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Digital Gaming => Computer Gaming => Topic started by: Grim.Reaper on November 19, 2021, 07:12:20 AM

Title: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: Grim.Reaper on November 19, 2021, 07:12:20 AM
Interesting news, new "Tiller" Civil War game that WDS is now releasing and seems like WDS has bought the entire catalogue of past "Tiller" games.

https://wargameds.com/products/forgotten-campaigns?mc_cid=68821e9233&mc_eid=cddf15686cWargame Design Studio publishes its first game:

Civil War Battles -- Forgotten Campaigns

Wargame Design Studio (WDS) is excited to release its first game under the WDS label.

Forgotten Campaigns is the next installment in the Civil War Battles series with the prior fourteen titles covering the major campaigns in the American Civil War.

Forgotten Campaigns is a title unlike the others in the Civil War Battles series, in that it covers a wide range of actions from all theaters of the war. In this fifteenth installment of the series, we have rolled up the actions not covered in other titles, and in many cases actions that the historians have not devoted much attention to either. Fighting will range from frontier actions in New Mexico during 1862 to Mobile Bay in 1865. The Red River campaign of 1864 is included as is the War in Mississippi with Brice's Crossroads and Tupelo. Naval combat plays a prominent role in many actions as well, with coastal actions from Charleston to Baton Rouge and many others.

Wargame Design Studio purchases the assets of John Tiller Software

In addition to the release of Forgotten Campaigns, WDS is announcing that it has bought the full John Tiller game catalogue, source code and John Tiller and John Tiller Software name. The deal was finalized in September 2021, and we would like to thank the Tiller family for their support in closing the deal and allowing us to continue to build on John's legacy.

Catalogue refresh

The full PC game catalogue has been updated and will be branded as WDS titles from today. With the move to new installers, many enhancements and fixes have been included across almost every series. A summarized list of inclusions in the new installers and patches follows:
•   American Civil War - significant new code enhancements introduced with Forgotten Campaigns and included in all existing fourteen titles. New 2D & 3D hi-res graphics sets. Newly revised and improved documentation
•   Early American Wars - New 2D & 3D hi-res graphics sets.
•   First World War Campaigns - additional content updates for all three titles
•   Modern Campaigns - new code enhancements and the hi-res graphics engine introduced with Panzer Campaigns Scheldt '44 is implemented in all five titles.
•   Musket & Pike - new code enhancements in both released titles. New 2D & 3D hi-res graphics sets.
•   Napoleonic's - significant new code enhancements as introduced with Campaign Waterloo 1.09 and now included in all fifteen titles. New 2D & 3D hi-res graphics sets. Many of the enhancements to this series have been ported across from the previous WDS work on the Civil War Battles series.
•   Naval Campaigns - significant new code enhancements including weather, damage and other items needed for both current and planned titles. All five released titles have been upgraded.
•   Panzer Battles - significant new code enhancements including replacements, weather, artillery resolution and optional alternative assault resolution that were slated for the next titles in the series. All three released titles and the Demo have been upgraded
•   Panzer Campaigns - significant new code enhancements including changes to alternate assault resolution, corps attachment and addition of forts. All titles have implemented the hi-res graphics engine introduced with Panzer Campaigns Scheldt '44. Newly revised and improved documentation.
•   Strategic War - new code enhancements and new hi-res graphics set for both released titles.
Both the Modern Air Power and Squad Battles series are being released as WDS titles, but their planned enhancements are still work-in-progress. More on that at a future date.

In total, we are releasing installers or patches for all ninety-nine PC titles today.

WDS  F.A.Q.

Q: What is WDS?
A: Wargame Design Studio (WDS) was founded in August 2016 to support and enhance John Tiller's wargame series. In September 2021, WDS bought the full John Tiller game catalogue with a remit to continue to publish and enhance the complete range. We have a robust pipeline of new titles and are excited with what the future holds.

Q: What happens with all the games I've purchased over the years from John Tiller?
A: All games purchase through John Tiller Software are completely supported in the same manner that JTS has supported them for years. All games that were purchased through HPS Simulations and converted to JTS versions over the years are also supported. That migration window has now closed, however. In short - if you have a serial number for your game, you are good to go going forward.

Q: What about getting the games installed? I never made a backup of most and what I do have is very old.
A: This is a multi-part answer:
•   First off, you should only be doing installations from a digital installer. All CD versions of the games are obsolete and in many cases the file structures are different. They should no longer be used.
•   We will be "re-opening" all orders from our existing store which will cause an email to be sent to you for each product you have ordered in the past. This will give you an opportunity to grab a new installer for the game that is completely up to date as of the WDS announcement.
•   If you purchased games through the original JTS store (Dec. 2010 - May 2012) then send an email to Support@wargameds.com along with your order number(s) or serial number(s) and new installer files will be emailed to you.
•   If you were migrated over from old HPS purchases, then send an email to Support@wargameds.com along with your serial number(s) and new installer files will be emailed to you. ** You must include a complete listing of all game names and serial numbers you are requesting new installers for.

Q: Will you be continuing to sell games as John Tiller Software?
A: No, all titles and sales will be through WDS going forward. We are a fully incorporated company (WDS LLC) in the United States. All our titles use John Tiller's game system, and we will continue to pay homage to John. If you follow existing links to John Tiller Software, it should route you to our new site at wargameds.com

Q: Why aren't you using the existing wargamedesignstudio.com url?
A: We debated using this as our primary url, but it is l-o-n-g. We have chosen the shorter wargameds.com to simplify the ability to find us – wargamedesignstudio.com will still be in place, but you will be redirected to our new URL.

Q: I'm getting a warning message when I try and launch the game installer or update, what gives?
A: This is to be expected and should go away with time. The reason is, we have a brand-new code signing certificate and up until November 19th, 2021, it has only been used within our development circles. All our software has been scanned and found free of both viruses and malware. As time passes and more installations take place around the world the "reputation" of our certificate will grow, and the warnings will diminish. You can confidently by-pass these warnings and install the software.

Q: Will the games run under Windows 11.
A: Yes, preliminary testing shows that the games will run under Windows 11.

Q: Are you planning just to sell the existing titles or are you planning new content?
A: Civil War Battles - Forgotten Campaigns is the first of a very solid pipeline of games. WDS is continuing the approach started in 2016 of bringing together developers, programmers, and artists to build on John Tiller's work. This means a focus on both new titles and enhancements to prior releases. The solid foundation and research behind each title and game series is a perfect starting point for further enhancement.

Stay tuned for more as time progresses!


Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: MengJiao on November 19, 2021, 07:48:34 AM
  Wow!  Very Cool.  I think I've spent more hours playing these games than any others.  I'm going through the Napoleonic Series starting with Republican Bayonets on the Rhine so that's going to take me a while.
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: GaryMc on November 19, 2021, 10:07:08 AM
Quote from: Grim.Reaper on November 19, 2021, 07:12:20 AM
Interesting news, new "Tiller" Civil War game that WDS is now releasing and seems like WDS has bought the entire catalogue of past "Tiller" games.



Not just purchased the back catalog, but will be continuing to publish in the future :)

Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: Sigwolf on November 19, 2021, 10:10:31 AM
I like what they've done to refresh the Tiller titles, and the fact that they are carrying on the tradition.  I can't say I'm thrilled with the new home page, though... way too "busy".  At least the rest of the site is reasonably easy to navigate.  Since they bought the name and entire catalog, it would have been nice to see them incorporate the John Tiller name a little more prominently.

As for the new domain... they had to know at quick glance it looks like a sketchy pharmaceutical company called Wargame Meds.   :D ;D
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: Geezer on November 19, 2021, 11:13:51 AM
Very happy to see this.  I wish them all the best.
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: MengJiao on November 19, 2021, 12:17:51 PM
Quote from: Geezer on November 19, 2021, 11:13:51 AM
Very happy to see this.  I wish them all the best.

  And double WOW!  they are sending me the download codes for all the games I bought long ago that have now been updated!  So I can download totally new versions!
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: Zulu1966 on November 19, 2021, 12:54:04 PM
Quote from: MengJiao on November 19, 2021, 12:17:51 PM
Quote from: Geezer on November 19, 2021, 11:13:51 AM
Very happy to see this.  I wish them all the best.

  And double WOW!  they are sending me the download codes for all the games I bought long ago that have now been updated!  So I can download totally new versions!

Mmmm... could turn into a bit of a mess for me - had a load of stuff I bought under an old email address I could never change on the tiller store
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: Destraex on November 19, 2021, 01:00:00 PM
I just got an email about a demo but have never ordered anything from these guys. The email talks of an order number and re-opening an original order. I have never had an original order with them as far as I remember. Could this be the new owners trying to tell me I can access a demo of a game for which I do not own the full game?

"
Wargame Design Studio <Notifications@fetchapp.com>
the actual sender of this message is different than the normal sender blah blah blah

New Downloads for Order (6 digit order number here)

Wargame Design Studio has released a new version of Panzer Battles Demo!
Use the link below to download your items. This link may be used up to 20 times. It will also re-open your original order so that it may be accessed through your Store account going forward. Please ensure the entire URL is copied to your web browser.
INSTALLATION: After saving the download to your computer, run it by double-clicking on the download file. This will install the product on your computer.

Serial Number for Panzer Battles Demo: serial number here

For support email us at support@wargameds.com. Please include your order number (6 digit order number here) with your inquiry.
It's been a pleasure doing business with you!
Wargame Design Studio
https://wargameds.com/
"
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: berto on November 19, 2021, 01:11:14 PM
Quote from: Destraex on November 19, 2021, 01:00:00 PMCould this be the new owners trying to tell me I can access a demo of a game for which I do not own the full game?

Yes, could be.  For several of the series, there are free demos you can download and play even if you never bought any other game in a series, or even any JTS (now WDS) game at all.
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: Sigwolf on November 19, 2021, 01:12:11 PM
Quote from: Destraex on November 19, 2021, 01:00:00 PM
I just got an email about a demo but have never ordered anything from these guys. The email talks of an order number and re-opening an original order.
What does this mean and why did I get an unsolicited email?
The Panzer Battles Demo was different than all the other Tiller Demos, which were one-click downloads.  It actually required an e-mail address, and sent a download link just like a purchased order, but this was completely free.  If you ever tried the demo (I think it came out about five years ago), that's were the "order number" originated, and why you got the e-mail.  They're just sending you a new link... nothing nefarious.
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: Destraex on November 19, 2021, 01:53:38 PM
Thanks. Might have been nice to mention change of ownership and that new links were sent for this reason. i probably did download the demo but just so not remember. Thx for the clarification.
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: Rayfer on November 19, 2021, 02:13:55 PM
Quote from: Destraex on November 19, 2021, 01:53:38 PM
Thanks. Might have been nice to mention change of ownership and that new links were sent for this reason. i probably did download the demo but just so not remember. Thx for the clarification.

I went into my email a few minutes ago and there were 16 separate emails, one for every Tiller game I own.  Each contains a link to download the game.  Are our games now on a WDS site or is the current Tiller site still valid?  Do I have to re-download a game I'm already playing.  This is a confusing transition....or maybe I'm just a dope... :-[ :o :idiot2:
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: smittyohio on November 19, 2021, 02:19:21 PM
Quote from: Rayfer on November 19, 2021, 02:13:55 PM
Quote from: Destraex on November 19, 2021, 01:53:38 PM
Thanks. Might have been nice to mention change of ownership and that new links were sent for this reason. i probably did download the demo but just so not remember. Thx for the clarification.

I went into my email a few minutes ago and there were 16 separate emails, one for every Tiller game I own.  Each contains a link to download the game.  Are our games now on a WDS site or is the current Tiller site still valid?  Do I have to re-download a game I'm already playing.  This is a confusing transition....or maybe I'm just a dope... :-[ :o :idiot2:

If you're a dope, I think you have lots of company.   I'm confused on whether I should download the installer and back it up, or if I can get it later easily.
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: al_infierno on November 19, 2021, 02:34:09 PM
Quote from: Rayfer on November 19, 2021, 02:13:55 PM
Quote from: Destraex on November 19, 2021, 01:53:38 PM
Thanks. Might have been nice to mention change of ownership and that new links were sent for this reason. i probably did download the demo but just so not remember. Thx for the clarification.

I went into my email a few minutes ago and there were 16 separate emails, one for every Tiller game I own.  Each contains a link to download the game.  Are our games now on a WDS site or is the current Tiller site still valid?  Do I have to re-download a game I'm already playing.  This is a confusing transition....or maybe I'm just a dope... :-[ :o :idiot2:

Our games are on the WDS site, the JTS site appears to be gone now.  The emails are a bit weird, but it's probably just automated as they migrate our products to the new system + a convenient way of informing us where the games can now be downloaded from.
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: GaryMc on November 19, 2021, 02:55:02 PM
Quote from: smittyohio on November 19, 2021, 02:19:21 PM
Quote from: Rayfer on November 19, 2021, 02:13:55 PM
Quote from: Destraex on November 19, 2021, 01:53:38 PM
Thanks. Might have been nice to mention change of ownership and that new links were sent for this reason. i probably did download the demo but just so not remember. Thx for the clarification.

I went into my email a few minutes ago and there were 16 separate emails, one for every Tiller game I own.  Each contains a link to download the game.  Are our games now on a WDS site or is the current Tiller site still valid?  Do I have to re-download a game I'm already playing.  This is a confusing transition....or maybe I'm just a dope... :-[ :o :idiot2:

If you're a dope, I think you have lots of company.   I'm confused on whether I should download the installer and back it up, or if I can get it later easily.

My suggestion would be to download and back up.  I'm not sure that you NEED to, but out of a "better safe than sorry" approach.

To answer as I can:
If you have a current game going, you may want to finish it before updating.

If you download the patch, you can patch your current install where it is on your hard drive.
If you download the new install (.msi file) it will want to install in a new folder.  (So, you can have a JTS and WDS version of the same game if you desire.)

By the way, the server with patches is getting slammed, but the one with new install files is doing better.  So, going for new installs may be easier right now, and if you go for updates, grab 1-2 high priority ones, and then spend the next few days grabbing the rest.
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: GaryMc on November 19, 2021, 03:06:47 PM
I just saw that the server with new installs has also hit a bandwidth limit.  So, hold up a bit :) 
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: Strela on November 19, 2021, 05:02:59 PM
Hi All,

The Fetch server with the installers is operational again. We had hit out bandwidth limit (unprecedented to be honest), but maybe sending upgrades for 100 odd games out was the culprit...!  :) :o

David
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: Grim.Reaper on November 19, 2021, 05:06:39 PM
Quote from: Strela on November 19, 2021, 05:02:59 PM
Hi All,

The Fetch server with the installers is operational again. We had hit out bandwidth limit (unprecedented to be honest), but maybe sending upgrades for 100 odd games out was the culprit...!  :) :o

David

Tried downloading mine just now and still receive browser error message..basically says site can't be reached.  Sent to support to help out.
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: Strela on November 19, 2021, 05:12:20 PM
Quote from: Grim.Reaper on November 19, 2021, 05:06:39 PM
Quote from: Strela on November 19, 2021, 05:02:59 PM
Hi All,

The Fetch server with the installers is operational again. We had hit out bandwidth limit (unprecedented to be honest), but maybe sending upgrades for 100 odd games out was the culprit...!  :) :o

David

Tried downloading mine just now and still receive browser error message..basically says site can't be reached.  Sent to support to help out.

Thanks for the info. Is this for the full installer or the updates linked from the WDS site. We have not resolved the update server yet, but the Fetch Installer links should be working. If not, they should be imminently according to the support team at Fetch.
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: Grim.Reaper on November 19, 2021, 05:16:53 PM
Quote from: Strela on November 19, 2021, 05:12:20 PM
Quote from: Grim.Reaper on November 19, 2021, 05:06:39 PM
Quote from: Strela on November 19, 2021, 05:02:59 PM
Hi All,

The Fetch server with the installers is operational again. We had hit out bandwidth limit (unprecedented to be honest), but maybe sending upgrades for 100 odd games out was the culprit...!  :) :o

David

Tried downloading mine just now and still receive browser error message..basically says site can't be reached.  Sent to support to help out.

Thanks for the info. Is

this for the full installer or the updates linked from the WDS site. We have not resolved the update server yet, but the Fetch Installer links should be working. If not, they should be imminently according to the support team at Fetch.

Full installer, links from the emails that were sent to me....all of mine doing this.
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: Strela on November 19, 2021, 05:18:58 PM
Thanks for the confirmation. Give it a short while. We have been assured the cap was being removed...
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: Grim.Reaper on November 19, 2021, 05:23:20 PM
Quote from: Strela on November 19, 2021, 05:18:58 PM
Thanks for the confirmation. Give it a short while. We have been assured the cap was being removed...

Actually looks like something wrong if you click on the links in the email.....I copied the link and pasted in browser and worked that way.  Something seems different with actual embedded links.
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: Strela on November 19, 2021, 05:27:43 PM
Quote from: Grim.Reaper on November 19, 2021, 05:23:20 PM
Quote from: Strela on November 19, 2021, 05:18:58 PM
Thanks for the confirmation. Give it a short while. We have been assured the cap was being removed...

Actually looks like something wrong if you click on the links in the email.....I copied the link and pasted in browser and worked that way.  Something seems different with actual embedded links.

Thanks - well that's a new one...

We will do some checking this end.

Thank you again for your tolerance. We though we had covered off all contingencies, but the best laid plans of mice and men...
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: Grim.Reaper on November 19, 2021, 05:32:25 PM
Quote from: Strela on November 19, 2021, 05:27:43 PM
Quote from: Grim.Reaper on November 19, 2021, 05:23:20 PM
Quote from: Strela on November 19, 2021, 05:18:58 PM
Thanks for the confirmation. Give it a short while. We have been assured the cap was being removed...

Actually looks like something wrong if you click on the links in the email.....I copied the link and pasted in browser and worked that way.  Something seems different with actual embedded links.

Thanks - well that's a new one...

We will do some checking this end.

Thank you again for your tolerance. We though we had covered off all contingencies, but the best laid plans of mice and men...

No worries....the clicked link does take you to a different URL then just copying and pasting but was easy to solve once figured that out.
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: Dammit Carl! on November 19, 2021, 05:33:46 PM
Bully on you guys for picking up the Tiller banner and running with it.  Thank you!
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: Zulu1966 on November 20, 2021, 06:16:33 AM
Quote from: Strela on November 19, 2021, 05:27:43 PM
Quote from: Grim.Reaper on November 19, 2021, 05:23:20 PM
Quote from: Strela on November 19, 2021, 05:18:58 PM
Thanks for the confirmation. Give it a short while. We have been assured the cap was being removed...

Actually looks like something wrong if you click on the links in the email.....I copied the link and pasted in browser and worked that way.  Something seems different with actual embedded links.

Thanks - well that's a new one...

We will do some checking this end.

Thank you again for your tolerance. We though we had covered off all contingencies, but the best laid plans of mice and men...
#

So couple of questions

1. if I have the original install files and serial numbers do I need the full installer or can I just carry on updating from the original files with the updates
2. Should I have emails that were converted by tiller games from HPS titles ?

Aware you are probably swamped with questions currently - but I have every game and whats been sent so far certainly doesnt represent that ....
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: Strela on November 20, 2021, 07:24:21 AM
Quote from: Zulu1966 on November 20, 2021, 06:16:33 AM

So couple of questions

1. if I have the original install files and serial numbers do I need the full installer or can I just carry on updating from the original files with the updates
2. Should I have emails that were converted by tiller games from HPS titles ?

Aware you are probably swamped with questions currently - but I have every game and whats been sent so far certainly doesnt represent that ....

You can just use the updates, but it is preferable to get everyone onto the exact same base, i.e. use the full new installers. The installers now default to a WDS directory rather than the previous John Tiller Software and it will simplify life in the future for updates etc. The new programs automatically check your registry for the key from the previous installation, so you don't have to worry about that. You can even leave the existing installation in place and install the new one in the WDS directory and they will co-exist. It is your call.

For the second question we had the following the FAQ we emailed out, I believe:


Q: What happens with all the games I've purchased over the years from John Tiller?

A: All games purchase through John Tiller Software are completely supported in the same manner that JTS has supported them for years. All games that were purchased through HPS Simulations and converted to JTS versions over the years are also supported. That migration window has now closed, however. In short – if you have a serial number for your game, you are good to go going forward.


Q: What about getting the games installed? I never made a backup of most and what I do have is very old.

A: This is a multi-part answer:
•   First off, you should only be doing installations from a digital installer. All CD versions of the games are obsolete and in many cases the file structures are different. They should no longer be used.
•   We will be "re-opening" all orders from our existing store which will cause an email to be sent to you for each product you have ordered in the past. This will give you an opportunity to grab a new installer for the game that is completely up to date as of the WDS announcement.
•   If you purchased games through the original JTS store (Dec. 2010 – May 2012) then send an email to Support@wargameds.com along with your order number(s) or serial number(s) and new installer files will be emailed to you.
•   If you were migrated over from old HPS purchases, then send an email to Support@wargameds.com along with your serial number(s) and new installer files will be emailed to you. ** You must include a complete listing of all game names and serial numbers you are requesting new installers for.

Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: Zulu1966 on November 20, 2021, 08:22:05 AM
Quote from: Strela on November 20, 2021, 07:24:21 AM
Quote from: Zulu1966 on November 20, 2021, 06:16:33 AM

So couple of questions

1. if I have the original install files and serial numbers do I need the full installer or can I just carry on updating from the original files with the updates
2. Should I have emails that were converted by tiller games from HPS titles ?

Aware you are probably swamped with questions currently - but I have every game and whats been sent so far certainly doesnt represent that ....

You can just use the updates, but it is preferable to get everyone onto the exact same base, i.e. use the full new installers. The installers now default to a WDS directory rather than the previous John Tiller Software and it will simplify life in the future for updates etc. The new programs automatically check your registry for the key from the previous installation, so you don't have to worry about that. You can even leave the existing installation in place and install the new one in the WDS directory and they will co-exist. It is your call.

For the second question we had the following the FAQ we emailed out, I believe:


Q: What happens with all the games I've purchased over the years from John Tiller?

A: All games purchase through John Tiller Software are completely supported in the same manner that JTS has supported them for years. All games that were purchased through HPS Simulations and converted to JTS versions over the years are also supported. That migration window has now closed, however. In short – if you have a serial number for your game, you are good to go going forward.


Q: What about getting the games installed? I never made a backup of most and what I do have is very old.

A: This is a multi-part answer:
•   First off, you should only be doing installations from a digital installer. All CD versions of the games are obsolete and in many cases the file structures are different. They should no longer be used.
•   We will be "re-opening" all orders from our existing store which will cause an email to be sent to you for each product you have ordered in the past. This will give you an opportunity to grab a new installer for the game that is completely up to date as of the WDS announcement.
•   If you purchased games through the original JTS store (Dec. 2010 – May 2012) then send an email to Support@wargameds.com along with your order number(s) or serial number(s) and new installer files will be emailed to you.
•   If you were migrated over from old HPS purchases, then send an email to Support@wargameds.com along with your serial number(s) and new installer files will be emailed to you. ** You must include a complete listing of all game names and serial numbers you are requesting new installers for.

OK thanks

Seems I have some work to do.
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: Old TImer on November 21, 2021, 03:41:20 AM
Quote from: MengJiao on November 19, 2021, 12:17:51 PM
Quote from: Geezer on November 19, 2021, 11:13:51 AM
Very happy to see this.  I wish them all the best.

  And double WOW!  they are sending me the download codes for all the games I bought long ago that have now been updated!  So I can download totally new versions!

Me too!  I was like, whoa what's this.  Every game I ever bought from them they sent me a link to download
the new version.  Amazing.  I wish them good things.
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: Rayfer on November 22, 2021, 10:43:54 AM
Just curious....with new owners, will these games ever get ported to Steam for purchase?
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: Strela on November 22, 2021, 03:25:27 PM
Quote from: Rayfer on November 22, 2021, 10:43:54 AM
Just curious....with new owners, will these games ever get ported to Steam for purchase?

To be totally honest, it's not a current consideration.

We are yet to look at 'routes to market', but Tiller previously used multiple websites and minimal marketing to promote the titles. We want to change that and see what can be achieved ourselves before deciding to hand over XX% to Steam.

There are advantages with Steam, ease of use for players, broader exposure etc, but we are not at the point currently.

The final point is that the games were not in a state (graphically in particular) to go to a broader audience and we believe solid research and gameplay would have been decimated by negative Steam reviews. We have started on the path of updating the titles to give us options in the future...

David
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: Rayfer on November 22, 2021, 03:47:55 PM
Quote from: Strela on November 22, 2021, 03:25:27 PM
Quote from: Rayfer on November 22, 2021, 10:43:54 AM
Just curious....with new owners, will these games ever get ported to Steam for purchase?

To be totally honest, it's not a current consideration.

We are yet to look at 'routes to market', but Tiller previously used multiple websites and minimal marketing to promote the titles. We want to change that and see what can be achieved ourselves before deciding to hand over XX% to Steam.

There are advantages with Steam, ease of use for players, broader exposure etc, but we are not at the point currently.

The final point is that the games were not in a state (graphically in particular) to go to a broader audience and we believe solid research and gameplay would have been decimated by negative Steam reviews. We have started on the path of updating the titles to give us options in the future...

David

Thanks...it's not a game changer for me, I own about 15 of your titles and will continue to be a customer regardless of Steam access.
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: al_infierno on November 22, 2021, 09:36:54 PM
I got around to downloading all the installers and reinstalling my catalogue - which is no trivial task.  According to the number of sub-folders under WDS, that's 52(!!!) games downloaded over the last few nights.  My condolences for the servers :)

Anyway, I really like the QOL changes so far.  They've incorporated the ASL-style token mods into the base game as "alternate graphics" and added a bunch of long overdue QOL updates to the older titles, like the Gold updates for the Modern Campaigns titles, and the ability to scroll on the map with your mouse in games like Mexican-American War and the older Civil War titles.  Very happy with these updates by WDS!

Also, I'm digging the tunes in Forgotten Campaigns O0  As a longtime JTS fan I'll say WDS hasn't skipped a beat taking up the reins.
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: Thomas Davie on November 22, 2021, 10:41:29 PM
Even better than having access to all of my previously JTS titles is a new game (Forgotten Battles ACW), so I had to buy it.

like all of the other JTS titles, this installs flawlessly under Crossover/Mac. Works peachy keen on M1 Macs w/no issues at all. can't wait for the next Panzer Battles title.

Tom
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: al_infierno on November 22, 2021, 10:48:14 PM
^ Welcome to the board Tom!
Title: Re: WDS New Civil War Game, Bought All of Tiller's Assets, and Catalog Refresh
Post by: al_infierno on November 23, 2021, 03:34:31 PM
Now that the John Tiller IP is in new hands, I wonder if there are any plans to make more titles covering hypothetical or even fictional conflicts. 

I actually think it could be cool to see a Shadow Empire style Mad Max esque campaign battled out in the John Tiller engine.  I'd totally buy a Diesel Campaigns or Diesel Battles title if one were made.  It could be an interesting way to mix and match archaic warrior hordes and modernized soldiers with improvised vehicles and weapons from every historical era.  You could really go crazy with it and come up with some ridiculous units like a killdozer (https://www.google.com/search?q=killdozer&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwju3omeqq_0AhUHJ0QIHWJ2AtkQ_AUoAnoECAEQBA&biw=1600&bih=747&dpr=1) for bowling through obstacles and entrenchments alike, or one of those big speaker trucks (https://www.google.com/search?q=mad+max+speaker+truck&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwiVvY-fqq_0AhVUgZ4KHWdNC3MQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=mad+max+speaker+truck&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzIFCAAQgAQyBggAEBYQHjIECAAQGDIECAAQGDoHCAAQsQMQQzoECAAQQzoICAAQgAQQsQM6CAgAELEDEIMBOgsIABCABBCxAxCDAVCYCFiJHGDEHWgAcAB4AIABYogBhQ2SAQIyMpgBAKABAaoBC2d3cy13aXotaW1nwAEB&sclient=img&ei=3U-dYdXaF9SC-gTnmq2YBw&bih=747&biw=1600) from Fury Road, which could act as a dual troop transport + HQ.