iADOM - how big is your interest?

I hope Thomas doesn't mind... I started this poll with the intention to check how many of you are really interested in the creation of iADOM. ADOM is a very complex game which probably doesn't appeal to the "casual" gamer that only wants to shoot zombies/cut fruits for a few minutes while waiting for the bus.

Even if you get the interface "right" (the port of BattleDuel to the iPhone shows me that even a very reduced interface might be too complex for the "casual" gamer), there probably will be enough people criticizing the graphics (what, only ASCII-text?) and the lack of sound. I fear the target audience of iADOM would be restricted to a very small group of people (only the "hard core" ADOM players having an iPad).

Personally, I think the iPad is a very cool gaming platform and the first alpha versions of iADOM work quite well.

So, what's your opinion?

Games such as Dwarf Fortress (Penny Arcade-endorsed, among other things) have raised the ASCII tolerance of a lot of players. I've gotten several comments and subscribers on Youtube to the effect of "Cool, this looks a lot like Dwarf Fortress". As far as I can see from other forums, ADOM is still the third most popular roguelike after Dwarf Fortress and Nethack (big forums such as those of OotS have very popular ADOM Let's play threads, for instance), and this after an eight year lull in updates. Both Dwarf Fortress and Nethack offer tilesets, however, and the same goes for the iPhone and iPad roguelikes already in existence (Powder, Nethack adaptations, Rogue Touch). In other words, ADOM does appear to be the most popular roguelike which does not offer a tileset. So if there's one ASCII-only roguelike that could work out on the iPad, it's ADOM.

Well, anyway... I don't own an iPad and never will, so an honest answer would be "no". But I think, especially if you include the Dwarf Fortress crowd, there is a definite overlap between "iPad owner" and "Might be interested in roguelikes".

> iADOM - how big is your interest?

Ipad - how big is my interest?

zero

There's alpha versions already? I suppose just for your enjoyment, Jochen?

I personally find the idea of iADOM laughable and can not understand at all why TB wishes to spend any time on it. But then I find most of Apples products laughable.

For one, I don't see why I would need a >500$ phone. Also, I already have a laptop that can do a whole lot more that the overprized, locked-down iPad (wake me up when I can install Linux on it... without voiding the warranty, of course) I mean, their products look nice, but thats about it.

@Grey: I bet he's also been testing JADE for years now :(
Now thats something I want.

Ack, what would we do if JADE was released as iPad exclusive?! (just trying to scare people)

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Originally Posted by Grey

There's alpha versions already? I suppose just for your enjoyment, Jochen?

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Well, I have a fully playable version on my iPad. This is not surprising since I'm the one who has done most of the development work in this respect. But the game is not really enjoyable yet, it will probably take some time to create a user friendly interface.

As for JADE, no, I don't have access to it. Only saw it live for a few times. Since JADE is programmed in Java there is no way to run it on an iPhone/iPad. And I seriously doubt Thomas has any interest in rewriting all of the code in Objective C. :D

In all fairness to the iPad, its viability or lack thereof is definitely not tied to its ability to run a Linux OS. And this thread really, really shouldn't be used to pour on the hate on the iPad, justified or not. Whoever out here owns an iPad: It's okay. If you're going to buy iADOM as a consequence once it is released, that more than makes up for it! We love you! Just get in here and say so! :)

I don't think this forum will provide particularly reliable figures. The "hardcore" crowd is naturally overrepresented because you have to be pretty crazy to regularly visit, let alone post in, a forum about a computer role-playing game eight years after its last release, JADE updates or not. Again, ADOM may have fallen asleep, but roguelikes are still as fashionable as ever thanks to Dwarf Fortress.

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Originally Posted by Silfir

I don't think this forum will provide particularly reliable figures. The "hardcore" crowd is naturally overrepresented

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Exactly, and I always thought these hardcore players would be "crazy" enough to even buy an iPad to play their favorite roguelike game!? ;)

If I were to buy an iPad, I would almost certainly get iAdom with it. As to the whole getting the iPad, part, well, we'll see. My wife really likes the idea of the iPad, so that may influence my decision a bit ;)

I think I, like probably many of the players here, are more excited about the possibility of a forthcoming update to ADOM itself than about being able to port ADOM to a different platform.

If it were a Nintendo DS, which you could buy used for 50 euros or something and which is the platform for boatloads of games now and in the future, maybe I would indeed specifically buy one just to play ADOM (I more or less bought one specifically to play Pokémon, back in the day, though I also took into consideration that I would be playing more, other DS games).

The problem with the iPad is that, right now, it's just too hilariously expensive to get for a game that you can essentially play on just about any stationary platform (thanks in part to your own work :) ), if you aren't otherwise attracted to it. Just by the monetary decisions involved, it's much, much easier to convince an iPad owner to try out iADOM than to convince an ADOM player to buy an iPad. It takes a very special (namely, rich) kind of crazy to make such a purchase solely to be able to play ADOM on a couch or on the bus. We didn't all take Wealthy - Very Wealthy - Filthy Rich - Boon to the Family when we entered the Drakalor Chain (though quite a bunch of us did take Miser).

Well, I won't be buying any iStuff anytime soon (or ever, probably), but if I were... hmmm, I probably wouldn't touch ADOM without ADOM Sage after years of enjoying that and from what I know about doing stuff for iProducts I guess it would be a real hassle to get ADOM Sage for iADOM. So I'd stick to standard ways of enjoying ADOM if that wouldn't work out.

Though I suspect that after years of playing ADOM with the standard keyboard interface, a new interface for iADOM would be undigestable anyway.

Really, I think that iADOM is not gonna succeed on the base of its current fanbase, but you've got a shot at a new market and I think it's a good shot - Silfir's analysis on the effect of Dwarf Fortress' influence in the gaming world is accurate IMO.

i probably won't buy it, but if TB can make some money off it i'm all for it. that way he can focus less on working at a job and more on JADE. he should sell some t shirts or artwork or signed posters or stuff. maybe sign autographs at malls

> he should sell some t shirts or artwork or signed posters or stuff.

If I saw someone wearing a rl shirt, I'd beat them up, even if it were ADOM.

>maybe sign autographs at malls

doh

If TB made a t-shirt with the "high king" comic i made on it, I would buy it.

Now THAT is different!
Shirts from the 'dwarf merchant paint' thread would
be too awesome for words.

hmmm.

I'm in a bit of a philosophical self-argument. I don't know how i'm supposed to fit in this poll...

I'm not a fan of apple because of my opinion of its corporate policies and mannerisms so i will never own an apple product of any kind.

However, i'm anxiously hoping for a speedy iADOM release only for the bugfixes to ADOM that may come with it.

So yes, I am extremely interested in iADOM, but will never actually USE nor download iADOM.

Having said that, if I answer yes to this poll i'm falsely increasing predictions in iADOM popularity; but if I answer no and the project doesn't get enough popularity to warrant taking work away from JADE/some other project so ADOM doesn't get its bugfixes would make me really bummed out.

What do i do??

I think it's waste of TB's precious time and oppose it.

Just stick to JADE and do those small bugfixes to ADOM and release 1.1.2.

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Originally Posted by nathrakh

I think it's waste of TB's precious time and oppose it.

Just stick to JADE and do those small bugfixes to ADOM and release 1.1.2.

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porting to iApple would only waste Jochen's time and not TB's if i understand the TB/JT dynamic correctly...

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Originally Posted by Grey

Ack, what would we do if JADE was released as iPad exclusive?!

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:-) I never considered that and thanks due to Steve Jobs rather permissible stance on programming languages for iPad/iPhone there is no risk of that ever happening. JADE is written in Java and Java is not available on iAnything, so there you go ;-)

Android is a different matter though. But never mobile-only.

Not sure. To keep it N= of course!
If I ever own an ipad, why not? But I do not see that likely to happen within the next decade or so... maybe after a brainwash of some sort followed by a thourough ipersuasion course?
It looks more like a technical challenge than a market from my point of view, so I'm glad if it makes it through - just for the satisfaction of completing a challenge.

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Originally Posted by adom-admin

:-) I never considered that and thanks due to Steve Jobs rather permissible stance on programming languages for iPad/iPhone there is no risk of that ever happening. JADE is written in Java and Java is not available on iAnything, so there you go ;-)

Android is a different matter though. But never mobile-only.

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Android would be cool, but I can't see JADE managing to run well on a little ARM processor. Still, it'd be one extra reason for me to get a fancy new phone...

If iADOM gets released on the iPhone 4 then I'll pay my girlfriend to download it (since she recently got one of those). I have to say POWDER works quite well on it, though I still have trouble imagining a good ADOM interface for such a small screen. iPad seems much easier to port to, but ultimately is such an exclusive gadget. Still, I think there are enough roguelikers in general that would buy it, even if the hardcore ADOM community is less receptive.

Uhhh, I think you might be mistaken... I was under the impression that all iPhone apps were Java based.

Nope. No Java support. I think you can trust Thomas Biskup and wikipedia on this one ;)

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Originally Posted by Epythic

I personally find the idea of iADOM laughable and can not understand at all why TB wishes to spend any time on it.

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I guess it's for money, because people actually buy i-games. And iPads/phones. I can't see any other reason to make games to hilariously stupid platform like iPad.

I did briefly look up the iPad only because of ADOM's possible link
to it. It seems rather like a very small notebook to me. Is there a
drastic distinction/advantage which does escape me?

It's expensive, but has a cool looking touchscreen. And Apple geeks obviously spontaneously ejaculate when they see one. Personally I prefer cheap netbooks.

Netbooks are crap. iPad is slightly better crap. It really depends on the person's requirements for a platform. iPad is exceptionally good for very casual mobile computer users.

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Originally Posted by Angelus

I guess it's for money, because people actually buy i-games. And iPads/phones. I can't see any other reason to make games to hilariously stupid platform like iPad.

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I don't think so.

I don't know what exactly a "gesch?ftsf?hrender Gesellschafter" (managing partner) is, but it doesn't sound like a low-paid position :) Whatever his motivation, its propably not money.

(On the other hand, those apple products are relatively "in" right now, maybe he just wants to get ADOM to a broader audience... again. I'd applaud *that*, but I still wont buy an iPad and would very much prefer a timely JADE release)

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Netbooks are crap. iPad is slightly better crap. It really depends on the person's requirements for a platform. iPad is exceptionally good for very casual mobile computer users.

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More expensive, not better. I mean, I can install Linux on a netbook :)

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Originally Posted by Epythic

maybe he just wants to get ADOM to a broader audience... again. I'd applaud *that*

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Indeed - I guess if they do a good job on the interface, it could be pretty successful, and yeah, somehow I don't think Herr Doktor Biskup is short of a few bob- ADOM will most likely remain more about love than money.

Still, if iADOM explodes and makes millililliions, bringing the release of JADE out of the chaos plane and into the realm of reality, so much the better :)

As some previous posters, I won't answer the poll because the answer may be "Yes!" or "No!" depending on which kind of interest we are referring to. Instead I'll describe my position as follows:

1. I don't have an iPad and I will never be interested in one. So I won't buy iAdom.
2. If I *had* an iPad, I would definitely buy iAdom.
3. I am personally interested in iAdom anyway due to the bugfixes that are supposed to come to the PC version with it.
4. I would pay for an improved PC version with bugfixes. I think TB deserves payment for the immense work he has done with ADOM, it's just that I'm not going to pay for an Apple app when I don't use, like or support that platform.

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Originally Posted by Al-Khwarizmi

I think TB deserves payment for the immense work he has done with ADOM, it's just that I'm not going to pay for an Apple app when I don't use, like or support that platform.

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Did you send him a postcard then? He seems to like those...

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Originally Posted by vogonpoet

somehow I don't think Herr Doktor Biskup is short of a few bob- ADOM will most likely remain more about love than money.

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Well I think Dr. Mario is too much after money. Just think of it. He practically stopped development of ADOM when he got his job. Not a single update to fix any bugs whatsoever. And only now when he sees an opportunity to get cash out of ADOM he is making a version for Apple device. You have to be a devoted fanboy for not to realize that.

And you have to be a blistering idiot for posting asinine drivel like that.

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Originally Posted by Angelus

Well I think

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I'm not sure you do, but whatever. All over the web, the pros and cons of Apple products are debated, often vehemently - in fact, the relative lack of flaming in this thread is practically a miracle. Anyway, in all the millions of fanboi/h8er threads, the one anti-apple argument I have never seen is the "ha ha, iPads suck cos you can't play any of the classic roguelikes from the previous century on them, get a lenovo, looser" argument.

Clearly jochen and thomas do not hate apple products, and if they can make some money out of iADOM, all power to them, but I suspect they won't be giving up their day jobs, and if the development of iADOM leads to the release of a Kelly-Krash-free windoze version, then awesome.

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Originally Posted by Epythic

Did you send him a postcard then? He seems to like those...

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I did that, many years ago, although I might send another now that I live in a different place :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Angelus

Well I think Dr. Mario is too much after money. Just think of it. He practically stopped development of ADOM when he got his job. Not a single update to fix any bugs whatsoever. And only now when he sees an opportunity to get cash out of ADOM he is making a version for Apple device. You have to be a devoted fanboy for not to realize that.

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....

http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/w...y-trolling.jpg

You tell him Boxy.

In other news,

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo :mad:

Just lost my best ever Healer to a crash on the level below the Dwarven Halls. Level 18, had the bracers of war, the scorched spear, a spear of mayhem, a pickaxe of penetration, everything was moving along nicely, I sit there watching an amusing threatening orc tension room, traps are going off left right and centre, and ten bang, game crashes.

I don't mind dying to stone blocks, doppleganger kings, or molochs in the arena, but crashes??? Arrrgh.
Please guys, lets see a bug free ADOM one day, I beseech ye.

I feel your pain Vogon, i lost a char that had a murderous orcish spear of devestation when i gave the AoLS to Khelly.


I know, I know... it's a common crash and i should've backed up before i handed that over, but i was so excited to open up an ultra that i just n00bishly turbo'd the give. and BAM. no more uber spear.

> ha ha, iPads suck cos you can't play any of the classic roguelikes from the previous century on them

That made me laugh : )

Oh yeah, angelus already told me that calling him a troll
is just an 'internet argument', so that makes him not a
troll. Somehow. Just figured I'd pass that along.