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Why Hawken getting lesser players than before,what can we do ?


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#1 Spray_N_Pray

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Posted May 23 2014 - 07:19 PM

For an indie game as free to play title,hawken's gameplay is spectacular and stunnning graphics, and i notice that since the release of the game in steam ,it reaches as many player as 6000 player for peak not total  ,but nowadays it drops until less than 2k players at peak , so sad for this , the east & west US server always have the most players ,but unfortunately when i play on south Asia server ,there never reach 50 players, sometimes less then 20, and i cant even play cuz no player at all.

Is there anything we can do to bring in more people to join this game, i think people keep quiting because they felt too hard to get the kill score and get bully by those elite player when competing.

check out this thread about hawken :http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2013/01/03/hawken-is-why-i-hope-free-to-play-isnt-the-future-of-video-games/2/

#2 Silverfire

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Posted May 23 2014 - 07:58 PM

You do know that Forbes article is like over a year old.

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#3 Silk_Sk

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Posted May 23 2014 - 08:41 PM

Yeah, and it wasn't accurate when it was written either.
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#4 Krellus

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Posted May 23 2014 - 09:09 PM

modify tech for no continuous heal, reduce grind further dramatically. that would be a great start.

#5 SGRock

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Posted May 23 2014 - 09:41 PM

Restart a marketing team.

Give out codes for Hawken, and Meteor Credits.
Give out codes for credit multiplier boosts.

Respond to trouble tickts.
Give out Hawken SWAG.
Run a twitter event that gives players a reason to follow and to invest time in the game (aka rewards).

Or keep going like it is and let it grind into the dirt and die.
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#6 Sylhiri

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Posted May 23 2014 - 09:51 PM

View PostSGRock, on May 23 2014 - 09:41 PM, said:

Restart a marketing team.

Give out codes for Hawken, and Meteor Credits.
Give out codes for credit multiplier boosts.

Respond to trouble tickts.
Give out Hawken SWAG.
Run a twitter event that gives players a reason to follow and to invest time in the game (aka rewards).

Or keep going like it is and let it grind into the dirt and die.

"Pay people to play our game" doesn't work as well as you think. Even if they throw all the new content they can at players the same thing will happen, the game needs substance. The gameplay we have now is too shallow and repetitive to keep people interested for more then a few days after a patch.

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[11:18] <+shosca> if you wanna play ar, go play zerker
[11:18] <Hyginos> and if you want to play zerker, go smc
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#7 Spliff_Craven

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Posted May 23 2014 - 10:58 PM

The lack of VOIP is killing the game.
No communication = frusterated players = leaving game for good.

General pilot incompetence is making it a huge issue.

Fix VOIP and the player retention will improve drastically and so will the game play.
{and fixing the west coast PING wouldn't hurt either}

Edited by Spliff_Craven, May 23 2014 - 10:59 PM.


#8 Odra

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Posted May 24 2014 - 12:50 AM

Com system that doesn't rely on VOIP *Reminisces on Starsiege Tribes*

At 50% completion of a match, if the losing team is getting stomped to hell give them a boost (%25 extra fuel, %25 Extra Damage), The boost becomes disabled when/if they close the gap.

Give a TF2 Promo *shudders as he types* but make requirements to earn it (two wins on each mode, one on Coop Bot Destruction)

Create a casual mode that attracts a large number of people, from that pool there are bound to be players who will stay.

Throw out the balancing system for a week and try the old tried-and-true:
"One to Prosk, one to Sentium, One to Prosk, one to Sentium, One to Prosk, one to Sentium,"
Just to see what happens

Edited by Odra, May 24 2014 - 12:51 AM.

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Keep this in mind whenever people talk about balance and nerfs.
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#9 Ehcin

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Posted May 24 2014 - 01:58 AM

I'd just like to point out that the May and June period is often an examamination period for those who are in high school, college and university.

Being in such a situation myself, I'm quite sure I'm not the only one who has considerable less playtime then usually is the case.
Ofcourse this is not applicable to everyone, but it is a factor that contributes to having less people playing.

#10 DEATHL0K

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Posted May 24 2014 - 02:52 AM

VOIP should be a priority for the developers, but it is not. Anyone who can gather a couple of friends using Teamspeak can completely dominate any team without. That's not cool. It is no fun playing as a deaf mute.

Eight maps. They're adding noodle cups and colored cross hairs, while the game has but eight maps. Total. For all game modes. Unbelievable.

The color grey. Only one map features an alternative to the neutral color palette. BORING!

Content worth buying. Recent changes addressed long-standing issues with paint schemes, but more work needs to be done. The game needs more custom mech emotes and graphic designs for an entire mech--not just the "head."

Hurry up and wait. Do we need a ten-second countdown before connecting to a server? Do we need the extended delays between rounds? No, we don't. It's all boring and a waste of time.

Edited by DEATHL0K, May 26 2014 - 08:53 AM.


#11 RunaPanda

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Posted May 24 2014 - 06:42 PM

View PostDEATHL0K, on May 24 2014 - 02:52 AM, said:

VOIP should be a priority for the developers, but it is not. Anyone who can gather a couple of friends using Teamspeak can completely dominate any team without. That's not cool. It is no fun playing as a deaf mute.

Eight maps. They're adding noodle cups and colored cross hairs, while the game has but eight maps. Total. For all game modes. Unbelievable.

The color grey. Only one map features an alternative to the neutral color palette. BORING!

Content worth buying. Recent changes addressed long-standing issues with pain schemes, but more work needs to be done. The game needs more custom mech emotes and graphic designs for an entire mech--not just the "head."

Hurry up and wait. Do we need a ten-second countdown before connecting to a server? Do we need the extended delays between rounds? No, we don't. It's all boring and a waste of time.
The VoIP isn't whats causing players to leave the most. After playing with a newbie account for a few hours getting into newbie games. The biggest complaint in a majority of matches was no variety in mechs. With the latest changes to sustained fire, a good majority of the new players assume Assaults, CR-Ts, zerkers, rocketeers bruisers, etc. Are as good as it gets because of the ease of learning curve for those mechs. For them they figure the best way to play is the easiest way, the majority of the "preferred" mechs just require no more than holding left click, tapping right click every 5~8 seconds, and dodging.

Because of this assumed to be low easy learning curve, when said players end up against more experienced players in different mechs aside from the ones they assume is "good" is when the game begins to turn sour. I've been called all sorts of explicitives in different languages, for using mechs outside of these newly made "niche mechs". Arguments almost always ending in "explicitive explicitive you cheat i'm quitting this explicitive game."

The extreme buff to sustained fire has made newcomers not wish to learn new mechs but rather to keep things simple. Making the game feel far to casual thus in combination with the level grind it's causing players to leave instead of stay.

Granted yes the lack of VoIP is modestly worrisome but it's not a huge issue since like you said, theres TeamSpeak and Mumble, hell there's even Ventrillo, some even do skype calls (now that group voice calls are free). But one also must take into consideration that not everyone in the world can take advantage of VoIP like the comment you made of being "deaf and mute". There are both deaf as well as mute players out there in the world, so just because these people can't participate in a voip. Your instantly grouping them as being worse players than those who can speak and hear. That also detracts from the overall welcoming nature this community tries to give.
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#12 DEATHL0K

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Posted May 26 2014 - 03:27 AM

View PostRunaPanda, on May 24 2014 - 06:42 PM, said:

Granted yes the lack of VoIP is modestly worrisome but it's not a huge issue since like you said, theres TeamSpeak and Mumble, hell there's even Ventrillo, some even do skype calls (now that group voice calls are free). But one also must take into consideration that not everyone in the world can take advantage of VoIP like the comment you made of being "deaf and mute". There are both deaf as well as mute players out there in the world, so just because these people can't participate in a voip. Your instantly grouping them as being worse players than those who can speak and hear. That also detracts from the overall welcoming nature this community tries to give.

I tried to find where I wrote that deaf or mute players are somehow unskilled, but could not. Because you just made that detail up yourself. Because you like to troll me for some strange reason. In fact, you were so keen to troll me that you didn't bother with grammar or spelling.

It's nice having a fan, but you could do better. So do better. Find someone more important to troll.

Contagion is a game created by a few guys working out of someone's basement, yet it manages a functioning VOIP. I can't think of a squad-based online shooter that doesn't have VOIP. Finally, TeamSpeak, Mumble, and Ventrillo aren't viable options for connecting complete strangers assigned randomly to an online match; "Use something else," is no practical alternative whatsoever.

#13 palad1ne

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Posted May 26 2014 - 04:46 AM

View PostKrellus, on May 23 2014 - 09:09 PM, said:

modify tech for no continuous heal, reduce grind further dramatically. that would be a great start.

One little adjustments could help to balance the Tech.

-remove sticky beam. medic has to aim at the object he want to heal. Also shooting and healing will be not possible anymore.

on little step further.

#14 RunaPanda

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Posted May 26 2014 - 08:09 AM

View PostDEATHL0K, on May 26 2014 - 03:27 AM, said:

View PostRunaPanda, on May 24 2014 - 06:42 PM, said:

Granted yes the lack of VoIP is modestly worrisome but it's not a huge issue since like you said, theres TeamSpeak and Mumble, hell there's even Ventrillo, some even do skype calls (now that group voice calls are free). But one also must take into consideration that not everyone in the world can take advantage of VoIP like the comment you made of being "deaf and mute". There are both deaf as well as mute players out there in the world, so just because these people can't participate in a voip. Your instantly grouping them as being worse players than those who can speak and hear. That also detracts from the overall welcoming nature this community tries to give.

I tried to find where I wrote that deaf or mute players are somehow unskilled, but could not. Because you just made that detail up yourself. Because you like to troll me for some strange reason. In fact, you were so keen to troll me that you didn't bother with grammar or spelling.

It's nice having a fan, but you could do better. So do better. Find someone more important to troll.

Contagion is a game created by a few guys working out of someone's basement, yet it manages a functioning VOIP. I can't think of a squad-based online shooter that doesn't have VOIP. Finally, TeamSpeak, Mumble, and Ventrillo aren't viable options for connecting complete strangers assigned randomly to an online match; "Use something else," is no practical alternative whatsoever.
Your insisting they have no fun because their not included into groups and teams. Usually those who don't VOIP are often times ridiculed for it. I was purely pertaining to the team/group/clan aspect not the solo aspect. You completely overseen the perspective I was mentioning, you clearly stated "It's no fun to play deaf and mute". I brought up well what about those who are disabled in those aspects, and instead of branching off from that you assumed I was trolling which I wasn't.
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#15 The_Silencer

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Posted May 26 2014 - 08:28 AM

Guys, spread the word.

Every player to who I do recommend the game ends up flipping out or allucinating with the inherent and distinctiveness factors of this game. Probably a matter of publicity at this moment/stage plus a bunch of casuals getting in and out for who knows what reasons... *shrugs*. But the game rocks, that's a BIG FAT FACT.

Next?

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#16 Terr_

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Posted May 26 2014 - 11:49 AM

1. Improve team-balancing

Nothing drives players away like getting totally stomped. (Note, this is NOT the same as improving MMR.)
  • Make the game quicker to move people between teams
  • Allow 5v7 and 4v8 games if necessary to keep teams balanced
  • As a last resort, handicap players who are too good.
2. Make test-drives more granular

Change test-drives so that one of the three mechs change every 2-3 days, rather than changing all three every week. This will keep players more engaged by increasing how often something new comes up.

3. Add missing training materials

VR training must teach about what does (and doesn't) show you on radar. It's non-obvious and hard to test independently, so a lot of players are probably getting killed and going: "WTF? HAX?"

4. Heal the MMR segregation

High-MMR players should have the option to voluntarily "handicap" themselves in order to join low-MMR servers, without having to make a smurf account. While they are playing against lower-MMC enemies, they will have small nerfs like higher heat generation or slower speeds.

To compensate, these players will get some sort of XP or HC bonus at the end of the round.

5. Fix matchmaking to be multi-region

The problem is a vicious cycle, where a region has few games and then everyone else changes their region. This leads to everyone in a few places, mostly with crappy ping. Nobody ever goes back  because every time they individually try they are all alone.
  • Allow people to rank their preferred regions (e.g. US-West, US-Central, US-East, etc.
  • Allow people to pick a personal "Region importance" of Low, Medium, or High.
  • Use these values to guide the matchmaking system as it automatically checks regions in-order.
The important thing about this is that it allows populations to eventually return to their "proper" region, because every time they matchmake they have a higher chance of connecting with someone else who also wants that region.

Edited by Terr_, May 26 2014 - 12:03 PM.


#17 camtheking20

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Posted May 26 2014 - 02:50 PM

View PostDEATHL0K, on May 24 2014 - 02:52 AM, said:

VOIP should be a priority for the developers, but it is not. Anyone who can gather a couple of friends using Teamspeak can completely dominate any team without. That's not cool. It is no fun playing as a deaf mute.

Eight maps. They're adding noodle cups and colored cross hairs, while the game has but eight maps. Total. For all game modes. Unbelievable.

The color grey. Only one map features an alternative to the neutral color palette. BORING!

Content worth buying. Recent changes addressed long-standing issues with paint schemes, but more work needs to be done. The game needs more custom mech emotes and graphic designs for an entire mech--not just the "head."

Hurry up and wait. Do we need a ten-second countdown before connecting to a server? Do we need the extended delays between rounds? No, we don't. It's all boring and a waste of time.

I disagree with every thing but last sentence love the colour pallet don't hurt my eyes and the noodles; sine of grandness

#18 teeth_03

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Posted May 26 2014 - 03:50 PM

Too much grind and not enough upgrade options

New players might look past minor game play issues if they can purchase and upgrade sooner, and the 3 weapon limitations per mech might be a turn off. I think in reality, we should have had less mechs with more upgrade options (secondary weapon choice).

Everything costs too much money/points, new players can't be bothered to grind this much. You and me might not care, but its the people who casually play and don't post on forums that you need to appeal to.

More upgrade options, and less grinding

#19 BigLag

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Posted May 26 2014 - 08:47 PM

View Postteeth_03, on May 26 2014 - 03:50 PM, said:

Too much grind and not enough upgrade options

New players might look past minor game play issues if they can purchase and upgrade sooner, and the 3 weapon limitations per mech might be a turn off. I think in reality, we should have had less mechs with more upgrade options (secondary weapon choice).

Everything costs too much money/points, new players can't be bothered to grind this much. You and me might not care, but its the people who casually play and don't post on forums that you need to appeal to.

More upgrade options, and less grinding


I would tend to agree.this game has elements of RPG (leveling, achievment, etc) mixed with fps.

however the way it's implemented Is a bit confusing after they ripped out tuning.

also I'd like to ask why mech leveling is so important to the game experience and what would be the negative impact of allowing alt and prestige weapons immediately.

Much of this games is designed around a human compulsion / manipulation models in an attempt to get people to play more.

When tied to pay incentives, it becomes a potentally potent and proven way to encourage players to spend money on things  they think they need right now. Make no mistake, this is a proven method to model human behavior... in essence a form of manipulation(eg. skinner box)

Some are ok with it and others dont even know they are being maneuvered.

In hawken's case the cost is not balanced well to percived value, so impulse purchases turn into deliberate and thought out actions, which opens the door to talk yourself out of spending money.

Edited by BigLag, May 26 2014 - 08:54 PM.


#20 Xarian_Prime

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Posted May 27 2014 - 05:58 AM

Having only played for a short time.. i feel im in a good position to relay the things that were "off putting"

Keep in mind ive gamed for over 25 years.. and i myself don't mind a grind.. nor supporting a game with $$.. i understand the cycle.

Ok.. a few things, right from the bottom of the pack.. some of my 1st *gates* i hit.

1. Fred.. I love fred.. now, but for a few (first) days i hated my TV on legs.. I felt gimped and poxy. I had no idea Fred was the fuzzy bunny, I felt i was forced into a mech, forced into being a B class nooblet... i longed for the A/C classes.. frustration rose as i was stomped on by Inc's and Reapers.. I endured... many wouldn't.

2. This was pre May patch, so internals and items.. that cost more than a mech.. were seriously now on the back burner.. it's better now but still after a few weeks i feel the tug of war inside as i try to decide how to spend my creds.. latley thats a even harder choice as it's taking ages to just win a match.. (see point 3) the main problem being if i buy a item.. and i buy wrong.. im stuck with it on THAT mech.. i can't add it to a pool and hopefully get use out of it later.. so i need to spend far more time scouring the forums for info.. and less time actually playing.. this leads to undue frustration and alot of buyers remorse (both bad things if your trying to keep a playerbase and encorage further real money spending)

3. Matchmaking.. sigh.. yeah.. Your locked out of the sever selection till you've done a few matches.. i got lucky on my 1st account.. this was pretty smooth.. but when i made this one (a few days back) it was hell.. and i mean TOTAL HELL.. had i not had a few weeks under my belt on another account.. i may have left it there. I was being stomped on by lvl30 pilots in fully kitted out mechs.. In my 1st hour, it was beyond brutal. This needs to be fixed.. and fast.. I enjoyed it.. as i wasn't trying to win just unlock the server selection.. but then agian.. im slighly insane.. im the guy that pushes i love to run distraction.. i love chaos.. many... many nooblets DO NOT play like me.. nor enjoy the brutal crushing defeat of being handed your behind by better players, im old.. and slighty wiser than most.. slightly.. death is exp .. im old school.. these kiddo's are not.. these kiddos have tons of choice.. i chose hawken (and im loyal.. lol, to a fault)

4. VOIP, and those that can't use it.. i don't mean "won't" i mean cannot.. they leave it on and stream thier bedroom..breathing.. everything, by default it's "on" even i messed up there as i have an external MP3 player (saving cycles kiddos..) and steam thinks thats my mic.. grr.. it's a small issue.. but it's a BIG annoyance. Then there's the ones that demand you have it.. but that's been adressed.. although it brings me to my final point..

5. Trolls and manners... there's a ratio latley of about 1/24 that 1.. will basicly cause the room to vacate after a match.. we have no way to report them.. we dont even know if there's anyone to report them to.. and im not talking about harmless banter or sporty sledging.. im talking full blown abuse. It's sad when i see so many of you with a great sence of game.. only to have to endure trolly mc abuso have a field day becuse they think they are untouchable.

6. Noone want to die in the AA with me..... i feel this is a MMR thing.. i dont know i dont care about my MMR.. i care more about messing up that huddled little cuddle club of enemy C classes sitting inside the box i want my team in.. I do my part, I cause distraction and chaos.. half thier HP is gone.. now is the time to push as the huddle is a broken behive.. but no.. as i respawn i see at least 3 of my team standing there either shootng the ship (in some cases.. thats ok..) or worse still..just standing there, being a mushroom.. posibly send by Sentium to lure us into thinking we have a full team.. when in reality.. we have a team of 3... we need vote/kick.. or similar.. and reprecusions for abuse of it.. maybe a auto kick if you've mushroomed out on your team.. it's a problem im seeing more of on both accounts. If i stop after i spawn and start firing at YOU.. take that as a note for further use.. i may simply refuse to heal you.. or ignore you.. or let you die when i could have saved you.. mark my words.. till it's fixxed.. i will make sure your MMR falls to 0... yeah.. 6.

This post isn't a troll.. it's the word from the dark bottom of the MMR barrel.. the nooblet news if you will.. Hawken's great.. it COULD be Awesome.. if just some of the above is adressed in a mature and gamer centric manner.

Chow.




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