Pricing Hurting Sales?

Distant Worlds is a vast, pausable real-time, 4X space strategy game which models a "living galaxy" with incredible options for replayability and customizability. Experience the full depth and detail of large turn-based strategy games, but with the simplicity and ease of real-time, and on the scale of a massively-multiplayer online game. Now greatly enhanced with the new Universe release, which includes all four previous releases as well as the new Universe expansion!

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Algoritm
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RE: Pricing Hurting Sales?

Post by Algoritm »

Or it definitely shows that I'm not a native english speaker... or it definitely helps emphasize anyway, since it tends to make people want to point it out :D

Thanks for the correction, I had to use it several times to help my memory.
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Anthropoid
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RE: Pricing Hurting Sales?

Post by Anthropoid »

I've been a Matrix gamer for quite a few years. Distant Worlds is one of their best games. Based on my limited experience in the genre, DW is probably one of the best (if not THE best) single player space game available. And I do not yet own either expansion, so whomever is thinking "you gotta have the expansions" is not necessarily correct.

I don't recall what I paid for it, but I'm sure it was full price as it was purchased immediately after release. I was happy to do this as it supported one of my long-time favorite publishers and I got a quality game out of it.

Having said all that, I do hope that Matrix knows what they are doing and are actively thinking about pricing. The gaming market place has changed a lot in recent years and I hope that Matrix will continue to thrive and make great games for many years to come. So I really hope they and their developers are making plenty to stay in business and in fact grow.
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Ponicus
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RE: Pricing Hurting Sales?

Post by Ponicus »

I really have to give my opinion here on this, specially if the devs and publishers have a chance to read this, from a fan of the game.

I spend a lot of money and buy a lot of games. I also bought DW and its expansions when they had the bundle a while back. It still was expensive, even with the very meager discount. However, I believe myself to be the atypical gamer. I spend a LOT of money on games annually. As my primary hobby, its simply where I put my money. So I didn't flinch much because I do ok for myself and I am a life long gamer, specially of anything Space related and also of the 4x genre.

Been playing every game in this genre since Stars! on Windows 3.1. I think DW is one of the best 4x games ever made. MoO was the genre buster, but DW is the genre to its most complex yet refined.

Which is why its sad to see that it isn't being properly recognized and played because of its pricing and marketing strategy. They need to bundle the game and the previous expansions into a "Gold" version or whatever you may call it, price it at 49.99 (at most) or 39.99, and put it on Steam (while continuing to sell it on Matrix too).

Do this before you release the next expansion. By bundling and pricing more aggresively, you'll grow the install base of the existing game (not to mention grow the fan base), and then when you sell the expansion at it's normal price you will sell more of those too. Everyone makes more money!
Kulin
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RE: Pricing Hurting Sales?

Post by Kulin »

ORIGINAL: jpwrunyan

I am getting so tired of these stupid thread posts bitching about price.
If you think something is too expensive that is a clear indication that somewhere your brain believes it is not worth buying. And so probably you shouldnt buy it. You dont need to be a zen grandmaster to figure this out. But you do need a brain...

If you want to get your friends into this game but they say it is too expensive, maybe they dont want to play it. Maybe the rest of the world doesnt want to play it. Maybe people who do want to play it will buy it. Maybe people who dont have enough money to buy it will get a job or steal money so they can buy it. Or maybe they will just pirate the game. Maybe a company that sells games online for a living knows more than random dude on internet. Guess what I believe.

Heres a thought: next time you feel like posting about how the game is too expensive, dont.

I'm getting tired of fanboys, too. Its so cumbersome and exhaustung to even read your brain farts.

1. There is no Demo
2. It costs 80€
3. Reviews are very mixed.
4. Screenshots are butt ugly
5. Feature descriptions on the web are too rare to get a complete picture of the game
6. Its about 10€ cheaper in the US than in the EU. I hate to be ripped off, even if its only 10€.

All we have is the oppinion of fanboys like you. I'm sorry to say that: but this oppinion is complety worthless. It would be the same as asking a mujahedin if he loves Allah. He would kill you just for asking such a stupid question.

So:
7. We have only very few usefull reviews from sites with a questionable(or no at all) journalistic reputation.


So OF COURSE 80€(with all addons) for a game like this looks like too much for any reasonable person. Its like buying a pig in a poke. Not even a AAA game of the most expensive publishers - like mass effect 2 with all addons - did cost so much at its best times.

Its no matter of "pay if you think its worth the price". Its a matter of you can't be sure if its worth the price.

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towerbooks3192
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RE: Pricing Hurting Sales?

Post by towerbooks3192 »

Not a fanboy and I just got the game.

I am skeptic since I haven't heard about this game before and I accidentally stumbled upon it while searching for stuff about the legend of pegasus.

I must say that the price tag is scary AUD$80 but most games here for console and PC range from $70-$100 so I am used to shelling out more for games. Most AAA titles nowadays barely have enough gameplay.

This game is really great and its something that can't be explained by lets plays on youtube or reviews. Its something that should be experienced and it is unique and I have never seen a game that is close to DW ever in terms of scope and depth.

I never regret taking a stab in the dark and buying this one. The graphics aren't fancy but they are appropriate for this kind of game. I would also prefer this type of graphics paired with really really really deep gameplay and a game that would last me years!
et ignobiles oblivio
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mbar
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RE: Pricing Hurting Sales?

Post by mbar »

The graphics, thought 2D, can be charming. For example showing damage taken to ships or them slowly being constructed. Also it makes modding them easier. There are some advantages.[8D]
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Veloxi
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RE: Pricing Hurting Sales?

Post by Veloxi »

ORIGINAL: Kulin
ORIGINAL: jpwrunyan

I am getting so tired of these stupid thread posts bitching about price.
If you think something is too expensive that is a clear indication that somewhere your brain believes it is not worth buying. And so probably you shouldnt buy it. You dont need to be a zen grandmaster to figure this out. But you do need a brain...

If you want to get your friends into this game but they say it is too expensive, maybe they dont want to play it. Maybe the rest of the world doesnt want to play it. Maybe people who do want to play it will buy it. Maybe people who dont have enough money to buy it will get a job or steal money so they can buy it. Or maybe they will just pirate the game. Maybe a company that sells games online for a living knows more than random dude on internet. Guess what I believe.

Heres a thought: next time you feel like posting about how the game is too expensive, dont.

I'm getting tired of fanboys, too. Its so cumbersome and exhaustung to even read your brain farts.

1. There is no Demo
2. It costs 80€
3. Reviews are very mixed.
4. Screenshots are butt ugly
5. Feature descriptions on the web are too rare to get a complete picture of the game
6. Its about 10€ cheaper in the US than in the EU. I hate to be ripped off, even if its only 10€.

All we have is the oppinion of fanboys like you. I'm sorry to say that: but this oppinion is complety worthless. It would be the same as asking a mujahedin if he loves Allah. He would kill you just for asking such a stupid question.

So:
7. We have only very few usefull reviews from sites with a questionable(or no at all) journalistic reputation.


So OF COURSE 80€(with all addons) for a game like this looks like too much for any reasonable person. Its like buying a pig in a poke. Not even a AAA game of the most expensive publishers - like mass effect 2 with all addons - did cost so much at its best times.

Its no matter of "pay if you think its worth the price". Its a matter of you can't be sure if its worth the price.

Very well said.
Blackadar1
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RE: Pricing Hurting Sales?

Post by Blackadar1 »

ORIGINAL: Kulin
ORIGINAL: jpwrunyan

I am getting so tired of these stupid thread posts bitching about price.
If you think something is too expensive that is a clear indication that somewhere your brain believes it is not worth buying. And so probably you shouldnt buy it. You dont need to be a zen grandmaster to figure this out. But you do need a brain...

If you want to get your friends into this game but they say it is too expensive, maybe they dont want to play it. Maybe the rest of the world doesnt want to play it. Maybe people who do want to play it will buy it. Maybe people who dont have enough money to buy it will get a job or steal money so they can buy it. Or maybe they will just pirate the game. Maybe a company that sells games online for a living knows more than random dude on internet. Guess what I believe.

Heres a thought: next time you feel like posting about how the game is too expensive, dont.

I'm getting tired of fanboys, too. Its so cumbersome and exhaustung to even read your brain farts.

1. There is no Demo
2. It costs 80€
3. Reviews are very mixed.
4. Screenshots are butt ugly
5. Feature descriptions on the web are too rare to get a complete picture of the game
6. Its about 10€ cheaper in the US than in the EU. I hate to be ripped off, even if its only 10€.

All we have is the oppinion of fanboys like you. I'm sorry to say that: but this oppinion is complety worthless. It would be the same as asking a mujahedin if he loves Allah. He would kill you just for asking such a stupid question.

So:
7. We have only very few usefull reviews from sites with a questionable(or no at all) journalistic reputation.


So OF COURSE 80€(with all addons) for a game like this looks like too much for any reasonable person. Its like buying a pig in a poke. Not even a AAA game of the most expensive publishers - like mass effect 2 with all addons - did cost so much at its best times.

Its no matter of "pay if you think its worth the price". Its a matter of you can't be sure if its worth the price.


*bravo*
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Veloxi
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RE: Pricing Hurting Sales?

Post by Veloxi »

I love how many more folks I've convinced to buy the game now that the price has dropped, even if it's temporary. YAY! ;)
kosmoface
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RE: Pricing Hurting Sales?

Post by kosmoface »

That were exactly my thoughts back then.

80 Euros is steep, very steep in my case. I remember the feeling when I ordered online. I only thought to myself: If this is a bummer you lost a big bunch of money for nothing. I NEVER ever felt that bad when I ordered anything. I mean anything - not only games, because usually I know exactly what I get. In the end it was well worth it, but why did I have to go through these emotions?

Just release a demo or cut the price constantly. Make it easier to make an informed decision. I don't know why we as customers have to feel so bad BEFORE we buy, why potential customers don't get the chance for a really good 'hands on' beforehand.

It's possibly the only big flaw I see with Distand Worlds.
dlcooper
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RE: Pricing Hurting Sales?

Post by dlcooper »

I've been looking at this game for a while but the price always put me off. With the 33% sale, I decided to take the plunge and go for the game and both expansions. Been watching some Let's Play videos (Das24680 Can't post the link) and they really sold me on the game. Downloaded it last night and very much looking forward to getting into it. Tried out a few other games lately (Endless Space, GalCiv2, SOTS 1 and 2, Star Ruler) and this game seems to have a lot more depth than all those put together. The other games I have aren't bad, it's just that this game seems to have a lot more to it. The sale isn't that long, but hopefully more people that have been holding off will give it a try.
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WoodMan
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RE: Pricing Hurting Sales?

Post by WoodMan »

Welcome dlcooper [:)]

Das videos are brilliant by the way, I watched them a long time ago, very impressive!
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PhatFuel
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RE: Pricing Hurting Sales?

Post by PhatFuel »

I too have been a LONG time lurker and finally will purchase the DW series. A $60 pricetag for all three is much more palatable than the bloated $90--even if it's only for sale for 2 weeks. As such, I'll be buying two sets. So thanks there Matrix for listening to those of us late to the DW party [:'(]. Hopefully with future expansions, the pricing goes down further. I cant wait to start playing!

PS - Thanks to Veloxi for the alert on his blog about this belated sale! [&o]
Always remember to pillage BEFORE you burn.
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ehsumrell1
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RE: Pricing Hurting Sales?

Post by ehsumrell1 »

Welcome to the DW Forums and the game PhatFuel.

Nice signature by the way! [:)]
Shields are useless in "The Briar Patch"...
bryanhbell
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RE: Pricing Hurting Sales?

Post by bryanhbell »

I've been looking at this game for a while but the price always put me off. With the 33% sale, I decided to take the plunge and go for the game and both expansions...Tried out a few other games lately (Endless Space, GalCiv2, SOTS 1 and 2, Star Ruler) and this game seems to have a lot more depth than all those put together.

I'm in the same boat as you, dlcooper! I've been a Civ player for years and decided I'd like to try a 4x space game. I've tried GalCiv2, but it does seem a bit dated now and is no longer being developed. I've been looking at the various games in this genre and seeing that the genre seems to be lacking a modern game with adequate depth (that isn't also plagued with bugs). DW seemed to fit the bill, but that price! With the 33% off sale, I decided to make a move and bought DW with the expansions on Thursday. We'll see how it goes!
Bryan H. Bell
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ehsumrell1
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RE: Pricing Hurting Sales?

Post by ehsumrell1 »

Welcome to the realm of Distant Worlds Bryanhbell!

Hope you truly enjoy the game. Please feel free to post any questions, comments or
concerns here on the forum. There are many players, modders and the developers here
who will assist you if needed. [:)]
Shields are useless in "The Briar Patch"...
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Veloxi
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RE: Pricing Hurting Sales?

Post by Veloxi »

ORIGINAL: PhatFuel

I too have been a LONG time lurker and finally will purchase the DW series. A $60 pricetag for all three is much more palatable than the bloated $90--even if it's only for sale for 2 weeks. As such, I'll be buying two sets. So thanks there Matrix for listening to those of us late to the DW party [:'(]. Hopefully with future expansions, the pricing goes down further. I cant wait to start playing!

PS - Thanks to Veloxi for the alert on his blog about this belated sale! [&o]
AAwww, thanks for the shout out, and you are so welcome. I truly hope you love the game as much as I do. :)
bryanhbell
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RE: Pricing Hurting Sales?

Post by bryanhbell »

ORIGINAL: ehsumrell1

Welcome to the realm of Distant Worlds Bryanhbell!

Hope you truly enjoy the game. Please feel free to post any questions, comments or
concerns here on the forum. There are many players, modders and the developers here
who will assist you if needed. [:)]

Thanks. I must admit this community seems to be quite welcoming to newcomers. Very nice.
Bryan H. Bell
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PhatFuel
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RE: Pricing Hurting Sales?

Post by PhatFuel »

ORIGINAL: bryanhbell
ORIGINAL: ehsumrell1

Welcome to the realm of Distant Worlds Bryanhbell!

Hope you truly enjoy the game. Please feel free to post any questions, comments or
concerns here on the forum. There are many players, modders and the developers here
who will assist you if needed. [:)]

Thanks. I must admit this community seems to be quite welcoming to newcomers. Very nice.

Agreed! Thanks much for the warm-welcomes from the DW community!
Always remember to pillage BEFORE you burn.
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PhatFuel
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RE: Pricing Hurting Sales?

Post by PhatFuel »

ORIGINAL: ehsumrell1

Welcome to the DW Forums and the game PhatFuel.

Nice signature by the way! [:)]
Haha! Thank you for the warm welcome! It's my strat-game mantra alternative to the "scorched-earth" policy. [:'(]
Always remember to pillage BEFORE you burn.
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