From: Subject: Why I dont support DS anymore (serious discussion, no rants) Date: Friday, August 18, 2000 11:26 AM I must delurk and make some notes about the whole Derek Smart situation, from the point of view of a former supporter and non-flamer. I hope to make some points that mayeb reflect the opinion of "neutral" gamers (like myself) who are interested in *playing* games and/or the industry as a whole. First, let me list some reasons why I was a supporter of DS/BCK: 1. I have a soft spot for independent developers: In this age of Hasbro/Mattel/ Duck Hunter software distribution, it is to *our* (gamers) advantage and profit to support independent developers such as David Bradley (Demise), Jeff Vogel (Exile Series), John Tiller (various wargames), HPS, etc, etc. I include Mr. Smart in this group. 2. The game was not bad: Anyone that states that BCK "blows" or "sucks" has absolutely no clue, or a hidden agenda. The game (as it stands) its actually (mostly) playable, and an "OK" game. Not awesome, not bad. A bit of a "niche" game, for the hardcore (spreadsheet) type of space simulation player. However, it has two flaws that drop it down to "just ok" im my *opinion*: still too buggy and lack of "fun" factor. Interestingly, these points have been raised by a few of the "reviewers" on that web site (PCGR??). Two games come to mind that compare to BCK. The first one is Daggerfall (a very open ended RPG released a few years ago by Bethesda). This game was buggy as hell, requiring multiple patches. BCK has the bugs and the open ended quality to it...but lacks the "missions" (quests) to move the game along. Yes, it is interesting that BCK can run for hours unattended, but I want to play a GAME not watch a screensaver! The second game is Dungeon Keeper (first one). Looked interesting, played nice...but then you lost interest. BCK just lacks the "fun" factor that made you play "just one more turn" in a game like Civ. 3. Support for the game: DS continued to issue patches and develop the game. Whatever else you may say, you can't take away from Mr. Smart. In this era of new releases becoming "abandonware" in months (ie Fightining Steel), it is quite nice to have a developer totally committed to one game series. He is NOT Richard Garriot (aka Lord British) who sucked thousands of gamers into paying for his boyish hobbies while releasing crippleware. Now, some points that are NOT a reason I withdrew my support of DS/BCK: 1. Allegations by "detractors": It is beyond me the effort and time spent by people like Bill Huffman in "documenting" the DS/BCK saga. I mean.... who cares? Can't they find a better outlet for their anger? A better "cause" to set "right"? WHAT IS THE POINT??? Get a life... 2. That I dont play the game anymore: The fact that I decided not to spend any of my (very) meager gaming hours in BCK does not mean I dont support a game or developer. I have bought many strategy/wargames that I will probably never play. so........ Why did I decide to withdrew my support (and $$) from DS/BCK? Yes, the Gone Gold episode was the last straw on the camel's back..before that, we had: 1. Continued bashing of *consumers* when asking questions: I lost track how many times a BCK gamer would post a REAL play question (problem with sound, for example) only to have DS retort to RTFM and list how many other people are NOT having the problem... where did DS learn basic business practices?? How many other developers in here (or wargames or simulation) ngs answer in such matter? not one, to the best of my knowledge... 2. The continues use of the PhD tag line: This may seen like a minor nick picking, but Im an Ivy League educated real-life PhD and current Professor in a Graduate School. It is beyond the understanding of my puny cerebral cortical connections why a person without a PhD would claim to have one.... A PhD is like pregnancy...you either have it..or dont! No grey zone there! 3. The use of "lawyer-bullies" to push people around: I mean, what business model did Mr. Smart use in his legal threats of a minor? I mean, the whole "Space Opera" theme has been played in all variations for many years! Movies, books, even some early C64 games (Imperium Galactum) have done the theme to death; nothing overly original in Mr. Smart's universe (unike, for example, Asimov's Foundation universe). Even the "naval" overtones (Dreadnoughts, Battlecruiser, space marines) has been played to death (Heinlein anyone?). For Mr. Smart to go after a young kid for the use of GALCOM (wow, that's as original as an Elf city called Lighttown, or Moonriver) is sheer idiocy (and, again, a bad business model). How much better to send the chap a short letter explaining NICELY the facts of Copyright, that Mr, Smart is sorry that the kid has to pull out the name, and here is a free copy of the game for your efforts. Wouldn't that work MUCH BETTER? 4. Finally, the Gone Gold fiasco: Well, what exactly does Mr. Smart wants to accomplish here? Again, I'm thinking business model here; who is running his PR anyway?? Does Mr. Smart realize that the fact that he gets harassed by a bunch of losers is NO excuse to treat everyone who does have a dissenting opinion as the enemy? Maybe I have lost something here,,,, but IS MR. SMART'S NAME AS A DEVELOPER POISON? Could that be a "valid" opinion? He pissed off dozens (hundreds?) of visual art/graphic artists with his short-sighted (and wrong) comments about "farmhands". He has alienated several Gaming reviewers (yes, even though PCG is crap, as a RESPONSIBLE developer/business man you just have to suck up to them). Has alienated POTENTIAL BUYERS (like ME; not detractors, just mature gamers with money to buy, time to play..). Burned several bridges to other industry insiders... Well, it does not matter if Mr. Smart did all of the above for a good (just) reason or not... The point is, if Im a developer, publisher, graphic artist, .etc etc, I "would" find working with Mr. Smart a very unappealing proposition. Why is Joel Mathis's opinion so far of the mark?? Just my (several hundred) cents A Real PhD Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ Before you buy.