[HB_KeithC]

Since you mention my name, I guess I have to respond.  I absolutely do not think it is 100% necessary.

I don't understand the logic on how a lobbied multiplayer would somehow all of the sudden start getting every designer plays.  It wouldn't change anything in that respect.  People would still play the same courses they are playing now and still discover new courses just the same as they are currently doing.

I do play MP games with randoms occasionally.  I will 100% say that I prefer to play with friends over randoms 100% of the time.  In your example of "spanking" me, that's exactly what I want to do.  I want to beat my friends.  It means more and just generates even more friendly banter between the people I prefer to play with.

Now, with all that said, I don't make the game so even if I thought 100% MP lobbies were the only way to play, it probably wouldn't make a difference.   Also, you cannot compare golf to other MP games like Call of Duty for example.  IRL, I play golf with the same 3-4 people every time.  I will not play by myself unless I can truly play the course by myself.  I have no interest in going to the course to get matched up with random people.  Why does COD have an MP lobby?  Because with 16+ players per game, chances are you will never have that many on your friend's list playing COD at the same time.

[johneric8]

Since you mention my name, I guess I have to respond.  I absolutely do not think it is 100% necessary.

I don't understand the logic on how a lobbied multiplayer would somehow all of the sudden start getting every designer plays.  It wouldn't change anything in that respect.  People would still play the same courses they are playing now and still discover new courses just the same as they are currently doing.

I do play MP games with randoms occasionally.  I will 100% say that I prefer to play with friends over randoms 100% of the time.  In your example of "spanking" me, that's exactly what I want to do.  I want to beat my friends.  It means more and just generates even more friendly banter between the people I prefer to play with.

Now, with all that said, I don't make the game so even if I thought 100% MP lobbies were the only way to play, it probably wouldn't make a difference.   Also, you cannot compare golf to other MP games like Call of Duty for example.  IRL, I play golf with the same 3-4 people every time.  I will not play by myself unless I can truly play the course by myself.  I have no interest in going to the course to get matched up with random people.  Why does COD have an MP lobby?  Because with 16+ players per game, chances are you will never have that many on your friend's list playing COD at the same time.

Let me clarify,   that I'm not bragging on beating your ghost ball,  I was only saying that it was an unfair advantage for me because of favorable winds.

My logic behind a better multiplayer helping courses get plays just comes down to keeping more people on board with this game Keith.   I can only speak for myself when I say that if there was an attractive way to play live that fit more in with my standards I would be playing a heck of allot more this I can assure you so having said that,   I would be playing more new courses.    I've talked to more guys than I would care to admit who have defected completely to PG solely because of the lobby and game modes.     Forget a lobby,   just figure out a way for us to set pick a game mode,  set the parameters and sit and wait for a match.

You have time on your hands and are in a position to play with more friends than some of us.   When my life gets busy I don't have time to stoke those friendly relationships that I've gained over the years and sometimes I don't want to get into a conversation with someone so there in lies my issue.   You made comparisons to real golf to video game golf in regards to not wanting to play with randoms out on a real course,   but at the end of the day it's video golf and the social environments are very different.   Just about every golf game our in the APP store on my tablet (android) is all about having an easy way to hook up with randoms and it's not going out on a limb to concede to the fact that these games are VERY reliant on this.    I've said it before and I'll say it again,  I believe that technology is growing at the speed of light and if you blink you get left behind.

[ISAWTHAT]

I don't understand the logic on how a lobbied multiplayer would somehow all of the sudden start getting every designer plays.  It wouldn't change anything in that respect.  People would still play the same courses they are playing now and still discover new courses just the same as they are currently doing.

A Multiplayer lobby to me, isn't about getting a designers courses more plays, it's simplifying anyone who owns the game, a streamlined option to find a match to play with live folk nearly anytime we turn the game on, friends or not.  There's no fear for me playing a complete stranger, even the online friends we have now were strangers once, unless you know them ALL personally.  It's not even close to real life, it's a video game, with people enjoying a virtual game of golf over a network.  If you don't want to play with someone, then don't.

On the contrary to your above statement, I'm sure the opposite would apply.  I bet I would play more courses I've never knew existed, by being able to join a match with anyone, anytime, in a true multiplayer setup.

Multiplayer lobbies were practically invented, because of golf games.   It's a MUST for these low tempo, kick back, playful banter, type of games, such as online billiards, or a Texas Hold'em game.  I still shake my head at how this was not even put in, from the get go, or even shortly after the games release.

[ISAWTHAT]

We all understand it takes time, and money to develop such things into a video game, but the time, money, and effort put into the Handicap System, should have been used for a Multiplayer lobby instead.  I'm sure there would've been less desire, and more patience for a Handicap System to be put into this game.

What would sell more, for someone looking to purchase a video golf game?  A Handicap System?, or a true Live Multiplayer experience?

As much as HB keeps denying a Multiplayer lobby needs to be put into this game, IF there's a TGC2, I bet there's a full blown Multiplayer Lobby in it.  Maybe that's what they're waiting for?

[KYduckman]

I mentioned you name and you didn't answer my question... LOL

[HB_KeithC]

I mentioned you name and you didn't answer my question... LOL

Sorry I didn't answer it here specifically.  I have talked about it in the streams.  Yes, just those two modes for now.

[KYduckman]

Are there talks of adding Alternate Shot and other game modes down the road?  And if so would are you going to remain on a three month rotation for updates?

[HB_KeithC]

Not sure about add'l game modes at the moment.  Next update after Dec is planned for March.

[johneric8]

I don't understand the logic on how a lobbied multiplayer would somehow all of the sudden start getting every designer plays.  It wouldn't change anything in that respect.  People would still play the same courses they are playing now and still discover new courses just the same as they are currently doing.

A Multiplayer lobby to me, isn't about getting a designers courses more plays, it's simplifying anyone who owns the game, a streamlined option to find a match to play with live folk nearly anytime we turn the game on, friends or not.  There's no fear for me playing a complete stranger, even the online friends we have now were strangers once, unless you know them ALL personally.  It's not even close to real life, it's a video game, with people enjoying a virtual game of golf over a network.  If you don't want to play with someone, then don't.

On the contrary to your above statement, I'm sure the opposite would apply.  I bet I would play more courses I've never knew existed, by being able to join a match with anyone, anytime, in a true multiplayer setup.

Multiplayer lobbies were practically invented, because of golf games.   It's a MUST for these low tempo, kick back, playful banter, type of games, such as online billiards, or a Texas Hold'em game.  I still shake my head at how this was not even put in, from the get go, or even shortly after the games release.

I think what keith was referencing in regards to his comment directed at me about a lobby getting new courses more plays was his response to me saying that a lobby would indeed help new designers get new plays.    I posted a while back on another topic that was discussing the frustration designers are going through not being able to get plays on their efforts.   My response on that thread was just basically saying that it's no wonder course designers are struggling with the social environment is so weak.    My argument was that if the social environment was inviting and ENCOURAGED new players to meet then maybe some of these new courses would get more plays...   Of course Keith disagreed,   but based on his preference for gaming he is all about the course creator and then playing with his select friends.

[IDontShineShoesAnymore]

I would enjoy playing an occasional round with people NOT on my friends list.

[ISAWTHAT]

I just want the live competition when I want it, and not have to make special arrangements with friends only to coordinate a time, and date to do so.  I need the game to do that for me, whenever I want to do it.  If they can get that done, the game would be all but complete for me, and I'm sure for many others as well.

[FRSTDWN]

End of the day if you guys had a true MP match making system that allowed us to play randoms I think you would have one of the best golf games ever made. Think about it. You would have all bases covered. YOu can play ...

Alone

With a ghost ball

With 3 ghosts balls

You can play SIMO play

You can play turn base

You can play live turn base or SIMO

Now we will be able to set up match play and 4 ball live

ADD A TRUE MP LOBBY OR MATCHMAKING SYSTEM you have it all. NO OTHER GOLF GAME HAS ALL THIS. That I know of.

[jack d and coke]

Didn't I read there was to be a kind of Country Club set up planned? That could be used like a lobby as such no? I'm kind of split on the whole lobby system but I can see the arguments for it definitely. This game has fallen off my most played games lately due to the lack of available online modes so I'm very pleased to at least hear about the two new planned modes.