Adobe has announced end-of-life for Flash in 2020.
Will Blue Byte/Ubisoft move the game to a new platform or should we start looking for a different game?
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Adobe has announced end-of-life for Flash in 2020.
Will Blue Byte/Ubisoft move the game to a new platform or should we start looking for a different game?
I knew this and opened a thread for it, and a long discussion about it, but still BB will still think flash will not die!
Hopefully, BB will not understand this official announcment.
Quote:
TSO Team: Switching from Flash to HTML5 is not on the development roadmap. Going this way would require a a big effort on the development side, and would drastically slow down the implementation of the new content, improvements and bugfixes.
What I'm seeing here is the same thing we saw in Nov/Dec 1999 with the imminent Y2K bug. On the day Adobe that Flash is no more, do you truly imagine the game wíll come to a grinding halt. Will BB kick the devs out into the cold streets to survive by fighting stray dogs for dustbin scraps. No of course not, development will carry on as long as the current version of flash allows, until they want to do something beyond what can be done with flash there is no hard reason to abandon it. As for security updates to flash, the death of flash is the ultimate security update. It's dwindling popularity will mean less bang for the buck to those who are want to screw things up for others. As has often been pointed out the Owners of the game will only switch when the profit line says it's time to switch not a moment sooner, as long as flash is the cheaper development option it's here to stay.
Even if the development could continue with the final Flash version it does not mean it will be reasonable to invest any development time into it. Note that its the browser vendors that are removing it completely too at latest in the end of 2020. Some can remove it before or assign more default options to the content being blocked. Same thing happened few years ago with NPAPI/other native plugins and popular games and things ceased to exists. Unity webplayer for example was powering thousands of games with over several million players.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dorotheus
Also even if there will be an option to download the slim version or use the older browser versions, the barrier to play the game keeps raising and less and less *new* players will be playing. This usually leads up to closing the final servers as it wont be worth the costs to support and maintain them with the remaining player base of vet player who most likely wont invest into the game.
Its official as the bbc can get it. Adobe is pulling flash. Phased out by 2020
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-40716304
Not surprised flash is finally going to die, gives me 2-3 years to reach 75 and maybe TOS 2 will be around by then on a platform that provides better gameplay and gfx options.
And for the the straight from the source sites rather than a third party site ..
https://blogs.adobe.com/conversation...sh-update.html
https://www.blog.google/products/chr...sh-and-chrome/
I haven't checked when the other browsers are phasing it out but these sites do clearly state that flash sites will work until 2020 giving developers 3 years ( they did mention this last year, just finalised the time frame ) to complete any changes / rewrites / replacement products.
Maybe it will mean the end of Settlers Online as we know it by 2020 but hopefully by then bluebyte will have released a new similar product or update for us to play and *crossing fingers* with features that have been requested in this game ... where applicable in regards to a new product.
Granted the devs will need time to digest the time frame involved, and whether it is going to be cost effective to rewrite the game to work after 2020, as it would more than likely be a rewrite ( minor or major ) rather than a few simple changes.
Another link
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/ado...020,35077.html
This game will probably end on 2020 it seems.
I think BB have to say something official they will keep going or give up, or do some revamp, or there is TSO 2, this risk to reduce the business flow on this, BTW, browsers might take actions before the deadline, and with new windows 10 way to deal with Apps, it is risky to be blocked at all, for windows 10 SE it will be blocked for sure, if not already, for browsers that use server side flash, they will stop support flash, so the risk will be greater by the time.
End of flash life maybe seems long (lets say 3 years is long enough) but this means also browsers will stop care about any flash issues from NOW, because people must start move on from flash to HTML5 or something else, so, more issues coming.
Not surprised, I was really expecting this from 1 year, and become hotter from a few months, and finally here is the final words :)
Thread merged, and move to the appropriate section for discussion.
BB have consistently said they will not move the game to HTML5 or anything else. This was the reason for developing the slim browser, so that the game could continue, using flash, if browsers decided to end supporting flash.
some browsers have already started to block flash. Chrome blocked some games last year that use flash. firefox blocked flash a couple of years ago due to security issues which forced flash to be updated to fix the probs before firefox unblocked it again. But u can garuntee as soon as the support for flash ends just about every browser will block flash. So it will be gone long before 2020. Its 2020 when adobe is going to remove flash from their system but support and updates for it will be before that. Every game and website that uses flash will have no choice but to switch to HTML5 or they wont have anyone able to get on their sites or games. Even steam wil have to change to HTML5 unless another company decides to take over flash. But HTML5 also has a problem cause that uses java which is also full of security issues. Another option is microsofts silverlight as that does the same job as flash and java combined. prob is that might get withdrawn as well. The end of flash has been on the cards for a few years now and experts have been advising developers to switch to HTML5 for about 4 years now.
Its not just BB who need to start work on a new system but all browser game developers or they might find their all out of work in the next 1 to 3 years. probably closer to 1 year than 3 though.
I think it's worth to clarify, again, that no browser has blocked Flash indefinitely; they merely ask for your permission now to run Flash-based content.
This is about flash itself will not be supported anymore and will be killed by the owner, not browser issue! there will be no flash anymore at all after 2020.Quote:
Originally Posted by BB_Saqui
This is about facebook flash games:
https://developers.facebook.com/blog...Web-Standards/Quote:
While games built in Flash will run on Facebook until the end of 2020, we strongly advise developers to follow the timelines set by browsers, as this may impact your decision to migrate sooner. The first milestone to target is summer of 2018 when Chrome introduces click-to-play for Flash-based content
Who wrote this article is "Facebook partner engineering manager", they will provide migration guides, this could be helpful maybe?
Also, it seems browsers will block flash plugin after 2020, they will not allow it, even on your own choice!
they will ask to keep flash and ask you to enable it until the end of 2020, they no more flash allowed.
http://fortune.com/2017/07/25/apple-...acebook-flash/
Another source from google: https://www.blog.google/products/chr...-flash-chrome/
BB please be open and just study it before you say NO!
You created awesome games, you are really good company, why you trying to reject the idea about getting fresh game you have backend, you need just to re-create flash part, the content and story all ready :/
Before this joint forces announcement happened there were some rumors and talk from people who attended WWDC in June that Apple will drop and block Flash permanently from their operating system in 2018 when next macOS upgrade is announced. Maybe they will still go as planned and remove it or maybe they extend the lifetime with others as there is now a fixed date. However it would probably still be possible to play with Chrome and it's built in Flash. I just know few Apple people that will not move on from Safari to Google products.
Even the simple https change from this week or the previous chrome throttling seems to be complicated for some people to setup. When we get to the point where people have to download special builds of browsers (mozilla announcement), daily click content warnings or dig in to even deeper browser flags the more people will quit.
I hope that if the current downloadable version is the future solution, it will be significantly improved.
Yes. But that is enough. The things people will need to do to make this game work is going to either be too much for some less tech savvy people or it will scare them (frankly, with reason). Those who know what they are doing aren't even going to bother trying the game. Why take the risk?Quote:
Originally Posted by BB_Saqui
The fact that this concern keeps popping up in your player base should tell you how bad the image of flash has become. These people are already committed. Have you counted how often the question was asked in the AMA alone?
It's not the actual death of flash that is (will be) hurting this game, it is Flash's image. And, with respect, nothing BB can say will fix that.
Ok, I'm one of those less tech savvy people - can someone explain to me what's the problem, cause 2020 seems like a long time away. Is there an alternative BB could use (with enough time to prepare)?
Usually, game development takes so long time so BB must plan from now for next step.Quote:
Originally Posted by numa
And in 2018 browsers will start to jail flash with more restriction.
Also, some points already said in previous comments you can revisit them.
Just tell me your feeling when you open a website and browser said this plugin is blocked and enabling it could be a risk for your security, or even just a suffering to "click to enable" each time or every hour to (like what is happening now with me in Firefox already).
Sure, I get that it's a problem, but don't you think that they have enough time to plan that step? I'd really like to hear some official info on that - BB, what do you say?
Even if most of the old users can adapt and follow the instructions to get the game working none of the new players most likely wont. If playing a new game requires messing with the advanced browser settings and/or which warns daily about the content being possibly a security risk they will just find another game. Player acquisition is very important in F2P games.
The downloadable version should however work beyond 2020 as it should be fully under BB control and works like any other regular desktop game.
I posted some thoughts in the test server version of this thread and BB_Alex commented:
"We do not have any plans to make a TSO 2 or port TSO to HTML5 or mobile. Both are not feasible.
But we will keep on developing the game."
If they keep saying thins, I'm pretty sure TSO will be dead around 2020, for a chance of 100%.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mannerheim
I saw another companies said that clearly, but if this happened for BB, it will be shame on them, they really big company, found many online games, they even created The Settlers PC games, so I can't believe why they so hard to understand the problem here.
They keep saying no, without any explanation, they said it is just costly and there will be no new content and so on, but as a larger scope company doing a lot of new games, nothing make any sense. many competitors passing TSO with race and they just stay in 1 single word.
No to what? BB never said they were going to stop making new content.Quote:
Originally Posted by TheVictorious
1.After 2020 you can still play this game using the slim browser.
2. Recreating TSO in HTML5/webGL will be almost as expensive as creating a completely new game. (Not worth it)
What more explanation do you need?
There is no problem.
Only the influx of new players will go down hard after 2020.
* Slim browser is a flash container, not sure if they use edge or not as a container, but if flash got blocked by windows you have nothing to do with this, (not much details but 100% is running flash inside container, not played with it so much because it was unplayable game using it for me).Quote:
Originally Posted by Budgy
* Also, flash dead means no more flash can be installed, and if installed it will be only the old versions that you can run, if hackers found (and they will) bugs and backdoors with flash, you will be doomed, you really need to understand this is not issue with browser will not support flash, it is about flash itself will become unwanted program, even anti viruses might block it.
* Finally slim browsers already got issues, a lot of issues, I can't really say it will be helpful.
About point 2, if this true, then this is why TSO will be dead, I still believe BB can get something useful from their big code base.
TSO will live forever :)
Get with the project, guys. The game is clearly drawing to an end and it's as plain as day.
If it *can* continue then that's a technical matter, but taking a lot of people's money to use on a platform that will inevitably become less and less secure with zero support from its creators is an absolute non-starter for a fairly major game maker like Ubisoft. This is central.
They're trying with new content as I imagine it's a tidy little earner on a small scale (and maybe I'm underestimating as I've spent maybe £100 on it myself even, which is rare for me) but the recent additions to the game haven't helped a lot and the game seems clearly to me in a slow wind down. Players are drifting away, and chat and TO are so quiet compared to other times in the past.
I'd love to be wrong as it's a fun waste of time, but post-Flash there is no TSO as they've said clearly they aren't developing for that.
In our hearts and memories, and in the stress lines on our faces from when things went wrong so often.Quote:
Originally Posted by Thejollyone
I thought slim browser was an actual browser with flash build in, like chrome. But from the FAQ I see that you need adobe or chrome flash to make it work.
So if they don't make changes to slim browser TSO ends in 2020-2021.
Unfortunately my 2nd point is still valid.
If they do build flash into slim browser it is completely safe, as long as you ONLY go to this game with that browser. And windows can't stop you van from using slim browser.
Don't forget that the game also needs new players and without them it can very well end before 2020, or if not end then at least further content development will halt and possibly server merges will begin to reduces the costs. I personally don't think the old userbase is very profitable as most people have been here for ages and have already gained or are about to get their gem pits.
Browser vendors have already assigned Flash limitations and will be doing more so in the following months and years so the easy to get it and play route for the game is already/soon gone. The slim version is essentially the same version as the Steam version. Go check the review score in general (only 35% positive reviews) or check the top most useful reviews. The standalone version is pretty terrible in its current form.
Also don't forget that Ubisoft is known for axing their declining F2P games and have already closed or stopped developing several in the past years, to name few of the latest ones: Anno Online, Panzer Generals Online or Might & Magic Duel of Champions...
Hi,
I read the whole topic and I have to write a few words about this:
1)It is true but after 2020 will be flash permanently removed from Chrome (source: https://blog.chromium.org/2017/07/so...all-flash.html) and from Firefox (source: https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/...admap#Schedule)Quote:
I think it's worth to clarify, again, that no browser has blocked Flash indefinitely; they merely ask for your permission now to run Flash-based content
2) TSO slim browser is built on chromium technology (if I'm not wrong) and as well flash support in Chrome will be removed after 2020 (source: https://blog.chromium.org/2017/07/so...all-flash.html). There are a few potential ways how to keep flash support but when keep flash support in TSO slim browser will be probably security risk
3) If will be TSO slim browser only way how to play this game, it would be fine to add support for Mac and Linux
Conclusion:
There is really needed any response from someone from TSO team/BB team
Many players are using the exit door anyway. Those aiming for level 75 are bored of the constant xp grind, others are tired of the lack of any new content, more were pushed away by the recent debacle on the non-event. Really not sure how many will be here come 2020.
That's not coming though, be realistic. BB want us to continue playing and spending (understandably. They aren't a public service, they created a freemium game to make the money!).Quote:
Originally Posted by Budry
Flash is still there and supported. The game will go on till it isn't with the further proviso that BB continue to make money.
When Flash dies, TSO will also die quickly IMO, but BB would be insane to threaten their business interests and say it explicitly.
Yeah it does not make sense to announce the game will die with Flash but some kind of detailed announcement should probably be in place, especially if there are some kind of backup plans. The Flash death news have been all over the net this week and a lot of people now know about, even many of the ones who don't really follow tech news. Some sites have already made announcements regarding future their video services or games.Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeLido
As Flash is now saying bye bye slowly without any kind of official details from BB it's making people ask the question is there any point to continue anymore or invest in the game even if its still playable for over a year or two. Just look at the front page now about the Flash warnings and combine it with the announcement.
Indeed, but it is already dying, look at steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/35...p_reviews_hashQuote:
Originally Posted by MikeLido
or this: http://steamcommunity.com/app/354640...r=1_5_reviews_
I never understood why TSO went to steam. It's a freemium browser game. Two aspects you don't want in a steam game. Most people in those reviews stopped playing before hitting lvl 36, or even 17. On steam games you don't want to wait a year to get to the good stuff.
Be a brave player who spends cash to buy gems until we know what will actually be happening.
From TSO Czech forum
Quote:
Originally Posted by BB_Sious
What we need now is some official statement on login page.Quote:
Originally Posted by Budry
Any chance for html5?
We have no plans at this time.Quote:
Originally Posted by Abesster