Does Anyone From Dovetail Read/or Even, Scan The Forums?

Not all those topics are angry topics though. The first one was someone complaining about the new short route and it being £30, when the cost hadn't even been revealed and has now been revealed to be £20. You will also find a lot of the replies on that thread are actually quite supportive of the route.

 

Indeed. I was very critical initially but mellowed on seeing it would be £20, to the point of maybe even buying if it gets a pre order discount. You could argue that was poor initial comms on behalf of DTG, if the PR had stated clearly at the outset this would be a budget release, many inches of digital typing would have been avoided. Cause and effect!

 

Well yes I agree they could have communicated the price a little earlier, it isn't the first time something like this has happened.

I sometimes wonder if they do it to wind people up though!

 

I found the announcement to be unplanned & rushed to be honest.

Smelt of something that had only been discussed on the day of the roadmap.

 

That whole episode reeks of internet smackery to me. People jump on something with less than half the facts and then have to reel themselves in when they get a fuller story. No idea why people can't wait and get more facts or just ask questions rather than making blatantly OTT posts venting their empty spleens.

I guess the forum is just like that now....

 

Orrrr, maybe DTG have set a tone for their DLC’s, and people just have natural expectations at this point.

 

I’d say it’s about 50/50. After all we have seen a rise in the number of quite short routes and yes there is an element of assumption but equally it would have been so easy for DTG to assuage that at the outset. And who knows, maybe the hue and cry did exert some pressure over the decision to sell at £20 not £30…

 

It happened many years ago when the original Riviera line (I think it was) came out for TSC. People complained that it was short for the length, there was much angry mumbling on UKTS then when the price was revealed it was cheaper than other routes.

The Trenton thread I would say is an example of how to make a difference as it is mainly quite calm and constructive with some anger creeping in.

 

Ah, the old "people can't be responsible for their actions and it must be someone else's fault" approach...
Nice excuse to have if you can make it work

All they did at that point was put out the roadmap article. People jumped on it before waiting for any proper announcement. That's on them.
DTG could also have done it differently by putting out something (even a very short video on YT or similar) announcing the route alongside that article WITH THE COST, but hey, I'm not a community manager so what do I know?

I doubt that

 

You’re being very dramatic, and I apologise if someone offended your favourite company.

It’s not an excuse and it doesn’t need to work - it’s the reality.

DTG got that reaction, to their barebones announcement, because of the reputation they’ve built for themselves (both long & short term).

14 mile route & a single reused train, what did you or DTG really expect?

 

Once again, the forums remembers to insinuate that anyone who backs DTG up on any issue is a fanboy (or girl), and therefore is biased and their opinion should be invalidated...

 

Let me know you find the irony.

 

Personally I waited until an actual announcement and how much it would cost. No drama at all there. The drama comes from posts proclaiming disaster, failing companies, overpriced DLC etc without foundation of fact

Given the members of this forum recently jumped on someone who "posted inappropriately" rather than just reporting something, I don't see why people who post rot without waiting for or even asking for confirmation of fact shouldn't receive the same treatment.

Either way, I hold my counsel until such time as I hear from people about what their intentions are rather than "running to the forum and posting about an issue" (paraphrasing the post referred to above) rather than just waiting two hours for confirmation from the stream

Quoting myself above, DTG COULD have offset all this with a simple video on YT announcing the route and saying "more info in tonight's stream"
Similarly users could just get off their high horses and learn some patience...

 

I want to preface my comments by saying there isn't a user here (even the ones who complain. Heck, one guy quit over a non-camera view) who doesn't appreciate the time put in by everyone at DTG. We're all appreciative of the fact that you have lives and take time out to (try) and do your job to the best of your ability.

However, there are two major issues from my point of view:
Lack of transparency with TSW2. No one will question that TSW3 will get more time and effort put into it than TSW2. That's a given. Also understandable. However, if you're not going to update problems to one of your core routes that are included in the base game, I, a regular TSW2 player, who, for my own reasons won't purchase TSW3 until sometime next year, won't be happy, but all I expect is "we know there are problems with SPG but we don't have any intention to fix them because of (insert reason here)" and i'd understand. Instead we get false promises that never happen.

The other issue is that Matt asked me what was wrong and never fixed it. I asked why there were problems with Powering America Part 1 and Y109, someone thought they'd be smart and try to tell him what my issues were despite not knowing, I then told him what was wrong when he asked but never got a response.

What's frustrating is that he did the same thing on the same thread with the same route and got back to people with either a solution or an explanation as to why the problem couldn't be fixed. I won't go into the details as i'll link the thread and perhaps (when you have time) you can provide me with SOMETHING from that. I'm sure you understand why I feel this way.

I won't get into why Matt apparently has taken time away from the forums as those thoughts will not be popular.

Bottom line: we get it. TSW3 is the main project. That's great. As it should be. All we ask is for what the real plans (if there are any) for TSW2 and a solution to problems on said game with your core route included with purchase of the game after a member of your team/staff asked, but never gave an answer.

Here's the thread: PC - The Sand Patch Grade Derail Thread | Page 2 | Dovetail Games Forums

Start from post 57.

 

Ha! You're right about their reputation. Take a walk outside this forum and ask what other simulation game enthusiasts think of DTG and it's always a groan or a shake of the head. I don't know if it's a lack of care or pure talent to earn such a poor reputation. Maybe Focus will put their management team through some proper training on how to operate a business in this space. DTG could sure use some wins after so many losses over the last 8 months.

 

Isle of Wight, Luzern-Sursee, West Somerset, Island Line 2022, all priced lower than the $29.99 standard. People are responsible for their assumptions, not DTG.

 

You must be new here

 

Shorter routes can be enjoyable. Apart from some issues with the train, Luzern-Sursee for me is one of the most (if not the most) picturesque routes in the game. Well done Rivet!

 

I've been a member since June 7th, 2020.
You've been a member since Feburary 12th, 2022.

I don't think I need to say any more.

 

I think his point is quite fair to make, TBF.

There are people who disregard the effort that goes into DLCs like it's dirt in a field.

 

In the last couple of years there has definitely been a increase of, from looking in from the outside, a bunch of people who seem to make it their mission to just be trolls, cause arguments, and fling their own poop at everything DTG for reasons I guess, this place has definitely morphed into something that's for sure........

 

Actually I think the biggest problem - and it's not just here but all sorts of other forums - is the inability to accept some people have a different point of view and respect that. We've already seen it in this thread with a rather derogatory stance taken by one or two posters at the fact some of us had a concern the Glossop route might not be worth £30. We are all individuals and all human (well I think I am... ), all with our own thought processes and standards. I respect the views of those who are quite happy to splash £30 on a DLC sight unseen and in return I ask they respect my view that I am maybe a little more discerning. In fact, that's exactly why the internet acronym "IMHO" was conceived!

 

Even before the price was announced many people said that £15-£20 would be a fair price point but felt if it was full price it was too expensive. I do feel the price point should have been communicated within the initial article but you can hardly say people where wrong in that belief when clearly DTG also shared that view.

 

A little respect would go a long way.

 

He didn't quote my whole post because I did say I appreciate the effort put into the game.

However, that doesn't change the fact we have a 35-page thread destroying NYP-Trenton where some of the comments are directed at staff in far more harsher tones than me.

 

You really have missed the point haven't you?

To make it crystal clear, and following up what trainsimplayer said, I was referring to your comment of "there isn't a user here who doesn't appreciate the time put in by everyone at DTG", insomuch as:

1. You don't and can't speak for everyone here
2. If you seriously believe that having read the threads posted on this forum during your lauded three year tenure, then you are either wilfully blind or reading another DTG owned TSW forum in a parallel world that the rest of us don't have access to

I didn't quote the rest of your post as I had no comment on it

That is the point I was making which as my GIF suggested, went whoosh over your head

 

I have TSW2 as I read all the promises by DTG that it would be 'fixed' As a lot of the routes do not interest me in TSW3 or that 'training centre' I thought I'd be wasting my money but it seems now I'm waiting for TSW4.

You say you are hard pressed for older games getting 'fixed up'? I don't know if you have heard of 'Fallout 4' but they is a complete next Gen update coming this year from Bethesda and what is more it will be free. Then off the top of my head, No, Man's Sky and cyberpunk come to mind. There are still people playing Fifa 14 and with modders have brought the game upto date. Paradox games get supported years after release also as many others do. Judging the whole games industry off of DTG's practices is a bit simplistic, IMHO.

The forums are meant to be for everyone and that means you are going to get all opinions. People are quick to say if you don't want a DLC then don't buy it well the same can be said for posts, if you don't like certain posts don't read them or ignore them, simples. Personally I read comments from both sides of the argument, I still might not agree but then there is always the chance I might.

So you're saying the DTG devs cannot be trusted? They all came trotting out promising fixes for TSW2 but your saying the game is now dead and DTG are just lying? Wow. Do you think they will do the same with TSW3 when TSW4 drops? Of course they will and that is why I won't buy TSW3. If they had made the fixes like they said they would do, even just some of them, I would bought TSW3 a long time ago but no. It is becoming clear they have no intention of doing it and that is a shame. Hopefully Focus Entertainment can be bring higher standards I have no idea if they will but one can hope.

 

That's not what I said. I said "I'm hard pressed to think of a video game where support for the previous iteration continued well after the recent version was released" (i.e. FIFA 22 -> FIFA 23, TSW2 -> TSW3). It very rarely happens. Of course older games are getting remasters and reworks on a weekly basis, and devs and modders are patching and improving them as well.

 

I gave you the example of Fallout 4, the latest edition of Fallout is Fallout 76. Then I think Fallout NV, these are updates from Bethesda just to be clear. I even got updates from 'Atilla' Then I'm sure Civ V got updates well after Civ VI was released. I'm sure there are many other examples out there. It may not be the norm (never said it was) but it does happen.

 

Did the OP lend DTG his money? I'm not seeing a collectible debt here.

 

I think perhaps DTG could have thought through the marketing/sales pitch for a moment, and prepared the ground with an announcement to the effect of "We are going to be introducing the first in a new line of smaller, less expensive routes," and then announcing Glossop.

 

The true problem is that a lot of people think they are the oracle and know everything and don't bother to just wait for any info from DTG, be it an announcement or article, patience is a dying trait these days.......

 

You’re kidding right?

The past few months has been a rapid fire of low quality, bug ridden, expensive DLC’s - because someone at DTG doesn’t have the patience to hold on and do some actual QA and bug fixes to follow.

Funnily enough, they also didn’t have the patience to compile a proper announcement for the DLC with all the relative info, they just wanted to scatter it out over an evening.

Yeah, the issue is the customers don’t have patience.

 

If your comment is directed at trainsimplayer then you’re a year out, since he’s been a member since February 12th, 2021 so he’s only 8 months behind you. You might try quoting the person and post you are replying to, as it aids everyone. But realistically what kind of school playground behaviour is this? Are you pulling rank based on some perceived seniority due to the length of time someone has been a forum member?

 

Forget the "what". Focus on the question and the answer.
"When will you do what you promised?" (i.e. fix TSW2, return money, whatever)
"Not today." (and repeat this answer until the question stops being asked)

 

Oh! Didn't know that Fallout 4 was getting a next gen update! Bought the game a while back but it's been sitting in my backlog. I'll wait for this update to get into it. Nice to get unexpected news like this from time to time.

 

I was replying to this comment which should have been clear since I quoted him:

Best not to assume. Check it for the full conversation above.

 

The quality was always rather low but it seems the last couple of DLCs were just rushed.
And don't forget the backlog of broken content full of bugs.

Sometimes I think the Strategy seems to be:
If we release new DLCs each month people always have something new and shiny to think about so hopefully they forget about the buggy DLC they bought last month.

Let's ve honest. We all know that if there is a major bug, there is only a 25% chance it ever gets fixed and that might take up to a full year and the patch might break other things.

As someone else said. With this kind of QA and dedication, DTG has ruined their reputation in the Sim market.

 

I have calculated a 79% chance that your number is made up.

 

Does the OP rant to their elected representative every month and demand they fulfil their election pledges/manifesto? Because to me thats a far better analogy than asking for a loan to be repaid.

 

I reckon there's an 89.567345621845% chance that your calculations are correct

 

FIFA (or any sports game for that matter) isn't comparable. TSW content doesn't evolve alongside real life events, games like FIFA do.

FIFA's updates are almost always either to do with real life events (Transfers, TOTW, Deaths, Ultimate Team stuff) and very rarely, outwith the first few months, major bugfixes.

Once the new real life season starts, the next game is close to releasing - then there is nothing left to be changed in the last game.

On the flipside, TSW Content is permanent. If a new loco enters service on a line, it doesn't enter the game automatically. The only thing ever there is what came at launch, and maybe a loco DLC if lucky.

Totally different situations there.

 

I have NOT....EVER....asked for a refund! I do not know where you get this information from. I have stated elsewhere on these forums that I think this is a great sim. I am not overly concerned by glitches in scenery, cars that seem to be half buried in the roads, lack of passengers in consists, occasional stuttering, nor indeed by some of the other petty (in my mind at least), complaints about lighting, expectation of exact reproductions of scenery. Nor do I worry about any of a host of other minor bugs. However, when I cannot play some routes I own, due to the developers breaking the game, I DO expect that what they broke, they fix. Especially when said fixes were promised in good faith, I believe and accepted in the same manner. Please do not try to put words in my mouth in the future, thank you. As to the first part of your question, yes, I have been known to address my elected representatives on issues that I deem worthy of addressing. In a different vein of thought entirely on your logic, these people are paid by us to represent us and therefore, if they are not made aware of our thoughts, then how do they then represent us in the best manner? Do you contact your reps, or are you one of the many who simply shrug their shoulders and say, 'What do we do? They are all the same.'?

 

https://forums.dovetailgames.com/threads/i-want-all-my-money-back.61415/

 

Never stop letting facts get in the way of a good rant

 

Again....fix what you broke or give me back............................There is a choice, not a blanket statement!

 

I'm pretty sure "I want all my money back" as a thread title is very much the latter.

 

So to carry your logic to its ultimate conclusion, if you read the title of the book, then you know the entire contents!

 

No, but if you call a post "I want my money back" you can't then go on to claim you've never asked for your money back.
That's just straight up reasoning
Doesn't mean you've initiated a refund, but the title is definitely a "blanket statement of your desire to have your money back" even with the qualification later on