Games forum re-merge

Tucker.Tim

Retr0gamer wrote: »

Can't you just say you want games changed to something like computer games and leave it that simple. I've been dealing with this crap all day on top of trying to write a phd thesis. I hope that the posters here can put two and two together and realise that the games forum in the games category is for computer games when they visits these forums so probably not a need. It's a bit of a non-issue I feel.

While I mostly agree with you I fail to see the relevance of your personal situaiton to the discussion - we all have stuff to do and if it's that much of a distraction I'd suggest you close down the boards.ie and do what you need to do first or just altogether stop posting about it if it's 'crap'!

humanji

NeoKubrick wrote: »

There has been absolutely no mention of the dropdown box by anyone other than yourselves. The discussion has been on the main Games category page. Hence, it is a hindrance to a 'Computer Game' user to have Poker, Miniature Gaming, Toys & Boardgames positioned on the main category page. It means taking the position of a more relevant forum to 'Computer Game' interests and it means extra scrolling to the many 'Computer Game' sub-forums on the bottom of the page. I'm sure you agree that if you cannot keep up with a discussion, there's little point participating in it.

Those forums are relevant to their users. Just because they are not "computer game" specific, that's little reason to move them elsewhere.

NeoKubrick wrote: »

I used the term 'Computer Games' and enclosed it in quote marks to encompass all the Game forums excluding Poker, Toys, Miniature et cetera which what would be deemed as the 'Computer Game' category. This was for clarity. Obviously, you misunderstood this, and you were attempting to convince everyone that there already exists such category with all the necessary other 'Computer Game' forums (Retro, Fighting, Strategy, Competitive etc.).

Ah, seriously, pay attention. There is a "Games" category. Within this everything that has ever, in the history of human kind, been classed as a game can go.

Within this there are sub-forums. There is a "games" sub-forum for discussing computer games in general. But since there are so many different types of computer games, there are also several different forums catering for specific needs. There a genre specific sub-forums for discussing specific genres. There are some game specific sub-forums for discussing specific games.

Then there are non-computer game related sub-forums that still relate to games (although, it can be said that computer games also fit into these categories, particularly Poker).

All these forums relate to games. So they all belong in the games category. There's no point having a seperate "Computer Games" category. It's just a hinderence, as you would say.

You also said that Poker had a bigger total of posts than all of the other game forums combined, which was incorrect, and on the basis of this incorrect information, you made the point that all the game forums should be moved to the Rec category. Therefore, I pointed out to you your wrong information and thus your invalid point. Again, 'plain and simple' isn't dressing your argument up with wrong information.

I said it's more popular. You mentioned post count. And it is a more poopular. It's constantly active, where as the rest of the games category can go through lulls of quite some time.

No one said it wouldn't be a hindrance to the Poker users, but it's substantially more of a hindrance to 'Computer Game' users. All of those cited hindrances you list would be brief and quickly adjusted to; the same cannot be said of the other.

Why is it more of a hinderence? If the poker users can quickly adjust to a change, then how come you haven't adjusted to the way things are now? And I still can't figure out why it's such a hinderence for anyone to have non-computer game fora in the games category. It's really not that difficult to move a mouse pointer a little further.

But if it really is a struggle for you, go into your User CP, go to "edit options", scroll down to the bottom and change the skin to Boards.ie Beta.

Now the menu bar will stay at the top of the screen, no matter how far you scroll down. When you mouse over the Games category, it'll list them all, making it simple to find the forum you want.

Burning Eclipse

I have no idea why Poker is even being discussed here, but since it is... It's nowhere near as busy as some of you think it is. It was before, sure, but things have changed. The only one with large amounts of posts now is real world tournaments, and that's barely a discussion forum, more like an announcement forum.

On Topic.

I like the changes so far! Looking forward to seeing the next phase.

To those complaining; have you ever posted on the Edge Magazine forum... take a look. Although, if you're unhappy about the changes here, what you find there might cause a real tantrum.

Retr0gamer

I wouldn't go near the EDGE forums because the magazine is a cesspool of overly pretentious wankery and I'm sure a lot of the users fancy themselves as pretentious videogame gurus. No thanks

Burning Eclipse

Retr0gamer wrote: »

I wouldn't go near the EDGE forums because the magazine is a cesspool of overly pretentious wankery and I'm sure a lot of the users fancy themselves as pretentious videogame gurus. No thanks

Reviews are a load of bollox, but I've read some great articles in EDGE over the years. Anyway, the magazine was hardly my point.

This is their forum layout:

Discussion: Videogames

Discussion: Other media

That is all.

Nevyn

humanji wrote: »

Those forums are relevant to their users. Just because they are not "computer game" specific, that's little reason to move them elsewhere.

Ah, seriously, pay attention. There is a "Games" category. Within this everything that has ever, in the history of human kind, been classed as a game can go.

Within this there are sub-forums. There is a "games" sub-forum for discussing computer games in general.

Well then why not just re name the "Games" forum as the Video Games forum?

Retr0gamer

We could but is it even needed?

WolfForager

The amount of hair splitting here is simply ridiculous.

rizzla

Why isn't there a poll? Yay or nay to the re-merge and no atari jaguar option

Creature

I fully endorse this forum merge

The Games forum of old was the best part of this site. Any kind of return to form would be very welcome.

Nevyn

Retr0gamer wrote: »

We could but is it even needed?

It would stop a hell of a lot of presumption, after all video games are not the only type of game even if there are lots of sub genres in it, and may stop confusion as the site grows and lessen the likely hood of someone posting about backgammon

AdMMM

Bah!

I never knew this thread even existed because I never go to this forum. I subscribed to the Xbox and Playstation forums and only posted there because I liked discussing games with gamers of the same console as they are a more relevant group for me.

What did irk me was threads randomly being moved to the specific forums. For example, lots of threads dedicated to CoD were on the xbox forum and allowed survive while others were moved to the CoD forum. There is also no doubting that the members of the game only communities posted in a very un-user-friendly manner. And not intentionally either. Take the Guitar Hero forum for example, I wanted to post in there a few times around the time of the release of Rock Band: Beatles but after reading a few threads, it was as if they were speaking a different language there.

I can imagine the whole situation being a nightmare for the mods to handle given the mess in the forums but my only worry about this is that it will stop people like me (who want to talk about games on the xbox with xbox gamers) from participating as much as they'd like as there will be too much noise in the threads.

Retr0gamer

Thaedydal wrote: »

It would stop a hell of a lot of presumption, after all video games are not the only type of game even if there are lots of sub genres in it, and may stop confusion as the site grows and lessen the likely hood of someone posting about backgammon

Well if it'snot too much effort for the admins I can't see how a change to general gaming discussion, videogames or computer games would be damaging. Computer games is probably best since it will but it in the same position alphabetically in the menus

AdMMM wrote: »

I can imagine the whole situation being a nightmare for the mods to handle given the mess in the forums but my only worry about this is that it will stop people like me (who want to talk about games on the xbox with xbox gamers) from participating as much as they'd like as there will be too much noise in the threads.

You're playing the same game as everyone else no matter what format it's on. Can't see it being a problem. The community forums are like that because it's people that take the game very seriously that post there. I wouldn't expect a casual gamer to understand stuff like kara cancelling, footsies or cross ups in street fighter but you'll hear it a lot in the fighting games forum. I'm sure if you post a casual thread that doesn't involve expert jargon you will get your answer in the specialist forums as well. Just because they speak jargon doesn't mean they aren't helpful. You shouldn't be afraid to post.

Unless it's the counterstrike forum. That place should not be ventured into.

Grayditch

Nevyn

Retr0gamer wrote: »

Well if it'snot too much effort for the admins I can't see how a change to general gaming discussion, videogames or computer games would be damaging. Computer games is probably best since it will but it in the same position alphabetically in the menus

Ah but they are not all computer/pc games, the topics of consoles and handheld games are covered as well.

Retr0gamer wrote: »

Unless it's the counterstrike forum. That place should not be ventured into.

I gave up on CS when source came out.

Retr0gamer

Grayditch use the report feature. I see it as well I'm going to let the thread die I don't see it getting much attention but if the forum starts getting anymore new vegas threads on silly niche subjects they'll get merged.

Edit scratch that it's a new one. Merge time.

Thaedydal wrote: »

Ah but they are not all computer/pc games, the topics of consoles and handheld games are covered as well.

Consoles and handhelds are computers?

Thaedydal wrote: »

I gave up on CS when source came out.

I gave up 2 years into the original when everyone took it too serisouly and it just became populated with twats.

humanji

I'm probably in the minority here, but I hate mega-threads with a passion. If all posts about one game have to go into one specific thread, will people really be bothered to read them?

Too many questions will be drowned out as the light to heat ratio goes haywire. This is all meant to be about community and getting discussions going, but only those who are able to be online all the time will be able to take part because everyone elses posts will be 10 pages back on the thread.

Grayditch's screencap shows something that I think should be allowed, but maybe in a differen form. Those three threads are about a game, but they're also not really related otherwise. The main thread discusses the game, one thread has a technical query and the other has a question concerning the DLC that's coming. So with all the topics already in the 10 page Fallout New Vegas thread, another two discussions will be added to the mix. It just seems that it's only going to allow one topic per game at a time.

If people are adament on keeping thread count down, would it be an idea to allow some sort of "general game discussion" thread and "technical discussion" thread on the same game? For example, "Fallout New Vegas Discussion" and "Fallout New Vegas Technical Help" threads, or something like that?

Granted, I could be rambling. I had too much caffeine today and it's kicking in.

Grayditch

Or people should just put technical problems about a game into their relevant platform section.

PS3 version glitchy..
PC graphics card won't work with this.. or a Steam something something..
Xbox freezes on level 2...

A question about hype and possible DLC? Of course that would be ok going into the main thread.

quarryman

humanji wrote: »

I'm probably in the minority here, but I hate mega-threads with a passion. If all posts about one game have to go into one specific thread, will people really be bothered to read them?

Too many questions will be drowned out as the light to heat ratio goes haywire. This is all meant to be about community and getting discussions going, but only those who are able to be online all the time will be able to take part because everyone elses posts will be 10 pages back on the thread.

Grayditch's screencap shows something that I think should be allowed, but maybe in a differen form. Those three threads are about a game, but they're also not really related otherwise. The main thread discusses the game, one thread has a technical query and the other has a question concerning the DLC that's coming. So with all the topics already in the 10 page Fallout New Vegas thread, another two discussions will be added to the mix. It just seems that it's only going to allow one topic per game at a time.

If people are adament on keeping thread count down, would it be an idea to allow some sort of "general game discussion" thread and "technical discussion" thread on the same game? For example, "Fallout New Vegas Discussion" and "Fallout New Vegas Technical Help" threads, or something like that?

Granted, I could be rambling. I had too much caffeine today and it's kicking in.

Valid point. But i think this will resolve itself.

As an example. I occasionally go into the Computer Build/Upgrade forum section.

There is a couple of huge megathreads there. They're pretty well serviced by the regulars for simple questions.

From time to time I want a specific question answered with a bit more visibility. In that situation I'll create a separate thread. I'll get my answer pretty quick, the thread will run its course and everyone is happy, not too much clutter.

I think the same can (and will) be applied to Games.

Someone will want to know "How many hours did it take you to complete Fallout : New Vegas?".

It would get absorbed in a mega-thread and shouldn't go there, but instead its a great candidate for a separate thread in the Games forum. It'll exist separately and run its course too.

It really does work on other forums, it'll work here aswell.

humanji

Grayditch wrote: »

Or people should just put technical problems about a game into their relevant platform section.

PS3 version glitchy..
PC graphics card won't work with this.. or a Steam something something..
Xbox freezes on level 2...

A question about hype and possible DLC? Of course that would be ok going into the main thread.

Is there going to be a PC games tech problems forum?

Retr0gamer

Well first of all a DLC thread is fine but the guy is talking about DLC that hasn't even been announced let alone released. It's a bit silly especially since it's a small topic whathe is on about. I can't see how the dlc being released on xbox and pc first and then in a goty edtion is such a massive topic. The technical question could have been asked in the big thread and one post would have answered it. IMO there was no need for seperate threads on two tiny issues. If it's a bigger issue then fine but I'm not letting the thread get filled with stupid 'where's the best place to buy Fallout New Vegas' or 'which verison is the best' when these are questions with small answers, not new discussion threads.

Retr0gamer

humanji wrote: »

Is there going to be a PC games tech problems forum?

Maybe but we have a whole section of boards dedicated to it so we aren't sure if it's even needed. I also like the discussion about the differences in versions. If people are saying the PC version is buggy I know to stay away. We haven't had anyone looking for a solution to a problem with a game in a very long time.

Grayditch

humanji wrote: »

Is there going to be a PC games tech problems forum?

Well, whatever the Pc's answer to the Playstation or Xbox section is.

How would it be ant different to starting a whole thread on why the PS3 joypad wouldnt work properly with a game? Anyway, Retr0gamer seems to be on the same page as me, and I dunno who else. People who like things tidy, I guess.

Retr0gamer

Let me put it in simple terms because I rambled there. If the there's a megathread there but the thread on the same game deserves it's own thread it stays. I'd prefer to let stupid threads die on their own accord but if there's too many the stupid threads will get merged.

D4RK ONION

AdMMM wrote: »

What did irk me was threads randomly being moved to the specific forums. For example, lots of threads dedicated to CoD were on the xbox forum and allowed survive while others were moved to the CoD forum. There is also no doubting that the members of the game only communities posted in a very un-user-friendly manner. And not intentionally either. Take the Guitar Hero forum for example, I wanted to post in there a few times around the time of the release of Rock Band: Beatles but after reading a few threads, it was as if they were speaking a different language there.

Anyone is welcome to post in the game specific forums, from pros to the new people. With regards not feeling you could post in the GH&RB If you'd simply introduced yourself and asked what certain terms meant, we'd be only too happy to explain them for you. Elitist snobbery is certainly not welcome or wanted on any of the game specific forums, I imagine

Rev Hellfire

D4RK ONION wrote: »

Anyone is welcome to post in the game specific forums, from pros to the new people.

As long as the ultimate intention is not to force people to post in the games forum, but to allow people to decide for themselves where to post their posts it shouldn't be a problem.

quarryman

Rev Hellfire wrote: »

As long as the ultimate intention is not to force people to post in the games forum, but to allow people to decide for themselves where to post their posts it shouldn't be a problem.

Of course not, people can post their threads in wherever suits them.

The mods can just move them to Games then...

Rev Hellfire

quarryman wrote: »

Of course not, people can post their threads in wherever suits them.

The mods can just move them to Games then...

I know one mod who'll not be doing that

NeoKubrick

humanji wrote: »

I said it's more popular. You mentioned post count. And it is a more poopular. It's constantly active, where as the rest of the games category can go through lulls of quite some time.

Why is it more of a hinderence? If the poker users can quickly adjust to a change, then how come you haven't adjusted to the way things are now? And I still can't figure out why it's such a hinderence for anyone to have non-computer game fora in the games category. It's really not that difficult to move a mouse pointer a little further.

But if it really is a struggle for you, go into your User CP, go to "edit options", scroll down to the bottom and change the skin to Boards.ie Beta.

Now the menu bar will stay at the top of the screen, no matter how far you scroll down. When you mouse over the Games category, it'll list them all, making it simple to find the forum you want.

You look incredibly ridiculous condescending to anyone when it's quite clear from the majority of the quoted post that you haven't understood the discussion or grasped what is being discussed. So, I suggest reading the previous posts, particularly mine, and trying again; however, to be blunt, if you were not able to understand the issue, it's unlikely that when you do understand it, you'll be able to contribute any unique salient points that members, who understood the issue the first time, haven't already posted. So, I'll just answer the relevant and up-to-speed comments.

The Poker isn't more popular than the combined popularity of all other 'Computer Game' forums, which you claimed and it was easily proven wrong with a simple calculation of total posts. If it is constantly active (obviously, you haven't visited the forums in quite a time), then the post count would reflect that and it doesn't. The onus is on you to prove the superior popularity of a set of forums 400k negative relative to another set of forums: fool's errand. There was and will be lulls in 'Computer Game' forums, because the members of the 'Computer Game' forums are not concentrated and are segregated and there are separate communities (Retro, Fighting, Games, MMO, Battlefield, et cetera); that was the point of creating this thread.

This isn't a personal complaint; this is a design complaint of the 'Games' category main page. Of course, this another point you don't understand, but I'll explain why it's substantially more of a hindrance to 'Computer Game' users than it would be, to 'Poker' users.

If the 'Poker' forum was moved to 'Sport' category, there would be a hindrance to Poker users: they would have to find where the 'Poker' forum is. Let's assume that the admins don't have a grace period with a thread explaining the change and a re-direct (propping up your argument even more; so you can't complain it's a favourable example). And let's assume that the user does a basic breadth-first search with no 'clever' search methods (regular Poker user could just go to profile and find last post in the Poker forum). The user would eventually find the Poker forum and therefore, finding the forum would cease to be a hindrance ever again and it would only effect old users who found Poker in the Games category. Contrast that to the 'Computer Games' users old and new who have to constantly ignore an irrelevant forum in a prominent position on a category page dominated by 'Computer Games' and have to constantly scroll extra to the many 'Computer Game' sub-forums on the bottom of the page (one solution was to use the dropdown box which means periodically checking forums, instead of the efficient method of opening the category page and seeing if there are any new posts posted (tip: the logo beside the title glows orange)). If you can't understand that a constant hindrance will always likely be substantially more than a temporary hindrance, then you shouldn't be discussing an issue on good design, or attempting to create a game for that matter.

Retr0gamer

So in a non- tl;dr way, what you are saying is that you find it a hindrance to have to add an extra rotation of your mousewheel to scroll past the poker forum when looking through the main games category section?