Season 3 - Round 4 (closed)

[Killrob]

Have you guys commented why the multiplayer doesn't appeal to you? That's kinda important for us to know!
I don't think there will be a new season any time soon, it so much work, and with participation rates that low, it doesn't make sense to run them. We'll be running some multiplayer challenges once its done... that is much more a contest of skill instead one of popularity, which the TEC definitely were.

[09webbad]

Multiplayer does appeal to me, but I prefer to be more creative with the engines I make... not to get a higher score. So would it be possible to have the engine themed challenge on the automation server opposed to being on google docs?

[hermmie]

Just spent some more time with multiplayer, it has its own character. its definately tough and a challenge to build an engine with the given limitations and reach a high score.

For me, its already tough enough just to build an engine that fullfills the requirements than to beat the other guys

Its also fun, but i prefer spending alot more time refining my engines and i like the aspect that you have to build something that you think will be attractive to your customers ( forum members ), which vote for your engines.

[oppositelock]

Have you guys commented why the multiplayer doesn't appeal to you? That's kinda important for us to know!

Well, I should preface by saying that my disinterest in multiplayer is not exclusive to Automation, so it's not like you guys dropped the ball on something I was really interested in. Whenever I've tried the online mode of my favorite games, I've usually gone back to single player after less than an hour. Maybe my brain isn't wired for it.

I haven't yet tried the Automation multiplayer, but it seems a lot like the regular in-game scenarios. While those were extremely useful for learning how to build and optimize engines, and I'm glad they are part of the game, they were not what I would call particularly fun. More like a math exam. And after grinding away to achieve platinum or whatever I would usually end with a engine that I didn't really like because of some rather odd and/or unrealistic scenario parameters. Adding a time limit and making it competitive doesn't really add any appeal for me, I'm afraid.

What I loved about the TEC competition was that it introduced some "art" into the engine design process, rather than hitting some arbitrary XYZ specifications. After building one of those engines, I could sit back and say "Oh, hells yeah. This rocks. This defines me." Even when it devolved into a popularity contest, as you say, I didn't really mind that much. I honestly don't see a way to inject that sort of subjective, creative process into multiplayer. Sorry if that's not particularly helpful.

By the way, great job guys. I hate to sound like I'm nit-picking, I still really enjoy the hell out of it.

[Killrob]

Fair enough I see where you're coming from and you make some good points too. The multiplayer mode really is competitive and doesn't leave much room for creativity as you point out. Although "styles" do shine through, and will do so even more once all engine types are available, as that gives more viable options to the players.

If one of you guys would host a new TEC challenge to the same or better standards we have seen in the last two seasons, we would not be opposed to it at all. You must understand though that this is a lot of work we'd rather have our testers spend on the game and not on catering to ~10 fans of the game.

Cheers!

[pyrlix]

The thing why Der_Bayer and/or me havent made a fourth Season is the amount of the work needed for.

I do know that they are a bit of different to what we have in MP and Scenarios, as you just know WHAT to do, but HOW you solve it is your beer. Everyone has his unique style of engines as we have seen already, you really train for a real campaign
Its about creativity, knowledge and a bit of marketing - which makes it way different to the Multiplayer.
It somehow ended up in a popularity contest, which is kind of shit for other players which are new, but really really good and deserve the votes.

BUT! The work amount is really high. All those additional stats like Acceleration, Top-Speed, Economy or Ratings are made just for that specific theme. Sure you can copy and change them, but they always need calibration and comparison data from real cars. I'll be honest: Creating a Round took me about 3-4hours. Thinking and choosing a theme, thinking about additional stats, finding data, making/calculating/calibrating those stats and then a small testrun.
Then after a around 1.5hours to count votes, collect data, make the placement and then presenting it. It IS fun, but for 10 people its a bit of too much work.
I know that people want it to continue, and I CAN continue it, no thing. But I would need ideas for new themes - alot of them.

Thats what I can tell you from the host side of the TEC.

//pyrlix