How to make NS1 popular again
zastels
Join Date: 2003-11-29 Member: 23731Members
Join Date: 2003-11-29 Member: 23731Members
<div class="IPBDescription">It will help NS2!</div>I've started playing NS again with my brother, and I'm disappointed by how many people have left the game. I think to today's standards, this game is still very good. If we could make a push to make NS popular again, it would be very beneficial towards NS2. So let's think of some ways to do this!
My ideas:
- Talk to Valve, get them to make your HL mod available on Steam if possible. See if they will advertise NS for weekend bonanza or something.
- Let's form together, and produce a fantastic machinima film. It could be story driven, while showing the real gameplay and tough decisions involved in NS. With this machinima film, we could convince people to come give NS a try, or to play it again! We could plan a script together, and I could edit if need!
- Create a Skype or Ventrilo place for people to join and play some NS seriously. Maybe developers can come on to motivate people!
- Get the NS developers to pick a time to and play a few games of NS. This would excite a lot of people to join the same servers they are in!
- See if you can advertise on Fileplanet under the free games section. I know it's a mod, but Fileplanet is very popular and it would be beneficial if done.
- Host a mini tournament with some NS2 prizes. Everyone who participates gets a little badge in NS2.
- Give out FREE NS2 coupons during the bonanza to people playing really well. This should make everyone try to play their A game, and give anyone who is new a sense of what NS is really about.
- Merge NS and NS2 forum
Post your own ideas or support mine. The more people who enjoy NS, will want to enjoy NS2!
My ideas:
- Talk to Valve, get them to make your HL mod available on Steam if possible. See if they will advertise NS for weekend bonanza or something.
- Let's form together, and produce a fantastic machinima film. It could be story driven, while showing the real gameplay and tough decisions involved in NS. With this machinima film, we could convince people to come give NS a try, or to play it again! We could plan a script together, and I could edit if need!
- Create a Skype or Ventrilo place for people to join and play some NS seriously. Maybe developers can come on to motivate people!
- Get the NS developers to pick a time to and play a few games of NS. This would excite a lot of people to join the same servers they are in!
- See if you can advertise on Fileplanet under the free games section. I know it's a mod, but Fileplanet is very popular and it would be beneficial if done.
- Host a mini tournament with some NS2 prizes. Everyone who participates gets a little badge in NS2.
- Give out FREE NS2 coupons during the bonanza to people playing really well. This should make everyone try to play their A game, and give anyone who is new a sense of what NS is really about.
- Merge NS and NS2 forum
Post your own ideas or support mine. The more people who enjoy NS, will want to enjoy NS2!
Comments
Its that easy.
Its that easy.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Too good to be true I think :(
but that will never happen...
Now this may be because both servers are bot servers running goobles of plugins and the thing that keeps people comming back to my servers and i have been told this by several, "bots that roll the dice rocks". plugins,plugins,plugins....!!!!!
I think it's a great idea but the truth be told the game became what it was from word of mouth rather than advertisement and realisticly since it is a half life mod the word should be spread from in-game of half life. I can't be sure of this as i never actually played half life...lol...I only purchased half life to play NS with friends and have since purchased 5 copies to get other people into it as well.
If you have an idea for how to do a "booster promotion" you can count me in. Maybe the devs can take a few hours to put together an udated Audio comentary on the original game (mod) with a transition to what the sequal will offer but then again this may be something that will have to wait for more of the gameplay content to be done, but i think enough is there to entice.
EDIT: A new source version with a few of the new models would peek interest, those servers running amx can do this without a new version but not all servers run amx or metamod.
At one point 2-3 years ago this was in the works, but it didn't end up working out due to an issue out of their control. IIRC, it was Valve's court to get it on Steam but it never played out.
<!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->- Let's form together, and produce a fantastic machinima film. It could be story driven, while showing the real gameplay and tough decisions involved in NS. With this machinima film, we could convince people to come give NS a try, or to play it again! We could plan a script together, and I could edit if need!<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
They're a number of NS machinima on youtube (boondock marines comes to mind). Lots of gameplay videos too (check my sig for a few I made). There are many good ones out there.
<!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->- Get the NS developers to pick a time to and play a few games of NS. This would excite a lot of people to join the same servers they are in!<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
It's more likely you'll see them playing on NS2 servers than NS1. Every once and a while I see a dev or two playing old NS1, but its not often.
<!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->- Merge NS and NS2 forum<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
It's better the way it is IMO. There needs to be a distinction between the two games.
<!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Post your own ideas or support mine. The more people who enjoy NS, will want to enjoy NS2!<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
NS1 is a (relatively) obscure, and hardcore mod based on a 12 year old engine. It is past its heyday. The fact that it still has active servers that are packed every night, 8 years after its original release is a testament to how good the game is. I don't think its a stretch to say that the majority of modern games released won't ever come close to being populated 8 years after their release (much less even functional).
NS2 will really get some big exposure once it's for sale on the steam store page, and all those fun steam sales we all know and love. Even getting 10.000+ pre-orders from mostly old NS1 players is pretty impressive, especially considering its roots as a half-life mod. Hopefully the community will be huge for the new game. You might want to look into the NS2 E-team forum (http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/index.php?showforum=99) for ways to spread the word about NS2.
In combat maps I just got told to "stay in spawn or gtfo" for dying a little too often, I think it scares a lot of newbies away since it's not exactly boosting the morale to stay with a crowd like that.
People are really good at generalizing communities so it's usually first impressions that count.
My ideas:
- Talk to Valve, get them to make your HL mod available on Steam if possible. See if they will advertise NS for weekend bonanza or something.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->This is the best idea, and it's exactly what Valve do. Portal 2's coming out and first footage being shown at E3? Have a sale on the previous game. The same would work for NS2.
<!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Let's form together, and produce a fantastic machinima film. It could be story driven, while showing the real gameplay and tough decisions involved in NS. With this machinima film, we could convince people to come give NS a try, or to play it again! We could plan a script together, and I could edit if need!<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->It would have to be incredibly well written and produced for anyone to notice. NS isn't at the same visual bar as other games any more.
<!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->- Create a Skype or Ventrilo place for people to join and play some NS seriously. Maybe developers can come on to motivate people!<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->This is the sort of thing that misses the point. Not a lot of people are playing NS so you can't get new people into it by making it more fringe/inaccessible. The majority of people don't want to play competitively, so this isn't exactly going to attract the masses, only a handful of like-minded people. It also already exists in some small NS circles (pick-up games). Ask around and you'll find out.
<!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->- Get the NS developers to pick a time to and play a few games of NS. This would excite a lot of people to join the same servers they are in!<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->Possibly, but I think in practise the amoutn of people who would download an ancient mod just to be able to play with the developers is very limited. On the other hand if it were hugely popular you wouldn't be able to meet the expectations of more than 20-odd of the public at a time, so it would ultimately disappoint.
<!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->- See if you can advertise on Fileplanet under the free games section. I know it's a mod, but Fileplanet is very popular and it would be beneficial if done.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->Depending on what's involved and how much exposure it is likely to generate, it might be worth it for the free advertising.
<!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->- Host a mini tournament with some NS2 prizes. Everyone who participates gets a little badge in NS2.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->Little badge = additional feature. I think the reward for this additional work would be minimal, especially as this is annother idea that only appeals to the competitive commuity (which is a significant part of the people who still play NS).
<!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->- Give out FREE NS2 coupons during the bonanza to people playing really well. This should make everyone try to play their A game, and give anyone who is new a sense of what NS is really about.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->Making people play well doesn't attract numbers. I know one of NS's biggest strengths is its level of teamplay and FPS skill, but it doesn't appeal to everyone.
<!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->- Merge NS and NS2 forum<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->I think it's best to leave the past behind and not make things confusing. NS2 is a different game. Anyone curious about the first game can visit those forums, ask questions, try out the mod or try to hunt down some shoutcasts/videos.
Its that easy.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->You seriously underestimate the difficulties involved in bringing out an update to one game while simultaneously working on a full retail game with an indie-sized team, a limited budget and a very tight schedule to complete the latter.
NS2 is a fresh start and if the players are new that's where they should start.
Anyone scared of little asswhopping can stay away from NS2 anyways.
The reason why it is so hard to approach to NS is the very old and therefore horrible netcode and the default config. Everytime I install NS somewhere I have the feeling that the person who wrote it had no clue about NS.
(pop up on right mouse, mwheel to choose slots, come on!?)
You can meet clever newbies on the servers, and you can meet dumb ones. It's just how you approach to a new problem/game in general. There are various strategies in human existence to survive; for NS I would give try, mimic and study. If you are not capable to fit those requirements you are not only a noob at NS, you are a noob at life and deserve every bash you receive.
In my opinion you can give your skill a large boost by reading. Reading EXISTING tutorials and guides, you just have to find them (<a href="http://www.ensl.org/articles" target="_blank">here</a>).
In conclusion: How long you play NS doesn't state anything about your skill.
Dont think you could boost the number of players much seeing as there are 1000's of games developed since.
If i could i would end with...
<BAD>server classic mode :D
But, I really disagree with this game being too old for people to like. It looks fantastic in my opinions, the mapping is really top notch for the HL engine, and it's very atmospheric. It's also easy to run, and totally unique in being an FPS RTS hybrid. Not to mention, it's not just another marines vs marines game!
And about 3 that are any good :D
NS is no harder than any other game to pick up and play, its not difficult to kill anyone in the game, its not difficult to understand that in order to get item/upgrade A then building A must be built first. To say that people don't play it because its difficult is rather insulting to those people. A possible reason they may not bother playing it is the gameplay, common gameplay of tdm is either OvD or OvO, many of the games released in the past few years are OvD, some have both ofcourse.
NS has both teams in a battlefield style OvO gameplay - I think battlefield called it conquest - and possibly the majority of people like OvD games.
Its just speculation on my part, there could be any number of reasons why its not played by many people.
I can't believe that after all these years, there is still people hiding behind the comfort barrier of "Its too dificult for them to play!".
katzenkorbanfasser,
I agree on the default config, though I also expect people do know how to change their keys. Perhaps instead of linking people to the unknownworlds web page for an NS download the ENSL one should be linked instead - with the offer of help from their guides.
If anything we should concentrate on getting NS2 the attention it deserves, go to work/school an tell your mates about it .. hell tell your gran about it an see if she will pick up a copy. It's about time the multiplayer gaming world in general takes a look at a fairly original, none generic team based shooter e.g. BFBC2, MoH, MW 1 + 2.
But for those that don't give up so easly, as mentioned before, you could get the old players back on for a few rounds. Or go to a lan and during the wee hours of the morning when everyones had enough of their modern warfare and battlefield games you could suggest a game of NS1. Maybe you could start a thread where people could sign up (I know it sounds like a WoW raid) for a few games perhaps 3 times a week and see how many are interested, might kick start the community into having weekly, regular games.
Check it out:
<a href="http://store.steampowered.com/stats/" target="_blank">http://store.steampowered.com/stats/</a>
Counter-Strike 1.6 peaked at almost 60k players today. Past it's hayday?
If try to do this and plan it well, we can absolutely succeed.
So newbies may test this one. One touch download and install could be better.
But dont touch developers they r really busy about NS2. :)
Amen.
Love NS love to see it spark again but leave the dev's be.
They are busy and working hard (Progress page was an excellent addtition)
Also, V3.3 of NS would do wonders to fix the low playercount. I imagine that there are several people that would be willing to make the patch themselves, if they were able. Obviously that still means work for the devs, but I think a little time spent toting NS might help NS2 in the long run. The list of fixes would need to be kept shortish, I think the guys over at ENSL had it best, with this list.
LMG/HMG dps. Basically 200FPS DPS is the correct DPS.
200FPS Jetpack
Floating guns
Waypoint overflow
Misplaced turret/oc shooting angle on Linux - And windows i think.
func_rotate broken on Linux - Might be HL engine
Incorrect resource on recycling
Possible resource flow (setting RFK to a set amount)
Get maybe a little over 20 players and a few good admins to run the thingy and explain stuff and talk about why NS is a great game. Then get them proper configuration with rates, +movement bound to mouse2 and so on. Play rounds on a passworded server with good sportsmanship and team spirit. Do that a few times in a week or so.
If someone really wants to go that far, it might work with some luck and open minded people. Otherwise I doubt anyone is going to get a good impression of NS at this point. It's just too messy when it comes to the gameplay, skill diversity and necessary configuration.
4x6v6 or 3x8v8 rather than 1x12v12, or 5x6v6 or 2x10v10 rather than 1x15v15. I would also limit the plugin use to ENSL ones if any at all. This isn't an easy task to do, the underlying infrastructure of the task would be almost as difficult as getting the players themselves.
Bacillus:
But mouse2 is for lastinv D: But yea, offering a stardardised userconfig for people to download and use would be a good idea.
By proper rates you do refer to the actual formula for them? avFPS/2 = updaterate and avFPS+5 = cmdrate!! It does mean that those with less than 80 avFPS can't play on that russian server since it doesn't let you have less than 40 for whatever reason they believe to be true.
4x6v6 or 3x8v8 rather than 1x12v12, or 5x6v6 or 3x10v10 rather than 1x15v15. I would also limit the plugin use to ENSL ones if any at all. This isn't an easy task to do, the underlying infrastructure of the task would be almost as difficult as getting the players themselves.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
The smaller the servers, the more skill required from the players. It's pretty tricky to spread out and be effective on a 6 player team even if the players are somewhat capable. A team of 6 total newbies on the other hand would be spread out really thin in the map and it would take hours to create effective marine offense and such.
15 v 15 is definitely an overkill, but some 10 v 10 is manageable probably. Not much bigger than that though. I think some 16-20 players would be pretty optimal for letting everyone get some lifeforms and toys, but still not putting too much pressure on individuals. 7-9 marines is probably somehow manageable for the commander too.
<!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Bacillus:
But mouse2 is for lastinv D: But yea, offering a stardardised userconfig for people to download and use would be a good idea.
By proper rates you do refer to the actual formula for them? avFPS/2 = updaterate and avFPS+5 = cmdrate!! It does mean that those with less than 80 avFPS can't play on that russian server since it doesn't let you have less than 40 for whatever reason they believe to be true.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I don't think it's necessary to squeeze every bit of reg out of the rates. Just some FPS 100 and 20000/50/50 is already a world of difference compared to the default ones. If people get interested more in NS, they can read a guide and customize their settings further. The aim is to avoid the biggest newbie problems, not to get them set up for any kind of ownage mode.
I think I once tried writing a brief newbie config that would bind keys to a bit more accessible formation and adjust some settings for better playing experience. I might have it hidden somewhere still... It was nothing that couldn't redone in 30 minutes though.
Heh, and what about lastinv? I think I've had it unbound since some early 3.0. Hud_lastswitch and quick fingers on number keys ftw. :)
10 games and our four-legged team won 1 game, stacked rines sweeping every rt, 2 hive drops
and none got up, insulting newcomers (and pro's), others suggest or do f4, depressive...
What? Why would they do that? People play like this?!
Personally, I found as NS got older and less people started to play.. It started to get a horrible air of elitism with the remaining people.
I was never the best player, but I did alright. My last memories of NS 3.x was everyone whining and complaining on the losing team, the winning team gloating and being snobby, and just general arguments, rage, trolling, 4chan'ism, internet meme's and other horrible turn-offs.
Some of the reasons I stopped playing after 3.0. The other reason was my friends stopped playing... because of the first reason haha.
I don't think I could get back into the original NS.
NS2 on the other hand.. :D (and being on a different continent!)