| 30 DEC 2009 at 12:23pm |
Taurnil MithrandirJourneyman
Posts : 1093
Joined: 13 AUG 2006
Status : Online | alkis21 that's really bad news, I'm so sorry, hope that things will get better for you in the future. Really.
....set the controls for the heart of the sun....
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| 30 DEC 2009 at 12:26pm |
| Deleted User | Originally Posted By alkis21 (30 DEC 2009 12:21pm)
Hello my friends, I hope you're all doing well.
Unfortunately, I have some sad news for you. Recent developments, as well as some personal issues, left me with no choice but to terminate Atropos Studios against my will.
I won't bore you with details, let's just say that although Diamonds in the Rough sold pretty well and made me pretty confident that this company had a future, we were unable to attract the interest of potential sponsors and producers. I've heard a lot of promises during the past couple of years, a lot of guarantees, I even signed agreements and almost began working on my new game a couple of times, but the sad truth is that AS had become a hole I was shoveling money in so I had to draw the line somewhere.
I have some games left so I will sell them on Ebay for just $11 + postage, so if you haven't played Diamonds in the Rough yet check out this page because these are my last ones and after those are over I won't be making any more.
I wish you all a happy new year!
Oh, no, Alkis... that is such very sad news. I'm so sorry... :'( :'( :'(
We've been missing you - please don't be a stranger to the forums...
I wish you all the best and I sincerely hope things improve for you.
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| 30 DEC 2009 at 1:35pm |
JKingSchattenjger
Posts : 2349
Joined: 4 MAY 2008
Location: 0
Status : Offline | I'm terribly sorry, Alkis. As someone who was a big fan of Diamonds in the Rough I'm very sad to hear that the fruits of your mind can't be expressed in the way you'd like. I'm sure I speak for everyone here when I say you'll always have fans in us, and we hope you stick around.
You can't kill someone in a studio.
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| 30 DEC 2009 at 1:36pm |
| Deleted User | That is TERRIBLE news.
I am so sorry that you have been messed around in such a way and for so long.
Please do not give up the ghost. You have such a lot of talent it's heart breaking to waste it.
I sent you a personal email just now when i saw this !
Don't give up --- you're still VERY young and hopefully your luck will turn. ( One of the important factors in life apart from talent --- is luck --- I can vouch for it with many personal true life examples. )
If I can help in ANY way --- just email me !
Very best regards for a Happy New Year ------ All the best ...... Len Green.
P.S.
Why don't you take a vacation and visit us here --- wiith your wife if possible. We have a spare room... which was occupied by Mikael & Eleen Nyqvist (MDNA Games - Sweden) for 10 days just over a year ago.
It's just a VERY short relatively cheap, & pleasant Mediterranean voyage to here from Athens (We've done it more than once... mainly in reverse). Cheers ...... Len Green.
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| 30 DEC 2009 at 2:55pm |
Tally HoSorcerer Apprentice
Posts : 341
Joined: 10 OCT 2002
Location: US
Status : Offline | So sorry to hear that, Alkis. I enjoyed playing Diamonds, and would re-play it, but it was on a computer that has gone up in smoke, alas.
I really hope they didn't screw you over too badly, and that you can find a way to change your mind and share your wonderful creativity with us again.
[ch922][ch945][ch955][ch940] [ch935][ch961][ch953][ch963][ch964][ch959][ch973][ch947][ch949][ch957][ch957][ch945] [ch954][ch945][ch953] [ch949][ch965][ch964][ch965][ch967][ch953][ch963][ch956][ch941][ch957][ch959] [ch964][ch959] [ch957][ch941][ch959] [ch941][ch964][ch959][ch962]!!
Doug
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| 30 DEC 2009 at 3:51pm |
GreyFussPrivate Detective
Posts : 767
Joined: 4 DEC 2006
Status : Offline | Alkis
I am sorry to hear this. Just the other day I was thinking about what your next game was to be and how we haven't seen much of you around the forums of late.
I do wish the best for you and sure hope that this doesn't mean you are giving up playing adventure games.
"Don't Hate Me Because I Am Beautiful...There Are Many Other Reasons"
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| 30 DEC 2009 at 4:38pm |
AndromusGuild Master
Posts : 5537
Joined: 6 NOV 2002
Status : Offline | A terrible shame. So sorry to hear this, after seeing what you were capable of with Other Worlds and Diamonds in the Rough. Here's hoping for better things for you in the new year.
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| 30 DEC 2009 at 5:10pm |
CrisGerSchattenjger
Posts : 2539
Joined: 28 APR 2007
Location: US
Status : Offline | Sorry to hear this news, well things can turn around in the future hopefully ...and all the best wishes and dont be a stranger.
Admin
3D Worlds and Game Developers
Linkedin
http://3dworldandgamedevelopers.blogspot.com
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| 30 DEC 2009 at 5:55pm |
Lady KestrelGuild Master
Posts : 4036
Joined: 27 SEP 2004
Location: US, NJ
Status : Offline | I suspect that it was a tough decision for you to make, Alkis, and I'm sorry it had to happen. All my best wishes to you!
Cynthia
"Where is the fountain that throws up these flowers in a ceaseless outbreak of ecstasy?"
-Rabindranath Tagore
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| 30 DEC 2009 at 6:01pm |
Lucien21Guild Master
Posts : 4876
Joined: 9 JUL 2003
Location: 0
Status : Offline | Bummer
Dear Diary, My teenage angst bullsh*t now has a bodycount.
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| 30 DEC 2009 at 6:42pm |
karlaAdministrator
Posts : 2588
Joined: 27 JUL 2003
Location: US, Close to the Edge
Status : Offline | Such sad news, Alkis. Here's hoping the future will look brighter soon.
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| 30 DEC 2009 at 7:13pm |
ShanyGuild Master
Posts : 3313
Joined: 19 JUN 2003
Status : Online | Sorry to hear that, Alkis.
Even though I haven't played Diamonds in the Rough I was interested in what other games you were going to make. I hope that you will still get a chance to make them.
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| 30 DEC 2009 at 7:48pm |
Terry PenrodGrand Inquisitor
Posts : 6693
Joined: 16 OCT 2004
Location: US, Texas
Status : Offline | .
Tough call, Alkis.
But at least you did establish a commercial studio and distribute a complete retail game.
Most gamers (even avid ones) will never be able to say that.
Cheers, Terry
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| 30 DEC 2009 at 10:10pm |
Agustín CordesGuild Master
Posts : 5696
Joined: 23 OCT 2002
Location: AR, Buenos Aires
Status : Offline | No, please don't! Diamonds was easily one of the most original adventures in recent memory. I feel angry rather than sad >
I can't believe that no one made an effort to support your company.
I hope there's one last chance to revert the situation before shutting definitely, or at least you find the way to keep working on adventures. You have way too much talent to waste like this.
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| 30 DEC 2009 at 11:12pm |
IviniaGuild Master
Posts : 4459
Joined: 7 JUN 2003
Location: US
Status : Offline | Sad news indeed. I was afraid of something like this. >
Makes me sick to my stomach. Not sure why'd you'd close your doors though. Surely the only cost your are incurring at the moment is web hosting.
I can relate to your utter disgust working with people who don't deliver though. That whole bit sounding eerily familiar. From game companies who never get back to you saying they are interested after you show them an alpha version of something, then you go full bore into pushing it farther for nothing, to people who will help 'get the word out' but never do, to people wanting to work with you on something, then disappearing to work with someone else leaving you high and dry (a local musician/artist).
There's SO much that goes on behind the scenes that no one hears about and it's mostly a seemingly endless series of disappointments.
Fortunately there are some really good people out there as well. Too bad they are a rare find.
I doubt this is Game Over for you though, Alkis. It's in your blood and the gaming bug will probably bite you again.
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| 30 DEC 2009 at 11:48pm |
AShadowWalkerPrivate Detective
Posts : 776
Joined: 6 AUG 2009
Status : Online | I saw an expert skater once, performing on the ice,
and wondered how she learned to glide so gracefully and nice.
I asked her how she got her skill. She first began to frown,
then smiled and said, "Why, I got up whenever I fell down."
I knew a noted financier, whose riches were untold.
I marveled at his mighty nerve in taking chances bold.
Once when we were alone, I asked the rich man of the town
the secret, and his answer was, "Get up when you fall down."
I heard a famous orator, whose ringing voice brought cheers,
and then, in soft and touching tones, evoked a flood of tears.
I asked this great man privately how I might win renown,
and, like the rest, he told me to get up when I fall down.
"He is a genius," is a phrase you often read and hear.
It means, a man who plugs along with nerve to persevere.
You may be awkward at the stunt, and act just like a clown,
but if you want to win life's race, "Get up when you fall down!"
“It is not the critic who counts, nor the person who points out where the doer of deeds could have done better.
The credit belongs to the person who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood;
who strives valiantly; who errs and comes up short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the devotions, and spends himself or herself in a worthy cause;
who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and at worst, at least fails while daring greatly;
so that his or her place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.”
Theodore Roosevelt
You dared greatly Alkis….and fell...allright. Get up. You have achieved something few of us have done.
You at least showed that you could get a company and an idea off the ground. That is something many of us do not have.
Maybe in your spare time, you can refine your skills,
improve your coding, and make the game environment better, improve the lighting, the textures, the dynamics of the game.
Practice, and improve those skills. Maybe the right idea will come along for a game that will indeed be found to be popular and desired.
Roberta and John Williams of Sierra, Rand and Robyn Miller of Myst, John Carmack and John Romero of Id, etc.
Many established companies have their games modded by talented individuals who created small side quests or games sometimes even better than the original in ideas and environment.
Practice, practice and practice. Get better, and better and better, improve your game making skills, and improve it more and more, and maybe you just might get a hell of an idea or concept, that you can create and really get people worked up about it.
Or, maybe there is someone with an idea for a game, that might have potential and all they need is someone like you to do it for them. Or a book, that might be made into a game, providing the writer is agreeable about it.
Just some ideas of the top of my head.
Lower the flame..... but do not shut the boiler down....let it keep warm, you might have another break. Only you will know when and if....and maybe....how?
If you can stay in the game, maybe you can do other things besides games to keep it afloat while a chance comes.
Maybe those fair weather backers might knock on your door again.....
Let them stay OUT!
Get others who would prove better than them.
Only you will know.
Still, a round of applause and admiration for someone who tried and did.
[smiley=clap.gif] [smiley=clap.gif] [smiley=clap.gif] [smiley=clap.gif] [smiley=clap.gif] [smiley=clap.gif] [smiley=clap.gif] [smiley=clap.gif] [smiley=clap.gif] [smiley=clap.gif] [smiley=clap.gif] [smiley=clap.gif] [smiley=clap.gif] [smiley=clap.gif] [smiley=clap.gif] [smiley=clap.gif] [smiley=clap.gif] [smiley=clap.gif] [smiley=clap.gif] [smiley=clap.gif]
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| 30 DEC 2009 at 11:55pm |
SirDaveGuild Master
Posts : 4940
Joined: 17 OCT 2002
Location: US
Status : Offline | I'm continuing to hope that I am right about the possibility that the Apple Tablet that's due to come out early in 2010 will start a trend that will provide a new venue for indie developers. The cost of startup, distribution and support will be so potentially reduced and efficient and the target rich environment will be so great that making a profit should be more likely. I understand that a number of people here can't fathom the thought of a 7-9 inch screen, but IMO, what is more important is that the Apple Iphone/Itouch apps are selling well with a 3.5 inch screen and my guess is that the larger Tablet hi-resolution touch screen will be an ideal adventure gaming platform for many.
Another reason to take heart about this being a possibility is the explosion of tablet ebook readers. The Amazon Kindle is now Amazon's number one seller and Sony has upped the ante with 3 new versions of its reader. The Barnes & Noble Nook has just been released and apparently there are 2 other readers due to be released as well. If the Applet Tablet were to take off, then you can bet that others will likewise not be far behind.
I'm not naive about this. I've been involved with computers since the Apple 2. I've programmed and sold a major software package. I purchased the very first pocket computers and have an array of other computers of all sizes. I don't pretend that my hypothesis is an absolute certainty, but the signs are far more promising than if we were stuck with current situation and no sign of anything new on the horizon. I will continue to hope, especially since it may be the answer for the various talented smaller developers such as Alkis on this forum.
So, all the best to you Alkis. Try to keep the dream alive. Fwiw, even though I have been purchasing relatively few AGs lately, I bought one of the DITR copies you're selling on Ebay.
The future ain't what it used to be!
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| 31 DEC 2009 at 12:21am |
AShadowWalkerPrivate Detective
Posts : 776
Joined: 6 AUG 2009
Status : Online | Originally Posted By SirDave (30 DEC 2009 11:54pm)
I'm continuing to hope that I am right about the possibility that the Apple Tablet that's due to come out early in 2010 will start a trend that will provide a new venue for indie developers. The cost of startup, distribution and support will be so potentially reduced and efficient and the target rich environment will be so great that making a profit should be more likely. I understand that a number of people here can't fathom the thought of a 7-9 inch screen, but IMO, what is more important is that the Apple Iphone/Itouch apps are selling well with a 3.5 inch screen and my guess is that the larger Tablet hi-resolution touch screen will be an ideal adventure gaming platform for many.
Another reason to take heart about this being a possibility is the explosion of tablet ebook readers. The Amazon Kindle is now Amazon's number one seller and Sony has upped the ante with 3 new versions of its reader. The Barnes & Noble Nook has just been released and apparently there are 2 other readers due to be released as well. If the Applet Tablet were to take off, then you can bet that others will likewise not be far behind.
I'm not naive about this. I've been involved with computers since the Apple 2. I've programmed and sold a major software package. I purchased the very first pocket computers and have an array of other computers of all sizes. I don't pretend that my hypothesis is an absolute certainty, but the signs are far more promising than if we were stuck with current situation and no sign of anything new on the horizon. I will continue to hope, especially since it may be the answer for the various talented smaller developers such as Alkis on this forum.
So, all the best to you Alkis. Try to keep the dream alive. Fwiw, even though I have been purchasing relatively few AGs lately, I bought one of the DITR copies you're selling on Ebay.
I concur, the Apple Tablet may open the door to new ideas and perceptions of what it may be possible with a tablet computer possibly capable of performing as a regular laptop or desktop. Heck, there is already a popular tablet computer. The IPhone! Only smaller.
One thing that I believe that should not be forgotten is three words.
Portability, compatability, and portability.
Portability in the sense that you can have different software and games play on the tablet as well as a regular computer.
Compatability in the sense that the games or software work. You have no idea how pissed I am about Microsoft's Mobile PC platform. Too many games and applications that supposedly should work on my phone (HP910) do not. Of course they are free games I tried to get and I get the ever popular......application not mobile pc compatible!!
AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH
and finally portability. No matter how popular the apps or games may become on the tablet.....you cannot stick it in your pocket. A phone you can. I wonder if in the end phones may begin to really give items like the tablet a run for their money. I am still using my HP200LX, and I love it....why? Portability, adaptability, and portability!
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| 31 DEC 2009 at 12:25am |
CarolineJA+ Overseer
Posts : 16540
Joined: 28 JAN 2007
Location: AU
Status : Offline | This is a bend in the road Alkis, nothing more. Your life journey continues and sometimes we don't do what we expect we will in life. Some things get put on hold for a while as we get busy with other aims. But wherever that road takes you, strive to be happy and live in the now.
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| 31 DEC 2009 at 1:00am |
alkis21Schattenjger
Posts : 2112
Joined: 23 OCT 2002
Location: GR
Status : Offline | Thank you all for this support, I appreciate it more than you will ever know. If anything, it makes me feel guilty for having abandoned this forum and I plan to make amends.
Let me assure you that I'm OK, I'm a big boy after all and I will survive. However, I'm afraid I won't make another adventure game. I started Atropos Studios to find out whether I was good enough to make it in the industry; well, as it turns out, I'm not good enough. I can blame the economy, or the Limbo of the Lost fiasco, the false promises that made me lose months but I have to accept the facts here, and the facts clearly indicate that I was not good enough. So, I got my answer, not the one I was hoping for but a pretty clear one nonetheless, and I got to live my dream for a few years so it wasn't such a bad deal.
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| 31 DEC 2009 at 2:07am |
IviniaGuild Master
Posts : 4459
Joined: 7 JUN 2003
Location: US
Status : Offline | Originally Posted By alkis21 (31 DEC 2009 1:00am)
the facts clearly indicate that I was not good enough.
Dude, I have the utmost respect for you...BUT saying you are not good enough is bull$hit. Sorry for being offensive to those with sensitive ears.
The only thing you are guilty of is being optimistic and hopeful. Nothing wrong with that and nothing to feel ashamed about.
You've got the talent, we all know that. Don't judge yourself based on the results of ONE game. Take a breather. Relax. Make note of the mistakes and what could have been done differently. It might take years for you to get over this, but I suspect you will be back.
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| 31 DEC 2009 at 4:10am |
CarolineJA+ Overseer
Posts : 16540
Joined: 28 JAN 2007
Location: AU
Status : Offline | Alkis, blaming yourself is natural but not accurate. Circumstances often conspire against businesses. I failed in business myself in my 20s. It's rough but it's rarely simply the fault of the person.
As for not having the talent - producing a marketable item isn't quite the same as being the best at something. Look at all the crappy books that get published. Look at all the crappy games that we've moaned about over the years.
Apportion the blame fairly. Pat yourself on the back for giving it your best shot and get on with life. The skills you have learnt won't be lost if you should ever decide to get creative again. Meanwhile I have no doubt you'll spend the next couple of years going over it all in your head trying to work out what you could have done better - but please, no bashing yourself up over it, okay?
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| 31 DEC 2009 at 8:04am |
Taurnil MithrandirJourneyman
Posts : 1093
Joined: 13 AUG 2006
Status : Online | Caroline has absolutely right. She couldn't describe it better. At least alkis you've tried and most importantly you've succeeded in what your head planned and organized. I'm sure that in the future we will hear again stg from you.
....set the controls for the heart of the sun....
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| 31 DEC 2009 at 10:42am |
| Deleted User | Happy New Year’s Eve today !
Every year we say here “Hope next year will vbe better than last year” --- but it rarely [ftp]IS[/ftp] !
I agree --- but ading ...........
BANISH THE WORD "FAILURE" ! YOU DID NOT "FAIL".
You tried something and it did not work out for various reasons. That is NOT "Failure".
I am NOT a business person. My father was a capable one and my son has skipped a generation and inherited from him I believe. Both of them (in entirely different fields) were lucky in a serendipitous happening which was in unexpected.
This does not mean that they would not have been successful otherwise... and of course there has to be a talent to recognize an advantageous turn of events and grasp the opportunity if & when presented.
What I am trying to say is that frequently an element of pure luck influences success or so called failure. And together with a lucky break, many people unfortunately are not blessed with that but with the exact opposite and unforeseen circumstances ruin a good enterprise and not due to the entrepreneur but simply due to a stroke of BAD luck or an unfavorable change in completely unforeseen circumstances.
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