The War Z Controversy Depresses DayZ Creator

[Karloff]

The War Z Controversy Depresses DayZ Creator

Dean 'Rocket' Hall is waiting until the dust settles before talking about DayZ updates.

The War Z's implosion inspired a lot of chatter, little of which Dean 'Rocket' Hall, creator of zombie Arma 2 mod DayZ [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/119848-DayZ-Standalone-Will-Hit-Retail-by-Years-End], has been able to avoid. In a Reddit thread titled 'in light of the recent events surrounding The War Z, I think it's more important now that Rocket and his team take their time with the standalone', Hall stepped in with a quick statement about how things were going, and what he was up to.

Saying he was depressed about the situation, Hall announced that there would be no updates about DayZ's progress until after everything had gone back to normal. Health issues and personal worries meant that, for his own wellbeing, Rocket ought to keep things quiet for a while.

The full text reads:

I know I have been very quiet lately. So this will be really all I'll say for the moment.

I've been pretty depressed about the whole situation. From a personal standpoint, this whole "saga" of the development made me seriously question if I wanted to be involved in the industry and I gave serious thought to cutting my losses and not being involved in the project.

At my Army Discharge medical this week, they noted I now have high blood pressure. Some things in life just aren't worth worrying about.

I've been getting hammered by a massive amount with requests for information about DayZ release, interviews and my reactions to this and stuff and such - but for my own sanity I retreated and have kept to myself. Right now I'm just at home doing bits and pieces on the DayZ development. The rest of the DayZ team is doing the same.

I realize that I went back on my word about releasing an update, but went back into my shell for a bit last week, and I'll come out when the dust is all settled.

The DayZ standalone had originally been scheduled for launch by end of 2012, but recently Hall said that the date may slip to 2013. [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/120856-DayZ-Release-May-Slip-to-2013]

Source: Reddit. [http://www.reddit.com/r/dayz/comments/154fl0/in_light_of_the_recent_events_surrounding_warz_i/?sort=old]


Permalink

 

[joeman098]

I think Legal acation should be taken against warZ on the grounds of its name So many people have thought that warZ was the DayZ standalone. The name is a blatant attempt at deception and trying to mislead people looking for Dayz.

 

[DrunkOnEstus]

That's totally understandable. With the similar names and all I wouldn't want to release anywhere near that thing, with the bad taste in everyone's mouths. Being in the Army, then Big Rigs dipshit makes a blatant bandwagon-hopping mockery of his (other) blood, sweat, and tears...I hope his stress goes down soon.

 

[Me55enger]

thats bullshit.

what does the competitor of day z, war z, have to do with day z developement?

its just a stupid excuse to anounce that it may take even more for them to release a standalone version of the game.
even though he asked for more time and the playerbase gave them their blessing.

Y'see, I think you're wrong. Politely wrong.

I think Rocket is handling this like a gentleman. There was always friction between the only two games in this emerging genre. In short: Rocket is laying low on DayZ updates and info so it does not appear he is capitalising on War Z's implosion.

Hell, I wouldnt want to be in Rockets position, but I have great respect for how and what he is doing.

 

[JoshuaMadoc]

thats bullshit.

what does the competitor of day z, war z, have to do with day z developement?

its just a stupid excuse to anounce that it may take even more for them to release a standalone version of the game.
even though he asked for more time and the playerbase gave them their blessing.

imagine i would pull that off.

"i cant come to work since a employee of our competitor in new zealand broke his shinbone and i can only work if i hear that he feels better or can walk again."

"you're fired!"

"whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?"

Yes, because handling it like Sergey Titov did in the War Z side (i.e. banning users en masse for the most infantile of reasons: http://i.imgur.com/rmaZv.jpg ) instead is a great way to appease you no-excuse folk.

I don't think you even realize that Titov has indirectly caused pain to Rocket. You know, like stray bullets? Not that you'd care.

 

[Covarr]

I once found a copy of Sergey Titov's other game, Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing in a bargain bin at Walmart. I spent a total of about five dollars and thirty minutes on that game (including installation and uninstallation) and I still feel like he personally owes me compensation for that, to the tune of at least thirty dollars. Until I get that, I will not purchase any game that he had anything to do with, even in the most periphery manner.

P.S. Thanks

 

[Airon]

Taking time to get more important things done and staying relaxed and in good health is what we all want for ourselves. Good on him.

Btw, if anything WarZ is more likely to be mistaken for being a game about the scenario presented in the book "World War Z". The film of that book will be quite different, which I don't mind as long as it's a good film.

I'm looking forward to the release of DayZ. Anything that helps the game achieve that and keeps the developers on-track to get us more of that kind of goody is fine by everyone here, right ?

 

[Your Fearless Captain]

It's probably a good thing that the Stand Alone is being delayed. More development time means a less bugs and tighter game play. Black Mesa was delayed for 3 years and it turned out amazing. Probably the best Half Life game ever.

 

[Mythic Falcon]

Rhizhim, how on earth do you get the impression that Rocket is boasting about anything? He is saying that he is stressed with everything that is going on, something which is completely understandable given the situation. You seem to be taking offence at his comments about the delay: yes it is true that a lot of the community have been understanding and want him to take as much time as he needs, but why are you calling bullshit for him saying so in this statement?

As for you questioning why he made a statement at all (which you consider ungentlemanly), the reason is given in the statement itself. He is being bombarded with people asking about DayZ development, asking him for interviews, and asking what his thoughts are on the WarZ fiasco. He is responding to all those people with this statement, so the comments weren't unnecessary, they were literally requested.

Finally, you ask what he has to do with the WarZ. Isn't it obvious? He is the creator of the mod which most people would agree inspired the WarZ 'rip-off' in the first place, and is the biggest competitor in the same genre. It shouldn't be hard to see why people have been asking him his thoughts on the whole mess.

 

[Abomination]

Spoiler: snippy snippy

thats bullshit.

what does the competitor of day z, war z, have to do with day z developement?

its just a stupid excuse to anounce that it may take even more for them to release a standalone version of the game.
even though he asked for more time and the playerbase gave them their blessing.

Y'see, I think you're wrong. Politely wrong.

I think Rocket is handling this like a gentleman. There was always friction between the only two games in this emerging genre. In short: Rocket is laying low on DayZ updates and info so it does not appear he is capitalising on War Z's implosion.

Hell, I wouldnt want to be in Rockets position, but I have great respect for how and what he is doing.

please specify why you dont want to be in rockets position.

and no one asked Dean 'Rocket' Hall to sort of white knight on Hammerpoint Interactive.
he doesnt have shit to do with hammerpoint, but that hammerpoint rushed their product out sooner and declared it gold in order to cash in on day z success.

if he tries to come by as a gentlemen, he failed. he seems to be boasting about it, like saying "THAT will not happen with us" even though the DAY Z fanbase already said they are cool with them taking more time to improve their game.

rockets comment was unnecessary.

and dont even tell me that he wants to make sure that his standalone version doesn't create such a fiasko.

the difference is that hammerpoint declared their game gold, that means its ready and playable.
rocket declared it alpha.

look at minecraft.

he(rocket) still can release his game and declare it alpha without imagine features that doesnt exist to lure players into paying for an unfinished game.

giving no comment would had been more gentlemen like.

btw, THE only two games is wrong. google state of decay.

thats bullshit.

what does the competitor of day z, war z, have to do with day z developement?

Yes, because handling it like Sergey Titov did in the War Z side (i.e. banning users en masse for the most infantile of reasons: http://i.imgur.com/rmaZv.jpg ) instead is a great way to appease you no-excuse folk.

I don't think you even realize that Titov has indirectly caused pain to Rocket. You know, like stray bullets? Not that you'd care.

The WAR Z =/= DAY Z

what has sergey titov have to do with Dean 'Rocket' Hall?

did rocket, with his game DAY Z said he would be handeling it like Sergey Titov with his game WAR Z. NO?

you dont hear coca cola cry if pepsi fuck things up.

and if Dean 'Rocket' Hall feels hit by the shit hammerpoint steered up themselves by being dicks, than he must be the most sensitive man in the world.

Btw, if anything WarZ is more likely to be mistaken for being a game about the scenario presented in the book "World War Z". The film of that book will be quite different, which I don't mind as long as it's a good film.

the movie the war z has nothing to do with the game the war z.

hell, from the looks of the trailer the movie itself has nothing to do with the book its supposedly based on.

and it is ridiculous that brad pitt in the move is considered competent enough to do something against an apocalyptic infestation.

like he is going to sweet talk germ and viruses into just die and stop killing people.

If you can't see the potential attempted links between Day Z, WarZ and World War Z there's little hope for you.

The game was greatly unheard of until it released on steam. The name was a 3 letter word with the letter Z on the end of it. A recent mod for Arma 2 was a three letter word with a Z on the end of it that had a massive amount of publicity for being a unique take on the zombie survival experience. Then there's an upcoming blockbuster film called World War Z, in case you haven't noticed it's the same name with the word "World" in front of it.

It is a master-stroke of parasitic marketing in naming conventions but it is also a master-stroke in failing customers and somehow managing to make a developer's already rock-bottom reputation sink further.

As War Z has linked itself to Day Z it unfortunately goes both ways. Consumers will now be cautious about buying another MMO Zombie FPS/TPS Survival game and rather than being a day one purchase they'll wait for reviews, then maybe wait for a Steam sale. Better to batten down the hatches, put more time into development. Use the incredible first day sales of War Z as evidence to your publishers as to what the market wants and how much polish the game will actually need - or suffer the same consequences.

 

[Abomination]

It seems you are incapable of grasping the clear and obvious links between several ZOMBIE SURVIVAL pieces of media. And it's not Dayz or Warz. It's Day Z and War Z.

War Z is most obviously an attempt to shoe-horn in on the success of Day Z. Day Z developers have noticed said attempt and understand there are going to be a lot of disgruntled folks who would have bought their game being a bit more cautious in their decisions.

But go on, link more pictures and youtube videos instead of actually discussing the topic, unless you are incapable in which I apologise.

 

[Hdawger]

Spoiler: snippy snippy

thats bullshit.

what does the competitor of day z, war z, have to do with day z developement?

its just a stupid excuse to anounce that it may take even more for them to release a standalone version of the game.
even though he asked for more time and the playerbase gave them their blessing.

Y'see, I think you're wrong. Politely wrong.

I think Rocket is handling this like a gentleman. There was always friction between the only two games in this emerging genre. In short: Rocket is laying low on DayZ updates and info so it does not appear he is capitalising on War Z's implosion.

Hell, I wouldnt want to be in Rockets position, but I have great respect for how and what he is doing.

please specify why you dont want to be in rockets position.

and no one asked Dean 'Rocket' Hall to sort of white knight on Hammerpoint Interactive.
he doesnt have shit to do with hammerpoint, but that hammerpoint rushed their product out sooner and declared it gold in order to cash in on day z success.

if he tries to come by as a gentlemen, he failed. he seems to be boasting about it, like saying "THAT will not happen with us" even though the DAY Z fanbase already said they are cool with them taking more time to improve their game.

rockets comment was unnecessary.

and dont even tell me that he wants to make sure that his standalone version doesn't create such a fiasko.

the difference is that hammerpoint declared their game gold, that means its ready and playable.
rocket declared it alpha.

look at minecraft.

he(rocket) still can release his game and declare it alpha without imagine features that doesnt exist to lure players into paying for an unfinished game.

giving no comment would had been more gentlemen like.

btw, THE only two games is wrong. google state of decay.

thats bullshit.

what does the competitor of day z, war z, have to do with day z developement?

Yes, because handling it like Sergey Titov did in the War Z side (i.e. banning users en masse for the most infantile of reasons: http://i.imgur.com/rmaZv.jpg ) instead is a great way to appease you no-excuse folk.

I don't think you even realize that Titov has indirectly caused pain to Rocket. You know, like stray bullets? Not that you'd care.

The WAR Z =/= DAY Z

what has sergey titov have to do with Dean 'Rocket' Hall?

did rocket, with his game DAY Z said he would be handeling it like Sergey Titov with his game WAR Z. NO?

you dont hear coca cola cry if pepsi fuck things up.

and if Dean 'Rocket' Hall feels hit by the shit hammerpoint steered up themselves by being dicks, than he must be the most sensitive man in the world.

Btw, if anything WarZ is more likely to be mistaken for being a game about the scenario presented in the book "World War Z". The film of that book will be quite different, which I don't mind as long as it's a good film.

the movie the war z has nothing to do with the game the war z.

hell, from the looks of the trailer the movie itself has nothing to do with the book its supposedly based on.

and it is ridiculous that brad pitt in the move is considered competent enough to do something against an apocalyptic infestation.

like he is going to sweet talk germ and viruses into just die and stop killing people.

If you can't see the potential attempted links between Day Z, WarZ and World War Z there's little hope for you.

The game was greatly unheard of until it released on steam. The name was a 3 letter word with the letter Z on the end of it. A recent mod for Arma 2 was a three letter word with a Z on the end of it that had a massive amount of publicity for being a unique take on the zombie survival experience. Then there's an upcoming blockbuster film called World War Z, in case you haven't noticed it's the same name with the word "World" in front of it.

It is a master-stroke of parasitic marketing in naming conventions but it is also a master-stroke in failing customers and somehow managing to make a developer's already rock-bottom reputation sink further.

you are trying to be sarcastic, arent you?

please tell me you are joking.

if not:

if yes:

you forgot these

[img src='http://fullrom.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/0720-Dogz.-U.jpg' align='right' width='250' height='250'][img src='http://images.nintendolife.com/games/ds/catz/cover_large.jpg' align='right' height='250' width='250']

[img src='http://www.toysrus.com/cms_widgets/74/76/747657_assets/Bratz_1.jpg'][/quote]

None of those pictures have to do with zombies, but Abomination's examples all have to do with zombies. Do you see the similarities? Its zombies. If you don't understand Abomination's point of view, then I truly pity you.

 

[Hero in a half shell]

Ok, is it just me or does anyone else understand anything that's been argued in this thread?
I thought this story was about how a videogame developer was annoyed that another videogame developer stole his concept and used it to make an absurd amount of money with a barely playable mess of a game that will probably sour all the potential customers towards the original which was incredibly similar in name and gameplay.

The guys been pouring years of his time and money into a pet project for an open world zombie survival game, and some hack beats him to it with a terrible clone, no doubt making a huge profit from it. I'd be really bummed too.

Now why is everyone arguing about Ketchup and Adam Sandler quotes?!?!?!

 

[Noachide]

I interpreted the post in a very understandable and reasonable way. He's questioning the integrity of the video game industry, which he has only recently become a member of. The creation of the War Z was never intended to be anything legitimate or worthwhile. If you don't believe me, look up the aforementioned game Big Rigs or whatever that abomination of a game was titled. It was created by the lead designer of The War Z. Furthermore, The War Z never cropped up until after Day Z became a sensation. It's a blatant cash-grab for what he worked tirelessly to create. Dean Hall is a paradigm for developers, who value actual integrity over money. The recent events have had a strong, negative effect on him as they are showing him that the fledgling game industry is, often times, just a snotty-nosed brat screaming for more attention while shady thugs are gazing down your pockets.
If you don't understand why he's upset, I feel pity for your cognitive abilities. The very existence of The War Z is an insult to both gamers and the video game industry. Now, on the other side of the coin, I do feel that he may be overreacting a bit. I still sympathize with his position, but rip-offs and copycats happen in every medium. The scathing critical response to The War Z would be comforting to me if I were in his position. Nonetheless, he is a kinder-spirited guy. He stands up for actual, respectable values. He's gone to say that he will delay the game if he doesn't feel like it's ready, as he would rather put it off further than to release an unfinished product. Now, tell me, which do you think Sergey Titov would prefer?

 

[JoshuaMadoc]

Rhizhim... why would you spare someone as infantile as Sergey Titov a chance? Are you seriously suggesting that his recent actions, showing that he hasn't changed much, if at all, since the days of Big Rigs, is perfectly okay compared to Rocket's response?

Seriously, why?

Actually, you know what, I don't want to hear it. I'll just assume that, yes, you're perfectly okay with unprofessional behavior, but not Rocket's boasting, as you put it.