Post by Ancient Eternals on Apr 10, 2019 1:28:00 GMT -5
After careful consideration, we have decided to close down Azoptaos and cease any further development. This was a difficult decision, but we have both given our reasons below.
Azop started out as just a fun project with a small group of friends. We had almost no idea what we were doing, but we were having fun. It was through this messing around that I discovered my talent for programming. I had never seen, much less edited, any code before this project; now I’m studying software development and I’m able to make some money off of freelance programming. This whole endeavour introduced me to both a skill and a passion that I’ve been enjoying and learning more about ever since.
That being said, Azop has been stagnant for years now. We’ve done work here and there behind the scenes, but with the loss of our only two artists, we’ve basically been screwed. While a coder and a server host can make a server, it will not be a good one. Even if we were to fix up the models and release V2, we’d have nowhere to go from there. No new maps, no new critters, no new items. I could add new features, but features aren’t much without new content to compliment them.
It’s for these reasons that we’ve decided to end it. Azop had a great run, and we’re super appreciative of those who got on and enjoyed it with us. I still remember our opening day, sitting around in Haven waiting for people to join. I remember hosting Arena events, watching everyone running around, fighting, grabbing items. I remember logging on as different giant critter models and lagging everyone. All of these things were a blast, and I really miss doing them. I sincerely thank everyone who played our game, as it kept us going and meant the world to us.
On the same note, I’d like to apologize to everyone who was excited for the next update. Sparks and I really did work hard to try to make it happen, but we eventually decided against the idea of paying people to help - it really isn’t in the spirit of why we started this game - at least that’s how I see it. I apologize to everyone who made presets, who was excited for the new editor, who watched my coding progress thread to see what it would have to offer. I really did work hard on a lot of new features, and I was so excited to release them, but as I said, they really wouldn’t be fun for very long without any new creative content.
I truly hope you guys understand. I’m not sure if there are that many of you around anymore, but to anyone who has been holding out for us, thank you for your support and I hope you aren’t too disappointed. This has been a long time coming, we just haven’t really had the heart. Azop has a huge place in my life, even today, just in terms of all its done for me. I hope it gave you something too, even if that something is just a few hours of fun.
-Hyper, coder & co-founder
That being said, Azop has been stagnant for years now. We’ve done work here and there behind the scenes, but with the loss of our only two artists, we’ve basically been screwed. While a coder and a server host can make a server, it will not be a good one. Even if we were to fix up the models and release V2, we’d have nowhere to go from there. No new maps, no new critters, no new items. I could add new features, but features aren’t much without new content to compliment them.
It’s for these reasons that we’ve decided to end it. Azop had a great run, and we’re super appreciative of those who got on and enjoyed it with us. I still remember our opening day, sitting around in Haven waiting for people to join. I remember hosting Arena events, watching everyone running around, fighting, grabbing items. I remember logging on as different giant critter models and lagging everyone. All of these things were a blast, and I really miss doing them. I sincerely thank everyone who played our game, as it kept us going and meant the world to us.
On the same note, I’d like to apologize to everyone who was excited for the next update. Sparks and I really did work hard to try to make it happen, but we eventually decided against the idea of paying people to help - it really isn’t in the spirit of why we started this game - at least that’s how I see it. I apologize to everyone who made presets, who was excited for the new editor, who watched my coding progress thread to see what it would have to offer. I really did work hard on a lot of new features, and I was so excited to release them, but as I said, they really wouldn’t be fun for very long without any new creative content.
I truly hope you guys understand. I’m not sure if there are that many of you around anymore, but to anyone who has been holding out for us, thank you for your support and I hope you aren’t too disappointed. This has been a long time coming, we just haven’t really had the heart. Azop has a huge place in my life, even today, just in terms of all its done for me. I hope it gave you something too, even if that something is just a few hours of fun.
-Hyper, coder & co-founder
I'm not sure what else I can add. This is... probably the one of the hardest decisions I've been a part of. I love this community, regardless of the problems and problematic players we've had in the past. You guys are so amazing. I've had the honour of talking to some of you individually and getting to know you and honestly I'm so happy so many of you found Azop a fun and safe place to be in. I got to meet some of my best friends in real life because of Azop's existence and for that I will never regret going through all of the issues and heartache we've run into along the way.
As much as this hurts, it's the right decision. We're not high schoolers anymore just having fun; we're college kids trying to make it in the world. I'm currently unable to work a steady job due to health issues and we're well aware that running an IT server takes money if you don't have the skills already on your team. It was fine when we (the co-founders) were all in it together, however with the two of us left, we have to face facts. Even if we successfully found someone to fix our incredibly broken models, we would need to keep the updates coming, which is just not viable for us at this time.
It hurts to type this and I really don’t know how to thank you guys for sticking around so long. I am so sorry that you stuck around only for this to happen.
I love you guys immensely and will never be able to express my gratitude for you guys joining our little game enough.
-Sparkoo, server host & co-founder
As much as this hurts, it's the right decision. We're not high schoolers anymore just having fun; we're college kids trying to make it in the world. I'm currently unable to work a steady job due to health issues and we're well aware that running an IT server takes money if you don't have the skills already on your team. It was fine when we (the co-founders) were all in it together, however with the two of us left, we have to face facts. Even if we successfully found someone to fix our incredibly broken models, we would need to keep the updates coming, which is just not viable for us at this time.
It hurts to type this and I really don’t know how to thank you guys for sticking around so long. I am so sorry that you stuck around only for this to happen.
I love you guys immensely and will never be able to express my gratitude for you guys joining our little game enough.
-Sparkoo, server host & co-founder
The server itself will remain on until May 1st, 2019.
The forums will remain open until May 15th, after which it will be placed in maintenance mode indefinitely.
Please join us on the days leading up to the 1st and the 1st itself for spawn and drop parties.
On at least May 1st, Sparkoo will be on as much of the day as possible, spawning critters and giving item requests; pets as well depending on the request load.
While it's been a mostly quiet 5 years, we could not have asked for a better community.
The forums will remain open until May 15th, after which it will be placed in maintenance mode indefinitely.
Please join us on the days leading up to the 1st and the 1st itself for spawn and drop parties.
On at least May 1st, Sparkoo will be on as much of the day as possible, spawning critters and giving item requests; pets as well depending on the request load.
While it's been a mostly quiet 5 years, we could not have asked for a better community.
I'm glad I came back when I did though, I can save all my old work and say my proper goodbyes.
✓The most active player✓
