Terebithia Game

[Macca1111]

I'm fine if things take longer than expected...however, if I knew that I was working with a large team and especially if that included the always time-concious Disney webteam I would not have said "later this week." I would have said "soon." Or "as soon as everyone gets their stuff together." Or "sometime this month!" if I knew it would make it out before the end of May. Some people live on "Hawaiian" time as we call it (whenever bra, relax) but they have to know that they will piss off those of us who live on real world time and expect when someone gives a deadline, that it is a real deadline and that's when the thing will appear. There's my two cents...I know that some people are fine with whatever happens, but understand that some of us will obsess over something little like this. I know, probably unhealthy, but that's who we are.

 

[PrincessJen09]

I'm fine if things take longer than expected...however, if I knew that I was working with a large team and especially if that included the always time-concious Disney webteam I would not have said "later this week." I would have said "soon." Or "as soon as everyone gets their stuff together." Or "sometime this month!" if I knew it would make it out before the end of May. Some people live on "Hawaiian" time as we call it (whenever bra, relax) but they have to know that they will piss off those of us who live on real world time and expect when someone gives a deadline, that it is a real deadline and that's when the thing will appear. There's my two cents...I know that some people are fine with whatever happens, but understand that some of us will obsess over something little like this. I know, probably unhealthy, but that's who we are.

I agree. I am not mad that it takes a while to get these kind of things ready. I understand that. I would never be able to design the cool computer things that they have created. However, if they give a time then I expect them to stand by that. Just like I expect anyone else to. If he unsure, then say soon. If he thought it would be ready and its not, send a little message saying they are still adding the finishing touches and its coming soon. This is about common courtesy.

 

[Maleficent2]

My sentiments exactly. Yavn is simply the lead developer/designer of a TEAM of developers. He was just given the added responsibility to also be the "talking head" for VMK. And although I have YET to work with Yavn, I'd bet quite a large some of Doritos, that he has a lot less control over the things we see on VMK than many think he does. - no offense to you Yavn -

If you'd like to learn a little more about Yavn and see a bit of his personal side, you can visit his Blog at:
http://www.yavn.com/

If you look hard enough, you can also read from the musings of Caffdawg as well:
http://www.yavn.com/?page_id=20

Yavn blog just shows his personally does not give you any insight to what an amazingly gifted man he truly is.


He currently has a patent pending for:


United States Patent <info removed to protect id>

interactive game that gives rewards in park.

look familiar

Just a few of his games:

Ultima IX: Ascension (1999), Electronic Arts, Inc.
The Lion King (1994), Virgin Interactive Entertainment, Inc., Walt Disney Computer Software, Inc.
Walt Disney's The Jungle Book (1994), Virgin Interactive Entertainment, Inc.
Disney's Aladdin (1993), SEGA Enterprises Ltd.
M.C. Kids (1992), Virgin Games, Inc.
Prince of Persia (1992), Virgin Games, Inc.
Conan: The Cimmerian (1991), Virgin Games, Inc.
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), Virgin Games, Inc.
Vengeance of Excalibur (1991), Virgin Games, Inc.
Overlord (1990), Virgin Mastertronic Ltd.

He also produced and designed Alias Underground, Brother Bear Puzzle, The Magical Gathering Vacation Planner and Mission: Space Online along with designed D-Racer, and Disney’s Mini Golf.

 

[Danovara]

That is cool to know, ty Too

 

[SilentPedro]

OH MY GOD!

He made the Lion King in 1994?

I used to love that game when I was about 6

 

[rickyratsmom]

Ah, very nice...A truly gifted person our Yavn is..Let us all be patient and be happy and humbled that he is doing all of this for us...patience is a virtue, may we all recieve that precious gift............ Thanks Yavy for all your hard work..You are a true people person...Never forget that.. There are many of us who are truely appreciative of your efforts.. Do not feel discouraged or rushed, instead be encouraged by our patience..Know that we are all with you. It is through our support and encouragement that you will prevail. Go Yavn!

 

[cat_herder]

My sentiments exactly. Yavn is simply the lead developer/designer of a TEAM of developers. He was just given the added responsibility to also be the "talking head" for VMK. And although I have YET to work with Yavn, I'd bet quite a large some of Doritos, that he has a lot less control over the things we see on VMK than many think he does. - no offense to you Yavn -

Then perhaps he should stop promising things by a certain date/time, so people won't be so disappointed. Perhaps sometime along the lines of....."game coming later this year or in the future" instead of "game coming later this week", because the rest of world that is running on the same calendar were thinking **THIS WEEK!!!!! ** Better yet - don’t talk about it at all until everything is a completely done deal.

It kind of like the season cards that were promised to started with winter, that got pushed back to spring, and then pushed back again to summer. If he were to stop promising things by a certain time we might not get so uptight about it. I don't hold mistakes against someone **IF** they learn by them. But unfortunately yavn doesn't learn - he just keeps making promises and breaking them.

 

[Belle1997]

He also produced and designed Alias Underground, Brother Bear Puzzle, The Magical Gathering Vacation Planner and Mission: Space Online along with designed D-Racer, and Disney’s Mini Golf.

Do you think he can tell us what happened to Tink as organizer for magical gatherings. Seems she got fired or flew away. Since she no longer want s to help large groups organized there Disney Get togethers.

 

[fantasymooma]

It's Monday and still no Bridge to Terabithia Game...?

 

[Berry Princess]

Then perhaps he should stop promising things by a certain date/time, so people won't be so disappointed. Perhaps sometime along the lines of....."game coming later this year or in the future" instead of "game coming later this week", because the rest of world that is running on the same calendar were thinking **THIS WEEK!!!!! ** Better yet - don’t talk about it at all until everything is a completely done deal.

It kind of like the season cards that were promised to started with winter, that got pushed back to spring, and then pushed back again to summer. If he were to stop promising things by a certain time we might not get so uptight about it. I don't hold mistakes against someone **IF** they learn by them. But unfortunately yavn doesn't learn - he just keeps making promises and breaking them.

You will find this happen with LOTS of MMOs. Its a common thing. They think/feel they could have something out by whatever point but sometimes there are set backs. There are bugs to work out, last minute problems. Its a part of the gaming world for it to happen. One MMO I play actually just started telling people on the board it will come out soon instead of giving a date. They learned fast what giving a date can do because you don't know what problems will come up. Yes it would be better to not say whatever will come out or start at this point but they do it cause they think everything is worked out to do it. It could have been a last minute problem. I don't think its worth getting upset over when its just a game. Also if things weren't talked about before coming out we wouldn't know what we had to look forward to. Remember it isn't easy to do the job they do with the game. It takes lots of time and programing and such to get things to work and stay working. I'm glad they do the job they do well and I rather have something work then not work right or cause havoc on the game. This is just one of those things were you can't please all the people all the time. Another thing to remember, its a FREE game. So we should be happy to have so much in the game that we do and the future updates that they plan to do for us.

 

[Goofy_Bob]

It's not so much that the game isn't working or that I can't get a virtual treehouse that bugs me. I work in IT and know there are all sorts of problems when releasing new projects, big or small. I have no problem with that!

What is my problem?

It's the lack of consideration. The lack of customer service. Ok, so once again the product isn't ready when posted. Fine. But say something! Don't just leave the same broken Newsletter hanging there like a busted neon sign. Take 2 minutes and post an update. Something as simple as "Sorry, there were problems on the back-end and the game isn't ready. We're working the issue and hope to have it soon, will keep you posted." Then of course, do keep us posted.

Trust me, communication makes all the difference in the world. It shows a respect for your product and for your customer. If Yavn himself is too busy actually working the issue, there's got to be some flunkie who can type up a bulletin. That's what slave labor, uh I mean interns are for. Surely Yavns got a few of those running around and if not, he needs to get one or three.

I hate the slapdash way Disney's VMK is run and that's a primary reason I don't play as much as I used to (my game friends are the primary reason I still do at all)... but I'll leave that rant for another day.

Suffice to say ... Disney, VMK, Yavn - Either A) Learn that you can't keep to the schedules you post so don't announce specific timelines, and/or B) Please just take a few moments to keep us in the loop when things don't add up. That's all I ask.

 

[DaraAllen]

Folks, lighten up. Five pages of complaining about a free add-on is ridiculous. It will start working when it starts working. I've been in IT for 26 years (omg!), and my father was in it for 25 years before I was. Software development is fraught with unforeseen problems. Project leads want to give hard and fast delivery dates, and never, ever learn the downfalls of that. Development stretches out farther and farther and the time is taken away from QA and from documentation. That is the way of the software development world. Hardware fails, networks crash, developers write sloppy code and it breaks. Stuff happens.

It is what it is. Enjoy playing VMK or any other online game that you have. Be thankful that we don't have to play pong any more, and yes, boys and girls, we would spend hours bouncing that darned ball back and forth.

Oh, and I can bet you that as many people complain about NOT having an estimated release date as there are who complain about not meeting said estimated release date. You cannot please everyone, and with us, it seems they cannot please anyone.

Ok, I'm off my soap box.

Try and have a happy Monday people!

ETA: Yes, Goofy is 100% correct. Communicate the revised release time right way, don't leave people hanging unnecessarily!

 

[Goofy_Bob]

...Yes, Goofy is 100% correct...

Of course I am. Thanks for noticing.

...Software development is fraught with unforeseen problems. Project leads want to give hard and fast delivery dates, and never, ever learn the downfalls of that. Development stretches out farther and farther and the time is taken away from QA and from documentation. That is the way of the software development world.

Oh Zoo, you're so on there. I hate the way the pointy-haired management types insist on getting a due date and don't understand why we techs in the trenches can't say how long it's going to take to run test scripts and debug the programmers type-os. Then they and/or the customer are always changing what it is they actually want which requires another build and testing has to start all over again to assure proper QA. They never get that part. LOL

 

[Berry Princess]

I agree that it should be given a little update that things aren't working or whatever it is. Sadly its how most things end up though and then when its almost to late or it is they tell us what is going on...IF they decide at all tell us. I guess I'm just more mellow about it then some and it doesn't bug me as much. Not to say things haven't in the past with a game though. And like I said its free so we should be lucky they give us what they do for a free game. Even if it includes a little "hey the game is having issues we will get it running as soon as we can" message.

 

[Maleficent2]

Do you think he can tell us what happened to Tink as organizer for magical gatherings. Seems she got fired or flew away. Since she no longer want s to help large groups organized there Disney Get togethers.

you know Tink, Belle, she gets her panties in a wad over the simplest things....

I also think that the delay is due to another dept of Disney not Yavn just not keeping his word.

 

[Berry Princess]

I also think that the delay is due to another dept of Disney not Yavn just not keeping his word.

Wouldn't surprise me when it comes to Disney. I think alot forget that he has his own bosses as well and red tape that gets in the way. It happens so much with that company and its hard to get through it fast at times.

 

[Cardinal]

Yavn blog just shows his personally does not give you any insight to what an amazingly gifted man he truly is.


He currently has a patent pending for:


United States Patent <info removed to protect id>

interactive game that gives rewards in park.

look familiar

Cardinal is so lava!

Ok, ok... She didn't say that last part. But I know that's what everyone thinks



..."Interactive game that gives rewards in park."
Oh! I wish this were true. The patent description should be "Interactive game with rewards from park."

Two ideas for you Yavn:

~First, "Interactive game that gives rewards in park" would be totally AWESOME! Imagine getting a Fastpass for winning ten Pirates games? Or VMK Mickey Ears (I know, I know... going out on a limb here ) for those that have been here from Day 1?
~Second:
Wake up and smell the Starbucks House Blend Coffee, yavn! You're way past your deadlines on a few things.

 

[jasonpwns]

You will find this happen with LOTS of MMOs. Its a common thing. They think/feel they could have something out by whatever point but sometimes there are set backs. There are bugs to work out, last minute problems. Its a part of the gaming world for it to happen. One MMO I play actually just started telling people on the board it will come out soon instead of giving a date. They learned fast what giving a date can do because you don't know what problems will come up. Yes it would be better to not say whatever will come out or start at this point but they do it cause they think everything is worked out to do it. It could have been a last minute problem. I don't think its worth getting upset over when its just a game. Also if things weren't talked about before coming out we wouldn't know what we had to look forward to. Remember it isn't easy to do the job they do with the game. It takes lots of time and programing and such to get things to work and stay working. I'm glad they do the job they do well and I rather have something work then not work right or cause havoc on the game. This is just one of those things were you can't please all the people all the time. Another thing to remember, its a FREE game. So we should be happy to have so much in the game that we do and the future updates that they plan to do for us.

Take for example windows vista or Zelda twilight princess they held the twilight princess back twice >_< Nintendo

 

[cat_herder]

It's not so much that the game isn't working or that I can't get a virtual treehouse that bugs me. I work in IT and know there are all sorts of problems when releasing new projects, big or small. I have no problem with that!

What is my problem?

It's the lack of consideration. The lack of customer service. Ok, so once again the product isn't ready when posted. Fine. But say something! Don't just leave the same broken Newsletter hanging there like a busted neon sign. Take 2 minutes and post an update. Something as simple as "Sorry, there were problems on the back-end and the game isn't ready. We're working the issue and hope to have it soon, will keep you posted." Then of course, do keep us posted.

Trust me, communication makes all the difference in the world. It shows a respect for your product and for your customer. If Yavn himself is too busy actually working the issue, there's got to be some flunkie who can type up a bulletin. That's what slave labor, uh I mean interns are for. Surely Yavns got a few of those running around and if not, he needs to get one or three.

I hate the slapdash way Disney's VMK is run and that's a primary reason I don't play as much as I used to (my game friends are the primary reason I still do at all)... but I'll leave that rant for another day.

Suffice to say ... Disney, VMK, Yavn - Either A) Learn that you can't keep to the schedules you post so don't announce specific timelines, and/or B) Please just take a few moments to keep us in the loop when things don't add up. That's all I ask.

agreed.

 

[cat_herder]

Cardinal is so lava!

Ok, ok... She didn't say that last part. But I know that's what everyone thinks


Cardinal, it is a good thing to know your self worth. and actually you are "Cardinal is so lava!"


I think most everyone on DIS is lava! I don't care if one complains or not.
Certainly most of us have issues with certain things on VMK, and since there really is no way to complain to VMK about them (they never answer any of my questions or complaints) people need a place to let off steam with other people that know what they are talking about. For those that don't care that their follow DISer have issues there is always the delete button.

Cheers!