August Update

[Jim Trunzo]

Hello, the few, the proud and the brave! Actually, it should be the patient, the suffering and the masochists!

Well, the wait is almost over. In all seriousness, we should be able to announce a tentative release date within the next few weeks. More screenshots will be forthcoming. And possibly a new pricing structure as well - one that will include package deals, etc.

Numerous issues have arisen, none detrimental, as we head into the Beta stage of the play-testing. To those of you who are awaiting word on the beta team, it will be devulged soon. We are hoping that the beta testing can be done thoroughly (considering this isn't a brand, spanking new product) in about ten days. Then we can implement changes as per the testing team's suggestions in a week or two and finally get the product into your hands.

We're actually at the point where we can consider what comes next, following the release:

1. Eliminate with Extreme Prejudice any minor bugs that have somehow slipped through under the radar (we aren't egotistical enough to think that the game will be perfect right out of the gate . . . but we're striving for that!).

2. We will immediately begin adding content to the website - and we will tie almost everything that we add to the game in some way.

3. Once the dust settles (read a month) on the release of TBCB, we'll begin work on new modules to add to the simulation and intense work on the role-playing game.

4. Only after we have the boxing games where both the fans and we want it (including the role-playing) will we pursue additional products.

5. It would be premature to talk about new products but I will say that I have some publications that I would like to do: A WHO WAS WHO? Heavyweights book in downloadable form that would take a unique statistical look at the heavyweights, give career stages, etc. and other boxing-related projects like that.

6. More timely attention to the boards. I'm working hard at keeping up with the boards now but I know I can do better in the future when some time frees up.

7. I have addressed many issues today via other threads. Please check them out if you have the chance.

8. Also, everyone who has a boxing website of any kind, please Email me directly at jim@ootpdevelopments.com. From a marketing perspective, I want to start to develop a symbiotic relationship with you, where we support you for having supported us.

Thanks and keep your chins up - it's almost here! And I don't mean Christmas!

[Cap]

Thanks for the info, Jim. Once the game is out and into my hot little hands, I'll be putting my new website up. I'll be sure to include a link to whatever page you create to push TBCB.

Good luck, boyo!

Slan.

Cap Roberts, last of the vikings...

[Hootowl 9]

Jim,
Thank you for the postive update! Look's like your over the hump nd headed downhill! Untill then I'm really having alot of fun with the 2001 game. Using the HW division I have my Universe setup with 4 divisions and am pleased with the results, so it's with great anticipation I look forward to the much improved TBCB!

[erickdamac]

Thanks for the update jim.

Questions:

How do you sign up for beta testing?

And my website will be up late today or tuesday so i will be emailing you soon.

I was wondering if you was going to add malcom tann a great prospect And clift course LMao Is he really tyson halfbrother?

and jim just a genral question, whois the all-time over-rated boxer?

[erickdamac]

And on the cover of title fght 2001 who is those two boxers?

[mrskippy]

By role-playing, do you mean a career element?

The thing I want to do is create my boxer, work up through the ranks and become the undefeated, undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. And than retire.

[GeoWar]

That is also a "key" part of the game for me ....... also the ability to select 25 to 50 fighters in various weight classes -- manage/promote a couple and have the computer manage the rest. AND fight for the title

[mrskippy]

Originally posted by GeoWar
also the ability to select 25 to 50 fighters in various weight classes -- manage/promote a couple and have the computer manage the rest. AND fight for the bout.

Oh yeah. That too.

Except if I'm a promoter/manager, you need to have the Don King element and be able to take money from your fighters (eg. Mike Tyson).

[Bee]

From my understanding, the career element is part of the "role-playing" portion.

[mrskippy]

Originally posted by Bee
From my understanding, the career element is part of the "role-playing" portion.

Awesome! Kinda like good

[ChampMan]

Sounds Great Jim!!!!

THIS GAME IS GONNA BE BIG!!!!!!!!!!

[Bee]

Originally posted by mrskippy
Awesome! Kinda like good

Except the "role-playing" portion isn't included in this version.

Also, Skippy you need to add an avatar to your posts, they tend to be kind of boring with no graphics.

[wildhawke11]

Originally posted by Bee
Except the "role-playing" portion isn't included in this version.

Also, Skippy you need to add an avatar to your posts, they tend to be kind of boring with no graphics.

Take your point Bee

Maybe if some had to put there hands in there pockets and pay for the bandwidth used, they might not be so keen.

Check some of the others Forums out. I cant understand the mentality posting CRAP and then boasting about the number of postings they have to there name.

Like being back at School don't you think Bee.

Mind you the Company are to blame in this case by encouraging a reward such as becoming a *Hall Of Famer*

Save the cents or dimes and the $$$$$ will look after themselves.
Here in UK it would be Pence and Pounds ,so not sure if i have your money in USA right.

[Bee]

Kids will be kids I guess. I can't remember if it's like being back in school or not (at my age the memory starts to go).

It is good to hear that the plan is to develop the game until it's "complete" before moving in other directions. The career mode is key for me as well.

Also, thanks to Jim for the monthly updates. It's good to get updates and see where things stand. Communication is very important IMO and there seems to be a lack of it in the gaming industry in general (although .400 Studios and OOTP Developments seem to do a very good job of it).

[mrskippy]

Originally posted by Bee
Except the "role-playing" portion isn't included in this version.

Also, Skippy you need to add an avatar to your posts, they tend to be kind of boring with no graphics.

The "role-play" comes in patch or in next year's game?

And I have to find avatar.

[Bee]

At this point it looks like the "role-play" will only be in next year's version.

[crusadecat]

looking forward to all the aspects of the game. From all accounts its going to be worth the wait

[Bee]

And possibly a new pricing structure as well - one that will include package deals, etc.

When will we find out more about potential "package" deals? To be honest, I'm not very interested in the upcoming version without the "role playing", but I would buy it if I can get a package deal with the next version. Not sure if that's what you were thinking as far as one of the "package" deals or if the "package" deal would only involve the Quiz game.

[wildhawke11]

I feel pretty confident that the Role Play will not be just a Patch, from a business point of view it makes sense to sell it as a New Game. As you can hardly charge the same for a patch.

I could be wrong of course, because none of us know what is really going on behind the scenes.Just as the split from 400S came as a bit of a shock to us all.

Bee
I also agree with a posting you made a while back, a combined Championship and Role Play would have been a better bet for a New Market. But with costs to meet and the time factor involved it became as i once put it *A Bridge To Far*

So i think even the Simulation game alone we will really enjoy, till the game we would all love to see comes along. Of course by us helping to make it a success by for now buying it ourselves, and encouraging others to do so, makes it a pretty fair bet that the Role Play Game will follow at some stage.

[GeoWar]

without the possible role playing option the game loses something for those not interested in just a historic re-enactment sim game.