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SirOmega

macrumors 6502a
Apr 17, 2006
717
12
Las Vegas
You could also give away the game for free for say a month, just to drive up the user base. Then after that you could charge a nominal fee, the idea being that it would then be worth it because you could find a lot of people online to play against.

Was your project originally designed to be player vs. computer, or player vs. player?

Originally it was a trainer, you vs CPU (well, 8 CPUs). And it is still the only bullet point feature I have over the Apple Hold'em, is that this is more along the lines of help-you-learn. The game would track the number of good and bad decisions you make (from a statistical standpoint, not based on the outcome or what the other players actually had). Just to help you play the numbers better.

The problem with running an online service is that its just that, a service. I have a day job (and a very nice one at that) and I cant just stop working for an hour or two to fix the matchmaking and other servers if it goes down. I could hire someone to do that, but people are expensive...
 

madmaxmedia

macrumors 68030
Dec 17, 2003
2,933
42
Los Angeles, CA
Originally it was a trainer, you vs CPU (well, 8 CPUs). And it is still the only bullet point feature I have over the Apple Hold'em, is that this is more along the lines of help-you-learn. The game would track the number of good and bad decisions you make (from a statistical standpoint, not based on the outcome or what the other players actually had). Just to help you play the numbers better.

That's actually pretty cool. I think you have a shot with that if you name your app 'Poker Trainer' or something along those lines (just more creative!), and really make sure you differentiate/beef up that aspect of the app. I think learning by playing (guided playing) is a lot better than say memorizing a bunch of various odds.

I play poker occasionally but like it. I've tried out computer games, but always get bored by them, and end up messing around to see what the computer will do if I go all in on a crummy flop, etc. Having a training aspect would make me a lot more interested.

The problem with running an online service is that its just that, a service. I have a day job (and a very nice one at that) and I cant just stop working for an hour or two to fix the matchmaking and other servers if it goes down. I could hire someone to do that, but people are expensive...

Yeah, developing the online part would seem to be even more complicated than the app itself.
 

McCarron

macrumors 6502
Feb 17, 2006
256
11
Omega that sucks, and I feel your pain. I was making a Poker game and had decided to stop and I'm glad I did. From what I can see, all Apple did was made an improved version of their iPod Texas Hold'em Application that came out last year.

I'm surprised there are not more Poker games in the AppStore today. I would also bet yours isn't the only one who didn't get in. Hopefully they open the floodgates for other developers after this weekend, that's been the rumor.

Best of luck, I'd still put it out anyways and try to out-feature Apple's version. I understand the online would be hard, that's part of the reason why I didn't do it.
 

irun5k

macrumors 6502
Jan 14, 2005
379
0
I spent three months developing a Texas Hold'em game myself for the iPhone, so to be kept out of the launch (I'm not one of the 4000) and then see Apple release their own Hold'em pisses me off something fierce.

Sorry dude. I feel your pain. This is one reason why I sat this round out. I figured, everyone and his brother would be developing apps in secret for several months, and I could very well duplicate someone else's work. And, worst case, the other guy gives his away for free.
 

Ryhian

macrumors member
Jul 8, 2008
85
1
Orlando, FL
Anyone have any decent reviews on this one yet? Pros and Cons? Also another person here who is wondering about the wifi playing is it local network or is there a central hub of online play?
 

ubersalad

macrumors 6502a
Feb 26, 2008
649
0
damn app will freeze on you non-stop! I have only been trying to load it twice, and both times they were stuck before I can start the game.
 

ubersalad

macrumors 6502a
Feb 26, 2008
649
0
But other than that, this is an amazing piece of looking game!!! you should see the graphics!
 

ConAim

macrumors newbie
Jul 10, 2008
22
0
It's on WiFi local LAN only. So it's not worth of money to get it since how offen do you see 5-8 persons together (with iPhone & ATT subscription) to play this game?
 

ubersalad

macrumors 6502a
Feb 26, 2008
649
0
I think this is absolutely perfect! If you want to play fake poker online, there are already a million such places. Heads-up poker or discussion of strategy can be done using iPhone now...I am actually quite excited and find this to be amazing!

Only thing is I wish we can turn off the animation...

I take that back, I guess you can by clicking on the corner.
 

kwjohns

macrumors 6502a
Jul 4, 2007
700
12
So can anyone confirm whether this is online multiplayer or just people within a specific wifi network?
 

SirOmega

macrumors 6502a
Apr 17, 2006
717
12
Las Vegas
It's on WiFi local LAN only. So it's not worth of money to get it since how offen do you see 5-8 persons together (with iPhone & ATT subscription) to play this game?

Its funny you mention that. At my last poker night, six of the nine players had iPhones on AT&T. The market is strong...
 

fluff

macrumors member
Jan 2, 2008
61
3
Works awesome for me!! Already won my first tournament! Love it! I think the multiplayer will be pretty cool as well....Cant wait for more solid apps such as this one...Biggest pot won is a measly $3,980....
 

STC

macrumors 6502a
May 14, 2008
537
6
Is this game called "Apple Texas Hold'em" or just "Texas Hold'em"?

I bought "Texas Hold'em" from the app store and this game rocks!! This is the best portable Hold'em game I've ever played!!
 

Xavier

macrumors demi-god
Mar 23, 2006
2,829
1,610
Columbus
I haven't had a whole lot of time to play but I have be able to win at the garage.

This is an awesome poker game :D
 

MacBoobsPro

macrumors 603
Jan 10, 2006
5,114
6
I built up $20,000 on the smaller casinos then went to one of the bigger ones and got my ass handed to me. Im now back to around $8500. My highest pot won is $6950. :)

So bloody addictive!
 

bbotte

macrumors 65816
Feb 11, 2008
1,204
27
USA
I played the small tables at first too (you have to) I played 1 game of Roppongi and won 125k, then played 1 table of Dubai, and got 5th, oh so close.... I lost on the a river card! "Apple River Hold Em"

Winning right now is: 48,250
Biggest Pot won: 23,485
Best Hand: AAA1010

games Played: 58
13% 1st
6% 2nd
10% 3rd

I lost one game with a "Nut Flush" to a Straight Flush, Flop was "7543 hearts" and somthing else, I paid just to see if the phone was holding the 6 of hearts, it was :)
 

pooryou

macrumors 65816
Sep 28, 2007
1,332
65
NorCal
I wish you could create ad-hoc games between iPhones without actually being on a network....does anyone know if this is even possible with the iPhone?
 

ejrizo

macrumors 6502
Jun 26, 2007
302
6
Los Angeles
I wish you could create ad-hoc games between iPhones without actually being on a network....does anyone know if this is even possible with the iPhone?

would be a great update... would have been great doing this as we were standing in line to watch the dark knight for a few hours
 

bembol

macrumors 65816
Jul 29, 2006
1,077
64
I love Texas Hold'Em and this is certainly worth $4.99


BTW, I just won the Tournament. :cool:
 
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