Digital Download vs. Origins

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ORIGINAL: Mr.Frag

You'll be better off sitting with the Manual open in a PDF reader and being able to search through it *while* you have WitP up on the screen. Never understood why people insist on killing trees when they can read it on screen with a good search ability too!

You'll be better off sitting with the Manual open in a PDF reader and being able to search through it *while* you have WitP up on the screen. Never understood why people insist on killing trees when they can read it on screen with a good search ability too!

It's hard to read a PDF file in the bathroom[;)]

[Mr.Frag]

It's hard to read a PDF file in the bathroom

Get a laptop! [:D]

[freeboy]

Frag,
Mental image of witp players using wifi (correct sp?) and laptops on trays walking like Zombies through life[:D]

[mjk428]

I wasn't planning on downloading or going to Origins; although now I'm actually thinking about it. But I'd hate to arrive in OH (from NV) and find out they've sold out.

Anyway, when can we order it? I'm quite surprised that it's not listed under "coming soon" at the store. I pre-ordered UV and had planned on the same for WitP but it doesn't look like Matrix is going to be taking pre-orders.

[freeboy]

mjk428,
No, It appears no preorders and no retail sales.. or for that matter chips and bits.. so you might save some gas money, and order next day air delivery if available after origins..

[mjk428]

ORIGINAL: freeboy

mjk428,
No, It appears no preorders and no retail sales.. or for that matter chips and bits.. so you might save some gas money, and order next day air delivery if available after origins..

This all seems a little strange to me. Paying $70 for a download goes completely against the grain. It's not the money, it's just that for $70 I should get something I can put my hands on. I wanted to place my pre-order and then not think about it until I was overjoyed by its arrival.

It's also strange to me that this information isn't easily found when a game is this close to completion. It shouldn't be a chore to acquire something you're more than willing to pay top dollar for.

I realize this may all be because of Origins and that by July 1st this will have sorted itself out. I sure hope so.

[jnier]

I think for most people, getting the game by digital download is much less of a chore than having to wait for the UPS guy. [:)]

[kev_uk]

ORIGINAL: jnier

I think for most people, getting the game by digital download is much less of a chore than having to wait for the UPS guy. [:)]

Yup, as well as the wait being negated for folks in other parts of the world...I think its a great descision.

[Xargun]

I for one am going to Origins (I live just outside Columbus) for the sole purpose of buying WitP. The $70 for the game. plus the price of a map (if they have them for sale then), $10 or so for the ticket to get in and the $20 in gas is not even a consideration. I have waited far too long for this game for a little thing like $100 to stand between me and WitP...

I already have 1 PBeM setup and may be buying a copy for him and overnighting it to him - depends on how long he wants to wait for DD. I may be able to pick up a few other copies for those who live to far away and have a crappy dialup connection like me.. But only people seriously interested need to email me. So if you live in East Bumblef*** and have a 56k dialup and want the game asap, email me and we'll talk. I do not plan on buying tons of extra copies, so if you are interested email me quick..

Xargun

email: sireric_69@yahoo.com

[mjk428]

ORIGINAL: jnier

I think for most people, getting the game by digital download is much less of a chore than having to wait for the UPS guy. [:)]

You're mixing two issues. My problem with the digital download is not having something tangible in my hands after the purchase. I'm also concerned that should there be an error that's no fault of mine, I have no idea what protections are in place to ensure that I will actually get what I paid for.

OTOH, the chore is getting info on the available methods of purchase on a game that is supposedly a couple of weeks away from being released. I go to the official website and this is what I get:

WitP is under development and not available for purchase or preorder yet.

That would indicate to me that it will be available for preorder at some point; which I would think would have to be pretty soon. Now, thanks to the forum, I'm told there will be no pre-orders.

It seems to me that logically the purchasing options should be such that they encourage buyers rather than force them into a choice they don't like.

Again, if this can all be chalked up to last minute confusion preparing for Origins, I completely understand. I just want to know what my options will be and if necessary I will choose the lesser of the two evils.

[mjk428]

ORIGINAL: kev_uk

ORIGINAL: jnier

I think for most people, getting the game by digital download is much less of a chore than having to wait for the UPS guy. [:)]

Yup, as well as the wait being negated for folks in other parts of the world...I think its a great descision.

I think it's great that digital download will be available for people that want to use that option. It's just not my preferred choice; and as of now, the only other choice seems to be going to Origins.

[dwesolick]

My understanding (from reading posts by Matrix brass the way economists must read statements by Alan Greenspan---checking all the subtle nuances and variations in tone, emphasis etc) is that DD will be available some days after Origins and then order by mail will go into effect sometime after that. So, by mid-July(??) you should be able to either download or order by mail...your choice.

Matrix can correct any of the above if it is in error[:)].

[Mike Wood]

Hello...

We will be as accomodating as needed.

Bye...

Michael Wood

ORIGINAL: dwesolick

My understanding (from reading posts by Matrix brass the way economists must read statements by Alan Greenspan---checking all the subtle nuances and variations in tone, emphasis etc) is that DD will be available some days after Origins and then order by mail will go into effect sometime after that. So, by mid-July(??) you should be able to either download or order by mail...your choice.

Matrix can correct any of the above if it is in error[:)].

[Marc von Martial]

It seems to me that logically the purchasing options should be such that they encourage buyers rather than force them into a choice they don't like.

Your options are to either download it directly or select or "CD on demand" option once you purchase the game. That way you will get a physically copy shipped to you (you can still download also if you like). And the other option is to visit us at Origins [;)]

[Marc von Martial]

ORIGINAL: mjk428

ORIGINAL: kev_uk

ORIGINAL: jnier

I think for most people, getting the game by digital download is much less of a chore than having to wait for the UPS guy. [:)]

Yup, as well as the wait being negated for folks in other parts of the world...I think its a great descision.

I think it's great that digital download will be available for people that want to use that option. It's just not my preferred choice; and as of now, the only other choice seems to be going to Origins.

Wrong, since all of the games we offer as digital download also have a "CD on demand" option available. Meaning that when the game gets released in our E-Store you can either download the minute you buy it or select the CD on demand option and have it shipped to you (and still be able to download if you wish).

[mjk428]

ORIGINAL: Marc Schwanebeck

Wrong, since all of the games we offer as digital download also have a "CD on demand" option available. Meaning that when the game gets released in our E-Store you can either download the minute you buy it or select the CD on demand option and have it shipped to you (and still be able to download if you wish).

I'm glad I'm wrong but the only way I was able to verify this and see how much it would cost was to go through the order process for some random product at the store and then not go through with the transaction. The "CD on demand" option costs another $10 bucks, so it's not really "on demand" as much as "available". I apparently would also have the option of purchasing "download insurance", which rather than being assuring, is actually a bit disturbing. For $70 I would expect my download to be "insured".

I don't know who came up with this marketing scheme but I'd suggest they go back to the drawing board. Many people have never bought anything by digital download and are likely to balk at paying extra just to get a hard copy. The purchasing options and lack of info on them in the appropriate places come off pretty crappy to me.

A scenario disk for Korsun Pocket makes a wonderful candidate for digital download. A monster wargame does not IMO.

[Mr.Frag]

I apparently would also have the option of purchasing "download insurance", which rather than being assuring, is actually a bit disturbing. For $70 I would expect my download to be "insured".

"What is Extended Download Service?"

"Protect your purchase with Extended Download Service. We will keep a back-up copy of your digital file should you need to re-download it for any reason. This service will enable you to make multiple downloads of digital computer software products purchased in a single order and downloaded from this website for a period of two (2) years after the date of purchase."

That means that should you crash your machine in the next two years and have been too lazy to make a backup during all that time you can download the game *again*. Find any other company that will offer to replace your game for two years after you get it. Good luck!

[kaleun]

That's actually why I will get the CD in addition to the DD. (I never backup my hard drive)
I know; it takes too long.

[mjk428]

ORIGINAL: Mr.Frag

I apparently would also have the option of purchasing "download insurance", which rather than being assuring, is actually a bit disturbing. For $70 I would expect my download to be "insured".

"What is Extended Download Service?"

"Protect your purchase with Extended Download Service. We will keep a back-up copy of your digital file should you need to re-download it for any reason. This service will enable you to make multiple downloads of digital computer software products purchased in a single order and downloaded from this website for a period of two (2) years after the date of purchase."

That means that should you crash your machine in the next two years and have been too lazy to make a backup during all that time you can download the game *again*. Find any other company that will offer to replace your game for two years after you get it. Good luck!

As you say, it's easy enough to make a backup myself so big deal.

I don't know if "Extended Download Service" is the same as "Download Insurance". I'm not concerned about two years down the road, I just want to make sure that if my download is corrupted that I won't have to pay extra to insure that I get my $70 worth. And the issue isn't about money. I won't pay extra for something without actually getting something of value for my additional charge. Right now it seems that people that aren't willing to just download the thing have to pay extra. A game of this scope being sold primarily as a download seems crazy to me.

Also, I'm starting to think that the "CD on demand" is nothing more than I could do myself if I backed up my download. What I want is a boxed version of the game just as UV had. Something with actual game info with it, not just a disc. If that's not available, then this info needs to be on the official website and the reference to pre-orders should be removed.

[Mr.Frag]

"All download products purchased through the online store have a 30-day window in which you can complete a download. In the event the download file needs to be accessed after 30 days you have the option of purchasing Extended Download Service."

You really do need to read the help information under the Customer Service. It covers all of this in great detail.