Important News! / Newsletters 1 and 2 (new!)

[Mike D]

Originally Posted by battists

This will probably be the last I have to say on this topic, because on a forum like this, no matter how you state your case, people will disagree or have concerns.

We certainly understand that there are concerns about OOTP developing an additional product line. We share those concerns, but we remain dedicated to delivering a top notch product in OOTP9.

I do think there are several contrasts to ITP that could help calm some fears:

First, ITP was a completely different code base from OOTP (from what I understand), and so it was essentially like building a completely separate game. OOTP Online will be largely based on the same game engine, so that will reduce the amount of time required to develop it.

Second, ITP was all Markus, just like OOTP was back then. OOTP Online will have large chunks of code written by Andreas, so it will be a better division of labor.

Third, when ITP was created, Markus and Andreas didn't have ME. HAR! Actually, I kid, but much of the reason I ended up with these two lovable Germans is because I tend to suck up all of the work that keeps them away from coding. Back when ITP was done, Markus and Andreas had to deal with everything themselves.

Anyway, I realize that I could write 75 posts like this and people would still be nervous about it (Hi, Phenom! ). We understand those fears, and we're going to do our best to prove them wrong.

Remember, when SI bought OOTP, and then SEGA bought SI, there were some who were predicting it was the death of OOTP. Well, we didn't end up staying together, but OOTP is alive and well, even after a tough year in 2006.

Anyway, thanks again for all of the well-wishes, and we'll do our best to prove, uh, prove me right!

Thanks,

Steve

1. I understand that ITP was a different game code base than OOTP, but to long time players of OOTP, it feels like it all over again. There can be countless reasons why you don't think it will be the same, or Markus won't feel the same, but you already stated that it will have some impact in the development of 9 and for that I give it a big ugh. I know I'm one person, but I think there are countless others who don't post here that feel the same way.

3. Well, Markus did have Kuffles back then, but I see your point.

Anyway, best of luck on both upcoming projects, I'll be here to see how things progress.

[USN Squid]

When does OOTP 8 come out?

Maybe THAT package will properly install on my MacBook Pro.

[railroad_ross]

A little late to the party on this one... Congrats Steve.

I have only known Steve a short time from an on-line league. But, I can tell you without a doubt that the addition of Steve to the OOTP team is a great boon for fans of the OOTP franchise.

[CHOWDERHEAD]

Originally Posted by Getch

As for OOTP Online, I'm have a hard time figuring out exactly what it will do and who it is targeted for. It doesn't sound like it is intended to replace online leagues that would use OOTP9. Instead, it "marketed towards fantasy baseball players"... but I don't really see how the OOTP engine would be used for fantasy baseball. If it is indeed the equivalent of online leagues in OOTP9, why a whole new product to handle something that could be built into OOTP9? If it is something different than a typical OOTP online league, can someone help me understand what it's all about?

Maybe I missed the answer to this, but I would like to have at least a little better understanding of what the game is all about. My question is not "why are they doing it", but rather "what (in layman terms) is this all about"

Thanks

[redsoxford]

Originally Posted by CHOWDERHEAD

but rather "what (in layman terms) is this all about"

Thanks

or even in Lahman terms

[CHOWDERHEAD]

Originally Posted by redsoxford

or even in Lahman terms

Nice

[Getch]

Think of the fantasy sports UI, where you log in via the web and set your rosters, make trades, do waivers, etc., but as the UI for an OOTP online league. So instead of having to export/import the league files, you can just go onto the web and do it. For instance, call up your players, set the batting order, etc. The commish would sim (but the simming OOTP would be on the server, not the commish's PC), and the web server would instantly be updated with the results and people can then go in and make their changes for the next sim.

There is going to be both a web interface and a downloadable client, so you can still do it the old way.

The idea is to hit the "casual gamer", the people who enjoy fantasy baseball (OOTP is more for the serious baseball simulator), since this market is huge. The interface would be similar to what they're used to in real life, but would still be OOTP simulations at the heart.

I think the big draw would be to sell it as something like "Hey, you like fantasy baseball? How about playing fantasy baseball with the 1927 players?" ...even though it really isn't "fantasy baseball".

At least, that's my impression of what it will be. Remember that it's probably still just in the developer's heads and probably over a year away, so it can change.

[battists]

Originally Posted by Getch

Think of the fantasy sports UI, where you log in via the web and set your rosters, make trades, do waivers, etc., but as the UI for an OOTP online league. So instead of having to export/import the league files, you can just go onto the web and do it. For instance, call up your players, set the batting order, etc. The commish would sim (but the simming OOTP would be on the server, not the commish's PC), and the web server would instantly be updated with the results and people can then go in and make their changes for the next sim.

There is going to be both a web interface and a downloadable client, so you can still do it the old way.

The idea is to hit the "casual gamer", the people who enjoy fantasy baseball (OOTP is more for the serious baseball simulator), since this market is huge. The interface would be similar to what they're used to in real life, but would still be OOTP simulations at the heart.

I think the big draw would be to sell it as something like "Hey, you like fantasy baseball? How about playing fantasy baseball with the 1927 players?" ...even though it really isn't "fantasy baseball".

At least, that's my impression of what it will be. Remember that it's probably still just in the developer's heads and probably over a year away, so it can change.

I think for someone without inside info, Getch pretty much hit it on the head, especially the historical part. On top of that, our hope is to pull in some people with the notion of "Fantasy baseball is cool, but why not run your whole team, instead of just watching random player's real-life stats."

(Obviously, that's not going to be the motto, but essentially, trying to attract those fantasy players that want "a bit more" out of their baseball gaming experience.)

[Qrusher14242]

congrats Steve! Although i have no interest in the OOTP Online and can only hope it doesnt take away from OOTP like FM Live has for FM. I would think they would just enhance the online play in OOTP rather than going the way BM has.

[Bonedwarf]

FM Live's fundamental mistake is it's NOT an online Football Manager. It just seems dumbed down somehow.

[Serenity]

Good stuff. Been playing since OOTP 3 and it keeps getting better.

[Marc Duffy]

Originally Posted by ukhotstove

" FM Live which as been mentioned seems to be like what OOTP Online will be, spoken to alot of FM players and they feel like FM as taken a bit of a back seat to FM Live hopefully OOTP wont make the same mistake but have to say imo not looking good. Don't run a league but wonder what the majority of online commish think of this as surely it will effect those leagues that are already running, my is that if I were a commish I'd be feeling a little let down.

With totally independent development teams I'd have to pull you up on that. You'll also notice that we've not talked about FMlive since we announced it earlier in the year.

[Icy]

Congrats Steve, you did an incredible job with the beta team, you really deserve this new job.

[redsoxford]

I've just received another bucketfull of newsletter 2 (if that's the one that is written in its entirety on post #1)

[warddx]

What are the plans for a football game? Either NFL or NCAA? I read something about a game out in December. Is that still going to happen?

[battists]

Originally Posted by warddx

What are the plans for a football game? Either NFL or NCAA? I read something about a game out in December. Is that still going to happen?

Uh, that's not us. OOTP Developments has nothing in the works for football, and never has, to my knowledge.

[Russ]

Originally Posted by battists

Uh, that's not us. OOTP Developments has nothing in the works for football, and never has, to my knowledge.

Don't try to back out on us now, Steve.

[Marc Duffy]

Originally Posted by Bonedwarf

FM Live's fundamental mistake is it's NOT an online Football Manager. It just seems dumbed down somehow.

Sorry, it's annoying to read such posts.

FMLives strength is that it's not the full experience of FM - it's a more dip in and out experience aimed at people leading busy lives who do not have the time to play the main game.

In much the same way as you'll find the OOTP guys will not want cannibalisation of their brand. The products have to offer something very different to the market.

[1998 Yankees]

Originally Posted by battists

Uh, that's not us. OOTP Developments has nothing in the works for football, and never has, to my knowledge.

Lay your hands on some venture capital and acquire Front Office Football instead. All that game needs is some GUI upgrading and FaceGen. You guys have to start thinking like Bill Gates.

[Fallschirmjager]

FM Live will suceed since FM has never had a strong online multiplayer portion of the game

OOTP has never had that problem which is why OOTP Online is so confusing to me. But who knows, mayne it will catch on and do well