Has 2017 been a bad year for Stern code support?

Quoted from Rasavage:
Genuine question: Does GoT need an update?

No, it's solid. That said, it could be made better. I'd love to see modes adjusted with newer content from the show instead of just season 5 plot points. Have the modes be ramdomized a bit to give us greater emersion with the show.

GoT is a level below Metallica and TWD code wise but it has the potential to be better than either with just some minor tweaks and score balancing.

#99 6 years ago

EDH

TigerLaw

OP
Quoted from PanzerFreak:
By comparison I recall Keith Johnson putting out 12+ code updates for WOZ over the course of a year. This doesn't mean anyone else is more or less talented then Keith but rather shows what type of code support can be offered when programmers are given enough time to create deep and unique code.

In my opinion losing Keith to JJP was one of the biggest blows Stern ever took as a company. They didn't feel it right away but the hole Keith left is readily apparent now.

I think the game designers themselves need to take more of an interest in seeing their games code brought to a better place and at a quicker pace.

#104 6 years ago

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TigerLaw

Quoted from CrazyLevi:
Apples and Oranges. Games at JJP in have gestation periods of 2-4 years. If Stern were releasing a new title every 4 years instead of every 4 months it might be a relevant comparison.

I'm not so sure about the comparison not being fair. If just one more Stern game per year had knock out code to level Keith codes there would be much less complaining.

Just think if BM66 had as much thoughtful code as DI! Or if Kiss had as much thoughtful code TH. If BM66 and Kiss were both at a complete and master code level (with everything else being the same) do you think there would be this many people disappointed with Stern's code efforts?

One more masterpiece of code game per year would make a huge difference in perception. It's apples to apples.

#107 6 years ago

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TigerLaw

Quoted from CrazyLevi:
And there's a guy named Lyman Sheets who I believe is doing the code for that one - maybe you've heard of him? Pretty good coder as far as I can tell.

Straw man argument. Obviously Lyman has a good history, you act like that is not known. Many of us have faith in Lyman, but past results are not indicative of future performance and as of right now BM66 is far behind the various representations that Stern's agents have made.

DI! and BM66 were officially announced around the same time, BM66 was actually announced earlier. Not sure why you would give Stern another three years to work on BM66 before you thought it was a fair comparison, but such your personal prerogative...

Glad you are satisfied with Kiss's code. Many are not. Many dumped the game.

2 weeks later

#189 6 years ago

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TigerLaw

Quoted from Rdoyle1978:
This post may illustrate exactly what the problem is: they're really not sure what to do at this point. American pinball seems focused on the home buyer. JJP is definitely focused on the home buyer - but Stern wants a piece of that too, and are unsure where the industry is going.

They need to do both, complex and deep game with reasonable ball times and fast and furious games with simple rules and short ball times. It's not one or the other, they need a healthy mix of both types of games with how many new titles a year they roll out with.

Diversity is the spice of life, Stern needs to keep a diverse floor of product.

#191 6 years ago

EDH

TigerLaw