Doubts!? Will they release a new Silent Hunter?!

Leandro · 11-23-11, 10:44 AM

A good day to all commanders this is my first post hope you like it.
With the advent of successful simulations of war will be possible to have another title based on silent hunter, perhaps an alternate history during the Cold War, with the passage of conventional submarines (diesel / electric) for nuclear submarines? Or perhaps something that go in the future, around 2015, using the new Virginia-class maritime patrol missions?! Unlike the period of the First World war and Second World war, in which the submarines that were used on a large scale, the Cold War was a period technological development and in modern times, despite the SSN and SSBN platforms are the most powerful ever built war, wars maritime play a more tactical compared the use of submarine warfare in the first half of the 20th century. It would be possible to have a great simulator with submarines today?!

1480 · 11-23-11, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leandro

A good day to all commanders this is my first post hope you like it.
With the advent of successful simulations of war will be possible to have another title based on silent hunter, perhaps an alternate history during the Cold War, with the passage of conventional submarines (diesel / electric) for nuclear submarines? Or perhaps something that go in the future, around 2015, using the new Virginia-class maritime patrol missions?! Unlike the period of the First World war and Second World war, in which the submarines that were used on a large scale, the Cold War was a period technological development and in modern times, despite the SSN and SSBN platforms are the most powerful ever built war, wars maritime play a more tactical compared the use of submarine warfare in the first half of the 20th century. It would be possible to have a great simulator with submarines today?!

Welcome aboard sir!

This has been debated on these forums since sh4 was released. Search the forums for that subject since you will find many posts about for and against the cold war era. Not even sure at this point that there will be a sh6.

CCIP · 11-23-11, 10:58 AM

Any game is possible in theory, and would be fun if made well.

In practice, this will not happen for a while. There are a few strategy games and wargames being developed that feature modern subs (from Naval War: Arctic Circle to Command Ops), but it is not very likely you'll see sub sims as such any time in the next few years. Ubisoft is not likely to develop another Silent Hunter game soon, or perhaps ever - SHV was a critical and commercial flop, and they will not be looking to spend money on this franchise. The only developer with real experience and credibility in making modern sub sims, Sonalysts, is currently not working on anything for the consumer market, instead building training software for military clients.

The most likely source from where a new sub sim might unexpectedly appear is from Russian developers - there is a decent simulation market and community in that country, and lower development costs; but to date, noone has announced any plans to work on it.

I don't think sub sims are dead or anything, and the dedicated community here more than proves that, but you're not going to see commercial development any time soon. I can almost guarantee you that you will not see a new sub sim title until, say, 2018. And then it will probably be another WWII sim. I think the market will, eventually, support new development, once new technology comes around and some of the current problems in making money from games that are not Call of Duty are resolved. But the Silent Hunter series is probably dead - long live Silent Hunter!

HW3 · 11-23-11, 12:35 PM

IMHO Silent Hunter V killed the Silent Hunter series, just as gaming consoles are killing PC gaming. There are few if any gaming makers willing to invest the time and resources into making games for PC's, when they can make them much faster and cheaper for the gaming consoles.

Jimbuna · 11-23-11, 12:52 PM

Have to agree with the two posts above

11-23-11, 01:44 PM

While I would agree that the Silent Hunter franchise is now dead, I think that it is premature to kill off PC gaming due to consoles and such.

Rather I believe that PC games will evolve into something somewhat different than what we have become used to. Sound and light spectaculars, stunning visuals and first-person role playing games will continue to drift into the console format, becoming more interactive and also simpler to accommodate a wider audience. On the other hand, niche games and military simulations will continue to be produced but by smaller publishers and even individuals. These games will feature greater simulation value but be graphically limited since the cost of fancy graphics requires a large investment and commiserate return.

In addition to small companies, groups will come together to produce simulations either as open source or closed source with potential user input applied to the finished product. Expect no more CD-ROM or DVD and follow on DLC at additional cost will become industry standard.

Look at the work being done on Command here:

http://www.warfaresims.com/?page_id=1101

Also Steam and Iron the new WW1 naval simulation by NWS (hardly a large company) here:

http://forums.navalwarfare.net/showt...WNLOADS-THREAD

One might also include Guns of August, essentially a one-man design by Frank Hunter and marketed by Matrix Games:

http://www.matrixgames.com/products/...st.1914.-.1918

I would suggest that these games are indicative of the future of PC wargaming and there is probably little chance of a graphically impressive submarine simulator resembling the SH series in style or scope anywhere down the pipe.

Angelo Cire · 11-23-11, 02:09 PM

I don't know. The assertion that it is cheaper to develop for consoles is incorrect. The SDKs for consoles can cost thousands of dollars up-front, and even after that you'll be developing in C# for 360, or C++ or the like for PS3(which you also can use for pc games).
The reason more large companies are developing for consoles is the ensured-compatibility user-base they offer over pcs.

As far as seeing a SH-style subsim in the near future, well.... gaming companies often forget their failures and put their hopes in reboots. Not that I'd expect graphics-obsessed Ubisoft to understand what was wrong with SH4 and SH5, and right with SH3....

The key is showing independent subsim developers support, which in-turn larger companies see. One indie success can spark corporate interest in a genre. Just look at Minecraft.

I think that unfortunately, modding communities for old games look to companies like die-hard nostalgic fans, rather than a genre-oriented user-base to work with. When Fallout 3 was released, all the FO1&2 fans derided it as missing the point of the series, and instead of Bethesda going, "maybe these guys know what they're talking about", they said "these guys are just old stick-in-the-muds", and went on to make Fallout: New Vegas, which flopped for exactly the reasons that the fans had told Bethesda it would.

SummerStorm · 11-23-11, 04:17 PM

I do not think SH is "dead" just on a hiatus.
SH5 seems to have been a bad attempt to reach new markets with the franchise. A failed bid, as management always fcuk's games but one that will make them realise the value of the core brand. And if there is a SH6 I think it will only be good. Both SH4 and 5 were failed attempts to develop on the successful core of 3, which really is a benchmark.

As for cold war etc sub sims, I feel no. As modern subs are dramatically different in agenda to the ww2 model.

SummerStorm · 11-23-11, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angelo Cire

When Fallout 3 was released, all the FO1&2 fans derided it as missing the point of the series, and instead of Bethesda going, "maybe these guys know what they're talking about", they said "these guys are just old stick-in-the-muds", and went on to make Fallout: New Vegas, which flopped for exactly the reasons that the fans had told Bethesda it would.

Which is why I think a SH6 will happen and I think it will be a success.

K-61 · 11-23-11, 04:23 PM

If Ubi decides to take another run at a sub game, I hope they will get it right next time: Fully functioning and interactive wolf packs are a must. It is tiring being the only U-boat in the great wide Atlantic. A realistic aerial model is also a must. Being swarmed by whole squadrons of Sunderlands is completely ahistorical. Just get the basics right and then worry about the eye candy.

Herr-Berbunch · 11-23-11, 04:48 PM

SH is not dead, it's just not having any more babies, but they are still having plastic surgery to keep up with the young pretenders.

Hell, if people are still playing dos games 20+ years later, just imagine what the great modders here will have done with SH by 2030.

USS Drum · 11-23-11, 05:00 PM

How about a Japanese campaign?

SummerStorm · 11-23-11, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USS Drum

How about a Japanese campaign?

because it lacks the tension, romance and drama of the Atlantic wolves

Jimbuna · 11-23-11, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USS Drum

How about a Japanese campaign?

Simply go to SH4

Fish In The Water · 11-23-11, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leandro

A good day to all commanders this is my first post hope you like it.

Welcome aboard mate and thanks for kicking it off with an interesting topic!

11-23-11, 10:44 AM	#1
Leandro Nub Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 3 Downloads: 577 Uploads: 0	Doubts!? Will they release a new Silent Hunter?! A good day to all commanders this is my first post hope you like it. With the advent of successful simulations of war will be possible to have another title based on silent hunter, perhaps an alternate history during the Cold War, with the passage of conventional submarines (diesel / electric) for nuclear submarines? Or perhaps something that go in the future, around 2015, using the new Virginia-class maritime patrol missions?! Unlike the period of the First World war and Second World war, in which the submarines that were used on a large scale, the Cold War was a period technological development and in modern times, despite the SSN and SSBN platforms are the most powerful ever built war, wars maritime play a more tactical compared the use of submarine warfare in the first half of the 20th century. It would be possible to have a great simulator with submarines today?!

11-23-11, 10:58 AM	#3
CCIP Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Waterloo, Canada Posts: 8,700 Downloads: 29 Uploads: 2	Any game is possible in theory, and would be fun if made well. In practice, this will not happen for a while. There are a few strategy games and wargames being developed that feature modern subs (from Naval War: Arctic Circle to Command Ops), but it is not very likely you'll see sub sims as such any time in the next few years. Ubisoft is not likely to develop another Silent Hunter game soon, or perhaps ever - SHV was a critical and commercial flop, and they will not be looking to spend money on this franchise. The only developer with real experience and credibility in making modern sub sims, Sonalysts, is currently not working on anything for the consumer market, instead building training software for military clients. The most likely source from where a new sub sim might unexpectedly appear is from Russian developers - there is a decent simulation market and community in that country, and lower development costs; but to date, noone has announced any plans to work on it. I don't think sub sims are dead or anything, and the dedicated community here more than proves that, but you're not going to see commercial development any time soon. I can almost guarantee you that you will not see a new sub sim title until, say, 2018. And then it will probably be another WWII sim. I think the market will, eventually, support new development, once new technology comes around and some of the current problems in making money from games that are not Call of Duty are resolved. But the Silent Hunter series is probably dead - long live Silent Hunter! __________________ There are only forty people in the world and five of them are hamburgers. -Don Van Vliet (aka Captain Beefheart)

11-23-11, 12:35 PM	#4
HW3 Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Gresham Oregon Posts: 6,587 Downloads: 458 Uploads: 0	IMHO Silent Hunter V killed the Silent Hunter series, just as gaming consoles are killing PC gaming. There are few if any gaming makers willing to invest the time and resources into making games for PC's, when they can make them much faster and cheaper for the gaming consoles. __________________ "Some ships are designed to sink...others require our assistance." Nathan Zelk

11-23-11, 12:52 PM	#5
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 191,405 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	Have to agree with the two posts above __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

11-23-11, 02:09 PM	#7
Angelo Cire Swabbie Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: SF Posts: 13 Downloads: 12 Uploads: 0	I don't know. The assertion that it is cheaper to develop for consoles is incorrect. The SDKs for consoles can cost thousands of dollars up-front, and even after that you'll be developing in C# for 360, or C++ or the like for PS3(which you also can use for pc games). The reason more large companies are developing for consoles is the ensured-compatibility user-base they offer over pcs. As far as seeing a SH-style subsim in the near future, well.... gaming companies often forget their failures and put their hopes in reboots. Not that I'd expect graphics-obsessed Ubisoft to understand what was wrong with SH4 and SH5, and right with SH3.... The key is showing independent subsim developers support, which in-turn larger companies see. One indie success can spark corporate interest in a genre. Just look at Minecraft. I think that unfortunately, modding communities for old games look to companies like die-hard nostalgic fans, rather than a genre-oriented user-base to work with. When Fallout 3 was released, all the FO1&2 fans derided it as missing the point of the series, and instead of Bethesda going, "maybe these guys know what they're talking about", they said "these guys are just old stick-in-the-muds", and went on to make Fallout: New Vegas, which flopped for exactly the reasons that the fans had told Bethesda it would. __________________ Tauchen, Volle Fahrt voraus! Type VIIB U-83, Flotilla Saltzwedel, Wilhelmshaven. Sept. 6, 1939. Angelo Schilling.

11-23-11, 01:44 PM	#6
Randomizer Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	While I would agree that the Silent Hunter franchise is now dead, I think that it is premature to kill off PC gaming due to consoles and such. Rather I believe that PC games will evolve into something somewhat different than what we have become used to. Sound and light spectaculars, stunning visuals and first-person role playing games will continue to drift into the console format, becoming more interactive and also simpler to accommodate a wider audience. On the other hand, niche games and military simulations will continue to be produced but by smaller publishers and even individuals. These games will feature greater simulation value but be graphically limited since the cost of fancy graphics requires a large investment and commiserate return. In addition to small companies, groups will come together to produce simulations either as open source or closed source with potential user input applied to the finished product. Expect no more CD-ROM or DVD and follow on DLC at additional cost will become industry standard. Look at the work being done on Command here: http://www.warfaresims.com/?page_id=1101 Also Steam and Iron the new WW1 naval simulation by NWS (hardly a large company) here: http://forums.navalwarfare.net/showt...WNLOADS-THREAD One might also include Guns of August, essentially a one-man design by Frank Hunter and marketed by Matrix Games: http://www.matrixgames.com/products/...st.1914.-.1918 I would suggest that these games are indicative of the future of PC wargaming and there is probably little chance of a graphically impressive submarine simulator resembling the SH series in style or scope anywhere down the pipe.

11-23-11, 04:17 PM	#8
SummerStorm Watch Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 16 Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	I do not think SH is "dead" just on a hiatus. SH5 seems to have been a bad attempt to reach new markets with the franchise. A failed bid, as management always fcuk's games but one that will make them realise the value of the core brand. And if there is a SH6 I think it will only be good. Both SH4 and 5 were failed attempts to develop on the successful core of 3, which really is a benchmark. As for cold war etc sub sims, I feel no. As modern subs are dramatically different in agenda to the ww2 model.

11-23-11, 04:23 PM	#10
K-61 Grey Wolf Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Ontario Posts: 795 Downloads: 39 Uploads: 0	If Ubi decides to take another run at a sub game, I hope they will get it right next time: Fully functioning and interactive wolf packs are a must. It is tiring being the only U-boat in the great wide Atlantic. A realistic aerial model is also a must. Being swarmed by whole squadrons of Sunderlands is completely ahistorical. Just get the basics right and then worry about the eye candy. __________________

11-23-11, 04:48 PM	#11
Herr-Berbunch Kaiser Bill's batman Join Date: May 2010 Location: AN72 Posts: 13,203 Downloads: 76 Uploads: 0	SH is not dead, it's just not having any more babies, but they are still having plastic surgery to keep up with the young pretenders. Hell, if people are still playing dos games 20+ years later, just imagine what the great modders here will have done with SH by 2030. __________________

11-23-11, 05:00 PM	#12
USS Drum Grey Wolf Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Washington State Posts: 977 Downloads: 126 Uploads: 0	How about a Japanese campaign?