Midland Mainline - Skyhook Feedback

DTG seem to be handling communication related to MML now. Suspicious considering DTG aren't the developers of the route and Jane was very active on the forums taking in feedback after initial release. You would think Skyhook would be able to find someone on their team to come on the forums and explain what's going on.

 

If all patches gone out why am I still getting emergency break application on the hst at Mountsorrel northbound and southbound, I though this would have been fixed by now and where is the freight services on the ps5, Jane said they would come soon after the first patch was released, well that was a lie

 

The big issue here is that like 80% of the stuff that was in the patch notes for the last two MML updates hasn’t actually been addressed/fixed at all, which started the “missing files” hypothesis in the first place.

 

I have and did, my main conclusion being that while there does seem to be evidence of past questionable behavior on Jane's part, there are also so many red flags in the behavior of the wannabe mob instigators--especially if you're at all familiar with manipulation techniques used by bullies, abusers, and conspiracy theorists--that I'm unable to put faith in anything they're putting forward as actually being the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but rather than serving ulterior motives of self-aggrandizement and bigotry. They've got me feeling sympathetic to Jane even if the accusations should be true.

 

Whether this is a good thing or not I don’t know but Jane was last seen on the forum on Thursday. Hopefully all what’s said above isn’t true and Jane will hopefully be back soon and more work done to mml because ultimately that’s what we all care about most on this thread!!!

 

What's even happening with the roomers about Jane I'm confused?

 

I really don't think Skyhook can afford to pay someone making the connection between players and developers reading the forums all day - for a 3rd party contractor this is very unusual. As DTG is the publisher, they're handling the feedback now in the new dedicated thread which seems more natural to me, albeit less "glittering".

And if there is communication, it's the devs dropping in, like Mike (Smokebox), Maik (TSG), Gary (HIS), Anthony (SearchlightSimulations) or cwf.green, just to name a few. No PR staff.

All this would probably have gone quiet if someone just did their work and stopped telling unbelievable "facts" about their life that make no sense if you're aware of gaming history - you have to expect feedback - and other forum members digging up the "amazing" personal stories about said person - that was the start of the derailment, and had nothing to do with MML at that point any more.

For me it was ultimately enough when I saw the livestream with Matt obviously being in a very uncomfortable position, a dilemma of loyalty, explaining the patch "miscommunication". And on top of all the myth about version checking bs that was spread by SHG, and the resulting confusion in here.

Branding the real bullies as victims has unfortunately become popular. See the Harkles.

No problem with people making mistakes, we all do, but blaming others and taking credit for other people's work just don't work for me, and I'll stand up against such.

 

This is all just in the interests of knowing whether we've been lead on a merry dance, or the things we have been told are a fabrication, I have no personal interest in Jane, I just want to know the truth.

Do we, or DTG, actually know what Jane's involvement was with Skyhook? No mention of Jane in any Skyhook social media, Skyhook, looking at their LinkedIn, tend to post when a new team member is onboarded, no mention of Jane.

We know that Jane is on compassionate leave, and hasn't been active on here since, but has been active on LinkedIn in that time, why not post here in that time and clear matters up?

Why are DTG, and or, Skyhook so quiet about it? We know that DTG have seemingly taken over the mantle on trying to fix MML, why has this been taken out of the hands of Skyhook.

Some answers would be nice, because the whole episode is really bizarre.

 

The new DTG MML feedback thread should be the answer. I understand they will not discuss personnel internals publicly for legal reasons - especially not contractors. That whole theatre is over as I see it. Skyhook can continue work on their new US content and I think we'll be seeing the needed fixes for MML they owe us, having Matt and Adam as a driving force to clean up the mess I hope.

I will buy MML then, that's for sure.

 

The sad thing about this is that the communication at the start of this thread was exactly what the community have been crying out for. It’s a shame it seems not to be real. There wouldn’t be half the complaints on this forum if we got genuine updates from DTG about what was going to be fixed and what wasn’t and when.

I can’t see this episode improving things. Everyone will be to scared to comment on anything.

I hope there is some statement about what’s actually going on at some point as at the moment I feel a little bitter toward Skyhook (and I didn’t buy MML due to the lack of clarity on the patch though I did have the misfortune to buy the 187).

Anyway, much as I wanted MML. I spent the money on completing JT’s version for TSC instead and have to say it’s really pretty nice.

 

Or more fitting, we've been taken for a ride! boom boom

I'll get my coat

 

TSC version is brilliant, especially using the AP stock.

And concerning the much wanted communication, I was under the impression that people were thinking MML would be sort of a "features-on-demand" DLC, leading to disappointments eventually. I prefer DTG's style then, just state what's being worked on when it's safe to reveal, and leave us happily speculating. Never complain, never explain

 

….and that could start a whole new argument (100% agree though ;-) )

 

I think everyone has said their bit now and as this thread was set up for Skyhook feedback, which has now been taken over by DTG with a new thread, surely this thread should be closed now ? Seems pointless to keep it going.


Sorry Torfmeister didn’t intend to quote you in this, my mistake.

 

I agree, time to close this thread and move on.

 

Agree, please JD or Jan, close this one.

 

Agree DTG JD . We need to close this thread out

 

Yeah this thread has unfortunately gone beyond what it was intended for. Let's hope MML gets the attention it deserves and moves forward.

 

I disagree, keep it open. Just because you don’t wish to discuss a topic doesn’t mean other people might not want to. I’m getting a bit fed up of people (non-moderators) thinking they can determine what other people can and can’t talk about. If you don’t wish to read it then don’t. Other people, however, do.

I, for one, would like at least some idea of what has gone on here (as far as is possible of course) and the other feedback thread is not the place for that. For what it’s worth I don’t blame DTG at all for what appears to have happened. If things have played out as I’m guessing a number of people clearly feared they could, it must be as awkward for DTG as anyone.

All I know is I bought a product off the back of promises made in this thread. Whilst some of those promises were delivered, many have not come to fruition and the given reasoning for that failure to deliver is, I believe, an untruth. DTG have been blamed, and I have criticised their QA team (incorrectly, and I apologise for doing so) when I’m now confident the blame lies at someone else’s door. Despite the warning signs I was keen to give the benefit of the doubt but given the way this has played out I’d like to have at least some idea of what has gone on. Fool me once etc.

One thing I think we can say with a degree of confidence is that the claim that this was a seed route for a wider network now has to be taken with a very significant pinch of salt indeed.

 

I'm happy for them to close it, once they clear up what's going on.

 

What do we know? Jane is in the role of CTO, a management role, and I don't believe claimed to even be doing any development. They created this feedback thread and have been very visible in it, even though public facing isn't part of their job. They have offered multiple daily updates and not been confrontational at all, even when confronted by that new, anonymous attack account. People were very happy about this communication and said so. Now soon after a period of quiet due to the only SHG person doing any communicating being safely out of the way on compassionate leave and unreachable, we suddenly have a torch-bearing mob targeting them, happily following the instigation.

But of course...

...blaming the victim, and...

..reactive abuse, the abuser claiming victimhood.

Like I said. And it's working. Whatever the truth about Jane's past, this is still appalling behavior.

 

You're entitled to have an opinion.

I was only trying to present proven facts, seeing where this is going, and was being shut down many times.

So what has that CTO chitty chat yielded? A half-arsed patch. Just like in previous roles.
We need people that work for their money and don't just talk, not the other way round.

Keep on believing what you want to believe. Support lazy greedy people that abuse "charity" and gender as their shield and forge digital articles, forgetting there's people that still have original magazine copies etc...

The people that know the person best are probably now Skyhook themselves, likely having taken action before this was uncovered here. Of course they won't talk as the person immediately threatens to sue (and has failed in the past). Nobody has time and nerves for that. Learn from it and get on with working.

Sometimes I felt as if I'd attacked a dearly loved one of yours. It might be interesting for oneself to find out why it happened someone entered your hearts so quickly - someone you've never met, just based on messages, and not even delivering what this thread was about? "Yes - he's beating me. But I love him sooo....."

I really fail to understand there is still people in here that praise the communication and miss it? So it's true that people WANT to be lied to? Well, you can stay in contact with the person, share private messages - no one is stopping you.

Always for the benefit of the doubt - until there is no doubt. You reap what you sow, it's that simple.

For me this thread is done. I don't give a penny about that person anymore.

 

Can I just ask, do you know something we don’t ? Or perhaps, could you explain why on this Skyhook feedback thread, NOBODY has come on here from SHG to offer any sort of response or answer to the questions that have been raised.
To paraphrase your quote “ if somebody tells you something that might not be true…..check em out!”

Just saying

 

Why are we talking about Jane's background like in this forum thread is call "midland mainline -skyhook feedback" some people in this thread probably don't have a clue what's going on and just want to talk about midland mainline couldn't yous just make a new thread about the behaviour allegations. And let the thread keep the name.
Edit: and if we are talking about the behaviour problems this would of been called Jane - skyhook behaviour problems but it's not?

 

https://forums.dovetailgames.com/threads/midland-main-line-issues-feedback-thread.71347/#post-674141

 

There is a new thread for MML feedback see the link earlier in the posts. DTG have taken over from SHG.

 

So skyhook is a thing of the past now?

 

I wouldn't of thought so because Skyhook are doing a US pack I think. It was mentioned in the live stream.

 

No, there been no explanation but DTG is now taking all the feedback for MML hence the new thread. SHG have gone totally silent on the Forum sine Jane went on leave.

 

Why did Jane leave?
Edit: I heard that his wife is sick.

 

I didn’t say Jane had left, Jane is on leave.

 

Yes that's what I meant

 

So what's the actual reason why Jane want on leave is it true that his wife is sick because people are saying it's not?

 

I honestly wouldn't listen to most of the things being said on forum right now, I'd personally just wait for Jane or someone else from Dtg or Skyhook to confirm something for themselves.

 

Tbh that's what I'm gonna do because Dovetail haven't said anything and Jane's wife might actually be sick.

 

As of 4 days ago, according to Skyhook Games on linkedin, they are currently looking for a Technical Director.
Maybe this explains things?

 

All I will say is it seems a somewhat ignominious mess, which is a shame as the HST and 158 are both excellent traction units.

Leaving personalities out of it, think if there's lessons to be learned DTG need to keep a much tighter oversight with their third party associates.

'Nuff said, I think.

 

Be interesting on Monday to see what happens to this thread and if a statement follows regarding what's happened. JD mentioned DTG are investigating, be good to see the outcome.

 

To be fair to DTG, they can’t tell independent companies who they can and can’t employ. I’m certain there are some excellent people at Skyhook, we know for sure they have at least 1!

I think if it were me I’d have called out the public blame game as soon as it started given DTG were seemingly entirely innocent, but it’s easy to say that with hindsight. One bad egg shouldn’t mean the rest of the basket is thrown out though.

 

Fair enough but then SHG did not exactly enjoy a stellar reputation prior to this either...

 

I’ve been following this thread (and the others) on MML and Skyhook’s progress on fixing the issues at every step.

I’ve gone to reply many times about how the amount of community engagement from Skyhook’s employees and the huge number of fixes going on (a testament to how bad the route was at release) does not matter to me if the route is still severely flawed at the time I buy it. That’s all that matters, the quality and stability of the DLC on my PS5, and nothing else. Jane’s communication has been excellent but I’ve been waiting for each patch to be released and get players’ reports of what’s what, and that’s far more valuable.

At no point, including right now, have I felt confident that if I was to buy it I would be getting a good product. I usually buy routes in sales and this route hasn’t yet come up in one but I think there is a long way to go for Skyhook (and DTG if they need to step in) to persuade me to buy this horror show.

It’s quite unacceptable really.

 

From what we were told by Jane in the beginning it was about all the extra improvements, 100+ which sounded great but all anyone wants is a stable route with the basics covered. I feel Skyhook were trying to do too much at once and the apparent hot fix further improvements were going to be added. The 2nd patch came not the hot fix and no further improvements added. Please just give us a stable route then bring on the improvements.

 

i agree so much with this point.

i don't like the idea of attacking somebody at all, and i personally do not want to and will not go down that route, all that should be relevant to us, the players, is the state of the midland mainline route.

and i know from my experience, the route is deeply flawed, and i still cannot drive a hst into nottingham on ps4 pro without the game crashing (and i still have the aws/tpws issues too)

if i knew at the beginning how much was missing/not working with this route i 100% would not have purchased it, and i honestly feel the release of glossop with very, very few issues (and any issues are very minor there) has showed me how a dlc should be released. the difference in quality, stability, reliability and performance between midland mainline and glossop could not be more different.

so i really don't want to see any personal attacks on jane whatsoever (or on anyone for that matter), i just want to enjoy the tsw routes that i buy.. ultimately this game is supposed to be an hour or so escape from the negatives of real life, that's how i see it for me anyway.

 

To be fair it's a good little route, it's just the frustrating bits of signalling errors which grates on me, surely this can be fixed pretty easily. There are plenty of positives in this creation by SHG. Of course the crashing aspect for some is far more serious and need sorting, sharpish.

Another side of this is - if we had an editor we as a community could sort this stuff out, and a lot of this thread would probably not be here.
Give us an editor, DTG. Just think of all the creations we would have by now if we had one.

 

*edit* Looks like this has been shown to be seperate.

 

Well it does show on Linkedin they are looking for that position, coincidence?

 

But I don't want to fix or work around issues myself. I'm sure an editor would be good for anyone who wants to create their own scenarios, etc. – but I'd like to think people would still (and rightly) complain and demand proper fixes. I want a developer to give me a working product, if not on release day (ideal, but not always realistic) then ASAP in a patch or several.

It's like mods, which are fine for people who want to make and/or use them, but they should never become a get-out clause for a developer to move on and not fix a product officially.

 

Interestingly, people in the other thread are saying that the post-patch PC version isn't having the problems that the consoles are. I wonder if SHG took a different approach than DTG, where while DTG will hold and release a patch for all systems at once, did SHG release now PC fixes they had ready now just to get something out ASAP?

 

[EDIT - Jan - Off Topic, accusatory]

Since this doesn't effect myself or my business, I couldn't care less.
It's a 'cut throat' business world that we live in. Leave the guy alone.
I sincerely wish Jane/Andrew, his partner and family all the best.

 

So how did all platforms get a patch ?