Solution to Cities XL problems

[crazyjoo17 0]

From the looks of things part of the problem here is that Monte Cristo has a game that could be really good if they added in full features, but they want to milk the city-builder fans dry.  I think that since CXL could be such a good game, waiting for the next people to come along and make something better isn't an option.  Therefore the solution:  A boycott on Cities XL, with a petition that gets sent to MC with a list of petitioners outlining our demands.  As I see it, MC have done several no-no's in development, marketing, and pre-release hype.  Also, the game is missing features and MC seems unwilling to fix them.

That said, I really want to like CXL and I had hoped it would be good.  If we can get a large number of people to basically organize and say to MC "we would be paying for the game if you did this, this, and this", MC would probably look at that possible revenue and do it.  Just from looking at the forum threads here, at the CXL beta website, and in responses to the recent MC interview, it seems like a HUGE chunk of people would like to like CXL but don't because it is incomplete and screams of highway robbery in the way things are developing.  As I see it here are the reasonable demands:

1.  Full mass-transit capabilities available in single player by the end of 2009.  This option must be included in a free patch with no subscription to the Planet Offer available.

2.  Full functionality for single player maps.  Anything available in planet must be available in single player at no extra charge.

3.  Full functionality for the base price of the DVD/game download by the end of 2009.  Again, anything in multiplayer must be available in single player for no extra charge.

4.  Addition of tax sliders adjustable for each type and class of resident/industry/business.  Again, no extra fee.

Full mass-transit means intercity rail, subways, elevated rail, buses, light rail, trams, heavy rail (including passenger and freight), and ferries.

[geek12 0]

No one has to officially boycott, people just simply won't buy the game because they don't want to. And if it's not working out for MC, they will try to reel us in. It's all about the business.

[crazyjoo17 0]

Originally posted by: geek12

No one has to officially boycott, people just simply won't buy the game because they don't want to. And if it's not working out for MC, they will try to reel us in. It's all about the business.quote>

Not quite. The goal should be that MC knows not only how much demand they're losing but also what specifically they can do to remedy it. That doesn't work as well when it's just a bunch of angry forum posts at simtropolis or the CXL website forums. It relies on an organized approach that shows MC the exact situation.

[Asheroo 53]

I think what they should do is release mass transit and future new features in expansion packs, or individually for a price each in the CXL shop. That way, they will definitely get more money, more people wanting the game for the extra content, which they will have to pay once again for. Plus, they'll still be making a heap from the PO. It's the perfect solution, and should make everyone happy.

It's the perfect win/win situation! We are happy because we get the extra content after release, MC are happy as they will make more and more money than they would if they let things stay what they are like now. They released expansions with City Life, and they should with CXL and add the mass transit. If they don't do that, MC won't get as much money which will make them unhappy, and we won't get the extra content so we will also be unhappy, and less will buy the game, not to mention that of course we won't be able to give MC more money for the extra content, so it would be a massive lose/lose situation.

[knightrider 0]

I'm not a fan of organized boycotts.

Even if MC decided that they wanted to implement our suggestions (the suggestions have been available for years), I would have to assume they are at the end of their budget. Once a game gets so far, it either goes release ready or the project is killed. If it's killed it is a total loss, if it's released they can hope for the best and at least try to break even. To extend the project they would need more funding, and I don't know about you but based on what I've seen I'm not rushing to invest in this game.

[morriswalters 16]

Isn't the decision not to purchase already a defacto boycott?  Redundancy???

[remixedcat 2]

#1619474 Sep-26-2009 06:21 PM

MMO companies do this and it is NOT a good thing. Pretty soon game companies will start charging for everything. This is called RMT (Real Money Transfer/Transactions) and it is degrading the MMO world into an instant gratification "I want this now" thing.

This is also very MC to care more about making money and less about making a COMPLETE game.

You know what's scary #1619474 ??? Some game companies are actually wanting to charge extra for the game's ENDING? Imagine making it to the final epic quest in your fav RPG game or finally being able to take out the hostiles once and for all and a message comes up "we're sorry, you must purchase the ending at our website to proceed any further". Would you really want to have to pay for your game in chunks and get used to shelling out more for all the parts then getting it for one low price and having the COMPLETE game?

It seems like the industry has become more money grubbing and using this "economic crysis" as an excuse to low-ball things. Everyone is using it as a scapegoat for lacklusterness. it's not that bad. I am way below poverty line and I am doing fine. I am just very good with my money and I still have over 20% left after bills to even blow on chinese food once a week. And get at least two new  complete outfits and a new hat every week as well. and I recently got a new GPS unit (250USD)... with spare change from the change jar!

Where have all the honest GOOD game companies gone? The only decent ones are Valve, Bethesda Softworks, and BioWare! Extra kudos to them for making very high quality games like Fallout, Oblivion, Portal, Half life series, Mass effect, etc!

Edited for derogatory bashing.

--Liv

CXL Forums Moderator

[8elhaj 0]

Grow up people, boycott stuff for real causes not because you have a problem with a game or a company.

Why not boycott them? I am not saying you have to, im just saying that it is quite childish to boycott games just because we dont agree on how its company manages the income.

The choice is all yours; PEACE

Edited - beebs

Lets try and stay on topic.

[Ocram's Razr 963]

Well I would support a purchase of mass transit for up to $2 for bus, rail and subway. If you ever saw screenshots from the original (non Rush Hour/Deluxe) SimCity 4, crazyjoo17, you would know that Rush Hour added individual wealth level taxation. If bus, train, elevated rail, subway, ferries (at least car ferries but an addition of passenger only ferries would be nice), parking (at least garages but lots would be nice also), monorail, [preceding are in SC4-Deluxe] viaducts, tram/light-rail, high-speed rail, and maglev or at least what were included in SC4-D, I would pay up to an additional $40 for that theoretical GEM (but I would vastly prefer to spend no more than $25 and they should include other features if it is over $30). That there would be going the EA/Maxis route and if they do better, more power to them (because EA is greedy). So although RemixedCat has a fair point, I have to agree more with Asheroo.

I have been on this site since 2005 and I have posted more than both RM and Ash combined (on this forum even though I know that their total posting throughout the internet are both greater than mine) so I believe that I have some validity.

Edited - beebs

Note to self: look for thread about Isreal.

[remixedcat 2]

And another thing.... MC closed the forums becuase they couldn't handle the negative energy instead of being strong, and GRACEFULLY listening to all the legit concerns. This was a very weak move on thier part and shows that they just want to cover up and cower in the corner instead of fixing thier issues.

[Ocram's Razr 963]

That I do agree with.

[Asheroo 53]

I'd have to half agree with that as well Remixedcat. It almost seems like MC was never ready to really listen and communicate with a community. It's good for a company to, but it's better not if you can't, that way you don't ultimately disappoint them by promising all these things and then not getting them or by getting hopes up and all excited and in the end having the final product not being as good as anticipated.

[morriswalters 16]

The only issue left to deal with is will you buy the game. That is the only legitimate issue..   Whatever Monte Cristos perceived sins, what is done is done and no amount of complaining will change it.  Constructive, realistic, criticism may be able to change their direction.  But it will take time and patience, and in my belief will only be possible if you bring sound reasoning to the table. Think about what your asking Monte Cristo to do.  Is it reasonable, not just in your mind but others?  Is it possible? Why is it to Monte Cristo's advantage to use your idea?  To change direction Monte Cristo will need to see any change as being profitable for them.  Remember, Money Talks.

Now you should take nothing I say to mean I believe you shouldn't post.  All I am saying is that venting is fine but does nothing to move the situation to a more favorable outcome.

[sthudig 0]

I have a much better idea...why don't we all collaborate and create an open source city simulator?

[JakeMD 107]

Originally posted by: sthudig

I have a much better idea...why don't we all collaborate and create an open source city simulator?quote>

The idea has been around and a few have tried..  Lincity-NG isn't quite SimCity, but it is an alternative.  I wrote a review for it.

There's also the Simtropolis 1000 project, and Project CB (City Builder).  You can find those in the ST forums under SCS and I think Gaming Talk.

[croxis 150]

There is momentum for three different projects right now (check out the Gaming talk forum). I am going to try and see if we can't come together to work on one singular project.

[catty-cb 4,394]

Originally posted by: swat-medic

Originally posted by: sthudig

I have a much better idea...why don't we all collaborate and create an open source city simulator?quote>

The idea has been around and a few have tried..  Lincity-NG isn't quite SimCity, but it is an alternative.  I wrote a review for it.

There's also the Simtropolis 1000 project, and Project CB (City Builder).  You can find those in the ST forums under SCS and I think Gaming Talk.

quote>

There is also the CityManic project over at SC4 Devotion

https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?board=365.0

[USA_Pride 49]

I agree. I'm boycotting this until they drop the subscription requirement for a fully-featured game.

Speak with your dollars people! If you are worried that CXL won't meet your expectations then wait, don't buy it yet. Wait for more information and reviews and make your decision then.

[diablo_del_bano 3]

I'm just not going to buy it. That's not to say that I won't find a way to play the game, but until they stop this Planet Offer nonsense, Monte Cristo certainly won't see any of my simoleans.

[soltangris 42]

Yeah, I agree that we could change the state of thinks by letting MC know what we want. But again, as someone already said, it won't work to pose ultimatums benefiting only the players. I think the reasonable compromise is simple:

- Make all upgrades purcahseable and functionable in SP. This includes funcionality updates like the mass-transport, as well as superficial updates like additional building styles.  PO can still offer the upgrades for free (maybe even the GEMs, if MC  want additional incentive for people to subscribe).

- All bug fixes should be for free, of course.

This will actually create what MC advertised all the time: a fully funcional SP game, with the added option for multiplayer via PO, for those that prefer it.

[LordDwarf86 0]

I don't agree with you guys. It always has been thought to become a MMO. And it will be one. So i will play it as one and pay the few bucks. And get a mass transit system, when they finally finished working it out. You also could see the single player as a free addition.

The only thing i agree with is that it is a shame to have the official forums closed. That is poor, espacially for a MMO. But if it was because of the critics...well, no one knows.

[Ocram's Razr 963]

I found out that SimCountry is cheaper than CitiesXL's Planet Offer but that will not prevent me from playing single player. Heck, I might even play the Planet Offer for more than a month if I enjoy it next year.

[sthudig 0]

Thanks swat-medic. A city builder for Linux? That I gotta check out!

[JakeMD 107]

Originally posted by: sthudig

Thanks swat-medic. A city builder for Linux? That I gotta check out!

quote>

Yeah!  Its not the same goal as SimCity, and its a tad bit more difficult.. but i like it.