The Noob wrote:
"Kpt. Lehmann,
I don't like that new auto installer. I mean, what about JSGME? And the many changes i had to do for GW 1.1a to be like i want it...i don't like that idea, seriously. How about making an "Advanced Install" option where you can select where it installs and so on?
That damn auto installer spoils GWX for me."
My answer: We understand the concern... I've had many discussions concerning the employment of the same. Though GWX contains much of the things broad-spectrum players enjoy... such as candy for the eye and ear...
...the construction of GWX has been ALL ABOUT THE CODE... and making the AI react more aggressively towards the player. (no we didn't touch the executable and no we did not mod the AI itself... but we did mod the HELL out of how it perceives its surroundings.)
The modding we have done... from gunnery... to the AI reactions... to the damage model... and even allowance for changes in the campaign files... is knitted together like a spiderweb.
The auto-installer is here to stay for us as it removes the NUMBER ONE complaint for potential GW users... Difficulty of installation.
Indeed we have modded some things so fully and completely... that any alteration of key files will yield in some cases more than one game-breaking change.
This in actuality can make the use of JGSME after installation of GWX a really good idea...
However, I can tell you this after hundreds of PM's and communications elsewhere... that the average gamer does not know how to mod his or her game... and they do not generally come here to post to see what else is out there.
Without being a jerk... We have to consider that our user base reaches into many places we only hear about out of total surprize... and after media exposure factored into the mix... We have begun to recognize that we've hit a nerve somewhere... and how it may serve the SH3 community as a whole.
The auto installer makes it easier for the new guy to use... broadens our user-base... and brings this community new modders that may build "the next great thing."
We have to protect the integrity of the GW mod. There is no two ways about it. This does not preclude individuals modding their game to meet their personal wishes... It is about producing a quality mod... and auto-installers are not at all uncommon where other freeware mods are concerned.
In the end... whether you love us or hate us... we are assisting with the continued longevity of the Silent Hunter series and submarine simulations beyond today... and protecting freeware modders by competing with payware producers that have failed to live up to expectations of the most basic kind... credit... where credit is due.
When we first started... we simply had one goal... to produce a good mod that could stand on its own come what may... rise or fall... irregardless of whatever else was out there...
Never in our wildest dreams did we think that it would go as far as it has...
... but since it has gone this far... We intend to be good custodians until the GW story is finished.
I've read post after post by new SH3 users who say "Hi I just bought SH3 and have installed GW... Wow!!!" etc etc etc...
You might think this makes me happy... No... I get some satisfaction out of it yes... but it makes me feel responsible for their experience with GW because it reflects on this community.
I take that obligation seriously... WE take that obligation seriously at GW HQ.
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