About the number of players of Orbz
by James McKenzie · in General Game Discussion · 01/11/2003 (7:59 pm) · 8 replies
Hello, this discussion is mainly aimed at the developers, but anyone can chip in.
I've played the demo, and it is a fantastic game. There is just one comment I have on making a game that is completely multiplayer, (well, except for practice mode.) The problem is that it can be hard to get a substantial player base, which can mean that finding a game is hard as no one is ever playing. Now the demo looks to be great, and I haven't had a problem finding people to play with, but less people are likely to buy the game than download the demo, so it might be hard to play a game if no one's ever playing at the same time you are.
In case you're wondering, I'm also making multiplayer games, so I'm probably in the same boat. However, this is where GarageGames helps, as they can attract people to play our games, and this is probably the greatest assistance to boosting the player base.
I would just like to ask the developers, how many people have bought the game so far? I understand if you can't release this information, but I would be interested to see how many have the game. If you have bought Orbz, why not post a message and let's see how many there are.
I've played the demo, and it is a fantastic game. There is just one comment I have on making a game that is completely multiplayer, (well, except for practice mode.) The problem is that it can be hard to get a substantial player base, which can mean that finding a game is hard as no one is ever playing. Now the demo looks to be great, and I haven't had a problem finding people to play with, but less people are likely to buy the game than download the demo, so it might be hard to play a game if no one's ever playing at the same time you are.
In case you're wondering, I'm also making multiplayer games, so I'm probably in the same boat. However, this is where GarageGames helps, as they can attract people to play our games, and this is probably the greatest assistance to boosting the player base.
I would just like to ask the developers, how many people have bought the game so far? I understand if you can't release this information, but I would be interested to see how many have the game. If you have bought Orbz, why not post a message and let's see how many there are.
#2
Alas, living in Australia does have disadvantages, such as the conversion rate!
01/12/2003 (4:19 pm)
Good points you made. Hopefully that's where GarageGames will help, as it will draw people to the website, thus buying the games. Also, a demo is a great idea, as you get to preview a game you may not have contemplated spending money on before. I know after playing the Orbz demo, I want to buy the game when I get some money, (the game is so cool and addictive!)Alas, living in Australia does have disadvantages, such as the conversion rate!
#3
There are enough sales now where there should generally be people to play with in the full version. The trouble we are finding is that of hosting from behind firewalls, internet connection sharing, etc. These troubles result in less people appearing online to play and hence the "no servers found" message.
We are working now on the 1.1 release (hopefully a week or two away) which will have dedicated server support. This will allow us to have more servers up and available to play - removing the burden of hosting from the players in the community. This has worked well with the demo as there always seem to be people playing.
The soon-to-follow 1.2 release will also include a few new features that focus on building a community including a Mac and Linux version which are network compatible with the Windows version (meaning everyone can play together) and an in-game IRC client that will act as an "outer lobby" where players can find opponents more easily.
Outside of game features, we are also working with GarageGames closely in order to further promote Orbz in the gaming community. In fact, we were just both at MacWorld this last week showing off Orbz running in the Arcade Station. The response was fantastic.
There is alot of stong support for Orbz building up and although it's a little early to talk about some of the opportunities we have, expect to see some further announcements in the coming weeks that focus on getting this product into more player's hands.
Justin
21-6
01/14/2003 (1:14 pm)
Hi Guys - There are enough sales now where there should generally be people to play with in the full version. The trouble we are finding is that of hosting from behind firewalls, internet connection sharing, etc. These troubles result in less people appearing online to play and hence the "no servers found" message.
We are working now on the 1.1 release (hopefully a week or two away) which will have dedicated server support. This will allow us to have more servers up and available to play - removing the burden of hosting from the players in the community. This has worked well with the demo as there always seem to be people playing.
The soon-to-follow 1.2 release will also include a few new features that focus on building a community including a Mac and Linux version which are network compatible with the Windows version (meaning everyone can play together) and an in-game IRC client that will act as an "outer lobby" where players can find opponents more easily.
Outside of game features, we are also working with GarageGames closely in order to further promote Orbz in the gaming community. In fact, we were just both at MacWorld this last week showing off Orbz running in the Arcade Station. The response was fantastic.
There is alot of stong support for Orbz building up and although it's a little early to talk about some of the opportunities we have, expect to see some further announcements in the coming weeks that focus on getting this product into more player's hands.
Justin
21-6
#4
01/16/2003 (4:21 pm)
That's good news, dedicated server support would certainly help. Keep up the good work!
#5
Wow. My metaphors are starting to weird ME out.
01/16/2003 (5:42 pm)
I agree, I wish you guys the best of luck. I plan on buying this game as soon as I have the necessary time and energy to devote to it -- right now, Marble Blast is bitch-slapping me into a dazed but agreeable stupor of gameplay-drunk contentedness, and I just haven't been able to tear myself away that often. The few times that I have played Orbz I have THOROUGHLY enjoyed the experience in much the same way that I enjoy foreplay -- it can make you hurt in a good way, and you know you'll eventually get down to the really good stuff.Wow. My metaphors are starting to weird ME out.
#6
Does the demo and full version play together on the demo maps, or are the two seperate? I think it would probably be a good thing for the community (and thus the people trying the demo) if there were more games available.
01/17/2003 (3:54 am)
I don't think i've ever seen a online server for the full version, so I guess that may well be a firewall issue etc.Does the demo and full version play together on the demo maps, or are the two seperate? I think it would probably be a good thing for the community (and thus the people trying the demo) if there were more games available.
#7
Currently the retail and demo Orbz players cannot play together. Version 1.1, which will be coming out in the next couple of weeks, will allow retail players to jump into a demo server.
Dave
21-6
01/24/2003 (12:35 pm)
Gareth:Currently the retail and demo Orbz players cannot play together. Version 1.1, which will be coming out in the next couple of weeks, will allow retail players to jump into a demo server.
Dave
21-6
#8
01/24/2003 (11:52 pm)
Ah, now that's a good idea to boost the player count. Keep up the good work! 
Torque Owner Josef Jahn
The full version of ORBz doesn't look like it's being played by many players. A look at the current ranking list confirms my suspicion. The problem is the same as with any multiplayer-only game: Many people don't even try it. Of course it's always true that unless you have really outstanding graphics and gameplay as well as good advertising, you won't be noticed.
America's Army, for example, would undoubtedly be almost empty if it weren't for the huge advertising campaign associated to it. Note that quality isn't the issue here, it's attention that counts. I hope that in the future, ORBz eventually gets the attention and fanbase it deserves.
However, a multiplayer-only game will always have more difficulties. I firmly believe that every game designer should strongly consider implementing AI opponents for those who still have to live with dialup.