Digital Download before Store Release

[Paul Vebber]

I'm pretty sure that the registration system that Matrix uses does not require the CD to be in the computer during play.

That's correct. No CD is required after install - same for boxed or DD.

[Serian]

ORIGINAL: Paul Vebber

I'm pretty sure that the registration system that Matrix uses does not require the CD to be in the computer during play.

That's correct. No CD is required after install - same for boxed or DD.

Great news! Thanks for providing the clarification!

[Grifman]

Just one more question:

Will this game be available as Digital Download?



Sorry, just had to ask.

This was the biggest whoppitydo over nothing I've seen in a long time.

[pompack]

ORIGINAL: Grifman


This was the biggest whoppitydo over nothing I've seen in a long time.

Amen! [:)]

It even put the WitP forum in the shade[:D]

[ravinhood]

What's "direct download"? [:D]

[Sonny]

ORIGINAL: Erik Rutins

...........................

We recommend the retail boxed version to everyone, ..............

.........................

- Erik

May we assume from this that it is more beneficial for you if we purchase the game retail?

[Paul Vebber]

May we assume from this that it is more beneficial for you if we purchase the game retail?

Doing well at retail will mean considerable exposure outside our tradional niche. That is crucial to the growth required for us and our developers to enjoy long term success. Also it ensures we have leverage to use the retail channel when we feel it appropriate. If a retail offereing does well at retail, we retain the option in the future. If it flops at retail, we have a much more difficult time attempting such in the future - teh chances fo expanding the niche go way down.

[Sonny]

ORIGINAL: Paul Vebber


Doing well at retail will mean considerable exposure outside our tradional niche. That is crucial to the growth required for us and our developers to enjoy long term success. Also it ensures we have leverage to use the retail channel when we feel it appropriate. If a retail offereing does well at retail, we retain the option in the future. If it flops at retail, we have a much more difficult time attempting such in the future - teh chances fo expanding the niche go way down.

May we assume this means "Yes"??[:D]

[mbatch729]

ORIGINAL: Sonny
May we assume this means "Yes"??[:D]

Never, ever, assume...That only leads to making an a$$ out of U and Me...[:D]

[HomeFries]

ORIGINAL: Paul Vebber

I'm pretty sure that the registration system that Matrix uses does not require the CD to be in the computer during play.

That's correct. No CD is required after install - same for boxed or DD.

Thanks for the info! I'll support you all in the retail environment.

[Scott_WAR]

Waiting patiently....ok I lied, waiting VERY impatiently for the day to come.

[Sonny]

ORIGINAL: mbatch729

ORIGINAL: Sonny
May we assume this means "Yes"??[:D]

Never, ever, assume...That only leads to making an a$$ out of U and Me...[:D]

Speak for yourself.[:D]

[SlapBone]

You should ONLY but Matrix games at full price though. If, in 4 months, you happen upon this game in the bargain bin just ignore it. If you buy the game for 1 penny less than $39.95 the Retail Contract Police will track you down and detain you while Paul Vebber beats you with a wet noodle and calls you "thief" until you cough up the rest of the dough.

[ravinhood]

Hehe, well he's gotta find me first.

[targul]

I am extremely disappointed. I will, of course, do the digital download as I have done in the past.

I do not have any problem with a boxed release that makes sense but to delay release to your regular customers simply to release a box is simply inappropriate.

I live in LA and have tons of computer game stores in my neighborhood. Not one actually intends to stock the item. That is Best Buy, Comp USA, or EB. They will special order them but sells of war games has never been adequate for them to put them on the shelves. This game will get no more display then any war game.

Therefore, there entire plan may look good on paper but in fact it does nothing. No one will see them so k\no one will know they exist. There is no in store publicity of the game. This plan has zero chance of success.

Boxed sets through on line vendors and digital downloads work but to convince the big boys you are in the market you need to create a demand. That means advertising. Printing a box is not advertising when it wont even be seen.

I doubt advertising will do much for them but at least letting potential additional buyers know it exists might be.

Anyway I have rambled long enough just thought you should know that other then harming the loyal download customers who dont cost you a box, manual or distribution to sell an item with little outside demand is dumb.

Targul

[Joel Billings]

I am surprised about your stores. Matrix told me of the pre-orders, and I know EB is buying a decent amount, as is CompUSA, and I think Best Buy was also on the list. I'd go back to the stores and check again and put in an order there. You'll get it just as fast and you'll get a printed manual that way.

[TheHellPatrol]

I live in LA (CA) as well and i have seen a bad trend for PC games the last two years. I have known gotten to know the EB staff very well these last 10 years or so and i have seen first hand how limited their inventory is when it comes to PC games, let alone wargames. Every business these days is downsizing, especially here in California, it is a sign of the times. Any time i want a PC game (or console for the kids) i simply order from EB's website, it's the only sure way to get what i want without standing in line for 30 minutes while some 19 year old dude spends the whole time on the phone telling his honey how "dope" last night was[8|].
That aside, putting WAW out there in stores won't have the impact it would have had a couple years back but you have to factor in the web-generated sales from potential customers shopping online. This could be big, and Matrix is wise in their decision, this is what we all need to "kick it up a notch (BAM)". Matrix is thinking ahead and we all should too, if they continue growing we will have more to look forward to. I'll be damned if i'm gonna play console wargames in 20 years when i'm 62[:-][;)].

[targul]

I didnt say they would not order it I said they are not stocking it. Therefore, no increase in sales.

Thanks but I don't want to wait for two weeks after the release for them to finally get me a copy I will stick with the proven downloads.

Good Luck on your plan but I am afraid it is doomed with failure because no one will ever see a box for sale.

Targul

[Erik Rutins]

Targul,

Pardon me for saying so, but cheer up please! [8D]

I believe you that your spot check of local stores turned up what it did, though I'm suprised to hear that. Nevertheless, I can assure you that it's not representative of those chains in general. All of those chains have submitted firm orders for stock of GGWaW, so they are definitely in. I know that we should have very good representation at Best Buy as well.

I think it's probably more accurate to say that they may not realize what the demand is in their local area unless they hear about it from customers. If you go in and place an order with them now, you shouldn't have to wait two weeks to get it - they should have it in on the release date or within a day or two after since they are buying the title at the national level in significant quantities.

With all that said, it's definitely true that retail is a much tougher place for PC games (even big, BIG titles) than it was five years ago. No one realizes this more than we do, but we feel that with the preparations we've made and the intense pre-release effort we've put into retail on this release, it will be a successful launch and hopefully the start of a new mainstream wargame series.

Regards,

- Erik

[Mark Carver]

I have gone the digitial download route in the past, but am going the retail way on this game. Why? To get the retail exposure of this game...