This is, of course, only my opinion based on my observations over the years: Turn 10 has a habit of coming to conclusions based on skewed data, and this is (may be) a prime example.
The first time it seemed obvious to me was when FM3 launched, and we were introduced to the “Hoppers.” The LOWEST class hopper was A-Class. This meant, firstly, that every new player who jumped online had no choice but to choose a car he/she was not yet capable of handling. And secondly, FM1 & FM2 “veterans” who *preferred" C- and D-Class cars were left out in the cold - use A-Class or higher or don’t bother with multiplayer. After a time, Turn 10 announced the “resounding success” of the Hopper system (well, there was no alternative, so pretty easy to claim success). Turn 10 also announced that, since the A-Class Hoppers were far and away the most popular, they were adding a couple new Hopper variations for A-Class cars. Well, gee… it apparently did not occur to anyone that perhaps the fact that it was the slowest Class Hopper available had something to do with it, and were they to have started out with B- C- and D-Class hoppers those may have proven to be just as popular.
(Oh, and never mind that the forums were filled with hate for the Hopper system — the Hoppers were a Success!!!)
This method of “analyzing big data” (as Dan G is fond of saying) repeats itself in a number of areas… “We see how players are playing the game…” Well, when the game design pushes or restricts gameplay in a particular direction, it’s no surprise to find out that is how they play the game!
FM5 was the worst example so far… Turn 10 brought in game designers who had no Racing game backgrounds - and were particularly unfamiliar with Forza and its history. Turn 10 then looks at the way the game is being played and deduces this is what the players want.
So, how does this relate to this topic?
Turn 10 staff have repeatedly shown the same pattern with forum members. The “community team” has been out-of-touch with the community for a long time now. It may have begun with the release of FM3… The massive change to multiplayer was never mentioned - let alone, promoted - prior to launch. Evidently Turn 10 didn’t feel the FM1 and FM2 fanbase had any need to know about it. During that time, Che began posting prolifically on neogaf, and that was pretty much where any new information first appeared. Here on the official FM forum, he posted less and less, eventually resorting to a “just play our game and shut up” attitude toward the fans. As time went on, the “community team” seemed to show less and less interest in what the “forum community” had to say, and have had almost non-existent engagement.
“…do my best to engage with Forza fans in places where Forza is being actively discussed…”
Well, gee guys… Any possibility that’s where the discussion is because that’s where Turn 10 Staff have discussed it over the years, so that’s where people head to ask questions (and get answers)???
56 page thread at neo??? Really??? Wow… Of course, combine the FM6 threads here into one thread… How many “pages” do you think it would get to? According to the forum stats, the FM6 section has just over 8,000 posts!!! Take out the 2,400 or so wishlist posts, and we’re still at 5,600!!! But… “the game is obviously a hot topic of discussion on [neogaf]” so that’s where Turn 10 staff goes to engage.
“…do my best to engage with Forza fans in places where Forza is being actively discussed…”
Heck - even when we try to discuss the game here, the moderators shut it down.
- “As far as Im concerned there should only be 3 or 4 threads in the FM6 section…”
- [Turn 10 should say] “Yes, we’ve announced the next version far too early, but please don’t bother getting over excited about it…yet”
Yes, Helios… the volunteer moderators (and one specifically, quoted here) were actively DISCOURAGING discussion about FM6!!!
“…do my best to engage with Forza fans in places where Forza is being actively discussed…”
Really, Helios? Is this what we have to look forward to between now and the launch of FM6 (and thereafter)? “Enough people copy/paste from our engagement elsewhere, so we don’t need to bother engaging with our actual fans”???
Should I head on over to neogaf for your answer?
