Always the tough balance for the 2 Devs. Time spent making proper preview type videos is time not spent actually finishing the expansion. I'm excited to see more but I'm also excited to actually get to fly it, as I know we all are.
Hopefully soon - as Hellshade says kind of tricky - very busy flat out just trying to complete the work load so you can get to fly it. Most video I have recorded along the way is focussed just on what I have done, but also things keep changing so they end up invalidated as they show something that is improved now. Hopefully soon.
Honestly, I don't think they need preview vids as they have a hardcore audience who buy the new expansion day 1.
However, this sim could use some serious "Growling Sidewinder, Grim Reapers, etc" type videos to explain how to setup the controls, how to actually fly a WWI plane and how it differs (blip throttle, etc) from other early planes (WWII), an explanation of how the campaign mode works including a playthrough of a few missions, navigation basics, aid basics, etc. For many other sims with learning cliffs (not sure how bad the cliff is here, I bought it, setup the controls and got hooked into IL-2 with some new friends) you can google/youtube a video to explain just about any aspect of the sim or plane set. WoFF lacks this. I know a two person dev team cannot do this and probably can't hire someone but I think that is where the best use of "videos" would lie.
Not a blasphemer I promise! But, for those who have been playing for years--you know you are going to get the new pack. You know how to play the game. You know how to fly these planes and use the rudders. However, new players may not. The sim may be daunting (hell it is daunting and I have over 250 hours into flight sims over the last few years so not a total noobie) and am intimidated by the sim due to a lack of documentation on the planes, how to fly them, then fight them, how to navigate, etc.
For each of these questions I can find TONS of videos on youtube to cover DCS and Il-2 and even MSFS/Xplane.
This lack of helpful or even basic overview of "Why WoFF--what do we offer that others don't"--actually roll that into a video that can double as a preview and advertisement would be fantastic. I know the dev team cannot do this since it is only 2 guys but it would help to explain why this sim is still popular.
My suggestions for videos would be: 1. Brief overview of new features in trailer form (doubles as ad and preview) that shows Why WoFF and what the new features are? 2. Overview of the campaign system: How to setup and one or two "starter" planes for each side of the conflict? 3. Community driven playthrough of a few missions (the ones online are a bit old) that has someone explain the tactics they are trying and engine management?
Just my 2 cents but if you figure that only a fraction of people who buy the game buy and expansion and only a fraction buy another expansion etc. the number who may pick up the new expansion is small so any way to drive more eyeballs to the sim might equate to more sales.
In my experience, the main reason people are ill informed on WoFF is simply that WWI aviation is not hugely popular in the gaming world. Couple that with those that may have a passing interest are generally put off by the misconception that you have to run it on the old CFS3 engine. Up to date videos of what the latest version looks and plays like will go a long way to gathering interest in the series.
You make some good points from a sales angle but as I am sure you are aware, there are few resources (only two devs) to tackle this kind of effort.
Some of our SimHQ members have done some great promotional vids in the past. Maybe one of them would be able to pick up the gauntlet.
Best Regards
(System_Specs)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Trooper PSU: Ultra X3,1000-Watt MB: Asus Maximus VI Extreme Mem: Corsair Vengeance (2x 8GB), PC3-12800, DDR3-1600MHz, Unbuffered CPU: Intel i7-4770K, OC to 4.427Ghz CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 240M Liquid CPU Cooler Vid Card: ASUS GTX 980Ti STRIX 6GB OS and Games on separate: Samsung 840 Series 250GB SSD Monitor: Primary ASUS PG27AQ 4k; Secondary Samsung SyncMaster BX2450L Periphs: MS Sidewinder FFB2 Pro, TrackIR 4
In my experience, the main reason people are ill informed on WoFF is simply that WWI aviation is not hugely popular in the gaming world. Couple that with those that may have a passing interest are generally put off by the misconception that you have to run it on the old CFS3 engine. Up to date videos of what the latest version looks and plays like will go a long way to gathering interest in the series.
In my experience, the main reason people are ill informed on WoFF is simply that WWI aviation is not hugely popular in the gaming world. Couple that with those that may have a passing interest are generally put off by the misconception that you have to run it on the old CFS3 engine. Up to date videos of what the latest version looks and plays like will go a long way to gathering interest in the series.
YEP!
Where is Hellshade when we need him?
S!Blade<><
Fullofit is posting lots of great videos. He wears the crown these days and it's well earned!
Smooth Hellshade, very smooth, but I don't have the latest engine-shaking, head-swiveling, landing gear-breaking, rain on goggles version either. But I do thank you for bestowing upon me that royal title, despite what YouTube would have me believe that only a handful of people ever watch these videos.
"Take the cylinder out of my kidneys, The connecting rod out of my brain, my brain, From out of my arse take the camshaft, And assemble the engine again."
I think you are looking for something like this that was published by Jammer28 four years ago. Ultimately a new updated version for the upcoming release of WOFF.
(System_Specs)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Trooper PSU: Ultra X3,1000-Watt MB: Asus Maximus VI Extreme Mem: Corsair Vengeance (2x 8GB), PC3-12800, DDR3-1600MHz, Unbuffered CPU: Intel i7-4770K, OC to 4.427Ghz CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 240M Liquid CPU Cooler Vid Card: ASUS GTX 980Ti STRIX 6GB OS and Games on separate: Samsung 840 Series 250GB SSD Monitor: Primary ASUS PG27AQ 4k; Secondary Samsung SyncMaster BX2450L Periphs: MS Sidewinder FFB2 Pro, TrackIR 4
You can also read up on flight maneuvers in the old OFF forums at combatace where the should have some material on the characteristics of some of the aircraft. Also, a bunch of Ospreys books are available to download online.
I hope one day the devs can incorporate this into the sim. The mission files are already done. It just needs to be synced into the official campaign as an option of course.
Oldhat is back! Great to hear from you again! Several people have asked about you, so I hope you are healthy and well.
In addition to your training script procedure, I would also like to see your historical missions get into the base game. I still use them when I remember to select the appropriate time period. Trouble is, I forget to do it more and more often!
Oh, and new returning lads buy the drinks!
“With Major Lawrence, mercy is a passion. With me it is merely good manners. You may judge which motive is the more reliable.”
Not a blasphemer I promise! But, for those who have been playing for years--you know you are going to get the new pack. You know how to play the game. You know how to fly these planes and use the rudders. However, new players may not. The sim may be daunting (hell it is daunting and I have over 250 hours into flight sims over the last few years so not a total noobie) and am intimidated by the sim due to a lack of documentation on the planes, how to fly them, then fight them, how to navigate, etc.
For each of these questions I can find TONS of videos on youtube to cover DCS and Il-2 and even MSFS/Xplane.
This lack of helpful or even basic overview of "Why WoFF--what do we offer that others don't"--actually roll that into a video that can double as a preview and advertisement would be fantastic. I know the dev team cannot do this since it is only 2 guys but it would help to explain why this sim is still popular.
My suggestions for videos would be: 1. Brief overview of new features in trailer form (doubles as ad and preview) that shows Why WoFF and what the new features are? 2. Overview of the campaign system: How to setup and one or two "starter" planes for each side of the conflict? 3. Community driven playthrough of a few missions (the ones online are a bit old) that has someone explain the tactics they are trying and engine management? Just my 2 cents but if you figure that only a fraction of people who buy the game buy and expansion and only a fraction buy another expansion etc. the number who may pick up the new expansion is small so any way to drive more eyeballs to the sim might equate to more sales.
I don't agree. I imagine most of ,those who buy an expansion are the ones who will buy all future expansions as they see how great they are.
You both express interesting view points on who will purchase expansions but the only people who can confirm your views are OBD who have the statistical data.
At the moment your views are just that, your views.
That said, further advertising in various forms can't hurt so I would agree on that point.
Just my two cents worth of constructive criticism.
Best Regards
(System_Specs)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Trooper PSU: Ultra X3,1000-Watt MB: Asus Maximus VI Extreme Mem: Corsair Vengeance (2x 8GB), PC3-12800, DDR3-1600MHz, Unbuffered CPU: Intel i7-4770K, OC to 4.427Ghz CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 240M Liquid CPU Cooler Vid Card: ASUS GTX 980Ti STRIX 6GB OS and Games on separate: Samsung 840 Series 250GB SSD Monitor: Primary ASUS PG27AQ 4k; Secondary Samsung SyncMaster BX2450L Periphs: MS Sidewinder FFB2 Pro, TrackIR 4
very interesting discussion! IMHO: I have seen enough videos about flightsims with the aim to sell it. And the most videos have the problem, that they are "for your eyes only." And then -without experience- you buy it and then … you are disappointed. Why? Because a good flightsim has more criteria than visuell effects only. Think about all the videos about new flightsims or their new versions in the past (i don't want to mention all). One video after an other, mostly just about flight-effects. But if you are Flightsim-Fan since a long time you know, that is not all about a flightsim. And the most videos don't answer these questions about the "rest". And that is not enough for me because this "rest" is absolut important and deciding. I don't buy such a sim untill I know more.
So before I have bought WOFF-UE I have looked a few very long videos about the whole sim (menü, campaign, etc.) you could find on YouTube. And after that I have had a good feeling, that I know what I want to buy. And I have bought it (good so!!!!!). Such videos are helpful to make your decision.
Today I don't need videos about the new WOFF-expansion because a) I know the quality-work of the OBD-Team. I know, they are experts. I know, their describtions about changes / improvements are serious. I know, I can trust them! b) It is a small team, they have to do a lot. And so it is not necessary for me, that they spend their time in video-making.
For new members 2 or 3 new videos about the whole sim after release of BH&H2 could be helpful.
Your meaning is clear to me. I agree with your thoughts about a "features" video once the update development work is done. Such a vid would be extremely useful to potential WOFF customers who have no familiarity with the sim.
Of course any new customer should always read the release information about the sim because it usually covers all the features.
That said, a video format would be effective since as they say: "a picture is worth a thousand words" to people who always ask "show me!"
Best Regards
(System_Specs)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Trooper PSU: Ultra X3,1000-Watt MB: Asus Maximus VI Extreme Mem: Corsair Vengeance (2x 8GB), PC3-12800, DDR3-1600MHz, Unbuffered CPU: Intel i7-4770K, OC to 4.427Ghz CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 240M Liquid CPU Cooler Vid Card: ASUS GTX 980Ti STRIX 6GB OS and Games on separate: Samsung 840 Series 250GB SSD Monitor: Primary ASUS PG27AQ 4k; Secondary Samsung SyncMaster BX2450L Periphs: MS Sidewinder FFB2 Pro, TrackIR 4