It's nearly December

[ShiftingBalance]

We were promised the game this year and it's nearly December with no updates. Can we get a progress update so we can have some sort of idea what's going on?

[Numbers]

Well, I'm no expert on the subject, and I'm not on the team, but according to my analyses of other fan-created projects, whether they be full-fledged fangames or unofficial mods, if the team says they'll have the project ready by a certain time of a certain year, the project will most likely be released over a year later, if not longer. So if we're going by that logic, I'd say TSL Episode 5 will be released to the public just before 2019 begins, at the earliest. In other words, "when it's done."

I'm looking forward to an actual statement by the team to clear things up.

[Shalkar]

Well, I'm no expert on the subject, and I'm not on the team, but according to my analyses of other fan-created projects, whether they be full-fledged fangames or unofficial mods, if the team says they'll have the project ready by a certain time of a certain year, the project will most likely be released over a year later, if not longer. So if we're going by that logic, I'd say TSL Episode 5 will be released to the public just before 2019 begins, at the earliest. In other words, "when it's done."

I'm looking forward to an actual statement by the team to clear things up.

WOW. Now that is terrible! Oh wow 

[Numbers]

Eh, don't take my word for it. Again, I'm not on the team; I'm just estimating things from personal experience.

[Shalkar]

The sad thing is this is now a commercial company. Their reputation is to make games in a timely manner an their not doing that. Please just get this done. I'm tired of waiting an so is everyone else.

This is one of the better fan games. Come on phenoix do not let us down. 

[MangoMercury]

As has been explained numerous times before, Shalkar (and anyone else) - this is a free game.  The people working on it, don't get paid to work on it.  They get paid to work on other games, so of course their priority is there.

Any work done on TSL is done in the team's spare time.  But, keeping in mind that the idea for this started 15 years ago, a lot has changed.  15 years is a long time for anyone, and the people who make up Phoenix Online have grown up, have families and other obligations besides their work.

I feel like I've said this before, but...if you're really that eager to see this project come to fruition, instead of coming on here, posting and criticising the fact that it's not done, why not apply for one of the jobs with the company:

http://www.postudios.com/company/jobs/index.php

That way, you can put all the time you want into making sure this game gets finished.  And if not, you can put the time into learning how to do one of the jobs that is being advertised...then put all your time into making sure the game gets finished.  In the meantime, it'll happen when it happens.  Phoenix have said the game will come out.  I have every faith it will come out.  If it doesn't, then we've still had four chapters of an extremely ambitious fan-project, and given how prolific it's been, that's a heck of an achievement.

...besides, if that happened, I'm sure César would finally disclose THE SCRIPT, right? 

[Numbers]

I think the ultimate downer point was when, many, many years ago now, someone left the team and then posted the script for Episode 5 on this forum. It was thankfully taken down immediately, but the fact that someone was so desperate that they would stoop to that kind of a low is disheartening.

And before anyone--especially Shalkar--asks me, no, I didn't read the script, and even if I did, I certainly wouldn't share it with you.

[Jack Stryker]

In addition to all that Mango said, may I also remind you Katie recently became a mother?  If you think that alone doesn't justify the project's delay, then you clearly have never been a parent.

[Shalkar]

As has been explained numerous times before, Shalkar (and anyone else) - this is a free game.  The people working on it, don't get paid to work on it.  They get paid to work on other games, so of course their priority is there.

Any work done on TSL is done in the team's spare time.  But, keeping in mind that the idea for this started 15 years ago, a lot has changed.  15 years is a long time for anyone, and the people who make up Phoenix Online have grown up, have families and other obligations besides their work.

I feel like I've said this before, but...if you're really that eager to see this project come to fruition, instead of coming on here, posting and criticising the fact that it's not done, why not apply for one of the jobs with the company:

http://www.postudios.com/company/jobs/index.php

That way, you can put all the time you want into making sure this game gets finished.  And if not, you can put the time into learning how to do one of the jobs that is being advertised...then put all your time into making sure the game gets finished.  In the meantime, it'll happen when it happens.  Phoenix have said the game will come out.  I have every faith it will come out.  If it doesn't, then we've still had four chapters of an extremely ambitious fan-project, and given how prolific it's been, that's a heck of an achievement.

...besides, if that happened, I'm sure César would finally disclose THE SCRIPT, right? 

Aww that's amazing news. It will come out an that's awesome

[MangoMercury]

I think the ultimate downer point was when, many, many years ago now, someone left the team and then posted the script for Episode 5 on this forum. It was thankfully taken down immediately, but the fact that someone was so desperate that they would stoop to that kind of a low is disheartening.

That's absolutely insane - I guess this was during my long-term hiatus, but I can't believe someone did that.

[Numbers]

That's absolutely insane

I can see how this would ruffle your feathers, given that you are, after all, the sanest forum-dweller of all.

[MangoMercury]

That is very true - I'm glad you could acknowledge this, Numbers