The latest game from Stern, Batman, had unfinished software (all the modes were the same, no skill shot, no random reward, unused inserts). People (especially those who bought the game) were waiting patiently/impatiently for the inevitable software updates. Then, all of a sudden, someone popped up on RGP (see the first post in this thread) claiming that they spoke to Gary Stern and that he said that there were not going to be anymore updates to Batman. This obviously made a LOT of people super angry. Why did people believe this guy? Well, because Stern has yet to finish the software on the 3 previous games, Spider-man, Wheel of Fortune, and Indiana Jones.
Now, it turns out that Stern releases an update for Batman that adds a lot of the missing features. So, either Gary Stern lied, was misinformed, his message was miscommunicated, the guy on RGP was full of it, or had a change of mind after the uproar to his words. I personally think it was a bit of being misinformed (he's old, probably doesn't understand software), and miscommunication.
I hope that clears things up a bit.
Have
Want
-The Getaway: High Speed II!! -Spider-Man -F-14 Tomcat -Guns N' Roses -Lord of the Rings -Twilight Zone
-Medieval Madness! -Indiana Jones (Williams) -Star Trek: The Next Generation -Champion Pub -Terminator 3 -Congo -Johnny Mnemonic -Tales of the Arabian Nights
My two cents for what its worth... I think Stern has pressure to be able to release these machines prior to the blockbuster movie releases. This could be the reasoning behind sending out "unfinished" product to satisfy the operators. Looking at that factory and all the work that goes into those machines I am sure meeting specific timelines becomes difficult.
The attitude could be to get the machines to the operators as soon as possible so they can ride the quarters while the movie is hot. Then finish the code and other problems later.
Whats that Shap pain in my back Oh it's a Knife Complete MAACA-Wacko!
Posts
1,778
Gender
Male
Posts Per Day
0.82
Time Online
321 days 18 hours 59 minutes
Location
Gatineau
Age
32
Stern Has done Code changes after game was released for a long time Lotr was like that so was TSPP. I remember when i got my lotr had version 5 in it found it boring as hell allot of erros. Look online found version 10 got that burned the game was now 175% better and new video modes and more modes. This will be same for IJ and BK They always say game is complete because looks bad if they say game is sent out but hey it not complete. then after 6 months a year they send out a huge update for the game on the site saying fixes a few thins you add it OMG where did the following modes come from ect. But In my mind Stern has not forgotten about us the collector. He pushes the machine out ASAP so ops can use it and monopolise on it while it is new or movie is on. Then after 6 months they can then cater for the collector market. That�s my view on it. Stern is not Evil just a monopoly on new pinball�s and trying to survive so makes sense.
Life is like Pinball!! You never know where you will bounce or where your going but sometimes you have that one amazing shot But on the other hand you have those darn gutter ball where you just get frustrated.
Click on the "Revision History" link next to any of the games listed to see the many different changes that were made to games after their initial release. Yes, even Bally/Williams continued to rewrite/add code and fix bugs well after their machines hit the street. This is nothing new.
Some people on RGP (and other places) just like to b1tch and moan. They used to complain about WMS and Bally in the 90's as well. Its easier to criticize than to create.
TwilightZone
Male
Logged
MAACA ARCHIVES - JOIN THE NEW FORUM AT HTTP://WWW.MAACA.ORG › General Boards › Pins only › Stern...gone in a year
