Make it BIGGER

[Tryp]

I have loved the whole MW/BT universe since the introduction of MW2. I didn't participate in any of the board games - didn't know they existed.

MWLL is a reincarnation of what I think is the best sim in the history of computer games. But it can be better. How? You ask. Introduce aspects into the game that will expand the player base. There is a vast population of computer gamers out there that simply drools for a well-produced version of the MW/BT universe. MWLL should be that that game.

Expanding the player base does three things: 1) It engenders a tremendous buzz within the computer gaming community that would cause an explosion in the number of players on the servers. We all want more players on more servers, don't we? 2) Having a larger player base would certainly lead to a greater number of folks with the requisite programming sklls who would volunteer their time to help develop the game further. 3) I'm sure that increasing the player/developer base (and the resulting buzz within the community) would attract the attention of companies looking for programmers. In short, MWLL could become an avenue for career advancement for developers.

Now to the sticky part of my post. I have done an exhaustive, very unscientific study of posts relating to a mechlab within the game. It's clear that there is very strong opinion on both sides of this issue. But, those wanting a mechlab outnumber those against it by approx. 4 to 1.

However, we could have it both ways! Set up the code such that a server admin would have the option to include or not include a mechlab on his/her server.

What think you, Devs?

Anyone else? Please keep it civil.

Best regards, Tryp

[CGB [CoffiNail]]

*sighs* another one of these. No offense but if you did your research well enough to find out the demand it 4 to 1, you would also know the reasons behind why it is slated for nearer to 'release'.

Mechlab will be coming, as well a lot of people want it... but the DEVs have stated many times, they wish for many more features and assets to be finalized and ready as well as balanced.

With balance changing each version release the devs then need to worry about the previous custom mechs, and people QQing due to their uber great mech now being a hunk of crap due to this or that reason, they have a lot more work they want to put in to ready the mod before they have any intention on give us a mechlab.

[Rally]

I think you're just speculating.

A vast population holding back just because there is no mechlab? Really? I'm sure some exist but do you have data or research to back it up? Please show me.

But having a mechlab soon would make me really happy. Can't wait to try the 12 laser Madcat!

Anyway, you should check the DEV interview posted on the front page, it contains some bits of info on a future MWLL mechlab implementation.

[Tryp]

Maybe the responders should really read what I stated  throughout my post - yes, there are many people who are for & against the idea of a mechlab. But consider what adding a properly coded mechlab could do for the popularity and increase in attendance on the servers. There are many comments on this board about the fact that ,generally, only two servers are heavily populated most days/nights. Would the addition of a mechlab not increase the online population?

Sigh...(respectfully) I wish folks gave things a little more thought before handing out their opinions. 

Best regards, Tryp

[Ressk [CSF]]

i think i prefer the "lets wait and see what the devgods grant us" approach instead of the "lets make another post about something that has been posted about enough that we could make a ratio out of it"

[CGB [CoffiNail]]

But having a mechlab soon would make me really happy. Can't wait to try the 12 laser Madcat!

THIS is why the mechlab is taking time, why we will not see it soon, and why I personally am not too sure I really want it.  All you will see are boats, things spouting the same damn weapon.  Mechlab is awesome for single player, but it breaks the game in multiplayer.  Right now for the most you have mechs that have an assortment of weapons, that make you have to think a bit because your med laser, srms, and AC do not all shoot the same spot when alpha striked, unless you are that close.

Mechlab, I hope is not implemented until a much later time frame... MUCH later.

@Tryp, I read your whole post and understood it.  You feel a mechlab would draw more players, and it might draw more.  But then the balance of the mechs gets tossed out to shit as all you will see are medium lasers and heat sinks on mechs, maybe 1 or 2 with 8 lrm 10s or 5 erppcs... I love this mod as it actually requires skill, mechlab makes the game who can have the more electric and cooled mech.

[Ressk [CSF]]

+1 coffinail

[Virt]

+2 Coffinnail.

I used to think MechLab would be a no-brainer must-have.  Now I think it could break the game, unless it's introduced with all sorts of restrictions which stop min/maxing.

[Atomos Darksun]

+3 Virt

Also again, how many people are not playing the mod because of the missing mech-lab?  honestly?

And do we really want them here?

[Ressk [CSF]]

+1 Atomos Darksun

[doorknob]

Tryp, as stated by another poster, and also by KingLeerUK in the interview I did, when the MechLab is introduced (much closer to 1.0.0 than 0.6.0) there will be a setting such that server admins can force stock variants only, or allow MechLab variants. The devs are listening to the continuing conversation about the possibilities inherent in the MechLab, and they have as many if not more concerns than the rest of the community about its implementation. That they are taking it slow is a good thing, I think.

My further opinion that no one asked for: Introduction of the MechLab will result in massive and fundamental changes in how the game is played, and quite probably rip apart the already fragile balance of assets. With that in mind, it makes a lot more sense (to me, at least) to make sure that everything else (and I do mean everything else) you want to have in the game is already in the game, and working properly. Then, and only then, should you put in the thing that is potentially going to mess up all of the work that came before.

[Tryp]

There has been no recent conversation that I can find with the devs suggesting that a mechlab is in the works for the near future (release 0.6 or 0.7). What I do hear, always ingame, is that the devs' comments about "balancing the game and introducing new features" prior to introduction of a mechlab is nothing more than a red herring...the hope on the devs' part being that maybe if they put it off long enough that people will forget about it. This ingame comment usually precedes the opinion that the devs have an "elitist" attitude - that the only real MW game is the one that includes canon based mechs & variants.

The complaint that boaters will break the game is a nonstarter. I played MW4 in both pub games and NBT & Mechwarrior Leagues drops for close to 4 years. Yes. There were pub groups and teams who attempted boating. The whiners would leave the pub games, then the real players banded together and worked counter strategies to wipe the boaters off the map. In the NBT drops the same thing happened. Teams who boated developed a reputation for it, and teams who would compete against them created strategies to counter the boaters. The net effect over time was that the boater teams, realizing their failure, fell apart and disappeared.

I really didn't want to get involved in a discussion why mechlab should or shouldn't be included in MWLL. The devs have already stated that it will come to the game. I accept that at face value. My intention was to make the devs aware of a path for the success of the game they may not have considered - that introduction of mechlab may propel the popularity of the game to greater heights...and, at the same time, give them access to more programmers with the skillsets needed to REALLY make MWLL and their careers take off.

Best regards,
Tryp

[xDeityx]

I'm sure the devs will place immediate priority on the 'mechlab in light of this post.  Thank you for your contribution.

[thEClaw]

I would love to see a 'Mechlab that does not allow you to change weapon-configurations. Maybe you can put a heatsink in, or take the jumpjets out to buy some extra ammunition...even the possibility to replace a LBL with a PPC or a SSRM6 with a SRM6 would be nice, but everything else could break the game. There already are aspects to the game i don't consider fun, if a lot of boats would show up and kick my ass, i would quit playing. I did not endure MW4 for very long because the whole game had moved to a point where, for me, it was not fun anymore.

But imagine a 'Mechlab like in Mechwarrior 4 without the ability to change any weapons...that would be great. Seeing the 'Mechs you buy before you buy them, maybe change their color ( ), strip some armor off to make room for something else...stuff like that.

CoffiNailed it pretty well!

[Tryp]

Ah, the traditionalists...don't change anything 'cuz that's the way it was and the way it should always be. Reminds me of my time in karate when a new interpretation of an offensive/defensive move was anathema.

All done here...move along.


Tryp