A PETITION TO MAXIS (Please Participate)

[Tropod 144]

After much thought...........

I really don't see these issues as being paramount to the game (number 3 perhaps though). It would be nice if Number 1 was addressed; Number 2 is just rediculous in my opinion; And Number 3, well that's probably the only worthwhile thing out of the whole list.

If we're going to petition Maxis, there's other issues that are far more deserving, that need addressing, than those on the list.
The biggest issue is the format of S3D & FSH files, & the fact the S3D model files only reference FSH files according to their Instance ID (& not the full Type/Group/Instance ID). This is something that will eventually have a far greater impact on the whole community at large, more than anything else will.

And as far as the games menus go, another big issue that currently affects a great deal of people & something that really does need to be addressed: I rather resent what's been said by Maxis regarding this, especially considering what they did when RH/Deluxe was released. With the advent of RH/Deluxe, 2 Lot-compatible menus were actually removed/disabled from the game, by them, thus removing the ability for us to place Lots in those particular menus (see my sig for more details). So to say that it'd require a complete rewrite, while it may be true (but we really don't know for sure do we, since we don't have the actual source code &/or software for that stuff), the fact that existing ones were disabled goes to show that it isn't entirely beyond their doing.
And I'm sure there's many other items that could do with addressing as well (still).

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the items on the list are completely pointless. The idea of petiting Maxis is a rather good idea, & the more that sign the better I'm sure. I just think if a petition of any kind is going to be done, at least make it for a worthwhile cause, not something so limited in scope such as this.

[the7trumpets 10]

I tend to agree with Tropod...and I have some other issues as well.

There are a few logic bugs which cause pathfinding bugs in rail junction tiles, as well as any rail piece with a RUL side of 32. Minor, but important.

Much more important to me, is the inter-city commute issues which have yet to really be tracked down or understood, but there are definately issues there (see my thread in the experiments forum).


In general, Maxis was very helpful and had an open ear to us prior to RH patch 1. After that, it seems they likely concluded that the game was sufficiently 'bug-free' to an acceptable level, anyway, and put a higher priority on other projects. I understand it from a business sense, and they had to do it, I just hope they do pay attention to us once again soon .

[121759 2]

First, I will add my signature.

Next, while I can appreciate the voices of dissent, I'm sure everyone can agree that the only way this will go forward and possibly be heard by EA/Maxis, is when we all are on the same page and not quibbling about the points that are being raised. The gen pop can understand and agree that some attention should be drawn to the issues at hand. For those that get down into the guts of the game ( I'm speaking of the Modd gods and those who have actually changed SC4 to this point), maybe you need to come together in a parliament and hash out the major issues that really need to be addressed, create a common united front that everyone is willing to get behind. The decibel level from one united voice is exponentially higher than a bunch of singular disparaging voices. It would be incredible to have every participating member in this community sign this petition and regardless of what some think, EA/Maxis would notice. That's not wishful thinking.

[Pegasus 2,837]

Date: 9/20/2004 11:16:42 AM
Author: Tropod
After much thought...........

I really don't see these issues as being paramount to the game (number 3 perhaps though). It would be nice if Number 1 was addressed; Number 2 is just rediculous in my opinion; And Number 3, well that's probably the only worthwhile thing out of the whole list.

If we're going to petition Maxis, there's other issues that are far more deserving, that need addressing, than those on the list.
The biggest issue is the format of S3D & FSH files, & the fact the S3D model files only reference FSH files according to their Instance ID (& not the full Type/Group/Instance ID). This is something that will eventually have a far greater impact on the whole community at large, more than anything else will.

And as far as the games menus go, another big issue that currently affects a great deal of people & something that really does need to be addressed: I rather resent what's been said by Maxis regarding this, especially considering what they did when RH/Deluxe was released. With the advent of RH/Deluxe, 2 Lot-compatible menus were actually removed/disabled from the game, by them, thus removing the ability for us to place Lots in those particular menus (see my sig for more details). So to say that it'd require a complete rewrite, while it may be true (but we really don't know for sure do we, since we don't have the actual source code &/or software for that stuff), the fact that existing ones were disabled goes to show that it isn't entirely beyond their doing.
And I'm sure there's many other items that could do with addressing as well (still).

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the items on the list are completely pointless. The idea of petiting Maxis is a rather good idea, & the more that sign the better I'm sure. I just think if a petition of any kind is going to be done, at least make it for a worthwhile cause, not something so limited in scope such as this.

quote>


That's true... there are a many other items we would like to see resolved. But what do you think our chances are? If we hit Maxis with a big list they would most certainly avoid it like the plaque. To address even one issue on such a list would require them to asddress them all.

The 3 items on this petition are all easily addressed by Maxis and therefore may stand a chance of being respoded to. With enough signatures, they just might... And if they do respond, it might open the door for addressing other issues.

These 3 specific issues are the biggies that handcuff lot development. Not to diminish the importance & popularity of mods, but Lots comprise more than 90% of the custom material that players download and that drives continued interest in the game... as well as increased/continued activity at fan sites. A favorable response to even one of these issues from Maxis will spur a very large influx of new material for all to enjoy.

So thats why this is a very simple & limited petition... written in a simple and hopefully unthreatening-to-Maxis manner. Lets see if we can get a response to the short list. If not, then there's certainly no need for us to get in a huff over the other 1,001 items we'd like addressed. And if we can't get a response on something so simple, then we can carry our disappointment forward when considering the purchase of other EA/Maxis products.

[Andreas Roth 629]

Wow, I haven't been in the General Discussion forums for ages, so I didn't noticed this thread earlier. To make a small bump, let me just say I signed the petition.

Of course there are many other issues that could/should be adressed also, but this list is a good start. In the last few months, Maxis/EA focused on other things (mostly Sims 2, I guess), but maybe our voice will be strong enough to get their attention again.

[Dirktator 2,327]

This petition has been presented to Maxis.  However, I can make no promises that they will / or are able to / or have time to/ respond.  Keep the intrest alive!

 

cheers!

[kd5rax 82]

Yeah.  The Dirktator has spoken.  get moving on this maxis.

I think the game is still great without the changes, but hey, a little bit of good change never hurt anything.

[Pegasus 2,837]

Date: 10/13/2004 12:57:29 PM
Author: dirk

This petition has been presented to Maxis. However, I can make no promises that they will / or are able to / or have time to/ respond. Keep the interes alive!

cheers!

quote>

Thanks Dirk. Thats great news!! It will be wonderful if they are able to help us with these issues. We'll have to wait until the chickens are hatched before we start counting, of course... but this is encouraging.

[jeeper 14]

We have to admit that Maxis has been better to the Simcity community than most developers are for other games. That being said, I am not so sure that they will be releasing anymore patches for SC4 or RH. But I will keep hope alive!!!

[Joesocwork 4]

There's a lot of good points to go around on this thread.

As Vidioman showed, SimTropolis, like any organization, has degrees of involvement by its members. There are also differing types of interests by those most involved as well. A good portion of the hardcore among this particular community of the fandom are quite knowledgeable and software inclined.

I wouldn't mind seeing more discussion as to what should be in the petition, but I do believe that is important for Maxis/EA Games to see that its fan base, especially from the website of the more committed fans, is alive and kicking.

I'm not as knowledgeable as others on the site, but I'm committed (or maybe should be committed ) and I've signed. -JoeSocWork

[StarGate88 0]

bah, of course i find this thread too late (maybe if i didnt get nailed in the eye by some1's elbow playing basketball i would have went online yesterday and signed )
but i dont think maxis cares much anymore...judging from the fact that the offical site hasnt been updated with something new in...a while.
but hopefully them seeing this petition will show them that we still care
good luck to your petition!

[miniklobb 0]

i sighned not because these issues affect me but because maxis needs to support it's users and has a resopnsibility to it users to fix bugs like the first issue.

[icsbinrat 0]

What the heck, I'll sign it but I am true pessimist and don't think the powers that be will give a hoot about less than 500 ppl wanting a few things to make their games run better. They are more interested in making money and I believe they will come out with a new bug filled game before they spend 1 hour fixing one that already has put $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ in the bank.

[sleuth14 0]

Date: 9/8/2004 1:39:50 PM
Author: Ma8thew
Who voted not interested?

quote>


I did. The only reason I'm not playing anymore is because of the lack of menu customization. All these great plugins and I can't enjoy them to their fullest extents.

That's what I want Maxis to fix more than anything, even if it requires a major code rewrite or expansion pack to do it.

[theLXMB 4]

signed......

[Thalassicus 33]

Date: 9/8/2004 4:27:38 PM
Author: DuskTrooper
Sure, Ill sign, but I don't think Maxis cares.

quote>

The question is if EA cares (gosh that thought cracked me up )

I signed.

[simmax 0]

Signed ... these bugs are so annoying

[dev 47]

Maxis better do something, or I will not buy SimCity 5!

[ron01_000_000 1]

Lame Duck SimCity Mayor Signs Petition ,

at the 11th hour before leaving office.

 

[Bobby T 0]

This petition is a good idea. I hate to burst your bubble, but I doubt that Maxis will pull through. What kind of money benifit will Maxis get on fixing bugs on a game they released over a year ago? I hope that they do!

[Leobrn12 0]

Well, I think if Maxis doesn't fix this problem then there will be people that wont buy Simcity 5, which in the long run will hurt Maxis in making money, but I doubt Maxis will do anything.

[the_new_simman 5]

Date:10/13/2004 12:57:29 PM
Author:dirk

This petition has been presented to Maxis.  However, I can make no promises that they will / or are able to / or have time to/ respond.  Keep the intrest alive!

 

cheers!

quote>

Yay! It went to Maxis, although they might not respond it is worth a try. Thanks Dirk for sending it, and thanks peg for starting this petition. I voted, yes on this. Who would want all this stuff. Once again great idea...

I will have to check back here often to see what's new...

 

[fmorel90 3]

I signed...

 

I know this post is useless because it just says I signed, but it might just be the one more signature Maxis needed to fix these bugs....you never know.

[Sniper 9]

Not to play a game that I have played since I was three years old(Its the truth!) just because they wouldn't fix 3 not so major bug, would be like my heart being rip out(when you have played a game that long at that young of a age grows on you).

 

  Besides, I doubt that MAxis will do anything about.

 

 

****Sniper****

[Pegasus 2,837]

I think the important thing here is that 491 of you should be proud that you pulled together as a community in a common cause for the common good of all who play the game.

Come on... give it up for yourselves... [APPLAUSE]

The combined voices of 491 (at last count) is much louder than any single voice. Of course, if more of the 3,593 viewers (minus dupes, of course) of this had taken the time to sign as well, that voice would be even more thunderous. But 491... that aint bad!!

[dudyconstructor 46]

my petition to maxis is for them to realease another SC4 Expansion Pack because people are getting sick of playing the game we need something new!

[Thalassicus 33]

Date: 10/26/2004 9:10:45 PM
Author: dudyconstructor

my petition to maxis is for them to realease another SC4 Expansion Pack

quote>

quote>
It's the Mods and Exchange sections here, and we don't have to pay anything for it

A new XPac would be nice, but they're probably just working on the next version (if I remember a comment by Will Wright correctly)

[ALTX 41]

I signed, I hoped it made a difference.

 

Also, about the ExPN Pack, its in the right sense that MAXIS is probably making one sine the game is still missing a default Asian Tileset, but lets get back on topic.

 

Its been two months now, has there been any progress at all with these issues?

[ianpaschal 77]

I'm agreeing with dudy constructor, expansion packs are needed, hopefully addressing some of the comute issues.
-Scip

[Gen-Xer 3]

I Agree, more expansion paks are needed, and the problem with animating bats in gmax and the animation not showing up in SC4 is driving me nuts, that is a big problem.