I agree with martin. Argueably the 8 ball pro game were never that popular in the first place, the new games are more popular simply because they are easier.

Edited at 20:45 Mon 22/01/07 (GMT)

Definitely agree with you regarding thier popularity being due to thier easier learning curve cool_dude.

It would be interesting to know the numbers though to evaluate the effects of the easier learning curve of the new games coinciding with the guest muting policy, compared to actual longevity.

(and no, i'm not trying to waffle with long words i honestly cant think of another way to put that!)

Martin - i'm not arguing with the stats, my point is the change in gameplay. Of course the good players from before are still gonna be good, but they can do that now by hit'n'hope as opposed to the more skillful play required before.

Never mind, we still have snooker if we fancy a challenge

Maybe it's time for us old timers to be put out to pasture spinner.My moaning is just plain selfishness,this i am well aware of.Just a question of waiting to see if boredom sets in for all the players of the new 8 ball and they join the exodus to play golf and tennis.

Well i'm happy to admit my motivation is down to 9ball being my real life game of choice and i'd just like to be able to playlike i do in real life..

Ach, maybe i'll adopt hit'n'hope at the club too

There has been a noticable influx of keen new players though, so its not all bad. Like i said, shove 'em on poolsharks. Please. I'd hate the world to have to endure me in tennis shorts...

Breakdown:

48.1% 8 Ball UK
23.1% 8 Ball
03.9% 8 Ball Pro
19.4% 9 Ball
05.5% 9 Ball Pro

Thanks Nick!

So i take it the pro games are moving to poolsharks?




I'd like to think there would be a place for them down the line as even more simulation orientated option but i guess it would be a lot of work for minimum play.

Even though i aint exactly a fan, well done on the new US games

Was there a big influx of signups after the guest mute?

Yes, the number increased by about 150% for a few days, even now it's 50% up.

However we don't use signup numbers to measure the success of the new games.

Pro tournaments are on less frequently now, only twice daily, to represent the breakdown closer.

i still prefer the 8-9 ball pro game's, even though my stats don't show it i play 8-9 ball more than pro version but, that is due to the lack of people wanting to play it you are lucky to see a game available to join, and if you create sometimes you can be waiting for a good 20 mins so i just play the new version because it is quicker and easier to find an opponent.

I see. I just accidently signed up for a non-pro 8 ball tournament, that would normally be pro at this time.
I only like playing 8-ball pro, so I think these new games stink. Like meko said, it's very hard to find people playing 8-ball pro games, and they cut the number of tournaments for it in half(and now they are cutting it in half again).

Edited at 06:31 Tue 30/01/07 (GMT)

Problem is you're in the minority. If 8 ball pro was more popular you would have no problems getting a game.

Currently 80% prefer non-pro games (judging by the user stats).

Edited at 15:34 Tue 30/01/07 (GMT)

pro games r the most challenging and fun in my opinion they r awsum i dnt play them the most but i think wen more ppl start getting happy wit there 8 ball n 9 ball rank they will start playn pro agen

That may happen to a degree, but i do believe thier would need to be more "difference" for that to happen.

I suggested earlier having the pro games more of a simulation, to provide a distinct step-up, but you still need an incentive.

(still working on that one!)

Even though it's hard to find 8-ball pro games, when the tournaments come around everyone comes out of hiding to play at least.

Now:
42.8% 8 Ball UK
25.5% 8 Ball
02.7% 8 Ball Pro
24.9% 9 Ball
04.2% 9 Ball Pro

Therefore the new games are more popular than the rest of the games combined (and doing much better than I expected!)

Goodbye pro us pool.

this is a very sad day for the pro games

*runs off and cries*

It's time the pro games took a walk. Theres rarely even one game on in them now. they are quite literally a waste of space.

It would be nice if there was a way of accessing the practice table from time to time like you can with the pool sharks table.

Things would be a lot better without the pro games in my opinion.

8 Ball
9 Ball
8 Ball UK

Edited at 10:52 Sat 17/02/07 (GMT)

you're wrong

That is the mmost intellectually challenged post I think I've ever seen. It should be framed with a little caption..

'sharp as a toilet bowl'