Yes!
Hail Heroes and Villains alike!
It has not been long since my initial good bye yet during my travels across the span of the Holidays I was roped into an interview (rare one at that, she who managed to catch up to my speedy feet) and one of the major questions thrown upon me was my decision to be involved with City Of Heroes and the Save Effort. I couldn't help but smile ( Yes, a true to word RARE in person, erumn skype.. interview) then promptly reply with pride, '' Because they are Heroes, and let me tell you about what they do. ''
Now this interview went on for much longer than it should have and was recorded with something of a surprise to me being added at the end for the credentials of the one doing the interview turned out to be someone very close to a special beloved friend of many and when asked had donned a rather awkward hat with twin round ears, black as a bat, imagine that!
Moving right along, however, it was this interview that had me sitting beside myself wondering just what was I doing? Fading into obscurity once more, well back to different games but there was something missing. Something I could not quite place a finger on for what I returned to was a bland environment without the feeling of inspiration or creativity let alone a lack there of infinite possibility sparked by the game's community. So I did a bit of soul searching and played many a note and sung many a jingle only to come to the realization that I miss my City of Heroes.. (and Villains!)
Fansy! Get to the point, you say! Hold your nemesis ponies, and reign in the suspense for there is a point to my rambling for this you can be sure but what does it have in store, precious? Not a ring of gold, No No! But a golden ray of shining hope that is tangible (and tasty. Like chicken! Only better! ) What is it then, you wish to know? I cannot dispose! Not all, not this quick, but I will pick up my attempt to lead into the light a project best suited for an investor's plight.
I do know some who are more than adequately cash marketed for the next big thing but it has to show promise and a community. For this I am turning to a trusted vice and voice; Tony and Mercedes. I would like to know, from all the community as well, which project is best suited for a core group of investors; I say singularity for reason, not of treason, but the best way to maintain interest is not in dual administrations but one kept project. One that is best suited to give their pitch to wealthy suitors that are eager with two ears but only one eye. Asides just them I do know from personal experiences that Bards have a hefty retirement plan hidden away in a villa somewhere in the mountains (for just in case situations!)
I call upon the Powers to Be, Former Developers, Up coming Developers, Game Designers, CoH aids/moderators/admins/staff, artists, creators/owners/staff of the projects and titan network, but most important of all the Community as a whole to show me which way their (your) voice echoes as this will be the easiest point of reference. For show casing two projects and websites is duty free enough but it takes a backing of eager individuals (as well promotion from those with experience in the field doesn't hurt) for any corporate or business design to take notice and notice will be had but the end results are in all of your hands.
Where is the line of fate drawn?
Special Regards,
Fansy the '' Famous '' bard
I'm pretty sure the Phoenix Project is the one that actually does stuff. The other one is probably just going to be a flash reel of Golden Girl's greatest tongue face emoticons and zippy one-liners.
Quote from: Septipheran on January 13, 2013, 07:37:05 AMI'm pretty sure the Phoenix Project is the one that actually does stuff. The other one is probably just going to be a flash reel of Golden Girl's greatest tongue face emoticons and zippy one-liners.
(https://images.weserv.nl/?url=2.bp.blogspot.com%2F_ZzXevucGsR4%2FTSD197eMD7I%2FAAAAAAAAAvg%2FYrxu69iQkvc%2Fs1600%2Fdefcon1.png)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FONN-0uoTHI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FONN-0uoTHI)
/Too early?
//Edit, and now I'm an Elite Boss with this one. wewt.
Quote from: Septipheran on January 13, 2013, 07:37:05 AM
I'm pretty sure the Phoenix Project is the one that actually does stuff. The other one is probably just going to be a flash reel of Golden Girl's greatest tongue
That's where the sentence was cut off to wrap down to the second line for me. The time between moving my eyes from the end of that line to the beginning of the second gave my brain far too much time to think about it.
Nice. :)
---
I forgot to say, though, this is very interesting news from Fansy, and would definitely say SaveCoH has to go first in line... after that, I've not seen anything from either party to say definitively there is a solid choice between them. Way too early in their development, but I hope they both get some video that shows things are progressing on a client, server, creator, play, all that. They both have a lot of lore/city that's already designed, and HaV has the layout of how the game is visually supposed to be, where Phoenix seems to have models ready... Haven't checked in on them in detail in a little bit, kinda waiting for the next major announcement and all that like that there.
/I kinda wish they'd go back together, so there would be a single voice option, but alas, that's not to be.
Hi Fansy, welcome back.
Quote from: Fansy on January 13, 2013, 05:49:30 AM
I call upon the Powers to Be, Former Developers, Up coming Developers, Game Designers, CoH aids/moderators/admins/staff, artists, creators/owners/staff of the projects and titan network, but most important of all the Community as a whole to show me which way their (your) voice echoes as this will be the easiest point of reference. For show casing two projects and websites is duty free enough but it takes a backing of eager individuals (as well promotion from those with experience in the field doesn't hurt) for any corporate or business design to take notice and notice will be had but the end results are in all of your hands.
Where is the line of fate drawn?
Except TonyV, there is no single point of reference, we have several projects:
- to save the game as it was (we dubbed it Hail Mary) spearheaded by team wildcard (Victoria Victrix, Rae and Quich are on board, I'm sorry I can't remember them all),
- to create new games (The Phoenix Project, spearheaded by avelworldcreator, Voodoo Girl, Downix, and others I still can't remember ; and Heroes and Villains, spearheaded by Golden Girl)
- to create our compatible server with the current client (a "server emulator", even if terminology is still debated), this I'm forbidden to say who works on it, ask someone on the Titan team.
Everything about Missing Worlds Media just feels more professional, and from what I'm hearing is going on behind the scenes MWM is at least attempting to work like an actual studio.
I don't know much about H&V but as far as what I'd want an investor to see, they don't have it yet.
In an ideal situation we would have good old CoH back. If i am being asked which project i would choose to support over all others, it would be the Pheonix Project. I know next to nothing about creating a computer game but i know a little about organisation and management and TPP seems to me to be the best bet by far.
I am not going to judge which project is more worthy, as I am rather biased. What I can say is that each project is developing in their own manner. What I would recommend is talking to the leaders of each project, off-board, and make a decision that way.
Terwyn and Segev are the two management types to talk to for The Phoenix Project, while Golden Girl is the contact point for Heroes and Villains. For TPP you can also talk to myself, SithRose, voodoogirl or avelworldcreator if you have more specific questions about various areas of the game.
Each project is progressing along different lines.
HAV appears to be focusing on a quickly accessible, short-term restoration to having something hero-related to play, which many in the community might find desirable for holding the community together. I can't speak for them other than this initial impression, as I'm not involved in working with them.
The Phoenix Project is working on a long-term plan, expecting a development cycle of 3-5 years, and planning for multiple expansions while we're in the process of building the initial release. Missing Worlds Media is intended to be more than just a one-game studio if we're successful - we're hoping to be able to provide assistance to independent authors in multiple medias, advice and services to other small game development studios, and produce further games. Obviously, those plans are many years in the future and based on something that's rather a long shot indeed. (I.E. the success of The Phoenix Project itself.) Must of the apparent "slowness" of our progress is because we are building a deep foundation, and it is never wise to rush that process. Developing even a single MMO is not something we're going to see happen in 6-10 months, it's going to be something that happens over the course of years.
I understand the need to build the foundations of a game but a development cycle of 3-5 years in this instance might not be the best course of action.
It might be best to aim for a 2-3 year development target.
There is of course the possibility that the game simply can't be progressed any quicker but there is a large market audience out there that is lapping up superhero genre material right now that may not be around (or as large) in 5 years.
In any case I wish you luck and I'll certainly be following the progress of TPP.
Huh. I'm not used to my name popping up like that. I'm a team leader but not a primary one. But thanks for the elevated status, even unwarranted.
Mercedes Lackey is focused on the "Hail Mary" project. It is my understanding she is intentionally avoiding any direct support of the Plan Z projects. This would detract from what she is currently doing which is requiring its own high levels of organization and attention. It's a worthwhile project and deserves its own support from the community. It also is purely community based and does not require a substantial investment - only guidance. Mrs. Lackey cannot be fairly expected to lend support elsewhere.
Tony Vasquez ("TonyV") is the operator of these forums and the rest of the Titan Network. He has already pledged the general support of the Network to any of the various "Plans" and has agreed to be a neutral platform for their development. He cannot take sides as he will be creating an unwelcome atmosphere, because of his position, for the other groups. He is participating personally with at least two of them I know of and has been ready to provide advice and guidance to any of the others. In fact all the Titan staff have been generally supportive. I am also personally with TonyV and crew and will provide advice, guidance, and assistance to any of the projects upon request.
A technical point, but there are actually three proposed "Plan Z" projects. I don't know if the third one has established a name yet, but the creator does have a thread going in these forums. I've invited him to consider coming over to Missing Worlds Media though. He's motivated and not without good ideas, just lacking general support.
Hey Cobra, keep in mind the development cycle isn't just game release, but also expansions, or issues.
Quote from: avelworldcreator on January 13, 2013, 06:10:20 PM
Huh. I'm not used to my name popping up like that. I'm a team leader but not a primary one. But thanks for the elevated status, even unwarranted.
You may not be a "big" team leader, but you are still CEO of another company (not related to MWM), if that can talk to anybody.
Quote from: agentq on January 13, 2013, 06:12:01 PM
Hey Cobra, keep in mind the development cycle isn't just game release, but also expansions, or issues.
I get what you mean but I think that speed is of the essence here (within reason), in order to secure a share of the available (and large) market audience that out there right now.
I'd be curious to know if there was a projected rough timescale for the closed beta stage?
While I'm hopeful and supportive of both projects from members of the community, my first thought is that you may wish to contact Matt "Positron" Miller as well.
:)
Can I vote for more than one?
A) I want the COH "community server" functional so I can play COH as I know it.
and
B) I want to see the Phoenix Project take all the best idea from classic COH and bring them forward into a new era with an aesthetic and game play I can come to love.
Give me (A) first so it can hold me over till (B) gets out of the gate! Also make (A) have the ability to self host so that no matter what happens I can still play it as a single player game even if everyone else gives it up.
Quote from: Mister Bison on January 13, 2013, 07:27:44 PM
You may not be a "big" team leader, but you are still CEO of another company (not related to MWM), if that can talk to anybody.
No, I'm a CIO of another company (We just brought in another officer we felt more suited to the COO role). But thanks.
I'm sure if Positron can be contacted, he will be.
Quote from: avelworldcreator on January 13, 2013, 08:16:26 PM
No, I'm a CIO of another company (We just brought in another officer we felt more suited to the COO role). But thanks.
excuse the fuzzy memory. You're still an officer though, that's what I meant to say.
Quote from: Kyriani on January 13, 2013, 08:13:11 PM
A) I want the COH "community server" functional so I can play COH as I know it.
That one wouldn't really be something that somebody high profile could help with, as that project, if it exists, would necessarily be underground.
Quote(A) have the ability to self host so that no matter what happens I can still play it as a single player game even if everyone else gives it up.
It's on the list. It may not be the first thing completed, but it's on the list.
This pretty well sums up my opinions, too...
Quote from: Kyriani on January 13, 2013, 08:13:11 PM
Can I vote for more than one?
A) I want the COH "community server" functional so I can play COH as I know it.
and
B) I want to see the Phoenix Project take all the best idea from classic COH and bring them forward into a new era with an aesthetic and game play I can come to love.
Give me (A) first so it can hold me over till (B) gets out of the gate! Also make (A) have the ability to self host so that no matter what happens I can still play it as a single player game even if everyone else gives it up.
As far as sustainability, I have to vote for Project Phoenix. H&V has promise and is exciting in its premise, but the team behind Phoenix just has a more polish and professionalism. Like someone else said, they "feel" more like a studio. As much as I like the "rough and tumble" entrepreneurialism of GG's project, Phoenix is more likely to appeal to investment. Trouble is, that might undermine its open source goals.
Fansy is always a little hard to parse, but, if he's back, it can't be a bad thing...
Come over to the Missing Worlds Media forums and discuss the open source issues. It's been on my mind as well.
This is a personal and not an official statement by the way.
My vote is for Missing World Media' s Phoenix project .
Hail Bard!
Team Wildcard (myself, Rae--a UK journalist, Quinch--a senior IT tech, and Ammon--Ammon Johns, an internationally renowned internet marketing specialist) are concentrating on TF Hail Mary, an attempt to find a buyer for CoH that will reassemble a studio and reboot the original CoH. Right now we are waiting to see if there are any results from our campaign to persuade Disney--which we know is an exceedingly long shot, but we also know Disney has the means to turn CoH from "100,000" players to a couple million with very little effort on their part, so it was worth trying for them first. As soon as my contact at Google Ventures gets back to me, we will know if there is any chance at Google. Darren New is quite high up on the food chain there, and is well connected all through the Google offices. That is where we stand.
As for the Heroes and Villains and Phoenix Project, I don't really know anything about them but their names and who is more or less in charge of each. I'm not at all involved with either of them.
Quote from: Kyriani on January 13, 2013, 08:13:11 PM
Can I vote for more than one?
A) I want the COH "community server" functional so I can play COH as I know it.
and
B) I want to see the Phoenix Project take all the best idea from classic COH and bring them forward into a new era with an aesthetic and game play I can come to love.
Give me (A) first so it can hold me over till (B) gets out of the gate! Also make (A) have the ability to self host so that no matter what happens I can still play it as a single player game even if everyone else gives it up.
This also sums up what I want. >.>
Obviously we would all want CoH back. Thats a given and I hope that does happen.
Looking at what I have seen so far from the two projects, I am 100% behind the Phoenix Project. I have read through their documents and was very impressed that so much was done over a short period of time. They definitely seem more professional and I am far more excited about their project. They are also currently getting a lot of media attention as well. I will be going with TPP.
Quote from: Kyriani on January 13, 2013, 08:13:11 PM
Can I vote for more than one?
A) I want the COH "community server" functional so I can play COH as I know it.
and
B) I want to see the Phoenix Project take all the best idea from classic COH and bring them forward into a new era with an aesthetic and game play I can come to love.
Give me (A) first so it can hold me over till (B) gets out of the gate! Also make (A) have the ability to self host so that no matter what happens I can still play it as a single player game even if everyone else gives it up.
Ditto. I'm especially interested in (A) for the same reason Kyriani states. Even if CoH is rebooted and developed again, sooner or later, folks will drift away. I'll keep going back, if only to stand under the statue of Atlas and listen to the ambient sounds of the city. (Shrugs) It's home.
Quote from: HEATSTROKE on January 14, 2013, 01:07:00 PM
Obviously we would all want CoH back. Thats a given and I hope that does happen.
Looking at what I have seen so far from the two projects, I am 100% behind the Phoenix Project. I have read through their documents and was very impressed that so much was done over a short period of time. They definitely seem more professional and I am far more excited about their project. They are also currently getting a lot of media attention as well. I will be going with TPP.
^^ This
Quote from: Feycat on January 15, 2013, 07:05:30 PM
^^ This
I don't have much of a dog in this fight but yeah, agreed.