Nope. But there will come a point when Luthier is going to want money from us for a future product. Based on his past support and communication with the community, and basically not doing what he's said he's going to do, many will pass. I would think this basic business concept is common knowledge, but sadly, defenders of the faith refuse to see it and will most likely be the only ones buying future efforts. This is where blind devotion can kill a franchise.

I don't know if the guy the blogger has been talking to is a fake or not, but I have no doubt the development has looked into building an MMO. That doesn't necessarily mean they will stop building a series of theaters for online/offline use. They'll want as many revenue streams as possible for the new game engine. That said they'll way the pros and cons of a number of business model scenarios, and make a decision once they sure what the game engine is best suited for when relatively completed. If the game engine eventually turns out to be as future proofed as they were trying to make it, then its quite possible there will be a number possible uses.

Anyway we may have a better idea what going on by Friday if there is an update.

I laugh at this blind devotion concept, most people will do their due diligence this time before buying the Sequel, some will still support the development anyway as they are the only developer willing to spend the time and money on more complex sims. The relatively small group still willing to support the developer won't be enough to save the developer if the Sequel hasn't made substantial improvements.

Well here's a thought, how about you punish Luthier by not buying the sequel in order to get your sense of vengeance and you can leave the rest of us to languish in whatever consequences come about from buying it, though I'm at a loss to see where a boycott on buying future releases is going to save a franchise.

Here's an even better idea. Communicate to Luthier that leaving your customers hangin' is not a good thing. People that keep turning the other cheek will not improve things, especially encouraging people to not buy his products if they don't like the way he doesn't follow through.

May I offer bongo's above post as proof of a devotee encouraging people that are unhappy with Luthiers communication (we are talking about a lot of people here) not to buy his products instead of actually trying to improve the situation?

People have over-reacted to Luthiers post's and nonposts forever. When he has information he can pass along I'm sure he will. As far as I'm concerned he apologized for the beta release and he's doing his best to fix it. What they'll fix and what direction the development will end up taking is anyones guess. Whatever it is , joining witch hunts accomplishes nothing. If Luthier fixes the game engine and continues the series people WILL buy it, if he doesn't they won't, simple as that. If game engine deficiencies and/or a business model change moves them in the direction of MMO's only, then its anyones guess what will happen. In a perfect world I'd like to see them continue with online/offline theaters aswell as MMO's to help the bottom line.

Don't buy it. That seems pretty simple.

He's obviously not going to improve the communication. That leaves you with 2 options. Learn to live with it, or go away.

Maybe you should be more specific here. Nothing compares to DCS in complex combat sims. Moreover one that actually works.

You are right though, people wont buy if the sequel isnt up to snuff. I really hope it is, but honestly, I know deep down it will be a mess. Sadly.

You think that would change a thing? http://usc.mawesoft.com/images/smiley/rofl.gif In case you hadn't noticed: Luthier doesn't like PR and communication one bit. He never did, not even way back when Il-2 1.0 had just been released and he was project leader of the Il-2 3rd party modeller's website.
Not that I think that he has much maneuvering room in this matter at all. I think part of the issue are the NDA rules 1C has which keep BlackSix from posting real development news.

In the end it doesn't matter. If the sequel, whatever it may contain, isn't up to specs I don't think Maddox Games will survive. 1C will simply close up shop and put a new team on more profitable projects (such as the umpteenth shooter or some MMO).