245 replies to this topic

[CZeroFive]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAWKEN!

 

What a journey it�s been for us. Four years ago on this day, Hawken for PC was launched. The game�s been through a lot. Hawken has changed hands on multiple occasions, through several developers and publishers, and has a ton of history behind it. Communities have grown, friendships have been built, and coolest of all, the game somehow survived even after all it�s been through.

Hawken was first announced to be �still alive� and acquired by Reloaded on March 14, 2015 - a time when most thought the game was no more. Players were thrilled to see some changes to Hawken for PC, around the same time, the initial talks of Hawken for modern consoles was talked about and researched some time after.

We�re planning on some really cool stuff for 2017 in Hawken. Yes, I know that meme has been beaten to death, and �2017 Will Be a Really Good Year for Hawken�� but we honestly think that the stuff we are putting together will restore some confidence to the PC playerbase and improve the health of all platforms in general.

There will be mainly retention-focused updates - things that will make you want to play Hawken more, instead of tossing it to the wayside. We will also be putting in additional polish to the new player experience, more internals, new Mechs, new primary weapon options, new cosmetics, and more. And eventually - the PC relaunch will happen with all of the goodies from consoles. Pretty cool, right?

Oh - one thing we are rolling out soon:

Matchmaking Range Adjustments, but with a MMR high/low-end cutoff.

You will be able to join servers that are x (number to be determined per platform) or higher MMR regardless of your individual matchmaking rating. We feel as though this adjustment will improve the experience for all players in Hawken as the playerbase is not big enough to support huge MMR differentials at this time. Please note that this will apply to the server browser and matchmaking queue, though you may encounter some issues joining servers that are below the cutoff through the server browser. This matchmaking update will be going live on XB1/PS4/PC and will simply �just happen�. So if you notice you can join more games, that�s why!

Lastly, we have some more cosmetics coming in the following weeks - be on the lookout for the return of the Chinese New Year cosmetics on PC, and be on the lookout for more holiday cheer coming your way to consoles very soon.

Until next time,
c05

Edited by CZeroFive, 12 December 2016 - 05:12 PM.

[Shadeness]

Merry Christmas CZ5.

 

Make it +-1500 MMR or you'll just end up with more alt accounts (or people just not being able to join servers once they've reached (avgServerMMR + threshold = 1800).

 

Focus on keeping players in servers instead of in matchmaking. Give bonus xp/hp for playing two consecutive maps on a server. Rotate game modes. Add a map+gamemode vote at the end of a match (eg: CS:GO / TF2 / every other mmofps). Right now, just rotating maps might create the illusion of new content because there are never any MA/DM/SG maps.

Edited by Shadeness, 12 December 2016 - 05:19 PM.

[CZeroFive]

Merry Christmas CZ5.

 

Make it +-1500 MMR or you'll just end up with more alt accounts (or people just not being able to join servers once they've reached 1800).

 

I should clarify the number in this case will not be a number that stops MMR from increasing, but instead a number that lets you join any server that is that number or higher.

 

So if you're 1650, and the number is set to 1800, you would be able to join 1800 or higher servers all the time through the matchmaker or the browser. The matchmaker will still do its range expanding stuff, so if the only players online are 1450 or so, you will expand eventually to those servers and be able to join them like it's set up to do now. You cannot join those servers instantly though. It's just an arbitrary number that is set currently to allow for a 'high skill' MMR number so players can actually get into a match.

Edited by CZeroFive, 12 December 2016 - 05:21 PM.

[CZeroFive]

Focus on keeping players in servers instead of in matchmaking. Give bonus xp/hp for playing two consecutive maps on a server. Rotate game modes. Add a map+gamemode vote at the end of a match (eg: CS:GO / TF2 / every other mmofps). Right now, just rotating maps might create the illusion of new content because there are never any MA/DM/SG maps.

 

Those kind of bonuses, incentives, and other retention based stuff are what we're going to be focusing on in the new year and beyond. The MMR change is not technically part of those efforts, but something we're trying out to see the results of since it's entirely serversided on how that functions. There is a strong case for doing this on console moreso than PC based on data we've collected and analyzed.

Edited by CZeroFive, 12 December 2016 - 05:22 PM.

[6ixxer]

Good that we can now choose to join servers above our fitness via the browser.

There used to be times when I had to join a server before all the 2100+ players got in an increased the average so that I couldn't join. Will also help with events that haven't been running due to not having MMR unlocked servers available.

 

If it is possible, having a tutorial more like the old one that has had videos posted will help better prepare new pilots before they are fed to the wolves (and also the move to force initial matches post tutorial to be vs bots)

Edited by 6ixxer, 12 December 2016 - 05:26 PM.

[CZeroFive]

Good that we can now choose to join servers above our fitness via the browser.

There used to be times when I had to join a server before all the 2100+ players got in an increased the average so that I couldn't join.

 

That's correct, if you're 1250 and you want to join a 2800 server - you will be able to do that. Just not the other way around, of course.

[WmMoneyFrmMissouri]

I believe also that today is the day that my friend and yours, DieselCat has retired from the workforce.

[Call_Me_Ishmael]

^  that's pretty cool.  I have 20 more years until I can retire (at 71).

 

Glad to hear it all, C05

[SS396]

 

Lastly, we have some more cosmetics coming in the following weeks - be on the lookout for the return of the Chinese New Year cosmetics on PC, and be on the lookout for more holiday cheer coming your way to consoles very soon.
 

 

Hrmm, are you planning on just re-releasing the old Chinese New Year dragon skin or are you releasing a new Chinese New Year themed skin?

 

The reason why I ask is because it seems pretty silly to re-release the old skin which was from the year of the dragon and the upcoming celebration is going to be the year of the rooster.  The year of the dragon doesn't happen again until February 10, 2024, and to celebrate it now just seems out of place and touch.

 

There was already a huge facepalm when that Chinese New Year dragon skin was first released because the year of the dragon was officially over when ADH released it back in 2013.  Much of the population didn't even realize that fact either.

 

#yearoftherooster != yearofthedragon

[PsychedelicGrass]

Hrmm, are you planning on just re-releasing the old Chinese New Year dragon skin or are you releasing a new Chinese New Year themed skin?

The reason why I ask is because it seems pretty silly to re-release the old skin which was from the year of the dragon and the upcoming celebration is going to be the year of the rooster. The year of the dragon doesn't happen again until February 10, 2024, and to celebrate it now just seems out of place and touch.

There was already a huge facepalm when that Chinese New Year dragon skin was first released because the year of the dragon was officially over when ADH released it back in 2013. Much of the population didn't even realize that fact either.

#yearoftherooster != yearofthedragon

Oh shut up who cares we just want more cosmetics


The dragon one especially because it's sexy

Like are you being serious or is this just bait? I'm hoping it's the latter tbh, it pains me to think you're being serious.

Edited by PsychedelicGrass, 12 December 2016 - 08:37 PM.

[CZeroFive]

Hrmm, are you planning on just re-releasing the old Chinese New Year dragon skin or are you releasing a new Chinese New Year themed skin?

 

The reason why I ask is because it seems pretty silly to re-release the old skin which was from the year of the dragon and the upcoming celebration is going to be the year of the rooster.  The year of the dragon doesn't happen again until February 10, 2024, and to celebrate it now just seems out of place and touch.

 

There was already a huge facepalm when that Chinese New Year dragon skin was first released because the year of the dragon was officially over when ADH released it back in 2013.  Much of the population didn't even realize that fact either.

 

#yearoftherooster != yearofthedragon

 

It's probably going to be the old ones. We wanted to do something for the PC players within realms of possibility, and that's what we can do until the relaunch.

[Merl61]

That's correct, if you're 1250 and you want to join a 2800 server - you will be able to do that. Just not the other way around, of course.

A 1250 player ruins a 2400+ server just as much if not more than a 2400 ruins a 1600 lobby.

[coldform]

A 1250 player ruins a 2400+ server just as much if not more than a 2400 ruins a 1600 lobby.

I doubt a new 1250 player will stick around long enough to have an effect. A smurf at 1250 will (underdog bonus).

[SS396]

It's probably going to be the old ones. We wanted to do something for the PC players within realms of possibility, and that's what we can do until the relaunch.

 

Then just flip the switch and make it available then, simultaneously shitting on all those old players who originally purchased the skin as a limited one time only release but don't try to make it relevant to a 2017 Chinese New Year release because it isn't.

[Meraple]

I doubt a new 1250 player will stick around long enough to have an effect. A smurf at 1250 will (underdog bonus).

I've seen it have a negative effect way too many times.

Having to explain things every single time (why the newbie is in the high-mmr server, how to get into low-mmr servers, that not everyone's hacking, being nice, etc.) really tired me.

After a while I began wondering why I even bothered instead of just killing them over and over.

I suppose it's because nobody else would do it and I'd feel bad if I didn't do anything to help.

 

 

A 1250 player ruins a 2400+ server just as much if not more than a 2400 ruins a 1600 lobby.

I'd love servers that only players of over a certain MMR could join, for this reason.

Edited by Meraple, 12 December 2016 - 09:45 PM.

[William_Adama]

hahaha I was thinking the same thing merl61, it would create 1 sided game if there are too many low MMR on 1 team I mean time you get into 2400+ MMR at that point you'll only see scouts yup great diversity in mechs =p ........ edit would it be asking too much for 12vs12 back that was fun

Edited by William_Adama, 12 December 2016 - 11:20 PM.

[CZeroFive]

You can always queue and it'll try and match you in an optimal server around your MMR. The matchmaker won't go out of its way to put you in bad servers.

[dorobo]

[DingdongJR]

We�re planning on some really cool stuff for 2017 in Hawken

 

"Welcome to HAWKEN. After 9 Years of development, Hopefully it would have been worth the wait. Thanks and have fun." -CZeroFive

Edited by DingdongJR, 12 December 2016 - 11:59 PM.

[Guns_N_Rozer]

how about game optimization ?  will it release under the same engine or some thing will change ?  

[DallasCreeper]

Hrmm, are you planning on just re-releasing the old Chinese New Year dragon skin or are you releasing a new Chinese New Year themed skin?

Why not both?

[ARCH3TYP3]

I doubt a new 1250 player will stick around long enough to have an effect...

But their joining and leaving a higher MMR game is equally disruptive and frustrating.

I think we're all in agreement that a population boost (hopefully to occur in February) is the only real way to solve this issue.

[Dr_Freeze001]

Here's the thing about low MMR players joining high MMR games: it's pretty much all we do any more at KDR. We opened up both the UVW and KDR Sunday scrim servers and just play every Wednesday and Sunday. Most of those times, after a few minutes, we have 14+ players, with vastly different skill levels. For someone like me it's wonderful because I'm mid-tier+ (try and figure that one out), and we almost always have very close and balanced games.

 

This is, I believe, because private servers don't have the current mmr limit, and so is available to everyone. The more the merrier.

 

It is true that I only play on those servers and at those times, but hey, that's just, like, my opinion, man.

Edited by Dr_Freeze001, 13 December 2016 - 05:15 AM.

[HOHOHOSANTA]

Upon the number system, how does one connect uneven teams without atleast one low mmr player in it to even teams out. There is only so many players 2200+ and when I say low I mean atleast 1800 averaged not a 1250 player.

Also can we have penalties of some sort for those who leave games in the middle of the game just because they're losing.

Edited by HOHOHOSANTA, 13 December 2016 - 05:35 AM.

[harmless_kittens]

Do you plan to shorten the time in between matches?

[wischatesjesus]

I'd love servers that only players of over a certain MMR could join, for this reason.

 

Newbie/milge queues would be great, but I think this is something that need to wait until the MM has more than a handful of players to toss around.

 

I would be surprised if the matchmaker has had more than 20 total players simultaneously in queue in the last year.

[CrimsonKaim]

Can I finally get my mech back? Your efforts had zero effect and the second ticket hasn't been answered ... after 20 days ..

 

Cool thing if you manage to make me want to play hawken again. The issue is I currently can not play Hawken as my (main) mech is missing oh my gawdh! Where is it?!

[Luaq]

Nice post even though it's not what I wished for.



But there is still time for NEGOTIATIONS

Spoiler

This upcoming PC patch with all the console's content that will be coming "shortly" is no news but more a reminder. We already knew the content from console would be there once pc patch would come out so what I'm asking is give us at least the MC amount worth of buying one item from each sections there is. Such as at least one camo amongst the new camos. Enough mc for a new cockpit decoration section. Enough for one mech part customization. I mean. We've been waiting for so long AND EVEN teased to a point that it almost felt like trolling since the console's release have been up. I don't know how much one camo+one cockpit deco+ one mech part adds to, but it would be nice for all PC players to receive a promo code "THANKSFORBELIEVING" that would give us a respectable and modest amount of MC just for being good patient dogs like we've been even though we kindda barked a lot lately. You know. Just a good treat that will give us a bond boost and we'll be following reloaded like we never did before. Even react to some suggestive words like "Sit" "barrelroll" and "Givemepaw".

Edited by Luaq, 13 December 2016 - 09:19 AM.

[007eleven]

Nice post even though it's not what I wished for.



But there is still time for NEGOTIATIONS

Spoiler

This upcoming PC patch with all the console's content that will be coming "shortly" is no news but more a reminder. We already knew the content from console would be there once pc patch would come out so what I'm asking is give us at least the MC amount worth of buying one item from each sections there is. Such as at least one camo amongst the new camos. Enough mc for a new cockpit decoration section. Enough for one mech part customization. I mean. We've been waiting for so long AND EVEN teased to a point that it almost felt like trolling since the console's release have been up. I don't know how much one camo+one cockpit deco+ one mech part adds to, but it would be nice for all PC players to receive a promo code "THANKSFORBELIEVING" that would give us a respectable and modest amount of MC just for being good patient dogs like we've been even though we kindda barked a lot lately. You know. Just a good treat that will give us a bond boost and we'll be following reloaded like we never did before. Even react to some suggestive words like "Sit" "barrelroll" and "Givemepaw".

[007eleven]

I'm hopeful. show me what ya got devs. Hit me with your best shot

Edited by 007eleven, 13 December 2016 - 09:45 AM.

[007eleven]

Also how do I check mmr again? I remember diesel telling me while back, but I forgot.

[DallasCreeper]

Also how do I check mmr again? I remember diesel telling me while back, but I forgot.

Are you friends with Scrimbot? If not, add ScrimBot to your friends list. Then type mmr to ScrimBot.

[SS396]

Why not both?

 

Well there are quite a few reasons to not release it.  It is not exactly a good thing to veteran players that already own the skin for one thing.  The old Dragon skin was part of the "Hearts of fire" event that was released in February of 2013 which just happened to be listed as a limited time offer.  If Ashfires mirror went back that far I'd post the info of the event from the mirror but the Facebook event will just have to do.  This is no different than the whole Vanguard Initiative argument where one side wants Reloaded to re-release it, and the other wants them to honor ADH's original promises.

 

So really what I personally think Reloaded should do is not re-release skins/mechs that were tied to limited time offers but create NEW skins to release, yes BRAND NEW, something not created by the ADH art team 3+ years ago.  I realize that requires significantly more effort than just flipping a switch, sitting back and watching the money roll in by itself, but that is just my thoughts on the subject.

[EM1O]

That's correct, if you're 1250 and you want to join a 2800 server - you will be able to do that. Just not the other way around, of course.

this is originally why i created smurfs (default noob was 1500), so i could join TAW events--i profoundly sucked and my account was right around 1052mmr, which meant if i wanted to play, i had to be the first in the server. 

considering this account swings 20 to 50 mmr per match now. . . winning is great, losing, not so great. 

 

+1

[EM1O]

Well there are quite a few reasons to not release it.  It is not exactly a good thing to veteran players that already own the skin for one thing.  The old Dragon skin was part of the "Hearts of fire" event that was released in February of 2013 which just happened to be listed as a limited time offer.  If Ashfires mirror went back that far I'd post the info of the event from the mirror but the Facebook event will just have to do.  This is no different than the whole Vanguard Initiative argument where one side wants Reloaded to re-release it, and the other wants them to honor ADH's original promises.

 

So really what I personally think Reloaded should do is not re-release skins/mechs that were tied to limited time offers but create NEW skins to release, yes BRAND NEW, something not created by the ADH art team 3+ years ago.  I realize that requires significantly more effort than just flipping a switch, sitting back and watching the money roll in by itself, but that is just my thoughts on the subject.

the arguments mentioned involved a fund raising drive linked to hork-nose mechs, skins, pilot emblems, and thrusters for exorbitant amounts of cash for the V.I.  there was no such connection to the dragon skin, any more than the "limited time offer" of any other items which have already hit the store. it was just another item for revenue and can again fit the concept as another limited or unlimited time offer; thus the comparisons are not relevant.

 

what i suggested elsewhere as a new skin for the "believers/good doggies" (as posted above), a pre-release candidate Open Beta limited time sale for those that Stuck It Out.  snob-appeal skin

Edited by EM1O, 13 December 2016 - 03:06 PM.

[CZeroFive]

So really what I personally think Reloaded should do is not re-release skins/mechs that were tied to limited time offers but create NEW skins to release, yes BRAND NEW, something not created by the ADH art team 3+ years ago.  I realize that requires significantly more effort than just flipping a switch, sitting back and watching the money roll in by itself, but that is just my thoughts on the subject.

 

We'd love to release new content with new art assets for PC, but that's just not possible on the PC right now as we're in a code freeze until the next major PC update. I think that horse has been beat to death and repeated over plenty of times now. It's not that we can't, or won't release new art... it's just Unreal 3 (and Hawken specifically) isn't set up in a way to incrementally add art assets like that to the game without a new build.

 

And if we waste time on that, when it comes time to relaunch PC, we will have to do code merging, database cleanup, and more.  Especially with a smaller team - it will be a lot of effort for very minimal return short term. We're thinking long term here, and the best long term option is to just kind of maintain PC until the relaunch is ready.

[WmMoneyFrmMissouri]

Thanks Czero. I'm sure the overwhelming majority of us will take whatever you can toss us at this point. Thank you for the effort. Now release the skins ! ;)

Edited by WmMoneyFrmMissouri, 13 December 2016 - 04:14 PM.

[6ixxer]

...and the best long term option is to just kind of maintain PC until the relaunch is ready.

...and to develop & hold back some content that won't first get worn out on Console release before the PC re-launch (PLEASE).

by that I mean, when it comes to PC re-release, can you please strongly suggest to the powers that be, that it coincides with a new map and mech, etc that wont be on console prior, just to make sure we get some PC pilots returning for some genuinely new content.

PC players currently feel like they've just inherited an older step-family who gets all the cool stuff and we get crumbs of whats left. Its a bit of a Cinderella story I suppose. We get told we'll enjoy the crumbs when we eventually get them. As the youngest of 4 boys in my family the best times were when I got something new myself.

Cheers,
6ixxer

[Merl61]

...and to develop & hold back some content that won't first get worn out on Console release before the PC re-launch (PLEASE).

by that I mean, when it comes to PC re-release, can you please strongly suggest to the powers that be, that it coincides with a new map and mech, etc that wont be on console prior, just to make sure we get some PC pilots returning for some genuinely new content.

PC players currently feel like they've just inherited an older step-family who gets all the cool stuff and we get crumbs of whats left. Its a bit of a Cinderella story I suppose. We get told we'll enjoy the crumbs when we eventually get them. As the youngest of 4 boys in my family the best times were when I got something new myself.

Cheers,
6ixxer

Except Howken is garbo. 

[Amidatelion]

Except Howken is garbo.

Ehn. It's a mixed bag. It definitely will need improvements before hitting PC, but at least two of the mechs aren't utter fuzz, orblord is more balanced and the new shock item has serious potential. The flattened item and internal system also helps allay p2w notions.

A massive masterpost will be coming from me hopefully before the new year about everything that Howken does wrong and how to improve it for PC, as well as pitfalls generated by this new direction Reloaded seems to be going. The absolute last thing I want to see is simultaneous releases across platforms, because that MURDERS PC population.