Are you waiting for War Room?

[HeadHunter]

If software delays are the worst disaster you ever encounter, consider yourself fortunate.

Indeed... something tells me he's never had to hold a dressing over someone's femoral artery for 45 minutes to keep them from bleeding out... or resuscitate someone who's just gone into cardiac arrest... or rescued someone from a burning building.

Sadly, even if I articulately express my opinion of the sort of person who considers a delayed app for a toy to be a "disaster", I will be moderated while his post is allowed to remain. If there's any injustice to be had here, that would be it.

[MrNemo]

I'm trying to stay out of this discussion, but for those who are pressing for an immediate release of the Android version, I'd like to add one point. Because War Room is using (as far as we know) a novel purchasing path (in app purchases on one platform, that work on another), there's always a risk that Apple will reject their app, and they'll need to negotiate or rethink their process. If they release the Android version before Apple has approved their app (and Amazon, but I don't know if Amazon has a policy on in app purchases), and then there are issues with the Apple release, any users who bought the Android decks, assuming they would work on iOS are going to be rather upset, and start another rage storm. I'd say it's far better to cross that hurdle up front.

And War Room is not the same case as Comixology or Kindle - in both of those cases, you are downloading content that is external to the app, and the app is just a viewer of the data. In War Room (as we've been told), the decks are part of the app, and you're just unlocking the functionality. War Room without the decks is more of a preview mode rather than a fully featured app. The fact that decks can be updated dynamically doesn't change this fundamental difference. If War Room is allowed to set this precedent, any game app could come out and say "our additional levels are just downloaded content, and we're sharing the in app purchases between stores". It could potentially trigger a significant shift in the current app landscape (possibly in a pro consumer direction).

I'm not saying that's how it /will/ go down, just noting that waiting for approval across all app stores is probably prudent in this case.

Draw something app works on all devices and talks to all devices. iOS and android. I do not see why apple would reject it on that basis. Since allot of apps cross over already with the android and apple apps. I can play on my iPhone with another player on a HTC phone via draw something app.

I am a bit meh on this issue. It was a mistake to announce a release date. Boy scout mistake.

[Mod_Gemini]

Do not post fake confirmations that War Room is out.

[x3tsniper]

Do not post fake confirmations that War Room is out.

Someone got in trouble. oh snap.

Draw something app works on all devices and talks to all devices. iOS and android. I do not see why apple would reject it on that basis. Since allot of apps cross over already with the android and apple apps. I can play on my iPhone with another player on a HTC phone via draw something app.

I am a bit meh on this issue. It was a mistake to announce a release date. Boy scout mistake.

I believe he was referring to peoples ability to buy their cards through amazon or android and take it to their apple products. That is what might hold it back. Apple is probably of the mind set that if you use an app on an apple product, you should have paid for it through the apple store.

[Gravmatrix]

I'm trying to stay out of this discussion, but for those who are pressing for an immediate release of the Android version, I'd like to add one point. Because War Room is using (as far as we know) a novel purchasing path (in app purchases on one platform, that work on another), there's always a risk that Apple will reject their app, and they'll need to negotiate or rethink their process. If they release the Android version before Apple has approved their app (and Amazon, but I don't know if Amazon has a policy on in app purchases), and then there are issues with the Apple release, any users who bought the Android decks, assuming they would work on iOS are going to be rather upset, and start another rage storm. I'd say it's far better to cross that hurdle up front.

And War Room is not the same case as Comixology or Kindle - in both of those cases, you are downloading content that is external to the app, and the app is just a viewer of the data. In War Room (as we've been told), the decks are part of the app, and you're just unlocking the functionality. War Room without the decks is more of a preview mode rather than a fully featured app. The fact that decks can be updated dynamically doesn't change this fundamental difference. If War Room is allowed to set this precedent, any game app could come out and say "our additional levels are just downloaded content, and we're sharing the in app purchases between stores". It could potentially trigger a significant shift in the current app landscape (possibly in a pro consumer direction).

I'm not saying that's how it /will/ go down, just noting that waiting for approval across all app stores is probably prudent in this case.

Yea this situation seemed a little "too good to be true" to me when originally announced, however I have been under the assumption that such a large potential issue like this would have been cleared prior to announcment (aka making sure their intended use of their app unlocking process would fly prior to designing the app with that expectation).

I, like others would have loved an earlier Android release, however I also use both iOS and Android platforms and while I intend to do a full unlock, I would not have done so until the app got approved on all fronts. So honestly the wait, while disheartening, is by far necessary fully warrented. The fallout that would result by your proposed worst case senario of having the iOS app rejected after having people unlock multiple decks on an Android device would not only be significantly worse than the "rage" over delays, but it would potentially carry very real consequences that Privateer Press would have to deal with.

I know it would certainly cause even more of an uproar, but I believe the War Room "Update" on the front page should be changed to a tactfully worded "It will be ready when it is ready; this is for your own good".

Unfortunetly, the War Room "release" issues have caused a good bit of anger due to a slew of reasons:

1) Premature announcement of release dates (causing delays)

2) "Prematurely" ending updates to your app (whether or not it was truely premature is completely debateable, however that seems to be the general feeling)

3) Unintentionally bringing the Android vs iOS arguments into the mix (these topics hardly end well)

I think War Room will be a fantastic tool once available, and hopefully it will exceed expectations. I for one am looking forward to the discussion boards returning more to discussing the actual game as opposed to an app.

Edit: I am not entirely sure how Privateer Press intends to handle War Room post release. I assume it will recieve its own heading link on the main page and if so potentially its own Forum subheading as well (potentially uner the "Warmachine and Hordes" grouping. If this is the ultimate intent, I would hope for it to be implemented sooner than later so that War Room topic threads could be consolidated and moved to that location. That way people who want to discuss War Room related topics can have their own place to do so.

[CHUD]

Someone got in trouble. oh snap.

Nope. Just deleted comments & replies to my post.

If I wanted to be a real jerk, it would have been a new thread & gotten everyone pissed off, not a BAZINGA comment buried on page 7.

Guess I'll go make sure all my cards are packed for tomorrow night's Warmahordes.

[Tossy]

Another week has passed to no avail. I am at the point of needing someone from PP to speak to us again. I am just frustrated because the company is so great and yet I am just getting more and more annoyed. I am a believer in transparency, just tell us why it is taking so long to get approved. Surely someone is in contact with them by now, there are a lot of angry customers banging down this door

[CHUD]

We've had a rep from Tinkerhouse posting updates in this thread the past couple days. What additional information are you looking for??

EDIT for quotes:
07-17-2012, 03:24 PM

Hey all,


I'm Lane Daughtry, the lead dev at TinkerHouse Games. We just wanted to give a quick update and some facts.


The app went in for certification on Friday July 6th. The next step in the Apple certification processes is them informing us it has been pulled for review. Once that happens for an app of this type it is usually a fairly quick process, meaning the app will get pulled for review in the morning and it will usually go live the same day. No guarantees, but that's been our usual experience. It is also afternoon PST and it's unlikely that it will be pulled today. So hopefully tomorrow or the next day. We honestly thought when it didn't happen last Friday it would happen this Monday. Alas no.


Amazon is a bit more informal in their communication back to developers. You generally just hear from them that it has cleared cert with no other communication. But they are asking us questions about the In App Purchase which means they are reviewing and that's a good sign.


Just wanted to give you guys some info on the process as you're obviously anxious to see it out. As are we, I can with certainty assure you Thanks for the patience everyone. It's almost over.


-L

07-18-2012, 10:37 AM

And actually, to put a finer point on it because this is something that weighs on me as both a customer and a responsible business owner....


If you want to examine the dynamics of what went wrong here it is this: We stated release dates we shouldn't have. The people saying that are correct. And when I say we stated I really mean I stated, and Privateer relayed that information in good faith. As dates slipped Privateer was understandably not happy, but they also dealt with it as you have to. You try and determine a new date and work towards that. Again based on my estimations as the lead developer of the company contracted to do the project. I'll tell you honestly the lesson reinforced here is don't do release dates until you are sure.


Now, we have a long term partnership plan with Privateer so they did not throw us under the bus. That was the right thing to do and we appreciate that immensely from them. Conversely the right thing for THG to do is take responsibility for the schedule slips.


Now what I won't do is say that we could have got this product out earlier. Scheduling estimation and communication issues aside, we encountered 3 things that made this project take as long as it did:
It took far longer than we anticipated to account for all the functional edge cases in the card content. Things like Sturm and Drang's two caster card, and Karchev having jack health and the numerous other one offs made for a lot of iteration to get it right and all play nicely together. There are almost 900 pieces of complex, multi-part content in this app. That takes time to get right.
When we got all of the UI in and implemented in the original UI API it was not responsive enough to ship. The cards, being procedurally generated from the content Privateer produces and updates, are necessarily complex and that added up to inadequated performance with the first pass. So we made the right choice and chose to redo it in a more complex to author but better performing API.
We didn't anticipate the functional issues the iPad 3 would present.


We put in the time to make a product good enough to ship. And we'll do that every time.


So in closing, sorry for the communication issues I precipitated. Won't happen again


-L

[Kenton]

Another week has passed to no avail. I am at the point of needing someone from PP to speak to us again. I am just frustrated because the company is so great and yet I am just getting more and more annoyed. I am a believer in transparency, just tell us why it is taking so long to get approved. Surely someone is in contact with them by now, there are a lot of angry customers banging down this door

Why are you angry?

You do not need this product to play. You are simply frustrated. Be calm, it will be released in time.

It is possible that the delay has resulted from it failing Apple's criteria for the store and is now being fixed, which will require resubmission. On the other hand it might just be taking a while. In the end it doesnt really matter, does it?

[x3tsniper]

Man, if it requires another resubmission I will have to stop coming to the forums for a while. >< I may be to aggravated to post without incurring infractions.

Moar angry face. >< >< ><

[PG_The_Veneficus]

Man, if it requires another resubmission I will have to stop coming to the forums for a while. >< I may be to aggravated to post without incurring infractions.

Moar angry face. >< >< ><

go and have a game with out the app, use your cards, enjoy it and youll reflect on the fact that your anger is really not nessescary.

[mattcolville]

I've dropped about $2,000 in the last month on this game and while I won't regret that no matter what happens with the app, it was the app that made me give in and start playing. It just seems like exactly what I would want from an app. I keep putting off playing because I don't want to have to do it all by hand.

I am an iOS developer and even with 0 problems from Apple it can still take 7-10 days for approval. Given the IAP model they're using, there could be some weirdness with apple, or PP may be trying to find a way around the 30% cut Apple wants for all content sold in-app.

[PG_Asa]

I've dropped about $2,000 in the last month on this game and while I won't regret that no matter what happens with the app, it was the app that made me give in and start playing. It just seems like exactly what I would want from an app. I keep putting off playing because I don't want to have to do it all by hand.

I am an iOS developer and even with 0 problems from Apple it can still take 7-10 days for approval. Given the IAP model they're using, there could be some weirdness with apple, or PP may be trying to find a way around the 30% cut Apple wants for all content sold in-app.

PP loves you. I cant say that if I won several G I wouldnt do the same thing.

Also, today is day 11 so...



In time for Saturday's rumble?

[McWolf]

PP may be trying to find a way around the 30% cut Apple wants for all content sold in-app.

30% is quite a lot.

Is there any information about the inGame payment of war room ? Can i pay with paypal or something like that (Android)?

What do we say to war room? Not today, not today

[Jakal]

30% is quite a lot.

Is there any information about the inGame payment of war room ? Can i pay with paypal or something like that (Android)?

I don't think that PP is trying to get around the 30% store holder cut. PP has said in the past that you can use iTunes store credit, which means that the payment methods would be the same as what ever you use to buy stuff on your device currently.

[LordGrimlok]

Man, a lot of you guys need to KCCO. Google it.

[Lich_Lord_X]

If there's an issue regarding the in app purchase system could it be because someone recently found a way to hack it and get in app content for free? They might be delaying the release because Apple is patching up some code to prevent people hacking into the IAP system. Normally it wouldn't be an issue but because you could potentially steal the content in the apple store to use it on an android device.

Just a thought and random speculation. Still doesn't account for Amazons delay though.

[Tossy]

Why are you angry?

You do not need this product to play. You are simply frustrated. Be calm, it will be released in time.

It is possible that the delay has resulted from it failing Apple's criteria for the store and is now being fixed, which will require resubmission. On the other hand it might just be taking a while. In the end it doesnt really matter, does it?

Me? I said I was frustrated but I know a lot of angry people with nerd rage. I like the cards though, but I am looking forward to trying other factions a lot... but that is me

[jettzypher]

Man, a lot of you guys need to KCCO. Google it.

What does the Kilimanjaro Center for Community Ophthalmology have to do with anything? I'm confused... >.>

[Fearless]

I'm trying to stay out of this discussion, but for those who are pressing for an immediate release of the Android version, I'd like to add one point. Because War Room is using (as far as we know) a novel purchasing path (in app purchases on one platform, that work on another), there's always a risk that Apple will reject their app, and they'll need to negotiate or rethink their process. If they release the Android version before Apple has approved their app (and Amazon, but I don't know if Amazon has a policy on in app purchases), and then there are issues with the Apple release, any users who bought the Android decks, assuming they would work on iOS are going to be rather upset, and start another rage storm. I'd say it's far better to cross that hurdle up front.

Well, if that's the case then it is (as far as I'm concerned) cool.

But the impression I was under was that they were waiting until all platforms were approved so everyone got the app at the same time.

And what I said way back when I'll say again, since it seems like it *might* be ready to go on my platform.

Just release it, if it's about being "fair" well, whatever. I thought, about a week and change ago that it was apple holding things up and I had no problem with my android and kindle brothers and sisters getting their new shiny's and playing with them. At least I'd find a youtube review to tide me over until Apple got it done.

Now it seems like Amazon is the one slowing the show down, and again I say why not release it for Android and iTunes. Is some kindle fire user really going to be so enraged that he'll hurl his kindle across the room, or rage-quit the game?

Being fair is nice. But in this case, I think, unneccesary. Subscribers get their NQ's in advance of the stores as often as not, so why shouldn't iPad and Android users get their War Room.

I will reiterate, if it is about being cautious, and making sure the app gets approved on all platforms, that's cool. It'd also be nice if THG or PP might confirm that. But if it's just about being "fair"......well I've said my bit.

[PG_LonelyMonk]

Another Day...

Will we get news today... Shrug...

I stop by to see how crazy things are getting in here...

Stay calm, we are not in control of this and neither is PP or Tink.... It is like waiting for news after a job interview...

Go play a game or paint something, that what I'm doing... I'm pretty sure I will see it on twitter or get a txt if something happens...

[polypusher]

I played a 50 point match over the course of this week at lunch with another player at work. Kraye vs Mohsar. My 1st 50 pt match in months, 1st big one with Stormwall, and 1st really dealing with scenarios. It was a fun back and forth slog, the two of us made TONS of HUGE mistakes (never in our favor, let me tell you). In the end, Stormwall climbed a hill and punched Mohsar so hard that Gorax exploded (what voodoo is this?!), then punched him so hard they'll be picking bits of him out of his knuckles for weeks.

The whole week we were hoping that War Room would pop up and offer us some relief. As newer players, we still have to reference rules dozens of times a match for big and little questions. It slows things down quite a bit. More than list building and pretty cards, I am looking forward to War Room for the instant access to rulings and errata.

[Tielc]

Another Day...

Will we get news today... Shrug...

I stop by to see how crazy things are getting in here...

Stay calm, we are not in control of this and neither is PP or Tink.... It is like waiting for news after a job interview...

Go play a game or paint something, that what I'm doing... I'm pretty sure I will see it on twitter or get a txt if something happens...

It's interesting that you wrote this. I had some time last night, and after realizing in dissapointment that the app was not going to release yesterday I finally busted open some boxes I had yet to assemble. I actually got a staggering amount done not concerning myself with whether or not this app was released. As much as I would like to have it for a flight I have on Monday morning, I realize I do have a lot of painting to do, and this is far from the top of my priority list. Besides, I don't need it to get a game in. I'm old and was born before the interwebz, therefore, I do remember how to do math without an app....

[WarpedWolf]

Stay calm, we are not in control of this and neither is PP or Tink.... It is like waiting for news after a job interview...

It does have that same feel, doesn't it?

Go play a game or paint something, that what I'm doing... I'm pretty sure I will see it on twitter or get a txt if something happens...

Last night I helped teach a couple of new players WMH. I'd call that a valuable use of waiting time, wouldn't you?

I'm old and was born before the interwebz, therefore, I do remember how to do math without an app....

Same here. Twenty-something years of playing RPGs, and just now getting into minis. My wife wanted me to have a hobby that doesn't involve the computer. I don't think she realized how expensive minis are.

Now everyone, clap your hands and say, "I do believe in War Room! I do believe in War Room!"

[LordGrimlok]

What does the Kilimanjaro Center for Community Ophthalmology have to do with anything? I'm confused... >.>

Lol. Didn't expect that. It stands for ” Keep Calm and Chive On”. go to theChive.com and get your spirits up. At the same time, it'll decrease your work productivity by 60%.

[IRON GHOST]

I keep having this idea that we are explorers on safari looking for the app, here is the journal entry:

Day 14

It is many days into my quest to find the elusive War Room. At one point we thought we had glimpsed it, but there was an apple tree blocking our view. The amazon stymies us as well, but my guides promise that we will see find it soon.
Supplies run short, the natives are restless, but I shall carry on.

[usbprime]

This thread amuses me greatly......Half of the people are like "Meh, it get's here when it gets here <content causual whistling as they walk out of the room>" and the other half of people are more like "HULK SMASH WAR ROOM!!!!!!!"

Me......first group.......now if only someone could make an app that would help me with everything i forgot for last nights games........my tape measure.........my overhead markers........all my magnaset pieces.......my teplates........

[garwjenk]

Lol. Didn't expect that. It stands for ? Keep Calm and Chive On?. go to theChive.com and get your spirits up. At the same time, it'll decrease your work productivity by 60%.

Which is a massive ripoff and re-branding of "Keep Calm and Carry On."

[notsoevil]

Keep Calm and Page Five On?

[garwjenk]

Keep Calm and Page Five On?

Not bad, not bad.

What about...

Keep Calm and Colossal On?

Keep Calm and Command Check On?

Keep Calm and Control Phase On?

[aiphergott]

Besides, I don't need it to get a game in. I'm old and was born before the interwebz, therefore, I do remember how to do math without an app....

Don't worry there's an app for that.

New plan, everyone go buy a lottery ticket. Then we'll pool our winnings, buy PP and Tinkerhouse, and then release everything at our leisure.

[tves]

Keep Calm and game ON!

[notsoevil]

Not bad, not bad.

What about...

Keep Calm and Colossal On?

Keep Calm and Command Check On?

Keep Calm and Control Phase On?

Keep Calm and Caster Kill on?

[RidetheLightning]

Me......first group.......now if only someone could make an app that would help me with everything i forgot for last nights games........my tape measure.........my overhead markers........all my magnaset pieces.......my teplates........

This 100 times!! Totally went for a game last night and forgot a couple things too!

[garwjenk]

Keep Calm and Caster Kill on?

Nice! Keep Calm and Kill Box On!

[ucfan34]

I keep having this idea that we are explorers on safari looking for the app, here is the journal entry:

Day 14

It is many days into my quest to find the elusive War Room. At one point we thought we had glimpsed it, but there was an apple tree blocking our view. The amazon stymies us as well, but my guides promise that we will see find it soon.
Supplies run short, the natives are restless, but I shall carry on.

Had a real life LOL from this. *high five*

[PG_Tulsy]

Go play a game or paint something, that what I'm doing... I'm pretty sure I will see it on twitter or get a txt if something happens...

I have to second this. From July 9th(release day) to yesterday (July 19th) I have painted a Bomber, a Winter Troll, a Bouncer, a half unit of Pyg Burrowers (already had the other half painted), a unit of Scouts, Doomy 2, Madrak 2, and Gunny. I should finish up Grim and Jarl today.

I say don't stress out and get some painted models on the table. War Room will be great, but something that is even better is playing with painted models.

[rwould]

Bah, got all excited as the war room android search went from 93 to 94 hits. But no luck

[LordGrimlok]

Keep Calm and Page Five On?

Win.

KCP5O?

[Blackraine]

... and the other half of people are more like "HULK SMASH WAR ROOM!!!!!!!"

I'm edging closer to this one. Especially since I left my phone at home and won't be able to check it all day.