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  • Subject: Bungie Aerospace: Indie Game Developer Stats Integration!
Subject: Bungie Aerospace: Indie Game Developer Stats Integration!

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[*Please note that anything in my posts is likely to be filled with sarcasm, and should be taken with a pinch of salt. I tend to help people, usually*]

Turns out Aerospace is a Indie Game Developer 1-Up program, intended to help Indie Game Developers integrate their game statistics with the Bungie.net platform.

Not as fancy or shiny as I was hoping, but maybe they plan to expand on it.

(It's in the dropdown now)

[Original thread:]


(Please note that I'm not a part of Bungie, so all of this is purely my own thinkin')

Updated: June 26th 2010
Detailed update on a bunch of things. Important read!

So to add to a bunch of theories and ideas flying around about what Aerospace might or will be, I've posted my thoughts before on what I think it will end up being.

I've previously said this regarding what I believe Bungie Aerospace is:

Posted by: SonicJohn
Calling it:

I think Bungie Aerospace will be Bungie's own Social Network, complete with clan-support for the new-IP, cross-platform statistics, new-IP-related news, community-content spotlight, interviews, ViDocs, and perhaps even downloadable/purchasable old Bungie games like Gnop!, Myth and Marathon.

I just think it will be the central hub network for Bungie's next game, and I think it will have a heavy focus on community content.

I'm not sure what this would mean for Bungie.net as far as its function goes, but I definitely feel like the plan is to have all of their future games' content offsite so that it doesn't clutter Bnet.

So yeah, them's my thoughts.

There was one core thing that was bugging me about this idea, and that was that it didn't really offer anything that Bnet didn't already have or could do.

Then ingenuity struck.
Bungie Aerospace could connect the players of the new multi-platform IP together. From Xbox gamers, to PS3, PC and iPhone gamers, or even Facebook gamers.

Here's how:

Step 1.

Think big. What's the next logical step for the games industry? Well, there's social-gaming on Facebook. There's the hugely successful SmartPhone market. There's the hugely successful World of Warcraft MMO. And then there's the past 10 years of experience developing the FPS "Halo". Valve has also released Steam on Playstation 3, allowing PS3 and PC gamers to play together.

Bungie are also now independent from Microsoft: a 3rd-party developer. They can do what they want. Then there's step 7: World Domination.

How can you dominate the world in this current game climate? You connect everyone together through a singular hub.

It's been reported previously that the entire gaming population of the Xbox and PS3 online markets is around 65 million, whereas PC gamers have over 100 million users worldwide. What if you were to combine those numbers together? You'd make quite a hefty number, that's for sure.

That's where Bungie Aerospace comes in.

"Aerospace" gives connotations of a world in the clouds and above. The idea of an untainted area of the world as-yet unclaimed. A place that covers the planet. Globally dominating, you might say.

So there's the big idea. Makes games for as absolutely many markets as possible and connect them all to Aerospace.

Also expand on Player Investment (as seen in Reach's Armoury) to the extent of having affordable and attractive micro-transactions payments for content like costumes, weapons, quests, etc, as opposed to monthly payments. Keeps everyone happy!

I'm sure you can see where they could go with this.

Step 2.

Convince major publisher, Activision, of multi-platform games of a new business venture that could revolutionize how games and gamers connect together over each platform. Sign 10-year contract.
Step 3.

Hire! Hire! Hire! This is no easy task. Developing for multiple platforms is something that Bungie is yet to do, and specifically the Playstation. They're familiar with iOS, PC and Xbox development, so that's all in the bag, and Android/Blackberry development isn't too difficult to pick up and learn (if you're familiar with their codebase already, that is). But the PS3 devkit? Yeah, that's some superbly complicated stuff right there. Not to mention expensive. You'll want the absolute best and most experienced people to ensure success.
Step 4.

Start getting servers set up and internally test connections via each platform you're going to be connecting. It's been said before (and I've personally had it explained to me before) that is it entirely possible to connect Xbox and Playstation gamers together, and it has been done before, but never commercially, and that's all down directly to Sony and Microsoft: they'd never allow direct connections. So what do you do? You make a proxy server.
Step 5.

Why not also make that a social-network to boot? Bungie have said that they are moving away from weekly updates and the Comm Chatter, so it can be assumed that news will come from Aerospace in the future. Feeding gamers news directly to their games? We've seen Bungie do that with the notifications that pop up in Reach occasionally, so why not make room for that as a full feature?
Step 6.

Blister ahead with developing both the game, and Bungie Aerospace. Both would be completely essentially for eachother to survive and be successful.
Step 7.

Release game. Be super awesome and successful. Win over entire gaming population of the planet. Die happy.



Additional Reading:

1.
*Mouse/Keyboard VS Controller Solutions
*Bungie.net's WLID-requirement Login Concerns
*Microsoft & Sony's disagreements?
*Social Interaction (same functionality as Raptr)
*Musing over comparable UNSC, Covenant, Flood, Forerunner Factions for new IP


2.
*Migrate Bungie.net WLID userbase to automatic Aerospace account?
*Aerospace not the same functionality as Steam.




I've spent some good few months thinking about this, and I believe this is my final conclusion on the matter.

I look forward to July 7th to see how close I am to the target. Should be interesting!

What are your thoughts?

[Edited on 06.30.2011 4:57 PM PDT]

  • 06.25.2011 2:10 AM PDT
Subject: Bungie Aerospace: Mullti-platform hub heaven?

Everything in it's right mind is possible,
Just give it a chance.

Wow...

  • 06.25.2011 2:11 AM PDT

XBL: l Sonic l
PSN: Sonic_343

That would be the greatest thing ever.

  • 06.25.2011 2:14 AM PDT

|| Deviant Art || The Downunder Squadron || Last.fm || Photobucket || Facebook ||

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. ~ Einstien

I say...you might be onto something there!

[Edited on 06.25.2011 2:17 AM PDT]

  • 06.25.2011 2:17 AM PDT

Dividing by zero since 1993.

Twitter | Whisper | Website

Yes.

  • 06.25.2011 2:22 AM PDT

Gamers Anon

Achronos: And what's this about a "design team" I've been hearing? Apparently stosh is so awesome he's now considered a "team".

I personally hope you are right.

  • 06.25.2011 2:25 AM PDT

Five years older and wiser
The fires are burning, I'm fire, never tire
Slay warriors in the forests, and on hire

It could just be a strip club.

  • 06.25.2011 2:41 AM PDT

Don't want no negativity. :)

Maybe a school for strippers.

  • 06.25.2011 2:55 AM PDT
  • gamertag: iBIind
  • user homepage:

Whoo.

It would be pretty awesome ... and makes a large amount of sense.

Lets hope it's this or something cooler and not just "Oh yeah thats the name of our new engine ... and Bungie's new pet snail ..."

  • 06.25.2011 3:13 AM PDT

USAF Air Traffic Controller.
#moap

As long as they don't put out anything like shadowrun I'll be happy.

  • 06.25.2011 3:15 AM PDT

Hmm. The more I read your theory, the more plausible I think it is.

It's clear that Aerospace is not going to be the exact name of their IP, and it doesn't seem to be just a codename based on how they have filed trademarks/domains/etc so far.

Of course if your theory is true, there could be disappointment in people expecting a teaser for Bungie's next IP.

Anyway, "Aerospace" just rolls off the tongue. It could end up being Bungie's "Halo Waypoint", only an actual hub and far more interactive.

  • 06.25.2011 3:16 AM PDT

Whisper Game Studios - shhhh, it's a public secret.
Webcam MVP
Sarsion.net
Bnet PM Policy

[*Please note that anything in my posts is likely to be filled with sarcasm, and should be taken with a pinch of salt. I tend to help people, usually*]

Posted by: The Waffle King
Anyway, "Aerospace" just rolls off the tongue. It could end up being Bungie's "Halo Waypoint", only an actual hub and far more interactive.
Perhaps! Who knows? Maybe they'll be releasing a Halo Waypoint hub or sorts on XBL, PSN and update Bungie Mobile to have an Aerospace section?

I was thinking that that sort of thing wouldn't happen until the game actually came out, but it would certainly make a lot of sense considering weekly updates and the blog being done away with from Bnet. So it follows that they could release the hub as a standalone app shortly.

I wonder if they'll even time it right so it comes out on the 7th of July?

Excitement is growing :D

  • 06.25.2011 3:20 AM PDT
Subject: Bungie Aerospace: Multi-platform hub heaven?

Whisper Game Studios - shhhh, it's a public secret.
Webcam MVP
Sarsion.net
Bnet PM Policy

[*Please note that anything in my posts is likely to be filled with sarcasm, and should be taken with a pinch of salt. I tend to help people, usually*]


Posted by: Saint of Taint
As long as they don't put out anything like shadowrun I'll be happy.
I think the problem with Shadowrun stems purely from the fact that it was very unbalanced (mouse/keyboard versus controller = imbalance), poorly marketed and purely multiplayer FPS orientated. There wasn't really a consistent world behind it. I mean, there was a general story to it, but that seemed like more of an afterthought.

Didn't Sage work on Shadowrun? I remember hearing on the Bungie Podcast that someone at Bungie did. So it follows even more that this could be the case!

Edit: ah crap, double-posted. I meant to copy/edit/paste into my last post. My bad!

[Edited on 06.25.2011 3:35 AM PDT]

  • 06.25.2011 3:25 AM PDT
Subject: Bungie Aerospace: Mullti-platform hub heaven?

Posted by: SonicJohn
I wonder if they'll even time it right so it comes out on the 7th of July?

Excitement is growing :D
Hell, I wouldn't put it past them to debut a teaser for their next IP on Aerospace either. Even on Bungie Day.

An Aerospace launch and a project teaser? Best day ever.

  • 06.25.2011 3:28 AM PDT

Hardcore Entertainment

sounds really good and I think you're right.

  • 06.25.2011 3:34 AM PDT
Subject: Bungie Aerospace: Multi-platform hub heaven?

Five years older and wiser
The fires are burning, I'm fire, never tire
Slay warriors in the forests, and on hire

Posted by: SonicJohn

Posted by: Saint of Taint
As long as they don't put out anything like shadowrun I'll be happy.
I think the problem with Shadowrun stems purely from the fact that it was very unbalanced (mouse/keyboard versus controller = imbalance), poorly marketed and purely multiplayer FPS orientated. There wasn't really a consistent world behind it. I mean, there was a general story to it, but that seemed like more of an afterthought.

Didn't Sage work on Shadowrun? I remember hearing on the Bungie Podcast that someone at Bungie did. So it follows even more that this could be the case!

Edit: ah crap, double-posted. I meant to copy/edit/paste into my last post. My bad!

Sage and Mantis

  • 06.25.2011 3:37 AM PDT

If you read this I command you to buy Skyrim.

Wow, that actually sounded like an awesome idea...

  • 06.25.2011 3:51 AM PDT
Subject: Bungie Aerospace: Mullti-platform hub heaven?

~B.B
RIP, 1982-2010

Since organized communities are usually more enjoyable, you should take your time to read the forum rules to save yourself some trouble and help keep the forums clean :-)

Dear lord, I hope you're right John. That's thoroughly thought out, for sure. A little optimistic and massive albeit, but that sounds beyond amazing. If Bungie could organize all the details and logistics for the whole setup, the game world would never be the same...

Personally, I'm more than a little skeptical, but still hopeful. If Bungie thinks like you, with their resources and experience, I could definitely see this happening. But if you're right, and then everyone is like "ZOMG, SonicJohn already said dis Bungeee, cOld newzzz!!11!!", then they might have to tie you up and lock you in a supply closet in the studios. Or worse...playtime with the webmaster :(

  • 06.25.2011 4:01 AM PDT
Subject: Bungie Aerospace: Multi-platform hub heaven?

Per Audacia Ad Astra!

Wow In my arms Bro!



-This one of the most creative theory i've seen in B.net(and i think the same, i always imagine Aerospâce as a sort of social network where players can talk to each other or make transaction) think about Dust 514 too-

[Edited on 06.25.2011 4:11 AM PDT]

  • 06.25.2011 4:08 AM PDT
Subject: Bungie Aerospace: Mullti-platform hub heaven?

Whisper Game Studios - shhhh, it's a public secret.
Webcam MVP
Sarsion.net
Bnet PM Policy

[*Please note that anything in my posts is likely to be filled with sarcasm, and should be taken with a pinch of salt. I tend to help people, usually*]


Posted by: guitarplyr
But if you're right, and then everyone is like "ZOMG, SonicJohn already said dis Bungeee, cOld newzzz!!11!!", then they might have to tie you up and lock you in a supply closet in the studios. Or worse...playtime with the webmaster :(
Haha, well, the least they could do is hire me ;)

(No, really)

  • 06.25.2011 4:09 AM PDT
Subject: Bungie Aerospace: Multi-platform hub heaven?
  • gamertag: iBIind
  • user homepage:

Whoo.


Posted by: SonicJohn
(mouse/keyboard versus controller = imbalance)

Well I guess you could put a heavy degree on auto-aim on the console version to make things easier, or remove all forms of auto-aim on the PC version.

Unless those things already exist then I'm stumped.

Obviously you can't force PC gamers to use a controller (without them hacking a way around it and being majorly pissed off) and you can't lauch a keyboard/mouse peripheral for consoles because not everyone will buy them, thats not the way console gamers "roll" and having to buy a peripheral to play a game the best of your ability is annoying.

The problem with adding heavy auto-aim on the console version it'll remove a lot of the aiming skill required and if you remove all auto-aim on the PC version the players can still kick ass.

It is a pickle.

  • 06.25.2011 4:15 AM PDT
Subject: Bungie Aerospace: Mullti-platform hub heaven?

~B.B
RIP, 1982-2010

Since organized communities are usually more enjoyable, you should take your time to read the forum rules to save yourself some trouble and help keep the forums clean :-)


Posted by: SonicJohn

Posted by: guitarplyr
But if you're right, and then everyone is like "ZOMG, SonicJohn already said dis Bungeee, cOld newzzz!!11!!", then they might have to tie you up and lock you in a supply closet in the studios. Or worse...playtime with the webmaster :(
Haha, well, the least they could do is hire me ;)

(No, really)


With the creative mind and talent you've displayed, they'd be crazy not to. Buttt then again, they'd be crazy to do so as well. It's a double-edged sword on their part, but the blade is made from Q-tips, so it's a safe move I guess. Haha

  • 06.25.2011 4:24 AM PDT
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  • Exalted Legendary Member

Mourne not your comrades who must dwell / too strong to strive -
Within each steel-bound coffin of a cell, / Buried alive;
But rather mourne the apathetic throng / The cowed, and the meek -
Who see the world’s great anguish and its wrong / And dare not speak.

[group]167741|Diner|Where's the food?[/group]

This is a bit similar to my own half-formed opinion. And since I haven't agreed with any other guesses, I'm going to go ahead and say I think you're right -- or close enough, at least.

Couple of things, though:

First, I don't think it's strictly necessary for bungieaerospace.com to be the permanent address for the Aerospace "product". This is something I started thinking about when Apoc posted his opinion on ba.com being fake (which we now know it isn't as urk has linked it directly): It's possible that ba.com will be used as a promotional site to advertise, explain, and show off the new Aerospace features while the actual product will be incorporated into bungie.net. The main benefit I see to this would be to keep Aerospace news, game project news, and company news all in one place. Otherwise we might be looking at a situation where you go one place to hear about the game and other place to hear about Aerospace; this feels silly to me, but obviously they'll handle it how they want to.

Second, while the proxy server idea is interesting, I've heard somewhere that the reason PS3 and XBL players have never been able to game together is that MS or Sony simply won't allow it. Now, would Bungie -- as one of the highest profile game developers around, with the backing of the largest publisher -- be able to look MS in the eye and say "You'll make an exception or Sony's going to get one hell of an exclusive"? Maybe. Personally I wouldn't count on this particular feature, though.

Something else I was just thinking about is the social aspect. I actually do think that Bungie is going to be taking this social somehow. I wonder if part of that would be hooking into facebook and letting you post status updates directly (even automatically) from bungie.net or in game. The advantage I see here is the fact that you could constantly be advertising to all of your friends that you are playing, and enjoying, one of Bungie's titles.

  • 06.25.2011 4:29 AM PDT

I actually hope they do this.

  • 06.25.2011 4:30 AM PDT