Originally posted by DSmart [3000AD]
First Post
Gents, some of the posts in this thread, are EXACTLY the reason why game developers AND publishers hardly pay attention to a game's fanbase.
So, go ahead, insult me all you want. Fat lot of good THAT is going to do. If anything, your posts will serve as indication to the industry in general, that well, those of you who want to turn this into a pissing content, are NOT worthy of anything tangible with regards to this franchise or anything associated with it. Look, they're not giving out library cards for bad behavior. So, if you can't behave at home, at the VERY least, have some self respect and behave yourself when in the company of others who are deserving of respect.
Now we're got that out of the way, lets see....
I'm not here to win any hearts, blow any minds, organize cookouts, take long walks in the park or pass around the walm milk. All I want to say it if anyone has played ANY of my games, not to mention the recently released Universal Combat, it should be clearly apparent that you're not dealing with some fly-by-night developer of a mod crew thats going to disappear overnight.
My games have been around for almost fifteen years, believe it or not and I have so far released five games - all of which made money - and I have an install base that clearly eclipses you lot. By a galaxy wide margin. My game - believe it or not - was one of those that made money for Interplay. They didn't lose money on it, not matter how much or how little it made. I got paid. They got their money's worth and I join the ranks for those who are saddened by their demise as I had some really good friends there.
So, lets cut the crap and get real here. Now. Would you rather NOT see another Freespace title in the retail channel, with high calibre values and from a team with a HISTORY and EXPERIENCE in making SPACE games? Or would you rather see it go to some larger company who is going to turn it into some unrecognizeable crap so they can leech off the Freespace name?
I'm ACTIVELY trying to get the license and given that I had a really good relationship with Inteplay (they published my second game), it will all boil down to money and whether or not Interplay is willing to let it go.
If I get it, I'm going to develop this game. NO amount of crying, magic, spellcasting, running outside naked and yelling or coming to my house with +2 Armor of God and +6 whupass, is going to change that. So, the ones making these crazy posts (the attention must be nice - try dating) might as well go to sleep tonight knowing that as tenacious as my reputation is, if there is ANY chance of obtaining this license, I'm going to get it.
YOU insulting lot have VERY few choices and options. You are either going to be a part of the end result or you remain a part of the problem that will let this legacy and much regarded franchise die with Freespace2. Think about this. It makes NO difference to me. I CONSISTENTLY develop, publish and sell games. So, its not like I don't have a project (considering that I have no less than THREE in development right this minute) to fund and develop. I do this out of love for the Freespace franchise and out of respect for what I - as a gamer and a space sim developer - deem to be a legacy and one of the greatest space sims ever developed.
That is all. As you were.
I'd like to see a developer stop flapping his gums back at the community. I want a developer who will work with the community rather then shout out his accolades and demand respect.
Im offended by your statement, and even more offended you would talk to this community in such a way. Although some of this community is harsh, they have always spoke their mind and as a PROFESSIONAL its up to YOU to take it as critism and with a grain of salt, sir.
Now with that in mind, perhaps you will see between the harshness and realize this community LOVES the Freespace Franchise, so much so they would rather NOT see FS3 then see it developed by the likes of someone who will make it worse then it was, and most importantly one who wont work with the community in a professional manner and learn to just take his lumps and work together to ensure the Freespace Legacy remains alive and intact.
I also would like to point out that HLP is the biggest Freespace MOD community you will find, most professional as well. We have people here that have been modding freespace for a very very long time, and a very good base of developers doing source code additions and thought of bringing us FS3 on their own.
With that being said, FS3 would of lived on with or without you. So take your holier then thou attitude, sweep it under the rug and do whats right. Work with us, not only because you can make a few bucks, but because we can HELP YOU make freespace three the most kick ass Space Sim Game imaginable.
Ive personally worked with the Freespace Universe Timeline researchers, mission makers, mod makers, etc... and can say one thing for this "lot" as you called them: They are the most dedicated, creative and emotional people you will ever meet. What may be lacking in knowledge is more then made up for with enthusiasm and the desire to know more.
I dont wish to end this conversation in a bad light, atleast personally. I dont know you or your work, only what you have said initially, i still respect you and obviously you know what your doing. If you do take this title and decide to finally make it, think about coming here
and getting a consensus on things people want. I can assure you we all know what gaming is all about, we all know what it takes to make a good game so when it gets to that time of designing this title keep our little forum in mind and try not to let the artists emotions get to you too much