War Room FAQ, revised

[PG_battlemechanik]

Are they excluding any?

Last time I checked, forwardkommander was still up... yep still there.

[Tiran]

That is exactly my point. Write the framework once, as long as the new art/cards fall under that framework you are a onetime release. From a business perspective reduces cost since you do not have to have a support/dev staff on hand. PP is a not a dev shop they are an art shop. It is unlikely they would maintain and expensive service for this app. As many have stated in this thread really good programmers are expensive to employ. By reducing the feature creep they reduce the cost of development and the cost of maintenance, I am not being negative just very pragmatic about what to expect from the technical point of view. I do not doubt the artwork will be amazing as with all the print/figure releases PP does.

So you're saying instead of a feature rich but graphically basic app maintained by programmers, we'll be getting a feature light but very pretty app maintained by artists?

[edavis]

I think Pretty and and artists is a bit simplified, I would say a graphically pleasing application that is maintained by PP. I for one do not see a real long term application roadmap as it is costly and it doesn't play to their primary core strengths. I think they are hoping that there is a hug buzz and we all buy it. I mean from it's description it isn't a bad app, it is just missing or fails to enforce their own rules in the features that many of us have grown to enjoy. I enjoy playing. I enjoy building list. I rarely have enough time before a pick up game to create list, or pull a saved one. I do not want to have to guess if my game issued app is smart enough to enforce it's own rules. I will be using Ibodger (Yes, I know it is already out of date). But the funny thing is if I do not buy anymore models ibodger works just fine (double savings) .Until something better comes along or I get frustrated enough to write me own I will be using ibodger

[PPS_Will]

To get back to FAQ stuff...

For the iOS version of this app, will the cards be purchased in-app/through iTunes? Asking because I have a fair amount of iTunes gift cards that I'd like to use for this if I could. If not, no biggie, just curious how the card purchasing will work.

In app purchases in War Room will be through the iTunes or Android markets depending on the device. As such any iTunes gift cards you have applied to your Apple account should apply to War Room purchases.

[Sanguinary Dan]

Maybe a silly question, but I know you can get X-Code to run as an iOS emulator on OSX platforms. Would you be able to run War Room on a lap top in that way? Heaven knows that would solve a ton of battery usage issues.

[WarpedWolf]

I was re-reading the War Room FAQ this morning, and the following caught my eye:

Does War Room feature a collection manager?

No, this is not a feature of the core War Room app.

Is there the possibility that this might be added later on, either as a free update, or as a paid add-on?

Overall, I'm fairly optimistic about War Room. As a new player, I'm still working out exactly how to build my army. WR will let me proxy in different models and try them out.

[jmsetzer]

In app purchases in War Room will be through the iTunes or Android markets depending on the device. As such any iTunes gift cards you have applied to your Apple account should apply to War Room purchases.

Thanks Will! That is awesome.

[PG_battlemechanik]

Maybe a silly question, but I know you can get X-Code to run as an iOS emulator on OSX platforms. Would you be able to run War Room on a lap top in that way? Heaven knows that would solve a ton of battery usage issues.

Not without the source code. The final app as its packaged for distribution can't even be run on the original developer's machine... which always seemed kind of broken to me. "Here apple, here's my final package, nope I cant actually test it, hope it works right..."

[quindraco]

I'm pretty sure that referencing their copyrighted material (units, names, point values, theme lists, etc) would not end in anyone's favor...

You actually can't copyright a number to begin with.

[Trollz]

In app purchases in War Room will be through the iTunes or Android markets depending on the device. As such any iTunes gift cards you have applied to your Apple account should apply to War Room purchases.

Well... In that case, I will probably end up buying the whole ka-bang. Thanks for considering those of us that have iTunes gift cards floating around!

[edavis]

Well... In that case, I will probably end up buying the whole ka-bang. Thanks for considering those of us that have iTunes gift cards floating around!

It is a function of the app store.

[Arrik]

You actually can't copyright a number to begin with.

Nice twist. :/

[EvilJosh]

It is a function of the app store.

Yes, but originally PP was saying that the purchases were going to be outside the app. People spoke up and said that they wanted to be able to use their iTunes gift cards. As far as I know this is the first time that they've officially said the change on how this is going to work. A good example of how PP is willing to change things with the thought of their players in mind. Hopefully, we'll see some of this before the app is released.

[Trygle]

I was under the impression that Apple and Google didn't like in-app purchases that bypassed their market system...

[Lord of ???]

Well Will just stated that any Apple Credit would be able to be used to purchase for the iOS War Room. That says to me that the purchases if they run in app are attached to the store.

[jmsetzer]

Yes, but originally PP was saying that the purchases were going to be outside the app. People spoke up and said that they wanted to be able to use their iTunes gift cards. As far as I know this is the first time that they've officially said the change on how this is going to work. A good example of how PP is willing to change things with the thought of their players in mind. Hopefully, we'll see some of this before the app is released.

They never said any such thing. Several speculated but PP never said one way or the other until now, thus my question :-)

They aren't "changing" anything. That said, PP rocks anyhow. Just thought I'd say that :-)

[roadkizzle]

I was under the impression that Apple and Google didn't like in-app purchases that bypassed their market system...

Actually it was just Apple that got really pissy about this. Initially developers (such as Amazon with their Kindle app) were able to provide their own hosted payment system/store for in-app (and out of app but effecting functions in the app) purchases, but recently Apple banned them from doing this as it doesn't allow them to receive 30% of all money that passes through Apple's App Store. I believe some developers do still get around this requirement with users purchasing stuff outside the app, but there can be no link within the app to tell the user where to go make the purchase.

Google didn't make a statement one way or the other, but many of the developers with apps on both ecosystems transitioned to the standard in-app purchases, although it looks like Amazon still has their own method of payment and selection for their Kindle app which would not be allowed in iOS. (Granted this makes sense because Amazon has their own complete app market on Android living very peacefully with the Android Market. This friendliness is one of the reasons why I am so fond of the Android system.

[PG_Steampunk Jim]

I believe some developers do still get around this requirement with users purchasing stuff outside the app, but there can be no link within the app to tell the user where to go make the purchase.

Though it doesn't have a direct link, the Audible.com app, when you click the "More Books" option, straight up tells you to go to audible.com to buy your books.

[Max Teranous]

Maybe a silly question, but I know you can get X-Code to run as an iOS emulator on OSX platforms. Would you be able to run War Room on a lap top in that way? Heaven knows that would solve a ton of battery usage issues.

Don't see why that would help, as a laptop battery lasts about 3 hours and a tablet about 10!

Max

[grafix]

Don't see why that would help, as a laptop battery lasts about 3 hours and a tablet about 10!

Max

Depends on the tablet.

[edavis]

They are providing a a distribution channel that reaches millions for the developers application. That infrastructure costs money. Should retailers be able to sell PP materials and not pay PP for them, no I think not. I don't see how Apple is being pissy for desiring to be paid for their service. If you are a developer and don't like it. Don't write the code. Also subscription services, and major players in the e-book/audio space get a little more latitude under Apples policy. If all the components ship with the app, clearly it isn't a subscription service and needs to follow Apples guide lines. Not paying the distributor would be just as bad as piracy in my eyes. Fortunately , it s a moot point as PP has already stated it is pugged in to Itunes. Thank PP for practicing what you preach [ serious kudos ].

Actually it was just Apple that got really pissy about this. Initially developers (such as Amazon with their Kindle app) were able to provide their own hosted payment system/store for in-app (and out of app but effecting functions in the app) purchases, but recently Apple banned them from doing this as it doesn't allow them to receive 30% of all money that passes through Apple's App Store. I believe some developers do still get around this requirement with users purchasing stuff outside the app, but there can be no link within the app to tell the user where to go make the purchase.

Google didn't make a statement one way or the other, but many of the developers with apps on both ecosystems transitioned to the standard in-app purchases, although it looks like Amazon still has their own method of payment and selection for their Kindle app which would not be allowed in iOS. (Granted this makes sense because Amazon has their own complete app market on Android living very peacefully with the Android Market. This friendliness is one of the reasons why I am so fond of the Android system.

[edavis]

Wow It is April. I see the app is in the app store. April fools. So were is the War Room? Yes yes I know it is the 4th of April. Day 1 or day 30. I will believe it when I see it.

[Gavriel]

Last official update was that it would release in late April.

[CHUD]

Man. I leave this thread alone for a few weeks & still nothing. I've got my new phone now. Can we pleaseeeee release this thing???

[jandrese]

Give it a couple of weeks.

[Malarowski]

They said April 15th I believe. Sunday!

Edit: Late April. Mh where did I get the 15th from? Oh well, time for my meds I guess. :x

[Kevin949]

Give it a couple of weeks.

We've given it a couple weeks since their original announcement of march. Does that count?

[AJ the Ronin]

In American English, what you guys mean when you say "late something"?

I'm not joking since I have seen the term used in so many ways that is confusing when English is not your first language.

Is like "soon" or "a few". Too vague.

[Malarowski]

It means "Just wait until it's out, okay?!"

Literally just a vague date, could mean anything from 18-31st (by my definition)

[PG_Pyrodude32]

In American English, what you guys mean when you say "late something"?

I'm not joking since I have seen the term used in so many ways that is confusing when English is not your first language.

Is like "soon" or "a few". Too vague.

Late April to me - means the last couple of days in April. Couple being defined as 2 - also since PP is a business, we can infer that the last couple of days of April will mean the last 2 business days of April. So in this case Late April would mean April 27th or April 30th.

At least thats what Late April means to me.

Oh, and late would qualify as also meaning the end of something. In order to reach the end of something you have to first travel through the beginning - then you reach the middle (which is currently where we are at). After passing through the middle we'll reach the end.

[Mod_Gemini]

"late something" means "towards the end of something" pretty much.

So, in this case, "late April" is "towards the end of April"

[AJ the Ronin]

Late April to me - means the last couple of days in April. Couple being defined as 2 - also since PP is a business, we can infer that the last couple of days of April will mean the last 2 business days of April. So in this case Late April would mean April 27th or April 30th.

At least thats what Late April means to me.

Oh, and late would qualify as also meaning the end of something. In order to reach the end of something you have to first travel through the beginning - then you reach the middle (which is currently where we are at). After passing through the middle we'll reach the end.

I know. But I have seen stuff that will release "late 2011" (to give an example) and is released in November.

Also, I have read books were they mention "the late insert name", and pretty much means the person is dead (I'm sure easy thing for a natural speaker, highly confusing if not)

[PG_Pyrodude32]

I know. But I have seen stuff that will release "late 2011" (to give an example) and is released in November.

Also, I have read books were they mention "the late insert name", and pretty much means the person is dead (I'm sure easy thing for a natural speaker, highly confusing if not)

Ah - i've got what you mean now. Late is one of those outstanding words that has about 5 different meanings (fun isn't it?)

Late - typically meaning one has not arrived on time.
Late [Insert Variable] will modify the meaning of late.

Here's a quick little reference guide:
Late [Month] - Last couple of days in the month
Late [Year] - Last couple of months in that year
Late [Name] - Person is deceased.
Late [Season] - Last month of a particular season - for example Last Summer would typically refer to August
a Late [Season] - The season did not arrive on time, example - a late Summer, typically a Summer that started behind and is extending into fall.
our late [adjective] - our late argument, meaning our last argument.
I'm running late - Has not arrived when I was supposed to. i.e. I'm late to a meeting, so the meeting has already started.

Doesn't it get confusing when the word before late can modify the meaning of it. Like "a late [season]" and "late [season]". I used to hate English class because of all of these exceptions... Some people found it easy and intuative - I wasn't one of them. I found Science (Chemistry/Physics specifically) and Math (Algebra/Trig/Geometry/Cal) much easier and more intuative than the English language - well maybe not so much Cal

[ennuii]

oh man i was excited today. Saw a post at work from pp on facebook. But i cant forum at work. All forums are blocked. So all i saw was "pp is proud to present the new.." oshi- oshi- warroom was all i was thinking. A broken video page did not cross my mind. Pbbbbbbbbbbbbth.

[CHUD]

Soon......

[AJ the Ronin]

I hate that word.

[wargolem]

I heard it will not have a list builder like the current crop of list builders. Is this true? Also we all remember that fatefull day when they released MKII and bombadiers were supposed to be out "late" something hehehe

[Drzombieface]

I heard it will not have a list builder like the current crop of list builders. Is this true? Also we all remember that fatefull day when they released MKII and bombadiers were supposed to be out "late" something hehehe

If you watch the video it shows it has it's own list builder that includes viewable cards. I'd say it's different from something like iBodger because it looks more intricate/detailed/in- depth. iBodger is mostly for just throwing lists together for fun/on the fly, this app seems like it's intended to be more than just a list builder app like iBodger. I'll probably still use both, since I don't think War Room includes a collection manager like iBodger does.

[quindraco]

I heard it will not have a list builder like the current crop of list builders. Is this true? Also we all remember that fatefull day when they released MKII and bombadiers were supposed to be out "late" something hehehe

It broadly speaking does let you make a list. Here are the important ways we know it cannot do things that iBodger can do:

1) As stated in the FAQ, War Room will not support collection management.
2) War Room will handle list construction in a fundamentally different way from iBodger, in that it will not prevent you from making an illegal list, it will simply attempt to visually represent that it is illegal (by going over points or over FA or what have you).
3) In addition, it will lack the capacity to tell when your list is actually legal due to a tier, and you will have to work that out for yourself. It will come with cards covering the tier rules, so there will be a reference available. How this will resolve with tier lists like that Skorne one where the models from a unit become a UA on an entirely different unit is unknown, but the overall design style implies that the app will grant you manual control to force the list into a certain shape.
4) This isn't really in the same category as the previous three, but War Room will not update on the same schedule that iBodger used to; in some ways it can reasonably be expected to be much faster, and in other ways much slower, since War Room will update as soon as a new book is released, but is unlikely to update when a preview is done in NQ.

[WarpedWolf]

I don't think War Room includes a collection manager like iBodger does.

Per the FAQ:

Does War Room feature a collection manager?

No, this is not a feature of the core War Room app.

The key word there is 'core.' My hope is that while it won't be included in the initial release, that they'll add it later. Hopfully as a free addon.

And the War Room FAQ could probably use some revision, just to keep down on the repeat questions.