on), and keeping all the features of OOTP. That included online league play, customization, historical leagues and so on. We have total creative freedom, and we are no big fans of losing features! Q: Obtaining an MLB/MLBPA license will put many restrictions on the game! How will that work? A: It is far too early to comment on that yet. But I am very certain that we will find a way to avoid any restrictions caused by licenses. Q: What happens to ITP? A: ITP will be updated/patched in the future. Although it is too early to tell if there will be an ITP 2 this year. Q: Being assimilated by a bigger company spells doom on any small developer! Why in the world did you do that? A: The biggest reason was that we still have the same development team that produced the OOTP games in the past, and we have absolutely no restriction from SI in terms of game design. It is a win-win situation. We benefit greatly from their experience and superior technology, while they may learn a little bit from us as well and they add another great product to their line of games. Also, this move will make OOTP available to a much bigger audience, and hopefully finally put text-based sports games on the map in the US. Q: What features will the new OOTP have? A: It is far too early to comment. Development has just begun, but it's safe to say that all the OOTP 6 features will be in there in some kind of form. Q: What will happen to the OOTP Developments forums? A: As long as OOTP Developments exists, these forums will exist as well. Remember, OOTP Developments didn't get bought by SI, only the OOTP Baseball team joined them. I expect that the OOTP Baseball community will slowly shift over to the SI board once the new release gets closer... but that will not happen until the end of next year. Q: Will there be a download version of the new OOTP? A: We do not know yet. But there will definitely be a retail version. Q: How is the english beer? A: Worse that the german beer. I'm glad that I prefer wine. I hope this helped to clear up any confusion that this move may have caused. I have to say that I am very happy with the way things have worked out so far, the SI guys are very nice and easy to work with! I am looking forward to producing the best baseball management game possible, and I hope that you will be there to support us with suggestions/feedback and ideas!

05-06-2004, 12:36 PM	#3
Treches Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Damned Hell Posts: 2,150	Q: Will we be able to convert V6 leagues smoothly? __________________ The Computer Baseball League

05-06-2004, 01:42 PM	#9
Gromit Minors (Double A) Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Holloman AFB, NM Posts: 164	Nice! Markus works 70 miles from me now. Might have to buy him lunch one of these days to say thanks! __________________ Owner of the 2010 GGNL World Champion Pensacola Pilots, 98-64

05-06-2004, 02:17 PM	#14
Eckstein 4 Prez Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: The OC Posts: 6,358	I suspect many of us would like a direct answer from Markus or SI to this question: If, when trying to get an MLB license, they try to put a bunch of restrictions that would limit such things as freedom to do finances in dollars rather than points or customizability, what will be done? What's the priority here? I want to hear someone say, 100%, unequivocally, that if OOTP7 (or whatever it is to be called) cannot get the license without restrictions, then it will be released without a license. Sorry, this is kind of a line-in-the-sand issue with me. __________________ Looking for an insomnia cure? Check out my dynasty thread, The Dawn of American Professional Base Ball, 1871.

05-06-2004, 03:04 PM	#17
Eckstein 4 Prez Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: The OC Posts: 6,358	I'll pay 34.95 points for a game with a points system. __________________ Looking for an insomnia cure? Check out my dynasty thread, The Dawn of American Professional Base Ball, 1871.

05-06-2004, 12:29 PM	#2
rdklein All Star Reserve Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: The other side. Posts: 773	They have beer in England? I thought they just drank tea.

05-06-2004, 12:41 PM	#4
bosunmate All Star Starter Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 1,785	Markus i have enjoyed OOTP since Season Ticket Baseball, and I just want to wish you all the best. I hope this move will enable you to realize your dream.

05-06-2004, 01:05 PM	#8
playball335 Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Georgetown, MA Posts: 287	"We benefit greatly from their experience and superior technology" Can you say 2D graphics and maybe even custom ballparks?? Well, these boards sure will be less hectic come next March.

05-06-2004, 02:48 PM	#16
Hank Greenberg Major Leagues Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 460	I will not buy a game on "points" systems.

05-06-2004, 03:50 PM	#18
rogmax11 All Star Starter Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 1,320	Will we have to use "Europoints" with the new game?

05-06-2004, 03:51 PM	#19
Markus Heinsohn Developer OOTP Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Germany Posts: 24,803	Me not like point. $$ much better are. __________________ Buy Out of the Park Baseball 25 now! Download OOTP Go 25 for iOS Download OOTP Go 25 for Android