Edit: A few hours after I wrote this post I received confirmation that AGS made changes to their intended expertise system. I would like to thank AGS for reading my post, and making swift changes. Also, big thanks to the community managers for passing this thread along to the developing team.
Second edit: 2 days ago I gave AGS detailed instructions how they should handle server merges. Last night we got server merge list and planned merges. Big thanks again AGS for listening to me, and following my advice.
Hello fellow gamers.
Most of you probably recognise my name from a post I made like two weeks ago. In the post I basically offered my programming/developing services to AGS to help them get this wreck back on track.
My post was closed because of toxicity and harassment from die-hard AGS fanboys that couldnt handle their favourite game receiving constructive criticism.
I believe my views has some value. Being a renowned developer and programmer, I have insight and experience from the business. The last ten years I’ve been working on extremely high quality games/projects.
I guess we can say that my achievments and credentials speaks for themselves, and I know what Im talking about. Because of business etiquette I wont reveal what I’ve been working on. Neither will I link my LinkedIn profile.
My offer to help this game with my programming/coding skills are now off the table. I could go into programming details on how to sort out some of the biggest issue this game has, but it will take alot of time to write, and I simply dont have the time to fit it into my tight schedule. I do however feel that this game has alot of potential, and Ive enjoyed alot of it. As a developer myself I kinda enjoy playing games that I havent worked on, because I can play the game for the experience, and not get the feeling im reviewing my own work.
We all know what this game offers. It has alot of great features, even though Im left with the feeling that AGS are intentionally trying to fail. I suggested that they get a tax-write off if the game folds in a set timeframe. Is this the case?
Ive played some trash games over the years, and they usually degenerate over long periods of time. In this case speed seems to be the nr.1 goal in self destruction.
It is probably alot of skilled programmers working at AGS. From my experience programmers can be everything from brilliant to very bad. When I get hired for projects, Im bringing the most brilliant programmers and developers I know to support my team.
The problem at AGS though is most likely the decision makers. From the outside it appears to be a kakistocracy, that suffers from too much nepotism. It’s becoming quite clear in their inability to listen to feedback.
Im gonna leave a few points here on some of the biggest issues before I leave this forum. Im not gonna include some of the gamebreaking bugs, we all know them so well.
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The server populations are simply inadequate. It has taken way too long for you to take action and merge the servers. People are stuck at low population servers with no available transfer, and you refuse to help them out.
The fact that it has taken you so long to start the server merges just shows lack of humility and respect for your playerbase. Seems like you never expected such a huge drop-off in playerbase. -
Considering/releasing gamebreaking changes like “expertise” during a phase. Experienced game developers would probably introduce this at the start of a major patch with gear-score increase, both as a catch-up mechanic and way of progress.
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Not listening to feedback. You are not listening to any of the feedback you get during PTRs. Its a nice way to look for bugs etc, but dont make people believe that their opinions matter.
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Lack of information. You barely answer questions from the community.
The list could go on, its simply unfathomable.
Like I said. This game has alot of potential, and I do see alot of high quality work being put into it, some of which I would be very proud of myself.
I’ve worked on titles that also had a rocky start, but are now considered some of the most well regarded and coveted in the business.
Good luck.
A second time