I’ve said this a couple of times, but I feel I cannot say it enough. This continuous, ongoing delay of our new web-based game has been very difficult for me, from an operational standpoint and also from a personal standpoint because I feel I have disappointed so many people. The bad news is – late last night during a test migration, we ran into another issue. And, once again, the Friday roll-out will now be delayed two more days to Sunday night / Monday morning (a private message will be sent).
I personally accept all the responsibility for all the false promises for previous delivery dates.
My schedule has been very hectic lately. There is so much going on and I just can’t discuss it yet due to contractual obligations. Putting that aside, at the airport the other night, waiting for my flight after three brutal days of non-stop travel, I spent some time in the forums. The amount of disrespect and the misrepresentation that is going on by a certain group of players is unforgiving, and I personally will never forget it. A lot of these lies and misrepresentations not only hurt the company, myself, but also other players. Most of the threads I left because I want them to be there when we launch the new game and start making these announcements. But, some of them had to be removed.
The amount of money that has been spent over the last year on this update far exceeds the revenue. All these ridiculous comments about pocketing profits and not caring about players are so erroneous. I have said it fifty times – the new game is the foundation for a whole slew of updates that would follow – updates that will provide a better player experience, enhanced features, and a larger opportunity to engage the casual gamers and racing fans.
The company continues to make commitments to its long-term growth strategy by recently expanding its development team. Because of the complexity tied to our program, it is taking new developers to 6 to 10 weeks just to get an understanding of our business model and code base. One new developer has been on board two months now and it was not until this past Monday that he actually started his first coding assignment. On top of that, an additional developer was just hired due to the large workload we have in front of us. The company is going into everything from the web-based platform to a mobile platform and an enhanced, updated desktop client platform.
The amount of work involved in transitioning all of our content far exceeded our initial expectations. Every step of the way, we have run into conversion issues. We had developers who were out for months with life-threatening incidences, others with family issues, and it was one nightmare after another. On top of that, we had to maintain and operate the current business for the Triple Crown racing season. I look forward to getting the web platform stabilized so we can begin further roll outs of new functions and features. Our dedication is relentless, this is why we are working at 130AM after 4 days of a very brutal work and travel schedule.
On another note, we have torn apart the current game engine and are in the process of restructuring the logic that controls the jockey instructions and horse positioning methodology and functionality. I’ve watched a lot of horse racing games come and go, and I do admit there are some pretty good competitors out there. But, what I haven’t seen is another company that can honestly say that every single dollar that has ever been generated, and a whole lot more, has gone back into the game. My commitment is to build the best platform out there by far. That is a commitment I will continue to strive for; that is a commitment that I put in front of everything including profits.
It is a lot easier to understand delays when it involves technical issues, life-threatening family matters, contractual obligations etc....rather than excuses like waiting for new members to sign-up etc....
Take your time, we will be here for the release date.
Always Remember That A Bad Day At The Races Is Better Than A Good Day Anyplace Else !!!
Puddles thanks for the update!! Its always better to tell players what is going on!! Thanks!!
This update from Mike gives me great hope that this game update will get done. I will stand behind this company until and after the update is finished and working for all of us to use and enjoy. Thanks Mike for you and your staffs dedication.
~~~Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain~~~
If you explained like this before, there would have been less upset players and less things to take personally.
Now many of us will go on the patience side.
It is time for things to go your way, Puddles.
Good luck.
Dusty
Home of top breeding shed horses...
http://www.horseracegame.com/community/content/294474/voodoo-fever
http://www.horseracegame.com/community/content/398263/practical-advice
http://www.horseracegame.com/community/content/679541/not-so-simple
That's what its all about communication, communication, communication,communication. If you want understanding communicate! Before the fact would be rather nice,I'm sure most if not all players will agree,(especially the VIP's since we PAY to play).
Good Luck and Gett'er Done!
PS don't forget to communicate!
After reading, Puddles post, I feel for what he's going through each day trying to make this (the new release) happen. Certainly a stressful situation. I've been here since 2008 and am in it for the full ride. Sounds like once the dust settles, there's some good things on the horizon.
When I woke up ths morning and turned on the tv, the news coming out of Colorado (mass shooting) it made one realise that our frustrations and complaints in regards to this game are trivial compared to what the families of the victims are going through now and will have to deal with for the rest of their lives. And all of the personal tragedys within our own lives, in which, none of us are exempt.
I appreciate the hard work going on behind the scenes by so many. And I really appeciate Mike's explanation. And, I appreciate all of my good community friends at HRF. That's a big plus. As for myself, I will be patient and wait.
I have said it before, thanks for the game. Love playing it, and I appreciate all HRF does and is doing to better the game, and to promote the sport of horse racing. I have been here from the start (even have a copy of the real old game on CD (1997-98 ?), and will continue to support HRF. I believe this to be not only a great racing game, but perhaps the best sports game I have played period. Thanks Mike, and HRF Team. Good Luck on Monday (or whenever).
This is already a cool game to me. So, if and when the update arrives...BONUS.
Nice Work HRF!
This is not one of those jokes, is it? Where you promise something beautiful on the otherside of the mountain and you make us wait and wait and wait until one day you finally admit that the whole thing was a dream? Not only was it a dream, but the exact opposite things start to happen, you remove aspects of the game that are most enjoyable until the only thing we have left is a 93 BSR horse that wouldnt run if the stable was on fire. I dont like those jokes that much!
Good Day!
I have never been on the new release bandwagon anyway. When it comes, it comes. Next week, next month, next year, I really didn't care. I'm new here so this is all new to me anyway. I have never understood the venom around here. The remarks have been over the top harsh. It seems obvious that tons of money has been put into this venture that you would surely have it unveiled as soon as reasonably posible. Otherwise the huge cash outlay is a waste. Who can't see that? I'm really enjoying my time here as it is. It's all but made me stop playing the other game I have been involved with since 2002. And that game I have been playing virtually free. Go figure! This game is costing me a fortune! That's ok...for now. Till the wife files divorce papers. LOL
Of those that play HRF verses you as owner are equal, however as players of HRF we only have the game. As players, our visions are not as in depth as yours and because of that, the meaning gets lost in the translation. Once the newer version is launched and we as players fully understand where the game will go and develop to, all this will be forgotten. Remember, we, as players, have no clue as to whats going on behind the scenes and that will lead to confusion and misunderstandings by all.
Good-luck to you !!
Pot1forluckx
The bells and whistles sound like fun, but I'd be happy with just jockey A.I. improvement and more surfaces in Blues.
Still, good luck Mike...it'll get there.
Don
I am one of the old timers here, I played the old game and have been here since June of 08 I remember Mike you being on the phone helping me make my game work, you called me after the techs couldn't get it to work through emails. The owner of the company stayed hours on the phone and got me racing, and I was not a VIP, that is customer service and I have been a VIP since. Mike is the best and has given us the best racing game ever and works at making it better. Thanks Mike some of us appreciate what you have done and are happy with having fun racing instead of trying to cut each others throats and whining about how much time its taking to make a great game greater. Gus
Conquering the challenge is its reward.
Keep climbing the mountain until you reach the top and then hopefully there will be a comfortable chair waiting for you. You deserve more rest and a long vacation after this job is finished.
There is some poison in the chats now but it will be long forgotten when everything is in place and working.
We believe in you and your staff and the extra efforts by everyone is appreciated.
I've been lurking, waiting for the web based came so I can play the jockey game again from time to time. I'm surprised that you've been able to hire the qualified people you need. I have been noticing that even with a rough economy and high unemployment, some job categories are having trouble finding qualified people. The fact that you can lure good people into your fold speaks well for you and your product.
I remember taking a computer programming class way back when we punched lines of code onto punch cards. We had to ride the school bus out to Lawrence Livermore Lab to run them on their card reader. If the program ran correctly on the first run, we got an A. For each additional time we had to run the program, our grade would drop a whole letter, which made the class really tough. Very few programs ran without a glitch the first time, or the second time for that matter. And those were dirt simple programs. The complexity of the horseracegame is unfathomable to me.
Hope all goes well. I will continue to lurk....
I appreciate the information about the complexity of improving the game and the effort being made to overcome technical difficulties.The game in its present state is the best online.If the game can be improved it will amazing.I wish the team involved in the upgrade the best of luck and hope they can overcome the current difficulties that are delaying the upgrade.Most trainers can be patient if they have honest feedback about problems being encountered.
Best of luck with the update and looking forward to the new jockey logic!
***************************BIG BANG STABLES****************************
*****Home Of Shed Horses***The Big Bang***Big Crunch Combo***White Sand*****
We do appreciate the hard work going on. Knowing the details helps us all realize the pressure you and the team are under to complete it. Thats something I really had forgotten about. I cant even truly imagine how complicated it is, as I am not a fan of computer issues myself. I wish you the best of luck going forward with the update.
I'm definitely one of the patient ones! I agree when it comes, it's simply a bonus to the great work you have already done!
Could somebody explain me, how can I sign my house in a race of a tournament, I have tried diferents ways and nothing........
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