just curious about SB2

[BlackDeath]

What are last news about the progress of SB2 developpement? :roll:
no suspected release date?

[Ssnake]

Do you seriously expect a conclusive answer?

[m1a1vha]

that is real cruel.

[TankHunter]

Do you seriously expect a conclusive answer?

ROTFLMFAO Ssnake!

Oh on another topic, if you happen to need another scenario designer, here I am. My SN is IrishAmerican16@AOL.com if you are interested.

[OddBall]

What are last news about the progress of SB2 developpement? :roll:
no suspected release date?

Ground-breaking news about SB2 development :


































It's getting forward every day with an occasional step backwards here and there. I hope you didn't get spoiled too much.

[Lone*star49]

that is real cruel.
...

This is where I would usually start off.. ah grasshopper, but it has come to my attention that "many", the few times I have used it, think that I am talking down to them, when in truth, I am laughing with my post of kind gest.. but I won't in fear that you have already been bitten by the Ssnake..

You have to understand, IMHO, Ssnake and a few others, are like Parents, bringing up this new child.. SB2, and it is hard for them to let go, because they always think that there is something else that either it needs (to be better), or something new added, etc.. I once wrote a book, took me 9 months, everyday writing in excess of 6hrs or more.. and when it came time for the final review, it was never ending.. always changes, new thoughts, spelling, which publishers, as is the same for them with distrubutors for SB2, you name it, it ran thru one's mind..

So, do not be hurt, but like the rest of us SB1 vets, just feel their pain, understand their situation that brings with it much intensity, that in return, brings somewhat quick, harsh, but true, answers to questions and sometimes situations, that they too, can get wrong, due to the intensity of their ongoing transition of giving birth to SB2..

Just not an easy road to travel.. IMHO



LS

[Bluewings]

SB 2 is about "there" in the development , That was about "that" much ago and "since" we moved to "here" .
"Here" is ahead of "there" but the Team still have about "this" much to do to leave "here" behind and head for "Wow" .
Keep in mind "Wow" will still have stuff from "here" and "there" , but better than during "that" period .
To tell the truth SB 2 is about half way in between "from" and "Wow" , while we can say "that" gave us the time to polish "there" so "here" is now implemented . As you all know , you 'll hear about "that" in "this" time , most probably when "Wow" will be finished .

For more details , ask Ssnake .

Cheers . :3starSK:

[dejawolf]

i've already given away too much information on SB2, confirmed things that wasn't even rumours, and shown off pics that should never have been seen.
the weird thing is, nobody knows :)

[Lone*star49]

i've already given away too much information on SB2, confirmed things that wasn't even rumours, and shown off pics that should never have been seen.
the weird thing is, nobody knows :)
...

8) Nope.. I didn't say a thing to anyone.. :lol:



LS :wink:

[attackrat]

There is a bit of new information on the rumor circuit.

http://www.eng.yale.edu/reedlab/images/satellite-becton.jpg

The above satellite photos, taken on a pass just this week, show the towering eSim headquarters building somewhere in Germany. Note the large tower structure to the immediate south of the main building, wherewhat appears to be an MI-8 "Hip" helicopter warming up on the roof. This tower is a very recent addition to eSim's base, and while we have yet to uncover the full significance of it, we believe that it is somehow related to their recent deployment of self-cloaking "Ghost" commando units against outlying enemy installations. Whether this is a nuclear missile silo or just a Spy Satellite uplink is anyone's guess.

What does this have to do with SB2? You tell me: I just think they've been playing too much Starcraft.

Or is that me? :?

[Lone*star49]

There is a bit of new information on the rumor circuit.

http://www.eng.yale.edu/reedlab/images/satellite-becton.jpg

The above satellite photos, taken on a pass just this week, show the towering eSim headquarters building somewhere in Germany. Note the large tower structure to the immediate south of the main building, wherewhat appears to be an MI-8 "Hip" helicopter warming up on the roof. This tower is a very recent addition to eSim's base, and while we have yet to uncover the full significance of it, we believe that it is somehow related to their recent deployment of self-cloaking "Ghost" commando units...
...

:lol: ROFLMAO : this may well piss off the Ssnake..(to much information) LMAO


LS :lol:

[dejawolf]

hehe, well done Ls.
you just made yourself target to immense amounts of queries by information hungry SB players..

[PS-SCUD]

LMFAO Attackrat. Very nice. I've always loved that special off the wall sense of humor you have. It's inspired me: I'll never take my meds again :wink:

Or maybe you weren't joking ! :shock:

[BlackDeath]

Do you seriously expect a conclusive answer?

No, I only wanted to dream about one...

[BlackDeath]

There is a bit of new information on the rumor circuit.



The above satellite photos, taken on a pass just this week, show the towering eSim headquarters building somewhere in Germany. Note the large tower structure to the immediate south of the main building, wherewhat appears to be an MI-8 "Hip" helicopter warming up on the roof. This tower is a very recent addition to eSim's base, and while we have yet to uncover the full significance of it, we believe that it is somehow related to their recent deployment of self-cloaking "Ghost" commando units against outlying enemy installations. Whether this is a nuclear missile silo or just a Spy Satellite uplink is anyone's guess.

What does this have to do with SB2? You tell me: I just think they've been playing too much Starcraft.

if you look at the right of the SB headquarters, you can see Ssnake tipying on his laptop!
He's playing SB2!!!!!!!!!!

More seriously, when will we have more infrmations about the game??? :roll:
look, Im kneeling! I implore you! Be nice with us! :roll: :cry:

[BlackDeath]

its a heartfelt cry! be not deaf with that! :heartpump:

[BlackDeath]

Do you seriously expect a conclusive answer?

In fact, what Id like to see is:

<Ssnake>"Yeah, we have almost reached the finnish line!!!!
The game is almost ready, and BD, I will give to you personnaly a free copy of the disk thanks to you great interrest for the game!!!
Release date is soon, but BD, you dont care about that, you will have the game before all the others, after me and the development team of course."

Thats what Id like to read... :D

[BlackDeath]

Otherwise, you wont be able to overcome competition:
I also develop a tank game, called <Tank Battle 1>. The game is already available for only 44$ (+9$ for export). For those who are interrested, please contact me at chevy_caprice@caramail.com.
the game include Solo and Multiplayer of course with assault, deathmatch and others interresting mods. Cooperation is also include.
You will need a G9600 radeon to make the game work properly.
mmh, there is air attacks too, nuclear strikes.
For the playable vehicules,you will see the
-M1A1/A2/A2 SEP
-Leo 1A5/2A4/2A5/2A6
-SRTV 21
-T-55/72/80/90/95
-Challenger 1/2
-Leclerc
-and some others tanks...
but also: BMP-1,/2/3, BMD-1/2, Bradley M2A2/3/6, and others APCs
hum, also some lihght armored and jeeps and artillery, anti tanks gun, infantery, A10, B52, F16 and others planes
and finally, a patche may include battleships and aircraft carrier.

Here some screenshoots you will not be able to do better than those!!!

[BlackDeath]

Thats what you will be able to see in my game, and more, and more!!

SO WHO IS INTERRESTED?

[BlackDeath]

new screenshoots... Im very generous(thats a screen of the beta version)

[Trekker]

BD this looks like a new state-of-the art sim. Im would like to buy some part of your game-firm.Perhapps 2millions US $ would satisfy you?

[BlackDeath]

BD this looks like a new state-of-the art sim. Im would like to buy some part of your game-firm.Perhapps 2millions US $ would satisfy you?

hmm, let me time to think....
3millions US$ or 4 would be enough.

[Trekker]

With a artwork like that, just name your price... :thelmuts:

I cant wait to track a tank with that GPS.

[Spin_Doctor]

Yeah, well it's all well and good for Ssnake to have his baby, yada yada, but the fact still remains that for all this alledged work to have any value to the company and to the folks developing it, people who hold the cash will need to know what the product is and what it will offer. Sure, you guys have been loyal to Steel Beasts since forever, but those few sales are not going to pay anyone's salary. I'm not seeing any good or even marginally effective business models being implemented concerning SB2 marketing strategies.

Apart from myself, I don't know anyone in my immediate gaming community who has even HEARD of Steel Beasts, much less bought it. I'm not sure what all this down-low, hush hush stuff is all about but hey, this ain't my party.

I've heard of SB2 for a couple of years now, and since it seems to be upsetting to papa's delicate condition to even post up a screen shot or give any news, I'm just chalking this whole thing up as vapor-ware. I find this a shame because while I did like the gameplay of the original Steel Beasts, the graphics made my eyes bleed. I'm not one to sacrifice gameplay over graphics but jeeze, the resolution in which it runs is positively pre-historic. It's like 1985 all over again.

[dejawolf]

sure, well, i'm off to modeling now. completed yet another "something" 3 days ago, and about to complete another "something"
and 4 other "things" are half finished.
by the end of next month, these 4 things will be finished.

when Nils feels it's time, he'll post pictures of them.

[OddBall]

I'm just chalking this whole thing up as vapor-ware.

Checked out the screenshot section lately, troll? Or the new eSimGames website? Buy some clue, you badly need it.

[BlackDeath]

With a artwork like that, just name your price...

I cant wait to track a tank with that GPS.

I was sure somenbodys would be very interrested into my game...
SB2 will not be releasable beause of the success of my game! :twisted:

[BlackDeath]

sure, well, i'm off to modeling now. completed yet another "something" 3 days ago, and about to complete another "something"
and 4 other "things" are half finished.
by the end of next month, these 4 things will be finished.

when Nils feels it's time, he'll post pictures of them.

I love him when he posts pics.

[Spin_Doctor]

I'm just chalking this whole thing up as vapor-ware.

Checked out the screenshot section lately, troll? Or the new eSimGames website? Buy some clue, you badly need it.

I'll believe in this game when I see it. And if you're refering to that "Latest News" dated 5 Jan 2003, you have got to be fuggen kiddin...

That eSims website that is linked to this forum says nothing of value in my opinion.

[BlackDeath]

I'll believe in this game when I see it.

nooo, belive in my game, there is some of my screens here!

[Ssnake]

"Steel Beasts 2" isn't vaporware.
The business model of eSim Games is this: A large part of the development work for SB2 is being paid by armies who order customizations of our software so it gets tailored to their training needs. On the one hand, this is somewhat side-tracking since we don't work in a concise and stringent development path towards SB2. On the other hand, it helps to pay the bills, and since we expect a commonality of code between SB Pro and SB2 of about 85% or more, one could also say that 85% of the work is going in the right direction.

I concede that this is not so satisfying for the individual consumer waiting for a game sequel.
Yet we have to face market realities, and some of these realities are The overall market share for simulation games is about 2% or the total market size for PC games (and 0% for console games). Of these 2% total market share, 90% of these simulation games are flight simulations, and flight simmers rarely buy other simulation games that don't deal with virtual flight. Even .02% of the total market share could generate enough revenue for a single company, if that company were to develop in the usual hush-hush style. Well, we don't, so we can't crank out a sequel every two years. It also means that we need to earn money by developing a second field of business where we can recycle our software code for similar, but not identical applications - military training.That's the business logic behind the way we develop our products.
Now, the market share for a pure tank simulation is small. We could continue to serve a tight-knit, loyal, but microscopic fan base by releasing SB2 in the state in which it is right now. All regular visitors of this site would probably love it. Unfortunately, I know few other people who else would consider buying it. Unfortunately that would perpetuate the business situastion of eSim Games and a development team about as small as a team can be with the inherent risk that if the one programmer stopped to do what he's doing, the entire product and company would fall apart immediately. In addition, it would perpetuate the state of slow development speed.

OK, what's the alternative?
eSim Games must grow. The team must grow to a size of five to ten people who continuously work on the product portfolio of eSim Games. Since the capitalization of eSim Games is ...uh... rather basic, organic growth can either come from finding a venture capitalist, from obtaining a huge credit, or from generating more revenue. A venture capitalist would inevitably restrict our creative freedom, and dictate the development path at least in broad terms. A huge credit is incredibly risky, and could put us into life-long debt slavery if it went wrong. Uh-oh... Remains the option to earn more money by getting fat deals.

For obvious reasons, large publishers of the consumer market will hesitate to invest a lot into a tank simulation game. Remains the option to find other customers - armies - and to recycle the code for training purposes. Which is what we're doing. Strike a few fat deals in successwion on this market, and you generate the money that is needed to pay for team growth.

We are on the way here.
In fact, the team size effectively has grown by 150% since summer 2000 when we released SB1. This was possible in part due to the revenue that SB1 generated, and in part to a number of deals with armies that earned us additional cash. It's still not enough to hire an additional programmer. Sure, the guys from Russia are cheap - but a new programmer needs to familiarize himself with the existing code, and that's only possible in a relatively short time if there is no language barrier, and if he's local to the current programmer - so it must be someone from Silicon Valley, and these programmers aren't working for peanuts. They expect pretty fat salaries (and hey, you don't want us to hire incompetent code monkeys, right?).

So, a couple of these "fat deals" with armies would be the boost that we need to increase the team size, and hence cut down the development times. To make such a team size sustainable however, we also need to expand the market share of SB2, and make it attractive for more than the relatively few of this fine community. There is no alternative that I can see here. To make SB2 attractive to more average gamers, it needs to be a lot better polished, and that's going to take time. It's going to delay the release of screenshots, because armies don't pay for pretty looks - they are keen on functionality. Therefore we need to postpone the implementation of nice looks until we finished the well and immediately paying customization jobs. A public release of screenshots is only helpful however if they support the marketing plan. Proper marketing for a computer game should begin six to nine months prior to the release date, and the released screenshots should be attractive and representative of the final product. Currently the engine is nice, but the screenshots are far from being obviously outstanding for average gamers.

So, as you can see, it's a pretty stringent logic that leads us to the business model that we're using at this moment, and the down-low, hush hush PR policy. It means that you need to entertain yourself with SB1 and other fine games from other companies (unfortunately) until we're ready. It means that we have to accept the assertion that SB2 is vaporware when in fact it is a very real and stable software (since it must stand the rigorous test of everyday, real-life application in the productive environment of our army customers (well, if you are willing to call army environments as such "productive" ;) )). It's just not ready for the high standards of the consumer markets - just good enough for armies.

[Spin_Doctor]

Superb explanation of your business and marketing environment, Ssnake. I do appreciate your taking the time to explain the situation to me, especially since you could have easily blown off my comments.

Good luck with your venture and I eagerly await the release of SB2. I will indeed tell my simming friends to get it once it's out.


-----------------

[PS-SCUD]

Yes, see, Ssnake is not the kind of guy who would lead us on with a fake product. He isn't the kind of guy who blows anyone off either, and BW wouldn't lie about working on stuff, neither would any of the eSim crew.

You need to repent. You have commited a cardinal sin in Monopatchism! You have doubted the existence of SB2 itself!!! Even blasphemy against The_List is not as egregious as that. Many squirrels must now die to pay for your blood! Think wisely before you doubt again.

[NEpi]

LOL attackrat!
so is this phrase a misinformation?

from eSimGames site:
eSim Games, LLC is a located in Sunnyvale, California, although many of our team members are spread throughout the world. We truly are an international team.

[OddBall]

Superb explanation of your business and marketing environment, Ssnake. I do appreciate your taking the time to explain the situation to me, especially since you could have easily blown off my comments.


99% of that info had been told numerous times on these forums before, if you had just bothered to do a little search. Which leads us to me referring you to the esimgames website, that along with the screenshots, shows you how much of the code and artwork has already been done.

So please, next time you are going to make a post like that, do a little search, it might save you from making a total idiot of yourself.

[dejawolf]

i live in norway, Marat in canada, Nils in germany, and Al in california, USA.
indeed quite international.

[TankHunter]

i live in norway, Marat in canada, Nils in germany, and Al in california, USA.
indeed quite international.

And if you guys need another American, here I am for scenario designing.

[attackrat]

LOL attackrat!
so is this phrase a misinformation?

from eSimGames site:
eSim Games, LLC is a located in Sunnyvale, California, although many of our team members are spread throughout the world. We truly are an international team.

Oh, sure, that's what they WANT you to think.

C'mon, a city called Sunnyvale? They might as well have said "based in Anytown, USA."

It's a blatant front.

[PS-SCUD]

LOL, Exactly. I mean, the only cornier name they could pick would be Bedford Falls. :lol:

[BlackDeath]

no way to include best SB2 fans nicks and real name in the SB2 credits list? (when we close the game)
by that I mean those who most participate to the forum and arent in the SB2 team i.e (not sure...): Lonestar, Attackrat, PS-SCUD, BlueWings, TankHunter, DejaWolf, NEPI, me... In fact, those who have posted more than 500 messages or more than 10 missions...
I would be proud to find my name in SB2... :roll:

[TopKick]

:roll: Good grief!

[BlackDeath]

>Good grief!

>>Im young, and full of hope...

[PS-SCUD]

LOL.

I have not helped make SB2. Taking up Ssnake's time reading my stupid posts probably detracted from the development .

Making missions is nice, but aren't they SB missions not SB2? I'm sure if someone is both sincerely motivated and capable to help, Ssnake would appreciate it and put his name in the credits, otherwise, no dice.

[BlackDeath]

have not helped make SB2. Taking up Ssnake's time reading my stupid posts probably detracted from the development .

Making missions is nice, but aren't they SB missions not SB2? I'm sure if someone is both sincerely motivated and capable to help, Ssnake would appreciate it and put his name in the credits, otherwise, no dice.

Let me dream at least...
mmmh translate FAQ and AFK into french isnt a SB2 job...but a SB1's only...
So I could be quote in SB1 credits... a new feature disk for $10 just to include my name into credits :lol:

[ShotMagnet]

... the only cornier name they could pick would be Bedford Falls.

Or Caribou. Or Limestone, for that matter.


Shot

[12Alfa]

Spin:
We have seen - "know what the product is " & "what it will offer".
Please list other sims that show their "good or even marginally effective business models being implemented concerning their marketing strategies.
"
Apart from myself, I don't know anyone in my immediate gaming community who has even HEARD of Steel Beasts, much less bought it.Well your new here and we don't know you all that well, but from the above posts I think i have a good idea....
" this ain't my party".. Its a party by invite only, well you have to want to party i should say, you need to remove that chip off your person before enjoying yourself I would think.
Lighten up, stay calm, if you can't say anuthing good say nothin at all, and return to your gaming community , is it a FPS?

Do some research b4 posting here, that way you won't come off as a&$&%hole. We have seen enough of them allready raining on our parade we don't take kindly to those with negtive posts with no background of correct info posting here. We don't drop into you fourms doing the same do we?



"It's like 1985 all over again.", and what was wrong with 1985?
Do you prefer 2001?

Be nice, it will get you further here.

[Gunfighter]

Ssnake,

Are you taking on investors?

How much will it cost(in US dollars) to get Someone's name on the Credits?

GF.

[Bluewings]

BD , DejaWolf and myself ARE in SB2 Team .

Cheers . :3starSK:

[Ssnake]

Settle down, Alfa - it's a solved matter already. :)

[Ssnake]

Are you taking on investors?
Like I mentioned above in this thread, the answer is no since it would infringe with our freedom to make creative and business decisions. We like it that way. :)How much will it cost(in US dollars) to get Someone's name on the Credits?
None, but you'll have to work for us, and it must be work that we requested. ;)

[12Alfa]

He got my goat, or pushed my button.

I was working away on a BL mission, and took a break into here and saw that wanker's post. I blew a fuse, sry, back to the mission, but now in a bad mood....Warsw look out!!!!

[TankHunter]

He got my goat, or pushed my button.

I was working away on a BL mission, and took a break into here and saw that wanker's post. I blew a fuse, sry, back to the mission, but now in a bad mood....Warsw look out!!!!

Ah next BL looks like it will be a cluster F&*k for Red for now, even more so then normal! :lol:

[Hell_Hound]

He got my goat, or pushed my button...


Roger that. ;) I got three lines into an icily-polite reply with a lot of suggestions in it, then took a breath and clicked Back.

There are few things as lovely as a strongly voiced, totally uninformed opinion. :roll:

[TankHunter]

He got my goat, or pushed my button...


Roger that. ;) I got three lines into an icily-polite reply with a lot of suggestions in it, then took a breath and clicked Back.

There are few things as lovely as a strongly voiced, totally uninformed opinion. :roll:

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :twisted:

[PS-SCUD]

Settle down, Alfa - it's a solved matter already.

NO! NEVER! We shall suck his brains out with a used soda straw, and then give the skull to Ssnake as a candy dish! He shall pay for his blasphemy! SB2 shall be avenged!

[PS-SCUD]

LOL, speaking of trolls, remember this post? http://www.simhq.com/simhq3/sims/boards/bbs/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=38;t=000461

That dude is lucky to still be alive. Knowing the rabit loyalty of the SB fans I wouldn't have been surpised if he took a ride on the underside of a car.