Subject: Sokker - big changes are coming!

We are pleased to announce that the terms of the Sokker investment agreement have been reached. The purpose of this agreement is to keep continuous improvement and work on further updates which has already started.

As per the agreement, the game is granted funds for further development and two new people join the group of owners – Raul and Mekene. They also join the group of game’s developers and give us support in project management, marketing and game design. Both of them know Sokker almost from its beginnings, therefore we are more than happy to have them truly engaged on-board, devoted to the spirit of the game.

The Sokker improvement plan involves the two-stage activities:
1. Securing the stability of the game in the case of Flash support expiration on web browsers. In the coming months, specific elements of the game, written in this technology, will be replaced. Starting with smaller elements, ending with the most time-consuming visualization of matches.
2. Upgrading the game significantly, which hasn't been done in recent years. We plan to implement couple of changes like adapting the game to the up-to-date reality and current standards, including both- enhancing interface, UX, graphics, but also the gameplay itself (additional options, changes and improvements to some of the current functionalities). Also, the entire back-end of the game will need to be rewritten and updated. The effective date of these changes will not come before the first stage of work is completed.

SK community will be kept informed as the work progresses. Meanwhile we are planning a wide review of implemented changes, remaining open to new ideas. Hope we can count on your support!
We strongly believe that this is a turning point in Sokkers history and the return to its best days.

Είμαστε στην ευχάριστη θέση να ανακοινώσουμε ότι έχουν επιτευχθεί οι όροι της επενδυτικής συμφωνίας Sokker. Σκοπός αυτής της συμφωνίας είναι να συνεχίσει να βελτιώνεται και να εργάζεται για περαιτέρω ενημερώσεις που έχουν ήδη ξεκινήσει.

Σύμφωνα με τη συμφωνία, το παιχνίδι έχει χορηγηθεί κεφάλαια για περαιτέρω ανάπτυξη και δύο νέοι άνθρωποι εντάσσονται στην ομάδα των ιδιοκτητών - Raul και Mekene. Επίσης συμμετέχουν στην ομάδα προγραμματιστών του παιχνιδιού και μας παρέχουν υποστήριξη στη διαχείριση έργων, το μάρκετινγκ και το σχεδιασμό παιχνιδιών. Και οι δύο γνωρίζουν την Sokker σχεδόν από την αρχή, γι 'αυτό και είμαστε πολύ χαρούμενοι που τους έχουμε εμπλακεί πραγματικά στο σκάφος, αφιερωμένο στο πνεύμα του παιχνιδιού.

Το σχέδιο βελτίωσης της Sokker περιλαμβάνει τις δύο φάσεις δραστηριοτήτων:
1. Εξασφάλιση της σταθερότητας του παιχνιδιού σε περίπτωση λήξης υποστήριξης Flash στα προγράμματα περιήγησης ιστού. Τους επόμενους μήνες, θα αντικατασταθούν συγκεκριμένα στοιχεία του παιχνιδιού, γραμμένα σε αυτήν την τεχνολογία. Αρχίζοντας με μικρότερα στοιχεία, τελειώνοντας με την πιο χρονοβόρα απεικόνιση των αγώνων.
2. Αναβάθμιση του παιχνιδιού σημαντικά, κάτι που δεν έχει γίνει τα τελευταία χρόνια. Σχεδιάζουμε να εφαρμόσουμε μερικές αλλαγές, όπως η προσαρμογή του παιχνιδιού στην ενημερωμένη πραγματικότητα και τα τρέχοντα πρότυπα, συμπεριλαμβανομένου και του διεγερτικού interface, του UX, των γραφικών, αλλά και του ίδιου του παιχνιδιού (πρόσθετες επιλογές, αλλαγές και βελτιώσεις σε ορισμένες από τις τρέχουσες λειτουργικότητες). Επίσης, ολόκληρο το back-end του παιχνιδιού θα πρέπει να ξαναγραφεί και να ενημερωθεί. Η ημερομηνία έναρξης των αλλαγών αυτών δεν θα προηγηθεί της ολοκλήρωσης του πρώτου σταδίου της εργασίας.

Η κοινότητα της SK ενημερώνεται για την πρόοδο της εργασίας. Εν τω μεταξύ σχεδιάζουμε μια ευρεία ανασκόπηση των εφαρμοζόμενων αλλαγών, παραμένοντας ανοικτές σε νέες ιδέες. Ελπίζουμε ότι μπορούμε να υπολογίζουμε στην υποστήριξή σας!
Πιστεύουμε ακράδαντα ότι αυτό αποτελεί μια καμπή στην ιστορία του Sokkers και την επιστροφή στις καλύτερες μέρες του.

επιτελους και ενα ευχαριστο νεο για το παιγνιο.βεβαια κατα την γνωμη μου το ''πουλακι εχει πεταξει'' που λεμε και στο χωριο μου..οι αλλαγες αυτες επρεπε να ειχαν γινει εδω και αρκετα χρονια..τοτε που υπηρχαν πολλοι περισσοτεροι χρηστες και υπηρχε μεγαλο ενδιαφερον..παιζω το sokker απο το 2008..απο αυτα τα χρονια που για ανεβεις ακομα και απο την Δ στην Γ υπηρχε και μια μικρη δυσκολια σαν αρχαριος..τωρα εχουμε μεινει ''λιγοι και ρομαντικοι'' μονο και μονο επειδη το συνηθισαμε ..παντως εστω και τωρα οποιαδηποτε αλλαγη και να γινει θα ειναι ευχαριστη εκπληξη..ελπιζω βεβαια να μην ειναι καμια αλλαγη οπως τοτε που εβαλαν τα 3D και ξενερωσαν σχεδον ολοι!

Dev. Diary 7: Season calendar - final voting

The game system – research

Three weeks ago, we asked you to complete a survey and share your comments on the proposals for the new competition calendar. Thank you for the extensive discussion. Many comments and new ideas were extremely helpful and some of them we included in the final proposal.

The winner of the survey is option 3 - a calendar based on increased number of teams in the league to 12 and 2 league matches a week. The calendar is completed by two further types of games - the International Cup (with group stage) and the National Cup. This option obtained over 60% of all votes and the choice of this option was supported by over 450 people. The results can be viewed at the survey link (we have just unveiled them for you). Here is the summary.




We are also pleased that only about 15% of users chose the option to leave the system unchanged – it shows us that you are open to see changes in the game.
At the same time, we know that some of you have submitted your own proposals on the Sokker Development forum as you were not satisfied with proposals 1 and 2 in the survey. We can see that these proposals have clarified into one fairly coherent alternative with 3 matches a week.
For this reason, we would like to introduce to you two final proposals for the vote.

Basic assumptions

Before you vote, here is some important information. First of all - we need to systematise the discussion because it is currently taking place at very different levels of generality - from the very general assumptions of the season, through the structure of individual types of competitions, to very detailed elements (such as promotions, relegations system, number of play-off matches, etc.).
At the moment, we are interested in the highest level of this discussion - mainly regarding the general system of matches (how many matches per week) and the number of matches in which we will participate, plus the structure of the league (how many teams in the league). These are the most important problems that we want to resolve first and then proceed to refining individual competitions or other, more detailed issues.
Therefore, when assessing two calendars, look at them primarily as a proposal for the number of matches per week and the number of teams in the leagues. We are still open to discuss the other elements (e.g. play-offs).

Other information relevant to your choice:
1. It is worth remembering the training system announced two weeks ago.
2. Elements related to the length of the season - will be adapted to the chosen solution (i.e. the length of the time of the injury, training pace, age of juniors, etc.) Try not to let these aspects of the game to suggest you anything when choosing your preferred system.
3. The graphics present "guaranteed" matches - those in which we will certainly play. Black frames additionally show where the next rounds of cups end. This makes it easier to assess the actual level of game intensity (remember that in cup competitions 50% less teams play at each subsequent stage).
4. Friendly matches can be placed in slots freed by cups, but they will lose significantly impact on training.
5. There was an interesting idea for a special "warm up" match which would be an alternative for teams not playing in the play-off, where the training effect would be similar to an official match. It will be considered but at the moment it is not the subject of the survey.

National Cup - is announced in the option presented a week ago, where all teams start playing in the National Cup and then the teams from the lower leagues have a chance to compete in the cups of individual league levels.

The International Cup - is announced in the initial proposal for further discussion - the cup combined with the group phase, which desire is to give each manager a certain number of guaranteed official matches, then the games take place on the basis of play-offs.

Cup discussions take place independently and are not subject to review in this survey.

Two system options

Option 1: (4 matches a week –> 12 teams in the league)
This is the winning line from the first vote, it remains largely unchanged. Its key assumptions are two league matches a week – they allow to increase the number of teams to 12 in each league.



Option 2: (3 matches a week –> league system unchanged)
This version is inspired by discussions on the Sokker Development forum. It is included in the 14-week calendar and maintains the league system in its current shape (one league match per week).




Summary:

From the development point of view, we consider both proposals to meet the requirements of our work on the development of Sokker. On the Developers' side, the preferred option is the first one, based on a system of two league matches per week. It seems optimal for us for several reasons:
1. Sets league matches as the primary competition guaranteeing two matches per week.
2. Cup games are additional challenges that enrich the game without creating too much training difference compared to those who drop out (10 available slots will be divided into fewer matches, but they can still be used).
3. Beginners starting the game during the season receive a team with two matches guaranteed.
4. We are shortening the season by 25%. It allows us to accelerate training slightly, while limiting the number of multi-divine players (thanks to faster aging).
5. It makes the main challenge of the game introducing young players to competitions mainly in league matches (giving you at the same time two matches weekly available), cup matches are an additional reward and expand the possibility of training rotation in several matches (we prevent one type of competition from being selected as "training").
6. Despite 4 matches a week, it does not seem too intense to us - remember the quickness of elimination from cup matches with subsequent rounds, only the best and most engaged players will play in such a number of matches.

Option two will require more work related to better matching of training bonuses so as not to give too much advantage to players who will play in cups longer than others (i.e. 3 official matches per week vs. one league), will also require adding bots to the cups (for a new player starting the game during the season to have a more interesting entertainment than just one league match per week). However, these elements are possible to address, which is why we present both options for discussion and assessment, understanding that regardless of which one will be chosen, we will have a significant change in gameplay compared to the current system.

Questionnaire

We have expanded the survey with several options that will allow us to better evaluate existing proposals.
In addition to the overall assessment of each of them and the choice between them, it is also possible to answer additional questions:
1. Preferred number of teams in the league
2. Number of matches per week
3. Playoffs (one match or rematch)
4. Inter-seasonal break or lack thereof
In addition, at the end we put a demographics questions that will allow us to better analyse the distribution of votes by country of origin, league level, experience, etc.

The game system – summary

The two proposed systems address many Sokker problems (of course not all, but this is a starting point for solving subsequent ones), give more emotions to all players, keep the important rule of assigning specific games to a selected day of the week. We hope that combined with information on training reform, changes will begin to appear more consistent and clearer.

Date of changes, method of implementation

Finally, we want to assure you – we still have a few seasons to play with the old game system. Changes require preparation and then detailed checking on the test server. We will not decide to introduce any new system until we are sure that all elements work in it, and at the same time it will give you time to think about tactics for the upcoming changes.

Increased game speed – tools

At the same time, given the greater number of matches per week, we will also develop a number of additional tools and improvements that will help you manage your teams faster and more efficiently, so that additional matches are not a problem. Works on the new interface and its improvements are underway, changes will be implemented, e.g. setting the squad for individual types of games, we will increase the reserve bench, we will allow to plan friendly matches in advance, and many more. Access to Sokker from mobile phones will certainly be significantly improved.

Εδώ μπορείτε να ψηφισετε -> Season calendar SURVEY

Πρώτη Εκδοχή
-12 εβδομαδες / σεζον (13 αν υπαρχει κενη εβδομαδα)
-12 ομαδες ανα ομιλο
- 4 παιχνιδια την εβδομαδα
- 2 αγωνες πρωταθληματος την εβδομαδα

Δευτερη Εκδοχή
-14 εβδομαδες / σεζον (15 αν υπαρχει κενη εβδομαδα)
- 8 ομαδες ανα ομιλο
- 3 παιχνιδια την εβδομαδα
- 1 αγωνα πρωταθληματος την εβδομαδα

και στις 2 περιπτωσεις θα υπαρξουν διεθνη διοργνανωση για ολους και και μια επιπλεον κατηγορια κυπελου για τις πιο αδυναμες ομαδες


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Υπαρχει και μια 3η εκδοχη στην ψηφοφορια, να μεινουν οι αγωνες οπως ειναι τωρα
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ναι σωστα απλα ανέφερα γιαυτα που απεικονιζουν οι εικονες
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Dev. Diary 8: The Game System - The Final Decision

The game system – research

Last week, we asked you to fill another survey and share comments on the two final proposals. Thank you for plenty of votes, comments and discussions. As the final result it turned out to be very tough to make final decision.
During the week we will publish more detailed report to share with you results in details and today's Developers Diary will focus on key conclusions and our decision.








Key conclusions from the study:

Option 1 won with around 50% of all votes, turning out as the most popular. Your second choice was option 2 with 35%. Enthusiasts of no change is 15%.
It is quite clear that we have two strong camps - it can be seen when we compare analysis of the assessed options - both proposals among their allies receive a maximum rating (7), while opponents usually do not like the opposite option rating it at the lowest possible level (1).
There are fears of playing 4 matches a week - half the number of users declared their willingness to play matches with such frequency than people voting for 3 matches a week.
The most definite results were where you voted on the number of teams in the country’s leagues - over 61% of respondents voted for the option of 12 team leagues and this was the most popular answer.
Greater extension of leagues rather do not get your approval - about 14% of respondents voted for 14 team leagues, about 17% for 16.

It is quite clear to us that with such divided votes it will be difficult for us to choose an option that is satisfactory to all but at the same time we have to move on with further work and make the final decision.

New game system

We are deciding to choose a calendar based on Option 1 but for now we are giving up the international cup (we are expanding leagues to 12 teams and introducing two league matches per week) - this means the frequency of 3 matches per week preferred by most of you. Only after implementing this system and getting to know what your acceptance is, we will be making further decisions about the possible addition of other games for all players (international).
Below is the final calendar.



Other information

Here are some additional elements / ideas that are important to us and may be relevant explanation of the proposed calendar.

Inter-season break - for now we do not want to give up the inter-season break. It seems to us a sensible pre-season week considering shortening the length of the season. It should be taken into account that this is a period of average attractiveness in the game (and slower training) so a special kind of friendly matches should be introduced for this period.
Warm-up matches - this is a special type of friendly match that will be possible to play during the mid-season break and play-offs only (for teams that do not take part in play-off). They will differ from the classic friendlies in training effectiveness - they will allow you to train your players in a similar way to official matches.
Structure of a number of divisions - currently the leading multiplier of common league levels is x4. In the new system of enlarged teams, we will be more flexible, and we will adjust league levels to the current situation in a given country, so as to ensure that teams of similar levels will play on the same league levels and the lowest level will be beginner friendly.
Enlargement of divisions and small countries (containing from a few to several users) - we agree that for small countries, enlarging leagues is not as attractive as for larger countries. But along with the changes, we plan to conduct intensive marketing activities that are also more focused on the markets where at the present a user base is the lowest. Thus, the problem should be reduced when we are recruiting new players. However, if this shall not happen - we will consider various ideas to solve this problem (such as ideas of merging countries into large groups).

Next steps

A new calendar will be introduced in 2-3 seasons, along with training reform. Preparation requires time spent on development but also a large number of tests and simulations to make sure that everything works together, and the game is well balanced.
We intentionally started presenting changes from these two elements (calendar and training) because these are the most comprehensive changes we have planned and consultations regarding those had to be performed first.
Once again, thank you for filling the survey, a large number of comments which finally contributed significantly to our decision in this regard.


Published on May 29, 2020

Συμπερασματικά

Μετα απο 2-3 σεζόν θα έχουμε νεα δομή

13 εβδομάδες / περίοδο (ταχύτερη κατα 20% από αυτή που έχουμε)
12 ομάδες / όμιλο (4 παραπάνω ανα όμιλο)
2 αγώνες πρωταθλήματος την εβδομάδα
1 διοργάνωση κυπέλλου για άλλες τις ομάδες + 1 επιπλέον για τις πιο αδύναμες
- κενή εβδομάδα ανάμεσα στις σεζόν όπου θα υπάρχει η δυνατότητα για κάποιου είδους αγώνες "προθέρμανσης"
θα έχουν παρόμοια επιρροή στην προπόνηση με τους επισήμους αγώνες, τέτοιους αγωνες θα μπορούν να παίζουν οι ομάδες που δε θα έχουν play ofFs
η διεθνή διοργάνωση για όλους αναστέλλετε από την αρχή των αλλαγών, οι αποφασίσεις γιαυτό θα ληφθούν πιο μετά

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Ενταξει για το φλας αφου θα καταργηθη,
αλλα στα πρωταθληματα και στις προπονησεις ειχε προβλημα το παιχνιδι?

Στις προπονήσεις οκ να προπονήσουμε 10 παιχτες αλλά 2 παιχνιδια πρωταθλήματος την εβδομάδα συν οι άλλοι αγώνες πάει πολύ.Προσωπικά θα κάνω ρεσταρτ την ομάδα και θα την φτιάξω απο την αρχή με αυτά τα δεδομένα

Ναι ενταξει,εγω λεω οτι τα τελευταια τα φτιαχνουν πρωτα παλι,αυτο ηθελα να πω,
η μηχανη φυσικα θελει αρκετη δουλεια,και ολο το τακτικο κοματι που χρειαζεται αναβαθμιση,
ε ναι αλλα αυτο ειναι το σοκερ,δεν κολλησα εδω περα ουτε για το πρωταθλημα ουτε για την προπονηση.
που δεν ειναι και τπτ σπουδαιο.
Σε κανα χρονο και βλεπουμε.
Αν δεν εχουν απογοητευτει παλι γιατι θα κανουν τοση δουλεια με μ...ες αλλα κοσμο δεν θα 'χει!

Να σου πω και εγω έχω ξενερωσει αφάνταστα και επιπλέον πολλοί κοιτάζουν να βγάλουν τα ψυχολογικά τους εδώ και βλέπουν φαντάσματα.Θα το δω απο τώρα και στο εξής πιο χαλαρά,εξάλλου ειναι το μοναδικό παιχνιδι που παίζω

Η ξενέρα έχει έρθει εδώ και καιρό. Τοσο πολύ, που ξεχνάω να βάλω και σωστη 11αδα...

Θα δείξει αν ξαναγινει revival του παιχνιδιου.

Μενουμε, μεχρι να φύγουμε...

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