Cyrus D’Amato writes The APBA Blog regarding a project he’s working on:
I see you run the APBA Blog and I have a question for you. I have created a Windows program which follows the Basic version of the APBA Baseball simulation game. It is not yet 100% complete… probably closer to 85%. My intentions are to contact John Herson and see what the license fee he is talking about entails. My question to you is it seems most APBA players don’t want the type of game I’ve developed that is a computer game that follows the basic board game version? The reason I created this type was so to let the computer calculate all of the stats. In addition I have an option that allows the player(s) to roll their own dice and then enter the result into a text box or to allow the computer to roll the dice. The player’s card is displayed and the result of the dice roll is highlighted on the batter’s card. I’ve attached a photo of the Windows program running. Before I contact Mr. Herson I was wondering if you feel there is anything here that may be of interest to the APBA Baseball community?
No doubt, Cyrus wants to establish the amount of interest among the APBA community and generate some PR for his product. I know nothing of the game other than what you have read yourself but in the interest of supporting more options for those who play APBA on the computer, I’m happy to pass on his info. I am curious what John Herson’s response to Mr D’Amato will be.
So, computer APBA players and perhaps dice players looking for an alternative, what say you? Is there an interest in game like this?
I’m posting a couple of screenshots of his game below (click to enlarge).
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Isn’t this all we really wanted from the new APBA computer game? I think it is awesome!
I think it would be great to play some games this way
Great idea! I used to think of doing something similar myself but never
got around to it.
WIthout getting into specifics, I am VERY interested at Herson’s reaction to this. Keep us informed!
I love this idea. I could never get into the other computer game. So much I truly don’t know that much about it. I love the cards, I love the look of the cards. Just something about it. I may be in the minority, but I love the idea of this. Well done, suppose we will see how it goes….
I supposed in a perfect world, the new computer game would have an option of whether you wanted to play basic, basic advanced, basic with modifications, or bbw.
Absolutely! Maybe in a later version?
my thoughts:
I agree with others. While some like a fancy more graphical video game, I’d prefer getting back to how APBA was meant to be played… with dice. I think this might do well. That said, some aesthetic enhancements might be in order for it market well. I’m sure it’s in the works.
what would really be killer if this could be played online. THAT would play well with a lot of APBA fans.
As Steve says, I’m curious how the licensing talks go.
Question — how long have you been working on this? I think the screen shots are great and wonder how the company couldn’t produce anything similar over the past 5 years they were in development?! Most interested….
Thanks to all for your input. I’m very encouraged by the responses. I have been working on this part time for 2 months. As mentioned; “some aesthetic enhancements might be in order” which I agree but my intent was to get the game up and running. This first version should be complete in 2-3 weeks.
KISS!!
This is what I’ve been looking for. Something simple I can use with my cards and dice.
It’s great that you can keep stats without any ‘learning curve’ like with BallStat or StatTrak.
Can you also play the Master Game with this computer sim?
Any potential for on-line play as mentioned in a previous post?
That is really awesome. I would definitely be interested in playing this. Like other people have said this game really is what the APBA computer game should look like. If you need a playtester let me know. I am curious what program you are using. Great job.
I must say, I’d be more interested in a Master game version, but I’d certainly check this out.
I think it looks amazing. Seeing the cards almost replicates that card feeling, no?
Absolutely love this idea. It reminds me somewhat of SOM (the ability to play the game with cards and dice).
I LOVE IT. I truly hope that it comes to fruition. I’d be the first in line to buy it.
Just wondering if you had any update on your progress. This is pretty cool idea, and I am just curious…
I would love to see the basic game in Windows format , maybe with called steals, rare plays and homerun allowance for pitchers. I would start a 16 team league immediately.
Kevin
Sorry I took so long to answer your question. I had a veteran APBA table game user look at and use the program and they liked it very much. I’m at the point were I believe it’s time to have the APBA Game Company take a look and make an evaluation.
I would love it! Exactly what I’ve been looking for.
Great idea! I’d get the game in a heart beat. Ideal to be able to get XB cards and to make trades, adjust rosters as trades are made, etc.
I have another suggestion: Do the same thing for the football game!
Seriously, this idea serves the needs of those of us who want the convenience of the computer while still having our “security blanket” of dice and boards.
Okay … I am flying from St. Louis to LA after witnessing one of the greatest comebacks in MLB history. But I have to say this … this new game makes too much sense. Original APBA flavor and easy to run. Add some options and you got a real winner here. Come on! Let’s get this game rolling!!!! I love BBW .. but it is not APBA. Sincerely, a very happy cards fan.
OK, let’s do it! I can’t wait until this project comes to fruition.
This is what I have always dream of.
I would pay $100 for this game. I love the basic board game, but it is a pain to keep stats. I especially love the option of rolling the dice. This adds to the drama of the game. PLEASE KEEP US POSTED!
Is there anyway of playing APBA Online?? I would buy this game in a heartbeat…
Have we heard any new word from Cyrus about how things have gone? Has he tried reaching out to APBA yet?
Sure hope this project doesn’t fall by the wayside. I think this program is EVERYTHING that APBA players have wishing for.
I would enjoy seeing this and would buy it. Only play the basic game and only “replay” with BBW. I have created a board reader program using Excel and planned something like this but never have the time.
APBA is still in the evaluation process. It’s important that the game meets and/or exceeds APBA expectations and I believe I’m on the right path to accomplishing this. I wish I could say more and I’m patiently waiting for APBA’s approval.
I love this idea. I hope APBA will be receptive!
This is exactly what I had always hoped someone would develop. I never liked the computer game. I have always thought to myself, “Why don’t they just put the tabletop game on a computer screen so the computer can keep stats? I still want to roll the dice and see the play results as they read with the board game. Where do I send my check? I want this!
Make it for Mac also, though, please!
They can’t make this game soon enough. How this company has managed to survive is amazing to me, especially not having a viable game for the computer. Love or hate Strat-O-Matic, at least they’ve gotten into the 21st century and offer a very nice computer version of their game. Come on APBA, there’s not much to “evaluate”. Just do it!
John R
This is exactly what I have been looking for!
I like the idea of the game and that it is basically the table top version on the screen. The stat keeping system is nice, but what about those of us who like keeping the stats. I wonder if this would eventually “phase out” the cards. Just like in a previous reply, I too love the cards and just fear that this would take away from the cards themselves. Overall, great job with the game and I wish you luck!!!
Guys
this is not the first version of the Basic Game to be converted into a computer game. APBA was offered the chance to work with this game and turned it down before. I do not know if the new owner (6 years now?!) has received the same offer. I can say that the Basic Game converted to dice is all I would ever want.
No postings on this subject in over 2 weeks. I sure hope that this idea hasn’t fallen on deaf ears at APBA.
I wrote an article in early 90’s in the APBA Journal about this kind of computer game where you can follow along with the cards and see actual Card & Board results.
Question for Cyrus…..have you gotten anywhere with APBA regarding this project?
Thanks for your interest, however nothing new to report at this time.
I haven’t played APBA in a long time but having a game like this would bring me back in the fold in a heartbeat. This is the computer age and I don’t undersatnd why they wouldn’t embrace an option like this. A game like this would be your best option to capture a younger group of new players. Having the option to use dice (for us older players) or go all computer is win, win option. I really dont understand why they are so far behind the times when it comes to offering a computer option that someone else developed in months not years. I hope they listen to us….
I’d like to be able to use either dice or computer to play games in order to get through a full season replay. The closest I have come is to use Ballstat/Ballscore to keep stats for my D&C replay which helps getting through a lot of games, but you still have to roll every game.
I wish you good luck and hope Mr. herson sees the light!
I like what you have done very much. This would seem to be a way to reach even more people.
Please keep us posted. I am very interested.
I just viewed the video on YouTube and really like what you have done Cyrus!! To me it brings me back to the old Dos version which we loved. I know the Game Co. is excited about the updated BBW and its ability to run on current Windows based computers. But good grief I know there I a market for this game and I cannot understand why the Co and its owner Mr Herson has not jumped all over this opportunity??? Makes no sense to me…
What’s the link to the Youtube video?
The link was taken down by me. It was not suppose to be public. My error.
If this treatment was given to the Hockey game. It would have no peers for a PC hockey game.
Yes, yes and YES!!! When and where can we obtain this????
My 2 cents: Is this game ever going to get an approval rating from APBA? Probably not since they seem to have a “vested interest” in BBW.
Sure wish APBA would go in a different direction such as this one. Tired of waiting for for a good computer game from APBA.
Sounds like there is some interest. I have become a BBW only player and don’t think I would have much interest. Good luck with it for those who are interested.
Nice job! Put me down as another who would purchase this, no doubt. If the user could put in “mail league”-type instuctions for autoplay, that would be a great help for replays! I went thru a BBW phase many years ago but got discouraged with the complexity of statmaster, draft, wizard, etc…and I was(am) very computer literate. Trying to make a league with teams from different seasons was a nightmare. In fairness I haven’t tried any recent versions of BBW, and maybe it is easier to use now…but I love the simplicity of your prototype.
This is how it should have been done from the beginning. Sure, BBW is a good game, but it’s not APBA. Never felt like I was playing APBA. The cards and the dice is what APBA is all about. Would love to see this, and hopefully progress into online capable.