Free MMO baseball game..........

[lordscarlet]

I would love to really get some details on what happened. Perhaps do an interview with the developer and some of the active players, particularly those that put in a lot of money. I think it could actually make a really interested blog post, if not an actual article/story. Especially as a "what not to do" lesson.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Fidatelo

- Taking money was a massive mistake. Massive.

I dunno about that, kind of depends on what the purpose of taking money was as to whether or not it was a mistake. I know I'm cynical but I can't help but think that at least a few people out there in cyberspace at least noted the coincidental timing of accepting payment & a developer having oral surgery (or something like that). If you're a suspicious type that sort of thing could raise an eyebrow, although surely it's nothing more than pure coincidence.

- That said, I think it's pretty dumb to start paying for a complete unknown when there is a way to try it out for free.

Hardly anyone ever loses by overestimating the stupidity of the consumer.

- Overall this thing is an absolute debacle, but this thread is a lot of fun to watch so on the whole I'm glad it happened.

+1, well not glad it happened but if it was going to happen anyway I'm glad we got to read along.

[mrkilla22]

I will be following it and signing up again when it is ready. The game has potential, but he still has the most basic errors to fix. He released it a bit too early.

[JohnnyBGood]

The game is back online. It is officially titled as in "Beta" now. Nothing was actually reset in terms of players and teams, so we don't have to go through that ordeal again. Looks like they worked on the sim engine and some other issues. For those who were on Seattle and have decided to give the game a chance, please check in and post on the team forum in the appropriate thread. For those who are too frustrated to continue on, I understand your position, and hopefully when the game is pulled together and things work better you'll consider giving it another try.

Also, they've been handing out free points rather liberally to compensate for the rough go of things. Nice gesture, and some of you might be able to buy a team as an owner with the points now. Would be nice to have a Seattle Storms (US Pro)/FOFC minor league affiliate .

[CleBrownsfan]

I'm on a CPU controlled team and I'm by far the best 3B on the team but not even listed in the depth chart. WHat the hell am I doing wrong? Or is it a bug?

[lordscarlet]

You still can't see box scores and our win-loss is still wrong. That's as far as I've gotten, really.

[BrianD]

Originally Posted by lordscarlet

You still can't see box scores and our win-loss is still wrong. That's as far as I've gotten, really.

I checked out the stats page to see the records after one game. In the raw stats (non-averages), there isn't a single odd number. Looks like everything has been doubled. I also read on the forums where at least one guy pitched twice today and pitched full games both times.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by BrianD

I also read on the forums where at least one guy pitched twice today and pitched full games both times.

Was his name Bryan Fuller ?

[wade moore]

Originally Posted by BrianD

I checked out the stats page to see the records after one game. In the raw stats (non-averages), there isn't a single odd number. Looks like everything has been doubled. I also read on the forums where at least one guy pitched twice today and pitched full games both times.

This is why I didn't check in yet.

If this stuff comes this quickly, why think that anything at all happened this week.

Do you guys notice ANYTHING fixed?

[BrianD]

Originally Posted by wade moore

This is why I didn't check in yet.

If this stuff comes this quickly, why think that anything at all happened this week.

Do you guys notice ANYTHING fixed?

Hard to say...there is no box score yet or game log to let us know what happened during the game.

[lordscarlet]

Originally Posted by wade moore

This is why I didn't check in yet.

If this stuff comes this quickly, why think that anything at all happened this week.

Do you guys notice ANYTHING fixed?

People (like the developer) keep saying "obviously things are better." But I have no idea what they're talking about.

I see nothing different. And they said a box score is not a high priority. WTF?

[BrianD]

Originally Posted by lordscarlet

People (like the developer) keep saying "obviously things are better." But I have no idea what they're talking about.

I see nothing different. And they said a box score is not a high priority. WTF?

The box score is not a high priority? For a baseball game? How does anyone know if the game engine is good enough to make the game worthwhile?

[Arles]

meh, I don't think I am going to get back into this. I'll check back down the line and see how things are going.

[Fidatelo]

Why would a baseball game need a box score? You guys are too demanding.

[JonInMiddleGA]

So just idly curious, have they offered to give everybody their money back?

[lordscarlet]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

So just idly curious, have they offered to give everybody their money back?

No. Everytime there is a significant problem they give everyone back their credits + 50%. So, free money if peopleare sticking with the game. I don't know if anyone has demanded their money back because it doesn't work.

[Doug5984]

I'll log in, train my guys from time to time- buy equipment but besides that I don't hold much hope for this first season. Once they get some of the true bugs ironed out then implement a box score- it'll be a vastly improved game and it can continue to improve.

[BrianD]

Site is down now?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

It's up. They implemented some fixes. He mentions that all owners will have to renegotiate the contracts since they had to reset the salaries to get rid of a bug.

[wade moore]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

It's up. They implemented some fixes. He mentions that all owners will have to renegotiate the contracts since they had to reset the salaries to get rid of a bug.

This game is awesome.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by wade moore

This game is awesome.

Maxmium awsmoness 2.something

[BrianD]

I have retired my players. I'm happy to help a game through a beta process, but this game isn't even ready to be considered a beta. After seeing some of their business decisions and their game design priority decisions, I can see that this is going to be a series of tremendous frustrations.

[lordscarlet]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

It's up. They implemented some fixes. He mentions that all owners will have to renegotiate the contracts since they had to reset the salaries to get rid of a bug.

I stillw ant to know what exactly those fixes were. They say there were fixes, but don't tell you what they are. It appears they "fixed the servers" and that the sim engine is better. But it's still completely busted, soooo..

[Fidatelo]

Quality software developers don't track and list bugs or fixes. That kind of stuff is for amateurs. Good developers just work away behind the curtain and once in awhile tell you that stuff just got better.

[lordscarlet]

Originally Posted by Fidatelo

Quality software developers don't track and list bugs or fixes. That kind of stuff is for amateurs. Good developers just work away behind the curtain and once in awhile tell you that stuff just got better.

Gold.

[lordscarlet]

Just a fun sampling:

MASTER BUG LIST

--> Offers sent to players show double the actual salary offered - Source - CLOSED

--> Post counts reset to 0 - Source

--> Cannot access team management - Source - CLOSED

--> Player and team pictures being swapped - Source

--> Simulation bug on double plays - Source

--> Team loses, starting pitcher wins anyways - Source

--> Long game possibly shows as two seperate games - Source

--> Stolen bases seem to be either impossible or miscalculated - Source

--> Training by new players always showing ready to train even when not - Source

--> Team wins and losses not showing up correctly - Source - CLOSED

--> Multiple offers from same team - Source

--> Iron man starting pitcher, doesnt need relief - Source

--> Great Assistant III not properly unlocking the ability to create LH player - Source

--> Equipment mods not displaying correctly on player stats - Source

--> Cannot fire CPU player who are on the active roster - Source

--> Unable to renegotiate with player if owned by team owner - Source - CLOSED

--> Cannot purchase equipment mods even with enough money - Source

--> Players on old teams still have access to old team forums - Source

--> Training able to be interrupted with two windows - Source

--> Lag with purchasing equipment - Source

--> Negative XP bug - Source

--> Achievements are not updating with the current stats - Source

--> Training not possible when the result leaves the player with $0 - Source

--> Lag with uploading Avatars - Source

--> Completed achievements will deduct additional points if clicked and accepted - Source

--> Lag with new player skill point assignment - Source

--> The Zero salary bug - Source - CLOSED

--> Stats not updating on a player - Source

--> Owners are losing the cost of the entire contract from their payroll as the send offers to players - Source - NOT A BUG - CLOSED

--> Current training not correctly showing on player minibar - Source

--> Baseball card images not showing correctly with 80x85 res - Source

--> Created player not showing up on My Players - Source

That of course doesn't count the fact that there is NO BOX SCORE and no post-game play by play. The best you can do is a TERRIBLE "live" game -- and by "Live" I mean if you're game is at 4pm, you have to logon at 4pm and watch it unfold.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Since it isn't on the list I have to assume that the beer tent works as planned.

[Arles]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

Since it isn't on the list I have to assume that the beer tent works as planned.

It does, but due to an AI issue, the only beer available is Milwaukee's Best.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Seeing if this will even work.......

[Doug5984]

that works, nice little feature...
Brings up another point- the pictures you can use for your players are a strange size, and they have no way to auto resize them, so it's kind of a pain. It would add to the look if everyone had a player picture.

[lordscarlet]

[MrDNA]

I'd like to play shortstop on somebody's team:

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Looks like they're going to have box scores available by the end of next week. Should help to weed out just how good (or bad) the simulator is in the game.

[Doug5984]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Looks like they're going to have box scores available by the end of next week. Should help to weed out just how good (or bad) the simulator is in the game.

Yup, once this gets in there we'll be able to get a good look at how things are going. Hopefully they'll be able to use all the data collected from this to help build a great simulator (if the simulator works right- everything else will fall into place eventually)

[rjolley]

Anyone else get dropped from the Seattle squad?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Amazing how a little organization can go a long way. They've got a poster organizing the bugs into a list for the developers. It appears to be doing wonders as far as getting bugs fixed. Several more fixes were just implemented this morning. Developer also said box score developement is ahead of schedule. Nice.

[wade moore]

I've already cashed out of this game. It's GLB with big holes in the features it provides.

Sorry, not interested.

[JohnnyBGood]

Originally Posted by rjolley

Anyone else get dropped from the Seattle squad?

There was an issue with the contracts. I resent an offer.

[wade moore]

Shocker that it was a bug.

[Doug5984]

It'd be nice if the player card for the pitcher defaulted to defensive (pitching stats) i guess that will make it ways around eventually.

[JeeberD]

Butch Fulton? Donnie Lowe? Ugh...

[Doug5984]

Originally Posted by JeeberD

Butch Fulton? Donnie Lowe? Ugh...

Yeah, I'm not very original when it comes to making up names.

They were great once, they can be great again?

[lordscarlet]

I finally got to pitch an inning.. All I know is that I had a strikeout and no ER.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Finally! Boxscores are available starting with today's games. He's also buying back equipment to remove the advantage from a bug that was exploited early on........

Today's patch along, with some smaller bug fixes, added box scores to completed games as well as fixes to the Simulator.

One major fix to the simulator was to get stats and games to post correctly after games where there is heavy traffic. It is hard to test heavy traffic in the development arena, but I feel fairly confident in these fixes. Please keep an eye on your players stats and report any bugs please!!

Box Scores! This is the first iteration of the box scores feature. You'll find them by clicking the scoreboard link and then hit the boxscore link. Please comment on it and make suggestions as it is going to change to the form that you guys agree upon. I personally think it is pretty spiffy for a first draft. You can't see box scores of games before Day 12, because I didn't have the tables setup for this feature until yesterday.

My next step is to head back to the bugs sticky and knock them out by the gross.

Also, although the bug has been fixed where ppl are left on the team forums that they are removed from, some ppl that had the bug happen to them before the fix still remain able to see the forum. I will be creating a big query to remove them shortly. Oh, and yes I am still going to buy back everyone's equipment very soon. This is because some players got an unfair advantage at the beginning because of a draftee status, unlocks equipment bug. Don't worry you won't lose any money, I will be giving you 100% the cost of the equipment so you can buy it back if you have it unlocked.

[lordscarlet]

What amazes me about that post above is this:

You can't see box scores of games before Day 12, because I didn't have the tables setup for this feature until yesterday.

What? You weren't storing enough data to do box scores? That tells me they were only doing cumulative stats for a season for each player (not per game), the score per inning, and hits/errors/runs per game. How the hell can you not store this BASIC INFORMATION from the get-go?

Also, the box score is far from a box score. Is it better than nothing? Yes. Is it much better? Not really.

[Doug5984]

Originally Posted by lordscarlet

What amazes me about that post above is this:



What? You weren't storing enough data to do box scores? That tells me they were only doing cumulative stats for a season for each player (not per game), the score per inning, and hits/errors/runs per game. How the hell can you not store this BASIC INFORMATION from the get-go?

Also, the box score is far from a box score. Is it better than nothing? Yes. Is it much better? Not really.

I kind of agree with this. I mean I've seen much much much better things come from the FOFC community in shorter periods of time, done completely for free, in their free time. This guy is collecting money, and putting out- not great stuff. I'm going to stick around, I'd love for this game to turn into something, could be great...but it's not showing much promise.

[lordscarlet]

What really astonishes me is the faith people have. There are people stomping through the forums saying to stop complaining and this game is going to be great. Really? Why do you say that? NOTHING they have done so far indicates such a fact.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by lordscarlet

What really astonishes me is the faith people have. There are people stomping through the forums saying to stop complaining and this game is going to be great. Really? Why do you say that? NOTHING they have done so far indicates such a fact.

I think it COULD be a fun game to play, but they need a whole lot of complaining in the forums right now to make sure they're aware of the holes in the game. They are doing a lot of updating which is a good sign. The problem is that the features are still being created/refined, which isn't something you do in beta testing. It's more like an alpha, as someone had mentioned before.

[lordscarlet]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

I think it COULD be a fun game to play, but they need a whole lot of complaining in the forums right now to make sure they're aware of the holes in the game. They are doing a lot of updating which is a good sign. The problem is that the features are still being created/refined, which isn't something you do in beta testing. It's more like an alpha, as someone had mentioned before.

It's barely even Alpha in my opinion. But just because the concept is fairly sound does not mean they have proved they have any ability to pull it off.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by lordscarlet

It's barely even Alpha in my opinion. But just because the concept is fairly sound does not mean they have proved they have any ability to pull it off.

Agreed. The price is right for me personally. I'm enjoying goofing around with it.