HPS Simulations, 1990-2013

[DaveK]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but I just learned a valuable lesson: don't post a provocative posting a few days before you're set to enjoy four+ months in places without reliable internet access (and certainly no laptop games, i.e. I just had no reason to check back here until now).

So, consider me probably chastened and embarrassed for leaving everyone hanging.

That said... sheesh, really?

"DaveK's posts over the last few years show he is displeased. I thought this was a plea from him to leave the community."

You're dang right I'm displeased. I want HPS to publish games that I can then buy and play. Ummm, who here doesn't?

My post, even in isolation, wasn't trolling: I felt, and still feel now that we're in 2014, that I made an accurate question/observation. A gaming company that's published *two* games in two years can be considered, in good faith, quite dead. Particularly when this same company once published dozens of games on a regular, consistent basis. (Games I purchased, probably 80% of the HPS catalog... what, a customer can't be unhappy?).

Yes, I've criticized HPS in the past for what I feel is an unfortunately dated approach to computer wargaming that dates back to the Talonsoft days. But that's a critique of the software, not a complaint, and certainly not meant as an insult to those here who still play the games (as I do-- am I insulting myself? ). I don't find it outrageous-- nor do I find myself alone, even here-- to suggest that a series of computer games that haven't fundamentally changed in design since 1995 (!) would benefit greatly from significant structural changes. This isn't similar to dusting off our old Avalon Hill boxes and playing a classic game on the card table-- computer processing, graphics, and user interfaces have evolved just a wee bit for the better in the meantime. Given the wargames we all buy now from the likes of Matrix, Battlefront, Paradox, Ageod and the rest, it's inescapable that with HPS (and, yes, JTS) we're all in love with a dinosaur.

But that's neither here nor there; that's a separate critique I've made before in these parts (as Dog Soldier helpfully reminded everyone). It's neither here nor there because I'd still buy a new dinosaur today... if only one was published.

Which they aren't. Not by HPS, anyway.

My bottom line is that I've spent years playing these games because I love them, and I love the unique settings of some titles (titles that covered battles/campaigns no one else has).

But I can't love games that aren't published. And companies that don't publish don't make money, which means they don't publish more games, nor do they improve and evolve them to modern quality and relevance to the market (which, contrary to the strongly held opinions around these parts, doesn't just consist of old fart grognards like us ).

Anyway... maybe there isn't a conversation to be had here, maybe I'm just ranting with no value added. I made my peace, I won't complain about this issue ever again here at the Blitz. (Nor will ever again post and leave, heh ).

But please HPS, if you're reading... hurry up and please give us something this year, okay? Pretty please?

No, I will not expel some one unless they break the club rules. And such removals are done when the officer staff are in agreement. I do not remove people on a whim.

However, if someone thinks one of the biggest game companies at the blitz in terms of blitz members playing their games is dead, then I will ask as they are obviously leaving if they want their hat.

Nobody is forced to stay at the blitz who thinks the blitz or the games supported here are irrelevant to them. I have had people who have quit the hobby ask to be removed from the blitz. Most just go inactive status.

DaveK's posts over the last few years show he is displeased. I thought this was a plea from him to leave the community.

Bottom line is both JTS and HPS are cottage industries supported by many more volunteers than actual people who share in the financial side of the companies. Even if one or both of the companies go away, something will replace them. The game series they created will go on.

But I see no evidence of any of that happening from my POV in the near future.

People in the boat come and go, but the games just keep paddling on.

Dog Soldier