I would say FarmVille was "well designed" for its time and its goals (it has since become somewhat dated). I wouldn't care to comment on "quality", which is inherently subjective. There's a big difference between saying that something is well designed, and saying that it is of high quality. After all, the attributes that you consider to be high quality might not even be things the designer was trying to achieve.
And that is an entirely fair point which I agree with for the most part. I don't think it's fair to give a game flack for not having multiplayer when it was designed to be single player game, or hating a platformer for not having puzzles. But I feel like the difference, and the important part of that statement and concept, is seeing when your own independent expectations are meddling with the ones the developer, or the design, sets for you. Before playing this game, I'd heard nothing but light, positive buzz. I like to think that I make a good effort and am usually successful in being aware of the expectations I bring to the table versus that of the devs. In this case, I really feel like the expectations I had were born from my experiences with the game. Since we've started talking, I thought I noticed one or two other individuals who came with similar concerns and issues with the game. The game feels so close to full, blown out blissful deliverance, and I feel the issues I listed were all that held it back from being the only iphone game I play for months. Although I will say that I am less surprised as I recall that this is originally a Japnese game (right?). Not to slight them, but it makes more sense given the culture and tradition of these sorts of tropes in their games.
I think it's entirely fair to criticize any game if it's not what you enjoy. What I don't agree with is accusing people of doing their job poorly, just because they didn't satisfy you.
Right, but why are you singling me out? Poking around online, I see that I'm not alone in my concerns and issues with the game. What's wrong with admitting it wasn't done perfectly? And, more significantly, are you telling me that YOU are okay with a developer sacrificing fun for money? Would you not want them to try and pursue another route?
I wouldn't have any trouble admitting that if I agreed with it. I just don't agree. You were the only one whom I saw claim that the designers did a bad job because they made choices you don't like. I probably shouldn't care, but it bothers me when you criticize people who aren't here to defend themselves. If they are generating money from the game, that means someone must be having fun. People don't pay to play games they don't enjoy. It might not be fun for me, but I'm okay with people making games that others enjoy and I don't. I don't have to play those games. The things I like and dislike in games are probably pretty similar to the things you like and dislike. The difference is, when someone makes a game I don't like, I don't think that means they did it wrong. It just means that what they did is not for me.
But why does it have to be so black and white? Why can't I like it AND have problems with it? How come I have to like it and swallow any criticism I have, or apparently hate it and just be trash talking? More over, I'm willing to bet that if the developers were here, they probably would see where I'm coming from. Even if it's not exactly what I said, I'm willing to bet there are plenty of things they wish they had done better or think differently about now versus in the moment when they were making it. And it's also not fair that you're assuming everything about a game comes out exactly how the developer wants it. I think any developer will tell you that compromises, including plenty of unfavorable ones, do have to be made because of outside influences, business reasons, or because that's what the suits in the conference room want. It's not a terrible thing to have their be flaws with the game. I am ultimately saying the game has flaws and that I feel like the specific flaws it has due to tie into some of the core principles on how their game design payment system works together. I mean, they aren't things you could just fix in a patch. And despite how much you might ignore it, once again, I DO REALLY LIKE THIS GAME, I just don't think it's perfect or untouchable. I would also be thrilled to express my concerns and questions directly to the developers if I had the chance, and I would be shocked if they were even half as defensive about them as you've been.
You can like it and have problems with it. Or dislike it and have problems with it. I don't really care. The only thing I disagree with is when you claim the designers did their job badly. Is a "flaw" the same thing as "something Piph doesn't like"? If you're claiming that the game has things you don't like, I completely agree that it does.
On second thought, I don't converse with Strawmen. I can't believe it took me so long to realize it before. Please consider our back and forth over. I am, however, more than willing to talk with anyone else who holds the slightest interest about the topic or had a concern they wanted to raise with or against my own.
You could say it if they don't achieve their own goals. For example, if they design a bridge and then it collapses under normal loads.
*Heroes Return!* [Duration]: 7/25 (Thursday) midnight [12:00 AM] - 11:59 PM (PDT) Need a hero - how about two?! The Highlander and Berserk will be ready to take you on this Thursday. What tips and tricks will you use to defeat this dastardly duo?
Is this the start of the next weekly event? Or is this just an isolated dungeon for one day? I'm hoping it's the start of an event cause I want a godfest with the new chinese gods in tomorrow's update!
My new hobby is whining in this thread about P&D being unavailable in the Canadian App Store. Seriously. How long has it been since the American launch? Does it break some sort of gambling law? What the heck!
It was released in the US in Nov 2012. So it's been about 8-9 months. That said there is a lot more to releasing a game such as this in a new territory than you think. A couple big hurdles (but I'm sure there are more) include 1) Server Upgrades... adding a whole country should logistically add A LOT of new potential players to your game. You have to make sure your servers/systems are ready for this new demand 2) Languages. So for Canada that means they probably need a french option on the menus and have to translate everything they have. 3) Marketing/Support for the new territory... Marketing is a different beast for different countries as people value things differently... You also need support staff etc for the larger player base and the added languages. I'm sure there is more but that's just off the top of my head. I'm not surprised they haven't released it elsewhere yet but I'm sure it is in the works. These things just take time and it's smart business strategy to slowly expand out to new territories. I hope it comes out soon for you none the less though!
Is there a reason I can't find this in the Canadian app store? Edit: just read some old post and I see. Would be nice if the developer commented what is holding it up after 8 months.
Yes, I'm in the UK and would love to spend some money on this game as its that addictive. As it happens I've created a separate iTunes account with a USA location and am playing the game that way, but can't buy IAP, for obvious reasons. An official answer would be great, even if its to say no, we are never going to release it anywhere else.
We have been saying for a long time we plan to release the game in more territories, but unfortunately we don't have a specific date set. We will keep everyone informed as soon as we can.
For those who don't check the Facebook: *Porings Strike Back!* [7/29 midnight - 8/11 11:59 PM PDT] An army of adorable blobs has been sighted off the coast of Manhattan Beach. What tips and tricks will you use to smash these Porings and nab the legendary Mastering? What Monster(s) are you trying to Skill up?
This game is pulling in huge revenues yet they cannot allocate enough resources for a UK (and the rest) release. I think its astonishing to be frank but oh well what can we do. I'm reminded of this game every few months and I look to see if its released here yet. Still no dice lol *cue response saying its being worked on blah blah we will keep you updated*
