I don't know if this is new, since I probably haven't been long enough to tell, but I've encountered (and mentored) a fair amount of newbies who are sticking with the game. Also, I just checked the Active Players now, and noticed there's nearly 40 people on. Same was with last night for almost the whole night. Is it just me, or are we gaining more members nowadays than in days past?

Considering that we used to never fall below 80 players on any given night, and 100+ on weekends, that's not much of an improvement. :P I also seem to remember some totals significantly over the 100... If FM would put VAPG back online, it'd be nice.

roguelazer, keep in mind that it used to be *free*. Free + shoot stuff to look tough elements = more players.

Even for a month or three after release (not free no more no more) we were still getting 80-120 players, occasionally more.

But, active player count & subscription count are not the same, and can show different trends. So while recently the active player count has been lower than previously, I would not say that necessarily means the subscription count is lower.

Anyway, Guild Software isn't going to throw in the towel on this unless there's absolutely no choice, and I have heard nothing that hints at Guild being in dire financial straits, so as far as that goes, I'm fairly certain we can safely say we have "enough" subscribers.

There is also this group of "investors" who maintain a subscription even though they don't play more than once a twice a month. They have mentioned in other posts that they pay becuase they are investing in the future content of the game.

I'm hopeful for this summer becuase once the new dev is properly indoctrinated new CONTENT should be added. You heard me C-O-N-T-E-N-T. And I pretty sure content will keep more players on-line playing the game.

I wouldn't worry about "throwing in the towel". They kept this game up for years without charging anything at all. Our subscriptions pay for the ongoing development.

They even went into debt, which is pretty much what caused the pay to play thing.

We're doing ok, looking to expand and grow the game over the rest of the year. We've had some pretty dark times (January of 2004) but we made it through and things are pretty sunny now, in comparison. We're looking to build on what we have in a lot of cool ways, both in improving (and Fixing) the game, and growing the userbase.

Keep in mind we've done absolutely no press stuff whatsoever since the beginning of the year. This has been intentional. Reorganizing and getting our act together to push the game to new heights.

I think part of that early boost came because Apple linked to you and (at least for me) gave the impression you were similar to the old mac favorite the EV series from Ambrosia Software.

Edit: I like Seraphs guild idea (see below). I'd join as well. I bet we would get enough members to challege Earth and Beyod's guild.

Which is true.

When I first played I thought "hoooly crap this is like EV 3D Online...." and just about fell out of my chair. I had been waiting so long for someone to make a game like this.

What Phaserlight said^

I originally got here from AmbrosiaSW itself, when someone said (haha, maybe it was you, Phaser) who said they'd found the Online, 3D, Multiplayer Escape Velocity, which was the hunted, nonexistent, holy grail of EV; and never to be made (at least, by Ambrosia).

I followed the link, read the backstory, downloaded, and been here since.

*You know, we should make and ex-EVer's Guild. You and me, Phaser ;P

ILL JOIN! _{when i get the money}

@Incarnate

Then would it not be a good idea to put Vendetta back into Beta status? Unless you guys plan to have Vendetta completed within a few months.

From the first line in the manual:

For one thing, it will never be "finished".

If they make it Beta until it's "complete", then it will never be released.

I have played online games, and in general (less true of fps, but still), the second it's finnished, it's dead. Players always demand more, new, different, etc...

The game, as it is, is well developed and fleshed out. I judge it suitable for market. I believe that the opinion that it has plenty of room for improvement, to be more a sign of a vast and versitile foundation, than of any lacking in development. I would like to see a little more marketing effort.

well, there should probably be a few things added before a large maketing effort is made. And i think the devs are waraew of this. For one thing the backstory refrences huge fleets of cazpitle ships on both sides of the itani serco war. at present we have one serco cap ship and a test platforme for multiple cap ships (the B-8 events). Also a less cumbersom mission system would be nice. I think these should be more completed befor any strong attempt is made to attract a large player base. otherwise many of the new recruts will be angerd that the game doesn't fufill the backstory.

I want to integrate more gameplay with the storyline, and fix some of the fundamental "who am I and what am I supposed to be doing here?" problems. I am planning for a significant marketing push later this year.

Lemme know if ya need help with that, incarnate.

There are MANY marketers, ad agency employees, graphic designers, printers, etc on this game. I can name 6 just in [IA]. I am SURE that there are other creative types around the VO universe that would happily either
a) discount their rates or
b) do it for free.

Plus, who knows your product better than the existing playerbase? I don't want to speak for others, but I know you have a huge talent resource here waiting to be used.

That is a VERY good point LeberMac.

I really enjoyed the guild recruting posters and I've seen some awesome (read I am in awe) guild websites. Some are even written in Waylonics!

This game seems to attract the computer literate. :) No wonder Ray spends so much time on it.

*cough*
http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/1/10209
*cough*

:P