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Dev. Diary 15: Sokker Graphic Design
In recent weeks you have had the opportunity to see the mock-ups of the new Sokker - they were only a map of functionalities, not a graphic design proposal. Works on the new look of the site have been going on for several weeks and today we would like to present 4 design propositions, which are an important step for us to continue working.
Please provide feedback on the new graphics, give us suggestions, and fill out the survey. We tried not to overdevelop it, so we are asking for answers to only a few key questions.
Published on July 17, 2020
Here you will find links to the 4 proposals:
Option 1: https://ibb.co/ZVK7pTB
Option 2: https://ibb.co/BZ2nKpW
Option 3: https://ibb.co/8cvr1vs
Option 4: https://ibb.co/Ptj9T40
In recent weeks you have had the opportunity to see the mock-ups of the new Sokker - they were only a map of functionalities, not a graphic design proposal. Works on the new look of the site have been going on for several weeks and today we would like to present 4 design propositions, which are an important step for us to continue working.
Please provide feedback on the new graphics, give us suggestions, and fill out the survey. We tried not to overdevelop it, so we are asking for answers to only a few key questions.
Published on July 17, 2020
Survey link
Here you will find links to the 4 proposals:
Option 1: https://ibb.co/ZVK7pTB
Option 2: https://ibb.co/BZ2nKpW
Option 3: https://ibb.co/8cvr1vs
Option 4: https://ibb.co/Ptj9T40
Dev. Diary 16: Flash - Work Progress
This week we would like to recap the status of work on in-game Flash. We have replaced the first few elements (T-shirts, kits editor, some charts, etc.), but there are still more elements waiting for replacement.
However, working through them is time-consuming - in most cases they are interactive elements, such as the tactics editor or match visualizations. Because of this, it takes more time, but still, work is in a quite advanced stage on most of the elements.
Tactics editor and player pictures are waiting for implementation in the coming weeks.
Work on the 2D conversion is underway - we can already show you the translation of the footballers' run animation into a new technology - you can check this out here (footballers run after the cursor, you can check how they behave - of course, the animation is accelerated). This conversion will be a temporary solution for the coming months (due to the end of flash support at the end of the year).
At the same time, work on a new visualization of the match engine was contracted - it will be straightaway prepared in two versions - 2D and 3D. It will include new, higher quality animations and a higher overall level of graphics. However, the work will last until the end of the year.
Published on July 24, 2020
This week we would like to recap the status of work on in-game Flash. We have replaced the first few elements (T-shirts, kits editor, some charts, etc.), but there are still more elements waiting for replacement.
However, working through them is time-consuming - in most cases they are interactive elements, such as the tactics editor or match visualizations. Because of this, it takes more time, but still, work is in a quite advanced stage on most of the elements.
Tactics editor and player pictures are waiting for implementation in the coming weeks.
Work on the 2D conversion is underway - we can already show you the translation of the footballers' run animation into a new technology - you can check this out here (footballers run after the cursor, you can check how they behave - of course, the animation is accelerated). This conversion will be a temporary solution for the coming months (due to the end of flash support at the end of the year).
At the same time, work on a new visualization of the match engine was contracted - it will be straightaway prepared in two versions - 2D and 3D. It will include new, higher quality animations and a higher overall level of graphics. However, the work will last until the end of the year.
Published on July 24, 2020
Dev Diary 17: New graphic design: results
This week we would like to share the results of the last poll with you, which was dedicated to the graphic design.
We collected almost 400 votes and decided to work on the two most popular directions and merge them into one, in two different themes - light and dark.
You can find find the results here:
And more detailed data for each one of two best projects:
Option 1
Ratings for the option 1
Option 4
Ratings for option 4
Please keep in mind, that those two proposals are the starting point for further work - we believe that there is potential to increase the visual quality even more. In upcoming weeks our designers will merge projects into one coherent line, and we will share it with you in the upcoming weeks.
We also started our work on the new illustrations, like player portraits, club emblems, or infrastructure. Portraits presented in the design proposals are our benchmark, but they need to be created from scratch in order to be used in the portrait generator (separate elements mixed together).
Published on July 31, 2020
Dev. Diary 18: A Short Summary Of The Further Changes
We are coming back this week with some information about the incoming changes.
We contracted an illustrator who started working on the illustrations in the game. We already have the first examples of new players' faces - it shows the direction in which we will prepare the illustrations for the character generator. Do not get attached to the presented pictures in the form of circles - the final form of the players’ images for the page view still needs to be refined.
https://i.imgur.com/fWA9IaL.png
At the same time, work is underway to improve the two graphics directions selected for further development. At the link below you can see the evolution of the first design (icons, fonts, buttons, and headers have been improved; the overall design has been refined). Parallel to this, work is underway to improve the second (darker) design.
Finally, we will decide to combine the best elements of both directions into one coherent idea, which will be implemented in two versions - light and dark.
https://xd.adobe.com/view/df6a16fc-0146-45c6-952e-c376ee32df9a-8a39/
Changes to the rules
It is a right for users to preserve the composition of their leagues and the identity of their land. At Sokker, we build the national leagues of any country for its natives and inhabitants. Users can only have a team in the country where they reside or in their country of origin. We monitor IP addresses from which users access Sokker to verify their residence. Sokker does not support the use of tools that can modify or hide users' real IP (I.e. TOR, VPNs, Proxies, etc.). These provisions have always existed in the game but to make them clearer and easier to understand the first chapter of the rules has been updated. Please read it and, if you feel affected by some of the stances described there, please contact the Sokker Staff. Our goal is to help all users to play Sokker with respect to the game’s spirit.
Published on August 07, 2020
We are coming back this week with some information about the incoming changes.
We contracted an illustrator who started working on the illustrations in the game. We already have the first examples of new players' faces - it shows the direction in which we will prepare the illustrations for the character generator. Do not get attached to the presented pictures in the form of circles - the final form of the players’ images for the page view still needs to be refined.
https://i.imgur.com/fWA9IaL.png
At the same time, work is underway to improve the two graphics directions selected for further development. At the link below you can see the evolution of the first design (icons, fonts, buttons, and headers have been improved; the overall design has been refined). Parallel to this, work is underway to improve the second (darker) design.
Finally, we will decide to combine the best elements of both directions into one coherent idea, which will be implemented in two versions - light and dark.
https://xd.adobe.com/view/df6a16fc-0146-45c6-952e-c376ee32df9a-8a39/
Changes to the rules
It is a right for users to preserve the composition of their leagues and the identity of their land. At Sokker, we build the national leagues of any country for its natives and inhabitants. Users can only have a team in the country where they reside or in their country of origin. We monitor IP addresses from which users access Sokker to verify their residence. Sokker does not support the use of tools that can modify or hide users' real IP (I.e. TOR, VPNs, Proxies, etc.). These provisions have always existed in the game but to make them clearer and easier to understand the first chapter of the rules has been updated. Please read it and, if you feel affected by some of the stances described there, please contact the Sokker Staff. Our goal is to help all users to play Sokker with respect to the game’s spirit.
Published on August 07, 2020
Dev. Diary 19: Overview Tab
While we were working on the new design of the website and user experience, we decided to create a new tab - overview. Its purpose is to collect key information for the manager in one place and make it available immediately after logging in. After implementing the new Sokker look, this page will be the first one we see.
Here you can see the mock-up for this page:
https://xd.adobe.com/view/cd353768-7ee6-4813-b032-a68f0b5d0772-9866/?fullscreen
Key functionalities:
Alerts - in the upper left part you can see a box of rotating messages - there are 4 notifications in the mock-up, the first of which informs of the lack of a set lineup for the next match. Notifications will assist in making key decisions - they will remind you to set up your squad, training, to arrange a friendly match, warn you if a player is unable to play, etc.
Calendar - we are adding a weekly timeline so that every player (including beginners) can easily check the events of any day in a week - those from the current day will be described in detail (e.g. Income from sponsors), but it will also be possible to go through the upcoming days of the week.
References to key information - on the start screen you will also find a link to the training report for the week, a box with a summary of the games in which you participate with redirections to details, the press room tab, and a summary of the club's trophies. Here you will also find information about your fan club and collected key data about your team (its value, average age, etc.)
Transfers - another feature that will appear here - in the form of a summary of the upcoming auctions that interest us. The full transfer list will be available in the transfers tab. However, you can already see a few improvements here - the ability to bid from the list (without having to enter the selected player) or providing key information about the player (age, value). It will also be possible to delete auctions that are no longer interesting to us. An interesting addition will be the number of players who follow a given auction.
We welcome any suggestions or comments regarding this view.
Published on August 14, 2020
While we were working on the new design of the website and user experience, we decided to create a new tab - overview. Its purpose is to collect key information for the manager in one place and make it available immediately after logging in. After implementing the new Sokker look, this page will be the first one we see.
Here you can see the mock-up for this page:
https://xd.adobe.com/view/cd353768-7ee6-4813-b032-a68f0b5d0772-9866/?fullscreen
Key functionalities:
Alerts - in the upper left part you can see a box of rotating messages - there are 4 notifications in the mock-up, the first of which informs of the lack of a set lineup for the next match. Notifications will assist in making key decisions - they will remind you to set up your squad, training, to arrange a friendly match, warn you if a player is unable to play, etc.
Calendar - we are adding a weekly timeline so that every player (including beginners) can easily check the events of any day in a week - those from the current day will be described in detail (e.g. Income from sponsors), but it will also be possible to go through the upcoming days of the week.
References to key information - on the start screen you will also find a link to the training report for the week, a box with a summary of the games in which you participate with redirections to details, the press room tab, and a summary of the club's trophies. Here you will also find information about your fan club and collected key data about your team (its value, average age, etc.)
Transfers - another feature that will appear here - in the form of a summary of the upcoming auctions that interest us. The full transfer list will be available in the transfers tab. However, you can already see a few improvements here - the ability to bid from the list (without having to enter the selected player) or providing key information about the player (age, value). It will also be possible to delete auctions that are no longer interesting to us. An interesting addition will be the number of players who follow a given auction.
We welcome any suggestions or comments regarding this view.
Published on August 14, 2020
Dev. Diary 20: Schedule - Mock-ups
Thank you for your comments so far, on the initial design and the mock-ups that we have presented. Many of the comments helped us to improve our ideas, add new options, or change the location of some elements (e.g. the trophy table will be moved from the overview tab to the view of each club).
This week we are presenting another view to you - the schedule. We will be grateful for any comments regarding this element of our work.
The schedule will be implemented in two forms:
List view - where we can see all matches of your team. The tabs segregate the content into lists of matches of the first squad and the junior team. Arcade matches have also been moved to a completely different tab.
Calendar view - where we can see the schedule of matches, but also icons of individual events in the game, such as training. You can easily get an idea of the timing of the upcoming matches using the calendar. The view is just a mock-up, hence the lack of colors - but individual types of games will be marked with different colors. Do not worry about marking the training on Tuesday - it is just a working icon, the training does not change, it will take place on Thursdays.
Both mock-ups can be found at this link (to go to the next one use the side arrows on the keyboard):
https://xd.adobe.com/view/07259a81-6525-42c0-8b8d-82ec0d178717-5276/?fullscreen
Published on August 21, 2020
Thank you for your comments so far, on the initial design and the mock-ups that we have presented. Many of the comments helped us to improve our ideas, add new options, or change the location of some elements (e.g. the trophy table will be moved from the overview tab to the view of each club).
This week we are presenting another view to you - the schedule. We will be grateful for any comments regarding this element of our work.
The schedule will be implemented in two forms:
List view - where we can see all matches of your team. The tabs segregate the content into lists of matches of the first squad and the junior team. Arcade matches have also been moved to a completely different tab.
Calendar view - where we can see the schedule of matches, but also icons of individual events in the game, such as training. You can easily get an idea of the timing of the upcoming matches using the calendar. The view is just a mock-up, hence the lack of colors - but individual types of games will be marked with different colors. Do not worry about marking the training on Tuesday - it is just a working icon, the training does not change, it will take place on Thursdays.
Both mock-ups can be found at this link (to go to the next one use the side arrows on the keyboard):
https://xd.adobe.com/view/07259a81-6525-42c0-8b8d-82ec0d178717-5276/?fullscreen
Published on August 21, 2020
Dev. Diary 21: Changes To The Season Break
Today we are presenting to you the status of work related to the off-season.
Introducing the possibility of playing friendly matches on Sunday (if we do not play an official match). This change therefore applies to the next Sunday, when some teams play the playoffs, and the next Sunday, which until now was a week off the any matches. We could only introduce the change after the Wednesday matches were played, hence its late addition. We encourage you to use Friday and Saturday to arrange friendly matches.
Merging the last divisions in individual countries - at the beginning of next week (after promotions and relegations), we will be merging the last divisions in terms of the number of leagues for countries where the occupancy rate at the given level is low. Depending on the number of users at a given level, the number of leagues will be reduced by half, or even four times in some cases. Of course, we will make sure that a certain amount of space for new users remains after all.
The junior’s league bug - the simple possibility of staying in the junior league by exploiting the game bug has now been fixed - but the problem with teams that had cheated in this way and returned to the league despite being placed in relegation has still not been resolved. We have several junior leagues this season with an additional team, or even with 2 more. We decided to move the teams manually according to the table order - so places 9 and 10 in the junior league will be moved to lower levels and the numbers of leagues will return to the correct value.
Published on August 28, 2020
Today we are presenting to you the status of work related to the off-season.
Introducing the possibility of playing friendly matches on Sunday (if we do not play an official match). This change therefore applies to the next Sunday, when some teams play the playoffs, and the next Sunday, which until now was a week off the any matches. We could only introduce the change after the Wednesday matches were played, hence its late addition. We encourage you to use Friday and Saturday to arrange friendly matches.
Merging the last divisions in individual countries - at the beginning of next week (after promotions and relegations), we will be merging the last divisions in terms of the number of leagues for countries where the occupancy rate at the given level is low. Depending on the number of users at a given level, the number of leagues will be reduced by half, or even four times in some cases. Of course, we will make sure that a certain amount of space for new users remains after all.
The junior’s league bug - the simple possibility of staying in the junior league by exploiting the game bug has now been fixed - but the problem with teams that had cheated in this way and returned to the league despite being placed in relegation has still not been resolved. We have several junior leagues this season with an additional team, or even with 2 more. We decided to move the teams manually according to the table order - so places 9 and 10 in the junior league will be moved to lower levels and the numbers of leagues will return to the correct value.
Published on August 28, 2020
Dev. Diary 22: The Season Break’s Summary And Mock Up Fixes
Last week, we made a few of the first gameplay changes. There were some complications, so we are presenting a summary of these actions along with the information about any errors that we had to correct.
Friendly matches during the inter-season break - starting from last week, it is possible to arrange friendly matches on Sunday if the team does not play an official match. However, it turned out that this option does not work if someone has an arcade match scheduled on the selected date. Hence our decision to remove the arcade matches scheduled for last Sunday and the next one to allow users to arrange friendly matches. At the same time, the bug has been fixed and it is not possible to arrange arcade matches on Sunday.
Merging the last divisions in individual countries - We have merged the last divisions in countries with more than 3 levels. The change went with complications, some teams had to be restored manually after the disappearance from their leagues (they were not assigned to any league for a moment), but right now, everything has been fixed, and the merged leagues are already working.
Youth league bug - The bug with the number of teams in the junior league has been fixed. The teams that took places 9-11 in last season have been removed from these leagues. Thus, all junior leagues currently have 8 teams, as originally planned.
We are also presenting a few improved mockups (the changes are cosmetic, but it's worth checking):
Team page:
https://xd.adobe.com/view/5f3a2456-43da-486e-7382-e867e1422a43-290b/screen/1861a9a5-3a96-4ff7-bdd3-80eaf86b9e08?fullscreen
Home page (after logging in):
https://xd.adobe.com/view/3cf4a5be-3f89-4703-b36c-e2d6dce78584-69a7/?fullscreen
Calendar and planner (you need to use side arrow keys to see all the views):
https://xd.adobe.com/view/07259a81-6525-42c0-8b8d-82ec0d178717-5276/
Published on September 04, 2020
Last week, we made a few of the first gameplay changes. There were some complications, so we are presenting a summary of these actions along with the information about any errors that we had to correct.
Friendly matches during the inter-season break - starting from last week, it is possible to arrange friendly matches on Sunday if the team does not play an official match. However, it turned out that this option does not work if someone has an arcade match scheduled on the selected date. Hence our decision to remove the arcade matches scheduled for last Sunday and the next one to allow users to arrange friendly matches. At the same time, the bug has been fixed and it is not possible to arrange arcade matches on Sunday.
Merging the last divisions in individual countries - We have merged the last divisions in countries with more than 3 levels. The change went with complications, some teams had to be restored manually after the disappearance from their leagues (they were not assigned to any league for a moment), but right now, everything has been fixed, and the merged leagues are already working.
Youth league bug - The bug with the number of teams in the junior league has been fixed. The teams that took places 9-11 in last season have been removed from these leagues. Thus, all junior leagues currently have 8 teams, as originally planned.
We are also presenting a few improved mockups (the changes are cosmetic, but it's worth checking):
Team page:
https://xd.adobe.com/view/5f3a2456-43da-486e-7382-e867e1422a43-290b/screen/1861a9a5-3a96-4ff7-bdd3-80eaf86b9e08?fullscreen
Home page (after logging in):
https://xd.adobe.com/view/3cf4a5be-3f89-4703-b36c-e2d6dce78584-69a7/?fullscreen
Calendar and planner (you need to use side arrow keys to see all the views):
https://xd.adobe.com/view/07259a81-6525-42c0-8b8d-82ec0d178717-5276/
Published on September 04, 2020
Dev. Diary 23: Club Facilities – Youth’s Academy
This week we have an announcement of a more comprehensive change - we want to expand the management of the junior team and introduce youth facilities in Sokker - infrastructures that can be expanded, and give various additional bonuses to our academies with higher levels. Still, it is "this for that" - larger facilities and an expanded football academy will raise the cost of maintaining the youth school.
We anticipate 4 different facilities that can be expanded as part of youth facilities:
Scouting department - responsible for the weekly number of juniors recruited, and can also unlock the option of acquiring foreign juniors. With higher levels, we will have a chance to have more juniors joining the academy in a given week (this will not affect the level of junior skills), but at the cost of increasing the price of maintaining one spot in the academy.
Levels are as follows:
1. Basic Scouting Network - Weekly Junior Growth 1-5
2. Local Scouting Network - Weekly Junior Growth 1-6
3. Regional Scouting Network - Weekly Junior Growth 2-6
4. The National Scouting Network - Weekly Youth Growth 3-6
5. International Scouting Network - Chance of Getting a Foreigner - 5%
Campus - determines the maximum number of juniors that we can have in our academy. Also, larger facilities increase the cost of maintaining a junior. The levels will be defined as follows:
1. Maximum number of juniors - 15
2. Maximum number of juniors - 20
3. Maximum number of juniors - 25
4. Maximum number of juniors - 30
5. Maximum number of juniors – 35
Analytics - allows you to effectively measure the progress of juniors and assess their level. This parameter will allow you to decide how carefully you want to track the progress of your juniors, where the basic level corresponds to the current rating system. The next levels will allow us to get closer to the previous system (the oldest users probably remember) which measured the progress of juniors with full accuracy. Of course, every next levels will increase the cost of maintaining a junior:
1. Basic level of junior evaluation
2. More effective measuring +1 jumps
3. More effective measuring +1 jumps
4. Suggested position for new juniors
5. Accurately measuring pops
Training facilities - depending on its level, we can employ a better training staff. Here, higher levels of facilities do not affect the maintenance of junior slots - greater cost will be incurred by employing a better coach. The expansion will allow us to hire a specialist with the maximum level - but it will of course be possible to use a weaker specialist or not have a coach:
1. Maximum Coach’s Level - incredible
2. Maximum Coach’s Level - brilliant
3. Maximum Coach’s Level - magical
4. Maximum Coach’s Level - unearthly
5. Maximum Coach’s Level - divine
Yes, trained eye of the users must have noticed the mention of divine trainers - this level of skill in trainers will also be introduced.
In addition to affecting the cost of maintaining one spot in the academy, the facilities will also require a one-time fee for their expansion. The fees will increase significantly with successive levels - on the one hand, to enable running of the academies even among beginners (the basic infrastructure will be within reach practically from the beginning of the game), on the other hand, the most advanced levels will come with a significant cost. We do not provide exact amounts due to the fact that it will need to be adjusted during tests.
Published on September 11, 2020
This week we have an announcement of a more comprehensive change - we want to expand the management of the junior team and introduce youth facilities in Sokker - infrastructures that can be expanded, and give various additional bonuses to our academies with higher levels. Still, it is "this for that" - larger facilities and an expanded football academy will raise the cost of maintaining the youth school.
We anticipate 4 different facilities that can be expanded as part of youth facilities:
Scouting department - responsible for the weekly number of juniors recruited, and can also unlock the option of acquiring foreign juniors. With higher levels, we will have a chance to have more juniors joining the academy in a given week (this will not affect the level of junior skills), but at the cost of increasing the price of maintaining one spot in the academy.
Levels are as follows:
1. Basic Scouting Network - Weekly Junior Growth 1-5
2. Local Scouting Network - Weekly Junior Growth 1-6
3. Regional Scouting Network - Weekly Junior Growth 2-6
4. The National Scouting Network - Weekly Youth Growth 3-6
5. International Scouting Network - Chance of Getting a Foreigner - 5%
Campus - determines the maximum number of juniors that we can have in our academy. Also, larger facilities increase the cost of maintaining a junior. The levels will be defined as follows:
1. Maximum number of juniors - 15
2. Maximum number of juniors - 20
3. Maximum number of juniors - 25
4. Maximum number of juniors - 30
5. Maximum number of juniors – 35
Analytics - allows you to effectively measure the progress of juniors and assess their level. This parameter will allow you to decide how carefully you want to track the progress of your juniors, where the basic level corresponds to the current rating system. The next levels will allow us to get closer to the previous system (the oldest users probably remember) which measured the progress of juniors with full accuracy. Of course, every next levels will increase the cost of maintaining a junior:
1. Basic level of junior evaluation
2. More effective measuring +1 jumps
3. More effective measuring +1 jumps
4. Suggested position for new juniors
5. Accurately measuring pops
Training facilities - depending on its level, we can employ a better training staff. Here, higher levels of facilities do not affect the maintenance of junior slots - greater cost will be incurred by employing a better coach. The expansion will allow us to hire a specialist with the maximum level - but it will of course be possible to use a weaker specialist or not have a coach:
1. Maximum Coach’s Level - incredible
2. Maximum Coach’s Level - brilliant
3. Maximum Coach’s Level - magical
4. Maximum Coach’s Level - unearthly
5. Maximum Coach’s Level - divine
Yes, trained eye of the users must have noticed the mention of divine trainers - this level of skill in trainers will also be introduced.
In addition to affecting the cost of maintaining one spot in the academy, the facilities will also require a one-time fee for their expansion. The fees will increase significantly with successive levels - on the one hand, to enable running of the academies even among beginners (the basic infrastructure will be within reach practically from the beginning of the game), on the other hand, the most advanced levels will come with a significant cost. We do not provide exact amounts due to the fact that it will need to be adjusted during tests.
Published on September 11, 2020
Dev Diary 24 - Game graphic design - update
This week we provide you the link to the newest graphic design proposal. In the last weeks, we tried to upgrade projects we presented before, and adjust them also for new illustration guidelines, based on new portraits and overall style. We are happy with the final result, new approach combines quality with clearness and easy data presentation, we would like to follow that direction. Probably it's still not a final version - in the next step, we will adopt it for few other page views and also a mobile version to make sure that the design works well in different configurations.
https://xd.adobe.com/view/df6a16fc-0146-45c6-952e-c376ee32df9a-8a39/screen/1652e37f-6978-4eae-a851-3afe07a840cd?fullscreen
As it was mentioned before - we focused on one view for now, but with the new graphic design, we will introduce also dark skin & retro one.
Published on September 18, 2020
This week we provide you the link to the newest graphic design proposal. In the last weeks, we tried to upgrade projects we presented before, and adjust them also for new illustration guidelines, based on new portraits and overall style. We are happy with the final result, new approach combines quality with clearness and easy data presentation, we would like to follow that direction. Probably it's still not a final version - in the next step, we will adopt it for few other page views and also a mobile version to make sure that the design works well in different configurations.
https://xd.adobe.com/view/df6a16fc-0146-45c6-952e-c376ee32df9a-8a39/screen/1652e37f-6978-4eae-a851-3afe07a840cd?fullscreen
As it was mentioned before - we focused on one view for now, but with the new graphic design, we will introduce also dark skin & retro one.
Published on September 18, 2020
Dev Diary 25: Work summary
This week we are asking you to read some information about a few areas of the work that are currently in our focus.
Flash technology
We almost have all the elements prepared for Flash replacement. Match visualization is still in progress, but even that part is 60-70% completed (as it’s the most complex and difficult part). Hopefully, in the upcoming few weeks, we will introduce them online, after some tests. We hope to successfully replace Flash until the end of November, so it’s even faster than our first deadline, set to the end of the year.
New interface – UX mock-ups of the starting page
We are still working on the new interface, so another few views are prepared. Below you can find the link to the Sokker main page, use right arrows to find also registration / login pages. The main page is an important point for the experience of new users, and that’s also the reason why we decided to make it a bit more modern and clean. We also decided to split the registration process into two stages, verification (using email or social media) & team creator.
https://xd.adobe.com/view/43904ee7-0c34-4df6-9b85-dccf9dc5f747-16c3/screen/32ff7126-8f14-4ef2-b049-8552c8ea6fd6/?fullscreen
Test server
We also almost completed test server preparation. Currently, we are tracking down a few technical issues and bugs to make it playable (match engine is still not working), and after that, probably in upcoming few weeks, we will ask users for help during the tests. First main task for test server is to check new game update mechanism, before it is implemented in original game.
Formal issues
We are also happy to announce, that after long months of legal preparation, Sokker is changing legal status for new company. Investment agreement is finally confirmed (maybe it seems like a bit late, but all formalities according to local law where quite complicated and time consuming). From users perspective there is only one important change – new data for PLUS purchases, in line with new company.
Payee:
Sokker Manager sp. z o.o.
ul. Barbórki 26, 04-511 Warszawa, Poland
Account number:
02 1140 2004 0000 3802 8036 1751
Published on September 25, 2020
This week we are asking you to read some information about a few areas of the work that are currently in our focus.
Flash technology
We almost have all the elements prepared for Flash replacement. Match visualization is still in progress, but even that part is 60-70% completed (as it’s the most complex and difficult part). Hopefully, in the upcoming few weeks, we will introduce them online, after some tests. We hope to successfully replace Flash until the end of November, so it’s even faster than our first deadline, set to the end of the year.
New interface – UX mock-ups of the starting page
We are still working on the new interface, so another few views are prepared. Below you can find the link to the Sokker main page, use right arrows to find also registration / login pages. The main page is an important point for the experience of new users, and that’s also the reason why we decided to make it a bit more modern and clean. We also decided to split the registration process into two stages, verification (using email or social media) & team creator.
https://xd.adobe.com/view/43904ee7-0c34-4df6-9b85-dccf9dc5f747-16c3/screen/32ff7126-8f14-4ef2-b049-8552c8ea6fd6/?fullscreen
Test server
We also almost completed test server preparation. Currently, we are tracking down a few technical issues and bugs to make it playable (match engine is still not working), and after that, probably in upcoming few weeks, we will ask users for help during the tests. First main task for test server is to check new game update mechanism, before it is implemented in original game.
Formal issues
We are also happy to announce, that after long months of legal preparation, Sokker is changing legal status for new company. Investment agreement is finally confirmed (maybe it seems like a bit late, but all formalities according to local law where quite complicated and time consuming). From users perspective there is only one important change – new data for PLUS purchases, in line with new company.
Payee:
Sokker Manager sp. z o.o.
ul. Barbórki 26, 04-511 Warszawa, Poland
Account number:
02 1140 2004 0000 3802 8036 1751
Published on September 25, 2020
Dev. Diary 26: Organizational Matters
Problems with payments for Plus
In recent weeks, we have received a large number of complaints regarding the dates of Plus activations - we are very sorry for the numerous delays, they resulted from the fact that we changed our legal status ( new company), changed bank accounts, and granted access to payment processing. We have now completed this process. Plus should already be accepted on a regular basis. On this occasion, we want to briefly recall our recommendations for purchasing subscriptions in the game:
1. We encourage you to use automatic transfers by external suppliers (DotPay, Skrill, PayPal) - for these purchases Plus is activated automatically, it does not require manual confirmations from Developers.
2. In case of traditional transfers from the local bank - Plus will be activated within 48 hours from the moment the funds are credited to the game account. Please remember that transfers can arrive after some time (eg due to the weekend).
3. If after 3-4 days from sending the transfer Plus is not activated, please report such complications in the thread "Plus problem" in Sokker International forum - or directly to Developers - Mekene and Raul. From the beginning of this month, they will be responsible for allocating Pluses paid in the traditional way.
We hope that payment problems will no longer arise and at the same time, we thank you for all the donations which will largely finance the further development of the game.
Formal matters
In addition to working on the next elements of the game, we are currently busy with work organization. Currently, a number of subcontractors are working on the development of Sokker, so we would like to share with you a list with the scope of tasks they carry out:
1. 2x front-end programmers - a team of two has started working on the new interface that you had the opportunity to see in mock-ups and preliminary graphic proposals.
2. 1x back-end developer - one person is currently working on the code for the game itself, which is being gradually rewritten to a newer version. This person also completes the test server setup.
3. UX developer - a dedicated person works on mock-ups that we publish regularly. Currently, after working out a few different views from the desktop level, he starts working harder on the mobile view.
4. 2x graphic designer - a two-person team of graphic designers is working on the finalization of the graphic design - you have already seen the initial proposals in previous journals.
5. 1x programmer specializing in Flash - finishes fine-tuning Flash elements that require replacement before the end of the year. Currently, most of the work is to convert the current match visualization to a newer technology.
6. Development studio - a separate subcontractor is working on a completely new match visualization which will cover the demand for 2D and 3D views in the next year.
7. Draftsman - at the same time, work on the illustrative elements is underway - the initial direction of the players' faces has already been presented, now more versions are being drawn to power the character generator.
Apart from the above team, of course, all 4 developers (Damian, Greg, Raul, and Mekene) also actively participate in the development of the game. As you can see, the scope of the work is very wide and multi-threaded, at the same time, in recent months, we have managed to complete all the necessary composition required to implement both assumed stages of development - 1. Flash replacement, 2. Game release after a general refresh.
You often ask us about deadlines, we also see signs of impatience in terms of the number of changes and the pace of the work. Please be patient and remember the original assumptions. Our goal for 2020 is a successful replacement of Flash - and here the deadline will certainly be met. At the same time, work on a general update of the game is already underway - there are still 2-3 seasons to implement this change, but taking into account the complexity of the entire project and the number of elements that require work - in our opinion, this deadline should be accepted positively. We do our best to implement the changes as soon as possible, but we also want them to be of quality and properly prepared.
Published on October 02, 2020
Problems with payments for Plus
In recent weeks, we have received a large number of complaints regarding the dates of Plus activations - we are very sorry for the numerous delays, they resulted from the fact that we changed our legal status ( new company), changed bank accounts, and granted access to payment processing. We have now completed this process. Plus should already be accepted on a regular basis. On this occasion, we want to briefly recall our recommendations for purchasing subscriptions in the game:
1. We encourage you to use automatic transfers by external suppliers (DotPay, Skrill, PayPal) - for these purchases Plus is activated automatically, it does not require manual confirmations from Developers.
2. In case of traditional transfers from the local bank - Plus will be activated within 48 hours from the moment the funds are credited to the game account. Please remember that transfers can arrive after some time (eg due to the weekend).
3. If after 3-4 days from sending the transfer Plus is not activated, please report such complications in the thread "Plus problem" in Sokker International forum - or directly to Developers - Mekene and Raul. From the beginning of this month, they will be responsible for allocating Pluses paid in the traditional way.
We hope that payment problems will no longer arise and at the same time, we thank you for all the donations which will largely finance the further development of the game.
Formal matters
In addition to working on the next elements of the game, we are currently busy with work organization. Currently, a number of subcontractors are working on the development of Sokker, so we would like to share with you a list with the scope of tasks they carry out:
1. 2x front-end programmers - a team of two has started working on the new interface that you had the opportunity to see in mock-ups and preliminary graphic proposals.
2. 1x back-end developer - one person is currently working on the code for the game itself, which is being gradually rewritten to a newer version. This person also completes the test server setup.
3. UX developer - a dedicated person works on mock-ups that we publish regularly. Currently, after working out a few different views from the desktop level, he starts working harder on the mobile view.
4. 2x graphic designer - a two-person team of graphic designers is working on the finalization of the graphic design - you have already seen the initial proposals in previous journals.
5. 1x programmer specializing in Flash - finishes fine-tuning Flash elements that require replacement before the end of the year. Currently, most of the work is to convert the current match visualization to a newer technology.
6. Development studio - a separate subcontractor is working on a completely new match visualization which will cover the demand for 2D and 3D views in the next year.
7. Draftsman - at the same time, work on the illustrative elements is underway - the initial direction of the players' faces has already been presented, now more versions are being drawn to power the character generator.
Apart from the above team, of course, all 4 developers (Damian, Greg, Raul, and Mekene) also actively participate in the development of the game. As you can see, the scope of the work is very wide and multi-threaded, at the same time, in recent months, we have managed to complete all the necessary composition required to implement both assumed stages of development - 1. Flash replacement, 2. Game release after a general refresh.
You often ask us about deadlines, we also see signs of impatience in terms of the number of changes and the pace of the work. Please be patient and remember the original assumptions. Our goal for 2020 is a successful replacement of Flash - and here the deadline will certainly be met. At the same time, work on a general update of the game is already underway - there are still 2-3 seasons to implement this change, but taking into account the complexity of the entire project and the number of elements that require work - in our opinion, this deadline should be accepted positively. We do our best to implement the changes as soon as possible, but we also want them to be of quality and properly prepared.
Published on October 02, 2020
Dev. Diary 27: Test Server & Works On New Visualization
Test server
A very important step in the development of Sokker is ahead of us - we are starting tests of the rewritten back-end code which has been updated from an archaic version from years ago to a newer one. Due to this change, it will be possible to start implementing new features in the game mechanics. The largest part of the code concerns daily updates that update the game in the morning. The new code has already been implemented on the test server and after initial tests in a narrow developer group, we will begin to expand the tester base.
Starting from next week, all admins will be invited to the tests. We assume that there will still be numerous errors related to the extensive interference from the old code, so we do not want to overload the server with too many testers at the start.
However, after fixing the first errors discovered within this group, we plan to open the test server for more users. The exact rules for setting up test teams will be announced along with the rules for using the test server, reporting bugs, etc.
The changes that have been introduced for now are primarily a refresh of the game code. There are still no new elements in there that are not included in the current version of the game (in other words, it is the same game, only the code behind it is a newer technology). But after the update is properly tested, we will implement the announced solutions to it.
New 2D and 3D match visualization
Works on the new visualization are also moving forward. It combines two view modes, 2D and 3D. The new version will only have one link to launch the match (not two, as it is now - separate for 2D and 3D). The whole visualization will be three-dimensional, but the default camera position will reflect the 2D one, which is the greatest advantage of the current 2D - a static shot of the entire pitch. To use the potential of 3D the user will have the option to change cameras during the match. It will also be possible, for example, to set highlights and watch them on cameras other than the main view of the match.
Currently, we have managed to fully translate the match visualization engine into Unity. The next step is to apply the right animations, textures, refine all elements, adjust the scale (e.g. the size of the players).
Here we are sharing with you a few screenshots of the ongoing works:
https://ibb.co/DtKNTX0
https://ibb.co/F7hQ6sg
https://ibb.co/rs8hgDM
Published on October 09, 2020
Test server
A very important step in the development of Sokker is ahead of us - we are starting tests of the rewritten back-end code which has been updated from an archaic version from years ago to a newer one. Due to this change, it will be possible to start implementing new features in the game mechanics. The largest part of the code concerns daily updates that update the game in the morning. The new code has already been implemented on the test server and after initial tests in a narrow developer group, we will begin to expand the tester base.
Starting from next week, all admins will be invited to the tests. We assume that there will still be numerous errors related to the extensive interference from the old code, so we do not want to overload the server with too many testers at the start.
However, after fixing the first errors discovered within this group, we plan to open the test server for more users. The exact rules for setting up test teams will be announced along with the rules for using the test server, reporting bugs, etc.
The changes that have been introduced for now are primarily a refresh of the game code. There are still no new elements in there that are not included in the current version of the game (in other words, it is the same game, only the code behind it is a newer technology). But after the update is properly tested, we will implement the announced solutions to it.
New 2D and 3D match visualization
Works on the new visualization are also moving forward. It combines two view modes, 2D and 3D. The new version will only have one link to launch the match (not two, as it is now - separate for 2D and 3D). The whole visualization will be three-dimensional, but the default camera position will reflect the 2D one, which is the greatest advantage of the current 2D - a static shot of the entire pitch. To use the potential of 3D the user will have the option to change cameras during the match. It will also be possible, for example, to set highlights and watch them on cameras other than the main view of the match.
Currently, we have managed to fully translate the match visualization engine into Unity. The next step is to apply the right animations, textures, refine all elements, adjust the scale (e.g. the size of the players).
Here we are sharing with you a few screenshots of the ongoing works:
https://ibb.co/DtKNTX0
https://ibb.co/F7hQ6sg
https://ibb.co/rs8hgDM
Published on October 09, 2020
Dev. Diary 28: Final Graphic Design
Today, we are pleased to present the final version of the new layout which we have accepted for implementation. Currently, we are presenting it in the club view but in the coming weeks, it will be developed in other, already designed views. The final version does not differ much from the one we presented a few weeks ago but we have refined a few elements (e.g. shading, vertical inscriptions, colors). What's more, we are presenting two basic views - light and dark layout, as these two directions were best welcomed in the surveys.
Light layout:
https://xd.adobe.com/view/0647534c-87cf-471a-a0de-8f04eaa40bb9-5314/?fbclid=IwAR2R9Jh0X_zEfidVEXc3dh9A7y9hoO8NrB3d47TYePqh58VaUe7TMMpPxdc&fullscreen
Dark layout:
https://xd.adobe.com/view/0647534c-87cf-471a-a0de-8f04eaa40bb9-5314/screen/483ee952-18e3-4c15-9b36-31abfb6e43b0?fbclid=IwAR2R9Jh0X_zEfidVEXc3dh9A7y9hoO8NrB3d47TYePqh58VaUe7TMMpPxdc&fullscreen
It will also be possible to combine different menu items and general view - this means that, as a part of personalization, the user will be able to use the light menu in the dark game view and vice versa.
Published on October 16, 2020
Today, we are pleased to present the final version of the new layout which we have accepted for implementation. Currently, we are presenting it in the club view but in the coming weeks, it will be developed in other, already designed views. The final version does not differ much from the one we presented a few weeks ago but we have refined a few elements (e.g. shading, vertical inscriptions, colors). What's more, we are presenting two basic views - light and dark layout, as these two directions were best welcomed in the surveys.
Light layout:
https://xd.adobe.com/view/0647534c-87cf-471a-a0de-8f04eaa40bb9-5314/?fbclid=IwAR2R9Jh0X_zEfidVEXc3dh9A7y9hoO8NrB3d47TYePqh58VaUe7TMMpPxdc&fullscreen
Dark layout:
https://xd.adobe.com/view/0647534c-87cf-471a-a0de-8f04eaa40bb9-5314/screen/483ee952-18e3-4c15-9b36-31abfb6e43b0?fbclid=IwAR2R9Jh0X_zEfidVEXc3dh9A7y9hoO8NrB3d47TYePqh58VaUe7TMMpPxdc&fullscreen
It will also be possible to combine different menu items and general view - this means that, as a part of personalization, the user will be able to use the light menu in the dark game view and vice versa.
Published on October 16, 2020
Dev Diary 29: Mobile first!
This week please find out our approach to mobile access. The new SK interface will be adjusted to mobile much better, than the current one. We will use PWA technology, to extend mobile functionalities, like app icon possible to pin up on your mobile screen, or access to the app store.
We just started the first conversions of desktop views to mobile ones, and today we can share with you our proposal of new training. In the link below you can find views that were already presented (desktop ones) but please use arrows (right/left) to move for another views – some of them are vertical, and they are dedicated to mobile.
https://xd.adobe.com/view/8f579f9b-ac2b-4b10-bd96-209398a9ac3b-da04/screen/4dad627e-4477-44a6-85a3-641e32ff7d52?fbclid=IwAR2_9e0F5LIuhS6ufoRjhFVAkzqejXZZBo5_zuMrpA7vYnoO4q2rRlPGIiM&fullscreen
You can scroll the page down, to see all information’s in each particular view (just make sure, that cursor is on the mock-up).
You can also check the mobile main page proposal, here:
https://xd.adobe.com/view/bb14f20f-7245-4fa8-a6b8-73fe9462dea9-ee47/screen/09fe94a3-f06b-463b-8464-e52b163cb2d6?fullscreen
Few more updates about current work:
1. Test server is almost ready to start. Currently, most of the admins registered their teams, unfortunately, we still face some issues that need to be fixed – but probably from this weekend, we will be able to start the first tests.
2. Upcoming weekend we plan to start flash replacement of tactic editor. If everything will work fine, next week flash will be removed from that part of the game.
Published on October 23, 2020
This week please find out our approach to mobile access. The new SK interface will be adjusted to mobile much better, than the current one. We will use PWA technology, to extend mobile functionalities, like app icon possible to pin up on your mobile screen, or access to the app store.
We just started the first conversions of desktop views to mobile ones, and today we can share with you our proposal of new training. In the link below you can find views that were already presented (desktop ones) but please use arrows (right/left) to move for another views – some of them are vertical, and they are dedicated to mobile.
https://xd.adobe.com/view/8f579f9b-ac2b-4b10-bd96-209398a9ac3b-da04/screen/4dad627e-4477-44a6-85a3-641e32ff7d52?fbclid=IwAR2_9e0F5LIuhS6ufoRjhFVAkzqejXZZBo5_zuMrpA7vYnoO4q2rRlPGIiM&fullscreen
You can scroll the page down, to see all information’s in each particular view (just make sure, that cursor is on the mock-up).
You can also check the mobile main page proposal, here:
https://xd.adobe.com/view/bb14f20f-7245-4fa8-a6b8-73fe9462dea9-ee47/screen/09fe94a3-f06b-463b-8464-e52b163cb2d6?fullscreen
Few more updates about current work:
1. Test server is almost ready to start. Currently, most of the admins registered their teams, unfortunately, we still face some issues that need to be fixed – but probably from this weekend, we will be able to start the first tests.
2. Upcoming weekend we plan to start flash replacement of tactic editor. If everything will work fine, next week flash will be removed from that part of the game.
Published on October 23, 2020
Dev. Diary 30: Welcome Page (Overview)
Some time ago, we presented you with the overview tab. It's a completely new tab that is supposed to collect all the key information related to running your club and to be a kind of team control panel. You will find it immediately after logging in to your account. Ultimately, the page will probably be configurable for your own preferences (you will be able to choose which elements you want to have at hand, and which ones to hide or move down the list). However, in the first approach, it will have the same appearance that it had in one of the previous Dev. Diaries:
https://xd.adobe.com/view/cd353768-7ee6-4813-b032-a68f0b5d0772-9866/?fullscreen
This week we would like to ask for your help in developing this page. We are especially interested in the first section that you can see on the website - notifications. Its goal is to create a place that will remind you of the key actions that you should take. The game will remind you of them, along with a link pointing to the right place.
Below are some examples of notifications:
1. The need to choose the line-up for the next match;
2. Training setting;
3. Hire of a coach;
4. Planning a friendly match;
5. Signing the contract with the selected coach;
6. Contracting a player from an auction.
These are only preliminary suggestions, and this is where our request for help comes in. We would like you to propose us some other possible notifications to make the game easier for you. Please comment on the Sokker Development forum.
Published on October 30, 2020
Some time ago, we presented you with the overview tab. It's a completely new tab that is supposed to collect all the key information related to running your club and to be a kind of team control panel. You will find it immediately after logging in to your account. Ultimately, the page will probably be configurable for your own preferences (you will be able to choose which elements you want to have at hand, and which ones to hide or move down the list). However, in the first approach, it will have the same appearance that it had in one of the previous Dev. Diaries:
https://xd.adobe.com/view/cd353768-7ee6-4813-b032-a68f0b5d0772-9866/?fullscreen
This week we would like to ask for your help in developing this page. We are especially interested in the first section that you can see on the website - notifications. Its goal is to create a place that will remind you of the key actions that you should take. The game will remind you of them, along with a link pointing to the right place.
Below are some examples of notifications:
1. The need to choose the line-up for the next match;
2. Training setting;
3. Hire of a coach;
4. Planning a friendly match;
5. Signing the contract with the selected coach;
6. Contracting a player from an auction.
These are only preliminary suggestions, and this is where our request for help comes in. We would like you to propose us some other possible notifications to make the game easier for you. Please comment on the Sokker Development forum.
Published on October 30, 2020