Well, Doug, we get into the old game/simulation thing again <g>.
Papy does simulations. Their open wheel stuff probably doesn't
sell too good because... it's a simulation of real life (i.e.,
difficult). I would imagine Papy is aware of this... as is
Sierra. I, along with many others, thot the death-knell had
sounded for serious car sims when Sierra bought Papy... thank
goodness we were wrong, and thank Sierra for letting Papy produce
what they surely knew would not be a great cash cow.
However, there could be a method-to-the-madness as there is a
budding market out there... a certain percentage of people will
tire of the arcade games and look for something more challenging
and/or realistic. Voila. Unless Microprose regenerates their GP
series, Sierra/Papy has the racing sim market cornered (IMHO the
jury is still out on Ubisoft).
The same deal goes on in flight sims... MS has no doubt made a
bundle on Flight Simulator over the years, but there is a
hard-core group of online fliers that wouldn't touch it with a
10-foot pole <g>. In this vein, Microprose/Spectrum Holobyte has
spent a _lot_ of bucks working on Falcon 4, which is also going
to be too difficult for Joe Gamer. As with Sierra/Papy, they can
afford to do this. Unfortunately MP/SH will get much more
positive comments from a more sophisticated flight sim press on
this release than Sierra/Papy has with the motorcade rags on GPL.
C'est la vie. Sierra/Papy, r.a.s. appreciates the effort
It is indeed a question of priorities... a sim, or a game.
Methinks the developers are aware of the consequences. I applaud
those that go the sim route, and try to patronize their products,
as well as recommend them to those who are interested in a
challenge <g>.
Rgds,
Mark R.
> In the past, I have said pretty much what has been taken from their
>text of the report.
> I think GPL is OUTSTANDING in every way ---- but they have gotten
>some priorities out of synch, and it is telling on them in BOTH the
>report and on the shelves at the local computer stores.
> Just the other day I overheard a sales representative tell a
>potential customer that he would be MUCH better buying another product
>in the racing sim area because GPL is so difficult and you don't have
>a fighting chance in hell of getting close to the leaders.
> This customer DID buy onother product ---------------- leaving yet
>another box of GPL on the shelves with the multitudes of others that
>are there, but empty of nearly all others
> If THAT doesn't tell PAPY something ------------------ then they
>don't understand PLAIN ENGLISH and understand the meaning of customer
>satisfaction. It is obvious that the sales reps are getting flack
>from the masses and advising AGAINST the consumers buying the sim if
>they want something fun.
> Here in this newsgroup -------------- we are a different breed, and
>enjoy the challenge, but for average "JOE" out there --------- I am
>afraid they have stepped on their own toes and perhaps lost potential
>customers in the future as well.
> BUT --------------------- let them run their business as they
>please, ------------ I see several other sim producers coming out with
>products that are graphically equal to GPL, and with time, will be
>producing sims the general public will buy rather than leave on the
>shelves.
> Doug
