Post by Tim on Mar 15, 2019 22:20:38 GMT -6
I first got my hands on the code for this game from its previous Creator almost 12 years ago now. Time flies. But life changes as well and my time has other commitments. I'm happy with how things are, but how they are doesn't give me the time I once had to Create. It is was it is. I still have changes I'd like to make the game. Things I'd like to fix. Improvements I'd like to add. My never-ending list of 'stuff' is always there. Every time I kick off a new age, it's always been a mix of excitement and regret. Excitement at the changes I made and regret at the changes I didn't. The ages of the last year has been almost purely regret. Each age I tell myself that I just need a break for an age. Life's busy right now, but next age will be the Grand Return! I'll finally make those big changes! Then when an age ends, I get torn between my desire to get things running again for you guys and my desire to try and squeeze in new stuff.
But it's time to face the facts: my life has moved on. It's very unlikely I'll come back and make any significant changes anymore. If there's a game breaking issue I'll probably make time to patch it up, but it'll be the least amount of duct tape I can manage. And I'll privately moan while doing it because there are other things I'd rather be doing. Part of my hates these facts and has been slow to accept them as truth. But a wise man once said "you should never believe a thing simply because you want to believe it." (Bonus points if you know who said that without looking it up!)
This game has been a huge part of my life. The community of this game has been indescribably awesome and I can't thank you all enough for that. Game of Stones will always be my (adopted) baby. But it's time for me to let it go.
All that said: no, this is NOT the end. The game has shown it's ability to move along without me. If anything it seems like the community has become even more active than it used to be and some of you have stepped up to fill in the void left by my neglect. Filled it and then some. With the show coming eventually, there's even potential for the site to grow. The Wheel turns. The next age always brings a new beginning.
I plan to continue hosting the game and managing its resets. From here on out, there will be no test ages as there will be nothing new to test. When an Age end, I'll plan to reset things 2-3 weeks afterwards (someone may have to ping me when the LB is over...). I'll try to manage the usual IP conflict issues and donor bonuses, but know my response time will likely be less than stellar. Everything else, I leave to you all to manage: wiki updates, chat help, discord, game promotion, etc. If there's need for moderation that you want me to weigh in on, you're welcome to ask. But unless things are cut and dry I'll likely defer to those more in the know. And don't expect snappy responses from me on questions about how things work or if they are working as intended. I MAY poke my head in from time to time in the game (I want to!) but don't hold your breath.
TL;DR: Game of Stones v18.4 will launch Sunday, March 24th at 9PM CDT (2AM GMT on the 25th). As usual there will likely be a test reset shortly before the official one. Go Team! The Wheel turns!
