JUNE 2012
Kuruma hits the roads - a car rental service starts operations
by Walther, published: 01/06/2012
SAN FIERRO - As soon as the money system got introduced, quite a few players started to think of ways how to boost their income without having to stay in the air all the time. A small group of SAP members, led by [SAP]Livisor, have decided to put their admin privileges to use, and offer all the kinds of land vehicles for a reasonable fee.
The organisation, currently unofficial, is based at Wang Cars, in Doherty area of San Fierro. In the beginning, a loyalty scheme was used, offering a wider choice of vehicles for the frequent users of the service. This, however, was scrapped due to excessive amount of records that had to be taken and reviewed by the Director each month. Now, there is simply a price tag for any land-based vehicle.
Some players were skeptical, whether such service would be able to succeed, as quite a few don't mind lending vehicles for free. However, the existing Kuruma staff have pointed out, that sooner or later all the people will be tempted to do it for money. So, if you are interested in the services they provide, or would like to join the organisation as a staff member, check out their forum thread.
SAN FIERRO - As soon as the money system got introduced, quite a few players started to think of ways how to boost their income without having to stay in the air all the time. A small group of SAP members, led by [SAP]Livisor, have decided to put their admin privileges to use, and offer all the kinds of land vehicles for a reasonable fee.
The organisation, currently unofficial, is based at Wang Cars, in Doherty area of San Fierro. In the beginning, a loyalty scheme was used, offering a wider choice of vehicles for the frequent users of the service. This, however, was scrapped due to excessive amount of records that had to be taken and reviewed by the Director each month. Now, there is simply a price tag for any land-based vehicle.
Some players were skeptical, whether such service would be able to succeed, as quite a few don't mind lending vehicles for free. However, the existing Kuruma staff have pointed out, that sooner or later all the people will be tempted to do it for money. So, if you are interested in the services they provide, or would like to join the organisation as a staff member, check out their forum thread.
Egert joins the ranks of SAP Clan
by Walther, published: 05/06/12
LAS VENTURAS - Last Saturday, Egert, who is known to be one of the more experienced players, with a score of almost 30 thousand flying minutes, was finally promoted to SAP Clan.
He was one of the three players who passed their interview on the same week, the others being [SAP]Matty and [SAP]Alex. Unlike these players, he did not choose to have the ceremony as soon as possible, and decided to postpone it until the summer.
The promotion ceremony was notorious for some technical issues, and a hilarious mistake, where Matty instead of Egert was called to stand in front of the SAP Council members. Otherwise, everything went smooth, and all the ceremony participants had a nice session of SAP Wars, dogfighting above Los Santos International Airport (pictures of the ceremony and afterparty can be found here). We wish good luck to the new admin and encourage everyone to visit his water landing strip near Toreno's ranch, where he now resides.
LAS VENTURAS - Last Saturday, Egert, who is known to be one of the more experienced players, with a score of almost 30 thousand flying minutes, was finally promoted to SAP Clan.
He was one of the three players who passed their interview on the same week, the others being [SAP]Matty and [SAP]Alex. Unlike these players, he did not choose to have the ceremony as soon as possible, and decided to postpone it until the summer.
The promotion ceremony was notorious for some technical issues, and a hilarious mistake, where Matty instead of Egert was called to stand in front of the SAP Council members. Otherwise, everything went smooth, and all the ceremony participants had a nice session of SAP Wars, dogfighting above Los Santos International Airport (pictures of the ceremony and afterparty can be found here). We wish good luck to the new admin and encourage everyone to visit his water landing strip near Toreno's ranch, where he now resides.
21 Days Later: SAP Flights 2.0 stuck on the runway, or just firing up engines?
by Migs & Walther, published: 16/06/2012
Just some 3 weeks ago, SAP released its latest gamemode script SAP Flights 2.0, known popularly as the Big Update. Many hours had been spent in meetings, creating the gamemode, and testing it. The most well known feature of the new script is the addition of server economy, which will forever change how SAP is played. It was intended to be a positive change, however, problems happen, and sometimes they strike hard. In this article we will try to provide some answers to help you understand what happened.
Let's first look at the reasons why server economy was added:
First, according to some SAP members and players alike, it would keep the server interesting. We know that SAP's original gamemode, the one that involves flying with no worries, was getting old, and it is the reason why many have either left the server, or became bored and went inactive.
Second, it was probably meant as a "response" to all of the suggestions sent in by players, many involving server economy.
Thirdly, with the addition of missions being the original idea, no better alternative reward system had been proposed - most of the SAP members agreed to the current changes, even SAP's first commander, [SAP]Ontario, expressed his approval.
Now, how has economy affected the players:
With server economy, everyone has to earn money in order to pay for the aircraft rental, license tests and other money-involved activities, while trying to keep the money from hitting the zero mark. Naturally, the more players want to spend, the more missions they need to complete, which results in them staying longer on server. Also, every 2 hours there is a 'payday', where each player receives a sufficient amount to keep flying in a dodo for another two hours, as well as have some money left over to save for license tests.
However, it didn't work out as it was intended. There have been many complaints regarding the rental system, as many find themselves with an empty bank account after a few minutes flying a large plane. We would like to clarify that this was not an intended feature of the big update - a bug resulted in rental fee being deducted from players money at more frequent intervals, than the intended once per minute. Under normal circumstances, even the almighty AT-400 should cost only $30 per minute plus fuel costs ($2/100 gallons).
Also, although there were concerns that, the idea of preventing account balance to go down under a "spending limit" would have forced everyone to continue to do missions, which would have further reduced interest in other activities, such as events, or flights, and also could result in the abandonment of the players' obligations to their clubs and organizations, the result was opposite - many people ended up with big amounts of cash they could not spend on anything - as soon as all the aircraft licenses were acquired. The occasional race or a flight are often one of the few things that gets people back on server.
The current picture is not very clear. After the initial surge of players (in the first week there was hardly a time when there was no one around), the activity started to die down. There are numerous complaints that, although acknowledged, are not being dealt with. On the other hand, despite the delays with the organisations & airlines patch, some companies have started experimenting with the money system, achieving moderate success. Also, it should be remembered that the exam period takes its toll on player count, with quite a few regular players now working hard to achieve better grades.
So what went wrong after all?
The problem is that the team working on update has fallen way behind the schedule, and apparently had to rush the release, so it would be out by SAP 6th Birthday. The update, as we see it, is actually incomplete: there aren't many missions to choose from, and quite a few are bugged, some aircraft do not have any missions at all. Most importantly, the whole part which is supposed to integrate organisations and airlines into server economy is missing. And, as mentioned before, the rental bug has turned quite a few of players away.
Should anyone be blamed for it - it's not up to us to judge. For the sake of the well-being of community, we do not share information that has not been publicly announced by SAP Council members. It is known that these delays were not planned, and the team is working hard to find a solution. Therefore, we call upon the players to show their understanding and don't abandon what took so much time to build. After all, we have learned that it is worth waiting for a while.
Just some 3 weeks ago, SAP released its latest gamemode script SAP Flights 2.0, known popularly as the Big Update. Many hours had been spent in meetings, creating the gamemode, and testing it. The most well known feature of the new script is the addition of server economy, which will forever change how SAP is played. It was intended to be a positive change, however, problems happen, and sometimes they strike hard. In this article we will try to provide some answers to help you understand what happened.
Let's first look at the reasons why server economy was added:
First, according to some SAP members and players alike, it would keep the server interesting. We know that SAP's original gamemode, the one that involves flying with no worries, was getting old, and it is the reason why many have either left the server, or became bored and went inactive.
Second, it was probably meant as a "response" to all of the suggestions sent in by players, many involving server economy.
Thirdly, with the addition of missions being the original idea, no better alternative reward system had been proposed - most of the SAP members agreed to the current changes, even SAP's first commander, [SAP]Ontario, expressed his approval.
Now, how has economy affected the players:
With server economy, everyone has to earn money in order to pay for the aircraft rental, license tests and other money-involved activities, while trying to keep the money from hitting the zero mark. Naturally, the more players want to spend, the more missions they need to complete, which results in them staying longer on server. Also, every 2 hours there is a 'payday', where each player receives a sufficient amount to keep flying in a dodo for another two hours, as well as have some money left over to save for license tests.
However, it didn't work out as it was intended. There have been many complaints regarding the rental system, as many find themselves with an empty bank account after a few minutes flying a large plane. We would like to clarify that this was not an intended feature of the big update - a bug resulted in rental fee being deducted from players money at more frequent intervals, than the intended once per minute. Under normal circumstances, even the almighty AT-400 should cost only $30 per minute plus fuel costs ($2/100 gallons).
Also, although there were concerns that, the idea of preventing account balance to go down under a "spending limit" would have forced everyone to continue to do missions, which would have further reduced interest in other activities, such as events, or flights, and also could result in the abandonment of the players' obligations to their clubs and organizations, the result was opposite - many people ended up with big amounts of cash they could not spend on anything - as soon as all the aircraft licenses were acquired. The occasional race or a flight are often one of the few things that gets people back on server.
The current picture is not very clear. After the initial surge of players (in the first week there was hardly a time when there was no one around), the activity started to die down. There are numerous complaints that, although acknowledged, are not being dealt with. On the other hand, despite the delays with the organisations & airlines patch, some companies have started experimenting with the money system, achieving moderate success. Also, it should be remembered that the exam period takes its toll on player count, with quite a few regular players now working hard to achieve better grades.
So what went wrong after all?
The problem is that the team working on update has fallen way behind the schedule, and apparently had to rush the release, so it would be out by SAP 6th Birthday. The update, as we see it, is actually incomplete: there aren't many missions to choose from, and quite a few are bugged, some aircraft do not have any missions at all. Most importantly, the whole part which is supposed to integrate organisations and airlines into server economy is missing. And, as mentioned before, the rental bug has turned quite a few of players away.
Should anyone be blamed for it - it's not up to us to judge. For the sake of the well-being of community, we do not share information that has not been publicly announced by SAP Council members. It is known that these delays were not planned, and the team is working hard to find a solution. Therefore, we call upon the players to show their understanding and don't abandon what took so much time to build. After all, we have learned that it is worth waiting for a while.
Donator aircraft rental prices fall as SAP moves to another server
by Walther, published: 20/06/2012
Due to donations falling way short of target, the SAP Council had no other choice but to find an alternative hosting solution. From now on, the server is located in France - a more central location that should benefit players in almost all parts of Europe and beyond. The server IP has changed as well, so in case you are still looking for the address, add this to your favorites: 178.33.68.199:7777.
Donators should take note of the fact that the donation period has changed from the first few days, to the almost two-week period stretching from 18th up to the last day of each month. Otherwise, the system has not changed and donation procedure works as before. And the best news for everyone - the 'rental' prices for donator aircraft have more than halved! Please take a look below:
Remember that the aircraft are only a reward for your donation, and the fees are non-refundable.
Due to donations falling way short of target, the SAP Council had no other choice but to find an alternative hosting solution. From now on, the server is located in France - a more central location that should benefit players in almost all parts of Europe and beyond. The server IP has changed as well, so in case you are still looking for the address, add this to your favorites: 178.33.68.199:7777.
Donators should take note of the fact that the donation period has changed from the first few days, to the almost two-week period stretching from 18th up to the last day of each month. Otherwise, the system has not changed and donation procedure works as before. And the best news for everyone - the 'rental' prices for donator aircraft have more than halved! Please take a look below:
- £1.00 - 2.00 - Only donator tag
- £2.00 - 4.00 - Dodo or Stuntplane
- £4.00 - 5.00 - Dodo ER * or Stuntplane ER *
- £5.00+ - Beagle, Shamal, Maverick, or Nevada
Remember that the aircraft are only a reward for your donation, and the fees are non-refundable.
Frozen Money Bug resolved - the skies are clear for work again!
by Wather, published: 21/06/2012
After a few days full of confusion, that followed the recent move to another server, things are going back on track. There was a significant problem of players having their money frozen - that is, no matter how much they earned or spent, after rejoining the server the money count would resume to the same old sum, which rendered the server economy useless. This issue has been fixed, therefore you may resume your money-earning activities. The rental bug remains in place, but the people at Scripting Department are working on a solution.
Also, a small update for money farmers: the popular Hydra Low-Level Sortie mission is no longer bugged, and players now have plenty of time to earn their $600. Do not forget to refuel the plane after you are finished!
After a few days full of confusion, that followed the recent move to another server, things are going back on track. There was a significant problem of players having their money frozen - that is, no matter how much they earned or spent, after rejoining the server the money count would resume to the same old sum, which rendered the server economy useless. This issue has been fixed, therefore you may resume your money-earning activities. The rental bug remains in place, but the people at Scripting Department are working on a solution.
Also, a small update for money farmers: the popular Hydra Low-Level Sortie mission is no longer bugged, and players now have plenty of time to earn their $600. Do not forget to refuel the plane after you are finished!
Gamer proposes to create a SAP Multimedia Group: will SAP expand from SA:MP to other platforms?
by Walther, published: 30/06/2012
After the lack of observable activity has resulted in FRO's successor AVSI going down the way of dinosaur, our long-time community member Gamer came up with the idea that might actually work - an organisation that would record and publish the activities of SAP players outside SA:MP, expanding to FSX, X-Plane, and other platforms.
The idea has been met with positive reactions, due to the fact that it would keep the community together, as well as help with promotion of SAP to people outside the SA:MP player base. Also, a significant number of players are already doing regular flights in FSX and other platforms. There is also a small group of people who are big fans of car racing simulators, and regularly compete with each other.
However, there are also concerns about the impact on community - this is the most prominent statement of intention to expand SAP beyond SA:MP that has been made in the recent years. It might require a great deal of coordination to keep the players together instead of dispersing them across numerous games. On the other hand, this might be the solution to overcoming the problem of dwindling regular player base, and perhaps will help us stay together for another six years.
To see the original proposal and keep track of discussion, click here.
After the lack of observable activity has resulted in FRO's successor AVSI going down the way of dinosaur, our long-time community member Gamer came up with the idea that might actually work - an organisation that would record and publish the activities of SAP players outside SA:MP, expanding to FSX, X-Plane, and other platforms.
The idea has been met with positive reactions, due to the fact that it would keep the community together, as well as help with promotion of SAP to people outside the SA:MP player base. Also, a significant number of players are already doing regular flights in FSX and other platforms. There is also a small group of people who are big fans of car racing simulators, and regularly compete with each other.
However, there are also concerns about the impact on community - this is the most prominent statement of intention to expand SAP beyond SA:MP that has been made in the recent years. It might require a great deal of coordination to keep the players together instead of dispersing them across numerous games. On the other hand, this might be the solution to overcoming the problem of dwindling regular player base, and perhaps will help us stay together for another six years.
To see the original proposal and keep track of discussion, click here.