miscellaneous

Just trying to garner some insight on what people think of the state of the game. I'm of the idea that the game is in poor shape with the following major problems:

1. Ender hasn't updated the game or talked much at all in months. This leads me to believe he hasn't been working on the game much along with lots of other players who for the most part have left due to lack of new content/updates/changes that they want or other problems. On top of this Ender has said before (not going to find the thread but someone else can link it) that it costed him something north of a $3,000 loss to keep this game up last year and I'd say last year was far more active than this one so far.

2. 1st place in this game is getting to be boring. Doesn't really matter who it is, people just do it to get more platinum trophies and the competition has died off because of it. You could say this month is different but If I'm being 100% honest I just looked at the HoF etc. and saw a bot with 1.3 million energy in 6 days (that'd be 34,200 wins at 40 energy per win or so so about 5-6k wins per day, yeah, not suspicious at all), so I'm going to straight up say Mount Wario is winning by cheating. In fact, I'm 100% certain all this time that Lazer Kiwi/miika whoever that is has been cheating since day one based on habits I've noticed about him, along with plenty of other players that never seem to get caught somehow. Do I care about this cheating? No, and neither does Ender it seems as I've shown him evidence, I've sent dozens of bmails and he never even replies anymore. If you want to cheat, go the hell ahead, nobody seems to care anymore.

3. The amount of bots has grown too much and all of the tactics of the game are now stale to the degree that old players and new players alike would probably rather have a reset than what we have now. There's just too much boredom and older players outside of Lusitania (the few that are left) feel like there's no real reason to keep playing if A) Lusitania has all the active scorers and it'd take tens of millions to beat them unless you get them in an off month and B) if cheaters aren't going to be caught or accusations acted on or anything done about it, why bother playing legitimately? These two issues alone have created a big "why bother wasting hundreds of hours a month for nothing?" idea in people's heads.

4. None of our suggestions have been acted on in months if not years. It's another "why bother" area of the game. We just all type a bunch of words down for absolutely nothing.

   In my opinion the game is over, there's no point in it continuing if Ender and everyone else has essentially given up on working on it in a productive or legitimate way. If Ender closed the game he'd probably save money and move on with his life and the same for the rest of us. We have done everything there is to do, there are no new players, if there is nothing new to look forward to or work toward then there really is no point in continuing it. It just becomes a waste of money and time with no fun to be had :/

Yes.

Ok

Let's pretend it was the end.

Why shouldn't we all party like it's 1999? Go crazy. No regrets, imo. Blow things up.

Instead... everyone is still sitting in a single clan to... hoard easy TPs? For what? What are we all doing?

That's great, it starts with an earthquake
Birds and snakes, and aeroplanes
And Lenny Bruce is not afraid

Quit

So Long. Farewell.

Oh wow it’s like some people don’t cheat and just play the best way possible to score a lot. As far as the current big scorer don’t know him well enough to say he’s cheating or not but he responds reasonably fast on discord when he’s scorer so idk probably fine. Most of the ones that do cheat to do insane months generally get banned fairly quickly see Mara or whatever some slip under the radar for far too long like vile in mv. What is being done this month is legit looking tho he generally sleeps around the same time and takes breaks while do it so doesn’t appear to be acing but I’m not watching it that closely Hopefully he beats my record would be nice for a non cheater to do it.

I mean... every ACer I ever knew spent a lot of time chatting and were always very quick to respond to things. I think it's easier to be chatting on discord or whatever while you're AC'ing. Always thought it was funny we always suggest that makes people less suspicious. Just sayin'

And... sorry, I know for a fact that the game isn't very good at catching these things. Wasn't Mara sleuthed out by the playerbase and such?

Having said all that... I don't care. Never have, never will.

The forums, however? They don't help. Everytime anyone posts anything, it's mostly just a bunch of BS and people trying to shutdown any possible conversations. It's like the playerbase is actively trying to kill the forums, ya know? And... that certainly helps deaden the atmosphere of the game.

Like, no one wants to contribute anything... but they're so quick to try and stifle any conversation that might try to be started. With everyone being so destructive rather than constructive... well... shouldn't it make one wonder how much better things could be if we all just stopped pissing on each other's cornflakes?

Seriously, someone says the game feels dead and our response is to tell them to quit? Shame on us.

Correct.

Guy just needs to chill. We are all friends here.

I'm not your friend, guy.

Noted.

Seriously? No, "I'm not your guy, buddy?"

Mate... Chill!!

I'm happy to see that not only is the game itself dead, but the brains of the players left on the game are also dead. Only capable of using 1 word replies. Could have better conversations with cats.

Exactly.

BLEEBLEBLABBLESNORTSKIBBITOILETBOPBOOMBOPCHABOOMBOPDEDOMDODOP

God damnit that Hansen song is too catchy.

Don't be a hater. The only additional help I have is the sortable fight list.

That 100% explains the "trying to fight" increments on your dumper bots that fight your main bot every 3-6 seconds with little to no downtime between fights. You either have laser focus and click at the speed of light for 8+ hours a day dumping on your miika/other bots or you're 100% cheating. There's a number of other players who have had the exact same habits going on and as a legit player who has watched many legit and non-legit players over the years, I can assure you that that behaviour is suspicious as hell. It's like "I can't even take a shit because I'm clicking every 2 seconds legit for 10 hours" kind of focus that is just not possible.

i play and watch videos and still manage to click the link pretty fast games too hard for you zal find something else to do

Cool. That's your (objectively wrong) opinion.

Since I'm replying I'll give my input to your original question about the game. I'll always be appreciative of Ender for reviving this niche game and the continued efforts to keep it going. He has made a good number of QoL updates over the past year. He'll just be busy with life. Simple. He'll pop up sooner or later.

Making the fight list sortable for all players would be a neat upgrade if he gets the time.

Sure, it's not a rapidly developing game with a bunch of revolutionary updates, but it's bots for goodness sake. The hyper addictive game from back in the day. There's a few of us who enjoy it and don't share your doom and gloom view of the world.

The clan competition is a separate topic entirely, but I always find it amusing that you feel so passionately about lack of competition after joining Apex (the most dominant clan ever?) when the game was even more inactive than it currently is, and Lusitania were the bright-eyed up and comers.

brains of the players left on the game are also dead

This not only implies our brains haven't always been dead, but that we also had them to begin with. Very bold claim

The problem with the clan competition is everybody wants to be a sheep…. Everyone loves joining the top clan because they care about getting easy trophy points. Nobody is willing to actually challenge nowadays because they can’t be arsed. Before I joined apex I was trying for almost a year to get some players together to atleast compete but it seemed nobody wanted too. Everybody just wants an easy ride with this game that’s why it got so boring. I mean come on sorry from getting energy and competing in clan competition what else does this game offer? That’s the only competition in this game the clans…

Periodt.

Can only speak for myself, but my support for the game has come to an end, will probably quit when I run out of TPs, found another game with supportive/creative devs that can have my money instead.

You are almost full of shit Juvo... It's no wonder anyone wants to join your clan as you lack the grit what is needed from successful clan leader. If you disagree just look at your clan history, how many clans you founded and gave up after a month or two. I agree that it is true that people want to join winning clans but usually those who do so aren't the deciding factor in clan races.

To form a successful clan you need few friends, willingness to click and not cry on forums after two days when it looks like you are losing. (This is directed to you M/Z al & co)

So... why isn't anyone else trying to start that clan? There simply isn't any interest out there from the playerbase.

The fact that virtually the entire playerbase that's remotely interested in the clan race is all in one clan makes it even more discouraging.

But, please, START THAT CLAN! I'll support ya, if you want! I'm begging you, dude. ANYONE, please. From the very beginning,. I've said I wasn't trying to own any clans. Spent tons of time trying to find anyone else to do it. No one is interested.

FFS, I'm currently in Mount Wario because... that's the best anyone else has tried to offer for competition. And... it's basically just ONE PERSON that is trying to compete against ALMOST THE ENTIRE REST OF PLAYERBASE? That is freaking pathetic. It is absolutely disgustingly sad and pathetic.

Meanwhile, you talk about "crying" because we can't win or whatever? How stupid a comment.

If it was simply about winning.a month then me and Zal and company woulda just joined Lusitania like everyone else, schmuck.

Hell, brief moments when we were winning that month I never changed my tune because the facts were still the facts.

There simply isn't any interest from the playerbase in actual competition.

Honestly, some of that's the game's fault. The TP system it uses very much works to discourage and stifle clan competition. But that is what it is. The community COULD still be better and do more, if they wanted to. They don't want to.

Facts are just facts, dude.

Insisting that there are all these people out there that care at all about the clan race and it's perfectly fine and healthy and everyone isn't in a single clan is just stupid and nonsensical.

No one is "crying" or bitter for stating simple facts. They just aren't trying to gaslight themselves into believing ridiculous fantasy.

Everyone loves to talk about how easy it is to build a clan and whatever...

If people were driven by competition then they'd be trying not because it was easy, but because it was difficult.

Let's ignore completely how difficult or eat it all is then.

The problem is still that NO ONE CARES.

Or... maybe it isn't even a problem! Maybe It's simply MY problem! That's a reasonable argument!

But pretending like reality doesn't exist and everyone denying simple facts? You're all just idiots that should be ashamed of yourselves for that.

This same conversation happened when escapism dominated then strung out then apex now lusi games still going. The people that continue to complain continue to lose because they simply dont have the grit to win as sam said. You give up at the first sign of losing and turn to bitching about everyone else cheating to win. Noone wants to make a clan with you that actually know how to win months cause you dont exactly give off good leadership vibes if all you do is give up and bitch about how everyone else cheats.

This forum has turned into groundhog day where the same people complain about the same thing and get the same answers, periodically every couple of weeks or so.

I dont think this thread is to garner information Zal, more the usual miserable whining you usually spout. You haven't really even tried to win because you accept defeat before the month has started then cry unfair. You need to believe in yourself and not be so pessimistic about everything, even the Houthis believe they are winning against the US because of Allah whilst being bombed to shit.

I do think the game needs more content however a handful of players have achieved most of what there is to achieve on here and left due to boredom, although I wouldn't come to the forum every month berating Ender for it or start to accuse players of cheating because they got 6k wins in a day when around 20k is possible if you put your mind to it, just go play something else if you think the game is dead and stop crying.

This same conversation happened...

The fact that it's a perpetual issue is maybe a sign that there is indeed something wrong and not some sorta proof that everything is okey-dokey, dude.

I mean... c'mon, man.

Yes, EVENTUALLY there will be one more giant clan? THAT'S not "everything is working great."

And, as I stated before, the stupidest and most frustrating part for me... is just the absurdity of everyone insisting facts aren't real and are just imagined.

You all aren't actually that stupid... so what are you doing there? It's just dumb.

...besides, where are these players?

Unless Nos ever decided to throw his hat in the ring proper or something... they just aren't there.

Everyone is in Lusitania.

Sorry, there literally isn't the competition out there to legitimately compete with Lusitania.

Facts should be facts.

To simply say no one wants to work hard enough and they're all just jealous is BS. Why can't we just say things are how they are? Who is everyone even trying to fool with this non-stop gaslighting?

samulli you know nothing and I don't care about your stupid comments and you are insignificant imo and you dumb prick its natural for me to get bored when there's no effort from anyone else? after trying for a year. im just stating facts. i never wanted to be this all hailing dominate leader so you shut the fuck up. i just wanted to be part of a clan that competes and challenged the top clan. ask the members of apex thats what i tried to do before i joined them.

Hey everyone, I've been reading through this thread and wanted to share some thoughts from my perspective. I appreciate you all sharing your views on the game's current state, even the critical ones. It shows you still care about the game, and that means a lot!

First, to address the biggest underlying concern: I have no plans to shut the game down. This game has always been a passion for me. While it's true there were times it ran at a loss (mostly due to advertising costs I no longer incur), it's currently sustainable thanks to those of you who choose to support it financially, which I'm genuinely grateful for as it helps keep things running smoothly.

I know my communication and update frequency haven't been ideal the past few months, and I understand the frustration that causes. Like many of you, I juggle this passion project with a full-time job, family, and other commitments. While I wish I could dedicate more time, the reality is that development happens in the time I can carve out. I definitely want to bring more updates and engagement when I can.

Regarding some specific points raised:

• Suggestions: While my response time has been slower lately, please know that player suggestions have been the source of many updates over the years, and I do read them, even if I can't act on all of them immediately.
• Cheating: This is an ongoing challenge. I do investigate and take action when cheating is confirmed, but it can be complex and time-consuming to verify. It remains a priority to address fairly when detected.
• Bmails: I've fallen behind on responding to some bmails due to time constraints. I apologize for that delay - it's not ideal. I do intend to read and respond thoughtfully to each one as I catch up.
• Clan competition: This is a complex issue with a long history in the game. There are valid points on both sides regarding the cyclical nature of dominant clans and potential game mechanics that could encourage more competition. It's something I've thought about and discussed a bit on the forums in the past, and it remains relevant.

Ultimately, I'm still committed to this game and the community. While I can't always be as present or implement changes as quickly as some might like, I'm not planning on going anywhere.

Thanks for reading, and for playing.

Noice.

I dont think this thread is to garner information Zal, more the usual miserable whining you usually spout.

Actually it was to gather information but then people just posted Exactly and one word replies etc. so I didn't get much of that at first. I have been reading everyone's replies though. In a way I wasn't trying to whine about anything, I was just seeing what people thought since the past 3 months or so has been so quiet that I wasn't even sure who was still around to talk. Ender hasn't talked, most of you haven't talked, I was just trying to have a conversation as normal as that sounds. It's the entire point of having the forum. Generally speaking if all your suggestions get ignored you end up just sounding like you're whining because nothing gets done. If you suggest something over and over again it just sounds like whining. Like if I told someone to quit smoking 100 times it just sounds like whining but it's actually a good suggestion.

As for you and Samulii etc. saying we don't try at all, you two also quit the game so i don't see why you are complaining about our lack of commitment when you have 0 commitment now. Since November I've done 3 2 million + energy months over my multiple clans and did 3 million last February in just one clan. That's not being inactive or not trying, it's just what I can do. I don't play this game for the sake of staying awake 24 hours a day to beat some other no lives and nobody should have to play it that way.

As for your reply Ender, nice to see you again. I'll go over your reply now:

First, to address the biggest underlying concern: I have no plans to shut the game down. This game has always been a passion for me. While it's true there were times it ran at a loss (mostly due to advertising costs I no longer incur), it's currently sustainable

That's nice to know. Would've been nice to know like, 4 months ago when you were talking about losing money and the status of the game but then you went offline for some 3 months overall.

Like many of you, I juggle this passion project with a full-time job, family, and other commitments. While I wish I could dedicate more time, the reality is that development happens in the time I can carve out.

I don't think that after all this time that it's not even that we care that much about updates but rather if you're ALIVE or not. It doesn't matter what you talk about or if you do anything, but months of radio silence or replying to people makes it seem like you literally have died or don't care about the game anymore. I get the idea that "the game is the game, take it or leave it, I'll update it when I can" but as I've said before, it's a MULTIPLAYER game. Stagnation and no updates tend to kill multiplayer games due to boredom or the players on the game etc.

Cheating: This is an ongoing challenge. I do investigate and take action when cheating is confirmed, but it can be complex and time-consuming to verify. It remains a priority to address fairly when detected.

You never reply to any cheating accusations we send in it seems. You want to get rid of a 100% cheater right now that's cheating as we speak? Here you go.

Had 1k trains 34 days ago. Had 100k trains 22 days ago. Hit 250k trains 24 hours ago and is still going. That's around 7,400 trains PER DAY. It's such obvious autoclicking that a blind person could see it. There's plenty more going on too. But your solution to it for the past 3-4 months of me and others sending in bmails had just been to ignore them. So yeah, we don't exactly feel very seen or heard.

As far as I'm concerned everything you said was just to placate the few people that stick on here no matter what, it's obvious you have no plans on working on the game in the near future. Your entire message essentially says "I'm committed to the game but I haven't been working on it and don't plan on working on it unless I have the time to." Well, I'm sure there's plenty of people with old 1950s car wrecks in their garage that say the same thing when they look inside their garage and then shut the door and say "eh, maybe in a few months when the weather warms up." You can't be passionate about something and just leave it linger forever, it means you're not actually that passionate about it anymore. I mean, it took you 3 months to say anything to anyone about literally anything on this game.

All this talking about projects and things reminds me I have some projects to work on though :P

Indubitability

It doesn't matter what you talk about or if you do anything, but months of radio silence or replying to people makes it seem like you literally have died or don't care about the game anymore

into

As far as I'm concerned everything you said was just to placate the few people that stick on here no matter what, it's obvious you have no plans on working on the game in the near future.

Lol. Doomed if he does, doomed if he doesn't.

As for you and Samulii etc. saying we don't try at all, you two also quit the game so i don't see why you are complaining about our lack of commitment when you have 0 commitment now. Since November I've done 3 2 million + energy months over my multiple clans and did 3 million last February in just one clan. That's not being inactive or not trying, it's just what I can do. I don't play this game for the sake of staying awake 24 hours a day to beat some other no lives and nobody should have to play it that way.

This is completely irelevant as me and Sam don't post frequently about how much the game sucks and that "it's impossible to win" etc. I'm also not complaining about your commitment I couldn't care less but show some empathy to those reading your posts who can also see your effort, I just think it's absurd how much you slate this game in such a negative and almost depressing manner. Ender has just replied and you still don't seem happy about it, nothing ever seems to please you.

Zal, regarding your reply, I need to clarify/correct a few key points:

• Financial context: To clarify the context from my post you mentioned, the loss was largely due to advertising costs that have now stopped, and the game typically covers its own operational expenses now. Regardless of monthly finances, this is my passion project and I personally ensure it always has the funding needed to operate. Its continuation isn't dependent on revenue, so financial viability isn't a concern for its future.
• Activity and communication: The claims of "months of radio silence" and "3 months to say anything" aren't accurate. While I acknowledge I haven't been as active as I'd like due to time constraints (a reality of balancing this passion project with life), I have made forum posts and responded to bmails during this period. I will do my best to maintain a more regular presence going forward.
• Cheating reports: Specific cheating accusations, like the one you raised, need to be handled through bmail/reports. They are investigated, but confirming requires careful review and time - it's not instant, nor ignored. Public forum posts aren't the venue for judging these. Every report does get reviewed and eventually responded to via bmail, though I am currently behind.
• Commitment vs. time: It's absolutely possible to be passionate about the game (which I am) while being constrained by available time (which I also am). My desire to work on it more doesn't negate the real-world limitations on how much I currently can.

Unfortunately, this discussion has shifted from potentially useful feedback to a repetitive and hostile back-and-forth based on inaccurate claims. Engaging further here isn't productive for the community and diverts limited time and energy from development, addressing constructive feedback, and investigating actual issues like bmailed cheating reports. For these reasons, I'll be locking this thread. Further specific issues like cheating reports should continue via bmail, and broader constructive suggestions are always welcome in dedicated forum threads.

*click*