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Southpeak responds to our Section 8 review, finds a bug photo

I'll give Southpeak credit where it's due. We've torn many of their games to shreds, but not once have they ever complained, demanded a re-review, or thrown bitter accusations at us. That said, one of our more positive reviews, Section 8, caused the publisher some concern and they looked into the main problem I had with the game -- the lack of an online community.

Southpeak said that people were playing Section 8 and that, contrary to my review, servers were quite healthy. Developer TimeGate Studios was collecting data for me to prove this claim, but then stumbled upon an issue that apparently explains why I couldn't get into a decent game.

"TimeGate investigated the issues you were having and we attribute the experience you had of low-player multiplayer games to a bug where the matchmaking system favored placement of players into empty/near empty servers," explains the developer. "TimeGate has worked feverishly to make sure that all players are getting the full multiplayer madness they deserve. Currently, things are looking great, with servers normally running at near capacity, and tests showing that over 95% of players looking for a large match are getting in with groups of 14+ players on server. Apologies to any early players that had issues."

I am now going to use this situation as an opportunity to declare that Destructoid reviews help to fix games. Had we not brought up the multiplayer issues in our review, this problem may never have been discovered. Yes, we are now basically game developers and our words can alter the course of the industry. Only our JOURNALISM can make videogames better.


Continue: More Southpeak stories





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49 comments | showing # 1 to 49

Xhumation's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 17:04
Xhumation
I have to give it up for Southpeak for listening to what people have to say about their product and adressing it soon enough. True, it shouldn't have been broken in the first place but..it's also nice that they quickly fixed it.
munkee's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 17:06
munkee
i think thats a pretty cool.. its nice to know that they had read your review and acted upon it. Then responded with reasons and solutions. you kinda killed a nice thing with the end paragraph though.. it wasn't necessary :\
Mr Nihilistic's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 17:08
Mr Nihilistic
One step closer to world domination for Destructoid!
Brlito's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 17:08
Brlito
Sweet, I can finally just keep playing BF2142, 2 and ODST (once it comes out)!
BlackSymbiote's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 17:13
BlackSymbiote
That's really good that they listened and looked into the issue to try and figure out what was going on. I only wish more developers were like this. But really, I'm just waiting for Borderlands.
Magnalon's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 17:15
Magnalon
Most of the bigger devs/publishers just glaze over our reviews, but really it's only the smaller ones who respond to them, and note any possible fixes to problems we may have encountered.

Southpeak is what I'd consider a "middle-ground" company, so it's really nice to see that they care.
MrSadistic's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 17:19
MrSadistic
"Destructoid reviews: one step closer to curing cancer."
Yehat's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 17:22
Yehat
The PC version has this thing where it will omit showing full servers. I can't tell if that's a feature or a bug because it's running on that absolutely horrid Windows Live system.

I'd actually say the beta game browser was far better but I'm guessing someone twisted Timegate's arm on this matter.
DeadlyPassenger's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 17:25
DeadlyPassenger
All the more reason why i joined Dtoid!! This is the best site for discussing video games HANDS DOWN!!! Anyone who considers themsleves a "gamer" needs to be in this site...
The Juda's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 17:25
The Juda
I don't trust Jim anymore. Next week at Destructoid - "Jim gets a free visit to SouthPeak"
Geraldo Beedog's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 17:25
Geraldo Beedog
Once again, the power of JOURNALISM prevails. You have done well this day.
CtMythic's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 17:27
CtMythic
I think that whilst this is an excellent move on Southpeak's part it has the potential to put a reviewer in dangerous territory. If you were to re-review (or update the review of) Section 8 based on this bug fix (I am aware you haven't said you will, just being hypothetical), wouldn't it give developers a carte blanche to fix an issue mentioned in a review, then ask you to to update the score you gave their game citing the Section 8 review as precedent? This would make it pretty difficult to give a solid score to a game. For example if Darkest of Days recieved an update that removed the long reloads, long periods of walking and horrible guns etc, which were 3 big negative points you made, would you then update the score to reflect this? If so, where would it stop? Would you feel obliged to update the review of Halo 3 based upon the new content or changes made? I think that in this situation, the side of caution is the side to be on.
The Juda's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 17:29
The Juda
@ munkee
I'm gonna guess and say Jim's review wasn't the only review they read or responded to. Just a guess.
The Juda's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 17:32
The Juda
@ CtMythic

I have seen on some sites, VoodooExtreme comes to mind where game co. would ask to wait for a review to be published until a patch was released a few days time. I disagree with this practice as I'm sure most gamers would. You review a game as it is released. What's the difference of reviewing a game a day later or 2 months later? The game should be done when it is released.
Usedtabe's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 17:32
Usedtabe
And once again, another developer surpasses Epic games in customer service by actually trying to fix their game. Good shit, Southpeak.
Jim Sterling's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 17:34
Jim Sterling
CtMythic:

It's a very murky water, and one with no real right or wrong answer. My personal policy is that a review is based on the "as is" product we're given, and if there is a patch, we notify the readers in a new post without altering the original review. I think that's the best course of action.
The Juda's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 17:47
The Juda
@ Jim Sterling

The waters aren't really that murky. It's more or less how much integrity is in that water.
Havoc Fang's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 18:01
Havoc Fang
The second after reading that Journalism improved, not just the game, but the WORLD of videogames, I knew Geraldo would be on the scene, nodding his approval.

But yeah. Yay. A Southpeak game that doesn't suck now sucks a little less.
Magnalon's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 18:06
Magnalon
@Jim
"My personal policy is that a review is based on the 'as is' product we're given, and if there is a patch, we notify the readers in a new post without altering the original review. I think that's the best course of action."

That's mine as well. Re-scoring a product, I feel, makes it "ok" for developers to rush out an unfinished product to the public. Additionally, gamers without online capabilities for patches are left in the dust.
Kvb's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 18:18
Kvb
@Magnalon
"Additionally, gamers without online capabilities for patches are left in the dust."

Except that this particular patch fixes a problem only encountered online..
CtMythic's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 18:23
CtMythic
@The Juda
Agreed. I think a review should cover what the person who gets the game on release day will experience, because those are the people that will be first to benefit from what they read.

@Jim
For what it's worth I also think this is the best course of action. On top of what Magnalon said and what I wrote in reply to The Juda above, it makes the score given "worth" that little bit more by ensuring concistency, but like you said, there is no real right or wrong answer.
Southpeak Chupacaubrey's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 18:24
Southpeak Chupacaubrey
@CtMythic

Honestly, we're just happy that we were able to fix the issue. That's really the most important thing here. It's not about re-reviewing the game. Jim has already reviewed the game, and we understand that. We respect journalists' opinions and integrity because it's the right thing to do, and we're glad when we can improve things based on them. So thanks again, Jim! :)
dj-anon's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 18:25
dj-anon
--Jim makes the world a better place--
enough said
klops's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 18:25
klops
Darkest of days dev forum response:
''Hehehe I like this guy. I picture him having to wipe the spittle from his monitor while typing all of this.

Sorry you did not like our shit-hydra, Jim Sterling, we made it just for you :(. At least you handled it with integrity and calm professionalism. I would have just started yelling at the Internet.''
Word yo.
The Juda's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 18:35
The Juda
@ CtMythic

There is a right and wrong. There is a "this is how the game was released" and there is a "this should not released". Games shouldn't rely on an update to make them acceptable. Reviews should be based on how games are accepted by the media unless there are given, specified, exceptions. If Phantom EFX suddenly released a patch that made Darkest of Days fun, would Jim post it? Fuck no. He revels in his own shit too much. And the same should be for game companies. Release what you should release.
Magnalon's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 18:38
Magnalon
@Kvb

What? I was talking about my general policy. Of course this particular instance wouldn't apply for offline gamers...
CtMythic's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 18:39
CtMythic
@Southpeak Chupacaubrey

I wasn't suggesting that Southpeak would ask for a re-review, I just saw the potential of this story to change people's opinions on your game, and put forward mine on the issue it raised, becuase "honest" reviews are hard to come by these days. Companies acting on points made in reviews is a brilliant move, and I hope that more developers pick up the habit. Thanks for the reply, I never expected to get a response from someone involved haha.
CtMythic's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 18:53
CtMythic
@The Juda

I think in some circumstances it is fair for a review to change. For example iff a gamebreaking bug is missed during testing and present in the review copy of a game, but fixed on a release-day patch, it makes sense to cut the developer some slack and change the review of the game, because it no longer represents what the first consumers will experience. I agree with Jim's statement that it's very murky waters, but I respect your opinion and can relate to it in a way.

Sorry for the double post, internet is crazy slow tonight.
brainderailment's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 19:18
brainderailment
I don't understand why many console games recently have no option to see the online games. I want to be able to see what games are available, what the variables of that match are, what region it's taking place in, and the ping. Resistance1 had this day1 with the ps3, hell, Killzone had this on ps2. One major thing I hate(d) about cod4 is that you just had a find game button, and no list to choose from.
Usedtabe's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 19:26
Usedtabe
@brainderailment: That is what is known as matchmaking. Takes away just about all end-user control. I hate it with a passion and long for more games to have "lists" of rooms to join instead of just throwing me into a game.
The Juda's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 19:35
The Juda
@ CtMythic

Would that hold true for a review copy or a retail review copy? Pre-release I can see it for sure, but when game co.'s send out retail review copies and then say "oh wait...we have a patch" there's a difference.
Los255's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 19:43
Los255
"Only our JOURNALISM can make videogames better."

You bet your fucking ass!
H4RDC0RP5's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 21:12
H4RDC0RP5
@Los255: I really hope Jim's ass isn't involved in any fucking activities.

Hell yes. Destructoid FTW. First the industry, then...









The world.
wanderingpixel's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 21:54
wanderingpixel
@Jim
Games I need you to save:
Too Human
Assassin's Creed
Team Fortress 2(360, I need those updates.)
Perfect Dark Zero
Fallout 3
Xzyliac's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 21:57
Xzyliac
I still want this game but since my friends read the reviews and freaked out no one will blow the $60 with me :/
StingingVelvet's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 22:13
StingingVelvet
And here I thought those low population complaints were stupid anyway due to you reviewing the game on release date.

Silly me.
Dexter345's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 22:46
Dexter345
Score one for JOURNALISM. Geraldo Beedog would be proud.
matrixdude171's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 22:50
matrixdude171
Always happy to see a company that takes action to show it cares.
KAZzy Robot's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 23:09
KAZzy Robot
Wow! could you review all the fallout 3 DLC and describe how there shitty and are too short? you'ed have to make them believe it's a bug though. LOL
DGX Goggles's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/12/2009 23:20
DGX Goggles
Oh Sterling, you card.
Chronic Logic's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/13/2009 01:40
Chronic Logic
Horray for JOURNALISM! Destructoid is now a productive member of video game society.
thenooby1's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/13/2009 02:32
thenooby1
Where is the patch to make this game not fail?
hpv's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/13/2009 03:24
hpv
Jim Sterling, King of Video Games Development?
ydarkage's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/13/2009 08:00
ydarkage
Hooray!
LsTr Of SmG's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/13/2009 10:51
LsTr Of SmG
Wow, I'm not a huge fan of Southpeak but +1 respect for this and another +1 respect for Southpeak Chupacaubrey comment.

All they need to do now to win my heart is ramp up the quality control.

*thumbs up* =D
Elsa's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/13/2009 14:30
Elsa
see... honesty does pay off! The dev became aware of a problem and the gamers got a fix! Nice!
Holyetheline's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/14/2009 13:19
Holyetheline
does this mean a new review of the game as well?
Mr Kite's Avatar - Comment posted on 09/15/2009 19:34
Mr Kite
OMG Jim you are a god send.
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