Few days ago I asked you for your opinions here is my conclussion

[Feniks]

 

Here is transcript for those who would rather read:

Hello Nerds and Nerdettes welcome to Early Access Monitor. Series in which we are taking on veterans of Early Access and see how they deliver on the promises. Today we will check Naval Action. I have to say this was one of the hardest videos to make because of sheer amount of conflicting information, contradicting evidence and misrepresentations. Before we got to the bottom of dropping reviews on steam for Naval Action I would like you to listen to some facts about a game.

 

Naval Action released on steam Early Access over a year ago on 21 Jan, 2016 and started nice with good positive review score dropping in recent months to 54% on steam. Game sold 100 000 copies and has about 8000 to 10 000 active players with about 1000 being online at the same time at peak times.

 

In my research towards to this video I have read numerous reviews and checked sources of informations. I have spoken to Veterans of the game both on reddit and on game forum.

 

I think the main problem with a game reviews comes from the fact that game developers implemented some huge changes to the game and moved from combat oriented gameplay to more open world setting. This is obviously huge change of direction and some people are disappointed. I want to take this opportunity to remind once again that games in Early Access are in active development and changes will happen and you are signing up for experience rather than finished product. This change split community in half with some people loving new open world and some people hating it so much that they gave up on the game.

 

I understand that game has 2 servers test server and official server and test servers often sees features that are then removed, and changed some of people who subscribe to test server are unhappy about which changes stay and which changes go. In this instance I will blame users because when you are signing for test server your job is to test features and you must accept that it’s for test purposes only.

 

One of actual problems with development is fact that they are quick to lose temper at occasions and speak to users with no respect. You can see on a screen part of forum discussion between game lead developer and customer. “We worked very hard this month and your comment offended my programmers and artists (makers of Bucentaure and Santa Cecilia). I changed my mind and trading xp will never get implemented until release because of your comments. I am not joking.

We focus on making happy customers happier. Half empty pessimists are not our market” Seriously what the hell mate are you 12? This is not the way to speak to anyone I would not talk like that to my 4 year old daughter not to mention someone who actually paid me money and was a reason why I can do my dream job.

 

I understand that after post 1000 posts that complaining about something small you are fed up with it. But do yourself a favour and just ignore it. If you can’t answer like an adult let your moderators handle it. This is reason why people are motivated enough to go to steam and put long page of negative review. That will affect your game not only in sales but in active player base which will harm its long term life.

 

Finally I would like to respond to accusations of developers attempting to manipulate steam review scores.

 

On few occasions developers said things “To celebrate the increase in the steam ratings 4 ships will be added to the game as event ships” and asked users to help them out and rate the game. Let me make it clear there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking your users to review your product. There is nothing wrong with rewording your users as a result of success that your product achieved. At the end of this video I will be asking you to subscribe to my channel and like the video, it is normal that you ask your customers, fans and subscribers to help promote your product it’s called Marketing! Giving users more features as result of more sales should not be seen as bad thing. It is something to be praised for. Developers are putting their hard earned money to improve their product. Why on Earth would anyone say it’s a bad thing.

 

As for all other aspect of the game I have found developers responsive to users comments, I found updates to have decent pace. Game is not without issues and they are to be expected from early Access game but overall as Early Access games go Naval Action is is doing better most,  maybe not out there with Prison Architect, Nuclear Throne and Kerbals but I think keeping 10% of community active in a game a year after release is decent achievement. So as always please do your own research to decide if game is for you but from me developers get a seal of approval as far as delivering and running Early Access goes.

Nerds and Nerdettes my name is Feniks and I hope you had a great time watching today's Early Access Monitor and you are able to make better informed decision about the game. I am looking forward to your opinions in the comment section down below and hope for some good discussion. Have a nice day.

[Kloothommel]

Great review!

[Feniks]

Thank you. As I said I tried to come to this with open mind and focus on development rather than game itself. It's not for me to decide if game is enjoyable I wanted to see if developers are honest and deserve a trust

[Jack Jones]

great review, balanced and honest.

'10% of players still active after 1 year is pretty decent'

Absolutely, people constantly moan about this but this is a good achievement. PVP server gets 450 to 600 most nights and even PVE is getting 60 to 120. Good regular numbers after such a long time on Alpha.

This game is a work in progress, people complain to much and forget it's Alpha not a finished project.

Good job.

Edited March 15, 2017 by Blue Tooth

[BoomBox]

great review .

I don't agree with calling a temper a problem. I actually liked the emotional reaction back then and still do . I'd rather have open words than words without much meaning. But that's my personal opinion  

Edited March 15, 2017 by BoomBox

[Feniks]

15 minutes ago, BoomBox said:

great review .

I don't agree with calling a temper a problem. I actually liked the emotional reaction back then and still do . I'd rather have open words than words without much meaning. But that's my personal opinion  

I know where you coming from @BoomBox my problem with response is because dev got upset wit one user he delayed feature for 100 000 other users who bought the game. Bit silly move if you ask me but I get that we are all human and snap at some point. Internet makes me angry quite easily so I partially get it. 

 

@Blue Tooth I agree 10% is a very good achievement to compare Medieval Engineers other game I did Early Access Monitor video on had less than 3%. 10% is nothing to be ashamed on it's definitely way above average.