Happy anniversary- Lovely webpage: cynical views and conspiracy theories.

[macgregor]

Well, it's now been a year of us chomping at the bit for whatever soundbite the matrix gods are willing to offer us. Now try this: Why would ADG sell CWiF in the first place? If they don't release it. It will compete (and probably trump) the WiF boardgame. On the other hand, why would matrix games be interested in a game that will compete (and probably trump) WaW and a number of their other products? The answer is simple: ADG sold CWif to matrix so matrix could kill it (or delay it 'indefinitely'). Of course if matrix was to find itself on the ropes, we might see a hasty version released -with the hope of saving the company. But I'm afraid that's about it. So I hereby will offer matrix a happy silver and golden anniversary as well. Nice work guys!

[wodin]

Sounds plausible though could just be a conspiracy theory.

Also by the time CWIF is released WaW would be old and dated.

They have also got another similar game in the works aswell I believe Bruce Harpers World at War.

[coregames]

ORIGINAL: wodin
They have also got another similar game in the works aswell I believe Bruce Harpers World at War.

Due in part to the Rodger MacGowan connection between the two games (he did the cover art for both), I propose that Matrix might try to combine them. At the time, PBEM suitability was the major subject in this forum, and much speculation was raised about a drastic change to the sequence of play to that end. Harper's game is much more directly turn-based from what I can see, and WiF's air and naval interception rules are so involved and interactive.

WiF does owe a lot to Third Reich, which is the direct ancestor of AWaW; it doesn't seem like too much of a stretch to imagine one engine handling both games. They even use the same split-scale method of handling Europe vs. Pacific theatres. In that case, HWaW could be the slightly simplified PBEM-suitable mode, and WiF would be an advanced alternative with smaller turn scale and more interaction, requiring TCP/IP or other such frequent-to-constant interface.

Of course, both games will likely be released, and the PBEM issue may mean MAWaW beats MWiF to the market despite having been undertaken by Matrix a year after WiF... I hope that Chris Marinacci's beta legacy and the head start mean that is not the case, for if one is abandoned, I obviously would prefer it wasn't WiF, no slight intended to Bruce Harper's game.

[coregames]

original: macgregor
On the other hand, why would matrix games be interested in a game that will compete (and probably trump) WaW and a number of their other products?

It's time for boardgame companies to stop fearing computers. Synergy is their only chance for continued success, and I believe Harry and company should embrace any step that increases public awareness and appreciation of their products, just as Matrix should welcome sales of ADG products through which they will be cross-promoted.

[stretch]

I was thinking this was the most ignored game forum, then I noticed that Combat Leader hasn't even had a post since Feb 5.

Still, the complete lack of attention to this forum is depressing.

[David Heath]

Hi Guys

Its not lack of attention as much as we are working on how best to proceed with this title. Empires in Arms is giving us much more of a workout then we expected. We opened these forums so the gamers had a place to talk about the game and what they like to see. We talked about making an Internet only version since we do not want to change any of the rules. The AI that can really do something is also on the top of my list of issues we need to work out.

David

[stretch]

Awesome, you are watching

Internet would be great.. hotseat too please, so I can play alone, even if there is no AI at all. I just want to be able to play and not dedicate my extra bedroom to the task.

[coregames]

ORIGINAL: David Heath
Empires in Arms is giving us much more of a workout then we expected.

EiA is a big undertaking, and WiF is approximately twice as complex as that, so at least the games are being developed in the right order. The unexpected "workout" from EiA is probably an excellent training match for the big fight Matrix has taken on with WiF. Are any of the team from EiA going to be in on WiF? Their exposure to Rowland's and Pinder's style would probably be very helpful.

[amwild]

ORIGINAL: David Heath

Hi Guys

Its not lack of attention as much as we are working on how best to proceed with this title. Empires in Arms is giving us much more of a workout then we expected. We opened these forums so the gamers had a place to talk about the game and what they like to see. We talked about making an Internet only version since we do not want to change any of the rules. The AI that can really do something is also on the top of my list of issues we need to work out.

David

Internet Only = No Sale to me...

I was - and still am - interested in Starshatter, but I have not seen it on a shop shelf in Australia, and until I do, I will not buy it. I almost never buy anything online, and the things I do buy are things I really need, not just things I want. Especially not software. The same goes for WiF.

If you are talking about WiF as a web application, this is even worse, since I have limited bandwith, and those I intend to play it with have even more limited bandwidth. Again, if this is the case, I am not interested.

However, if you produce WiF as boxed software available in australia, a lot of my friends will buy it too.

[stretch]

whats your aversion to digital download? If that were the only way this game were sold why would that stop you from buying it? I have used DD a couple times and I find nothing wrong with it. If it makes Matrix more money so they can make more games and be more commercially viable, then that's a good thing.

[Cheesehead]

Question about DD:

If you buy a new computer or reformat your old one do you have to pay for the DD a second time?

[wodin]

ORIGINAL: amwild

ORIGINAL: David Heath

Hi Guys

Its not lack of attention as much as we are working on how best to proceed with this title. Empires in Arms is giving us much more of a workout then we expected. We opened these forums so the gamers had a place to talk about the game and what they like to see. We talked about making an Internet only version since we do not want to change any of the rules. The AI that can really do something is also on the top of my list of issues we need to work out.

David

Internet Only = No Sale to me...

I was - and still am - interested in Starshatter, but I have not seen it on a shop shelf in Australia, and until I do, I will not buy it. I almost never buy anything online, and the things I do buy are things I really need, not just things I want. Especially not software. The same goes for WiF.

If you are talking about WiF as a web application, this is even worse, since I have limited bandwith, and those I intend to play it with have even more limited bandwidth. Again, if this is the case, I am not interested.

However, if you produce WiF as boxed software available in australia, a lot of my friends will buy it too.

Cant see you buying any future Matrix titles then. I buy pretty much everything of the Internet these days. Better price than the high street and a whole world of products.

[wfzimmerman]

If there is no PBEM version, I will not be able to play or purchase. If there is a PBEM version, I will purchase it the moment it becomes available.

[amwild]

ORIGINAL: stretch

whats your aversion to digital download? If that were the only way this game were sold why would that stop you from buying it? I have used DD a couple times and I find nothing wrong with it. If it makes Matrix more money so they can make more games and be more commercially viable, then that's a good thing.

My aversion is not just to digital download, but to any form of online financial transaction. I refuse to own a credit card, and my bank does not offer a debit card that is usable online as is a credit card. As for other means of payment, well, even those make me nervous. The only time I have ever bought anything online is from an online store where I could pay by means other than credit card - and I could physically drive across town to their offices if necessary. Sure, I'm probably being a bit paranoid, but that's just the way I am.

I simply prefer to go to a shop, pick up the whatever-it-is, pay cash for it over the counter, and take it immediately. I might add, my friends all feel the same as I do. As far as purchasing software goes, I should add that I don't feel comfortable buying something with as little physical reality as a digital download. CDs and packaging is necessary.

This may not be a rational aversion, but it is entirely real. If Matrix cares to offer WiF as both a digital download and a boxed product, I would still prefer the boxed product available at my local computer shop, even if it was a little more expensive to cover media, packaging and shipping costs.

My entire point was that by offering its products only as digital downloads, Matrix is and will be losing sales - if only to me and my friends.

[stretch]

While I can respect yuor personal decision to avoind credit cards entirely, I shudder at all the things I would miss out on if I did not use one at least once in a while, and it does remove some of my sympathy for your missing out.

I never carry over a balance, I haven't paid a single cent in finance charges or any other fees on my cards, and I use them for preciesly this type of thing, where any other type of transcation is not allowed. Example.. just bought several chicago cubs game tickets the first day they were available. Credit cards only.. you get great seats for face value the first day. By the next day they are all gone and scalpers are the only option. Without a card, I could could never afford to go. The balanace for that purchase is already paid off.

Used correctly, they are a wonderful tool.

[stretch]

ORIGINAL: Cheesehead

Question about DD:

If you buy a new computer or reformat your old one do you have to pay for the DD a second time?

I am not sure.. there is defintely a window where you can continue to download it. I burned it to CD and put that on the shelf. I have installed it several times on my own machines and never needed to download it again.

If you managed to lose the original completely, I would be willing to wager a phone call to Matrix support with a vaild serial number handy would get you access to the install file again. But.. I can't prove that.

[wodin]

ORIGINAL: amwild

ORIGINAL: stretch

whats your aversion to digital download? If that were the only way this game were sold why would that stop you from buying it? I have used DD a couple times and I find nothing wrong with it. If it makes Matrix more money so they can make more games and be more commercially viable, then that's a good thing.

My aversion is not just to digital download, but to any form of online financial transaction. I refuse to own a credit card, and my bank does not offer a debit card that is usable online as is a credit card. As for other means of payment, well, even those make me nervous. The only time I have ever bought anything online is from an online store where I could pay by means other than credit card - and I could physically drive across town to their offices if necessary. Sure, I'm probably being a bit paranoid, but that's just the way I am.

I simply prefer to go to a shop, pick up the whatever-it-is, pay cash for it over the counter, and take it immediately. I might add, my friends all feel the same as I do. As far as purchasing software goes, I should add that I don't feel comfortable buying something with as little physical reality as a digital download. CDs and packaging is necessary.

This may not be a rational aversion, but it is entirely real. If Matrix cares to offer WiF as both a digital download and a boxed product, I would still prefer the boxed product available at my local computer shop, even if it was a little more expensive to cover media, packaging and shipping costs.

My entire point was that by offering its products only as digital downloads, Matrix is and will be losing sales - if only to me and my friends.

Change your bank and get a debit card. I dont own a credit card myself. Also there has been to much media paranoia over buy things off the net. If you trust the company then dont believe all the hype. You really are missing out. The main product I buy is military books. None of which you will find down at Waterstones. I also buy all the kids toys for Xmas and thats a blessing no damn queing up.

I do understand the download concern however but if it helps Matrix keep going and they have also suused the piracy issue with this serial number system and you can ask for the boxed product if you wait awhile longer then you have no worries. Fianlyl my Dad always went on about the risks of buying things over the net. However he does it himself now. I personally dont know of anyone who wouldn't buy of the Internet. The only exception is the risk you take with soemthing like Ebay. Though I bought a brand new mountian bike for £250 and it should have been £400.

Honestly the media would have us all living in utter fear of everything. Dont let them get to you.

[coregames]

original: amwild

Internet Only = No Sale to me...

You could send a money order to an e-cash service, but I don't know if Matrix uses any of them. Perhaps best for you would simply be to order the game from Matrix via snailmail?

[Grifman]

My entire point was that by offering its products only as digital downloads, Matrix is and will be losing sales - if only to me and my friends.

Well, to be honest, they probably don't care. The cost of getting versions in the retail channel - if that is at all possible to begin with - means they would probably not make any money, or lose money, since most of their titles are more niche products. The simple fact is that for most of their titles they simply can't get them into the retail channel with any hope of a reasonable return. If you enjoy this genre of games, then you are probably not going to be able to play them in the future, or you are going to have to get over your aversion to purchasing on line. The world is moving on and you can either hop on for the ride or sit by the side of the roading waiting for a train that will never come.

[Zap]

If you want a game title, you will try and work around what you think is a negative(digital download). Personally it works for me. I can understand your equipment limitations. Hope you and your friends can make the necessary upgrades.

I was a not too favorable to making a purchase over the internet. Thought I would try with WitP. It worked, so now I will be more willing to do it in the future. If the company is reputable (Matrix is) and they have a secured site, I am now more open to this means of purchase.

WiF is it going to be a more detailed game as compared to GGWaW. Something similar to the difference between UV and WitP?