<!--quoteo(post=1775142:date=Jun 17 2010, 01:40 AM:name=Karba)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Karba @ Jun 17 2010, 01:40 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1775142"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=1775131:date=Jun 16 2010, 09:52 PM:name=Squeal_Like_A_Pig)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Squeal_Like_A_Pig @ Jun 16 2010, 09:52 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1775131"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--> You haven't seen any updates of the "alpha" because that wasn't the alpha. It was an engine test. We aren't updating and supporting an engine test.
The Dynamic Infestation that was shown in the video is still planned to be part of the game, and a big part.
--Cory<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<img src="http://delorean.tales-tra.com/_mrheston/temp/facepalm-icon.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /> <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> If you are reacting negatively, its my opinion that you are nitpicking. Dynamic Infestation will be a part of the game and a part of the alpha/beta as well.
depends you want the game polished or rushed. personally i want rushed even if theres bugs and crashes but thats just my personal opinion(also want it to be released on steam and everyone be shocked by its aweosmeones once it reaches V1.0)
I think it's pretty doubtful that it will be released this summer, given the number of staff and the mountain of work still left to do. I'm hopeful for an autum/winter alpha though :)
If i can't play before August, I won't be able to play the game at all until Mid December, possibly till May 2011... Still hoping Cory doesn't have to eat his words. 1 month and 20ish days left!
<!--quoteo(post=1775251:date=Jun 18 2010, 06:10 AM:name=Yragorn)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Yragorn @ Jun 18 2010, 06:10 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1775251"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->If i can't play before August, I won't be able to play the game at all until Mid December, possibly till May 2011... Still hoping Cory doesn't have to eat his words. 1 month and 20ish days left!<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
yeah thats the problemes with people having to focus on school. that's why having the game early summer would be great, myself wont be able to play much after september. So the idea everyone is giving them about releasing hallowing sucks ass.
<!--quoteo(post=1775268:date=Jun 18 2010, 03:49 AM:name=Paranoyak)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Paranoyak @ Jun 18 2010, 03:49 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1775268"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->So the idea everyone is giving them about releasing hallowing sucks ass.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I'm sure UWE is all too aware of the upcoming "anniversary"; a Halloween release is not some new, unique idea that someone on the forums made up last week.
My prediction is:
August (at the LATEST) - Alpha Then 2 months (probably Halloween) until the Beta Then 6 months until Official 1.0 release
They just have too much done on the game (per Cory's post a few pages ago) to sit on it until Halloween, much less 2011. It's not like everything has to be completely optimized, AND every feature completely implemented, every map completed, etc. in order for us to get the Alpha. Hell, I bet they could release a decent enough Alpha today if you somehow forced them to. I think it's crazy to say that we will be waiting another 4 months for the Alpha and not seeing 1.0 til 2012. Cra-zy.
<!--quoteo(post=1775291:date=Jun 18 2010, 11:52 AM:name=Rehnquist)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Rehnquist @ Jun 18 2010, 11:52 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1775291"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I'm sure UWE is all too aware of the upcoming "anniversary"; a Halloween release is not some new, unique idea that someone on the forums made up last week.
My prediction is:
August (at the LATEST) - Alpha Then 2 months (probably Halloween) until the Beta Then 6 months until Official 1.0 release
They just have too much done on the game (per Cory's post a few pages ago) to sit on it until Halloween, much less 2011. It's not like everything has to be completely optimized, AND every feature completely implemented, every map completed, etc. in order for us to get the Alpha. Hell, I bet they could release a decent enough Alpha today if you somehow forced them to. I think it's crazy to say that we will be waiting another 4 months for the Alpha and not seeing 1.0 til 2012. Cra-zy.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> This is a pretty logical time line but I have a hard time seeing a 6 month beta. Alpha->Beta is a much longer transition (because there is still physical development in-between) than Beta->Release which is usually just game play adjustments, correct? I mean Bungie only ran the Halo: Reach Beta for like what 2 weeks max?
I doubt the Halo: Reach beta you are referring to was anything like a real beta. Many games have promotional betas these days. I'd say that the BC2 beta was more of a real beta. It lasted a few months. There were some significant changes between it and the retail release regarding performance and balance. This is all just my opinion and based on 2nd hand info. I'd think that the NS2 beta could be 3 months easily.
<!--quoteo(post=1775298:date=Jun 18 2010, 11:34 AM:name=Lazer)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Lazer @ Jun 18 2010, 11:34 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1775298"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->This is a pretty logical time line but I have a hard time seeing a 6 month beta. Alpha->Beta is a much longer transition (because there is still physical development in-between) than Beta->Release which is usually just game play adjustments, correct? I mean Bungie only ran the Halo: Reach Beta for like what 2 weeks max?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
It depends. I actually forgot for a second that the Alpha is open to 95% of the pre-orderers anyway (95% are SE pre-orderers). I am just assuming/hoping that, taking into account that most pre-orderers will be involved in the Alpha anyway, the Alpha will be relatively short and will really help with performance (esp. crashing) issues then a nice, long 6 month "beta" will help build momentum/buzz and really polish the game for release.
It really doesn't matter to me how long UWE takes for Alpha and Beta testing until the game is released. As soon as the Alpha hits, I can start playing and with a playable game (in whatever form), alot of the "haters" or people who are generally apprehensive will pre-order and start playing as well. I really don't care how long the Alpha lasts, how long the Beta lasts, etc. because as soon as I start playing the Alpha- I'm good.
Right I'm sure the Reach beta <i>was</i> more of a promo. I just have a hard time seeing a beta lasting 3 times the duration of the alpha. That's what the wait for 2.01 will be for. Alpha is operational testing where when things don't operate correctly it is going to be more time consuming to fix. They are also usually deployed to a smaller audience because the bugs are expected to be much more obvious (some already pre-known issues). Beta testing is more so a complete game meant for catching little remaining bugs and getting feedback to further tweak game play. It is also usually given to a larger audience because they are more likely to catch all the little things.
Not sure if this is how it's planned to play out but that is what these terms actually mean.
EDIT: And Rehnquist I agree with you on most preorders being the SE orders in which case alpha release will be to a large audience anyway. Once it gets noticed that "hey we can play the game now" there will be a flood of people coming in (at which point it should hopefully be getting ready for beta status) and then the larger audience will be there to finalize everything but much quicker than most would think.
<!--quoteo(post=1775131:date=Jun 17 2010, 03:52 AM:name=Squeal_Like_A_Pig)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Squeal_Like_A_Pig @ Jun 17 2010, 03:52 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1775131"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->You haven't seen any updates of the "alpha" because that wasn't the alpha. It was an engine test. We aren't updating and supporting an engine test.
The Dynamic Infestation that was shown in the video is still planned to be part of the game, and a big part.
hell, 1 thing they could do is just zip up the models and animations and let us have a peak :) . And they can rush the initial release for all I care. From what I hear this is basically another gmod with all the wonderful lua and what not. Also from what i seen in the engine test, content can be created at a good rate. [<a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/index.php?showtopic=109276" target="_blank">X</a>]
I'm getting kinda tired of developers releasing games on an inflexible timetable with the "patch it later" mentality. Every FPS I've bought over the past few years has followed this pattern and as a result been a flaming turd. All the gamer gets is unending frustration and all the developer gets is an avalanche of complaints in their forum. The net result is enthusiasm for the game being quickly extinguished. Developers should set deadlines and have incentives for meeting them, but ultimately it is better to push them back rather than release with many known bugs, incomplete features and / or major flaws with game mechanics.
schkorpioI can mspaintJoin Date: 2003-05-23Member: 16635Members
<!--quoteo(post=1776223:date=Jun 27 2010, 01:59 AM:name=zen_)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (zen_ @ Jun 27 2010, 01:59 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1776223"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I'm getting kinda tired of developers releasing games on an inflexible timetable with the "patch it later" mentality. Every FPS I've bought over the past few years has followed this pattern and as a result been a flaming turd. All the gamer gets is unending frustration and all the developer gets is an avalanche of complaints in their forum. The net result is enthusiasm for the game being quickly extinguished. Developers should set deadlines and have incentives for meeting them, but ultimately it is better to push them back rather than release with many known bugs, incomplete features and / or major flaws with game mechanics.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> exactly.
once the reviewers are giving it 5/10 scores, no amount of excellent patches and fixes will bring the audience back.
<!--quoteo(post=1774924:date=Jun 15 2010, 01:27 PM:name=WarLover)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (WarLover @ Jun 15 2010, 01:27 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1774924"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Nope, no more refunds once you activate via steam.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> That's not true. You can get refunds even through steam. Search.
I think the mayans predicted the release of NS to be December 21st, 2012. End of the world? or End of the tyranny?
I love how everyone is so pumped for an alpha release. I've played alpha releases, and holy cow are they bad. If it could go wrong, it will, and even if you don't think it could go wrong it will still find a way to go wrong. The game won't be balanced at all either. Don't be so excited for the alpha. Alpha is just more testing. Getting it out there so we can break it, really, so they can fix it for beta. Be more excited about beta, since that's where the tweaking and fine tuning will happen. We'll have less breaks (but still some) and more balance. The game won't be polished until release, and even then it may not be completely polished for a month or two after released.
<!--quoteo(post=1776249:date=Jun 26 2010, 11:04 PM:name=Nyf)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Nyf @ Jun 26 2010, 11:04 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1776249"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I love how everyone is so pumped for an alpha release. I've played alpha releases, and holy cow are they bad. If it could go wrong, it will, and even if you don't think it could go wrong it will still find a way to go wrong. The game won't be balanced at all either. Don't be so excited for the alpha. Alpha is just more testing. Getting it out there so we can break it, really, so they can fix it for beta. Be more excited about beta, since that's where the tweaking and fine tuning will happen. We'll have less breaks (but still some) and more balance. The game won't be polished until release, and even then it may not be completely polished for a month or two after released.
Settle down folks. Sheesh.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
once the reviewers are giving it 5/10 scores, no amount of excellent patches and fixes will bring the audience back.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Although conversely missing the deadline can stuff the marketing campaign right up and that can cost a lot of sales as well. Not to mention you can't just pull more funding out of your arse so you don't always have the option of 'let's just push the date back'.
There are benefits and disadvantages to both approaches.
Are most people really that influenced by those scores in game magazins that get their money most likely not only from their readers ... ? Sometimes even I fall for some random hyped game so maybe it works, but most of the time it turns out that the mainstream game is ###### and the ratings don't help a ###### game, word of mouth will most likely kill it.
The Wolfire guys had some graphs on the sales of MW2, and it had a huuuuuuuge spike in sold copies directly after the release and it flattened to next to nothing only a week after (I'm not saying that the game sucks, but I'm sure this spike is achieved through spending 120 Million on marketing and most likely there wasn't much word of mouth involved).
So if you can make the sales spike a little after the release and even keep on growing thanks to word of mouth it would be way cooler.
<!--quoteo(post=1776258:date=Jun 26 2010, 05:44 PM:name=1mannARMEE)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (1mannARMEE @ Jun 26 2010, 05:44 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1776258"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Are most people really that influenced by those scores in game magazins that get their money most likely not only from their readers ... ? Sometimes even I fall for some random hyped game so maybe it works, but most of the time it turns out that the mainstream game is ###### and the ratings don't help a ###### game, word of mouth will most likely kill it.
The Wolfire guys had some graphs on the sales of MW2, and it had a huuuuuuuge spike in sold copies directly after the release and it flattened to next to nothing only a week after (I'm not saying that the game sucks, but I'm sure this spike is achieved through spending 120 Million on marketing and most likely there wasn't much word of mouth involved).
So if you can make the sales spike a little after the release and even keep on growing thanks to word of mouth it would be way cooler.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
This is definitely not correct.
MW2 sold 4.8 million copies in one day. 6 months later, it has 20 million copies sold. 15 million copies over 6 months is not only unbelievable, but it disproves sale dropoffs, unless you're just comparing it to day one sales, which is silly.
MW2 is the most successful video game in both earnings and speed of attachment. And it's a half a year old.
schkorpioI can mspaintJoin Date: 2003-05-23Member: 16635Members
<!--quoteo(post=1776275:date=Jun 27 2010, 03:20 PM:name=Slycaster)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Slycaster @ Jun 27 2010, 03:20 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1776275"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->MW2 is the most successful video game in both earnings and speed of attachment. And it's a half a year old.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> and it also sucks.....
its the most straight forward and one dimensional game i've played. its also incredibily over dramatised.
but there you go - people like sh!t, at least that is apparant when it comes to movies, music, technology - and now of course games (welcome : consoles).
<!--quoteo(post=1776275:date=Jun 27 2010, 07:20 AM:name=Slycaster)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Slycaster @ Jun 27 2010, 07:20 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1776275"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->This is definitely not correct.
MW2 sold 4.8 million copies in one day. 6 months later, it has 20 million copies sold. 15 million copies over 6 months is not only unbelievable, but it disproves sale dropoffs, unless you're just comparing it to day one sales, which is silly.
MW2 is the most successful video game in both earnings and speed of attachment. And it's a half a year old.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
MW and MW2 were succefull games because they were simple, straightforward, like to be in a war movie, and most important, they have great graphics and nice performance in almost every maintream PC.
<!--quoteo(post=1776281:date=Jun 27 2010, 12:14 PM:name=Karba)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Karba @ Jun 27 2010, 12:14 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1776281"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->MW and MW2 were succefull games because they were simple, straightforward, like to be in a war movie, and most important, they have great graphics and nice performance in almost every maintream PC.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I'd wager the PC sales were insignificant compared to the console sales.
The MW2 single player was quite epic. Linear or not, first time through feels like you could really be in that situation. Although I have a few issues with the multiplayer, it kept me playing a few months straight. If it wasn't for how the console 'clans' work (not well at all), and the approaching NS2 alpha, I would probably still play it regularly.
Not to turn this into a MW2 debate, but I hope the NS2 dev team is catering to a more user-friendly NS2 that's a bit less speed-oriented. I doubt NS2 will be out this summer, but I'd probably wager the Alpha is out within 2 months.
Dr. PepperJoin Date: 2010-07-01Member: 72217Members
<!--quoteo(post=1774924:date=Jun 15 2010, 03:27 PM:name=WarLover)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (WarLover @ Jun 15 2010, 03:27 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1774924"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Nope, no more refunds once you activate via steam.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Actually you can still get a refund through your credit card provider.
However, I wouldn't do it. For $40, I'm happy to throw in and wait for the game. I'm happy to test it. That's how much I love this game.
It's unfortunate that it's not ready yet, but what can you do. I just hope this game explodes and I can have some fun. :)
Dr. PepperJoin Date: 2010-07-01Member: 72217Members
<!--quoteo(post=1776326:date=Jun 27 2010, 03:18 PM:name=Slycaster)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Slycaster @ Jun 27 2010, 03:18 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1776326"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Not to turn this into a MW2 debate, but I hope the NS2 dev team is catering to a more user-friendly NS2 that's a bit less speed-oriented. I doubt NS2 will be out this summer, but I'd probably wager the Alpha is out within 2 months.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
No way man. Speed is what made this game fun. Slow and stodgey aliens would ruin the suspense, the caution marines have to exercise and the overall fun of playing a skulk or a fade. Leaping skulks were a blast to play, even more fun if you were paired with another alien who was as good as you were. If you were in synch together, it was a thing of beauty.
Blinking Fades were ok, although I would have preferred a more "teleportation" effect on it and maybe reduce the fade's overall health.
One of the things I'd like to see is what they implemented in Dystopia (another excellent HL2 mod), in which when more of the team is dead, the respawn timer creeps up. This would provide tactical reasons NOT to fight (a good idea IMO) and hold your ground. Of course, without an alpha and a testing platform, I don't know how well this would work.
Is there a general listing of what NS2 will look like and feel like?
Comments
[TROLL]Its not a joke dude, don't you know anything!?[/TROLL]
You haven't seen any updates of the "alpha" because that wasn't the alpha. It was an engine test. We aren't updating and supporting an engine test.
The Dynamic Infestation that was shown in the video is still planned to be part of the game, and a big part.
--Cory<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<img src="http://delorean.tales-tra.com/_mrheston/temp/facepalm-icon.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" />
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
If you are reacting negatively, its my opinion that you are nitpicking. Dynamic Infestation will be a part of the game and a part of the alpha/beta as well.
yeah thats the problemes with people having to focus on school.
that's why having the game early summer would be great, myself wont be able to play much after september.
So the idea everyone is giving them about releasing hallowing sucks ass.
I'm sure UWE is all too aware of the upcoming "anniversary"; a Halloween release is not some new, unique idea that someone on the forums made up last week.
My prediction is:
August (at the LATEST) - Alpha
Then 2 months (probably Halloween) until the Beta
Then 6 months until Official 1.0 release
They just have too much done on the game (per Cory's post a few pages ago) to sit on it until Halloween, much less 2011. It's not like everything has to be completely optimized, AND every feature completely implemented, every map completed, etc. in order for us to get the Alpha. Hell, I bet they could release a decent enough Alpha today if you somehow forced them to. I think it's crazy to say that we will be waiting another 4 months for the Alpha and not seeing 1.0 til 2012. Cra-zy.
My prediction is:
August (at the LATEST) - Alpha
Then 2 months (probably Halloween) until the Beta
Then 6 months until Official 1.0 release
They just have too much done on the game (per Cory's post a few pages ago) to sit on it until Halloween, much less 2011. It's not like everything has to be completely optimized, AND every feature completely implemented, every map completed, etc. in order for us to get the Alpha. Hell, I bet they could release a decent enough Alpha today if you somehow forced them to. I think it's crazy to say that we will be waiting another 4 months for the Alpha and not seeing 1.0 til 2012. Cra-zy.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
This is a pretty logical time line but I have a hard time seeing a 6 month beta. Alpha->Beta is a much longer transition (because there is still physical development in-between) than Beta->Release which is usually just game play adjustments, correct? I mean Bungie only ran the Halo: Reach Beta for like what 2 weeks max?
It depends. I actually forgot for a second that the Alpha is open to 95% of the pre-orderers anyway (95% are SE pre-orderers). I am just assuming/hoping that, taking into account that most pre-orderers will be involved in the Alpha anyway, the Alpha will be relatively short and will really help with performance (esp. crashing) issues then a nice, long 6 month "beta" will help build momentum/buzz and really polish the game for release.
It really doesn't matter to me how long UWE takes for Alpha and Beta testing until the game is released. As soon as the Alpha hits, I can start playing and with a playable game (in whatever form), alot of the "haters" or people who are generally apprehensive will pre-order and start playing as well. I really don't care how long the Alpha lasts, how long the Beta lasts, etc. because as soon as I start playing the Alpha- I'm good.
Not sure if this is how it's planned to play out but that is what these terms actually mean.
EDIT: And Rehnquist I agree with you on most preorders being the SE orders in which case alpha release will be to a large audience anyway. Once it gets noticed that "hey we can play the game now" there will be a flood of people coming in (at which point it should hopefully be getting ready for beta status) and then the larger audience will be there to finalize everything but much quicker than most would think.
The Dynamic Infestation that was shown in the video is still planned to be part of the game, and a big part.
--Cory<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--quoteo(post=1775142:date=Jun 17 2010, 07:40 AM:name=Karba)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Karba @ Jun 17 2010, 07:40 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1775142"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--><img src="http://delorean.tales-tra.com/_mrheston/temp/facepalm-icon.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /><!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
ROFL EXACTLY how I felt when I saw his post. Ahh picard... he needs to be hidden in every ns2 level.
exactly.
once the reviewers are giving it 5/10 scores, no amount of excellent patches and fixes will bring the audience back.
That's not true. You can get refunds even through steam. Search.
I think the mayans predicted the release of NS to be December 21st, 2012. End of the world? or End of the tyranny?
I've played alpha releases, and holy cow are they bad. If it could go wrong, it will, and even if you don't think it could go wrong it will still find a way to go wrong. The game won't be balanced at all either.
Don't be so excited for the alpha. Alpha is just more testing. Getting it out there so we can break it, really, so they can fix it for beta.
Be more excited about beta, since that's where the tweaking and fine tuning will happen. We'll have less breaks (but still some) and more balance.
The game won't be polished until release, and even then it may not be completely polished for a month or two after released.
Settle down folks. Sheesh.
I've played alpha releases, and holy cow are they bad. If it could go wrong, it will, and even if you don't think it could go wrong it will still find a way to go wrong. The game won't be balanced at all either.
Don't be so excited for the alpha. Alpha is just more testing. Getting it out there so we can break it, really, so they can fix it for beta.
Be more excited about beta, since that's where the tweaking and fine tuning will happen. We'll have less breaks (but still some) and more balance.
The game won't be polished until release, and even then it may not be completely polished for a month or two after released.
Settle down folks. Sheesh.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<img src="http://attrice.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/buzzkill.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
once the reviewers are giving it 5/10 scores, no amount of excellent patches and fixes will bring the audience back.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Although conversely missing the deadline can stuff the marketing campaign right up and that can cost a lot of sales as well. Not to mention you can't just pull more funding out of your arse so you don't always have the option of 'let's just push the date back'.
There are benefits and disadvantages to both approaches.
Sometimes even I fall for some random hyped game so maybe it works, but most of the time it turns out that the mainstream game is ###### and the ratings don't help a ###### game, word of mouth will most likely kill it.
The Wolfire guys had some graphs on the sales of MW2, and it had a huuuuuuuge spike in sold copies directly after the release and it flattened to next to nothing only a week after (I'm not saying that the game sucks, but I'm sure this spike is achieved through spending 120 Million on marketing and most likely there wasn't much word of mouth involved).
So if you can make the sales spike a little after the release and even keep on growing thanks to word of mouth it would be way cooler.
Sometimes even I fall for some random hyped game so maybe it works, but most of the time it turns out that the mainstream game is ###### and the ratings don't help a ###### game, word of mouth will most likely kill it.
The Wolfire guys had some graphs on the sales of MW2, and it had a huuuuuuuge spike in sold copies directly after the release and it flattened to next to nothing only a week after (I'm not saying that the game sucks, but I'm sure this spike is achieved through spending 120 Million on marketing and most likely there wasn't much word of mouth involved).
So if you can make the sales spike a little after the release and even keep on growing thanks to word of mouth it would be way cooler.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
This is definitely not correct.
MW2 sold 4.8 million copies in one day.
6 months later, it has 20 million copies sold.
15 million copies over 6 months is not only unbelievable, but it disproves sale dropoffs, unless you're just comparing it to day one sales, which is silly.
MW2 is the most successful video game in both earnings and speed of attachment. And it's a half a year old.
and it also sucks.....
its the most straight forward and one dimensional game i've played. its also incredibily over dramatised.
but there you go - people like sh!t, at least that is apparant when it comes to movies, music, technology - and now of course games (welcome : consoles).
MW2 sold 4.8 million copies in one day.
6 months later, it has 20 million copies sold.
15 million copies over 6 months is not only unbelievable, but it disproves sale dropoffs, unless you're just comparing it to day one sales, which is silly.
MW2 is the most successful video game in both earnings and speed of attachment. And it's a half a year old.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
MW and MW2 were succefull games because they were simple, straightforward, like to be in a war movie, and most important, they have great graphics and nice performance in almost every maintream PC.
I'd wager the PC sales were insignificant compared to the console sales.
I doubt NS2 will be out this summer, but I'd probably wager the Alpha is out within 2 months.
But it would suck to "have it done" by the time your old playerbase is in a retirement home unable to play your "done" game
Actually you can still get a refund through your credit card provider.
However, I wouldn't do it. For $40, I'm happy to throw in and wait for the game. I'm happy to test it. That's how much I love this game.
It's unfortunate that it's not ready yet, but what can you do. I just hope this game explodes and I can have some fun. :)
I doubt NS2 will be out this summer, but I'd probably wager the Alpha is out within 2 months.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
No way man. Speed is what made this game fun. Slow and stodgey aliens would ruin the suspense, the caution marines have to exercise and the overall fun of playing a skulk or a fade. Leaping skulks were a blast to play, even more fun if you were paired with another alien who was as good as you were. If you were in synch together, it was a thing of beauty.
Blinking Fades were ok, although I would have preferred a more "teleportation" effect on it and maybe reduce the fade's overall health.
One of the things I'd like to see is what they implemented in Dystopia (another excellent HL2 mod), in which when more of the team is dead, the respawn timer creeps up. This would provide tactical reasons NOT to fight (a good idea IMO) and hold your ground. Of course, without an alpha and a testing platform, I don't know how well this would work.
Is there a general listing of what NS2 will look like and feel like?