COTGonline Q&A Transcript
Jan 19, 2007 16:16:05 GMT -5
Post by BDS on Jan 19, 2007 16:16:05 GMT -5
18-Jan, 21:43:53 [BDS] And go ahead whenever you're ready, Roofus.
18-Jan, 21:45:08 [roofus] I have never played the aCe version of CotG. So, will Online provide me with all that I need to jump in, or will I also need the card versions?
18-Jan, 21:46:24 [osk] Roofus: COTGonline will provide you with every single thing you need to play aCe. Even though the Storm the aCe package includes all you need to play, with Online you’ll ALSO get both versions of guys like Ventross, Godsend, etc
18-Jan, 21:46:47 [osk] The booklets of course would be included as well.
18-Jan, 21:47:22 [tommygunn] will there be downloadable cards for us card purists?
18-Jan, 21:48:16 [osk] Yes, there will be a way for people who purchase COTGonline EXCLUSIVE sets to print them out
18-Jan, 21:48:37 [osk] BDS can explain how that will work
18-Jan, 21:49:01 [osk] As he types up the specifics, let me explain that ONLY sets like aCe 2121 (online exclusives) will be printable
18-Jan, 21:49:24 [osk] A set like GWF 2122, that will be featured in BOTH styles (paper and digital) will NOT be printable from online
18-Jan, 21:49:26 [BDS] For the online exclusive sets, like aCe 2121, there will be a print formatted PDF you can print out at home or at Kinko's or whatever. We'll have them in both B&W and Color
18-Jan, 21:49:35 [osk] To get paper copies of that, you’d have to buy them
18-Jan, 21:50:02 [osk] OK, next
18-Jan, 21:50:06 [BDS] We'll even put nifty cut lines on the PDF files to make it easy to trim them up.
18-Jan, 21:50:36 [Eliath] Has an estimated cost been determined yet?
18-Jan, 21:51:21 [BDS] It's hard to estimate cost yet, because the software isn't feature complete yet.
18-Jan, 21:52:04 [BDS] We've still got some dev time left, and as we near completion we might add to the feature list.
18-Jan, 21:52:23 [osk] We don't want to give price specifics until we've got the product in a feature-complete stage. We may still change the feature list before release.
18-Jan, 21:53:16 [wildfire] Will stat tracker be a place we can write up results, or is it just a stat program? (if the latter, is there a way to write results within the program)
18-Jan, 21:53:34 [osk] I know price is something that everyone is concerned with, and as soon as the picture becomes clear (Tom sees product and determines a price) we'll let you know
18-Jan, 21:53:51 [osk] BDS...Go ahead
18-Jan, 21:53:59 [osk] BDS = Stat Tracker guy
18-Jan, 21:54:06 [BDS] The Stat Tracker will be a little of both.
18-Jan, 21:54:29 [BDS] You'll set up your card and input the match results for the meaty stat stuff, then there will be a free-text section for each match.
18-Jan, 21:54:42 [BDS] You can put as much or as little into that text block as you want.
18-Jan, 21:55:00 [BDS] You can also set up in-between match segments, which you could basically use for a promo, backstage brawl, or whatever.
18-Jan, 21:55:13 [BDS] It gets ignored by the Stat Tracker, but adds flavor to the card.
18-Jan, 21:56:21 [goodzilla] who will be doing the artwork for the new exclusive Online sets? One of the current artists? Someone new? A "homegrown" talent like Werner maybe?
18-Jan, 21:56:33 [osk] Answering…
18-Jan, 21:57:30 [osk] For aCe 2121, the art is finished. Darryl Banks did all the artwork and it looks AMAZING. As for future sets, I am completely behind the concept of allowing talented guys like Werner or others to hop on.
18-Jan, 21:57:51 [osk] COTGonline allows for stuff not only like aCe and CPC, but for MORE stuff like Promoter Madness
18-Jan, 21:58:17 [osk] Feds like GWFZ, POW, Dimension X...whatever
18-Jan, 21:58:37 [BDS] Digital publishing is cheap.
18-Jan, 21:58:56 [osk] Without printing costs, and assuming Online works (brings in new players), the sky is the limit
18-Jan, 21:59:03 [osk] Next
18-Jan, 21:59:36 [gamemaster81] Will there be a league set up for a fed amongst the members I.E. title matches and set up live cards. Say a special league night P.P.V. or will we have to figure that out ourselves.
18-Jan, 21:59:58 [osk] Answering...
18-Jan, 22:00:12 [osk] BDS and I have had MANY conversations about this sort of stuff
18-Jan, 22:00:25 [osk] We want to make sure Online is not only a great way to run your own fed
18-Jan, 22:00:43 [osk] but a way for people to enjoy the game with one another...and give it a competitive edge even
18-Jan, 22:01:17 [osk] Stuff like Fantasy Leagues, Multiplayer Leagues, Weekly or Monthly Tournaments are stuff we CERTAINLY would like to implement.
18-Jan, 22:01:30 [osk] We would devote our own time to organizing these events
18-Jan, 22:02:00 [osk] Then, when enough core players with "experience" were comfortable running their own Tourneys, Feds, etc
18-Jan, 22:02:09 [osk] They could take the reins and the community will flourish
18-Jan, 22:02:19 [osk] Done...
18-Jan, 22:02:23 [osk] Next
18-Jan, 22:03:08 [PeteF3] I understand the original set is going to be made available online at some point...is there a timeframe for the release of any other earlier sets, e.g. 2091?
18-Jan, 22:03:24 [osk] Answering…
18-Jan, 22:03:38 [osk] Let's assume this is the loose release schedule:
18-Jan, 22:03:58 [osk] aCe 2121 (along with 2119 and 2120) all are available at launch
18-Jan, 22:04:13 [osk] Shortly after, GWF 2119-2121 come on board
18-Jan, 22:04:23 [osk] Shortly after, 2087 is released
18-Jan, 22:04:47 [osk] With THAT release, it's extra exciting because now we can set a regular release schedule
18-Jan, 22:05:07 [osk] Every so many months, a NEW set gets "digitized" and re-released
18-Jan, 22:05:30 [osk] We'll all get to enjoy the older sets again as they're re-released
18-Jan, 22:06:48 [SirBrak] k, back to price, have you decided it'll be a pay by product or subscription service?
18-Jan, 22:07:08 [osk] Answering…
18-Jan, 22:07:26 [osk] Price will have to work something like this...
18-Jan, 22:08:00 [osk] A flat subscription fee will allow you access to either the Sim, the Stat Tracker, or a discounted rate for both.
18-Jan, 22:08:36 [osk] Sets will be sold, yet packaged together and heavily discounted (as opposed to buying three individual GWF sets lets say)
18-Jan, 22:09:04 [osk] We're looking into ways for people who have already purchased sets (like all of you here) to have even bigger discounts
18-Jan, 22:09:20 [osk] Re: Subscription Fees - they will NOT be monthly
18-Jan, 22:09:39 [osk] Most likely a 6 month or 1 year style
18-Jan, 22:09:51 [osk] BDS...
18-Jan, 22:10:16 [BDS] Having a subscription of some sort is a necessity because of the bandwidth required to make it go. Bandwidth ain't cheap.
18-Jan, 22:11:17 [BDS] Without having some kind of subscription, the cost to run COTGonline would eventually outpace the income made off of it.
18-Jan, 22:12:25 [osk] Ok, next
18-Jan, 22:14:55 [MikeMcKinney] Are there gonna be wrestlers that are available online only...to entice people to sign up? I'm on regardless, but some people on the bubble might like that.
18-Jan, 22:15:09 [osk] Answering
18-Jan, 22:15:39 [osk] Well what's being discussed right off the bat is the possibility that the 2 guys used in the free playable demo might be brand new
18-Jan, 22:16:17 [osk] I'd also say that if you purchased anything, you’d obtain these character cards to use in any which way you wanted
18-Jan, 22:16:31 [osk] In the future, I totally see online Limited Editions...
18-Jan, 22:16:46 [osk] Ok, next
18-Jan, 22:17:39 [tommygunn] What is needed software wise?
18-Jan, 22:18:03 [osk] BDS...
18-Jan, 22:18:12 [BDS] Answering...
18-Jan, 22:18:40 [BDS] All you'll need is an internet browser that supports Adobe Flash Player
18-Jan, 22:19:01 [BDS] And since it's browser based, you can play it from any PC, and no installation is required.
18-Jan, 22:19:40 [osk] Next!
18-Jan, 22:20:38 [tournament] Adobe Flash Player is free ya'll
18-Jan, 22:20:54 [BDS] Yes ... flash player is FREE
18-Jan, 22:21:01 [osk] OK, next.
18-Jan, 22:21:01 [BDS] Thank you for adding that in, TM
18-Jan, 22:22:07 [PeteF3] Will we be able to manually input results into the Stat Tracker (not just "in-between" segments)? That is, could we run a card with cards & dice and put those results in?
18-Jan, 22:22:20 [BDS] Answering...
18-Jan, 22:22:26 [BDS] Yes
18-Jan, 22:22:29 [BDS] I'm done.
18-Jan, 22:22:45 [osk] Answering...
18-Jan, 22:22:48 [osk] One more thing
18-Jan, 22:23:23 [osk] That's one reason someone might purchase the Stat Tracker and not the sim...to play the traditional way, but track and post results with ease
18-Jan, 22:23:30 [osk] done
18-Jan, 22:23:33 [osk] Next
18-Jan, 22:24:01 [goodzilla] you mentioned that new features might be added, can you guys specify what other features you are considering? I'm sure we'd all like to know so we can contribute to the ideas, like you have thankfully allowed us to do thus far
18-Jan, 22:24:48 [BDS] Answering...
18-Jan, 22:24:48 [osk] Answering…
18-Jan, 22:24:51 [BDS] LOL
18-Jan, 22:24:54 [BDS] Go for it, Boss
18-Jan, 22:24:54 [osk] BDS, take it
18-Jan, 22:24:58 [BDS] D'oh!
18-Jan, 22:25:08 [BDS] It's like a Three Stooges routine.
18-Jan, 22:25:15 [BDS] Anyway, answering...
18-Jan, 22:25:44 [BDS] We've got a big list of additions, both for the stat tracker and for the sim itself.
18-Jan, 22:26:24 [BDS] Some are visual things, some are playability; some are potential big additions like fantasy leagues.
18-Jan, 22:26:49 [BDS] We just don't know at this time what all will make the cut because of dev time and just pure functionality.
18-Jan, 22:27:02 [BDS] Although, we're always listening to ideas.
18-Jan, 22:27:07 [BDS] Anything to add, Kris?
18-Jan, 22:27:52 [osk] All I'd say is that design and functionality are key, if it looks good, it's gotta work, and vice versa
18-Jan, 22:28:03 [osk] We're always listening to suggestions
18-Jan, 22:28:06 [osk] That’s all
18-Jan, 22:28:09 [osk] Next
18-Jan, 22:29:06 [swarm] as far as the game cards "evolving" and getting better over x amount of time...
18-Jan, 22:29:22 [swarm] I'd like to hear more about this, and, as a bit of a traditionalist...
18-Jan, 22:29:38 [swarm] I'd like to know how this will affect the promoter rankings...
18-Jan, 22:29:40 [osk] Answering…
18-Jan, 22:29:51 [swarm] and what kind of changes are we talking about here...
18-Jan, 22:30:19 [osk] Rankings is a specific thing, and I see there being a new form of ranking with The Stat Tracker anyways
18-Jan, 22:30:43 [osk] With the Tracker, we can actually accumulate Global rankings through results
18-Jan, 22:31:03 [osk] So that's that, but in regards to Progression, let me explain
18-Jan, 22:31:11 [osk] Let's take Avarice for example.
18-Jan, 22:31:35 [osk] in 2120 he's got a card...its stats are a certain way
18-Jan, 22:31:56 [osk] in 2121, no card, but, assuming the storyline is realistic, he should be "better"
18-Jan, 22:32:02 [osk] He is a guy on the rise, no?
18-Jan, 22:32:31 [osk] If Tom had the opportunity to have Pulsar slowly evolve year by year until he became Pulsar Prime, he probably would have
18-Jan, 22:32:58 [osk] Swarm, I know you play Madden...ever sim a season?
18-Jan, 22:33:06 [osk] Notice player progression?
18-Jan, 22:33:14 [osk] It'll work the same way..
18-Jan, 22:33:18 [osk] Slight, very slight tweaks
18-Jan, 22:33:46 [osk] Example: Avarice's power goes from -1 to -2.
18-Jan, 22:33:50 [osk] That's all...
18-Jan, 22:34:07 [osk] Or, lets say when Flatliner turned from 2119 to 2120
18-Jan, 22:34:23 [osk] His "Systematic Suplex" would become the "Syndicate Suplex"
18-Jan, 22:34:28 [osk] That's all.
18-Jan, 22:35:05 [osk] Another thing to keep in mind is if you PREFER Avarice 2120 over Avarice 2121, you can continue to use him in your fed
18-Jan, 22:35:17 [osk] Next
18-Jan, 22:35:44 [Eliath] Will you be recruiting playtesters from the community? If so how does one sign up?
18-Jan, 22:35:56 [osk] Answering..
18-Jan, 22:36:08 [osk] There are already a few definite playtesters lined up.
18-Jan, 22:36:26 [osk] A contest or something to have a couple more from the community sounds like a great idea
18-Jan, 22:36:29 [osk] Thanks Eliath!
18-Jan, 22:37:09 [osk] Next
18-Jan, 22:37:38 [rock] ok, we've seen some of the colored characters already, but how long did it actually take the artist (I forget his name?) to color one? ~ Ray
18-Jan, 22:37:58 [osk] Answering Rock...
18-Jan, 22:38:08 [osk] Jeff Corbett is the colorist.
18-Jan, 22:38:19 [osk] I found him for hire and he's great
18-Jan, 22:38:27 [osk] He's really into the project and his work is amazing
18-Jan, 22:38:37 [osk] As time goes on, you'll get more and more samples of his work
18-Jan, 22:39:01 [osk] Very soon, The Others will be colorized and featured Online to view the difference between non-colored and colored art
18-Jan, 22:39:04 [osk] Next
18-Jan, 22:39:44 [traviz] we've already established that bootlegs will NOT be able to be uploaded but we've also heard that results from the paper game can be inserted into the game...not, for instance, if I'm using say OverTime in the paper game and I put those results into the online...
18-Jan, 22:40:07 [traviz] will the stat tracker keep track of his wins and losses?
18-Jan, 22:40:29 [BDS] Answering
18-Jan, 22:41:18 [BDS] You will be able to enter matches for them, but their stats won't count in the global statistics that people will see.
18-Jan, 22:41:57 [BDS] So you'll be able to use the outside cards, and they'll show up in your fed results, but they won't be counted for the overall rankings
18-Jan, 22:42:05 [traviz] will it keep up with his stats in MY fed?
18-Jan, 22:42:18 [BDS] Yes, it will do that.
18-Jan, 22:42:26 [BDS] At least, as it's constructed right now.
18-Jan, 22:42:49 [BDS] Consider it subject to potential change, but that's the way it is right now.
18-Jan, 22:43:00 [osk] Next!
18-Jan, 22:44:00 [tystates] Was there ever thought, talk, or work on a traditional computer game to be bought and installed on your own pc instead of going the online route?
18-Jan, 22:44:25 [BDS] Answering...
18-Jan, 22:44:42 [BDS] We thought about it, but we decided to go with the online model because of the benefits that it offers.
18-Jan, 22:45:05 [BDS] It's much easier to update and much easier to administer behind the scenes.
18-Jan, 22:45:56 [BDS] Plus, more and more people get broadband year after year, which makes applications like this much more feasible today than they were even two years ago.
18-Jan, 22:46:35 [osk] Next
18-Jan, 22:46:54 [osk] Sorry, cool Ty?
18-Jan, 22:47:14 [osk] If so, next!
18-Jan, 22:47:28 [jeffg] Exactly, how freaking cool is this product going to be once it gets going?
18-Jan, 22:47:51 [jeffg] It’s a tough but fair question
18-Jan, 22:47:51 [osk] Answering…
18-Jan, 22:47:59 [osk] Very
18-Jan, 22:48:10 [osk] Next
18-Jan, 22:48:42 [wildfire] You mention the sim will be entirely web based. Do you anticipate there might be performance issues if there are a lot of players on at once? Also, if I may sneakily add a 2nd question, will Daryl Banks continue to do art for aCe after this set?
18-Jan, 22:49:12 [osk] Answering part 2...
18-Jan, 22:49:19 [BDS] Answering part one ...
18-Jan, 22:49:35 [osk] I think Banks is fantastic. We worked well on Hustler, Exodus, Godsend, and Avarice last time...
18-Jan, 22:49:41 [osk] This time he just nailed it.
18-Jan, 22:49:55 [osk] 12 characters all seriously strong pieces of work
18-Jan, 22:50:05 [osk] I'd like to continue working with him
18-Jan, 22:50:06 [BDS] No, not really. The server's going to be on a really, really big pipe, and our bandwidth will scale up as we need it to. And since Flash is a client-side application, most of the processing is done on the client PC.
18-Jan, 22:50:14 [osk] But I am always open to new talent
18-Jan, 22:50:33 [BDS] Only in multi-player will information be going back and forth over the server, and the amount of actual data that needs to be transferred there is minimal.
18-Jan, 22:50:54 [osk] Next!
18-Jan, 22:51:27 [tournament] If you know, can you explain how you will be able to propose matches to others playing COTG Online? Is there a chat before and during the gameplay?
18-Jan, 22:52:01 [BDS] Answering...
18-Jan, 22:52:59 [BDS] There is a chat during gameplay, and we'll have a challenge system built into the system to challenge other players you see in the "game lobby"
18-Jan, 22:53:21 [BDS] And of course, you can always just arrange to meet up with a buddy the old-fashioned way beforehand.
18-Jan, 22:53:55 [BDS] And this is something that's still in the planning stages ... so subject to change on this one, too.
18-Jan, 22:54:30 [osk] Next
18-Jan, 22:55:50 [darkrider] will the rankings change to reflect how the wrestlers win or lose?
18-Jan, 22:56:24 [osk] Answering...
18-Jan, 22:56:43 [osk] Yes, if you decide to use the Stat Tracker there will be different ways to view the results
18-Jan, 22:57:14 [osk] You can view your OWN fed, or the GLOBAL rankings (which is a collection of everyone’s results)
18-Jan, 22:58:07 [osk] Next
18-Jan, 22:59:13 [FERG] got three parts to this question since I was late. Will we be able to put in bootlegs, how many federations are we allowed to have, and is this going to be a huge annual membership fee
18-Jan, 22:59:33 [FERG] and which card sets will we access
18-Jan, 22:59:36 [osk] Answering:
18-Jan, 23:00:20 [osk] Bootlegs: Not upon launch, but eventually we'd like to think that people would be able to enter their own characters into Online
18-Jan, 23:01:14 [osk] Subscription fees: Will probably be either every 6 months or on an annual basis, costs have not yet been determined, but shouldn't be "huge"
18-Jan, 23:01:31 [osk] Federations: As many as you'd like to run!
18-Jan, 23:01:57 [osk] Card sets available at launch: aCe 2119, 2120, 2121 --shortly after GWF 2119, 2120, 2121
18-Jan, 23:03:20 [osk] Next
18-Jan, 23:04:46 [frank2] My avatar, who is available and when and how do I get him...LOL!
18-Jan, 23:05:06 [BDS] Answering...
18-Jan, 23:05:39 [BDS] Send me a PM after we're done here and all of your questions will be answered. To be thinking, though, you've got aCe 2119-2120, GWF 2119-2121, and GWF 2087 to pick from.
18-Jan, 23:06:07 [osk] Next
18-Jan, 23:06:22 [osk] Selection is by winner - #1 first, etc
18-Jan, 23:06:28 [BigBri] You mentioned re-releasing/digitizing all of the old sets. Do you plan to release the Classics sets & EC at some point? If so, will it be AFTER all of the regular sets have been digitized?
18-Jan, 23:06:40 [osk] Answering
18-Jan, 23:07:43 [osk] I DEFINITELY want to bring ALL Classics (including EC) over- I don't even think it's necessary to wait until after. I do see all these sets being packaged together for purchase too
18-Jan, 23:08:22 [osk] "Classics Package" - All of them, EC, and COTG:Genesis
18-Jan, 23:09:14 [osk] I understand that point Good, and I'll keep that in mind. Maybe even the Classics package WITH 2087 so real restarts are an option
18-Jan, 23:09:59 [osk] OK, Swarm take us home and then I've gotta run
18-Jan, 23:10:01 [Eliath] Has any release date actually been discussed?
18-Jan, 23:10:18 [osk] Answering Eliath
18-Jan, 23:11:03 [osk] Approx April
18-Jan, 23:10:44 [swarm] Will Promoter Madness be available ONLINE once it is released?
18-Jan, 23:11:05 [swarm] or downloadable?
18-Jan, 23:11:23 [osk] Maybe later of course, but we like enough time before Galacticon to get people playing
18-Jan, 23:11:37 [osk] Answering Swarm
18-Jan, 23:12:09 [osk] Obviously not immediately, but soon after? No doubt
18-Jan, 23:12:50 [osk] There is no reason every single "official" card ever created shouldn’t eventually be digitized
18-Jan, 23:13:13 [osk] And with that statement, I'm out
18-Jan, 23:13:44 [osk] Thank you all for being patient, and of course for showing up and posing such great questions
18-Jan, 23:13:54 [BDS] You're very welcome, everyone! Thank you all for coming!
18-Jan, 23:14:07 [osk] Keep asking them and keep posting your comments. We love the feedback!
18-Jan, 23:14:27 [osk] Thanks to BDS and Holli for organizing this thing
18-Jan, 23:14:33 [osk] And one more time, thank you guys...
18-Jan, 23:14:44 [osk] Take care everyone! See ya on the Boards!
18-Jan, 21:45:08 [roofus] I have never played the aCe version of CotG. So, will Online provide me with all that I need to jump in, or will I also need the card versions?
18-Jan, 21:46:24 [osk] Roofus: COTGonline will provide you with every single thing you need to play aCe. Even though the Storm the aCe package includes all you need to play, with Online you’ll ALSO get both versions of guys like Ventross, Godsend, etc
18-Jan, 21:46:47 [osk] The booklets of course would be included as well.
18-Jan, 21:47:22 [tommygunn] will there be downloadable cards for us card purists?
18-Jan, 21:48:16 [osk] Yes, there will be a way for people who purchase COTGonline EXCLUSIVE sets to print them out
18-Jan, 21:48:37 [osk] BDS can explain how that will work
18-Jan, 21:49:01 [osk] As he types up the specifics, let me explain that ONLY sets like aCe 2121 (online exclusives) will be printable
18-Jan, 21:49:24 [osk] A set like GWF 2122, that will be featured in BOTH styles (paper and digital) will NOT be printable from online
18-Jan, 21:49:26 [BDS] For the online exclusive sets, like aCe 2121, there will be a print formatted PDF you can print out at home or at Kinko's or whatever. We'll have them in both B&W and Color
18-Jan, 21:49:35 [osk] To get paper copies of that, you’d have to buy them
18-Jan, 21:50:02 [osk] OK, next
18-Jan, 21:50:06 [BDS] We'll even put nifty cut lines on the PDF files to make it easy to trim them up.
18-Jan, 21:50:36 [Eliath] Has an estimated cost been determined yet?
18-Jan, 21:51:21 [BDS] It's hard to estimate cost yet, because the software isn't feature complete yet.
18-Jan, 21:52:04 [BDS] We've still got some dev time left, and as we near completion we might add to the feature list.
18-Jan, 21:52:23 [osk] We don't want to give price specifics until we've got the product in a feature-complete stage. We may still change the feature list before release.
18-Jan, 21:53:16 [wildfire] Will stat tracker be a place we can write up results, or is it just a stat program? (if the latter, is there a way to write results within the program)
18-Jan, 21:53:34 [osk] I know price is something that everyone is concerned with, and as soon as the picture becomes clear (Tom sees product and determines a price) we'll let you know
18-Jan, 21:53:51 [osk] BDS...Go ahead
18-Jan, 21:53:59 [osk] BDS = Stat Tracker guy
18-Jan, 21:54:06 [BDS] The Stat Tracker will be a little of both.
18-Jan, 21:54:29 [BDS] You'll set up your card and input the match results for the meaty stat stuff, then there will be a free-text section for each match.
18-Jan, 21:54:42 [BDS] You can put as much or as little into that text block as you want.
18-Jan, 21:55:00 [BDS] You can also set up in-between match segments, which you could basically use for a promo, backstage brawl, or whatever.
18-Jan, 21:55:13 [BDS] It gets ignored by the Stat Tracker, but adds flavor to the card.
18-Jan, 21:56:21 [goodzilla] who will be doing the artwork for the new exclusive Online sets? One of the current artists? Someone new? A "homegrown" talent like Werner maybe?
18-Jan, 21:56:33 [osk] Answering…
18-Jan, 21:57:30 [osk] For aCe 2121, the art is finished. Darryl Banks did all the artwork and it looks AMAZING. As for future sets, I am completely behind the concept of allowing talented guys like Werner or others to hop on.
18-Jan, 21:57:51 [osk] COTGonline allows for stuff not only like aCe and CPC, but for MORE stuff like Promoter Madness
18-Jan, 21:58:17 [osk] Feds like GWFZ, POW, Dimension X...whatever
18-Jan, 21:58:37 [BDS] Digital publishing is cheap.
18-Jan, 21:58:56 [osk] Without printing costs, and assuming Online works (brings in new players), the sky is the limit
18-Jan, 21:59:03 [osk] Next
18-Jan, 21:59:36 [gamemaster81] Will there be a league set up for a fed amongst the members I.E. title matches and set up live cards. Say a special league night P.P.V. or will we have to figure that out ourselves.
18-Jan, 21:59:58 [osk] Answering...
18-Jan, 22:00:12 [osk] BDS and I have had MANY conversations about this sort of stuff
18-Jan, 22:00:25 [osk] We want to make sure Online is not only a great way to run your own fed
18-Jan, 22:00:43 [osk] but a way for people to enjoy the game with one another...and give it a competitive edge even
18-Jan, 22:01:17 [osk] Stuff like Fantasy Leagues, Multiplayer Leagues, Weekly or Monthly Tournaments are stuff we CERTAINLY would like to implement.
18-Jan, 22:01:30 [osk] We would devote our own time to organizing these events
18-Jan, 22:02:00 [osk] Then, when enough core players with "experience" were comfortable running their own Tourneys, Feds, etc
18-Jan, 22:02:09 [osk] They could take the reins and the community will flourish
18-Jan, 22:02:19 [osk] Done...
18-Jan, 22:02:23 [osk] Next
18-Jan, 22:03:08 [PeteF3] I understand the original set is going to be made available online at some point...is there a timeframe for the release of any other earlier sets, e.g. 2091?
18-Jan, 22:03:24 [osk] Answering…
18-Jan, 22:03:38 [osk] Let's assume this is the loose release schedule:
18-Jan, 22:03:58 [osk] aCe 2121 (along with 2119 and 2120) all are available at launch
18-Jan, 22:04:13 [osk] Shortly after, GWF 2119-2121 come on board
18-Jan, 22:04:23 [osk] Shortly after, 2087 is released
18-Jan, 22:04:47 [osk] With THAT release, it's extra exciting because now we can set a regular release schedule
18-Jan, 22:05:07 [osk] Every so many months, a NEW set gets "digitized" and re-released
18-Jan, 22:05:30 [osk] We'll all get to enjoy the older sets again as they're re-released
18-Jan, 22:06:48 [SirBrak] k, back to price, have you decided it'll be a pay by product or subscription service?
18-Jan, 22:07:08 [osk] Answering…
18-Jan, 22:07:26 [osk] Price will have to work something like this...
18-Jan, 22:08:00 [osk] A flat subscription fee will allow you access to either the Sim, the Stat Tracker, or a discounted rate for both.
18-Jan, 22:08:36 [osk] Sets will be sold, yet packaged together and heavily discounted (as opposed to buying three individual GWF sets lets say)
18-Jan, 22:09:04 [osk] We're looking into ways for people who have already purchased sets (like all of you here) to have even bigger discounts
18-Jan, 22:09:20 [osk] Re: Subscription Fees - they will NOT be monthly
18-Jan, 22:09:39 [osk] Most likely a 6 month or 1 year style
18-Jan, 22:09:51 [osk] BDS...
18-Jan, 22:10:16 [BDS] Having a subscription of some sort is a necessity because of the bandwidth required to make it go. Bandwidth ain't cheap.
18-Jan, 22:11:17 [BDS] Without having some kind of subscription, the cost to run COTGonline would eventually outpace the income made off of it.
18-Jan, 22:12:25 [osk] Ok, next
18-Jan, 22:14:55 [MikeMcKinney] Are there gonna be wrestlers that are available online only...to entice people to sign up? I'm on regardless, but some people on the bubble might like that.
18-Jan, 22:15:09 [osk] Answering
18-Jan, 22:15:39 [osk] Well what's being discussed right off the bat is the possibility that the 2 guys used in the free playable demo might be brand new
18-Jan, 22:16:17 [osk] I'd also say that if you purchased anything, you’d obtain these character cards to use in any which way you wanted
18-Jan, 22:16:31 [osk] In the future, I totally see online Limited Editions...
18-Jan, 22:16:46 [osk] Ok, next
18-Jan, 22:17:39 [tommygunn] What is needed software wise?
18-Jan, 22:18:03 [osk] BDS...
18-Jan, 22:18:12 [BDS] Answering...
18-Jan, 22:18:40 [BDS] All you'll need is an internet browser that supports Adobe Flash Player
18-Jan, 22:19:01 [BDS] And since it's browser based, you can play it from any PC, and no installation is required.
18-Jan, 22:19:40 [osk] Next!
18-Jan, 22:20:38 [tournament] Adobe Flash Player is free ya'll
18-Jan, 22:20:54 [BDS] Yes ... flash player is FREE
18-Jan, 22:21:01 [osk] OK, next.
18-Jan, 22:21:01 [BDS] Thank you for adding that in, TM
18-Jan, 22:22:07 [PeteF3] Will we be able to manually input results into the Stat Tracker (not just "in-between" segments)? That is, could we run a card with cards & dice and put those results in?
18-Jan, 22:22:20 [BDS] Answering...
18-Jan, 22:22:26 [BDS] Yes
18-Jan, 22:22:29 [BDS] I'm done.
18-Jan, 22:22:45 [osk] Answering...
18-Jan, 22:22:48 [osk] One more thing
18-Jan, 22:23:23 [osk] That's one reason someone might purchase the Stat Tracker and not the sim...to play the traditional way, but track and post results with ease
18-Jan, 22:23:30 [osk] done
18-Jan, 22:23:33 [osk] Next
18-Jan, 22:24:01 [goodzilla] you mentioned that new features might be added, can you guys specify what other features you are considering? I'm sure we'd all like to know so we can contribute to the ideas, like you have thankfully allowed us to do thus far
18-Jan, 22:24:48 [BDS] Answering...
18-Jan, 22:24:48 [osk] Answering…
18-Jan, 22:24:51 [BDS] LOL
18-Jan, 22:24:54 [BDS] Go for it, Boss
18-Jan, 22:24:54 [osk] BDS, take it
18-Jan, 22:24:58 [BDS] D'oh!
18-Jan, 22:25:08 [BDS] It's like a Three Stooges routine.
18-Jan, 22:25:15 [BDS] Anyway, answering...
18-Jan, 22:25:44 [BDS] We've got a big list of additions, both for the stat tracker and for the sim itself.
18-Jan, 22:26:24 [BDS] Some are visual things, some are playability; some are potential big additions like fantasy leagues.
18-Jan, 22:26:49 [BDS] We just don't know at this time what all will make the cut because of dev time and just pure functionality.
18-Jan, 22:27:02 [BDS] Although, we're always listening to ideas.
18-Jan, 22:27:07 [BDS] Anything to add, Kris?
18-Jan, 22:27:52 [osk] All I'd say is that design and functionality are key, if it looks good, it's gotta work, and vice versa
18-Jan, 22:28:03 [osk] We're always listening to suggestions
18-Jan, 22:28:06 [osk] That’s all
18-Jan, 22:28:09 [osk] Next
18-Jan, 22:29:06 [swarm] as far as the game cards "evolving" and getting better over x amount of time...
18-Jan, 22:29:22 [swarm] I'd like to hear more about this, and, as a bit of a traditionalist...
18-Jan, 22:29:38 [swarm] I'd like to know how this will affect the promoter rankings...
18-Jan, 22:29:40 [osk] Answering…
18-Jan, 22:29:51 [swarm] and what kind of changes are we talking about here...
18-Jan, 22:30:19 [osk] Rankings is a specific thing, and I see there being a new form of ranking with The Stat Tracker anyways
18-Jan, 22:30:43 [osk] With the Tracker, we can actually accumulate Global rankings through results
18-Jan, 22:31:03 [osk] So that's that, but in regards to Progression, let me explain
18-Jan, 22:31:11 [osk] Let's take Avarice for example.
18-Jan, 22:31:35 [osk] in 2120 he's got a card...its stats are a certain way
18-Jan, 22:31:56 [osk] in 2121, no card, but, assuming the storyline is realistic, he should be "better"
18-Jan, 22:32:02 [osk] He is a guy on the rise, no?
18-Jan, 22:32:31 [osk] If Tom had the opportunity to have Pulsar slowly evolve year by year until he became Pulsar Prime, he probably would have
18-Jan, 22:32:58 [osk] Swarm, I know you play Madden...ever sim a season?
18-Jan, 22:33:06 [osk] Notice player progression?
18-Jan, 22:33:14 [osk] It'll work the same way..
18-Jan, 22:33:18 [osk] Slight, very slight tweaks
18-Jan, 22:33:46 [osk] Example: Avarice's power goes from -1 to -2.
18-Jan, 22:33:50 [osk] That's all...
18-Jan, 22:34:07 [osk] Or, lets say when Flatliner turned from 2119 to 2120
18-Jan, 22:34:23 [osk] His "Systematic Suplex" would become the "Syndicate Suplex"
18-Jan, 22:34:28 [osk] That's all.
18-Jan, 22:35:05 [osk] Another thing to keep in mind is if you PREFER Avarice 2120 over Avarice 2121, you can continue to use him in your fed
18-Jan, 22:35:17 [osk] Next
18-Jan, 22:35:44 [Eliath] Will you be recruiting playtesters from the community? If so how does one sign up?
18-Jan, 22:35:56 [osk] Answering..
18-Jan, 22:36:08 [osk] There are already a few definite playtesters lined up.
18-Jan, 22:36:26 [osk] A contest or something to have a couple more from the community sounds like a great idea
18-Jan, 22:36:29 [osk] Thanks Eliath!
18-Jan, 22:37:09 [osk] Next
18-Jan, 22:37:38 [rock] ok, we've seen some of the colored characters already, but how long did it actually take the artist (I forget his name?) to color one? ~ Ray
18-Jan, 22:37:58 [osk] Answering Rock...
18-Jan, 22:38:08 [osk] Jeff Corbett is the colorist.
18-Jan, 22:38:19 [osk] I found him for hire and he's great
18-Jan, 22:38:27 [osk] He's really into the project and his work is amazing
18-Jan, 22:38:37 [osk] As time goes on, you'll get more and more samples of his work
18-Jan, 22:39:01 [osk] Very soon, The Others will be colorized and featured Online to view the difference between non-colored and colored art
18-Jan, 22:39:04 [osk] Next
18-Jan, 22:39:44 [traviz] we've already established that bootlegs will NOT be able to be uploaded but we've also heard that results from the paper game can be inserted into the game...not, for instance, if I'm using say OverTime in the paper game and I put those results into the online...
18-Jan, 22:40:07 [traviz] will the stat tracker keep track of his wins and losses?
18-Jan, 22:40:29 [BDS] Answering
18-Jan, 22:41:18 [BDS] You will be able to enter matches for them, but their stats won't count in the global statistics that people will see.
18-Jan, 22:41:57 [BDS] So you'll be able to use the outside cards, and they'll show up in your fed results, but they won't be counted for the overall rankings
18-Jan, 22:42:05 [traviz] will it keep up with his stats in MY fed?
18-Jan, 22:42:18 [BDS] Yes, it will do that.
18-Jan, 22:42:26 [BDS] At least, as it's constructed right now.
18-Jan, 22:42:49 [BDS] Consider it subject to potential change, but that's the way it is right now.
18-Jan, 22:43:00 [osk] Next!
18-Jan, 22:44:00 [tystates] Was there ever thought, talk, or work on a traditional computer game to be bought and installed on your own pc instead of going the online route?
18-Jan, 22:44:25 [BDS] Answering...
18-Jan, 22:44:42 [BDS] We thought about it, but we decided to go with the online model because of the benefits that it offers.
18-Jan, 22:45:05 [BDS] It's much easier to update and much easier to administer behind the scenes.
18-Jan, 22:45:56 [BDS] Plus, more and more people get broadband year after year, which makes applications like this much more feasible today than they were even two years ago.
18-Jan, 22:46:35 [osk] Next
18-Jan, 22:46:54 [osk] Sorry, cool Ty?
18-Jan, 22:47:14 [osk] If so, next!
18-Jan, 22:47:28 [jeffg] Exactly, how freaking cool is this product going to be once it gets going?
18-Jan, 22:47:51 [jeffg] It’s a tough but fair question
18-Jan, 22:47:51 [osk] Answering…
18-Jan, 22:47:59 [osk] Very
18-Jan, 22:48:10 [osk] Next
18-Jan, 22:48:42 [wildfire] You mention the sim will be entirely web based. Do you anticipate there might be performance issues if there are a lot of players on at once? Also, if I may sneakily add a 2nd question, will Daryl Banks continue to do art for aCe after this set?
18-Jan, 22:49:12 [osk] Answering part 2...
18-Jan, 22:49:19 [BDS] Answering part one ...
18-Jan, 22:49:35 [osk] I think Banks is fantastic. We worked well on Hustler, Exodus, Godsend, and Avarice last time...
18-Jan, 22:49:41 [osk] This time he just nailed it.
18-Jan, 22:49:55 [osk] 12 characters all seriously strong pieces of work
18-Jan, 22:50:05 [osk] I'd like to continue working with him
18-Jan, 22:50:06 [BDS] No, not really. The server's going to be on a really, really big pipe, and our bandwidth will scale up as we need it to. And since Flash is a client-side application, most of the processing is done on the client PC.
18-Jan, 22:50:14 [osk] But I am always open to new talent
18-Jan, 22:50:33 [BDS] Only in multi-player will information be going back and forth over the server, and the amount of actual data that needs to be transferred there is minimal.
18-Jan, 22:50:54 [osk] Next!
18-Jan, 22:51:27 [tournament] If you know, can you explain how you will be able to propose matches to others playing COTG Online? Is there a chat before and during the gameplay?
18-Jan, 22:52:01 [BDS] Answering...
18-Jan, 22:52:59 [BDS] There is a chat during gameplay, and we'll have a challenge system built into the system to challenge other players you see in the "game lobby"
18-Jan, 22:53:21 [BDS] And of course, you can always just arrange to meet up with a buddy the old-fashioned way beforehand.
18-Jan, 22:53:55 [BDS] And this is something that's still in the planning stages ... so subject to change on this one, too.
18-Jan, 22:54:30 [osk] Next
18-Jan, 22:55:50 [darkrider] will the rankings change to reflect how the wrestlers win or lose?
18-Jan, 22:56:24 [osk] Answering...
18-Jan, 22:56:43 [osk] Yes, if you decide to use the Stat Tracker there will be different ways to view the results
18-Jan, 22:57:14 [osk] You can view your OWN fed, or the GLOBAL rankings (which is a collection of everyone’s results)
18-Jan, 22:58:07 [osk] Next
18-Jan, 22:59:13 [FERG] got three parts to this question since I was late. Will we be able to put in bootlegs, how many federations are we allowed to have, and is this going to be a huge annual membership fee
18-Jan, 22:59:33 [FERG] and which card sets will we access
18-Jan, 22:59:36 [osk] Answering:
18-Jan, 23:00:20 [osk] Bootlegs: Not upon launch, but eventually we'd like to think that people would be able to enter their own characters into Online
18-Jan, 23:01:14 [osk] Subscription fees: Will probably be either every 6 months or on an annual basis, costs have not yet been determined, but shouldn't be "huge"
18-Jan, 23:01:31 [osk] Federations: As many as you'd like to run!
18-Jan, 23:01:57 [osk] Card sets available at launch: aCe 2119, 2120, 2121 --shortly after GWF 2119, 2120, 2121
18-Jan, 23:03:20 [osk] Next
18-Jan, 23:04:46 [frank2] My avatar, who is available and when and how do I get him...LOL!
18-Jan, 23:05:06 [BDS] Answering...
18-Jan, 23:05:39 [BDS] Send me a PM after we're done here and all of your questions will be answered. To be thinking, though, you've got aCe 2119-2120, GWF 2119-2121, and GWF 2087 to pick from.
18-Jan, 23:06:07 [osk] Next
18-Jan, 23:06:22 [osk] Selection is by winner - #1 first, etc
18-Jan, 23:06:28 [BigBri] You mentioned re-releasing/digitizing all of the old sets. Do you plan to release the Classics sets & EC at some point? If so, will it be AFTER all of the regular sets have been digitized?
18-Jan, 23:06:40 [osk] Answering
18-Jan, 23:07:43 [osk] I DEFINITELY want to bring ALL Classics (including EC) over- I don't even think it's necessary to wait until after. I do see all these sets being packaged together for purchase too
18-Jan, 23:08:22 [osk] "Classics Package" - All of them, EC, and COTG:Genesis
18-Jan, 23:09:14 [osk] I understand that point Good, and I'll keep that in mind. Maybe even the Classics package WITH 2087 so real restarts are an option
18-Jan, 23:09:59 [osk] OK, Swarm take us home and then I've gotta run
18-Jan, 23:10:01 [Eliath] Has any release date actually been discussed?
18-Jan, 23:10:18 [osk] Answering Eliath
18-Jan, 23:11:03 [osk] Approx April
18-Jan, 23:10:44 [swarm] Will Promoter Madness be available ONLINE once it is released?
18-Jan, 23:11:05 [swarm] or downloadable?
18-Jan, 23:11:23 [osk] Maybe later of course, but we like enough time before Galacticon to get people playing
18-Jan, 23:11:37 [osk] Answering Swarm
18-Jan, 23:12:09 [osk] Obviously not immediately, but soon after? No doubt
18-Jan, 23:12:50 [osk] There is no reason every single "official" card ever created shouldn’t eventually be digitized
18-Jan, 23:13:13 [osk] And with that statement, I'm out
18-Jan, 23:13:44 [osk] Thank you all for being patient, and of course for showing up and posing such great questions
18-Jan, 23:13:54 [BDS] You're very welcome, everyone! Thank you all for coming!
18-Jan, 23:14:07 [osk] Keep asking them and keep posting your comments. We love the feedback!
18-Jan, 23:14:27 [osk] Thanks to BDS and Holli for organizing this thing
18-Jan, 23:14:33 [osk] And one more time, thank you guys...
18-Jan, 23:14:44 [osk] Take care everyone! See ya on the Boards!
