OOTP Developments Update - July 16th

[battists]

Hi folks,

Just wanted to drop everyone a quick note to let you know what's going on right now with OOTP Developments.

First off, both Markus and Andreas are taking some well-deserved time off, but should be back at it shortly. We understand mentioning this could upset some people who are anxious to see fixes to certain issues, but the fact is, these guys were putting in 12-16 hour days for two months leading up to the release, and when you're a small operation, there's just no time that's GOOD for a vacation. The fact is, despite some issues we still want to fix, this has probably been the most problem-free OOTP launch ever.

I'm still around, as is Paul from PiSD, trying to keep up with customer requests, and to a certain extent Tech Support, although volunteers like Nutlaw, Tony M, and endgame are the ones who deserve the lion's share of the credit in that department. (Thanks you guys, and everyone else who has pitched in!)

We're compiling, documenting, and prioritizing as many issues as possible before M&A return, at which time we'll kick things into high gear to release another major patch. Remember, technical issues that get posted in General Discussion are unlikely to make it into the patch discussion, so if you feel there is a problem with the game, please make sure it's in Technical Support, so we can document it appropriately and get it in front of "the man!"

I probably wouldn't expect the next patch until late August at the soonest, though. Don't hold me to that, please, it's just an estimate.

In early August, we'll be having a bit of a pow-wow in Germany to talk about the future direction of OOTP Developments - what should the next version of OOTP look like, what other opportunities are out there, and so on. We're still going strong, and looking forward to coming up with some great ideas for the future!

Alright, that's about it for now. Hope everyone's having a great summer!

Steve

[damientheomen3]

I wanna go to this pow wow and meet markus!!!!!

[battists]

Originally Posted by damientheomen3

I wanna go to this pow wow and meet markus!!!!!

Sorry, no Yankees fans allowed...

*ducks*

[AirmenSmith]

Just wondering if you could mention to Markus, when he comes back, to take a look at the ITP discussions thread some ppl would like to hear from him.

[ootp3to6]

Thanks for the update.

[Afino]

I know you're trying to convince us otherwise, but pow-wow's to talk about "future direction" usually isn't a good thing

[endgame]

Originally Posted by Afino

I know you're trying to convince us otherwise, but pow-wow's to talk about "future direction" usually isn't a good thing

You've been through too many performance evaluations.

In this case, I'm confident there are no worries. It happens every year. No progress is ever made without a critical review and OOTP has, for the last two years or so, from what I've gathered in the forums, been examining options to expand the marketing base through affordable avenues. Given the fact that the three primaries discuss so much by phone, email, PMs, paper airplanes - however they do it - it's a great opportunity for them to sit eye to eye and hash out ideas without lag. Good foks, good intentions, and good results. It's the process that's brought us where we are today!

Keep in mind these are simply my impressions. I don't, haven't, and likely won't ever represent an official voice of OOTP Developments. But I would strike down early any hint that such a meeting of the minds is anything less than a positive.

[BMD]

Originally Posted by AirmenSmith

Just wondering if you could mention to Markus, when he comes back, to take a look at the ITP discussions thread some ppl would like to hear from him.

What he said.

[Stinson]

...what other opportunities are out there, and so on

Hockey!!


SI bailed on EHM, so now's the time for you guys to jump on hockey management and claim it.

There's still a very strong following of some of the most veteran EHM players (including myself) at The Blue Line, so you guys would have some easy support to start off with.

Not to mention, OOTP's unmatched customization has been raved about by EHM fans since the beginning.

And I hear EA is stopping their PC support for the NHL 0x series - it's a perfect window for the OOTP team!

[bubba22plus]

Originally Posted by Stinson

Hockey!!


SI bailed on EHM, so now's the time for you guys to jump on hockey management and claim it.

There's still a very strong following of some of the most veteran EHM players (including myself) at The Blue Line, so you guys would have some easy support to start off with.

Not to mention, OOTP's unmatched customization has been raved about by EHM fans since the beginning.

And I hear EA is stopping their PC support for the NHL 0x series - it's a perfect window for the OOTP team!

I played EHM, i tried to register for The Blue Line, but it wouldn't recognize the code for some reason. You know, the code everyone has to read and enter to make sure they aren't spamming.

But if someone could make an OOTP style hockey game, i'd be delighted.

[StyxNCa]

Originally Posted by battists

Hi folks,

Just wanted to drop everyone a quick note to let you know what's going on right now with OOTP Developments.

First off, both Markus and Andreas are taking some well-deserved time off, but should be back at it shortly. We understand mentioning this could upset some people who are anxious to see fixes to certain issues, but the fact is, these guys were putting in 12-16 hour days for two months leading up to the release, and when you're a small operation, there's just no time that's GOOD for a vacation. The fact is, despite some issues we still want to fix, this has probably been the most problem-free OOTP launch ever.

I'm still around, as is Paul from PiSD, trying to keep up with customer requests, and to a certain extent Tech Support, although volunteers like Nutlaw, Tony M, and endgame are the ones who deserve the lion's share of the credit in that department. (Thanks you guys, and everyone else who has pitched in!)

We're compiling, documenting, and prioritizing as many issues as possible before M&A return, at which time we'll kick things into high gear to release another major patch. Remember, technical issues that get posted in General Discussion are unlikely to make it into the patch discussion, so if you feel there is a problem with the game, please make sure it's in Technical Support, so we can document it appropriately and get it in front of "the man!"

I probably wouldn't expect the next patch until late August at the soonest, though. Don't hold me to that, please, it's just an estimate.

In early August, we'll be having a bit of a pow-wow in Germany to talk about the future direction of OOTP Developments - what should the next version of OOTP look like, what other opportunities are out there, and so on. We're still going strong, and looking forward to coming up with some great ideas for the future!

Alright, that's about it for now. Hope everyone's having a great summer!

Steve

12-16 hour days for only 2 months? Wow, they couldn't handle my job especially since those 12-16 hours are never the same hours.

It may have been the most problem free release but a few of the problems I have seen are also a lot more major than any I have seen in the past. One of the problems has totally rendered useless one of my leagues.

[The Chase Davis]

Originally Posted by StyxNCa

12-16 hour days for only 2 months? Wow, they couldn't handle my job especially since those 12-16 hours are never the same hours.

Really? Is that reply even relevant?

I worked unpaid for a year working 10 hours a day while living in a studio apartment eating only ramen noodles.

While I agree a product as far along as OOTP shouldn't have nearly as many bugs, arguing for perfection can only be done when you have obtained that level yourself.

[bosunmate]

Thanks for the update, enjoy your vacation...

[tajoumaru]

Originally Posted by Chase Davis

I worked unpaid for a year working 10 hours a day while living in a studio apartment eating only ramen noodles.

That's not work. That's indentured servitude, though it comes nowhere near a job I had in which I spent 23½ hours a day cleaning the New York City sewers with only a toothbrush. It paid $10 a week, and I was so poor I had to use that same brush on my teeth. I lived in a van down by the river, and my only sustenance was polluted river water, dead fish, and corn-based packaging foam.

[The Chase Davis]

Originally Posted by tajoumaru

That's not work. That's indentured servitude, though it comes nowhere near a job I had in which I spent 23½ hours a day cleaning the New York City sewers with only a toothbrush. It paid $10 a week, and I was so poor I had to use that same brush on my teeth. I lived in a van down by the river, and my only sustenance was polluted river water, dead fish, and corn-based packaging foam.

touche

[battists]

Alright, let's not start a fight please.

We're still anxious to fix any and all bugs out there, and that's why we'll be working on the next patch as soon we can. We realize that commenting on the generally positive nature of the release isn't going to make someone feel any better if they are adversely affected by an existing bug, and we'll do our best to resolve those.

Again, I can only urge anyone who has experienced a problem to make double extra-sure that it has been logged in Technical Support. Please don't assume we know about it, even if there's a 6-page thread about it in General Discussions!

Thanks very much,

Steve

[bubba22plus]

Originally Posted by battists

Alright, let's not start a fight please.

We're still anxious to fix any and all bugs out there, and that's why we'll be working on the next patch as soon we can. We realize that commenting on the generally positive nature of the release isn't going to make someone feel any better if they are adversely affected by an existing bug, and we'll do our best to resolve those.

Again, I can only urge anyone who has experienced a problem to make double extra-sure that it has been logged in Technical Support. Please don't assume we know about it, even if there's a 6-page thread about it in General Discussions!

Thanks very much,

Steve

We're not fighting! We're debating.

[thamolas]

Originally Posted by BMD

What he said.

I'll throw some water on this weed...

[Assos]

Thanks guys for the wonderful game, as always and I hope you are knocking back a few good German beers. Send some this way!

[wrestlerjrh]

Originally Posted by AirmenSmith

Just wondering if you could mention to Markus, when he comes back, to take a look at the ITP discussions thread some ppl would like to hear from him.

ditto, and with good news about the questions involved if you can help it