So...when do we hear from Maxis?

I'm asking directly and point-blank so it can't be evaded (and a silence on this question will be deafening): When will we hear from Maxis about our opinion of Spore?

Seriously; they claim they listen to us, but when will they speak?
We've been posting opinions and criticism--even helpful suggestions--amidst the bile and invective, and it sure would be nice to know if Maxis--who claim they're listening to us--is taking what we have to say to heart.

Obviously, my personal biggest issue is that Spore has become little more than a glorified art editor and sharing tool, the game itself being essentially an afterthought, and that I'd desperately like to see Science Spore have its day; I'd like word on if that will ever be a possibility, direct from Maxis.
But there are other issues people have talked about as well, from the DRM to the patch, to possible expansions, etc, etc.

When will Maxis release a statement directly addressing these issues?
...ever?

I'm sorry, Maxis folk, but I'm awfully tired of diplomatic restraint (not that I've ever shown much of that, but my last perfunctory gestures in that direction have finally melted away) and it's time to be aggressive: I want an official word, one way or the other, and if you don't respond to me, here, directly, then at least issue some sort of general announcement, please.

So this topic was not good enough: http://forum.spore.com/jforum/posts/list/6734.page you had to make another one?

Yes.

To try and get actual attention, instead of hoping against hope that some Maxis staffer notices one exchange buried in one thread, that requires making an actual thread ABOUT the lack of communication.

I agree with Rocket girl so......BUMP

complaining only gets nothing done..

Neruu wrote:complaining only gets nothing done..

Making legitimate criticism, however, can.

But only if both sides are communicating.

Neruu wrote:complaining only gets nothing done..

Says the guy complaining about us complaining...

I agree with the OP, so? what'll be maxis? huh? nothing?...... thats what I thought.

Okay, the question is.... do the EA people that matter even care?

Maxis cares, but Spore being what it is... does EA care.. they mangled the game.

Disclaimer: what ever Spore is.. I am enjoying just the same. Just sayin'.

RocketGirl wrote:I'm asking directly and point-blank so it can't be evaded (and a silence on this question will be deafening): When will we hear from Maxis about our opinion of Spore?

Seriously; they claim they listen to us, but when will they speak?
We've been posting opinions and criticism--even helpful suggestions--amidst the bile and invective, and it sure would be nice to know if Maxis--who claim they're listening to us--is taking what we have to say to heart.

Obviously, my personal biggest issue is that Spore has become little more than a glorified art editor and sharing tool, the game itself being essentially an afterthought, and that I'd desperately like to see Science Spore have its day; I'd like word on if that will ever be a possibility, direct from Maxis.
But there are other issues people have talked about as well, from the DRM to the patch, to possible expansions, etc, etc.

When will Maxis release a statement directly addressing these issues?
...ever?

I'm sorry, Maxis folk, but I'm awfully tired of diplomatic restraint (not that I've ever shown much of that, but my last perfunctory gestures in that direction have finally melted away) and it's time to be aggressive: I want an official word, one way or the other, and if you don't respond to me, here, directly, then at least issue some sort of general announcement, please.

I understand your point but let us not forget where opening their mouths too much has gotten them (spore 2005 anyone?). I sympathize with just about everything you have said but you seem to think that the great wall of silence is Maxis' fault but it is my understanding (and limited experience) that it is EA, the publisher, who has all control on the information flow.

From my experience with the BF2 patching fiasco EA much prefers to keep the details on what they plan to do with upcoming patches to themselves, the nice people would say this is to keep from promising to fix something in an upcoming patch only to find out that it requires alot more work than they thought it would, but the not so nice people would say that this is to hide the fact that there are problems in game that they know they will never truly be able to fix.

Neruu wrote:complaining only gets nothing done..

And not complaining has the same exact effect except at least when you complain there is a small chance someone will listen

Soldats wrote:
I understand your point but let us not forget where opening their mouths too much has gotten them (spore 2005 anyone?).

That's not really a particularly good example. Had Maxis not switched gears in the middle and committed themselves to making Cute Spore instead of Science Spore, the 2005 demos would never have bitten them in the booty.

I sympathize with just about everything you have said but you seem to think that the great wall of silence is Maxis' fault but it is my understanding (and limited experience) that it is EA, the publisher, who has all control on the information flow.

I kinna doubt that; can you site a source that confirms your assumption?

Neruu wrote:complaining only gets nothing done..

And not complaining has the same exact effect except at least when you complain there is a small chance someone will listen

Exactly. And while I do complain I lot, I try to temper that with suggestions and constructive criticism. JUST complaining is one thing, but that's not what I've been doing.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 10/07/2008 21:33:50

Well Right now, I'm betting on total world economic failure before hearing anything concrete from Maxis on patches, issues,etc.

GrandPeep wrote:Well Right now, I'm betting on total world economic failure before hearing anything concrete from Maxis.

So...we'll be hearing from Maxis next Thursday?

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 10/07/2008 21:57:20

RocketGirl wrote:

Soldats wrote:
I understand your point but let us not forget where opening their mouths too much has gotten them (spore 2005 anyone?).

That's not really a particularly good example. Had Maxis not switched gears in the middle and committed themselves to making Cute Spore instead of Science Spore, the 2005 demos would never have bitten them in the booty.

Exactly so had they kept their mouths shut then they might not be in the situation they are now or at at least not as bad as one.

RocketGirl wrote:

I sympathize with just about everything you have said but you seem to think that the great wall of silence is Maxis' fault but it is my understanding (and limited experience) that it is EA, the publisher, who has all control on the information flow.

I kinna doubt that; can you site a source that confirms your assumption?

No I'll admit that this is mostly speculation on my part from my previous experience with EA and Maxis(which is limited in recent memory), though I feel you are sort of leaving out a big player in your arguments (EA) seeing as EA owns Maxis studios and is also the publisher of Spore so I can really imagine them having a big say in what is seen and heard by the public.

RocketGirl wrote:

GrandPeep wrote:Well Right now, I'm betting on total world economic failure before hearing anything concrete from Maxis.

So...we'll be hearing from Maxis next Thursday?

[sarcasm]Oh stop being a pessimist we have at least until Christmas, I mean really how fast can you burn through 700 billion dollars?

[/sarcasm]

Soldats wrote:
Exactly so had they kept their mouths shut then they might not be in the situation they are now or at at least not as bad as one.

No...had they had integrity the wouldn't be in the situation they are now. Integrity to either stick to the original design, and the courage and decency to announce their planned changes. Either would do; it was their silence that has caused this situation.

[sarcasm]Oh stop being a pessimist we have at least until Christmas, I mean really how fast can you burn through 700 billion dollars? [/sarcasm]

That depends entirely on how hungry I am and the cost of gummi bears.