Questions for first time and repeat customers

[MarkShot]

The 5 Minute Video was completely Eddy's idea and production.

We had kicked around the idea of doing videos both as a way to promote the game and perhaps as a replacement or enhancement to the usual tutorials which are included with the game.

[sterckxe]

ORIGINAL: Nemo69
(2) What led to your decision to purchase COTA?
[*] The discussions in the war-historical usenet group (I'm lurking there on a daily basis) about the different ways to manage time in wargames (turn-based / real-time, IGOUGO/WEGO etc.)

Ha, another lurker's cover gets blown [;)]

ORIGINAL: Nemo69
[*] Lastly, the 5 minute video (who speaks btw?)

I did, Germanic accent and all [;)]

ORIGINAL: Nemo69
(3) Why hadn't you previously purchased RDOA or HTTR?
Probably because Joe Wargamer wasn't ready then [:D]

He, that's my line ! [;)]

Greetz,

Eddy Sterckx

[sterckxe]

ORIGINAL: MarkShot
The 5 Minute Video was completely Eddy's idea and production.

Arjuna did the directing and script, camera & sound are from me

[ok, the above line did get influenced by the recent Academy Awards [;)]]

Greetz,

Eddy Sterckx

[Arjuna]

Nemo69,
 
Thanks for that and welcome.

[Renato]

Do you think a COTA demo, with say the tutorials and manuals would help others to take the plunge?

Arjuna,

What I can tell you, is my personal experience.

Recently, I bought 2 games (Microsoft Flight Simulator X, Europa Universalis III) without seeing the demos, but I already knew the preceding games. I certainly have no need of a demo for BFTB.

The RDOA demo (which in my opinion was well done) surely helped me to buy HTTR, but the MarkShot presentation was even more instrumental.

In 3 cases I bought the games after testing the demos (Take Command Bull Run, Take Command 2nd Manassas, Dangerous Waters).

But there are 3 cases (which I don't like to name here) in which, after testing the demos, I did not buy the games, and I will not buy them.

So, what is the net result? It is not easy to evaluate, even in my case, and it is even less easy in general.

A demo gives the user more information and so can attract the favourable ones, but may even drive back the others.

I know this is obvious, and I know you already knew it, but that's all I can tell you. [:)]

[MarkShot]

ORIGINAL: Renato

... but the MarkShot presentation was even more instrumental ...

Hmm, maybe it's time to rename my company from KWL Systems, Inc. to MarkShot Presentations ... give up computer systems design and switch to marketing. Do you think anyone would read an AAR for a dishwasher written from the unique perspective of being a salad bowl? Time to get some expert advice here from Eddy and Ray.

[RayWolfe]

ORIGINAL: MarkShot
Do you think anyone would read an AAR for a dishwasher written from the unique perspective of being a salad bowl? Time to get some expert advice here from Eddy and Ray.

No, but if you did one of an oven from the perspective of the goose being cooked, then people would sit up and take notice! [;)]
Ray
Your turn Eddy.

[sterckxe]

ORIGINAL: RayWolfe

ORIGINAL: MarkShot
Do you think anyone would read an AAR for a dishwasher written from the unique perspective of being a salad bowl? Time to get some expert advice here from Eddy and Ray.

No, but if you did one of an oven from the perspective of the goose being cooked, then people would sit up and take notice! [;)]
Ray
Your turn Eddy.

To sit in the oven, pretend I'm a goose and get cooked ? - No, thanks, I get enough of that at work [;)]

Greetz,

Eddy Sterckx

[Arjuna]

[:D]

[bilbow]

ORIGINAL: Arjuna

bilbow,

Welcome.

That's very encouraging feedback. We obviously need to win over guys like you. Not to supplant their love for traditional turn based wargames but to expand their interests to include our offerings. I note you said you picked COTA because of the reviews and its very different approach. You are obviously willing to explore alternative game systems. Many other are reluctant. Do you have any suggestions for how we can overcome their reluctance?

Demos don't do anything for me, but that 5 minute video helped a lot to get me to see the difference. How about a more in-depth version perhaps covering covering the first tutorial, or a portion of it? A potential purchaser could get a good look in a lot less time than it would take to learn a demo.

[Arjuna]

bilbow,
 
Thanks for that feedback.

[lian]

(1) How did you become aware of COTA?
Read an article in a magazine (CyberStratège France)

(2) What led to your decision to purchase COTA?
Best 2006 Strategy Game for CyberStratege

(3) Why hadn't you previously purchased RDOA or HTTR?
I was afraid by the look. The concept looked good but I was not sure I would like the game.

(4) Prior to the purchase did you try the old RDOA demo that can still be found on the Net for download?
No.

(5) How would you characterize your PC gaming interests?
Very large (I play Guild of Wars, Call of Duty multiplayer, Close Combat serie...). Mostly strategy and some FPS.

(6) Prior to your purchase had you previously purchased other Matrix Games offerings?
Yes.

[MarkShot]

Well, there you go. The writings of Robin Pirez and Jean-Francois Lucas have paid off!

We are actually translating some of the COTA docs into French. We expect to be finish about the time North America and Europe have once again drifted into each other due to plate tectonics.

[JeF]

ORIGINAL: MarkShot
Well, there you go. The writings of Robin Pirez and Jean-Francois Lucas have paid off!

Only Robin I'm afraid. I write for the competition. [;)]

We are actually translating some of the COTA docs into French. We expect to be finish about the time North America and Europe have once again drifted into each other due to plate tectonics.

Not that far away, but quite. [:D]

JeF.

[MarkShot]

I know PC4War, but I meant in the general sense of promoting the game to the French speaking gaming world.

[Sybma]

Anxious to start playing but in 'manual printing stage' i've got time for your questions:

1- Through Armchairgeneral Forums
2- Lots of good reviews and opinions and ofcourse my interest in this genre.
3- Before december 2007 i never heard of the engine/games.
4- Yes!
5- Strategy, mainly RTS (Combat Mission Shockforce, Theatre of War)
6- Yes, Close Combat Cross of Iron

Like some others already quote this game gives the opportunity to play the scenarios/battles of which one reads.

Keep going!

Harold

[MarkShot]

Thanks for your feedback.

[Archy]

1: I was surfing the web and I applied for the COTA closed beta because it looked interesting, and i got approved.
2: I had some free time and wanted to buy it since i knew i would be happy.
3: Never heard of them altough i prefer those theatres. I did read a few reviews saying the ai was a bit easy. I prefer waiting for BFTB.
4:Yes i did
5:Just about everything that can grasp my attention for a while , and still be worth it .
6:no

[seisouso]

1. A coworker had bought HTTR way back in the day, and I had messed around with it briefly at work. A few years later I was feeling like an intelligent game, so immediately thought of HTTR, and since I had left that company, I went online to look for HTTR to download, and realized that COTA had been released! I picked up HTTR and the strat guide first, and am currently re-working my way through that game.

2.I figured when COTA patch 3 came out I'd take the plunge for COTA.

3. I have purchased HTTR and will be shortly picking up COTA.

4. No.

5. All over the place. I enjoy strategy/tactical games all the way from mindless RTS's to intelligent games. I play a ton of board games so like simple games with great gameplay and unique concepts. But I also like to shoot things in gorgeous environments, and simulate sports I love to watch but can't play in real life. Also, I make games for a living so it's all research

6. I bought Korsun Pocket a while ago.

In terms of the Mini-Guides, I would like a more polished version, although more in structure than content. Table of contents, better headers, etc. so I can get a high level overview of what I'm getting into. Like the HTTR strategy guide! I like the stream of consciousness, as it gets more into the head of the gamer. Higher quality graphics would be nice too as I print them to read on the bus sometimes. But I don't care for it to be a marketing tool - having worked in games I know how marketing campaigns work so I wouldn't want people to get the wrong impression about the guide.

[ird]

I've just recently bought COTA after browsing through the matrix website. I own Battles in Normandy and JTCS but, although they are both good, I always thought there was something missing. I was wary about buying COTA because the theatres involved are something that I know little about - what swung it was a couple of posts on the forum comparing the game to Take Command: 2nd Manassas - an awesome game in my opinion.

How glad I am that I got it! If I had to describe what I wanted in my ideal WWII game then I could just copy the contents of COTA. I don't want to know that if I roll a 6, my anti-tank battalion will achieve a 2 step reduction on the advancing Panzers. I want to use my own judgement to plan my strategy and then see if that judgement pans out - in short, I think this game is awesome, I can't stop playing it. And I can't wait for BFTB although I'm sure COTA will keep me going for a long, long time anyway [&o]