Patch delay

[Chris Child]

Hi,

We’re having a few problems with the patch I’m afraid. The actual patching system needs to be reviewed because we are currently in negotiations with on-line distributors who have their own copy protection systems. As there are not any “show stopper” bugs in the game at the moment, I thought it best to work out which systems we’ll need to deal with, rather than break things so that we can never update the game in the future. Thank you for your patience with this.

If this goes on much longer, I will release a database only patch, which will have to be installed by hand, and would need to be uninstalled by hand before adding any new patches. I was hoping to avoid that as it will probably cause some confusion and problems with customer service at Empire, as you can imagine.

Chris Child

[MarksNotts]

Thanks for the update Chris, a database only update is all it needs, the game play is fine.

[IndiaWarrior]

Many things are needed to be updated about which chris knows very well.

[pi3t3rs3n-24]

Hey Chris, anymore news on the patch??

[Repton]

Hi Chris, I am also wondering when patch will be released. Played demo and liked game but am holding fire on purchasing full game until patch release.

[Sureshot]

I'm sure when Chris knows more about the patch he will update the board with it. :)

[G1inger]

Whilst I dont wish to knock the efforts or the game itself - I think the delay of the patch is pretty shoddy.

The game itself becomes unplayable after a couple of seasons and having had every ICC since the very first this is quite bad.

I think when people pay good money for a game they expect the support for it to be in place. It seems to me that the new ICC was rushed out to capitalise on the start of the season when in actual fact there were several bugs in the system and the database was plain wrong in many cases. I think even just a data update - seemingly straightforward to produce, is at least what is required even just to ensure playability for the future.

This seems like a pretty callous grab and run exercise.

[Typical Stroke]

upcoming patch is too much late now

[Themer]

Whilst I dont wish to knock the efforts or the game itself - I think the delay of the patch is pretty shoddy.

The game itself becomes unplayable after a couple of seasons and having had every ICC since the very first this is quite bad.

I think when people pay good money for a game they expect the support for it to be in place. It seems to me that the new ICC was rushed out to capitalise on the start of the season when in actual fact there were several bugs in the system and the database was plain wrong in many cases. I think even just a data update - seemingly straightforward to produce, is at least what is required even just to ensure playability for the future.

This seems like a pretty callous grab and run exercise.

In what way is the game unplayable after a couple of seasons? Ive been upto 2030 with no problems, super players that were seen in previous version are gone and many good features have been added. Theres a few bugs and incorrect things in the database but there is in all games.

[Knoxen]

Whilst I dont wish to knock the efforts or the game itself - I think the delay of the patch is pretty shoddy.

The game itself becomes unplayable after a couple of seasons and having had every ICC since the very first this is quite bad.

I think when people pay good money for a game they expect the support for it to be in place. It seems to me that the new ICC was rushed out to capitalise on the start of the season when in actual fact there were several bugs in the system and the database was plain wrong in many cases. I think even just a data update - seemingly straightforward to produce, is at least what is required even just to ensure playability for the future.

This seems like a pretty callous grab and run exercise.

I think this is a bit harsh on people like Chris who is obviously busy trying to sort it out. But a database update is quite hard, if you imagine how much stuff you have to put into a database.

I think we just all have to be patient - because if there wasn't a game out, we would complain why it was late being released, so at least we have a game to play.

And I have been up2 2017 and I have had no problems with the game as well.

[G1inger]

I dont want it to seem harsh, and I am sure that Chris is trying to sort it out BUT...

A database update isnt that hard really - just a few tweaks and if they release an editor (see other forum posts for the debate on THAT one) people could do it themselves and the databases could be created by the community. As it is, we have to rely on people like Chris and the developers to produce these updates for us, which is kind of what people expect when they shell out for the game itself - for it to have an accurate database.

My comment on unplayability is because the game doesnt reflect real life as the database is not up to date, so its no good having an up to date cricketing knowledge as it wont help you with this game after a couple of seasons.

Like I say above, I cannot help but get the feeling this was rushed out to capitalise on the IPL and other cricket generated interest and then it has been a bit of a handwashing exercise.

[Simbazz]

G1inger, I really think you don't grasp how difficult it is to do all this. As far as i'm aware, Childish Things have a small production team and database and patches will take a while.

And if you've read other "forum posts," that you mention, then you'll know that there is an editor been created on another forum, so debate THAT one kiddo.

If you don't like ICC2008, then leave the forums, snap the game in half and forget its exsistance. There is another alternative, Cricket Coach. This game is differnt and better in ways to CC.

[G1inger]

No need to get personal and call names "kiddo".

Firstly, I do grasp how difficult it is to patch a game and I realise that the production team is small. However I think the time taken is more than enough, and surely if it has taken this long to fix the bugs surely all that proves is that it wasnt ready for release in the first place?

Secondly, I know there is an editor created on planetcricket but that is a third party application and does not allow people to share databases that have been created, if you look at the sort of thing they have going on for the EA sports cricket games, where people can exchange DB's then that sort of thing might prove really useful in the absence of an "official" update.

Finally, I never said i didnt like the game, far from it, so dont go throwing your toys out of your pram, what I said was, a patch is clearly needed, and I feel the game was rushed in comparison to others.

[Simbazz]

It amuses me that you obviously think you're in the right.

Let me ask you a question, do you have a cricket management game for sale? One which is a yearly series?

And about the personal thing, show me where I got personal, and i'll drop down and kiss your feet.

[G1inger]

It amuses me that you clearly dont think I am entitled to an opinion.

Of course I don't have a cricket management game for sale, but that is exactly my point ...SALE being the operative word, people paid money for it and expect things to be right. It isn't a massive ask. If the game was given away then it would be more understandable, but as it is, a patch has been promised, so people have bought the game, it has then never materialised, so naturally people are bound to be somewhat annoyed when the game is great, but incredibly buggy.

What difference does it make if i did have a game for sale anyway?

[Simbazz]

Have you bought EA Cricket 07?

[G1inger]

Yes, and though its not a great game, I appreciate that the fan community on planetcricket has made it much better by being able to modify and tweak the game.

And if we are not going to get a database update for this game, then perhaps future games can be supplied with an editor to allow the fans to do just that, then people can decide which patches and databases they want to apply and people can trade.

[pi3t3rs3n-24]

Hi,

The actual patching system needs to be reviewed because we are currently in negotiations with on-line distributors who have their own copy protection systems. As there are not any “show stopper” bugs in the game at the moment, I thought it best to work out which systems we’ll need to deal with, rather than break things so that we can never update the game in the future. Thank you for your patience with this.


Chris Child

G1inger/ Kiddo??, If you'd read Chris's post, then maybe you missed this part.

I for one don't mind that there hasn't been a patch out, I'm in 2013 on one game and about 2025 on another (i started on easy and got really far, then went to normal) the youth of tomorrow has to get trained to become the kevin Pietersen's of today, I've got one guy, Malcolm Anderton, who amazing, at 20, he got called up for England, and does every game now and he ave. in both test, first class, one day and ODI are all above 50, thats because i trained him to be good.

[aus5892]

Guys please stop with the arguments and insults and keep it civil. The patch is on its way, read the OP again if you don't know why.

[G1inger]

I dont want anyone to think I was insulting them or arguing, just merely encouraging a bit of debate.

Is that not what these things are for?

[Simbazz]

I certainly understood that it was a debate. I just merely wanted to add a bit of attitude to my post to see how G1nger would react!

[Chris Child]

Hi,

Sorry that this is casing people to get angry. The main things we're planning to fix in the patch are some initial database errors and a problem with the online game where people have disconnections. I know we have a few other minor bugs, but I'd say they really are minor. The games I've been playing have been fine for many years into the future. If I had a database editor then I'd love to release it in some form, but we have to input it all from text files, so it's really not something people could use.

The news is:
- I've just found a candidate for the on-line disconnections. This is proving incredibly hard to track down. It only happens between certain users, with no particular pattern, but we have just managed to get an error with debug output, so we're finally making progress.
- I'd like to patch the database with the fix for the above, as multiple patches is difficult to manage, particularly on Vista.
- Empire are about to make a decision on online distributors, which needs to be finalised before we can patch. This should be soon though.

I hope you're all continuing to enjoy the game while we work at this. I’m glad that people are passionate about the game as I am, but please try to keep it civil (or at least funny).

Chris Child

[Dark_Horse]

Stop the flaming guys...i doesn't matter how old he is or how humble he is. He can be whatever and who'ever he wants. This guy has made a game you all enjoyed (and let me add a game for a smaller market than most other genres. So as far as I can tell he is doing a good job). I'm a programmer and have tried to do a cricket game and I have to say to get an accurate score line and realistic behavior is extremly hard! Do you know how uch code goes into just one ball? Not to say an entire season!:mad:

[Manickam]

wat will the patch contain ???

[Themer]

Read what Chris put before silly questions next time.

[rishi]

my apologies chris, and to other readers..

but please i posted that because i thought similar answers were given again and again. its not very bad to have too much expectations never is. I myself am a great fan of the game and congratulate Chris for his creative idea!!

though amidst all this i also know the small genre you talk of is still very huge in terms of the revenue/finance generation for not many working on this wonderful ICC series project. when requests are for updates, introductions and new ideas, replies are talks with distributors, not possible and hope u enjoyin d game ??
is this what people are expecting? please read the forums, threads, requests and then you would realise how disappointing such replies look!

anyways. i enjoy this game, deep down thank Chris but hate how greedy and unthankful some are becoming. i rest it here.

[Chris Child]

Sorry. I was being a bit "developer" in my response. I was really just trying to say:
- We're fixing a bug in the on-line game which is hard to find (and driving me nuts)
- Because of that the database is delayed.

As for making lots of money - I wish. Developing complex code for a niche product is extremely tight. We lost money last year because we invested in the new 3D engine, but hopefully that will be the basis to allow us to make the game for several more years. We're lucky Empire was willing to invest after a good 2005 ashes year or the game might have died.

[Sureshot]

This on-line problem has been an on-going problem and looking at e-mails, it's been about 4 weeks. I've got another bit of testing to do tomorrow, hopefully Chris can then use all his genius to fix the problem. The e-mails have been slightly more optimistic as the time has gone on! Thanks to Madman for all his help with this, not sure if he is registered here or not, and for the guys at Empire who have been involved too. Let's hope we can sort this, because it is frustrating as in the current age of games, I think a good on-line mode is important for a game like ICC.

Next year is an Ashes year...let's hope England continue their revival under KP and then we can expect a bigger user base!

We're making movements with this, that is the most important thing. We all want the patch and db update quickly, unfortunately not all circumstances allow it at the moment.

[rishi]

well the support you see here Chris.. tells the game would never die.. atleast the concept won't!!

Cricket captain series athough moved ahead at a slow pace.. but it surely has moved quite far ahead from where it started.
keep coming up with good stuff and joyful suprises. Thanks!

[Typical Stroke]

any news or update regarding upcoming patch?

[AlexB]

any news or update regarding upcoming patch?

Anything from Chris/Sureshot?

[Sureshot]

Nothing yet guys, I imagine the first bit of news will be regarding the decision by Empire on on-line distributors. I'm sure Chris will let us know when he knows anything.

[Chris Child]

The patch has gone into testing today. We've fixed the online bug. The deal with online distributors has stalled, so we'll release the patch as soon as it's been approved, rather than waiting.

[Mongrel]

The patch has gone into testing today. We've fixed the online bug. The deal with online distributors has stalled, so we'll release the patch as soon as it's been approved, rather than waiting.

Awesome news.

[Chris Child]

We found an error while testing, this has now been fixed, so testing again today. Fingers crossed.

[Typical Stroke]

When it will be available to download?

[Chris Child]

Found another problem today I'm afraid. I'll keep you posted on progress.

[Typical Stroke]

Found another problem today I'm afraid. I'll keep you posted on progress.

Chris what is the latest update

[aus5892]

The patch has been sent to the publishers for final approval and will be released very soon.

[BAJIRO]

what will be new in this new patch?

[aus5892]

It will contain bug fixes and a corrected database (as of the start of the 2008 county season).

[G1inger]

Now the 2008 county season is over....

[pyjamarama]

All gone a bit quiet again on the patch

[MarksNotts]

The patch has been sent to the publishers for final approval and will be released very soon.

How long is very soon?, we keep hearing soon.......then it all goes quiet for a couple of weeks.

[pyjamarama]

How long is very soon?, we keep hearing soon.......then it all goes quiet for a couple of weeks.

Seriously losing my patience with all this. May has well have done a database update to the END of the county season and start of Aus tour to India. The start of 08 season seems so long ago now.

[aus5892]

It all depends on the publishers, Chris has been working as hard and fast as he can but several issues and complications have come up, with Chris, the publishers and the game having bugs.

[Typical Stroke]

Seriously losing my patience with all this. May has well have done a database update to the END of the county season and start of Aus tour to India. The start of 08 season seems so long ago now.

I am totaly agree with pyjamarama there is no need to start the game with county season 2008.

[G1inger]

Sorry guys, but see my posts at the start of this thread.

ICC'08 was just a money making exercise designed to capitalise on the interest of the IPL and subsequent world state of T20 cricket.

It was rush released with an out of date database and now the biggest post purchase achievement is a sometimes working online game and an "anticipated" patch that will "update" the database to be accurate as of six months ago....

Strewth !

Lets hope we can improve on what is essentially a shambles, in 09.

[pyjamarama]

What is the latest? What is the hold up now? Some communication would be good.

[G1inger]

No doubt a bug has been found or they are waiting for a publisher to be found or having problems with Empire online.

I bet my years salary its that...

[Sureshot]

Sorry guys, but see my posts at the start of this thread.

ICC'08 was just a money making exercise designed to capitalise on the interest of the IPL and subsequent world state of T20 cricket.

So why are there no specialist T20 scenarios on ICC08? No IPL.

It was rush released with an out of date database and now the biggest post purchase achievement is a sometimes working online game and an "anticipated" patch that will "update" the database to be accurate as of six months ago....

The database was up-to-date when the game was released.

No doubt a bug has been found or they are waiting for a publisher to be found or having problems with Empire online.

One of the main reason for the patch delay has been waiting for a decision by Empire on on-line distributors. You can find that out if you read the thread.

[Cymro]

So why are there no specialist T20 scenarios on ICC08? No IPL.



The database was up-to-date when the game was released.



One of the main reason for the patch delay has been waiting for a decision by Empire on on-line distributors. You can find that out if you read the thread.

When you say 'The database was up-to-date when the game was released.' that is completely wrong! How can you justify players stats were incorrect or not even there? How is that up-to-date? Im not having a go, I personally have enjoyed ICC 08 but to say the database is up-to-date is completly wrong!

[aus5892]

There are always errors and issues with games (all of them), but the database was still 'up to date.' It wasn't old, it just had a few problems.

ICC 2008 is still ICC 2008, so it won't be using the 2009 rosters or starting at the beginning of 2009.

I can't speak for Chris, but I will email him to ask him about the latest status regarding the updates.

[G1inger]

So why are there no specialist T20 scenarios on ICC08? No IPL.



The database was up-to-date when the game was released.



One of the main reason for the patch delay has been waiting for a decision by Empire on on-line distributors. You can find that out if you read the thread.

There are no specialist scenarios on ICC 08 as they take time to code; I have no doubt the game was going to be released anyway, but think it was rush released to coincide with that so key things were missed, hence the number of bugs and out of date database.

I am sorry mate, and its not to say I have enjoyed the game, but I think its hilarious of you to say the database was up to date when the game was released, hence the nine pages of people commenting on data errors. Even just a database update would have been good, even if it didnt bugfix. It was many things mate but up to date wasnt one of them.

[Themer]

What are you drivelling on about G1nger?
When the game was released it was up to date so your denial that it wasn't is "hilarious".
There were the odd errors as with any game like this e.g. Football Manager.
ICC 08 was in no way just released to capitalise on the interest of 20/20.

[aus5892]

As Themer and I said, there were errors, and nine pages were mostly repeating the same ones anyway, but the database was up to date.

Anyway the latest is that patch has been submitted and currently the only wait is for Softwrap, it is out of Chris' hands. He expects that it will be released next week.

[Knoxen]

As Themer and I said, there were errors, and nine pages were mostly repeating the same ones anyway, but the database was up to date.

Anyway the latest is that patch has been submitted and currently the only wait is for Softwrap, it is out of Chris' hands. He expects that it will be released next week.

Great News. Am looking forward to it :)

[Ankur Lathwal]

As Themer and I said, there were errors, and nine pages were mostly repeating the same ones anyway, but the database was up to date.

Anyway the latest is that patch has been submitted and currently the only wait is for Softwrap, it is out of Chris' hands. He expects that it will be released next week.

great news......i am eagerly waiting....:)

[Sureshot]

There are no specialist scenarios on ICC 08 as they take time to code; I have no doubt the game was going to be released anyway, but think it was rush released to coincide with that so key things were missed, hence the number of bugs and out of date database.

I don't see where you are coming from, I can't possibly see how the release of ICC08 and the IPL have any kind of link. It's a potential target market, no doubting that. But the game offers nothing IPL related. I don't ever remember the release date being brought forward either, it was about the normal release date for the ICC series.

I am sorry mate, and its not to say I have enjoyed the game, but I think its hilarious of you to say the database was up to date when the game was released, hence the nine pages of people commenting on data errors. Even just a database update would have been good, even if it didnt bugfix. It was many things mate but up to date wasnt one of them.

There is a difference between an up-to-date database and a database with statistical errors. If the game was released with players at wrong clubs, then I would be wrong. But that wasn't the case. I'm talking realistically too, if a player moves a week before the release date, I doubt it would change. Anyway, it's all irrelevant, we have a new update pending, which I'm sure will be appreciated.

[Typical Stroke]

where is patch now ?

[MarksNotts]

As Themer and I said, there were errors, and nine pages were mostly repeating the same ones anyway, but the database was up to date.

Anyway the latest is that patch has been submitted and currently the only wait is for Softwrap, it is out of Chris' hands. He expects that it will be released next week.

?????????????????????????????

[pyjamarama]

Another week of nothing.

[G1inger]

Are you honestly surprised?! Even the most ardent supporter of ICC 2008 must now admit that the situation with the patch is bordering on farce.

[aus5892]

As I said, there's nothing Chris can do about it. There is a dispute with Softwrap and the updates being free, which he hoped would be resolved but obviously hasn't.

[Scritty]

Are you honestly surprised?! Even the most ardent supporter of ICC 2008 must now admit that the situation with the patch is bordering on farce.


Thank you for pointing this out to us all.

Your input is most welcome.

From what I can read from your many posts, you believe a patch is required.

I am inclined to agree with you.

Far-be-it from me to question your motives. If you would be so kind to ellucidate. I am not entirely sure what purpose you are serving by reposting quite so often?

Judging from the import you express ( by the use of exclamation marks, sometimes doubled up with question marks) you may deem this a neccessity.

From what I can gather, the patch is waiting for a distributor to agree the terms by which it can be broadcast. Cricket Coach had similar problems with its own patching.

This seems to be a problem with third party publishers - who need to consider the value (to themselves) of any new content added to a program that they distribute.

In short "does the patch constitue an update which the end customer should be charged for "?

I can live with this. It is the way things will continue for some time I am sure.

I understand you are not happy with this, but fail to see what repeated (and almost solitary) spamming and trolling of this forum will achieve.

Regards

[pyjamarama]

Thank you for pointing this out to us all.

Your input is most welcome.

From what I can read from your many posts, you believe a patch is required.

I am inclined to agree with you.

Far-be-it from me to question your motives. If you would be so kind to ellucidate. I am not entirely sure what purpose you are serving by reposting quite so often?

Judging from the import you express ( by the use of exclamation marks, sometimes doubled up with question marks) you may deem this a neccessity.

From what I can gather, the patch is waiting for a distributor to agree the terms by which it can be broadcast. Cricket Coach had similar problems with its own patching.

This seems to be a problem with third party publishers - who need to consider the value (to themselves) of any new content added to a program that they distribute.

In short "does the patch constitue an update which the end customer should be charged for "?

I can live with this. It is the way things will continue for some time I am sure.

I understand you are not happy with this, but fail to see what repeated (and almost solitary) spamming and trolling of this forum will achieve.

Regards


The most annoying thing for me though is that we have to 'spam' or 'troll' to get any kind of information as to what is happening with the patch. We are continually told 'patch will be ready soon, next week etc' then it isn't and there is no explaination why. I'm not blaming Chris at all for this delay but I would find it easier to understand if updates on progress were communicated to us instead of letting us get worked up over it.

[G1inger]

Well, its nice to see my "solitary" spamming and trolling isnt that at all.

I wholeheartedly echo the comments above, its not that I hate the game, or even dont enjoy it, its that ever since day one a patch has been promised and we are now nearer next season than the start of this and still no patch.

The frustrating thing is the constant miscommunication and delays with the patch.

Surely when the deal was signed to distribute the game initially, there was a clause inserted to distribute supplementary content that, knowing the database had as many errors as it did, would surely be needed.

[Scritty]

Surely when the deal was signed to distribute the game initially, there was a clause inserted to distribute supplementary content that, knowing the database had as many errors as it did, would surely be needed.

The logic of the above statement seems a little spurious. It suggests that Chris knew the game was full of errors.


If that were the case the bug that occurs when you play all the ODI's mid season, and the game misreports championship matches immediately following (showing another teams results rather than your own) then showing a blank page, then crashing...would not have existed in every version from ICC2 to ICC2006 (over 7 years and 5 iterations of the game).


With on-line distribution the agreement you describe is very rarely the case. Third party software distributed by steam (i.e non Valve software) has an entirely different patch process to shop bought software, this is in terms of timeframe and compatability.

In short, the distributor needs to ensure that they are being paid. It could be possible for a benevolent developer to abuse the system, adding conent and fixes free of charge, building a loyal fanbase, with the distributor paying for the bandwidth and admin costs...and receiving nothing in return.

This has happened in the past

Perhaps this may be attributed to the more altruistic nature of developers when compared with publishers which, particularly in the "niche" market does often seem to be the case.

Sadly after sales support is not ANY publishers strong point.

EA - one of the biggest software developers and publishers in the world are very poor at supporting their own "in house" product.

The development teams they now have under their umbrella (e.g Maxis, Westwood ect) often support the games they write, but EA themselves are very quick to drop all after sales support, relying on next years "new game" rather than fixing this years broken one (Cricket '07 is a good example)

Softwrap, Steam, D2Drive etc ALL have publisher difficulties when updaing software.

The above not withstanding, my main point remains.

I fail to see what improvement the repeated posts on this forum have had. I am sure they have had little or no effect on the ICC2008 patch, or its delay.

It could be suggested, that; it would involve a degree of arrogance, and not a little self delusion for the authors of these posts to think otherwise.

[Mongrel]

Not sure if you can answer Aus, have any changes been made to the match engine for the patch? Increased T20 scores? More sixes? Increased ODI and test scores?

Or will these be altered in 2009.

Cheers :)

[Scritty]

I doubt anyone will get near Graham Napier's score in ICC2008 - I also think that it is likely to be beaten in real life in the next 3 years.

Averages seem to take their "mean" from somewhere near the centre of the Stnd Dev bell curve in ICC2008; whereas in real life similar averages seem to be maintained with a wider range of curve used.

Perhaps this is harder to model and simulate. The possibility of a gamer being put off by an inordinately long run of bad luck/form by a good player, or put off the game thinking it "unreal" when another player scores several double hunderds in consecutive matches.

6 sixes has been achived in ODI's twice in the last 2 years (Gibbs and Yuvraj Singh), 3 and 4 sixes in an over more times than I can remember.

I've never seen more than 2 in an over on over 130 years simming the ICC series. I would go further and say I only remember seeing 2 sixes in an over once in perhaps 2500 List A and 1500 ODI games. This is clearly some way out of kilter.

I really should be sorted - How about it Chris ? :rolleyes:

Regards

Paul Clarke

[aus5892]

The patch changes include a some bug fixes but as far as I know no gameplay changes.

As I said, Chris is working hard at trying to get the patch out, but it is out of his hands right now. I will ask him if there's anything new but I'm fairly certain that the next step is for Softwrap to release it.

As Scritty said, asking when the patch will be available will elicit a response from me, but it will be the same one until something new is available. When something new is available, I will post it without being prompted.

[Sureshot]

As Dean (aus5892) has said, if we get more news we WILL update you, but it seems a bit pointless for us to just re-post what we've already said. We're all as frustrated as you are with the current situation.

[G1inger]

Well ....any more news on the patch....ROFL ROFL ROFL.

Why dont you guys just come out and say its not going to happen....

[Typical Stroke]

I dont think the patch will release for ICC 08. So dont wait for patch wait only for ICC 2009.

[Cyril Washbrook]

G1inger, maybe with 24 hour news cycles and on-demand content, it seems to you like you've been waiting an eternity. But in fact, if you go back through the pages of this thread, the earliest indication that a proposed patch had even been submitted to the publishers was only 19 days ago:

Anyway the latest is that patch has been submitted and currently the only wait is for Softwrap, it is out of Chris' hands. He expects that it will be released next week.

That was from aus5892 (who has been nothing if not helpful) on 9 November. Now, maybe that seems like a long time ago to you, and there certainly have been some delays. But in the grand scheme of things, I'm sure you can hang on.

[G1inger]

Cyril,

Thank you for your insightful comments on 24 hour news cycles. In actual fact, I think the first proposals for this patch were mentioned in August, which is three months ago. If you have a read of the other forums and threads you will see that people have been asking for a patch since approx May, which is five months ago. Thus, with a game with a life cycle of a year, thats quite a long wait, particularly for any game that puts Adam Shantry as one of the best bowlers (lets not even go there).

Thank you for commenting on my patience, again, masterful.

[Hootington]

To be honest, I think I'd rather wait for it and make sure it works properly than have it come out now and not work. I mean, if theres problems with it now, and they release it, then G1inger will still be complaining because it has problems, so just be patient and wait for it to come out without problems and stop whining about it, its a game patch, they dont have to do it, so they are being nice enough to make it, so show some respect and wait.

[pyjamarama]

To be honest, I think I'd rather wait for it and make sure it works properly than have it come out now and not work. I mean, if theres problems with it now, and they release it, then G1inger will still be complaining because it has problems, so just be patient and wait for it to come out without problems and stop whining about it, its a game patch, they dont have to do it, so they are being nice enough to make it, so show some respect and wait.

It is ready, its Softwrap where the delay is now apparently.

[AlexB]

It's very rare that I think that a developer has shafted his buyers, and maybe it isn't the case this time, but the complete lack of correspondence from Chris in the last 3 months combined with the continual 'it's not Chris' fault' line and the fact that the main quote on his website is from himself has made me feel cheated on this title.

The quote is probably the most scurrilous of all " 'The most addicitve cricket game you'll ever play' - Chris Child". That's like me setting up a dummy website and phishing fields, but posting a message on the front saying 'The best money I've ever spent!' - completely disingenious.

[Cyril Washbrook]

Cyril,

Thank you for your insightful comments on 24 hour news cycles. In actual fact, I think the first proposals for this patch were mentioned in August, which is three months ago. If you have a read of the other forums and threads you will see that people have been asking for a patch since approx May, which is five months ago. Thus, with a game with a life cycle of a year, thats quite a long wait, particularly for any game that puts Adam Shantry as one of the best bowlers (lets not even go there).

Thank you for commenting on my patience, again, masterful.
I was referring to the fact that while "proposals" for the patch may have begun three months ago, the first indication that a patch had been completed and submitted to the publishers was less than three weeks ago.

It's very rare that I think that a developer has shafted his buyers, and maybe it isn't the case this time, but the complete lack of correspondence from Chris in the last 3 months combined with the continual 'it's not Chris' fault' line and the fact that the main quote on his website is from himself has made me feel cheated on this title.

The quote is probably the most scurrilous of all " 'The most addicitve cricket game you'll ever play' - Chris Child". That's like me setting up a dummy website and phishing fields, but posting a message on the front saying 'The best money I've ever spent!' - completely disingenious.
No-one forced you to buy it. If those things are so obviously "scurrilous", then that should have alerted you in the first place and you would have shied away. Certainly, I've voiced my opinion that the game has lost the professionalism it once had, and the website certainly doesn't have that slick, commercial feel. But I still bought the game (EDIT: well, it was given to me - but after consultation!), and I'm not overly disappointed with the result.

[rishi]

there is only a limit of optimism one can have, unless one starts to show off for the heck of it.

patch meant to enhance or exciten the gameplay, is no good if the novelty interest of the game is already lost. i'll still welcome the free update, but might as well ask the lame distributors (and/or creators) not to repeat the same in future.

[Scritty]

....that this hiatus in releasing the patch we all need also applies to those who did not purchase the softwrap version.
I bought my copy from "Game". Yet still seem constrained by Softwrap's distribution policy.

Now that the situation has reached this stage (i.e a patch written) It seems a little incongruous that retail purchasers are hamstrung like this.

Just a point.

regards

Paul Clarke

[G1inger]

good point raised above here, which in my "incessant trolling" i appear to have overlooked.

Can the patch not just be put online for people to download, like on rapidshare or something?

And as for the idea of that "no-one forced you to buy the game" YAWN, people thought they were buying one thing then got another, I thought i was buying an up-to-date database, I didnt get that, then I thought there would be a patch released to remedy this problem, I didnt get that.

This constant "It's not Chris's fault" is getting stupid, no one is saying "Chris, its your fault" what we are saying is, its a joke and it has to be someones fault.

[aus5892]

I have no idea what is going on and I agree that it is strange that it has taken so long. As has been said though, the database contained some errors but it wasn't out of date. I will speak to Chris again but that's all I can do.

Is the patch going to come out eventually? I don't see why not, since it was completed.

[aus5892]

The issue with Softwrap was resolved, but the server is currently down because a bill wasn't paid. Chris understands your frustration but assures you all that the patch is ready to go and will be up ASAP.

[G1inger]

Have we paid the bill yet?

[aus5892]

Still server problems from my latest contact with Chris. I'll keep you updated.

[G1inger]

I think our definitions of ASAP vary....

[MarksNotts]

Lol !!!, come on you should know by now

[Sureshot]

I think our definitions of ASAP vary....

As Soon As Possible.

It seems we are finally approaching the end of this frustrating process for all.

Can the patch not just be put online for people to download, like on rapidshare or something?

Not sure if Chris has touched base on this or not. My understanding is that if Chris couldn't get the patch sorted through the publishers he'd have to instruct everyone on how to manually install the patch. So by doing it through softwrap the patch is automatically fitted to the game (don't ask me how), whereas to do it unofficially would require more donkey work to get it to work.

Also, sorry for not being around for over a fortnight guys, been snowed under with assignments.

[G1inger]

Guys,

What are you moaning about, its not Chris's fault. Its the fault of someone else.

[aus5892]

This is Chris's job so rest assured he is doing his best to get it working. He isn't procrasinating. As Sureshot said, ASAP stands for as soon as possible, and right now it is not possible.

Manual install of the patch would be a complicated procedure with the bug fixes.

[G1inger]

I think the source of the frustration is that earlier it was indicated it was possible, just that a bill wasnt paid....

[aus5892]

I don't know the specifics but Chris said that there was a server issue due to a bill being unpaid. For all I know, it may be more complicated than that as the server may have taken it completely down or offered to sell it elsewhere.

[pyjamarama]

When all is said and done, it is now what seems an eternity down the line and still no patch.

I've personally given up on it now and uninstalled ICC on my laptop to give me back some precious memory space as I've been waiting for patched version before playing it again.

I may buy 2009 as I genuinely enjoy the game but for this issue, I just don't think this patch will ever come to fruition, for whatever reason.

[the_gas]

Sadly, there is more chance of winning the lottery than a patch being released for this game.

I hope that things change in the future, because i wasted nearly twenty pounds on this game when i could have easily obtained it for free.

[G1inger]

Just to say I think its good to see people joining in this one, on either side.

I think that open debate should be welcomed, and whilst I have probably been the most vociferous on here, its nice to know that I am not alone...

[G1inger]

[QUOTE=pyjamarama;1864]When all is said and done, it is now what seems an eternity down the line and still no patch. QUOTE]

See this I think has hit the nail totally on the head.

All i have seen on here is people saying "It's not Chris's fault", "He is working really hard", "The patch is on its way", all of this and people are being patient yet why dont we a) either come out and say "Sorry guys, its not going to happen" so people can make the decision on what to do or b) deliver SOME sort of patch, not even a bugfix, just an update just SOMETHING.

I realise developing a game is hard but people HAVE paid good money for it, and expect a decent game.

[Mongrel]

I don't see how you've 'wasted' twenty dollars on this game. It isn't a pile of shit, it is a very good game which just has a few issues that need ironing out with regards to bugs.

[aus5892]

None of the bugs are earth shattering, none of them ruin gameplay and all of them are temporary, so if they do show up they are gone fairly soon. As for the database, yes there are some errors but frankly anyone who plays the game for long enough will get past that. I was upset that Greg Lamb bowled RM in the game, so I cut him since he wasn't that good, and moved on. Now I am in 2013, most of my players are regens and it doesn't really matter.

The patch will come in time, if it isn't up soon I will speak to Chris about releasing it manually at least for the time being.

[aus5892]

The issues have finally been resolved and the patch will be officially released today (Monday).

[GrahamB]

The issues have finally been resolved and the patch will be officially released today (Monday).

Good stuff. Cheers. :)

[Typical Stroke]

good news after a very long time

[Cricket Captain]

any latest update or announcement

[Knoxen]

Hmmm...

Just downloaded the patch, it said Patching complete.

Load up the game again, it has not patched, still version 8.11, and has wiped all my saved games.....

Any ideas?

[Knoxen]

Now it says Patch Failed.... Checksum(2) error....

[gazzarufc]

where do you download the patch from?

[Mongrel]

Hmm yeah it didn't work.

[GrahamB]

Hmm yeah it didn't work.

It worked here. Perhaps I was just lucky. ;)

[KINGY555]

how do I download the patch ?

[Typical Stroke]

I am still trying to download it.

[aus5892]

how do I download the patch ?
To install the patch simply click on internet game on the main menu and it will update automatically.

I seem to be having a problem with it too, when mine is downloaded I get an immediate error saying it can't find PatchEngine or something. When I do open patchengine.exe I get a checksum, but that may be my fault.

[Knoxen]

To install the patch simply click on internet game on the main menu and it will update automatically.

I seem to be having a problem with it too, when mine is downloaded I get an immediate error saying it can't find PatchEngine or something. When I do open patchengine.exe I get a checksum, but that may be my fault.

That seems to be the same thing I experienced. I remember this happening with a previous ICC, I think it was ICC3 when Vista installed it to the wrong place.

On a hunch, I re-installed ICC08. I tried the patch 3 times. First time, immediate error. Second Time - Checksum Error, Third time - it installed.....

Quite confusing.... I have yet to try it on my Tower since I was experimenting with the patch on my laptop.

[Atreyu]

I can't play ICC08 after installing the patch. It tells me to put the referral code in, but it says its aready been used. And I'm not paying for another liscence. Lol!

[aus5892]

I can't play ICC08 after installing the patch. It tells me to put the referral code in, but it says its aready been used. And I'm not paying for another liscence. Lol!
You'll have to send softwrap an email about that Atreyu. Check their website www.softwrap.com

[nivag71]

I'm running version 7.13. Will I need to redownload the game to get update ? I have been online and it doesn't seam to update ??

[rishi]

I have managed to successfully update my game with the new patch.
I am very happy having experienced a great 20-20 match with the patched version!!!!! May be its too early to say, but what was a big fall in the season's management might have been successfully sorted!! :)

Thank you.